3rd and 4th February 2025 current affairs

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National news

Rise in Female Labour Force Participation Says Economic Survey

The Economic Survey for 2024-25 highlighted a significant rise in the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in India, driven largely by women in rural areas joining the workforce. This increase is considered a key factor contributing to the improvement of overall labour market indicators in the country. The findings were presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on January 31, 2025, during the tabling of the survey in Parliament. The surge in FLFPR has been attributed to government schemes, women’s entrepreneurship initiatives, and better inclusion of women in economic activities.

Key Takeaways from the Economic Survey 2024-25:

1. Increase in Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR):
   • FLFPR rose from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24.
   • 21 states have FLFPR between 30% and 40%; 7 states/UTs report FLFPR above 40%, with Sikkim leading at 56.9%.
2. Rural Women’s Participation:
   • Rural FLFPR increased from 24.6% in 2017-18 to 47.6% in 2023-24.
   • Government schemes like Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM) helped increase rural women’s workforce participation.
3. Government Initiatives:
   • Skilling programs and better access to credit for rural women contributed to economic participation.
   • Women’s entrepreneurship focus led to 73,151 start-ups with at least one woman director by October 2024.
4. Challenges for Rural Women Entrepreneurs:
   • Barriers include limited business skills, market access, technology gaps, and lack of mentorship.
   • Continued government support for credit, formalization of businesses, and service delivery is essential.
5. Periodic Labour Force Survey:
   • Survey conducted in districts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh (November 2024) to capture more women in unpaid work.

Gender Budgeting in 2025-26: A Step Toward Inclusive Growth

The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025, has made significant strides in gender budgeting, increasing the share of the Gender Budget allocation to 8.86% of the total Union Budget, compared to 6.8% in FY 2024-25. The allocation for women and girls has risen to ₹4.49 lakh crore, marking a 37.25% increase from the previous year’s ₹3.27 lakh crore. Additionally, 49 Ministries/Departments and 5 UTs have reported gender-specific allocations, making it the highest number of contributors to the Gender Budget Statement (GBS) since its inception.

Key Highlights of the Gender Budget 2025-26:

1. Total Gender Budget Allocation:
   • ₹4.49 lakh crore allocated for women and girls, a 37.25% increase from ₹3.27 lakh crore in FY 2024-25.
2. Share in Union Budget:
   • The share of the Gender Budget has increased to 8.86% of the total Union Budget, up from 6.8% in FY 2024-25.
3. Number of Reporting Ministries/Departments:
   • 49 Ministries/Departments have reported gender-specific allocations, an increase from 38 in FY 2024-25.
4. Number of Reporting UTs:
   • 5 Union Territories (UTs) have contributed to the Gender Budget Statement (GBS) for the first time.
5. New Ministries/Departments Reporting for the First Time:
   • New contributors include the Departments of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Biotechnology, Fisheries, Financial Services, Pharmaceuticals, Food & Public Distribution, Land Resources, and Water Resources, as well as Ministries of Food Processing Industries, Panchayati Raj, Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Railways.
6. Breakdown of Gender Budget Allocations:
   • Part A (100% women-specific schemes): ₹1,05,535.40 crore (23.50% of total GBS).
   • Part B (30-99% allocation for women): ₹3,26,672.00 crore (72.75% of total GBS).
   • Part C (Below 30% allocation for women): ₹16,821.28 crore (3.75% of total GBS).
7. Trends in Gender Budget Statement (GBS):
   • Since its introduction in FY 2005-06, the Gender Budget has grown consistently.
   • The GBS as a percentage of total expenditure was 5% in FY 2019-20 and has now reached 9% in FY 2025-26.

PM-JANMAN Package for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

The PM-JANMAN Package (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) was launched in November 2023 with the primary objective of improving the living conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. This initiative comes as a solution to the longstanding challenges faced by these marginalized communities. The mission is designed to bring significant infrastructural and socio-economic improvements through a series of strategic interventions.

Objective: Launched in November 2023, the PM-JANMAN Package aims to uplift Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by addressing their long-standing socio-economic challenges and improving living conditions. The initiative focuses on comprehensive infrastructural and welfare interventions for these marginalized communities.

Key Interventions:

1. Housing:
2. 4.9 lakh pucca homes will be constructed for PVTG families, providing them with permanent and safe housing.
3. Infrastructure:
4. 8,000 km of roads will be built to improve connectivity and access to markets, healthcare, and education for isolated tribal villages.
5. Healthcare:
6. 1,000 mobile medical units will be deployed to provide essential healthcare services, bridging the gap in healthcare access for remote communities.
7. Education & Skill Development:

4. 2,500 anganwadi centers will be established to enhance early childhood education.
5. Vocational training facilities will be set up to enhance skill development, enabling better job opportunities for tribal youth.
6. Energy:
7. Off-grid solar power systems will be provided to 1 lakh households, ensuring access to clean and sustainable energy.
8. Water Supply:
9. Piped water will be provided to every household, ensuring access to clean water.

Recent Updates:

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has expedited the process of sanctioning homes, aiming to accelerate the provision of housing to the most vulnerable tribal families.
• This initiative is part of the government’s broader goal to bridge the development gap between tribal and non-tribal populations, improving the standard of living for PVTGs.

Impact:

• The PM-JANMAN Package addresses crucial needs like safe housing, better infrastructure, healthcare access, education, and energy, which have been historically lacking due to the geographic isolation of these communities.
• The package seeks to provide better living conditions and integrate these communities with mainstream development.

Banking news

SBI Introduces ‘SBI Patrons’ Term Deposit Scheme for Super Senior Citizens

In January 2025, the State Bank of India (SBI) launched a new Term Deposit (TD) scheme called ‘SBI Patrons’ for Super Senior Citizens, defined as residents aged 80 years or above. The scheme offers additional interest benefits, with an interest rate 10 basis points (0.10%) higher than the rates provided to senior citizens.

Key Features:

1. Interest Rates: The scheme offers interest rates ranging from 4.10% to 7.60%. For example, the 1-year TD rate is 7.4%, and the 5-year TD rate is 7.6% for super senior citizens.
2. Deposit Options: The scheme offers Term Deposit Receipt (TDR) and Short-Term Deposit Receipt (STDR) options with a minimum deposit of Rs. 1,000 and a maximum deposit of up to Rs. 3 crore. The tenure for deposits ranges from 7 days to 10 years.
3. Penalty for Premature Withdrawal: A penalty of 0.50% applies for premature withdrawals up to Rs. 5 lakh, and 1% for amounts exceeding Rs. 5 lakh.

This initiative aims to provide super senior citizens with better returns on their savings, supporting their financial stability in their later years.

RBI Tightens Norms for Monetary Penalties and Compounding Offences under Payment and Settlement Systems Act (PSS Act, 2007)

In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced stricter norms for imposing monetary penalties and compounding offences under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act (PSS Act, 2007). This new framework aims to streamline and strengthen enforcement actions against payment system operators and banks for violations such as operating without authorization, disclosing prohibited information, and failing to pay penalties within the prescribed time.

Key Provisions:

1. Penalty Provisions: As per Section 30 of the PSS Act, RBI can now impose penalties up to Rs 10 lakh or twice the amount involved in the contravention (whichever is higher), where the amount is quantifiable.
2. Compounding of Offences: Under Section 31 of the Act, RBI officers are authorized to compound contraventions, except for offences punishable with imprisonment or both imprisonment and fine. This change aims to ensure more effective regulatory oversight and quicker resolutions in cases of non-compliance.

NPCI Implements New Rules for UPI Transaction ID from February 1, 2025

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced new regulations for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, which came into effect on February 1, 2025. Under the new guidelines, all UPI transaction IDs containing special characters (such as @, #, $, %, etc.) will be declined, and only alphanumeric characters will be permitted.

Key Points:

1. Enforcement of Alphanumeric Only Transaction IDs: The regulation mandates that UPI transaction IDs must exclusively use alphanumeric characters, aligning with technical specifications set by NPCI in March 2024.
2. Compliance with Technical Standards: The move follows NPCI’s earlier Operating Circular (OC 193) from March 2024, which called for standardizing transaction IDs to facilitate smoother operations across UPI platforms.
3. System Updates for Compliance: Banks, payment service providers, and third-party applications (apps) are required to update their systems in accordance with the new rules before the enforcement date.

Banking news

Rajesh Nirwan Appointed Director General 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).

Agreement news

MoU Signed Between DIID, MoSPI & IIIT-Delhi to Enhance India’s Statistical Ecosystem through Data Innovation Lab (DIL) Initiative

DIID, MOSPI & IIIT-Delhi Sign MoU to Strengthen India’s Statistical Ecosystem On January 30, 2025, the Data Informatics and Innovation Division (DIID), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-Delhi) under the Data Innovation Lab (DIL) initiative to modernize India’s National Statistical System (NSS).

• Parties Involved: Data Informatics and Innovation Division (DIID), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-Delhi)
• Objective: The partnership aims to modernize India’s National Statistical System (NSS) under the Data Innovation Lab (DIL) initiative.

Key Points:

• Focus: This collaboration seeks to integrate academic expertise with government practices, fostering innovative solutions for India’s evolving statistical challenges.
• Challenges Addressed: Data integration, real-time analytics, and predictive modeling.
• DIL Initiative: Launched by MoSPI in July 2024, the DIL initiative aims to revolutionize official statistics through innovation and build a research-driven ecosystem.
• Technologies Used: The Data Innovation Lab leverages emerging technologies such as AI, ML, and Big Data Analytics to enhance the processes of data collection, processing, and dissemination.
• Academic Collaborations: The DIL initiative has partnered with over 100 academic institutions, including IITs and IIMs, to bring cutting-edge research into India’s statistical framework.

State news

Inauguration of ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’

In January 2025, Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025′ and the ‘Make in Odisha Exhibition’ in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

• Date & Location: January 28-29, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• Inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, marking a significant milestone for Odisha’s industrial growth.

Key Highlights:

• Participants: Industry leaders, investors, and policymakers from over 16 countries, with partner countries Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia.
• Purpose: To explore and promote investment opportunities in Odisha across various sectors.

Outcomes of the Event:

• MOUs Signed: 145 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed during the conclave.
• Investment Commitments: Rs 16.73 lakh crore committed across sectors like:
  • Chemicals & petrochemicals
  • Textiles
  • Mining & metallurgy
  • Renewable energy (RE)
  • IT/ITES
  • Tourism
  • Food processing

Defence news

Maldives host the 13th edition of the ‘Ekuverin’ military exercise

The 13th edition of the joint India-Maldives military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ is being hosted by Maldives from 2-15 February 2025. The inaugural ceremony of the 13th Ekuverin exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) was held at the Official Composite Training Center of the MNDF at Maafilaafushi in Maldives on 2 February 2025.

About Ekuverin Exercise:

• Meaning: ‘Ekuverin’ translates to ‘Friends’ in Dhivehi (Maldives’ language).
• Started in: 2009, aimed to strengthen military ties between India and Maldives.
• Participants: Indian Army and MNDF.
• Frequency & Rotation: Held alternately in India and the Maldives.
• Focus:
  • Counter-insurgency operations.
  • Joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
• Participants’ Level: Platoon-level contingent from both countries.

Purpose & Goals:

• Enhance coordination and operational partnership between the Indian Army and MNDF.
• Improve joint preparedness for counter-insurgency and disaster relief operations.

Defence Cooperation Between India and Maldives:

• Political & Defence Relationship: Close ties since 1998 with a focus on defence and security cooperation.
• Comprehensive Action Plan (2016): Strengthened military relations, including military hardware gifts and training for MNDF personnel.
• Regular Military Exercises: Joint exercises are held to promote strong ties and operational synergy.

Other Key India-Maldives Military Exercises:

1. Exercise Katha (Indian Navy & MNDF Naval Wing)
   • 6th edition in Maldives (June-July 2023).
   • First edition in 2017.
2. Exercise Shield (Indian Navy, MNDF, Sri Lanka Navy)
   • Anti-narcotics and maritime search and rescue.
   • First edition in 2021, virtual exercise.
3. Exercise Dosti (Indian, Maldives, Sri Lanka Coast Guards)
   • Annual exercise since 1991 (Maldives & India), Sri Lanka joined in 2012.
   • 16th edition held in February 2024 near Male, Maldives.

DRDO Conducts Three Back-to-Back VSHORADS Trials

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out three successive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) on February 1, 2025, from the Chandipur test range off the Odisha coast. These tests were conducted against high-speed aerial targets flying at low altitudes, reinforcing India’s air defence capabilities. The trials showcased the missile system’s precision, reliability, and effectiveness in neutralizing airborne threats, particularly drones and loitering munitions.

Successful Flight Tests:

• DRDO conducted three consecutive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) on February 1, 2025, at the Chandipur test range in Odisha.
• The tests targeted high-speed, low-altitude threats simulating drones.

Impressive Interception Capability:

• In all trials, the system successfully intercepted and destroyed the targets, which mimicked low-flying drones with reduced thermal signatures.

Final Deployment Configuration:

• The missile system was tested in its final deployment configuration.
• Two field operators managed weapon readiness, target acquisition, and missile launch.

Accurate Tracking & Performance Verification:

• Advanced telemetry, electro-optical tracking, and radar confirmed the missile’s precision and performance in neutralizing aerial threats.

Indigenous Development & Military Application:

• Developed by Research Centre Imarat with DRDO collaboration, VSHORADS is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• It is crucial for close air defence, particularly against drones and loitering munitions.

Appreciation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat praised the achievement and efforts of DRDO and its collaborators.

India’s Defence Ministry Pilot Study on LAWS

In February 2025, India’s Defence Ministry, in collaboration with the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, conducted a pilot study on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). The study is part of India’s exploration into the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern warfare. This is a crucial step in evaluating how AI can be integrated into India’s defense strategy while addressing the ethical, legal, and accountability challenges of employing such advanced systems in military operations.

Importance of AI in India’s Defence:

• Global Trend: AI is increasingly becoming a key element in military strategies worldwide, and India recognizes its potential in strengthening its defense capabilities.
• Autonomy and Efficiency: AI enables military systems to operate autonomously, which means they can make decisions without constant human oversight. This is particularly valuable for quicker decision-making in combat scenarios, allowing faster responses to rapidly changing situations.
• Strategic Autonomy: For India, AI is essential for maintaining strategic autonomy. In the context of modern warfare, technological superiority is closely tied to military power. AI can help India remain competitive and resilient against evolving threats.
• Security and Military Superiority: AI is seen as crucial for India to strengthen its defense technology, improve combat effectiveness, and reduce human intervention in critical military operations.

India’s Position in the Global AI Arms Race:

• Global Competition: India is not the only nation exploring AI for military applications. Over 50 countries, including global powers such as the United States, China, Russia, and allies like Japan and South Korea, are actively developing their AI-based military strategies.
• Race for Technological Superiority: The global race to integrate AI into military operations is intensifying. Nations are keen to maintain technological superiority to secure national security, and India must act swiftly to develop its own sovereign AI capabilities to avoid falling behind other major military powers.
• Strategic Imperative: In this evolving landscape, India’s swift progress in AI development is essential to ensure that its defense capabilities are on par with other global powers, safeguarding national security and strategic interests.

India’s Strategy for AI in Defence:

• Commitment to Responsible AI Development: India is committed to the development of AI in defense not just in terms of technology but also in a framework that ensures ethical and responsible usage.

• AI Task Force (2018): In 2018, India established the AI Task Force to steer efforts in AI integration within defense.
• Defence AI Council and Project Agency: The Defence Ministry formed the Defence AI Council and the Defence AI Project Agency, both of which focus on advancing AI applications in defense. These bodies are tasked with identifying key areas where AI can be effectively used, already outlining 75 priority areas.
• Collaboration with iDEX: India’s armed services are working closely with the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, which promotes innovation and the development of cutting-edge technologies, including AI solutions.
• Ethical and Responsible Use of AI:

• Responsible Application in Combat: India’s approach to AI in defense emphasizes caution, especially when it comes to lethal autonomous weapons that can operate independently in warfare. Ethical concerns regarding accountability and decision-making in combat situations are central to India’s considerations.
• Global Engagement: India is actively participating in international discussions on the use of LAWS, advocating for a regulated and responsible framework for their use. The country has pushed for global dialogue on the matter and has suggested that the UN establish a Group of Governmental Experts to explore the ethical and legal implications of LAWS further.
• Position on International Law: While India abstained from the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on LAWS, it remains dedicated to ensuring that the use of AI in military operations complies with international humanitarian law.

Science and tech news

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Pilot Axiom Mission 4 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). • With this announcement, he will become the 1st Indian astronaut to go to the ISS on a private mission and also the 1st Indian to go to space in the last 40 years.

Brief Notes:

• Historic Achievement: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an astronaut of ISRO and a fighter pilot with the Indian Air Force (IAF), has been named the pilot for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS).
• Significance: He will become the first Indian astronaut to participate in a private mission to the ISS and the first Indian to go to space in 40 years.

About Shubhanshu Shukla:

• Commissioned into IAF on June 17, 2006.
• A fighter combat leader and test pilot with over 2,000 flight hours.
• Experienced in flying various aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, and more.
• Promoted to Wing Commander in 2019 and Group Captain in 2024.
• Selected as one of the 4 astronaut-designates for India’s Gaganyaan mission.

About Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4):

• A private astronaut mission to the ISS, scheduled for 2025, organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA.
• Axiom Space has contracted SpaceX for transportation to and from the space station.
• The mission will include 14 days of scientific experiments, educational outreach, and commercial activities.
• The mission will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Other Crew Members of Ax-4:

• Mission Commander: Peggy Whitson (NASA, USA)
• Mission Specialists: Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (ESA, Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary)

About NASA:

• Acting Administrator: Janet Petro
• Headquarters: Washington D.C., USA
• Established: 1958

Garuda Aerospace Pledges Rs 100 Crore Investment for India’s 1st ‘Drone City’ in Andhra Pradesh

In January 2025, Chennai-based Garuda Aerospace Private Limited, a leading drone manufacturing company, announced its commitment to invest Rs 100 crore for the development of India’s first ‘Drone City’ in Orvakal village, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh (AP).

Key Points:

1. Investment for Drone Innovation: The proposed Drone City aims to become a hub for drone innovation, Research & Development (R&D), and contribute to transforming India into a global leader in drone technology.
2. Vision Alignment with National Initiatives: Agnishwar Jayaprakash, CEO of Garuda Aerospace, stated that the project aligns with the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ and supports the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, which empowers rural women through drone technology.
3. Regulatory Approvals: Garuda Aerospace has already received six approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), including Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) approvals.

Garuda Aerospace’s commitment to the Drone City aims to bolster India’s position in the global drone industry while promoting innovation, employment, and socio-economic empowerment, especially for rural women.

ISRO’s NVS-02 Satellite Faces Orbit-Raising Challenge

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is addressing a significant technical issue with its NVS-02 navigation satellite, launched on January 29, 2025, aboard the GSLV-F15 rocket. Post-launch, the satellite’s solar panels deployed successfully, and communication with ground control was established. However, a malfunctioning valve has prevented the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) from firing, hindering the satellite’s orbit-raising maneuvers. Consequently, NVS-02 remains in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) instead of reaching its designated geostationary orbit.

Overview:

• Launch Date: January 29, 2025, aboard the GSLV-F15 rocket.
• Post-launch: Successful solar panel deployment and communication with ground control.
• Issue: A malfunctioning valve prevented the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) from firing, hindering the satellite’s orbit-raising maneuvers.

Cause of the Problem:

• The failure of valves to open prevented the oxidizer from reaching the thrusters required for orbit-raising operations.
• The satellite is stuck in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) instead of achieving the desired geostationary orbit.

ISRO’s Response:

• A dedicated committee has been set up to explore recovery options and rectify the valve malfunction.
• Ongoing efforts to resolve the issue, but the satellite remains operational despite the delay in reaching the correct orbit.

Impact on India’s Navigation System:

• NVS-02 is part of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), India’s independent regional navigation system.
• The issue with NVS-02 may affect the planned expansion and enhancement of the NavIC constellation, impacting its Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services across India and surrounding regions.

Award news

Chandrika Tandon wins Best New Age Album Award at the 67th Grammy

Indian-born American musician Chandrika Tandon won her first Grammy award in the ‘ Best New Age Album, Ambient or Chant Album category’ for her album Triveni at the 67th Grammy Awards 2025. This was the first Grammy Award for the 71-year-old Chandrika Tandon who was once nominated for a Grammy award in 2011 for her album Soul Call. The 67th annual Grammy Awards function was held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the United States of America, on 2 February 2025.

About Chandrika Tandon:

• Background: Born in Chennai, India, and an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management – Ahmedabad, she began her professional career with Citibank.
• Musical Training: She is a trained Carnatic and Hindustani vocalist.
• Album “Triveni”: A collaboration featuring South African flautist Wouter Kellerman (three-time Grammy winner) and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. The album blends Vedic chants, meditative tones, and world music, representing diverse cultural influences.

Competition:

• Tandon’s album Triveni beat other notable nominees, including Padma Shri Ricky Kej (three-time Grammy winner) and Anoushka Shankar (daughter of Pandit Ravi Shankar), who have both been significant figures in the world of music.

Indian Grammy Winners:

• Pandit Ravi Shankar: Five-time Grammy winner, the most for any Indian or Indian-origin musician.
• Zakir Hussain: Four-time Grammy winner.
• Ricky Kej: Three-time Grammy winner.
• AR Rahman: Two-time Grammy winner.
• Other notable Indian Grammy winners include Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Tanvi Shah, and Shakti, among others.

Other Notable 67th Grammy Winners (2025):

• Album of the Year: Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
• Record of the Year: Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
• Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
• Best Pop Solo Performance: Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
• Best Rock Album: Hackney Diamonds – The Rolling Stones
• Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media: Dune: Part Two – Hans Zimmer

Important days

World Wetlands Day 2025 Date, Theme, Challenges, Role of RAMSAR Convention

World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on February 2, raises global awareness about the critical role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, human well-being, and cultural heritage. The 2025 theme, ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’, emphasizes the significance of wetlands in preserving life, combating climate change, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Wetlands are vital ecosystems that contribute significantly to the planet’s ecological balance, and protecting them is essential for the future of both nature and humanity.

Purpose of World Wetlands Day:

• Raise awareness about the importance of wetlands for biodiversity, human well-being, and cultural heritage.
• Highlight the vital ecosystems wetlands represent and promote actions for their protection.

2025 Theme:

• ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’ emphasizes the role of wetlands in preserving life, combating climate change, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Wetlands as Productive Ecosystems:

• Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems globally, providing essential services like carbon sinks that help in combating climate change.
• They ensure freshwater security and are critical for the survival of many communities and species.

Cultural and Economic Significance:

• Wetlands have shaped human cultures and provide livelihoods through activities like fishing, agriculture, and tourism.

Threats to Wetlands:

• Wetlands face significant threats from pollution, land reclamation, and climate change.
• Ongoing conservation efforts are essential to protect wetland biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Role of UNESCO and Ramsar Convention:

• UNESCO supports the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty focused on conserving wetlands.
• Ramsar Sites and UNESCO World Heritage properties are designated to improve protection efforts and ensure sustainable use of wetlands.

World Wetlands Day and COP15:

• The theme aligns with the 15th Meeting of the Ramsar Convention Conference of the Parties (COP15) in July 2025 at Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
• COP15 will set global goals for wetland conservation and highlight the importance of protecting wetlands worldwide.

Notable Wetlands Protected under Ramsar and UNESCO:

1. Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay (France): A coastal wetland supporting migratory birds and fisheries.
2. Wood Buffalo National Park (Canada): Protects one of the largest inland deltas, vital for freshwater.
3. Banc d’Arguin National Park (Mauritania): Critical for migratory birds and local livelihoods.
4. Itsukushima Shinto Shrine (Japan): Wetlands that are essential for cultural heritage and tourism.

Ramsar Sites in India:

• India’s Ramsar Sites list has expanded to 89 sites, with new additions in Sikkim and Jharkhand.
• Newly added sites (February 2025):
  • Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
  • Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
  • Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim)
  • Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)

World Cancer Day, Date, Theme, History, Significance, Symptoms, Treatment

Cancer is one of the most significant health challenges that humanity faces today, with millions of people diagnosed and millions more succumbing to the disease each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths globally in 2022. With its staggering impact, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality, underscoring the importance of addressing the disease at all levels. World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, serves as a powerful reminder to raise awareness, take action, and reduce the global burden of this life-threatening condition. This day encourages individuals, communities, and governments to come together in the fight against cancer.

Purpose:

• World Cancer Day aims to raise awareness, promote action, and reduce the global burden of cancer, a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
• In 2022, cancer caused nearly 10 million deaths globally, highlighting the need for global collaboration in fighting the disease.

History:

• Established: February 4th, 2000, during the World Cancer Summit for the New Millennium in Paris.
• Organized by: The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
• Paris Charter Against Cancer: Set goals to promote cancer research, improve patient care, raise awareness, and mobilize global action against cancer.

Theme for World Cancer Day 2025:

• “United by Unique” launches a three-year campaign until 2027.
• Focus Areas:
  • Personal Stories: Sharing the experiences of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
  • Personalized Care: Advocating for healthcare systems offering tailored treatments based on individual patient needs.
  • Inclusivity: Ensuring equal access to compassionate cancer care for all individuals, regardless of background or socio-economic status.

February 1st and 2nd Current Affairs