01-15 FEB 2025

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Highlights of PM Modi’s visit to Odisha and Uttarakhand on 28th January ,2025
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited the states of Odisha and Uttarakhand to inaugurate
‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’ and 38th National Games.
38th National Games inaugurated in Dehradun
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games at the Rajiv Gandhi International
Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand while celebrating 25 years of the formation of the
state.
• The theme for the National Games 2025 is ‘Green Games’ with an aim to focus on
sustainability.
• Yoga and Mallakhamb have been included in the National Games for the first time.
• A special park, called the Sports Forest, is developed near the venue, for planting more
than 10,000 saplings by athletes and guests.
About Odisha:
Capital– Bhubaneswar
Tiger Reserve – Similipal Tiger Reserve, Satkosia Tiger Reserve
About Uttarakhand:
Capitals– Dehradun (Winter), Bhararisen (Summer)
Tiger Reserve– Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji Tiger Reserve
CCS Approved Project worth over Rs 10,000 crore for Procurement of Ammunition for
IA’s Pinaka MBRL
In January 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister (PM)
Narendra Modi approved the project to procure over Rs 10,000 crore worth of ammunition for
the Indian Army (IA)’s Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher Systems (MBRLs). The
ammunition under this project will be manufactured domestically to meet requirements of IA over
the next 10 years.
About Pinaka Mk-I EPRS:
1. It is the upgraded version of the Pinaka rocket system, developed by Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Pune (Maharashtra)-based laboratories, Armament
2.
3. Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research
Laboratory (HEMRL).
4. It has capability to deliver high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunitions with a strike range of
45 kilometre (km) and can move quickly after firing at enemy positions.
5. It is a 15-foot long rocket weighs around 280 kilogram (kg) and has the capacity to carry
warheads up to 100 kg.
MoMSME, ONDC Launches Rs.277 Crore Initiative to Empower 5 lakh Small Businesses
On January 28 2025, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), in
collaboration with the New Delhi (Delhi) based Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC),
launched Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative designed to help Small and Micro
Enterprises (SMEs) join ONDC.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Launches India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster in
Sikkim
In January 2025, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) and
Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, has introduced
India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng district of Sikkim at the North Eastern
Region (NER) State Meet- 2025, held in Guwahati, Assam.
• National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) is a key
stakeholder in developing the fisheries and aquaculture organic cluster in Sikkim.
Points:
President Murmu – inaugurated “New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 (NDWBF 2025)”at Bharat
Mandapam in New Delhi on Feb 1, 2025
- Theme – “Republic@75” | Focus country – Russia
Queen’s University Belfast (Ireland) – to begin academic session in Jan 2026 & will offer 5
postgraduate programmes
• It will be 3rd foreign education institution to open an international campus in GIFT City
HQs of IFSCA – Gandhinagar, Gujarat | Chairman – K. Rajaraman |
Ministry of Railways has introduced the SuperApp “SwaRail” to integrate all public-
facing applications of Indian Railways into a single platform. Developed by the Centre
for Railway Information Systems (CRIS)
Points:
In order to boost the credit to the rural sector with the help of effective and hassle-free agriculture
credit, the government has fixed an annual “Ground Level Agriculture Credit (GLC)” target of Rs
27.5 lakh crore with a dedicated sub-target of Rs 4.20 lakh crore for allied activities viz. dairy,
poultry, sheep goat piggery, fisheries and animal husbandry, for FY 2024-2025
UP – waived the 10% community contribution for “Har Ghar Nal” scheme under the ‘JJM’
for the rural population
• Villagers will be required to pay Rs 50 to their gram panchayat as a maintenance charge.
• Currently, the community contribution is being covered by – Haryana, Bihar, Odisha, Rajasthan
& West Bengal
On the World Wetlands Day (Feb 2), MoEFCC announced addition of 4 new Ramsar sites
in India Sakkarakottai BS & Therthangal BS (TN), Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim) &
Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)
• Now, total tally – 89, highest in Asia & 3rd highest in the world | 1st – UK (176) | 2nd – Mexico
(144)
• Sikkim & Jharkhand – secured their first-ever Ramsar sites
• Now, highest Ramsar sites in India – Tamil Nadu (20) | Followed by – UP (10)
• Ramsar site – a wetland designated under ‘Ramsar Convention’, aka ‘Convention on Wetlands’
An international treaty established by UNESCO in 1971, named after city of Ramsar (Iran), where
it was signed
• It came into force for India on Feb 1, 1982 | Largest Ramsar site in India – Sundarbans (West
Bengal)
4 New Wetlands, 2 from Tamil Nadu, 1 from Jharkhand, and 1 from Sikkim Added to
Ramsar List
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEF&CC) announced the inclusion of four new wetlands from India in Ramsar Convention
list, bringing the total number of internationally recognized Ramsar sites in India to 89.
• The newly added sites are the Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in
Tamil Nadu (TN), Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand.
India has the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and ranks third globally, following the United
Kingdom (UK) with 176 sites and Mexico with 144 sites.
Note: World Wetlands Day is Celebrated Globally on February 2
IIT Indore in Collaboration with MeitY Launched ‘AgriHub’ as a CoE for Agritech
Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT-I), Indore, Madhya Pradesh (MP) in collaboration with
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched ‘AgriHub’, an Artificial
Intelligence (AI)-driven Centre of Excellence (CoE) to foster technological innovation, startup
incubation, and industry collaboration in agritech sector.
Indian Armed Forces conducts TROPEX 25 to test its combat readiness
In January 2025, the senior military officers observed the Theatre Level Operational Readiness
Exercise (TROPEX-2025), joint operations aboard several Indian Navy Ship (INS) to witness the
operations and readiness of Indian armed forces: Indian Navy (IN), the Indian Army (IA), and the
Indian Air Force (IAF), in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
TROPEX is the Indian Navy’s (IN) largest exercise.
PM Narendra Modi Inaugurated Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 from January 17 to
January 22, 2025
In January 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Mobility Global Expo
2025, India’s largest mobility expo in India at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi. It has
also become the world’s 2nd largest automotive expo.
Vayve Mobility Launched India’s 1st Solar-powered EV named “Vavye EVA”
In January 2025, Pune (Maharashtra)-based Vayve Mobility Private Limited (VMPL) launched
India’s 1st solar-powered Electric Vehicle (EV) named “Vavye EVA” at the Bharat Mobility
Global Expo 2025.
CZA Approved Proposal to Set up India’s White Tiger Breeding Centre in MP
In January 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has approved the proposal to set up India’s
1st white tiger breeding centre in Govindgarh area of Rewa district in Madhya Pradesh (MP).
Capital- Bhopal National Parks (NPs)- Kanha NP; Pench NP; Panna NP
Maharashtra to Set up India’s 1st AI University
Maharashtra is set to establish India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) University, to become a
Center of Excellence (CoE) for AI education and innovation. The university will focus on AI
research, innovation, and skill development.
• Maharashtra government has formed a task force chaired by Parrag Jaiin Nainutia.
Airports– Gandhinagar Airport Bird Sanctuaries– Karnala Bird Sanctuary, and Great Indian
Bustard Sanctuary
Guneri village (Kutch, Gujarat) – declared as 1st “Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)” of Gujarat
under provisions of ‘The Biodiversity Act, 2002’
Hardeep Singh Puri – announced winners of 2 startup challenges, “Avinya’25” & “Vasudha,” at
a ceremony at ONGC HQs.
“IIT Hackathon”, organised as part of ‘India Energy Week 2025 (IEW 2025)’: Winner – IIT
(ISM) Dhanbad
- Runner-up – IIT-Guwahati
MEA Declares IBCA as Inter-Governmental International Organization
In February 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the New Delhi (Delhi)
based International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and its Secretariat have officially become a full-
fledged treaty based inter-governmental international organization and international legal entity
with effect from January 23, 2025.
• The MEA acting as the Depository of the Framework Agreement on behalf of the Government
of India (GoI), confirmed that 5 countries-Republic of India, Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom of
Eswatini, Federal Republic of Somalia, and Republic of Liberia-have officially deposited their
instruments of ratification, acceptance, or approval under Article VIII (1) of the Framework
Agreement.
Note: Currently, 27 countries, including India, have agreed to join IBCA, along with several
international and national organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation.
IBCA: On April 9, 2023, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India launched IBCA during
the ‘Commemoration of 50 Years of India’s Project Tiger’ event.
It was established through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the nodal
organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
It aims to conserve seven big cat species—Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar,
and Puma.
India’s First Ferret Research Facility inaugurates at THSTI in Haryana
On February 3 2025, Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Director General (DG) of the Biotechnology Research
and Innovation Council (BRIC) and Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT),
Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), inaugurated India’s first Ferret Research Facility,
at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in the National Capital
Region (NCR) Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, marking a significant advancement
in biomedical research and innovation.
• He also launched the ‘GARBH-INi-DRISHTI’ data repository and Information Sharing Hub at
THSTI; and witnessed the signing of an important Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA).
About GARBH-INi-DRISHTI: A data platform GARBH-INi-DRISHTI was created under the
GARBH-INi program, offers a huge collection of clinical data, images, and biospecimens from
over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and mothers.
INCOIS Celebrates its 26th Foundation Day with New Initiatives & Collaborations
On February 3 2025, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a unit
of Earth System Science Organization (ESSO) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES),
celebrated its ‘26th Foundation Day’ in Medchal-Malkajgiri, Telangana.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan – launched a national-level mass outreach campaign “Watershed
Yatra”, in hybrid mode
• Aim: To create awareness about watershed development activities carried out under ‘Watershed
Development Component’ of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0)’ in
project areas.
Project Appraisal Committee (MoTA) – approved “Community Forest Resource” plans for
100 villages of Odisha in phase I under ‘Forest Right Act’
Maharashtra (8,661 villages) – the leading state in recognising Community Forest Resource
Rights (CFRR) 2nd – Chhattisgarh (4,328 titles) | 3rd – Odisha (3,659 titles)
Garuda Aerospace – to invest Rs 100 Cr to develop India’s 1st ‘Drone City’ in Orvakal village,
Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
CUnion Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launched a Nationwide Campaign “Watershed
Yatra”
In February 2025, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Rural Development
(MoRD) launched a nation-wide campaign “Watershed Yatra” to encourage people’s participation
and create awareness about the watershed development activities carried out under Watershed
Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in
project areas.
About WDC-PMKSY 2.0: It is a sub-component of PMSKY, which was initially launched as the
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in 2009-10 and later integrated as the
WDC-PMKSY in 2015-16.
In 2021, the Government of India (GoI) introduced WDC-PMKSY 2.0 for the project period of
2021-2026, with revised target to rejuvenate 49.50 lakh hectares (ha) of degraded land.
Gujarat – launched a pilot project under which 25,000 rural households will be transformed
into ‘smart homes’
• Under – ‘Har Ghar Connectivity (Fibre to Family)’ initiative, introduced on 2024 Good
Governance Day (Dec 25)
Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) + Energy Swaraj Foundation = launched 100-day
“Indore Climate Mission”
Cabinet approved extension of tenure of “National Commission for Safai Karamcharis
(NCSK)” for 3 years up to Mar’28
Financial implication – Rs 51 Cr | Present tenure of NCSK was to end on – Mar 31, 2025
India Modernizes Army’s Firepower with Rs 10,147 Crore Defence Contracts
On February 6, 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed defence contracts worth Rs 10,147
crore to enhance the Indian Army’s (IA) firepower. These deals focus on the procurement of
advanced ammunition for the PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and upgrades
to critical software systems.
PINAKA System: A Strategic Asset
The PINAKA system, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
TN CM M.K.Stalin Inaugurated India’s Largest Single-Location Solar Point in Tirunelveli
In February 2025, Muthuvel Karunanidhi (M.K.) Stalin, Chief Minister (CM) of Tamil Nadu
(TN), formally inaugurated the 4.3 Giga Watt (GW) solar cell and module manufacturing facility
of Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power
Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL). This facility is India’s largest single-location solar
manufacturing plant.
Capital- Chennai National Parks (NPs)- Guindy NP, Mukurthi NP
IA’s Eastern Headquarters ‘Fort William’ Renamed as ‘Vijay Durg’
On February 6, 2025, the Indian Army’s (IA) Eastern Headquarters, Fort William in Kolkata, West
Bengal (WB) was renamed as ‘Vijay Durg’ to eliminate colonial influences.
The new name draws inspiration from an ancient Vijaydurg fort in Maharashtra, that was a key
naval base for the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Meeting of Central Advisory Committee (CAC) for ‘PM-AJAY’ – held under Chairmanship
of Dr. Virendra Kumar (Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment and Chairperson of
CAC)
PM-AJAY – Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana
• PM-AJAY – launched in 2021-22 by merging 3 existing schemes
Its 3 components – Adarsh Gram, Grant-in-aid & Hostel component
JP Nadda – launched Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration Campaign to eliminate
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)
Under MDA, Lymphatic Filariasis (Haatipaon) elimination is targeted for elimination by – 2027
Thaawarchand Gehlot – launched Braille-enabled version of Indian Constitution to mark 75
years of the Constitution.
Cabinet Approves New Income Tax Bill 2025
The Union Cabinet has approved a new Income Tax (IT) Bill 2025 to simplify and modernise
India’s tax system. Effective from the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, the bill aims to simplify tax
laws, reduce legal complexities, ease compliance for taxpayers, and cut the law’s length by 50%
without introducing new taxes.
• The bill will replace the Income Tax Act of 1961 and will apply to taxpayers from the Assessment
Year (AY) 2026-27.
Cabinet Approves Extension of NCSK for 3 Years till March 2028
The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the tenure of the National Commission for
Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for 3 years beyond 31 March 2025, up to 31 March 2028.
Safai Karamchari” means a person engaged in/or employed for, manually carrying human excreta
or any sanitation work.
Cabinet Approves Continuation and Restructuring of Skill India Programme
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation and restructuring of the Central Sector Scheme
– Skill India Programme (SIP) until 2026, with an outlay of Rs 8,800 crore from 2022-23 to 2025-
26.
Key Components of the Skill India Programme: i.The programme integrates 3 flagship schemes
under a unified structure:
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)
i.PMKVY 4.0 offers National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)-aligned skill training for
individuals aged 15-59.
• Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)
PM-NAPS encourages Earn-While-Learn (EWL) training for individuals aged 14-35.
• Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme
JSS scheme targets women, rural youth, and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (EDGs) aged
15-45.
Nuclear Energy Initiatives in Union Budget 2025-26
On February 1, 2025, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) presented
her 8th Union Budget 2025-26, highlighting a focus on nuclear energy.
• India has set an ambitious target of 100 Gigawatt (GW) of nuclear power by 2047 as part of its
long-term energy strategy.
The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat is a major initiative to promote research and
innovation in nuclear power,
To support this, the government has allocated Rs 20,000 crore (USD 2.6 billion) to develop five
indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.
Union MoS Jayant Chaudhary Virtually Launched Swavalambini, Women
Entrepreneurship Programme in 3 NE States
In February 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, I/C) Jayant Chaudhary,
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and MoS, Ministry of Education
(MoE) virtually launched ‘Swavalambini’, a woman entrepreneurship programme in 9 colleges
and universities of 3 North East (NE) states: Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
IA and IAF Conduct Joint Airborne Operations Exercise ‘Ex Winged Raider’
On February 9, 2025, the Indian Army (IA) participated in a major training exercise named Ex
Winged Raider, focusing on special airborne operations.
• The exercise demonstrated high operational readiness and showcased the integration between
the IA and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) Double Bench – directed Central Govt to extend “One Rank
One Pension (OROP)” to tri services personnel who took pre-matured retirement (PMR)
after July 1, 2014
AFT (a military tribunal in India) – established under ‘Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007’
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Announced India Achieved Historic Milestone of 100 GW
Solar Power Capacity
In February 2025, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(MNRE) announced that India has achieved a historic milestone of surpassing 100 Giga Watt
(GW) installed solar energy capacity.
This achievement reflects India’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future and marks a major step
toward realizing its ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030
set by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.
India Introduces New HS Code for GI-Recognised Rice Varieties
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance (MoF) proposed an amendment to the
Customs Tariff Act to assign Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes to Geographical
Indication (GI) recognized rice varieties during the Union Budget for the financial year 2025 26
(FY26). The HSN code is a numerical classification used in global trade.
The newly introduced HS codes are:1006-30-11 for Parboiled rice and 1006-30-91 for White rice.
The HS is a globally recognized product classification system developed by the World Customs
Organization (WCO). (Headquarters– Brussels, Belgium)
• HS assigns specific 6-digit codes to various commodities, facilitating international trade.
MoD inks Rs 642 crore contract with BEL for 28 EON-51 systems for IN
In February 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has inked a Rs.642.17 crore contract with
Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of 28 EON-
51 Electro Optical Fire Control Systems (EOFCS) for the Indian Navy (IN).
• The EON-51 systems are slated for installation on 11 New Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels
(NGOPVs) and three Cadet Training Ships (CTS).
Devendra Fadnavis – launched “MAITRI 2.0” portal to improve the ease of doing business
in Maharashtra
- MAITRI – Maharashtra Industry, Trade, and Investment Facilitation Cell.

“Janbhagidari se Jankalyan” – chosen as central theme for 2025 calendar of GoI

• 2025 calendar – unveiled at Rail Bhawan by Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister of Railways)
in 13 Indian languages
- Designed & produced by – Central Bureau of Communication (CBC)
• It begins with motto - (welfare of all)
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Approved Extension of Groundnut Procurement in
Gujarat by 6 days and in Karnataka by 25 days
In February 2025, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare (MoA&FW) has approved the extension of time period for procurement of Groundnut in
Gujarat and Karnataka by 6 days and 25 days.
About PM AASHA: i.It is an umbrella scheme launched in 2018, which aims to provide
remunerative prices to farmers and to control price instability of essential commodities for
consumers. MoA&FW acts as nodal agency for the scheme.
ii.The scheme comprises 4 key components: Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency
Payment Scheme (PDPS), Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and Price Stabilisation Funds
(PSF).
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates First-Ever BIMSTEC Youth Summit in
Gujarat
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, (MoYA&S)
inaugurated the first ever Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Youth Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Theme: The theme of summit ‘Youth as a Bridge for Intra BIMSTEC Exchange’,
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Co-chaired 4th India-UK Energy Dialogue in New
Delhi
In February 2025, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Ministry of Power (MoP) and Ministry
of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA); and Ed Miliband, Secretary for the Department of
Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) for the United Kingdom (UK), co-chaired the 4th India-
UK Energy Dialogue in New Delhi (Delhi).
During the dialogue, the Ministers announced the launch of Phase-2 of the India-UK bilateral
Accelerating Smart Power & Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme.
India & Oman Sign EPC to Enhance Archival Cooperation
New Delhi (Delhi) based National Archives of India (NAI) and Muscat (Sultanate of Oman) based
National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) of Oman signed an Executive Programme of
Cooperation (EPC) for the period 2025-2028 at the NAI in New Delhi (Delhi).
India’s DPIIT and South Korean Transport Institute Sign MoU for Collaboration in
Logistics & Infrastructure Under PM GatiShakti
About PM GatiShakti i.PM GatiShakti is an ambitious infrastructure development initiative
launched by the Government of India on October 13, 2021.
ii.It is aimed at providing multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones in
India.
About PM GatiShakti National Master Plan
• A GIS-based digital platform that integrates data from 16 ministries.
• Helps in tracking and planning roads, railways, airports, ports, waterways, power transmission,
etc.
• It integrates infrastructure schemes of various ministries and state governments, including
Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, and UDAN, to improve connectivity and make Indian
businesses more competitive.
1st death recorded in metropolis due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) – in Mumbai
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Completed One Year
On February 13 2025, the Prime Minister Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), the
world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative marked its 1st anniversary.
About PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: i.In February 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM
Narendra Modi approved the scheme, with budgetary allocation of Rs 75,021 crore and is to be
implemented till Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27).
ii.The scheme aims to provide free electricity of 300 units per month to 1 crore households in
India by March 2027.
Gujarat topped among all states in terms of highest number households benefited from the scheme,
accounted 41.47% of the total number of households, followed by Maharashtra (22.79%), Uttar
Pradesh (UP) (8.69%), Kerala (7.73%), and Rajasthan (3.14%).
Siddaramaiah – launched Karnataka’s revamped single window system to improve ease of
doing business in Karnataka
- Partnered with – Microsoft | Integrated with – National Single Window System
Maaza – crossed $1 billion in sales in 2024 & became Coca-Cola’s 3rd billion-dollar brand
in India
- 1st – ‘Thums Up’ (in 2021) | 2nd – ‘Sprite’ (in 2022)
GE Aerospace Signs 5-Year Contract with IAF for T700 Engines maintenance: General
Electric (GE) Aerospace, headquartered in Ohio, United States of America (USA), has signed a
five years Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to support
the sustainment of T700-GE-701D engines powering its AH-64E-I Apache helicopters.
ideaForge Launches NETRA 5 and Advanced UAVs at Aero India 2025 Mumbai
(Maharashtra)-based ideaForge Technology Limited introduced its latest Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle (UAV), NETRA 5, along with the SWITCH V2 Tactical UAV and a logistics UAV concept
at Aero India 2025.
NETRA 5 is a lightweight, advanced drone designed for both defence and civilian applications.
Union Budget 2025-26 announced a special mission, “Gyan Bharatam Mission” for the
survey, documentation, and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage
• Budget allocation for the ‘National Manuscripts Mission (NMM)’ – hiked from Rs 3.5 Cr to Rs
60 Cr
 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Overview of Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Oman from January 27-28, 2025
Union Minister Piyush Vedprakash Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I)
visited the Sultanate of Oman from January 27 to 28, 2025. During the visit, he participated in
the the 11th Session of the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and the India-Oman
Joint Business Council (JBC) meeting in Mascot, Oman.
Highlights of the visit:
• CEPA: During the meeting, India and Oman exchanged views on a bilateral India-Oman
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is under advanced
stages of negotiations. They agreed to expedite discussions for an early signing of the
agreement aiming to boost 2-way trade and investment.
• DTAA: Both countries also signed the Protocol to amend the India-Oman Double Taxation
Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
Guinea Eliminates HAT Disease : WHO Report
In January 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Guinea has successfully
eradicated the gambiense form of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as
sleeping sickness, as a public health issue.
About Oman:
Capital- Muscat
Currency- Omani rial (OMR)
About Guinea:
Capital– Conakry
Currency– Guinean Franc (GNF)
Points:
• Niger – became 1st African country & 5th country in the world to eliminate onchocerciasis,
as announced by WHO - Other 4 countries – Colombia (2013), Ecuador (2014), Guatemala
(2016) & Mexico (2015)
WHO Declares Niger as the 1st Country in Africa to Eliminate Onchocerciasis
On January 31 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Niger as the 1st African
country to achieve the elimination of Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness.

What is Onchocerciasis?
i.Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a parasitic disease caused by the Onchocerca volvulus
parasite.
ii.The disease is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected black flies.
About Niger: Capital- Niamey Currency- West African CFA franc (XOF)
Elon Musk’s X Corp to Launch 1st Digital Wallet with Visa Partnership
In January 2025, Elon Musk owned social media platform, X Corp (formerly known as Twitter,
Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of X Holdings Corp, unveiled its 1st Digital Wallet, peer-to-peer
(P2P) payment service ‘X Money’ in partnership with Visitors International Stay Admission
(VISA), to launch a real-time payment system aiming to create an “everything application (app).”
Niger, Mali & Burkina Faso – withdrew from ECOWAS (Nigeria)
• These 3 countries rejected ECOWAS’s demand to restore democratic rule
• In Sep 2024, the trio created their own security partnership, the “Alliance of Sahel States”
Guinea – eliminated ‘Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT)’, aka ‘sleeping sickness’, as a
public health problem.
Rwanda – became 1st country to eliminate ‘rhodesiense’ form of disease as a public health
problem in 2022
Framework Agreement on establishment of IBCA officially came into force on Jan 23, 2025
• Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia & Liberia – deposited instruments of ratification to become
members of IBCA
• As of now, 27 countries including India have consented to join IBCA
• IBCA – launched by PM Modi on Apr 9, 2023, during event ‘Commemorating 50 years of
Project Tiger’.
Panama Becomes 1st Latin American Nation to Exit China’s BRI
In February 2025, the President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino Quintero announced that Panama
would not renew its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), making it the 1st Latin
American nation to withdraw from the global infrastructure program.
The initiative seeks to establish extensive networks of land and sea routes that connect Southeast
Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa, and Europe.
The most prominent BRI project is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a USD 60
billion venture linking Gwadar Port of Balochistan region in Pakistan to Xinjiang province in
China.
UNICEF Releases National Roadmap for Child & Adolescent Road Safety in India
On February 4 2025, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the
World Health Organization Collaborating Centre (WHOCC) for Injury Prevention and Safety
launched a ‘National Roadmap to address Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) among children and
adolescents in India’ at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS)
in Bengaluru (Karnataka).
India Featured in UN’s Honour Roll for Timely Payment of Regular Budget Assessments
In February 2025, The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations (UN-PMI) in New York
announced that India has once again been featured in the UN’s ‘Honour Roll’ of 35 member states
who have paid their regular budget assessments in full within the 30-day period specified in the
financial regulations of the UN.
USGBC: India Retained 3rd Spot Globally for LEED Green Building Certification in 2024;
China topped the List
Washington D.C. (the United States of America, USA)-based United States Green Building
Council (USGBC) released its latest ‘Annual list of Top 10 countries and Regions for Leadership
in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) in 2024’. India has retained its 3rd spot globally on
the list, with 370 LEED-certified projects, covering 8.50 million Gross Square Meters (GSM) or
91.5 million square feet (sq. ft.) area.
• Chinese Mainland (or China) topped the list with 1,860 LEED-certified projects, covering over
25 million GSM, followed by Canada ranked at 2nd position with 300 projects, covering 10
million GSM.
India has consistently ranked among the top 3 countries on USGBC’s annual list.
India & Panama signs MoU to Implement QIP
India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Panama for the 1st time to implement
Quick Impact Projects (QIP) in Panama. The MoU aims to provide tangible benefits to Panama’s
local communities and improve socio-economic infrastructure.
The MoU focuses on 2 key areas: Physical Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure.
• Physical Infrastructure: Development of roads, community centers, and other essential
structures.
• Social Infrastructure: Projects will also address critical sectors like education, healthcare, and
sanitation.
Capital- Panama City Currency- Panamanian Balboa (PAB)
Panama – became 1st Latin American nation to exit Beijing’s “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)”
UK announced world’s 1st new sanctions regime to combat people smuggling crime rings & block
illicit finance fuelling such operations.
South Korea – officially entered the category of a “super-aged” society
UN classifies countries with population of 65 or older: >7% – ‘aging society’ | 14% – ‘aged
society’ | >20% – ‘super-aged’ society
India + EFTA = inaugurated ‘India-EFTA Desk’ to promote trade & investment between
both regions
• EFTA – 1st European bloc to formalize a trade pact with India
- It consists – Switzerland, Norway, Iceland & Liechtenstein
• India – received an investment commitment of $100 billion in 15 years from EFTA
“Martyr Bahman Bagheri” (1st drone carrier of Iran) – unveiled by Iran’s Revolutionary
Guards in Gulf waters
• It is the ‘largest naval military project’ in the history of the Islamic republic.
Meta – to build a 50,000 km undersea cable, spanning 5 continents, connecting India to US
2 new cable systems – owned by Reliance Jio & scheduled to go live by 2025 end India Asia
Xpress (IAX) & India Europe Xpress (IEX), collectively over 15,000 km long
• IAX cable system – to connect Chennai & Mumbai to Singapore, Thailand & Malaysia

• IEX cable system – to connect France, Greece & Saudi Arabia, to some countries in West Asia
& East Africa
India & Indonesia Sign Pact to Strengthen Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance
In February 2025, India and Indonesia inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance
the quality assurance, standardization, and global promotion of traditional medicine systems.
 BANKING & FINANCE
IPPB & PNB MetLife Partner to Expand Life Insurance Access in India
On January 30, 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based India Post Payments Bank Limited (IPPB) and
Mumbai (Maharashtra) based PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife)
entered into a bancassurance partnership to enhance the accessibility of Life Insurance Solutions
across India.
About India Post Payments Bank Limited (IPPB):
Headquarters- New Delhi (Delhi)
Tagline- Aapka Bank, Aapke Dwaar (Your bank, at your Doorstep)
RBI Aligns HFCs’ NCD Private Placement Norms with NBFC Regulations
In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the alignment of regulations
governing the private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) by housing finance
companies (HFCs) with those applicable to non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
The updated guidelines will take effect on January 29, 2025, and will apply to all new private
placements of NCDs issued by HFCs with maturities exceeding one year.
NBFC- Scale Based Regulation:
i. Under NBFC regulations for the private placement of NCDs, companies are required to
formulate a board approved policy for resource planning, outlining the planning horizon
and the frequency of private placements.
ii. The minimum subscription per investor shall be Rs.20,000. The private placement of NCDs
will be classified into two segments:
• NCDs with a maximum subscription of less than Rs.1 crore per investor.
• NCDs with a minimum subscription of Rs.1 crore and above per investor.

iii. Additionally, for NCDs with a maximum subscription of less than Rs.1 crore per investor,
the total number of subscribers shall be limited to 200 per financial year (FY), and these
subscriptions must be fully secured.
About Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs):
Non-convertible debentures (NCDs) are fixed-income instruments issued by high-rated
companies to secure long-term capital through public offerings. They usually offer higher interest
rates compared to convertible debentures.
Points:
• IRDAI – directed all general & health insurers not to increase premiums beyond 10% per annum
for senior citizens
• HQs of IRDAI – Hyderabad, Telangana | Chairman – Debasish Panda | Established in – 1999
• Fintech firm Finvasia has launched the “Jumpp”, an AI-driven financial super app. Developed
in collaboration with YES Bank, Jumpp is designed to simplify personal finance by combining
banking, saving, payments, investing, and borrowing into 1 seamless platform.
• HQs of Yes Bank – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Tagline – “Experience our Expertise”
• As per MoC&I, combined “Index of 8 Core Industries (ICI)” – increased by 4% in Dec 2024
(from Dec 2023)
• 8 core industries – comprise 40.27% of weight of items included in ‘Index of Industrial
Production (IIP)’
• Cumulative growth rate of ICI from April to December 2024-25 – 4.2% (provisional)
• Sector-wise production and cumulative index of 8 core sectors:
RBI Ombudsman Resolved 95% of Complaints in FY24
In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its latest Annual Report of the
Ombudsman Scheme, 2023-24. As per the report, RBI resolved 95% (i.e. 2.84 lakh) complaints
received under the Reserve Bank-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS) between April 1,
2023 and March 31, 2024 and achieved a disposable rate of 95.10%.
RBI Tightens Norms for Imposing Penalty under PSS Act, 2007
Key Features: i.RBI has been empowered under Section 30 of the PSS Act, to impose a penalty
not exceeding Rs 10 lakh or twice the amount involved in such contravention or default where
such amount is quantifiable, whichever is more.
Note: Previously, the RBI was empowered to impose a penalty up to Rs 5 lakh. The amount was
increased following the enactment of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023,
which came into force on January 22, 2024.
ii.In cases where such contravention or default is repeating one, a further penalty of maximum
Rs 25,000 for every day after the 1st instance, during which the contravention or default continues,
can also be imposed.
The monetary penalty or compounding amount is required to be paid within 30 days from the date
of receipt of penalty or compounding order, as the case may be.
SBI introduces New Term Deposit Scheme for Super Senior Citizens
In January 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based State Bank of India (SBI) introduced a new Term
Deposit (TD) Scheme called ‘SBI Patrons’ for Super Senior Citizens (residents aged 80 years or
above).
NPCI Implements New Rules for UPI Transaction ID from February 1, 2025
Mumbai (Maharashtra) based National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has implemented
New Rules for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, effective from February 1, 2025.
This regulation mandates that all UPI transaction Identifications (IDs) containing special
characters (@, #, $, %, and others) will be declined and must use only the alphanumeric characters.
SEBI proposed measures amid rising instances of online financial fraud after consultation
with NPCI & its 2 committees

• Unique UPI IDs of securities market will include handle name “@payright” combined with bank
name
Implementation of this proposed mechanism involves 4 nodes i.e., SEBI, NPCI, banks &
registered intermediaries
• SEBI also proposed an upper limit of up to Rs 5 lakh per day for capital market transactions
done through UPI
• HQs of SEBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Madhabi Puri Buch | Established in – 1992
Nirmala Sitharaman – announced “Grameen Credit Score”, to be developed by PSBs for
credit needs of members of SHGs & people in rural areas
• SVAMITVA Scheme – Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village
Areas Aim: To provide a ‘record of rights’ to those having houses in villages & issue them a
property card
• Rs 500 Cr – allocated as a Grant-in-aid to NCDC for strengthening Cooperative Sugar Mills Rs
1,000 Cr – given by centre in 2 instalments of Rs 500 Cr each for providing loans up to Rs 10,000
Cr to sugar mills.
Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled ‘Budget for FY 2025-26’:
Expenditure – Rs 50.65 lakh Cr | Receipts (other than borrowings) – Rs 34.96 lakh Cr | Capex –
Rs 11.21 lakh Cr
• Revenue deficit – 1.5% of GDP | Fiscal deficit – 4.4% of GDP
• Centre has budgeted Rs 1,50,000 crore for special interest-free loans to states for capex in 2025-
26.
• FDI limit for insurance sector – increased from 74% to 100% for companies which invest their
entire premium in India
• Highest monthly GST intake – in Apr 2024 (Rs 2.1 lakh Cr)
Union Budget 2025-2026 proposed an increase in limits for tax deducted & tax collected at
source (TDS & TCS)
• Senior citizens – exempted from TDS for interest income up to Rs 1 lakh in an FY
• Nirmala Sitharaman raised the limit of income tax rebate from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh under
New Tax Regime (NTR)
• Income Tax Slabs under NTR:
Income tax comes under the ‘direct tax’ category, such as: Corporate tax, personal income
tax, securities transaction tax, equalization levy, fringe benefits tax, wealth tax, banking cash
transaction tax, hotel receipt tax, interest tax, expenditure tax, estate duty, & gift tax.
“20th Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations, 2024” – instituted by IBA
• Karnataka Bank – won awards in 6 categories
Nirmala Sitharaman – presented the Union Budget 2025-26 with the theme “Sabka Vikas”
• She now holds the record for presenting the union budget for 8th consecutive times
(Morarji Desai - 10 times in total)
• Finance Minister identified 4 engines of the Indian economy: - Agriculture (first), Micro
Small, and Medium Enterprises (second), Investment (third), & Export (fourth)
• Finance Minister outlined the broad Principles of Viksit Bharat to encompass these sub
goals:
Zero-poverty
100% good quality school education
Access to high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare
100% skilled labour with meaningful employment
70% of women in economic activities
Farmers making our country the ‘food basket of the world’
• The budget targets reform in 6 sectors: - Taxation, Power Sector, Urban Development,
Mining, Financial Sector, and Regulatory Reforms
Finvasia Partners with YES Bank Launched AI-Driven Super App ‘Jumpp’
In January 2025, Chandigarh (Punjab) based Finvasia, a fintech company partnered with Mumbai
(Maharashtra) based YES Bank Limited to launch ‘Jumpp’, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled
super application (app) to simplify personal finance.
RBI Injects USD 5.1 billion Liquidity via FX Swap Auction
In January, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Reserve Bank of India (RBI), conducted a dollar-
rupee buy/sell foreign exchange swap (FX swap) auction for USD 5.1 billion.
RBI imposed penalties of Rs 65 lakh on Equitas SFB & Rs 26.70 lakh India Post Payments Bank
Avaada Group Partners with Casale to Develop India’s Largest Green Ammonia Plant in
Odisha
In January 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)- based Avaada Group partnered with Casale, a company
fully owned by Casale Holding and headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, to develop India’s
largest green ammonia plant in Gopalpur, Odisha.
Gujarat CM Launched Sensex F&O Contracts on India INX at GIFT City
In February 2025, Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat launched Sensex Future &
Options (F&O) contracts on the India International Exchange (India INX), India’s first
international stock exchange platform and subsidiary of Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE)
at Gujarat International Finance Tech-City- International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC)
in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
It is India’s 1st international exchange established at GIFT City in 2017.
SEBI Proposes New Combo Product: MFs with TLI
In January 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI),
the capital market regulator, is planning to introduce a new financial product that combines Mutual
Funds (MFs) investments with Term Life Insurance (TLI).
CRISIL: India’s GDP to grow at 6.5% in FY26; CAD widen to 1.3%
According to the CRISIL Ratings Limited (formerly Credit Rating and Information Services of
India Limited) latest report, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow by 6.5%
in the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26).
T-Hub & ITFA Sign MoU to Boost India-Turkiye Trade & Cultural Ties

In January 2025, Hyderabad (Telangana) based startup incubator Technology Hub (T-Hub) signed
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association (ITFA)
during ITFA’s inaugural event at the Hyderabad Turkish Consulate General in Jubilee Hills in
Hyderabad, Telangana.
20th “Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations, 2024” – held in Mumbai
- Organized by – IBA | Awards were presented by – T. Rabi Sankar (RBI Deputy Governor)
HDFC Bank Ltd – winner in ‘Best Digital Sales, Payments & Engagement’
• SBI – winner in ‘Best Fintech & DPI Adoption’ & ‘Best FI awards’
NPCI – declined UPI transactions containing special characters in their transaction IDs
from Feb 1, 2025
• It requires all UPI transaction IDs to be strictly alphanumeric.
IBBI – amended ‘Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations,
2016’ & ‘Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India (Voluntary Liquidation Process) Rules, 2017’
to streamline auction procedure, improve reporting requirements & ensure better fund
management.
SBI – introduced “SBI Patrons Fixed Deposit Scheme”, specifically for super senior citizens
aged 80 & above
Deposit: Minimum – Rs 1,000 | Maximum – Rs 3 Cr
South Indian Bank Unveiled Startup Current Accounts
In February 2025, Thrissur (Kerala)-based South Indian Bank Limited (SIB), one of India’s
leading Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), has launched two new innovative startup Current
Account (CA) products namely, ‘SIB Business Startup Current Account’ and ‘SIB Corporate
Startup Current Account’. This move aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem in India.
IOB becomes Signatory of Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials
Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)-based Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), India’s leading Public Sector
Bank (PSB), has become a signatory of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials
(PCAF).
PCAF is a global initiative formed in 2015 by 14 Dutch financial Institutions (FIs) under the
leadership of the Hague (the Netherlands)-based ASN Bank. It was launched globally in 2019.
Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Union Bank of India (UBI) was the 1st major Indian bank to sign
the PCAF in September 2016. Later, New Delhi (Delhi)-based PSB, Punjab National Bank (PNB)
signed this framework in November 2024.
RBI Released Payment System Report, December 2024
In February 2023, the FPS of India (UPI) and Singapore (PayNow) were linked together.
India joined Project Nexus, facilitating multilateral linkage of FPS of Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries i.e. Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. An
agreement to this effect was signed on June 30, 2024.
• Project Nexus was conceptualized by Singapore-based Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
Innovation Hub, to develop ‘Nexus’ as a multilateral network connecting domestic Instant
Payment System (IPS) networks of participating countries.
About Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007: i. The Act has authorised RBI to regulate
and supervise payment systems in India. ii. The Act empowers RBI to issue licenses/authorisations
to payment system operators. These operators include entities involved in operating and
maintaining various types of payment systems like: Clearing Corporation of India Limited
(CCIL), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), among others. iii. The Board for
Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS) is chaired by Sanjay
Malhotra, RBI Governor.
CA Grameen Receives USD 50 Million IFC Loan to Boost Women Borrowers
In February 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka) based CreditAccess (CA) Grameen Limited, India’s
largest Non Banking Financial Company-Microfinance Institution (NBFC-MFI) received a USD
50 million loan from Washington, D.C. (United States of America, USA) based International
Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group (WBG).
121 Finance: 1st Lender on GeM Sahay 2.0 Built on OCEN Framework
In January 2025, Jaipur (Rajasthan) based 121 Finance Private Limited, India’s 1st Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) registered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) Factor partnered with
Government e-Marketplace (GeM), an initiative of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(MoC&I), along with Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Perfios Software Solutions Private Limited
and Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) developed GeM Sahay 2.0.
RBI Launches Regulatory Sandbox for Testing Offline Digital Payment Solution
In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a Regulatory Sandbox (RS) to test
the “On Tap” application facility under the theme of ‘Retail Payments’.
• Chennai (TamilNadu, TN) based Exto India Technologies Private Limited was selected to
participate in the ‘Test Phase’ of this initiative.
“GIC Re, India Service Company” – approved incorporation in UK, as a wholly owned
subsidiary of GIC Re
• It has no minimum capital requirement & can be set up with a capital of £1.
RDCL – received a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from RBI to commence operations in
March 2025
-- Paid-up capital – Rs 500 Cr | Registered office – Mumbai, Maharashtra
RDCL – RMBS Development Company Limited | RMBS – Residential Mortgage-Backed
Securitisation.
RBI – approved to set up an Umbrella Organisation, “National Urban Cooperative Finance
& Development Corporation (NUCFDC)”
-- To address the difficulties being faced by urban cooperative banks (UCBs) in their business
It will function as an NBFC & an SRO, after receiving a paid-up capital of Rs 300 Cr
PNB MetLife + Policybazaar = partnered to launch “Smart Invest Pension Plan”, a unit-linked
insurance plan (ULIP)
MoD Signed Contract with Russia for Procurement of Anti-Ship Cruise Missile
In February 2024, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India (GoI) signed a contract with
Russia for procurement of anti-ship cruise missiles. The agreement was signed in the presence of
Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD in New Delhi, Delhi.

• The purchase of these anti-ship cruise missiles will significantly enhance the combat capabilities
of the Indian Navy (IN)’s submarine fleet.
NaBFID Extends Rs 2,000 crore Loan to Blackstone-backed Data Centre
In February 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based state-owned National Bank for Financing
Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) announced that it has extended Rs 2,000 crore loan to
Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Gramercy Techpark Private Limited, backed by New York (the
United States of America, USA) based alternative investment management company Blackstone
Inc., for setting up of 120 MegaWatt (MW) data centre at Mahape in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Beacon Launches India Bill Pay for NRIs in Canada
Beacon, a fintech firm on financial services for immigrants in Toronto (Canada), launched ‘India
Bill Pay’.
RBI’s Digital Payments Index Increases to 465.33 as of September 2024
In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revealed that its Digital Payments Index (DPI)
has increased from 445.5 in March 2024 to 465.33 as of September 2024, this marks an 11.11%
increase Year on-Year (Y-o-Y).
RBI had been publishing the composite RBI-DPI since January 1, 2021.
The index is based on 5 key parameters: payment enablers (25%); payment infrastructure-
Demand-side factor (10%); payment infrastructure -Supply-side factor (15%); payment
performance (45%) and consumer centricity (5%).
Key highlights of RBI’s 6th Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held in Feb
2025:
• RBI’s MPC has 6 members (3 from RBI + 3 from GoI) & MPC Meeting was headed by RBI
Governor Sanjay Malhotra
• Latest rates:-- Repo rate – 6.25% | Reverse Repo Rate – 3.35% | Bank Rate or MSF – 6.50%
CRR – 4% | SLR – 18% | SDF – 6%
• India’s GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 – 6.7%
IDFC FIRST Bank – launched special products for senior citizens, ‘Senior Citizen Savings
Account’ & ‘Senior Citizen Fixed Deposits’.
M Suresh Kumar Reddy (Brightcom Group’s CMD) & Vijay Kancharla (whole-time
director & promoter) –
debarred by SEBI for 5 years each from securities market
-- They are alleged for financial misrepresentation & disclosure violations.
MoD signed contracts for procurement of rockets for Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch
Systems | Worth
– Rs 10,147 Cr
With EEL – for procurement of ‘Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1’ rocket
MoD + BEL = contract for upgrades in Shakti software
Space Kidz – to have an all-women scientific lunar mission, called “ShakthiSAT”, by Sep 2026.
Space Kidz + IN-SPACe = an MoU for academic help during this project
Google – introduced “Veo 2” AI-powered video generator
NABARD Approves 127 Projects Worth Rs.903.21 Crore in Himachal Pradesh
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned 127
projects totaling Rs.903.21 crore for Himachal Pradesh (HP) in the fiscal year 2024-25.
RBI Approves Findi to acquire 100% stake in TCPSL for Rs.330 crore
In February 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the Mumbai (Maharashtra) based
Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (TCPSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata
Communications that operates white label Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in India to sell its
100% stake to Transaction Solutions International (TSI), the Indian subsidiary of Australian
fintech company Findi.
SEBI allowed Retail Investors to join Algo trading from August 1 2025
In February 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a comprehensive
framework to regulate algorithmic (algo) trading for retail investors.
Kerala Secures Rs 2,424 Crore Loan from WB to Strengthen Healthcare System
In February 2025, the Government of Kerala (GoK) approved the ‘Kerala Health System
Improvement Programme (KHSP)’ with a loan of Rs 2,424.28 crore (approximately USD 280
million) from the United State of America (USA) based World Bank(WB).
PNB MetLife Partners with Policybazaar to Launch Smart Invest Pension Plan.
TPREL and BoB Sign MOU for Rooftop Solar Financing Under PMSGMBY
Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vadodara (Gujarat) based Bank of Baroda Limited
(BoB) to offer loans for Residential Rooftop Solar Installations.
• This collaboration aims to support the Prime Minister – Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
(PMSGMBY), an initiative targeting 1 crore households with rooftop solar panels by March 2027.
Installations ranging from 3 kW to 10 kW qualify for loans up to Rs.6 lakh with a 20% margin
contribution.
Zomato Rebrands as ‘Eternal’ to Reflect Expanded Vision, Unveils New Logo
On February 6, 2025, Leading Indian food and grocery delivery giant Zomato announced that it
will rename its parent company to Eternal Limited.,
RBI released a detailed framework for a ‘Regulatory Sandbox’ to provide a safe & protected
environment for innovative fintech startups to test their product hypothesis before taking it to
market.
4 Cohorts: 1st – Digital payments | 2nd – Cross-border payments | 3rd – MSME lending | 4th –
Fraud prevention
121 Finance + GeM = partnered to bring live the new enhanced version of GeM Sahay With this,
121 Finance became 1st Lender on GeM Sahay 2.0
RBI – to hike maximum fee that banks can charge for customers’ incremental cash
transactions beyond free 5 transactions limit & ATM interchange fee
Recommended by – NPCI
• Cash transaction after customer exhausts their free transactions limit – increased to ₹22 per
transaction (from ₹21)
• ATM interchange fee increased for: Cash transactions – to ₹19 (from ₹17) | Non-cash
transactions – to ₹7 (from ₹6)
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance – launched “HERizon Care”, India’s 1st health insurance plan
offering multiple specialized covers in a single policy
• It offers 2 covers – ‘Vita Shield’ & ‘Cradle Care
RBI announced that entities will receive internet domain to reduce cyber security risks &
phishing attempts

Indian banks – to receive ‘bank.in’ | Non-bank financial entities – to receive ‘fin.in’

• Exclusive registrar for these domains – Institute for Development and Research in Banking
Technology (IDRBT)
IDFC FIRST Bank + Ikonz (Hyd) = used latest AI avatar of actor Amitabh Bachchan at 10 more
branches in 5 new cities.
Rediff.com India– granted “Third-Party Application Provider” license by NPCI for digital
payment platform, ‘RediffPay’
- Payment System Provider (PSP) bank – Axis Bank
RBI Approves Voluntary Merger of Two Urban Co-operative Banks
In February 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the voluntary merger of two Urban
Co operative Banks (UCBs) in India. The merger of Vasco-Da-Gama (Goa)-based Citizen Co-
operative Bank Limited (CCB) with Thane (Maharashtra)-based TJSB Sahakari Bank Limited.
Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) categorized into four tiers: Tier 1 –Deposits up to Rs 100 crore
Tier 2 – Deposits above Rs 100 crore and less than Rs 1,000 crore. Tier 3 – Deposits above Rs
1,000 crore and less than Rs 10,000 crore. Tier 4 – Deposits above Rs 10,000 crore.
SBI Reports 84.32 % Rise in NP to Rs 16,891 crore for Q3FY25
In February, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based State Bank of India (SBI) reported an 84.32%
year-on year (YoY) rise in its Net Profit (NP), reaching Rs.16,891 crore from Rs.9164 crore in the
3rd Quarter Financial Year 2024-25 (Q3-FY25).
Highlights of RBI 6th Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy for FY 25

RBI to Introduce ‘bank.in’ and ‘fin.in’ Domains to Enhance Cybersecurity

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the launch of exclusive internet domains,
‘bank.in’ and ‘fin.in’, to strengthen cybersecurity in the financial sector.
The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) based in
Hyderabad, Telangana will serve as the official registrar for these domains.
RBI to Implement AFA for Cross-Border Digital Transactions
The RBI has announced plans to implement Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) for cross-
border Card Not Present (CNP) transactions.
RBI Allows Non-Bank Brokers Access to NDS-OM, Forms Panel on Market Timings
The RBI) has announced that non-bank brokers registered with the Securities and Exchange Board
of India (SEBI) headquartered in Mumbai,Maharashtra can now directly access the Negotiated
Dealing System – Order Matching (NDS-OM) platform.
The RBI has established a nine-member working group to conduct a comprehensive review of
trading and settlement timings for financial markets under its regulation.
The panel is led by RBI Executive Director (ED) Radha Shyam Ratho and is expected to submit
its findings by April 30, 2025.
RBI Defers Implementation of LCR and Project Financing Norms to 2026
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to postpone the implementation of the proposed
Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) norms and project financing guidelines by a year, with the new
deadline set for no earlier than March 31, 2026.
As part of the LCR framework, banks were instructed to allocate an additional 5% as a run-
off factor for retail deposits linked to internet and mobile banking (IMB).
RBI Delays Implementation of Additional Reserve Requirement for Digital Deposits Until
2026
The RBI has decided to postpone the implementation of new guidelines requiring banks to allocate
additional funds for digitally-linked deposits. Initially planned for an earlier rollout, these norms
will now take effect no sooner than March 2026.
RBI Imposes Rs.35.60 Lakh Penalty on Federal Bank & Karur Vysya Bank for Regulatory
Non Compliance
Federal Bank has been fined Rs.27.30 lakh for not complying with RBI directions on interest rates
of deposits.
Karur Vysya Bank has been penalized Rs.8.30 lakh for not complying with RBI directions on the
loan system for bank credit delivery.
SFBs Received RBI Approval to Offer Credit Lines on UPI
In February 2025, Small Finance Banks (SFBs) received the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
approval ) to provide pre-sanctioned credit lines through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
This move, effective from February 12, 2025, aligns with the RBI’s December 2024
announcement during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.
In September 2023, RBI expanded the scope of UPI by enabling pre-sanctioned credit lines to be
linked through UPI.However, this feature was limited to commercial banks, excluding Payments
Banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and Regional Rural Banks(RRBs).
Axis Bank Launches New Mobile App Feature for Easy FD Booking
On February 11 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Axis Bank Limited, one of the largest private
sector banks in India, launched a first-of-its-kind feature allowing customers to open Fixed
Deposits (FDs) with its mobile application (app).
SEBI – introduced “Industry Standards Forum (ISF)” for minimum information required by
listed entities to provide to audit committee & shareholders when seeking approval for related
party transactions (RPTs)
• ISF comprised representatives from 3 industry associations – ASSOCHAM, CII & FICCI
RBI superseded the board of directors of New India Cooperative Bank
Shreekant (a former CGM of SBI) – appointed as ‘Administrator
Decentro – launched India’s 1st fully compliant, self-hosted “CKYC (Central KYC)” solution

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Air India & Kenya Airways Enters Codeshare Partnership to Expand Connectivity
In January 2025, Gurgaon (Haryana) based Air India, owned by the Tata Group and Singapore
Airlines, formed a codeshare partnership with Kenya Airways Limited to expand its network and
offer more travel options for passengers. The two airlines will also continue their interline
partnership.
Garuda Aerospace Pledged Rs 100 Crore to Develop India’s 1st Drone City in AP
In January 2025, Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)-based Garuda Aerospace Private Limited, leading
drone manufacturing company in India, pledged to invest Rs 100 crore for the development of
India’s 1st ‘Drone City’ in Andhra Pradesh (AP). The proposed drone city will be established in
Orvakal village of Kurnool district of AP.
SIDBI & TIDITSSIA Sign MoU to Support Local Industries In January 2025, the Lucknow, Uttar
Pradesh based Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with The Tiruchirapalli District Tiny & Small Scale Industries Association
(TIDITSSIA) to foster mutual cooperation and support local industries.
SIDBI & TIDITSSIA Sign MoU to Support Local Industries
In January 2025, the Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh based Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Tiruchirapalli District Tiny &
Small Scale Industries Association (TIDITSSIA) to foster mutual cooperation and support local
industries.
NTPC & IA Sign PPA for Solar-Hydrogen Microgrid in Ladakh
In February 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based NTPC Limited (Formerly National Thermal Power
Corporation), under the Ministry of Power (MoP) and the Indian Army (IA) signed a 25 years
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Board of GIC Re Approved Setting-up Wholly-owned Subsidiary in UK
In February 2025, the Board of Directors(BoD) of Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based General
Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) has approved the setting-up of a wholly-owned
subsidiary i.e. GIC Re, India Service Company in the United Kingdom (UK).
The company will seek final approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
of India (IRDAI) before making the investment.
Note: (GIC Re) is a 100% Government of India(GoI)-owned Public Sector Undertaking(PSU)
company. It has branch offices in London(the UK) and Kuala Lumpur(Malaysia).
SBI MF expanded its stake in Axis Bank to 5.0238%
In February, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based SBI Mutual Fund (MF) managed by SBI Funds
Management Limited (SBIFML) expanded its stake by 0.036% in Mumbai (Maharashtra) based
Axis Bank Limited.
IEA Report: India’s Natural Gas Consumption to Increase 60%, Imports double by 2030
According to Paris (France)-based International Energy Agency (IEA)’s report titled “India Gas
Market Report: Outlook to 2030”, India’s natural gas consumption is expected to increase by
nearly 60% to 103 billion cubic meters (bcm) annually by 2030.
India’s Retail Inflation Drops to 4.31% in January 2025
According to the data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation (MoSPI), India’s Retail Inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index
(CPI), dropped to 4.31% in January 2025, marking a 5-month low.

DEFENCE AFFAIRS
DRDO – conducted 3 successive flight trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD)
system from Chandipur off the coast of Odisha
• VSHORADS – a 4th generation technically-advanced miniaturised man-portable air defence
system Designed & developed by = RCI, DRDO & 2 other production agencies engaged in DcPP
mode
• VSHORADS can engage targets at ranges of 250 metres to 6,000 metres & altitudes up to 12,000
feet.
13th joint military exercise “Ekuverin” – commenced in Maldives between the armies of
India & Maldives
• It is a bilateral annual exercise conducted alternatively in India & Maldives
- In 2023, it was conducted at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand from June 11 to 24.
GRSE + Apollo Micro Systems = an MoU to diversify in field of underwater weapons &
communication systems sector
• GRSE – already delivered ‘Jaldoot’, an Autonomous Surface Vessel to DRDO
MoD + BEL = contract for procurement of 28 key systems, “EON-51”, for 11 new-generation
offshore patrol vessels & 3 cadet training ships for Indian Navy
• EON-51 – Electro Optical Fire Control System providing search, detection & classification of
targets
Saab – completed deliveries of “AT4” disposable anti-tank weapons to Indian military &
personnel being trained on it.
AT4-CS – a lightweight, man-portable, fully disposable anti-tank weapon selected by Indian Army
& Air Force in 2022 | Effective range – 200m
Iran – inaugurated its 1st drone-carrier warship, “Shahid Bagheri”, capable of operating in oceans
far from its mainland.
3rd edition of joint special forces “Exercise CYCLONE” – commenced at Mahajan Field
Firing Ranges in Rajasthan
- It is an exercise between India & Egypt
Exercise ‘Desert Warrior’ – another joint tactical air exercise between India & Egypt

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

BCCI Awards 2025: Jasprit Bumrah & Smriti Mandhana Named Best International
Cricketers of 2023-24
Jasprit Bumrah won the Best International Cricketer of the Year (also called the Polly Umrigar
Award) 2023-24 in the Men’s category, and Smriti Mandhana won the Best International Cricketer
of the Year 2023-24 in the Women ’s category at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
Awards 2025 (Naman Awards).
• Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, fondly called the “God of Cricket” or “Master
Blaster,” was presented with the Colonel CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award of the Year
2024.
President Droupadi Murmu – graced & addressed the 15th National Voters’ Day
Celebrations in New Delhi
• President presented the “Best Electoral Practices Awards 2024” to state & district officials
• She received 1st copy of the book “India Votes 2024: A Saga of Democracy” from Rajiv Kumar,
CEC
Noel Naval Tata Honored with Doctorate by University of Sussex
In January 2025, England (The United Kingdom, UK) based the University of Sussex awarded an
honorary doctorate to Noel Naval Tata, a prominent business leader from the Mumbai
(Maharashtra)-based Tata Group and a distinguished alumnus of the university, for his exceptional
contribution to global business leadership.
Tshego Gaelae – 1st Black woman & 2nd South African to win the 40th edition of “Mrs
World 2025” title
• The grand finale took place – in Las Vegas, US
• 1st runner-up – Ishadi Amanda (Sri Lanka)
Late Chaman Arora – chosen for “Sahitya Akademi Award 2024” in Dogri for his book ‘Ik Hor
Ashwthama’ (short stories)
67th Annual Grammy Awards: India’s Chandrika Tandon Bags Grammy Award for
“Triveni“
Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon, an Indian-American entrepreneur and vocalist won her first
Grammy Award under the category Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for “Triveni” at the
67th annual Grammy Awards (also known as Grammy 2025), the biggest musical awards night,
at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, the United States of America (USA).
• She shared the award with her collaborators, Wouter Kellerman (3rd time), a South African
flutist, and Eru Matsumoto (first time), a Japanese cellist.
Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon was born in 1954 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN)
Pandit Ravi Shankar was the first Indian musician to win the Grammy Award in 1968 for Best
Chamber Music Performance for the album West Meets East.
The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held from 20th November
to 28th November 2024 at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Panaji, Goa. The theme of
IFFI 2024, “Young Filmmakers – The Future is Now,” reflecting the importance of youth in
shaping the future of cinema.
IFFI 2024 had Australia as the Country of Focus.
Deepak Kumar Kedia Bestowed with “CA in Public Service” Award by ICAI
In February 2025, Deepak Kumar Kedia, Inspector General (IG) Headquarters, National Security
Guard (NSG), has been bestowed with the prestigious “CA in Public Service” Award by the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for his outstanding contributions to public
service, particularly in law enforcement and national security.
MoC Honors Chaman Arora with Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in Dogri
In February 2025, the Ministry of Culture (MoC) announced that the late Chaman Arora has been
selected for the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the Dogri language for his short story book ‘Ik
Hor Ashwthama’(Short Stories).
The award comprises a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of
Rs.1 lakh.
NTPC – honoured with the “Forward Faster Sustainability Award 2025” in the ‘Water
Resilience’ category
- Organised by – UN GCNI (in Chennai, TN)
12th World Government Summit (WGS) – held in Dubai |
Theme – “Shaping Future Governments”

• “Global Best M-Gov Award 2025” – 3 Indian computer science students from New Delhi won
‘Bronze Award’ –
- Team – Sagar Teotia (team lead), Abhinav Mishra & Anushka Singh (Maharaja Agrasen Institute
of Technology)
Presented by – Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Vice President of the UAE) |
It carries cash prize of – $10,000
Sportico’s 100 Top Highest-Paid Athletes 2024: Ronaldo Leads the List with USD 260
Million; No Female in the Top 100
In February 2025, Sports industry news site Sportico’s released 4th Annual list of 100 Top
Highest-Paid Athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese professional footballer is the world’s
highest-paid athlete in 2024 for the 2nd consecutive year, earning USD 260 million.
• Stephen Curry (USD 153.8 million), an American professional basketball player secured 2nd
place, and Tyson Fury (USD 147 million), a British former professional boxer secured 3rd place
on the list.
7th edition of “Sportstar Aces Awards 2025” – held at Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai,
Maharashtra Awards
• Popular Choice Awards 2025: Category
Winner Sportstar of the Year (Male) PR Sreejesh- Hockey
Sport Sportstar of the Year (Female) Manu Bhaker- Shooting
National Team of the Year Indian Men and Women Chess Team- Chess
Club/State Team of the Year Mumbai City Football Club (FC) – Football
Sporting Moment of the Year Arshdeep Singh Aulakh- Cricket

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

ACC Appoints Rajesh Nirwan as DG of BCAS
In January 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the
appointment of a 1992-batch senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre
Rajesh Nirwan as the Director General (DG) of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)
under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
Hisashi Takeuchi – re-appointed as MD & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd for 3 yrs.
Bart De Wever (N-VA party) – took the oath as new Prime Minister of Belgium
Belgium – Brussels – Euro
Jotham Napat (Leaders Party of Vanuatu) – elected as new PM of Vanuatu
• Vanuatu – Port Vila – Vanuatu Vatu
26th Council of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), for the term 2025-26:
-Charanjot Singh Nanda – elected as 73rd President
Prasanna Kumar D – elected as 73rd Vice-President
Konstantinos Tasoulas – elected as President of Greece
 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
GRSE Limited & AMS Private Limited Sign MoU for Defence and Aerospace Collaboration
On January 30, 2025, Kolkata, (West Bengal, WB) based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
Limited (GRSE) and Hyderabad (Telangana) based Apollo Micro Systems (AMS) Private
Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a 5-year partnership aimed at
advancing cutting-edge technologies and strengthening India’s Defence and Aerospace
capabilities.
About Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE):
Headquarters– Kolkata, West Bengal (WB)
About Apollo Micro Systems Private Limited (AMS):
Headquarters– Hyderabad, Telangana
ISRO’s Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Pilot NASA’s Private Axiom Mission 4, Marking
1st Indian Astronaut to travel to ISS
In January 2025, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s astronaut and the fighter pilot of
Indian Air Force (IAF), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, has been named the pilot for Axiom
Mission 4(Ax-4), a private spaceflight for International Space Station (ISS).
About Axiom-4 Mission: i.In 2023, NASA signed a mission of order with Texas (the USA)-based
Axiom Space, American space infrastructure developer for the 4th private astronaut mission
named Axiom mission (Ax-4) to the ISS.
Sunita Williams – broke record for total spacewalking time by a woman by logging 62 hours &
6 minutes of spacewalk
Vayve Mobility – launched solar-powered EV, “EVA”
It has 3 variants – ‘Niva’, ‘Stella’ & ‘Vega’
IN Launches LSAM 23, the 9th ACTCM Barge to Boost Logistics Capabilities
In January 2025, the Indian Navy (IN) launched its 9th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile
(ACTCM) Barge, named Landing Ship Ammunition 23 (LSAM 23) (Yard 133), at M/s Suryadipta
Projects Private Limited in Thane, Maharashtra. The launching ceremony was presided over by
Commodore (Cmde) Rakesh Anand (Retd.), Group Head of Marine Division.
JAXA Launches ‘Michibiki 6’ Navigation Satellite into Orbit
On February 2, 2025, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) based in Tokyo, Japan
launched the ‘Michibiki 6’, a navigation satellite aboard its H3 rocket from the Tanegashima
Space Center (TNSC) in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
Sunita Williams Sets New Record for Longest Spacewalk by a Female Astronaut During
92nd USA Spacewalk
In January, 2025, an Indian-origin astronaut from the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) Sunita “Suni” Williams set a new record for the longest total
spacewalking time by a female astronaut, reaching 62 hours and 6 minutes. This milestone was
achieved during the 92nd United States of America (USA) spacewalk.
ISRO Unveils FEAST Software at IIT-Hyderabad
On February 2, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the latest
version of the Finite Element Analysis of Structures (FEAST) software at the 8th National Finite
Element Developers’ Meeting held at the Indian Institute of Technology – Hyderabad (IIT-H) in
Hyderabad (Telangana).
CCS approved procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator from USA
In February 2025, The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister (PM)
Narendra Modi, approved 2 strategic defence projects. These include the procurement of 31
MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States of America (USA) based General Atomics (GA),
valued at USD 3.99 billion, and the indigenous development of 2 nuclear-powered attack
submarines (SSNs).
• The deal includes 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian variants, with the Indian Navy(IN)
receiving 15 drones, while the Indian Army(IA) and the Indian Air Force(IAF) will each get
eight.
• The acquisition of Predator drones aims to strengthen India’s intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The Predator drones, capable of flying for up to 40 hours(h), will bolster India’s maritime
surveillance and strike capabilities, particularly in high-threat regions like the Indian Ocean.
Russia Launches ‘Soyuz-2v Rocket’ Carrying Military Satellites into Orbit
On February 5 2025, a Soyuz-2.1v rocket carrying multiple payloads was successfully launched
from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk Region, Russia. This mission was carried out
in the interest of the Russian Ministry of Defence and aimed at deploying military satellites into
orbit. The Soyuz-2.1v is a light class rocket, designed for such tasks.
US Navy Tests HELIOS Laser Weapon to Strengthen Naval Operations
In February 2025, the United States Navy (USN) announced that it has successfully tested the
High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system aboard
the “The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG-88) in the middle of the
ocean.
China’s Shenzhou-19 Crew Produces Oxygen & Rocket Fuel in Space Through Artificial
Photosynthesis
In February 2025, the Shenzhou-19 crew aboard China’s Tiangong space station (located in Low
Earth Orbit, LEO) successfully produced Oxygen (O2) and Rocket Fuel ingredients through
Artificial Photosynthesis (AP).
• The Shenzhou-19 crew’s experiment is the first-ever in-orbit application of this method,
Blue Origin Completed NS-29 Mission, Successfully Simulated Lunar Gravity
In February 2025, Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder) owned Blue Origin completed its 29th New
Shepard flight (NS-29), an unscrewed spaceflight mission and 14th payload mission. The mission
used the New Shepard rocket, which was lifted off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site in West Texas,
the United States of America (USA).
The mission will test 6 main lunar technology areas.
Pakistan + China = an MoU allowing Pakistan’s first lunar rover to be part of China’s
“Chang’E 8” mission
Developed by – SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission)
• It will be deployed at lunar south pole, as part of Chang’E 8 mission, scheduled for launch in
2028
8th national finite element developers’ meeting – held at IIT Hyderabad
• ISRO – unveiled latest version of “Finite Element Analysis of Structures (FEAST)” software
Developed by – Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (ISRO)
Nirmala Sitharaman – announced ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ to develop indigenous Small
Modular Reactors (SMR)
Outlay – ₹20,000 Cr | At least 5 of these reactors will be operationalised by 2033
ISRO Successfully Carried out Ignition Trial of Indigenous CE20 Cryogenic Engine
In February 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
successfully carried out the ignition trial of the indigenous built ‘CE20’ cryogenic engine
powering the upper stage of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). The engine was developed by
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO.
Pakistan Partners with China for Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission in 2028
On February 5, 2025, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) of
Pakistan and the China National Space Administration (CNSA), China signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to include Pakistan’s first lunar rover in China’s Chang’e-8 mission,
scheduled for 2028.
Chang’e-8 is a planned Chinese lunar mission set for 2028, focusing on exploring the Moon’s
south pole.
IIT Madras + ISRO = developed & tested an aerospace-quality SHAKTI-based
semiconductor chip, “IRIS”
- IRIS – Indigenous RISCV Controller for Space Applications
• Conceived by – ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), Thiruvananthapuram | Designed &
implemented by – IIT Madras
Dr Jitendra Singh – launched India’s 1st indigenous Automated Bio-Medical Waste
Treatment Plant, “Sṛjanam,” at AIIMS New Delhi.
SpaceX Launches 21 Starlink Satellites into Orbit aboard
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched a new batch of 21 Starlink satellites into Low-
Earth Orbit (LEO) from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in
Florida, the United States of America (USA), marking another milestone in the expansion of its
satellite internet constellation.
• This marks SpaceX’s 19th Falcon 9 mission of 2025, with 13 of those missions dedicated to
deploying Starlink payloads.
Indo-Russia JV IRRPL Delivers 40,000 AK-203 Assault Rifles to IA
In February 2025, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a Joint Venture (JV) between
India and Russia, delivered 40,000 Avtomat Kalashnikova (AK)-203 assault rifles to the Indian
Army (IA).
• These rifles were produced at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
China – approved a deep-sea research facility, “deep-sea space station”, to study cold seep
ecosystems methane-rich hydrothermal vents containing vast deposits of methane hydrates, called
‘flammable ice’
• To be anchored 2000m below the surface of South China Sea, part of western Pacific Ocean
China – to be the world’s 3rd country to build & operate a deep-sea space station | 1st – US | 2nd
– Russia

SPORTS & GAMES

Australia Wins ICC Women’s Championship Trophy for the 3rd time
About Australia Women’s Team: Australia has won the greatest number of World Cups in the
50-over format of the game—1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013 and 2022.
23rd National Para Athletics Championship: Official Logo and Mascot Launched in TN
In January 2025, The official logo and mascot of the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship
2025 were unveiled in an event in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
About logo and mascot:
i. The logo includes elements that symbolize the dynamic nature of para-athletics and the
inclusive spirit of the event.
• The logo highlights the championship’s core values of empowerment and equality.
ii. The mascot is an elephant, representing strength and determination.
• The mascot, an elephant, symbolizes resilience, reflecting the unwavering spirit of para-
athletes.
About 23rd National Para Athletics Championship:
The 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025 is set to take place from February 17 to
20, 2025, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, with over 1,700 para-athletes from across the
country.
Note: For the first time, India will host the 12th edition of the Para Athletics World
Championships.
About Tamil Nadu (TN):
Capital– Chennai
Tiger Reserves -Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Points:
• Sachin Tendulkar (31st recipient) – conferred with BCCI’s “C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement
Award” for 2024
- He played 664 international matches for India.
2nd “ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025” final – held at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
• India (led by Niki Prasad) – won the cup | Defeating – South Africa (led by Kayla Reyneke) •
Gongadi Trisha – won ‘Player of the Tournament’ & ‘Player of the Match of the Finals’
• India also won the inaugural title of this tournament in South Africa in 2023.
6th Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25 – held at Birsa Munda International Hockey
Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha
• Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers – won for 1st time (prize - Rs 3 Cr) | Defeating – Hyderabad
Toofans (prize - Rs 2 Cr)
India won ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 by defeating South Africa for 2nd
consecutive time
On February 02 2025, India won the 2nd edition of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-
19 (U19) Women’s T20 (Twenty 20) World Cup 2025 for the 2nd consecutive time by defeating
South Africa with 9 wickets in the final at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia.
The third edition of the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Bangladesh
and Nepal in 2027.
R Praggnanandhaa won ‘Tata Steel Chess Masters 2025’, Defeats World Champion D
Gukesh in Tiebreaker
On February 2, 2025, Indian Chess Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won the ‘Tata Steel Chess
Masters 2025’ trophy by defeating World Chess Champion of 2024, D Gukesh in the tiebreaker
held in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.
Indian Wicketkeeper-Batter Wriddhiman Saha Retires from All Forms of Cricket
In February 2025, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha announced his retirement from
all forms of cricket. His retirement was marked by his final ‘Ranji Trophy’ appearance for West
Bengal (WB) against Punjab at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, WB.
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers Wins 6th ‘Men’s HIL 2024-25’ Title
In February 2025, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers won the first ever title of the ‘Men’s Hockey India
League 2024-25(HIL 2024-25)’ by defeating Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in the final tournament held
at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha.
Romania tennis player Simona Halep announces retirement
Romania’s Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one in
WTA, announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 33.
38th National Games:
• Women’s 75kg category – Lovlina Borgohain (Assam) won gold | Defeated – Pranshu Rathore
(Chandigarh)
• Men’s 63.5kg category – Shiva Thapa won silver | Defeated – Vanshaj
“Mumbai Open 2025” tennis tournament – held in Cricket Club of India, Mumbai (Feb 3-
9, 2025)
• Jil Teichmann (Switzerland-World No. 117) – won singles title
“Chennai Open 2025” – held at SDAT Tennis Stadium in Nungambakkam, Tamil Nadu
• Kyrian Jacquet (France-World No. 273) – won men’s singles title
Real Madrid & Brazil Legend Marcelo Announces Retirement from Football
In February 2025, Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior, known as Marcelo, the former Real Madrid
and Brazil defender (left-back), announced his retirement from professional football at the age of
36.
“2025 Para Archery Asia Cup,” a World Ranking Tournament – held in Bangkok, Thailand
• India – topped the medal tally with 12 medals (6 gold, 3 silver & 3 bronze) | 2nd – Thailand (3
gold)
Shyam Sundar Swami – Men’s Compound Open | Sarita – Women’s Compound Open
Odisha – to invest Rs 5 Cr annually from Jan 2025 to Dec 2027 for Indian national kho kho
team
- Funding will be provided through – Odisha Mining Corporation |
Total sponsorship package – Rs 15 Cr
• Odisha – announced in Jun 2024 to extend its sponsorship for Hockey India until 2036
Ravindra Jadeja – became 5th Indian bowler to secure 600 international wickets across all
formats of game in his 352nd international appearance for India
- - This achievement came during 1st ODI against England in Nagpur.
Shohely Akhter (Bangladesh) – banned for 5 yrs from all cricket matches due to match-fixing
during ‘2023 T20 World Cup’
Shikhar Dhawan – appointed as one of the four event ambassadors for ‘ICC Champions
Trophy 2025’
• ‘ICC Champions Trophy 2025’ tournament – to be held in Pakistan & Dubai from Feb 19-Mar
9, 2025
38th edition of “National Games 2025” – held in Uttarakhand
• Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) – won overall title with 121 medals
2nd – Maharashtra with 201 medals
• 3rd – Haryana with 153 medals
• Mallakhamb & Yogasana – announced as demonstration events & later upgraded to full-fledged
medal sports
39th edition of National Games – to be hosted by Meghalaya in 2027 for the 1st time
3rd season of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 – kicks off on Feb 14, 2025 |
Till – Mar 15, 2025 - Final scheduled at – Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai
 MoUs, COLLABORATIONS
Air India + Kenya Airways = partnered to book combined journeys through a single ticket
An MoU was signed under the “Data Innovation (DI) Lab” initiative between the Data
Informatics and Innovation Division (DIID), Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation (MoSPI), and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-
Delhi) to leverage academic expertise to tackle real-world challenges in official statistics by
creating a link between academia and practitioners.
Tata Communications + CoRover.ai = tied to provide sovereign AI solutions to Indian
enterprises & government bodies
• Sovereign AI – a nation’s capabilities to produce AI using its own infrastructure, data,
workforce & business networks
Andhra Pradesh + Toyama (Japan) = renewed MoU to strengthen bilateral ties & promote
cooperation in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, tourism & digital innovation sectors.
IndiaAI + Microsoft = an MoU to drive the adoption & development of AI in India.
4-day “International Conference on Governance” – hosted by India for 1st time |
Inaugurated by – Dr Jitendra Singh
- Theme – “Next Generation Administrative Reforms - Reaching the Last Mile”
Tata Elxsi + Garuda Aerospace = an MoU to set up a design, engineering & certification centre
to develop indigenous drone technologies during ‘Aero India 2025’
• Aero India 2025 – held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka

- Theme – “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities” | It is Asia’s biggest biennial air show &
aviation exhibition
 SCHEMES
Rajasthan – launched “Mukhyamantri Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana” to ensure free
insurance coverage for 21 lakh animals
- Outlay of the scheme – Rs 400 Cr
Nirmala Sitharaman – introduced “PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana” to improve
agricultural conditions in 100 districts It will be implemented in partnership with state
governments
• It will focus on 5 key areas:---- Enhancing agricultural productivity; Promoting crop
diversification & sustainable agricultural practices; Developing post-harvest storage
facilities at panchayat & block levels; Improving irrigation facilities;
Nirmala Sitharaman – announced an extension of “Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)” till 2028 |
Outlay – Rs 67,000 Cr
MSDE + NITI Aayog = launched “Swavalambini,” a Women Entrepreneurship Programme, in
Assam, Meghalaya & Mizoram
Cabinet approved continuation & restructuring of ‘Skill India Programme (SIP)’ till 2026
Outlay – Rs 8,800 Cr from 2022-23 to 2025-26
• Three components are now combined under the composite central sector scheme, the SIP--
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0) | Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme
Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)
GoI approved continuation of integrated “PM-AASHA Scheme” during 15th Finance
Commission Cycle up to 2025-26
- PM-AASHA – Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan | Launched in – Sep 2018
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) – launched “J. C. Bose Grant (JBG)”,
a new scheme
- To recognize outstanding performance & contributions of senior Indian scientists & engineers
• This grant provides annual research funding – Rs 25 lakhs for 5 years
• GoI approved introduction of a new credit guarantee scheme, “Mutual Credit Guarantee
Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME)”, announced in FY25 Budget
• Aim: To provide 60% guarantee coverage by NCGTC to MLIs for credit facilities up to Rs 100
Cr to eligible MSMEs
• Under this scheme:
- MSMEs should have a valid Udyam Registration Number (URN)
- Loan amount guaranteed under this scheme will not exceed Rs 100 Cr
Under MCGS-MSME for 4 years from date of issue of operational guidelines of scheme or till a
cumulative guarantee of Rs 7 lakh Cr is issued, whichever is earlier

RANKS & REPORTS

As per IATA report, India – highest domestic flights with a passenger load factor of 86.4%
in 2024
• 2nd – US (84.1%) | 3rd – China (83.2%) | 4th – Brazil (81.9%) | 5th – Australia (81.8%) | 6th –
Japan (78%)
2025 list of the world’s 10 most powerful countries – released by Forbes
• Leading by – US | Followed by – China, Russia, UK, Germany, South Korea, France, Japan,
Saudi Arabia & Israel
• Rankings were determined by 5 key parameters: Leadership, Economic influence, Political
power, Strong international alliances & Military strength
• Rank of India among the world’s most powerful countries, as of Feb 2025 – 12th
• In terms of global GDP, India – 5th position | Top 4 – US, China, Germany & Japan
Zepto – world’s 2nd-most downloaded mobile app on mobiles in ‘foods & drinks’ category
in 2024
-- Other Indian companies in this category – Zomato (5th), Swiggy (9th) & Blinkit (10th)
Top – McDonald’s | 3rd – KFC | 4th – Dominos Pizza stood
Annual list of top 10 countries & regions for LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental
Design) in 2024 – by USGBC
• India – ranked 3rd with 370 projects across both buildings & spaces, covering 8.50 million
gross square meters (GSM)
1st – China (25 million GSM) | 2nd – Canada (10 million GSM)
• US (not included in list) – world’s largest market for LEED with 56+ million GSM certified
during 2024.
Asia’s largest Shallow Wave Basin Research Facility – IIT Madras
“Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)” for 2024 – released by Transparency International
(Germany)
• India – ranked 96th with overall score of 38

Top – Denmark (for 7th consecutive year with score 90) | 2nd – Finland (88) | 3rd – Singapore
(84)
“Logistics Performance Index (LPI), 2023” – released by World Bank
• India: 38th – in Logistics Performance Index score | 22nd – in Global Ranking in International
Shipments category.
“Asia’s 20 Richest Families List” – released by Bloomberg (6 Indians)
• Top – Mukesh Ambani & family (India - $90.5 billion) | 2nd – Chearavanont family (Thailand
- $42.6 billion) - - 3rd – Hartono family (Indonesia - $42.2 billion) |

AMOUNTS & AGREEMENTS

NaBFID – raised Rs 5,000 Cr through 15-year bonds at a cut-off rate of 7.25%
• PFC – raised Rs 3,950 Cr through bonds maturing in ~10 & 20 years.
India – paid $37.64 million dollars to UN Regular Budget for 2025 & made this payment on Jan
31, 2025
SIDBI + AFD (France) = signed a $100 million credit facility agreement (CFA)
• AFD – to provide a credit line of $100 million to SIDBI to deploy funds to expand access to
Green Finance solutions.
IFC – invested Rs 860 Cr in a sustainability-linked bond (SLB) issued by Cube Highways Trust
(Cube InvIT - Infrastructure Investment Trust)
• It is India’s 1st SLB in roads sector & also the 1st by a road InvIT in India
 PERSONS IN NEWS
•INSV Tarini – crossed ‘Point Nemo’ on Jan 30, 2025, during 3rd leg of ‘Navika Sagar
Parikrama II’
- While sailing from Lyttelton, New Zealand to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
- Sailed by – Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A of Indian Navy
• Point Nemo (in South Pacific) – ‘Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility’, most remote location on
Earth
- It is situated approximately 2,688 kms from nearest landmass
• INSV Tarini is sailing around the world as part of quest to become 1st team of double-handed
circumnavigators from India
- It flagged off from Goa on Oct 2, 2024, by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff

OTHER NEWS
February 2 — World Wetlands Day
(Theme - “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”)
• 1st Raisina Middle East Conference - Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Modhweth Festival (by Toda tribe) at Moonpo Temple – Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 – 1st February
February 4 — World Cancer Day
Theme - “United by Unique”
Inland Mangrove Guneri Becomes Gujarat’s 1st Biodiversity Heritage Site
In January 2025, the Gujarat Biodiversity Board (GBB), under the Forest and Environment
Department of the Government of Gujarat, declared the Inland Mangrove Guneri in Guneri
village, Lakhpat taluka, Kutch District , as the first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) of Gujarat.
MoF extended moratorium by 2 years up to FY26 for a special loan taken by MoR during
COVID-19 pandemic in FY21 & to meet pension expenses of FY20.
• BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 – Gandhinagar, Gujarat
HP Government Initiates North India’s First 1-MW Green Hydrogen Plant at Dabhota
Himachal Pradesh (HP) Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone
for North India’s first 1-megawatt (MW) green hydrogen plant in Dabhota, Nalagarh Tehsil, Solan
district.
World Pulses Day 2025 – February 10
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, launches book “I Am?”
On February 8, 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar unveiled the book “I Am?” , compiled by
Gopichand P. Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group.The launch event took place at the Vice-
President’s Enclave in New Delhi,Delhi.
“History and Stars of the World’s Greatest Sporting Event: From Athens 1896 to Paris
2024” book — authored by Vijayan Bala
Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
Andhra Pradesh – launched WhatsApp Governance titled “Mana Mitra” for the 1st time in
the country - 9552300009 – an official WhatsApp number allotted for availing of services
Andhra Pradesh:
Capital – Amaravati | CM – N Chandra Babu Naidu