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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

Bank of Maharashtra gets Reserve Bank of India go-ahead to set up branch in GIFT City

• The Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to establish an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Key Highlights:

• This will be BoM's first international branch, enabling offshore banking operations from within India.
• The IFSC Banking Unit will provide BoM access to international financial markets, enabling the bank to offer a comprehensive range of products, including External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs), to clients with foreign currency funding requirements.
• Additionally, the unit will support funding needs for overseas entities, such as joint ventures or subsidiaries of domestic clients, and facilitate participation in global syndications.
• GIFT City, India's first IFSC, aims to transform the nation's financial landscape by offering world-class banking services domestically, reducing reliance on offshore financial hubs.
• The center has evolved into a hub for fintech innovation and global investments, attracting institutions across banking, education, and technology sectors.
• This strategic move aligns with the Indian government's vision of establishing the country as an international financial hub, providing BoM with a platform to expand its international banking business and deliver specialized services to its customers.

About Bank of Maharashtra:

• Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
• Founded: September 16, 1935
• MD & CEO: Nidhu Saxena
• Tagline: "One Family One Bank"

INDIA POST PAYMENTS BANK BRINGS DIGITAL BANKING TO MILLIONS OF DEVOTEES AT MAHAKUMBH 2025

• India Post Payments Bank is providing comprehensive banking services for millions of pilgrims at the Mahakumbh 2025, ensuring convenience and security for all financial transactions.
• Service counters, mobile banking units, and customer assistance kiosks have been set up at five key locations across Mahakumbh.

Key Highlights:

• IPPB’s Daak Sevaks are providing doorstep banking, enabling devotees to withdraw cash from Aadhaar-linked accounts through Aadhaar ATMs (AePS).
• Devotees can also access a variety of banking services by calling
• IPPB is fostering a cashless ecosystem by enabling local vendors and small businesses to accept digital payments via DakPay QR Cards, supporting the government’s Digital India vision.
• IPPB has launched awareness campaigns to educate pilgrims and vendors about its services.
• Professionals and Daak Sevaks are stationed at key locations to assist with account openings, transactions, and queries, while information hoardings and digital demos familiarize attendees with IPPB's offerings.
• IPPB is offering free printed photographs to visitors as a keepsake, adding a personal touch to their experience at Mahakumbh.

About India Post Payments Bank (IPPB):

• Established: IPPB was launched on September 1, 2018, under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, and is fully owned by the Government of India.
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Vision: To be the most accessible, affordable, and trusted bank for common people in India, especially targeting the unbanked and underbanked populations.
• The IPPB, is a division of India Post that is under the ownership of the Department of Post, a department under the Ministry of Communications of the Government of India.

CheQ Launches Wisor: India's First Artificial Intelligence (AI) Credit Card Expert

• CheQ's launch of Wisor, India's first AI-powered credit card expert, is a significant step forward in simplifying and streamlining credit card management for Indian users.

Key Highlights:

• Wisor provides a Q&A chat interface where users can instantly receive human-like responses to their credit card inquiries, eliminating the need for users to search through various bank websites or forums.
• Wisor also aggregates spending data across multiple credit cards and merchants in one view, making it easier for users to track and analyze their expenses month-over-month.
• Additionally, Wisor centralizes credit card rewards, including points, cashback, and benefits, offering personalized advice on how to maximize these rewards, ensuring users don’t miss out on opportunities.
• Despite the rapid growth of India's fintech sector, managing credit cards has often been a challenge due to the need to track multiple cards, merchants, and reward systems.
• Wisor provides an all-in-one solution to help users save time and effort.
• The tool is designed to offer proactive, tailored advice based on individual user spending patterns, setting it apart from conventional credit card management apps.
• CheQ has processed over $4 billion in credit card payments and served 3 million customers in India in just two years.
• Wisor aligns with CheQ's mission to simplify financial management and enhance the user experience, making it easier to navigate the often complex world of credit cards.
• Wisor is currently available to 10,000 Beta users, providing an exclusive opportunity to experience the product before its wider rollout.
• This launch is part of 7 new products CheQ is introducing this month, showcasing their commitment to innovation in the fintech space.
• This innovation highlights how CheQ is leveraging AI to offer a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly solution in India’s growing fintech ecosystem.

HDFC Life Announces Corporate Agency Tie-up With CARS24 Financial Services Private Limited. 

• HDFC Life has partnered with CARS24 Financial Services Private. Limited. in a corporate agency tie-up, aiming to provide life insurance solutions to CARS24 customers.

Key Highlights:

• CARS24 Financial Services Private Limited ("CARS24 Financial Services") is a professionally managed Non-Banking Financial Company ("NBFC") registered with the Reserve Bank of India and with IRDAI as an Insurance Corporate Agent.
• The Company is a part of CARS24 group and offers a variety of vehicle financing solutions to customers.
• INSURE24, a major milestone for CARS24, is set to transform the digital insurance landscape for India's rapidly growing online consumer base.
• This partnership will enable CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. to distribute products of HDFC Life to existing and future customers of CARS24.
• The life insurance solutions of HDFC Life will be offered across the branches as well as the digital platforms of the partner.
• Both partners aim to work together with the objective of increasing the reach of life insurance across locations where CARS24 has a presence.
• This in turn would contribute towards the larger objective of 'Insurance for all by 2047'.
• HDFC Life, with 70 products (including individual and group products) and a claim settlement ratio of 99.50% and CARS24 with a strong presence of over 280 branches across the country look forward to a long and fruitful partnership that will play a significant role in financially securing more Indians.

About HDFC Life:

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Founded: 2000
• CEO: Vibha Padalkar
• Subsidiaries: HDFC Life Insurance, HDFC Pension Management, HDFC Life Asset Management
• Key Products: Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Pension Plans, Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs), Term Insurance, Child Plans, Retirement Plans, Critical Illness Plans

Reserve Bank of India Cancels Non-Banking Finance Company Registration Of X10 Financial Services Limited

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)has cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of X10 Financial Services Ltd (formerly Abhishek Securities Ltd) under Section 45-IA (6) of the RBI Act, 1934, due to serious violations in its lending practices, particularly in digital lending operations.

Key Highlights:

• X10 Financial Services, based in Mumbai, was issued its CoR on 2 June 2015.
• Over the years, it outsourced key functionsof its digital lending operations to various service providers, including Wecash Technology Pvt Ltd (WeRupee) and Mobicred Technology Pvt Ltd (Cashcred).
• RBI's investigation revealed significant lapsesin governance and compliance, particularly in the outsourcing of critical functions such as credit appraisal, interest rate setting, and KYC verification.
• These functions were outsourced without adequate due diligence, raising concerns about the integrity of its operations.
• X10 Financial Services violatedthe RBI-prescribed code of conduct for outsourcing financial services.
• The company failed to maintain proper oversight and supervisionof its service providers, breaching regulatory norms and undermining customer protection and business transparency.
• As a result of these violations, RBI has cancelledX10 Financial Services' CoR, prohibiting it from operating as a non-banking financial institution (NBFI) under Section 45-I(a) of the RBI Act, 1934.
• The cancellation means X10 Financial Services can no longer function as an NBFI, marking a significant regulatory action against the company for its non-compliance and governance failures.

What is CoR?

• A "Certificate of Registration" (COR) is an official document issued by a regulatory body that confirms a business or entity is legally registered to operate within a specific jurisdiction, essentially proving its legitimacy and allowing it to conduct business activities in that area.
• It often serves as proof of compliance with registration requirements and can be necessary for accessing certain services or obtaining licenses.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, The RBI allowed Small Finance Banks (SFBs) to offer pre-sanctioned credit lines through UPI, expanding digital credit access to underserved segments.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

PNB MetLife Partners with Truhome Finance to Offer Credit Life Insurance to Home Loan Customers

• PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limitedhas announced a strategic partnership with Truhome Finance (formerly Shriram Housing Finance Limited) to offer Group Credit Life Insurance to Truhome Finance’s home loan customers.

Key Highlights:

• This collaboration aligns with PNB MetLife’s mission, Milkar Life Aage Badhein, and underscores its commitment to expanding reach and promoting financial inclusion.
• The insurance solutions will be available across 165 Truhome Finance branches in 17 states, providing financial protection to homeowners and their families by covering outstanding loan liabilities in unforeseen circumstances.
• By integrating Credit Life solutions with Truhome’s home loan offerings, the collaboration aims to protect borrowers’ liabilities and support their home ownership aspirations, contributing to the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.
• The partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering individuals and families with financial security and supporting home ownership aspirations, aligning with national goals for broader insurance coverage.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and PNB MetLife partnered to expand life insurance access across India.

About PNB MetLife:

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Founded: 2001
• Joint Venture Partners: Punjab National Bank (PNB), MetLife International
• Managing Director & CEO: Sameer Bansal

Liberty General Insurance & Maruti Suzuki Insurance Broking Boost Insurance Awareness in Punjab’s Gram Panchayats

• Liberty General Insurance, in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki Insurance Broking Pvt Ltd, is committed to enhancing insurance awareness and accessibility through its ‘Bima Prachaar Aur Prasaar’ initiative.
• This program promotes financial literacy and the significance of insurance protection in both urban and rural regions, aligning with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI) vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.
• As the non-life insurer for Delhi, Liberty is extending its outreach to underserved communities in Punjab, such as in Gram Panchayats, with programs like free vehicle inspections, eye check-ups, and educational sessions on insurance.
• This initiative supports IRDAI’s rural and social sector mandates, ensuring that even remote communities benefit from essential insurance solutions.

About Liberty General Insurance:

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Founded: 2013
• Joint Venture Partners: Liberty Citystate Holdings PTE Ltd (Singapore), and the Dharmani D. Group (India)
• Managing Director & CEO: Parag Ved

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Unveils ‘Bima Trinity’ Plan, Reviews Insurance Sector at 9th Bima Manthan

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) held the 9th edition of Bima Manthan, its quarterly review meeting with insurance company CEOs, on February 13-14.
• The discussions focused on the performance of the life and general insurance industry, the progress of the state insurance plan, distribution reforms, and enhancing disclosure and transparency.

Key Highlights:

• A key highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of Bima Trinity, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in the insurance sector.
• Bima Trinity consists of 3 key components
• Bima Sugam: A unified digital marketplace for selling, servicing, and claiming insurance policies across insurers.
• Bima Vistaar: A first-of-its-kind composite insurance product covering life, accident, property, and hospitalisation.
• Bima Vahaak: A women-centric, localised insurance distribution model to boost insurance penetration.
• IRDAI stated that the phased rollout of Bima Trinity is progressing well, with significant milestones achieved.
• Discussions during Bima Manthan focused on finalising the operational framework and implementation strategy for Bima Vistaar, while Bima Vahaak is set for a soft launch in April 2025.
• Additionally, IRDAI confirmed that Bima Sugam is on track, envisioned as a robust insurance electronic marketplace integrated with multiple services for seamless policy purchase, servicing, claim settlement, and grievance redressal.
• The Bima Sugam India Federation (BSIF), established to develop and operate the platform, has completed its foundational processes and is now ready for industry participation and capitalisation.
• With Bima Trinity, IRDAI aims to drive insurance inclusion and digital transformation, reinforcing its commitment to a more accessible and consumer-friendly insurance ecosystem.

About IRDAI:

• Headquarters (HQ): Hyderabad, Telangana, India
• Chairperson: Debasish Panda (as of October 2023)
• Founded: 1999

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Announces Deregulation Commission to Boost Business Reforms

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of a Deregulation Commission to minimize state intervention in governance and enhance the ease of doing business.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the government's commitment to eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and creating a business-friendly economy.

Key Objectives of the Deregulation Commission:

• Reducing government interference in economic activities.
• Simplifying governance structures and eliminating outdated regulations.
• Encouraging private sector participation in key industries.
• Implementing Jan Vishwas 2.0 to modernize business laws.

Boosting Private Sector Participation in Economic Growth

PM Modi emphasized India's private sector as a key driver of economic transformation, highlighting government efforts to open up sectors such as:

• Nuclear Energy
• Space Exploration
• Commercial Mining
• Power Distribution

Property Rights Reform: Svamitva Yojana

Modi underlined property rights reform as a critical step toward economic empowerment in rural areas. The Svamitva Yojana, launched on April 24, 2020, aims to provide legal documentation for properties in village Abadi areas.

Key Features of Svamitva Yojana:

• Drone and GIS mapping for accurate land records.
• Legal property rights unlocking ₹100 lakh crore in assets.
• Increased access to bank loans for rural property owners.
• Reduction in land disputes through structured demarcation.
• 3 lakh villages surveyed, 25 lakh property cards distributed so far.

Performance-Oriented Governance & Economic Transformation

PM Modi emphasized that India’s political landscape is shifting towards performance-driven governance, citing key achievements:

• 25 crore people lifted out of poverty, creating a Neo-Middle Class.
• Increase in zero-tax threshold from ₹7 lakh to ₹12 lakh, benefiting the middle class.
• Strengthened citizen-centric policies for inclusive growth.

Banking Sector Reforms & Mudra Yojana Success

PM Modi addressed India’s banking sector revival, which faced a crisis a decade ago due to high NPAs (Non-Performing Assets). The government adopted a three-pronged strategy:

1. Banking the Unbanked – Expansion of financial inclusion (e.g., Jan Dhan Yojana).
2. Securing the Unsecured – Strengthening financial stability and deposit security.
3. Funding the Unfunded – Easier access to credit for small businesses.

Key Achievements:

• ₹32 lakh crore disbursed under Mudra Yojana to small businesses.
• Public sector banks’ profit reached ₹1.25 lakh crore in nine months.
• Systemic banking reforms ensure financial stability.

India’s Economic Growth & Future Prospects

• PM Modi criticized the slow pace of reforms under the UPA government and credited India’s rise as the fifth-largest economy to policy transformations since 2014. He expressed confidence that India will soon become the world’s third-largest economy.

Justice Reforms: Implementation of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

To modernize India’s legal framework, the government has introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), replacing colonial-era laws.

Key Impacts of BNS:

• Faster legal proceedings, reducing case backlogs.
• Stronger legal protections for citizens.
• Improved efficiency in justice delivery.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Madhya Pradesh Introduces India’s First Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2025

• Madhya Pradesh becomes the first state in India to introduce the Global Capability Centre Policy 2025.
• Aims to position the state as a global hub for innovation and collaboration.
• It Supports decentralization by encouraging businesses to expand beyond metro cities into tier-2 cities.

Key Highlights:

• The GCC Policy 2025 offers incentives for capital expenditure, payroll, upskilling, and R&D, with a focus on IT, finance, engineering, HR, AI, and cybersecurity.
• The policy aims to attract 50+ GCCs and create 37,000+ direct jobs. Infrastructure development includes five SEZs and 15+ IT parks, with key cities like Indore, Bhopal, and Jabalpur playing a central role.
• Over 50,000 tech graduates annually from 300+ engineering colleges ensure a skilled workforce.
• Madhya Pradesh ranks 4th in Ease of Doing Business (2023), with streamlined regulatory processes and single-window clearances for investors.
• The Global Investors’ Summit on Feb 24-25 will showcase business opportunities.
• The state offers lower operational costs compared to metro cities, with strong infrastructure and financial incentives making it an attractive destination for global firms.
• MPSeDC has been designated as the nodal agency, with the Policy Implementation Unit (PIU) overseeing project approvals, incentives, and compliance.
• Madhya Pradesh aims to contribute to India’s $110 billion GCC market by 2030, establishing itself as a leader in the GCC revolution.

About Madhya Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
• Governor: Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
• Capital: Bhopal
• National Parks: Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench National Park, Panna National Park.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ken Gharial Sanctuary, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.

Karnataka Launches Clean Mobility Policy to Become a Green Transportation Hub

• The Energy Department of Karnataka introduced the Clean Mobility Policy 2025–2030 to establish the state as a hub for green transportation.
• It was launched by Energy Minister K.J. George at the Global Investors’ Meet.

Key Highlights:

• ₹25,000 crore has already been secured in the EV value chain investments, which include battery pack manufacturing, cell production, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), charging infrastructure, and research & development. An additional ₹15,000 crore is expected by August 31, 2025, according to Industries Minister MB Patil.
• The targets include ₹50,000 crore in investments in the clean mobility sector, which is expected to create one lakh new jobs across the state.
• The Comprehensive Clean Mobility Policy (CMP) incorporates the EV policy, which was set to expire in 2027.
• Unlike the previous EV policy, CMP covers all green energy industries, including electric vehicles (EVs), green hydrogen, ammonia-based energy solutions, and other clean energy industries.
• This is expected to boost the entire green energy sector, beyond just EV manufacturing.
• Karnataka has 2.5 lakh registered EVs and 5,403 EV charging stations. It ranks third in India for EV adoption.
• The CMP aims to install 2,600 additional charging stations under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• The Karnataka EV and Energy Storage Policy was first introduced on September 25, 2017, and later amended on June 1, 2021.
• The CMP now expands beyond EVs to include a broader clean energy ecosystem, ensuring long-term sustainability and industrial growth.
• Karnataka is set to become a leading hub for clean mobility and green energy industries.
• The Clean Mobility Policy 2025–2030 will drive sustainability, job creation, and large-scale investments, strengthening India’s green energy landscape.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, Karnataka secured the top spot in the 2024 Local Governance Performance Index, surpassing Kerala.

About Karnataka:

• Capital: Bengaluru
• Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
• Governor: Thaawarchand Gehlot
• National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park, Bannerghatta National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

West Bengal Launches "Nodi Bandhan" Scheme to Combat Disasters and Boost Livelihoods

• The West Bengal government has launched the “Nodi Bandhan” initiative as part of its 2025-26 budget, aiming to address natural disasters and generate employment opportunities.
• The name "Nodi Bandhan" was personally coined by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
• Introduced as part of the 2025-26 budget, the "Nodi Bandhan" (River Bond) scheme aims to combat natural disasters while generating employment opportunities.
• Focuses on interconnecting rivers and wetlands to promote sustainable development and mitigate environmental challenges.
• Aligns with the state’s commitment to flood prevention, river erosion control, and economic growth.

Key Highlights:

• The scheme aims to combat natural disasters like floods and river erosion, enhance job opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, fishing, and small-scale industries, and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable districts like Murshidabad and Malda.
• The government has allocated ₹200 crore to tackle riverbank erosion in Murshidabad and Malda, with a two-year masterplan.
• This plan will use hydrological models for scientific planning and nature-based solutions to prevent erosion and enhance resilience.
• For financial implementation, ₹200 crore is allocated for immediate action, with a total projected cost of ₹1,500 crore for the Ghatal Masterplan, which focuses on flood prevention in West Midnapore.
• Hydrological models will guide the implementation process to ensure effective and sustainable solutions.
• The impact on local communities includes boosting agriculture by improving irrigation facilities and crop yields, supporting pisciculture (fish farming), fostering small-scale industries, and creating job opportunities.
• This will strengthen local economies, infrastructure, and resilience against climate change.
• In the future, the scheme aims to transform West Bengal into a model state for nature-based disaster management while supporting economic sustainability and ecological conservation through strategic water management.

About West Bengal:

• Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee
• Governor: C. V. Ananda Bose
• Capital: Kolkata
• National Parks: Sundarbans National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Buxa National Park, Gorumara National Park, Neora Valley National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary, Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Standard Chartered receives Reserve Bank of India’s approval to appoint Prabdev Singh as India Chief Executive Officer

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Prabdev (PD) Singh as the CEO of Standard Chartered (StanC) in India and South Asia.

About PD Singh:

• Singh’s Experience and Background:
• A corporate banking veteran.
• Former CEO of JP Morgan India.
• Stepped down in June 2023 before completing his term.
• Had previously received regulatory approval in January 2023 for a three-year term at JP Morgan.
• Singh will begin his three-year term on April 1, 2025.
• He succeeds Zarin Daruwala, who will retire at the end of March 2025.
• Brings extensive banking experience to Standard Chartered.
• Expected to drive growth and strategy for the bank in the region.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

India, Japan to conduct 6th edition of joint military exercise Dharma Guardian from Feb 15 to March 9, 2025

• The 6th edition of Dharma Guardian will be held at Mount Fuji, Japan from February 25 to March 9, 2025.
• The 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
• The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 25th February to 9th March 2024.
• The 1st edition of the Dharma Guardian exercise was held in 2018 at Counter Insurgency Warfare School, Vairengte (Mizoram), India from 01 November to 14 November 2018.

Key Highlights:

• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and Japanese Self-Defense Forces, with a focus on joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under the UN mandate.
• The announcement follows Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Upendra Dwivedi’s successful visit to Japan in October 2024.
• The exercise will focus on joint counter-terrorism and disaster response training scenarios, strengthening the capabilities and mutual understanding between the two forces.
• It demonstrates the deepening military cooperation between India and Japan and emphasizes trust-building and the exchange of best practices between the armed forces.
• The exercise aims to contribute to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing regional stability for both nations.
• India and Japan prioritize other joint military exercises, such as the Malabar naval exercise, Exercise Shinnyu Maitri, counter-terrorism drills between the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and the Indian Army, as well as joint air exercises with JASDF and Indian Air Force, and naval exercises between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur’s Solar Dehydration Technology Aims to Cut Post-Harvest Losses, Boost Farmer Income

• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has developed a solar dehydration technique to help farmers preserve their produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
• This technology uses solar energy to dry fruits and vegetables, extending their shelf life.

Key Highlights:

• The Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra at IIT Kanpur introduced the technology to provide farmers with an alternative to distress sales by enabling them to store their produce longer and sell when market demand rises.
• To demonstrate the practical use of this technology, IIT Kanpur conducted a training session for around 30 farmers from the Hariya Nature Farming Producer Company and Lavkush Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) under the Namami Gange project.
• The training was held in collaboration with Shramik Bharti and led by Professors Sandeep Sangal and Kallol Mondal, who explained how solar dehydration can help farmers store their produce for longer periods.
• IIT Kanpur has partnered with the Department of Food Processing at CSJMU University to standardize operating procedures and quality benchmarks for solar dehydration.
• Experts such as agriculturist Satish Subhedar and Shivraj Nishad, Founder of Iswar Flowers & Herbs, provided valuable insights into organic farming and market potential for dried produce.
• This initiative aims to address issues like price volatility and food waste, while promoting renewable energy solutions in farming, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices in India.

Stunning 'Einstein Ring' Discovered by European Telescope

• Scientists using the Euclid space telescope discovered a bright ring of light circling a nearby galaxy.
• This is an Einstein ring, a rare phenomenon that occurs when light from a distant galaxy bends around a closer galaxy.

Key Highlights:

• The ring encircles a galaxy located 590 million light-years away from Earth.
• The discovery was made in the NGC 6505 galaxy, situated in the Draco constellation.
• Einstein rings are formed when light from a more distant galaxy bends due to the gravitational influence of a closer galaxy, creating a circular halo of light.
• This phenomenon is known as gravitational lensing, a concept first predicted by physicist Albert Einstein.
• Gravitational lensing happens when light passes through a massive object (a galaxy or black hole), bending its path and magnifying objects behind it, much like an optical lens.
• The Euclid space telescope, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), is part of a six-year mission launched in
• Its goal is to study the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy across the universe.
• Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany used data from Euclid to model the Einstein ring.
• They confirmed its existence after further observations were made by Euclid.
• The initial signs of the Einstein ring were noticed by Bruno Altieri during the early data collection right after Euclid's deployment.
• The team later confirmed the ring’s perfect alignment after more observations.
• The more distant galaxy responsible for the ring is located approximately 4.4 billion light-years away from Earth.
• This galaxy had never been observed before and does not have a name.
• The discovery is particularly special because it’s so close to Earth and the alignment of the galaxies creates a beautiful image.
• The ring will also help scientists study dark matter substructures within the lensing galaxy.
• Future Research: The team is planning to use the Einstein ring to explore more about dark matter and improve gravitational lensing methods.
• The data from Euclid is expected to revolutionize astrophysical research.

Next Generation BrahMos missile to make first flight run in 2026

• The BrahMos NG (Next Generation) missile system is undergoing significant advancements, with its production expected to start around 2027-2028.

Key Highlights:

• The BrahMos NG is designed to be smaller, lighter, and more compact than its predecessor, making it adaptable for smaller delivery systems like the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter and Tejas aircraft.
• It weighs 1.6 tonnes (down from 3 tonnes) and is 6 meters long (previously 9 meters).
• The missile maintains the same range of 290 km and speed of 3.5 Mach.
• It also features a reduced radar cross-section and a homemade seeker with AESA radar for better precision.
• Indonesia is in advanced talks to secure a $450 million deal for the BrahMos NG, potentially becoming the second foreign buyer after the Philippines.
• India has already supplied the Philippines with three batteries of the BrahMos system in a deal worth $375 million.
• Several African and West Asian nations have also shown interest in acquiring the missile system.
• This development is expected to enhance India's defense exports and strengthen its position in the global arms market.

China's space station to welcome more commercial spaceflights in 2025 including cargo crafts and launch vehicles

• China's aerospace industry achieved a record-breaking 68 rocket launches in 2024, with even greater plans for 2025, including the launch of several new commercial spacecraft.
• Among these are the Haoloong space cargo shuttle and Qingzhou cargo spacecraft, which will be launched aboard the Zhuque-3 and Lijian-2 rockets, respectively.

Key Highlights:

• This year, China’s Tiangong space station will welcome two more crews from the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions, as well as the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft.
• These crewed missions may involve China's fourth batch of taikonauts, including payload specialists from Hong Kong and Macau.
• Notably, the Zhuque-3 rocket, a next-generation reusable rocket, will make its maiden flight.
• This stainless steel reusable liquid launch vehicle boasts a 4.5-meter diameter and a first stage designed for 20 reuses, supporting a payload of 21.3 tons for single-use and 18.3 tons for reusable missions.
• The rocket is expected to complete three launch missions this year, including satellite constellation deployment and tests for first-stage recovery.
• In addition, the Qingzhou-1 cargo spacecraft will launch aboard the Lijian-2 rocket in September 2025, marking the first low-cost cargo transportation project for the Chinese space station by a commercial aerospace company.
• This spacecraft features a cargo volume of 27 cubic meters and a capacity of up to 2 tons.
• The development of Haoloong and Qingzhou is crucial for maintaining timely supplies for the Tiangong station, addressing challenges like eight-month gaps between Tianzhou cargo spacecraft launches.
• China's growing commercial aerospace sector is poised to strengthen the country's space capabilities, with private space companies driving flexibility, cost control, and innovation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

9th Asian Winter Games 2025: Key Highlights

• The 9th Asian Winter Games were held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, from February 7 to February 14, 2025. Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and supported by the International Skating Union (ISU), the event witnessed participation from 34 countries across 11 winter sports disciplines.

Theme & Mascots:

• Mascots: "Binbin" & "Nini" (tigers)
• Motto: "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia"

Medal Tally – China Leads the Standings

• China – 85 medals (32 Gold, 27 Silver, 26 Bronze)
• Republic of Korea – 45 medals (16 Gold, 15 Silver, 14 Bronze)
• Japan – 37 medals (10 Gold, 12 Silver, 15 Bronze)
• Kazakhstan & Philippines rounded off the top five.

India’s Performance at the 2025 Asian Winter Games

• India sent its largest-ever contingent of 59 athletes.
• No medals won, but significant improvement in winter sports.
• Tara Prasad (figure skater) finished 8th in women’s skating, achieving her personal best.

Debut & Historic Wins

• New Participants:
  • Saudi Arabia – Competed in Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding for the first time.
  • Cambodia – Participated in Cross-Country Skiing for the first time.
• First-Time Medalists:
  • Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines won their first-ever medals in Asian Winter Games history.

Future Host – NEOM 2029

• Saudi Arabia will host the 10th Asian Winter Games in 2029 at NEOM, becoming the first West Asian country to organize the event.

Campa Cola Secures IPL 2025 Co-Presenting Rights for ₹200 Crore

• Reliance Consumer Products' Campa Cola has acquired the co-presenting rights for IPL 2025, marking a major move in India's beverage market.
• The ₹200 crore deal replaces Coca-Cola's Thums Up, signaling a shift in industry dynamics.

Key Highlights

• Co-Presenting Rights: Campa Cola secured ₹200 crore sponsorship for IPL 2025.
• Market Impact: Replaces Thums Up, which held the spot in the previous season.

Strategic Move by Reliance

• Challenging Coca-Cola’s Dominance: Strengthens Campa Cola’s position in the soft drink market.
• Product Expansion: Reliance Consumer Products to promote new beverages, including:
  • Spinner (sports drink, co-created with Muttiah Muralitharan).
  • RasKik Gluco Energy (energy drink).
• Sponsorship Strategy:
  • Spinner has signed sponsorship deals with multiple IPL teams.
  • Coca-Cola’s Continued Presence: Will retain partnerships with individual IPL teams.

Recent news

• In Jan 2025, Reliance Industries, led by Chairman Mukesh Ambani, is set to build the world’s largest data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo Breaks Half-Marathon World Record in Barcelona

• Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo made history by shattering the half-marathon world record in Barcelona.
• The 24-year-old clocked 56 minutes 42 seconds, reclaiming the record he first held in 2021.
• His time was 48 seconds faster than the previous world record set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in November 2024.

Key Highlights of Kiplimo’s Record-Breaking Run

• New Record Time: 56 minutes 42 seconds (half-marathon world record).
• Massive Improvement: Broke the previous record by 48 seconds—the biggest single improvement in history.
• Favorable Conditions: 13°C temperature, no wind, ideal for peak performance.
• Strategic Pacing: Started at 2:45/km, increased pace after 3 km, finishing at an average speed of 22.3 km/h.

Additional Achievements

• 15km World Best: Clocked 40:07, setting a new benchmark.
• Speed Breakdown: Averaged 2:41/km, equivalent to 13:26 for 5km and 26:53 for 10km.
• Future Goal: Set to debut at the London Marathon (April 27, 2025), aiming to challenge the marathon world record (2:00:35).

Historical Comparison & Women’s Race

• Comparable Feat: His record improvement rivals Eliud Kipchoge’s 78-second marathon record leap in 2018.
• Women’s Race Winner: Joyciline Jepkosgei (Kenya) won with a personal best of 1:04:13, setting a course record.

2025 Sportstar Aces Awards: Recognizing India’s Sporting Excellence

• The 2025 Sportstar Aces Awards held at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, celebrated India’s top sporting talents.
• Hockey legend P. R. Sreejesh and shooter Manu Bhaker took home the prestigious honours, with several other athletes across various sports acknowledged for their remarkable achievements.

Top Individual Winners

• P. R. Sreejesh (Hockey)
  • Sportstar of the Year (Male)
  • Key player in India’s bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics
  • Retired post-Olympics
  • Received the award from Binod Mishra (SBI Deputy MD) and Leander Paes
  • Highlighted the role of Hockey India League in India’s Olympic success
• Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
  • Sportstar of the Year (Female) & Sportswoman of the Year
  • Won two medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics
  • Dedicated the win to her father and coach
  • Presented the awards by ICC Chairman Jay Shah
• Swapnil Kusale (Shooting)
  • Sportsman of the Year
  • Won bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Team Awards

• Indian Men’s & Women’s Chess Teams
  • National Team of the Year
  • Won gold medals at the 45th Chess Olympiad
• Mumbai Cricket Team (2023-24 Ranji Trophy Champions)
  • Club/State Team of the Year
  • Award received by Ajinkya Naik (MCA President) & Dhawal Kulkarni

Special Recognition

• Downtown Heroes FC (Srinagar Football Club)
  • Chairperson’s Choice (Sports for Social Good)
  • Recognized for promoting football in Kashmir

Other Key Awards

• Best State for Promotion of Sports: Madhya Pradesh
• Best Corporate for Promotion of Sports: Reliance
• Best PSU for Promotion of Sports: Railway Sport Promotion Board
• Sports Women of the Year (Non-Olympic Sport): Divya Deshmukh (Chess)
• Sports Women of the Year (Para Sport): Avani Lekhara (Shooting)
• Young Achiever of the Year (Male): Parth Manek (Shooting)
• Young Achiever of the Year (Female): Neha Sangwan (Wrestling)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (Male): Gurbux Singh (Hockey)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (Female): Mary D’Souza Sequeira (Hockey)
• Super Achievers Para Athletes: Avani Lekhara, Navdeep Singh, Harvinder Singh
• Sportsman of the Year (Olympic Sport): Swapnil Kusale & Sarabjot Singh (Shooting)
• Inspirational Icon Award: PV Sindhu (Badminton)
• Coach of the Year: Jaspal Rana (Shooting)

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) - February 15, 2025

• International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), observed annually on February 15, is a global movement aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer, advocating for improved treatments, and supporting young cancer patients and their families.
• The 2025 observance marks the 24th anniversary of ICCD, established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International (CCI).

Key Points of ICCD

Origins of ICCD

• Established by Childhood Cancer International (CCI) in 2002.
• Objective: Raise awareness, promote early detection, and advocate for better treatments and support for families.

Understanding Childhood Cancer

• Refers to a range of diseases affecting children and adolescents.
• Although rare, childhood cancer has a significant emotional and financial impact on families.
• Survival rates have improved to 81%, but risks of secondary malignancies

Importance of ICCD

• Raising Awareness: Educates the public about early detection and challenges faced by children with cancer.
• Advocacy for Policy Changes: Pushes for prioritization of pediatric cancer care and research.
• Support for Families: Addresses emotional, financial, and medical challenges faced by families of affected children.
• Global Collaboration: Encourages collaboration among medical professionals, researchers, and policymakers to advance treatment and care.
• Promoting Equity: Ensures access to cancer treatments for all children, regardless of background.

Daily CA One- Liner: February 18

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of a Deregulation Commission to minimize state intervention in governance and enhance the ease of doing business
• The 9th Asian Winter Games were held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, from February 7 to February 14, 2025. Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and supported by the International Skating Union (ISU), the event witnessed participation from 34 countries across 11 winter sports disciplines
• Reliance Consumer Products' Campa Cola has acquired the co-presenting rights for IPL 2025, marking a major move in India's beverage market
• Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo made history by shattering the half-marathon world record in Barcelona.
• The 2025 Sportstar Aces Awards held at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, celebrated India’s top sporting talents.
• The 2025 Sportstar Aces Awards held at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, celebrated India’s top sporting talents.
• The Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to establish an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit at GIFT City in Gandhinagar,
• India Post Payments Bank is providing comprehensive banking services for millions of pilgrims at the Mahakumbh 2025, ensuring convenience and security for all financial transactions.
• CheQ's launch of Wisor, India's first AI-powered credit card expert, is a significant step forward in simplifying and streamlining credit card management for Indian users.
• HDFC Life has partnered with CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. in a corporate agency tie-up, aiming to provide life insurance solutions to CARS24 customers.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)has cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of X10 Financial Services Ltd (formerly Abhishek Securities Ltd) under Section 45-IA (6) of the RBI Act, 1934, due to serious violations in its lending practices, particularly in digital lending operations.
• PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limitedhas announced a strategic partnership with Truhome Finance (formerly Shriram Housing Finance Limited) to offer Group Credit Life Insurance to Truhome Finance’s home loan customers.
• Liberty General Insurance, in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki Insurance Broking Pvt Ltd, is committed to enhancing insurance awareness and accessibility through its ‘Bima Prachaar Aur Prasaar’ initiative.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) held the 9th edition of Bima Manthan, its quarterly review meeting with insurance company CEOs, on February 13-14.
• Madhya Pradesh becomes the first state in India to introduce the Global Capability Centre Policy 2025.
• The West Bengal government has launched the “Nodi Bandhan” initiative as part of its 2025-26 budget, aiming to address natural disasters and generate employment opportunities.
• The Energy Department of Karnataka introduced the Clean Mobility Policy 2025–2030 to establish the state as a hub for green transportation.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Prabdev (PD) Singh as the CEO of Standard Chartered (StanC) in India and South Asia.
• The 6th edition of Dharma Guardian will be held at Mount Fuji, Japan from February 25 to March 9, 2025.
• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has developed a solar dehydration technique to help farmers preserve their produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
• Scientists using the Euclid space telescope discovered a bright ring of light circling a nearby galaxy.
• The BrahMos NG (Next Generation) missile system is undergoing significant advancements, with its production expected to start around 2027-2028.
• China's aerospace industry achieved a record-breaking 68 rocket launches in 2024, with even greater plans for 2025, including the launch of several new commercial spacecraft.