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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

House price index rises 3.1% in third quarter of FY25, shows Reserve Bank of India data

• All-India House Price Index (HPI) increased 3.1% in the third quarter of 2024-25 as compared to 4.3% growth in the preceding three months and 3.8% growth in the year-ago period, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The Reserve Bank released its quarterly house price index for the December quarter of 2024-25, based on transaction-level data received from the registration authorities in 10 major cities.
• The cities are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Mumbai.
• The Reserve Bank of India stated the annual HPI growth varied widely across the cities - ranging from a high growth of 8.1% (Kolkata) to 0.1% (Kanpur).
• On a sequential (q-o-q) basis, all-India HPI increased by 0.4% in Q3:2024-25.
• Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur and Kochi recorded a sequential rise in house prices during the latest quarter.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, Indian corporate profits witnessed a strong rise of 15.3% in FY24, even as sales growth remained moderate at 5.5%, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report.

About RBI :

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

YES Bank Teams Up with World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai to Support Small Business Growth

• YES BANK, India’s 6th-largest private sector bank, in collaboration with World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai, hosted the Export Conclave 2025 at YES BANK House.
• The event brought together over 100 exporters, industry leaders, and government delegates to discuss emerging trade trends, challenges, and global opportunities.

Key Highlights

• A key highlight of the conclave was the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between YES BANK and WTC Mumbai.
• This partnership aims to empower MSMEs by improving access to credit, trade facilitation services, and global market insights, reinforcing India’s export ecosystem.
• At the event, YES BANK launched two flagship offerings under its YES Business suite—YES Exports and YES PowherUp—designed to support MSMEs and women entrepreneurs, respectively, in expanding their businesses globally.
• YES Exports is a comprehensive export financing solution that enables businesses to scale faster by offering pre-shipment & post-shipment finance, ensuring quick access to working capital.
• It provides export finance up to ₹10 Cr with minimal collateral, based on financial performance, along with expert trade advisory to help businesses make informed decisions.
• A digital SME service desk simplifies banking needs, while seamless global transactions are ensured with competitive forex rates and efficient export bill processing.

India’s Export-Led Growth:

• The Export Conclave 2025 served as a strategic platform for fostering new partnerships, trade financing solutions, and global business opportunities.
• With India’s exports expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030, such initiatives will play a crucial role in positioning MSMEs as key contributors to the country’s economic growth.
• Given that MSMEs contribute nearly one-third of India’s GDP and 45% of total exports, YES BANK’s efforts reflect its commitment to fueling this sector’s progress and driving India’s export-led growth.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, Finvasia teamed up with Yes Bank to introduce Jumpp, an AI-driven super app designed to simplify personal finance management.

About YES Bank:

• Founded: 2004
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Prashant Kumar
• Tagline : "Life Ko Banao Rich"

Paytm partners with startup Perplexity to integrate AI-powered search

• Paytm has partnered with Perplexity to integrate AI-powered search into its app.
• This feature will allow users to ask questions, explore topics in local languages, and make informed financial decisions.
• Perplexity is an AI-driven answer engine that provides real-time responses with in-line citations.
  The integration will help users access instant and reliable information on financial planning, market trends, and everyday queries, Paytm stated in a statement.
• With India’s growing digital economy, the demand for quick and accurate financial insights is increasing.
• Paytm's AI-driven search aims to assist users in managing their finances and making informed choices.
• The company has been focusing on expanding digital literacy and accessibility through technology.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Paytm (One97 Communications Limited) to drive innovation and accelerate the growth of fintech and manufacturing startups in India

About Paytm:

• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Founded: 2010
• Chairman & CEO: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
• Subsidiaries: Paytm Payments Bank, Paytm Mall, Paytm Cloud Technologies
• Key Products: Paytm App, Paytm Wallet, Paytm Payments Bank, Paytm Mall

Bank of Baroda receives BSI's ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management System Certification

• Bank of Baroda has received the ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI).
• Significance: The certification recognizes the bank’s operational resilience, business continuity planning, and risk management aligning with global best practices.
• Objective: Ensures uninterrupted services during disruptions and enhances risk management capabilities.
• International Benchmark: ISO 22301:2019 is a globally recognized standard focusing on minimizing operational disruptions and swift recovery during crises.
• Reputation Boost: Enhances the bank’s image as a resilient financial institution ensuring continuous service.
• Leadership Remarks: Beena Vaheed, Executive Director of Bank of Baroda, emphasized that this certification reflects the bank’s commitment to business continuity and stakeholder confidence.

About BSI:

• Established in 1901, BSI is the UK’s national standards body and a leading certification authority.
• Financial Sector Impact: ISO 22301:2019 is widely adopted by banks and financial institutions to strengthen operational resilience.

About Bank of Baroda (BoB):

• Founded: 1908
• Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Debadatta Chand
• Tagline: "India’s International Bank"

Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) retains 8.25% interest rate on employees' provident fund deposits for 2024-25

• The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has retained the interest rate on employees’ provident fund (EPF) deposits at 8.25% for 2024-25.
• In February 2024, EPFO had marginally increased the interest rate to 8.25% for 2023-24 from 8.15% in 2022-23.
• Previously, the interest rate was lowered to a four-decade low of 8.1% in 2021-22 from 8.5% in 2020-21.
• The 8.1% interest rate in 2020-21 was the lowest since 1977-78, when it stood at 8%.
• The Central Board of Trustees (CBT), EPFO's decision-making body, approved the 8.25% interest rate for 2024-25 in a meeting and it will now be sent to the Ministry of Finance for ratification.
• Once approved, the interest will be credited to over seven crore EPFO subscribers.
• Historically, EPFO had lowered the interest rate to 8.5% in 2019-20 from 8.65% in 2018-19, while the rate was 8.65% in 2016-17 and 8.55% in 2017-18.
• The interest rate stood at 8.8% in 2015-16, 8.75% in 2013-14 and 2014-15, 8.5% in 2012-13, and 8.25% in 2011-12.

About EPFO:

• Founded: 1952
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Regulatory Body: Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India
• CEO (Central PF Commissioner): Neelam Shami Rao
• Key Schemes:
  • Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) – Retirement savings for salaried employees
  • Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) – Monthly pension benefits after retirement
  • Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) – Life insurance cover for EPF subscribers

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Sanctions $200 Million to Strengthen Kolkata’s Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to support the development of climate- and disaster-resilient sewerage and drainage infrastructure in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Key Highlights

• As one of India’s most populous and densely populated cities, Kolkata struggles with inadequate drainage and sewerage systems, leading to urban flooding and unsanitary conditions.
• This investment is part of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Sustainability, Hygiene, and Resilience (Sector) Project, which aims to enhance urban resilience, improve sanitation, and mitigate climate-related risks.
• By upgrading the city's drainage and sewerage systems, the project seeks to improve public health, reduce flooding, and create a cleaner, more livable urban environment.
• The initiative includes the construction of 84 km of combined trunk and secondary sewerage and drainage pipelines, along with 176 km of combined lateral sewerage and drainage pipelines reaching customer connections.
• Additionally, 50,000 household sewer connections will be established to enhance sanitation coverage.

Impact and Benefits:

• The project will also construct one sewage treatment plant and five pumping stations, significantly improving the city’s wastewater management system.
• These interventions are expected to benefit over 277,000 residents, improving public health, reducing flooding risks, and making Kolkata a more livable and resilient city.
• This initiative aligns with ADB’s broader commitment to sustainable urban development and will play a key role in enhancing Kolkata’s infrastructure, hygiene, and resilience against climate-related challenges.

Recent News:

• In January 2025, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a financing package of up to $100 million to support Ayala Corporation’s contributions to the development of an electric mobility ecosystem in the Philippines.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB):

• Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Founded: 1966
• President: Masato Kanda
• Members: 68 (49 regional and 19 non-regional)

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: NATIONAL NEWS

Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ‘One Nation-One Port’ to enhance efficiency with ease of doing business

• Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced key reforms to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure and strengthen its role in global trade.
• These initiatives, unveiled in Mumbai, align with the Union Budget’s focus on the maritime sector, aiming to boost port efficiency, promote trade, and enhance shipbuilding capabilities.

One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP): Standardizing Port Operations

• Objective: Establish a unified operational framework for all major ports in India.
• Benefits:
  • Reduces operational delays through standardized procedures.
  • Lowers logistics costs by eliminating inefficiencies.
  • Improves global competitiveness by aligning with international standards.

Sagar Ankalan: Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) 2023-24

• Purpose: Benchmark port performance to drive operational excellence.
• Key Metrics Evaluated:
  • Cargo handling efficiency
  • Turnaround time at ports
  • Berth idle time
• Impact:
  • Helps optimize logistics and trade connectivity.
  • Supports India’s rise in global rankings, including its 22nd position in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index for international shipments.

Bharat Global Ports Consortium: Strengthening Trade Resilience

• Goal: Enhance port expansion and modernization through a public-private partnership model.
• Key Focus Areas:
  • Developing logistics networks to boost exports.
  • Facilitating investment in port infrastructure.

MAITRI App: Digitalizing Trade with AI & Blockchain

• Objective: Simplify international trade through AI and blockchain technology.
• Features:
  • Creates a Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) between India and the UAE.
  • Expands to BIMSTEC and ASEAN regions.
  • Accelerates trade processing with seamless digital integration.
• Significance: A game-changer in reducing trade complexities and enhancing transparency.

India Maritime Week: A Global Maritime Summit

• Event Dates: October 27 to 31, 2025, in Mumbai.
• Key Highlights:
  • Participation from 100+ countries.
  • 100,000 delegates expected.
  • 4th Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS).
  • 2nd edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue.

Aadhaar Good Governance Portal Launched to Streamline Authentication Requests

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the Aadhaar Good Governance Portal to simplify and expedite the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests.
• This initiative aligns with the government’s vision to enhance ease of living, improve service accessibility, and ensure transparent governance.

Key Highlights of the Aadhaar Good Governance Portal

• Official Launch: Introduced by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, alongside senior officials from UIDAI and NIC.
• Online Platform: http://swik.meity.gov.in operational after the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Amendment Rules, 2025.
• Objective: To enhance transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes while expanding Aadhaar authentication services.

How Aadhaar Authentication Enhances Service Accessibility

• Aadhaar is the most trusted digital ID, with over 100 billion authentications recorded in the past decade.
• The amendment expands Aadhaar authentication scope, improving service delivery in healthcare, e-commerce, education, credit rating, hospitality, and aggregator platforms.
• Benefits for Service Providers & Citizens:
  • Hassle-free authentication for accessing services.
  • Easier staff attendance, e-KYC verification, exam registrations, and onboarding processes for businesses and institutions.

RECENT NEWS

• The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) Kancheepuram has entered into a significant partnership with the Education and Research Network of India (ERNET), an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and IIT Indore have launched AgriHub, a state-of-the-art AI-driven Center of Excellence (CoE) aimed at transforming Indian agriculture. AgriHub seeks to address critical challenges in agriculture, such as drought, floods, and low productivity, through the integration of AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL).

UDAN Yatri Café Inaugurated at Chennai Airport to Enhance Passenger Convenience

• Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, inaugurated the UDAN Yatri Café at Chennai Airport, marking the second such facility under this initiative.
• The first UDAN Yatri Café was launched at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, on December 19, 2024, and received an overwhelmingly positive response.
• Due to strong traveler demand, this initiative is now being expanded nationwide.

Chennai Airport Expansion & Infrastructure Upgrades

• Expansion of Terminal 2 (86,135 sq.m.) to boost international operations.
• Refurbishment of Terminals 1 & 4 with an investment of ₹75 crore.
• City-side traffic flow management system worth ₹19 crore to ease congestion.

Additionally, passenger-centric facilities such as free buggy services for senior citizens and pregnant women, childcare rooms, medical services, and premium lounges are being enhanced to improve travel comfort.

Green & Sustainable Airport Initiatives

• Chennai Airport operates entirely on green energy.
• It houses a 1.5 MW solar power plant, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Aligning with the UDAN Scheme’s Vision

• The UDAN Yatri Café initiative aligns with the UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), aimed at making air travel more accessible to common citizens while modernizing airport infrastructure.
• The event was attended by Dr. T R B Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Tamil Nadu, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI), and Chennai Airport.
• This marks another step forward in the government’s mission to enhance air travel connectivity and passenger experience across India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

British-Era Foy Lake Renamed ‘Varun Sagar’ in Latest Update

• In a recent update of events and through the source Rajasthan Patrika, it has been announced that the name of Foy lake which is a 132 years old constructed by the British government has now changed and will be named Varun Sagar.
• This announcement was made by the cabinet minister on 12th of February, 2025.
• Foy Sagar Lake that was created to overcome the famine situation in
• This lake is a man made lake and was constructed in a flat pan shape amidst the Aravalli Hills.
• Foy Sagar Lake was constructed by an English man named Foy.
• This lake is home to beautiful sunsets.
• This place is a good winter picnic spot for the localities of

Recent News:

• In February 2025, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari unveiled the state's inaugural Green Budget for 2025-26, with a total allocation of ₹5.37 lakh crore.

About Rajasthan:

• Capital: Jaipur
• Governor: Haribhau Bagade
• Chief Minister: Bajan Lal Sharma
• National Parks: Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Desert National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Tuhin Kanta Pandey Becomes Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman, To Serve Until 2027

• Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a three-year term, following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
• He succeeds Madhabi Puri Buch, whose tenure began on March 2, 2022, and concludes on February 28, 2025.
• Buch made history as SEBI’s first woman chairperson, serving a full three-year term.

About Tuhin Kanta Pandey:

• Tuhin Kanta Pandey is a 1987 batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre.
• He holds a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Punjab University, Chandigarh, and an MBA from the UK.
• Throughout his career, he has held key roles in both the Government of Odisha and the Government of India.
• He is recognized for being the longest-serving Secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), where he played a crucial role in managing government equity in public sector enterprises.
• Additionally, he has contributed significantly to the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).

Recent News:

• In February 2025, SEBI launched MITRA to help investors track and reclaim inactive or unclaimed mutual fund folios.

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

New Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda Assumes Office

• Masato Kanda assumed office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on February 24, 2025.
• He succeeded Masatsugu Asakawa, who retired after a five-year tenure.
• Kanda was unanimously selected by ADB's 69-member board.

Kanda’s Background:

• Served as Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs in Japan.
• Holds degrees in law and politics from the University of Tokyo.
• Completed postgraduate studies in economics at Hugh’s College, Oxford.
• Known as Japan’s “FX czar” due to his role in stabilizing the Japanese yen.
• Played a key role in Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs.

Asakawa’s Leadership and Achievements:

• Introduced himself informally as “Masa”, breaking traditional hierarchical norms.
• Led ADB during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring generous support for staff.
• Stayed at ADB headquarters during the crisis while others worked remotely.
• Spearheaded major initiatives:
  • COVID-19 response, mobilizing tens of billions of dollars for public health and social programs.
  • Internal reorganization under the “New Operating Model” to improve efficiency.
  • $100 billion climate financing framework and increased overall lending capacity.
• Transformed ADB into a globally significant institution beyond its regional role.
• Deeply respected by staff, receiving a grand farewell with standing applause.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Amazon unveils its first quantum computing chip Ocelot

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled Ocelot, the company’s first-generation quantum computing chip.
• The new chip can slash the costs of implementing quantum error correction by up to 90%, the company stated.

Key Highlights:

• Ocelot was developed by the AWS Center for Quantum Computing at the California Institute of Technology.
• A major challenge with quantum computers is that they’re very sensitive to the smallest changes, or ‘noise’ in their environment, such as vibrations, heat, and electromagnetic interference from cell phones and Wi-Fi networks, Amazon stated in a media release.
• To tackle this problem, quantum computers rely on quantum error correction, which uses special encodings of quantum information across multiple qubits.
• But due to the sheer number of qubits required to get accurate results, current approaches to quantum error correction have come at a huge cost.
• Scientists at AWS have published their findings in the journal Nature.
• Amazon is the third tech giant to announce a new experimental chip.
• Microsoft recently unveiled its Majorana 1 chip, which uses a material called topoconductor, an entirely new state of matter, according to the company.
• Google’s Willow is also believed to address errors that occur in quantum systems.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Army inks deal with L&T Limitd to procure critical CBRN defence equipment

• The Indian Army has signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on February 25, 2025, to procure 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems at a cost of ₹80.43 crore under the Buy Indian (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured - IDDM)

Key Highlights:

• Enhanced CBRN Capabilities: The induction of ACADA systems will significantly bolster the Army's defensive measures against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats.
• These systems are crucial for both operational scenarios and peacetime applications, particularly in disaster relief operations related to industrial accidents.
• Indigenous Development: ACADA has been designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Defence Research and Development Establishment in Gwalior.
• This initiative marks a significant milestone in India's indigenization efforts within the specialized CBRN domain.
• Operational Mechanism: The system operates on the principle of Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) and is equipped with two highly sensitive IMS cells.
• It continuously samples air from the environment to detect chemical warfare agents and programmed toxic industrial chemicals, ensuring real-time monitoring of harmful substances.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative: Aligning with the Government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission, over 80% of the components and subsystems for the ACADA systems will be sourced locally, promoting indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependency on foreign technology.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPS & PORTALS

Aadhaar Authentication Process Simplified with New Governance Portal

• The government has introduced a new Aadhaar Governance Portal (http://swik.meity.gov.in) to simplify the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests.
• Launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the portal follows amendments to the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2025 under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
• The initiative aims to support good governance, enhance service delivery, and simplify processes for citizens.
• The portal offers a faster and more structured approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests, providing step-by-step guidance for seamless onboarding of entities.
• Both government and private entities can use Aadhaar authentication for public services such as healthcare, education, e-commerce, and hospitality, as well as for governance initiatives like innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Businesses can also utilize Aadhaar authentication for staff attendance, customer onboarding, and e-KYC verification.

About the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI):

• Founded: 28 January 2009
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• CEO: Bhuvnesh Kumar
• Parent Organization: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India
• Objective: Issuing Aadhaar, a 12-digit unique identification number, to Indian residents for better governance and service delivery.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony 2025 Recognizes Outstanding Contributions to Animal Welfare

• The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory body under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, organized the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The event, aimed at promoting animal welfare and recognizing contributions in this field, was graced by Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian, alongside senior officials from AWBI, Ministry of Animal Husbandry, and state governments.

Key Highlights of the Event

Launch of Four Important Animal Welfare Books

As part of the event, four significant books were released to guide veterinarians, policymakers, and field officials in implementing animal welfare laws effectively:

• Handbook for Veterinary Officers on Animal Welfare Laws
• Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare Laws
• Animal Law Handbook for Urban Local Bodies
• Revised Animal Birth Control (ABC) Module for managing street dog populations, rabies eradication, and reducing human-dog conflict.

Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Winners 2025

Prani Mitra Awards (For Exceptional Animal Welfare Contribution)

• Advocacy (Individual) – Shri Akhil Jain (Raipur, Chhattisgarh)
• Innovative Idea (Individual) – Shri Ramesh Bhai Veljibhai Ruparelia (Gondal, Gujarat)
• Lifetime Animal Service (Individual) – Shri Harnarayan Soni (Osiyan, Jodhpur, Rajasthan)
• Animal Welfare Organization (AWO) – Sri Sri 1008 Sriram Ratandasji Vaishnav Go Sewa Samiti (Karahdham, Morena, Madhya Pradesh)
• Corporate/PSUs/Govt. Bodies/Cooperatives – Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (Jamnagar, Gujarat)

Jeev Daya Awards (For Advocacy & Compassion Towards Animals)

• Individual – Ms. Nisha Subramanian Kunju (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
• Animal Welfare Organization – Bhagwan Mahavir Pashu Raksha Kendra (Kutch, Gujarat)
• Schools/Institutions/Teachers/Children (Under 18 Years) –
  • Master Chaitanya M Saxena (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
  • Master Aadi Shah (Mumbai, Maharashtra)

About the Prani Mitra & Jeev Daya Awards

• Prani Mitra Award (Introduced in 1966) – Recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to animal welfare. Since inception, 54 individuals have been honored.
• Jeev Daya Award (Introduced in 2001) – Acknowledges individuals, institutions, and organizations for their dedication to protecting animals. Since 2001, 12 awards have been conferred.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AN INDEX

Top 10 Richest Countries by GDP Per Capita in 2025

• The global economy is projected to grow at a steady 3.3% in 2025 and 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• A key measure of economic prosperity is GDP per capita, adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), which provides a more accurate comparison of living standards across nations.
• India, the fifth-largest economy in the world, faces a notable difference in GDP per capita, ranking in the bottom 100 countries (rank: 124th, as reported by Forbes) with a GDP per capita of $11.94 thousand in 2025.

Understanding GDP Per Capita (PPP) and Its Importance

• GDP per Capita measures the economic output per person in a country.
• PPP adjustment accounts for differences in price levels between countries, making international comparisons more reliable.
• Higher GDP per Capita (PPP) indicates better living standards, higher incomes, and greater purchasing power.

Top 10 Richest Countries by GDP Per Capita in 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY

Boris Spassky, Chess Champion Who Lost ‘Match of the Century,’ Dies at 88

• Boris Spassky, the tenth World Chess Champion, has passed away at the age of 88.
• Born in 1937 in Leningrad (now Petersburg, Russia), Spassky was recognized as a chess prodigy from an early age.

About his Achievements:

• His exceptional talent was evident when he earned the Grandmaster title at 18 and made his Candidates Tournament debut in 1956 (Amsterdam) at the age of 19.
• Although he showed immense promise, Spassky missed the next two World Championship cycles after failing to qualify for the Interzonals.
• However, he resumed his quest for the chess crown eight years later.
• Spassky earned the right to challenge Tigran Petrosian for the World Chess Championship after defeating Paul Keres (1965), Efim Geller (1965), and Mikhail Tal (1965).
• In 1966, he faced Petrosian in Moscow but lost the match.
• However, determined to reclaim his chance, he fought his way back and, in 1969, defeated Petrosian in their rematch in Moscow by a score of 12½–10½, becoming the tenth World Chess Champion.
• Spassky held the title until 1972, when he famously lost to Bobby Fischer in Reykjavik, Iceland, in what became one of the most iconic matches in chess history.
• This “Match of the Century”, a symbol of the Cold War rivalry between the USA and USSR, had a record-breaking prize pool of $250,000—an amount that surpassed many other sports’ rewards at the time.
• The match drew unparalleled media coverage, with major news outlets covering it extensively.
• The match was broadcast to 50 million viewers worldwide.
• It lasted 21 games, with Fischer winning 12½–8½ to become the eleventh World Chess Champion.
• This victory propelled chess into the global media spotlight.
• Spassky remained a top competitor even after losing his world title.
• In 1974, he reached the Candidates semifinal, and in 1977, he advanced to the Candidates final.
• A two-time USSR Champion (1961 and 1973), Spassky also played for the Soviet team in seven Chess Olympiads (1962–1978), winning thirteen medals (team and individual) and scoring 69 points in 94 games (+45−1=48).
• Known for his independent spirit and artistic approach to chess, Spassky often felt constrained by the Soviet system.
• In 1976, he emigrated to France with his third wife, becoming a French citizen in 1978.
• He represented France in three Chess Olympiads (1984–1988), playing on board one.
• In 2012, Spassky returned to Russia, where he spent his final years.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Zero Discrimination Day 2025 – March 1

• Observed annually on March 1, Zero Discrimination Day promotes equality, dignity, and inclusion for all individuals.
• Initiated by UNAIDS in 2014, the day addresses stigma and discrimination, particularly against marginalized communities.

2025 Theme: "We Stand Together"

• This year’s theme focuses on community-led initiatives in the fight against HIV and discrimination.
• It emphasizes dignity, respect, and support for individuals affected by HIV while strengthening global health efforts.

History of Zero Discrimination Day

• The initiative was launched by UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé on February 27, 2014, in Beijing. It was later recognized by the United Nations (UN) and its member states to challenge discriminatory laws and practices.

Notable Advocacy Efforts

• India: Campaigns against discriminatory laws, including the decriminalization of homosexuality (Section 377).
• Liberia: Addresses HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
• California, USA (2015): Armenian Americans held a “die-in” protest to commemorate victims of the Armenian genocide.

World Civil Defence Day: 1st March

• World Civil Defence Day 2025 is celebrated every year on March 1st,
• It is a day to celebrate the importance of civil defense and commemorate the people who have sacrificed their lives for it.
• The World Civil Defence Day 2025 Theme is "Civil Defence, guarantee of security for the population".
• In 1958, the International Association of Geneva Zones became the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) and was given a new status as a non-governmental organization with objectives such as establishing a liaison between national civil defense organizations, undertaking and promoting studies and research on population protection matters, and facilitating the exchange of experience and the coordination of efforts in the area of disaster prevention, preparedness, and intervention.
• In 1972 the representatives of ICDO member states approved the current text of the organization’s constitution, which entered into force on 1 March 1972.
• It attributes the status of the intergovernmental organizations to the ICDO. March 1 was established as World Civil Defense Day.

Daily CA One- Liner: March 1

• Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced key reforms to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure and strengthen its role in global trade
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the Aadhaar Good Governance Portal to simplify and expedite the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests
• Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, inaugurated the UDAN Yatri Café at Chennai Airport, marking the second such facility under this initiative
• The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory body under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, organized the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
• The global economy is projected to grow at a steady 3.3% in 2025 and 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• All-India House Price Index (HPI) increased 3.1% in the third quarter of 2024-25 as compared to 4.3% growth in the preceding three months and 3.8% growth in the year-ago period, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Paytm has partnered with Perplexity to integrate AI-powered search into its app.
• YES BANK, India’s 6th-largest private sector bank, in collaboration with World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai, hosted the Export Conclave 2025 at YES BANK House.
• Bank of Baroda has received the ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI).
• The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has retained the interest rate on employees’ provident fund (EPF) deposits at 8.25% for 2024-25.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to support the development of climate- and disaster-resilient sewerage and drainage infrastructure in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• In a recent update of events and through the source Rajasthan Patrika, it has been announced that the name of Foy lake which is a 132 years old constructed by the British government has now changed and will be named Varun Sagar.
• Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a three-year term, following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
• Masato Kanda assumed office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on February 24, 2025.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled Ocelot, the company’s first-generation quantum computing chip.
• The Indian Army has signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on February 25, 2025, to procure 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems at a cost of ₹80.43 crore under the Buy Indian (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured - IDDM)
• The government has introduced a new Aadhaar Governance Portal (http://swik.meity.gov.in) to simplify the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests.
• Boris Spassky, the tenth World Chess Champion, has passed away at the age of 88.
• Observed annually on March 1, Zero Discrimination Day promotes equality, dignity, and inclusion for all individuals
• World Civil Defence Day 2025 is celebrated every year on March 1st, 2025