5th February 2025 current affairs

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National news

India’s First White Tiger Breeding Centre Approved in MP

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved India’s first white tiger breeding centre in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district. This initiative marks a significant step in wildlife conservation, especially since Rewa is historically linked to the last known wild white tiger. The project, initially approved in principle in 2011, will be established in Govindgarh, near the state’s only white tiger safari in Mukundpur. The breeding centre is expected to enhance biodiversity conservation, promote wildlife tourism, and create job opportunities for the local population.

Overview of the Initiative

• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has granted final approval for the establishment of India’s first white tiger breeding centre.
• The centre will be located in Govindgarh, within the Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh.
• This initiative is a major step in wildlife conservation, particularly due to Rewa’s historical association with the last known wild white tiger.

Location & Context

• Govindgarh, Rewa District, Madhya Pradesh:
  • The breeding centre will be set up in Govindgarh, an area with a rich history in white tiger conservation.
  • It is situated near Mukundpur, which hosts the state’s only white tiger tourism facility, the Mukundpur White Tiger Safari, located approximately 10 km away.
• Historical Link:
  • Rewa is renowned as the home of Mohan, the last wild white tiger, discovered in 1951 in the Govindgarh jungle by Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo.
  • The maharaja’s pioneering conservation programme initiated the breeding of white tigers, leading to their global proliferation in captivity.

Project Background and Timeline

• The breeding centre project was initially approved in principle in 2011.
• The current final approval by the CZA marks the culmination of long-term planning and conservation efforts.

 Key Objectives and Expected Benefits

• Biodiversity Conservation:
  • The centre will play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity by focusing on the breeding and conservation of white tigers.
• Wildlife Tourism:
  • By promoting wildlife tourism, the centre is expected to attract visitors and generate interest in the region’s unique wildlife heritage.
• Employment Opportunities:
  • The project is also anticipated to create new job opportunities for the local population, contributing to regional economic development.

Government Commitment:

• The initiative is part of a revised master plan for the Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo White Tiger Safari and Zoo in Mukundpur.
• Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla highlighted the state’s strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Implications for Conservation and Tourism

• The breeding centre is expected to serve as a model for conservation efforts in India, setting a precedent for similar future projects.
• It will bolster the state’s reputation as a hub for wildlife conservation, potentially increasing both domestic and international tourism.
• The integrated approach combining conservation, tourism, and local employment illustrates a sustainable model for preserving wildlife while benefiting communities.

Madhya Pradesh:

• Capital: Bhopal (Executive Branch)
• Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
• CM: Dr. Mohan Yadav

MeitY and IIT Indore Launch AgriHub for Agritech Excellence

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and IIT Indore have launched AgriHub, a state-of-the-art AI-driven Center of Excellence (CoE) aimed at transforming Indian agriculture. AgriHub seeks to address critical challenges in agriculture, such as drought, floods, and low productivity, through the integration of AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL). The initiative will empower farmers, researchers, and agribusinesses by fostering technological innovation, startup incubation, and industry collaborations.

Collaborating Institutions:

• IIT Indore: A premier technological institute actively involved in research and innovation.
• Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY): The government body responsible for promoting digital technology and innovation.
• ICAR-IISR Indore: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Soil Science, contributing expertise in agricultural research.
• ICAR-CIAE Bhopal: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, involved in technology and engineering aspects.
• C-DAC Pune: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, contributing technological expertise.
• Madhya Pradesh Government: Local government participation to foster regional agritech development.

 Objectives of AgriHub:

• AI-Driven Innovation:
  • Integrate AI, ML, and DL into agricultural practices to mitigate challenges such as drought, floods, and low productivity.
• Empowerment of Stakeholders:
  • Provide farmers, researchers, and agribusinesses with innovative agritech solutions.
  • Enhance decision-making, precision farming, and resource management using advanced data analytics and technology.

Cross-Sector Collaboration:

• Foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders including farmers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and agribusinesses.
• Streamline research and technology deployment to ensure that innovative solutions reach the field effectively.

Establishing a Self-Sustaining Ecosystem:

• Over the next five years, AgriHub aims to create a sustainable agritech ecosystem.
• Key strategies include job creation, startup incubation, development of patents, publication of research findings, and entrepreneurship workshops.
• The goal is to make the ecosystem self-sustaining by nurturing continuous innovation and entrepreneurial activity in the agritech sector.

International Big Cat Alliance Now a Treaty Organization

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially been established as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization, with its headquarters in India. The alliance focuses on the global conservation of seven iconic big cat species—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. It also aims to address issues such as illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and climate change. The IBCA was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the 50th anniversary of India’s ‘Project Tiger’. As of January 23, 2025, the alliance gained full international legal status, with ratifications from five countries—India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia. Several national and international organizations involved in wildlife conservation have also partnered with the IBCA.

Overview of IBCA

• Full Name: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
• Launch Date: April 9, 2023 (by Prime Minister Narendra Modi)
• Official Status: Treaty-based intergovernmental organization as of January 23, 2025
• Headquarters: India (under the National Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change – MoEFCC)
• Objective: Global conservation of seven big cat species
• Budget: ₹150 crore (2023-2028)

Species Covered Under IBCA

The alliance focuses on the global conservation of the following seven iconic big cat species:

1. Tiger
2. Lion
3. Leopard
4. Snow Leopard
5. Cheetah
6. Jaguar
7. Puma

Member Countries and Global Participation

• Countries that have ratified IBCA (as of January 23, 2025):
  1. India
  2. Nicaragua
  3. Eswatini
  4. Somalia
  5. Liberia
• Countries Expressing Intent to Join: 27 nations
• Modeled After: International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Focus Areas of IBCA

IBCA is committed to addressing key conservation challenges through global collaboration in the following areas:

Conservation of Big Cats & Their Habitats

• Implementing habitat protection programs to ensure the survival of endangered big cats.
• Strengthening protected areas like national parks, reserves, and corridors.

Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade & Poaching

• Enhancing anti-poaching laws and enforcement mechanisms.
• Strengthening cross-border cooperation to curb illegal wildlife trade.

 Financial & Technical Support

• Providing funding to both range and non-range countries for big cat conservation.
• Supporting wildlife conservation programs with financial and technical assistance.

Addressing Climate Change

• Integrating big cat conservation strategies with sustainability initiatives.
• Promoting eco-friendly policies to mitigate climate risks in habitats.

Research & Monitoring

• Conducting scientific research on big cat populations, genetics, and ecology.
• Creating a global database for sharing best practices in conservation.

F. Funding & Resource Mobilization: Raising funds for conservation projects from governments, NGOs, and private sectors.Ensuring sustainable financing for big cat conservation efforts worldwide.

Banking news

RBI’s Strategic Measures to Boost Liquidity in the Banking System

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a series of liquidity-boosting measures to stabilize the financial system, ensuring smooth money market operations and mitigating liquidity constraints. These measures include:

1. $5 Billion USD/INR Forex Swap Auction
2. Open Market Operations (OMOs) Worth ₹60,000 Crore
3. Variable Rate Repo (VRR) Auction Worth ₹50,000 Crore

1. RBI’s $5 Billion Forex Swap Auction (January 31, 2025)

• The USD/INR buy/sell swap auction, conducted on January 31, 2025, was aimed at infusing liquidity into the banking system.
• Why was it needed?
  • The falling rupee and dollar shortages had tightened liquidity.
  • The auction allowed banks to access more rupees, supporting their liquidity needs.
• Outcome of the Auction:
  • The auction saw huge demand, receiving bids worth $25.59 billion (oversubscribed five times by 253 participants).
  • The RBI sold $5 billion in exchange for rupees, thereby absorbing excess rupee liquidity from the system.
  • The six-month maturity of the swap ensures that banks can manage their forex needs efficiently.
• Impact on Financial Stability:
  • This step will provide short-term relief to the banking system by easing liquidity shortages.
  • It will help control volatility in the forex market and maintain the stability of the rupee.

2. Open Market Operations (OMOs) – ₹60,000 Crore in Three Phases

• OMOs involve the RBI buying or selling government securities to regulate the money supply.
• To further ease liquidity constraints, the RBI announced OMOs worth ₹60,000 crore in three parts:
  • January 30, 2025 – ₹20,000 crore
  • February 13, 2025 – ₹20,000 crore
  • February 20, 2025 – ₹20,000 crore
• Why OMOs?
  • By buying government securities, the RBI injects liquidity into the economy.
  • This helps in reducing interest rate fluctuations and ensures credit availability for businesses.
• Expected Benefits:
  • Increase money supply to support economic activity.
  • Ease liquidity stress in financial markets.
  • Support stable interest rates, ensuring lower borrowing costs for businesses and consumers.

3. Variable Rate Repo (VRR) Auction – ₹50,000 Crore (February 7, 2025)

• The 56-day VRR auction will take place on February 7, 2025, aimed at providing short-term liquidity to banks.
• Why is VRR Important?
  • The money market has faced temporary cash shortages, impacting lending and borrowing.
  • Through Variable Rate Repo, banks can borrow funds from the RBI at market-determined rates.
• Impact of VRR on the Banking System:
  • Ensures that banks have enough liquidity to operate smoothly.
  • Helps stabilize short-term borrowing and lending rates.
  • Supports credit flow to businesses and individuals.

Finvasia and Yes Bank Unveil ‘Jumpp’

Finvasia, a fintech company based in Mohali, Punjab, has collaborated with Yes Bank to launch a new, AI-powered super app named Jumpp. This innovative app aims to simplify and enhance personal finance management by offering a range of services under one platform. With its focus on accessibility and ease of use, Jumpp is set to revolutionize how users manage their financial lives.

Overview of Jumpp:

• Developed by: Finvasia, a fintech company based in Mohali, Punjab.
• Banking Partner: Yes Bank.
• Purpose: AI-powered super app designed to simplify and enhance personal finance management.
• Key Focus: Accessibility, ease of use, and AI-driven financial insights.

Key Features of Jumpp:

• AI Integration:
  • Uses multilingual conversational AI, allowing seamless interaction in English and Hindi.
  • Improves accessibility for a wider audience, catering to India’s diverse linguistic population.
• Instant Account Opening:
  • Users can open a Yes Bank savings account within minutes, removing lengthy paperwork and delays.
  • The streamlined process enhances user convenience.
• Account Aggregator Ecosystem:
  • Consolidates all linked financial accounts into a single dashboard.
  • Provides users with a holistic view of their financial health.
  • Has surpassed 100 million consents, showcasing strong adoption.

How Jumpp Enhances Financial Management:

• Unified Finance Tool:
  • Tracks savings, investments, expenses, and other financial activities.
• Smart Financial Insights:
  • Offers spending pattern analysis, helping users optimize their budgets.
  • Provides saving goals and investment suggestions, making it more than just a banking app.
• User-Friendly & Efficient:
  • Designed to be simple and intuitive, making financial management effortless.

About Finvasia: A Growing Fintech Giant

Founding and Leadership:

• Founded: 2009
  • Founders:
    • Tajinder Pal Singh (Former Wall Street banker)
    • Sarvjeet Singh (Co-founder and business strategist)

Appointment news

Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgium’s New Prime Minister

Conservative political leader Bart De Wever was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Belgium by King Phillippe on 3rd February 2025 in a ceremony at the royal palace in Brussels. Bart De Wever takes over as the Prime Minister from Alexander De Croo, whose seven-party coalition took 493 days to form a government in 2019-20.

About Belgium

• Capital: Brussels
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Official Languages: Dutch (Flanders), French (Wallonia), German
• Economic Status: Highly industrialized nation in Western Europe.
• International Organizations:
  • European Union (EU) Headquarters – Brussels.
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Headquarters – Brussels.

Economy news

Indian Export touch a historic high of USD 778.21 billion in 2023-24

According to the Union Ministry of Commerce, Indian exports (merchandise and service ) in 2023-24 touched a historic high of USD 778.21 billion. The total exports from India in 2022-23 was USD 776.3 billion. 

In 2013-14, the total export from India was USD 466.22 billion and it will grow by 67 % to   USD 778.21 billion in 2023-24.

Break up of the Export in 2023-24 

The export is divided into merchandise goods(tangible) and services (intangible).

The total merchandise export from India in 2023-24 was USD 437.10 billion. In 2013-14 it was USD 314 billion

The service sector export in 2023-24 was  USD 341.11 billion.  In 2013-14 it was USD 152 billion. The increase in exports has been driven by strong performance in information technology,  financial, and business services.

Merchandise Export Destination in 2023-24 

In 2023-24, the major export destination for Indian merchandise goods was the United States of America with a share of 17.90 in total Indian exports.

The other major export destinations for merchandise goods in the descending orders are the United Arab Emirates (8.23%), Netherlands (5.16%), China (3.85%), Singapore (3.33%), UK (3.00%), Saudi Arabia (2.67%), Bangladesh (2.55%), Germany (2.27%), and Italy (2.02%).

These top 10 countries bought 51 % of the Indian merchandise goods in 2023-24

Stand out Sectoral Performer in Exports 

Mobile Phone Exports:

• The Mobile phone exports in 2023-24 was USD 15.6 billion as compared to USD 0.2 billion in 2014-15. 
• Due to the success of the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme the domestic production of mobile phones grew from 5.8 crore units in 2014-15 to 33 crore units in 2023-24.
• Mobile Phone is the fourth-largest export commodity from India in 2023-24.
• The United States of America is the largest buyer of mobile phones followed by the UAE and the Netherlands. 

Pharmaceutical Exports:

• The export of Pharmaceuticals during 2023-24 was USD 27.85 billion as compared to USD 15.07 billion in 2013-14.
• India is the 3rd largest producer of drug and pharmaceutical products by volume.
• The top five destinations for pharmaceutical exports in 2023-24 were – the United States of America, Belgium, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.

Engineering Goods : 

• The export of Engineering goods grew from  USD 62.26 billion in 2013-14 to USD 109.32 billion in 2023-24.
• The top five major export markets were the United States of America, the UAE, Germany, Italy, and Singapore.

Agricultural Exports:

• Agricultural exports from India increased from USD 22.70 billion in 2013-14 to USD 48.15 billion in 2023-24.

Foreign Trade Policy 2023

• The Union Ministry of Commerce implemented the Foreign Trade Policy on 1 April 2023. 
• The Foreign Trade Policy has set sector-specific targets to achieve the goal of USD two trillion in exports by 2030. 
• It aims at USD one trillion-dollar merchandise exports and one trillion-dollar services exports by 2030.

State news

WhatsApp-Based ‘Mana Mitra’ to Offer 161 Govt Services in Andhra

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched ‘Mana Mitra’, a first-of-its-kind WhatsApp Governance initiative, making 161 civil services accessible via WhatsApp. Minister for IT, Electronics & Communication, and Real-Time Governance (RTG) Nara Lokesh launched the service in Amaravati, emphasizing its goal of bringing government services directly to the people. The initiative, developed in partnership with Meta, is set to expand further, integrating blockchain and AI technologies for seamless digital governance

Overview and Significance:

• ‘Mana Mitra’ is a pioneering WhatsApp Governance initiative launched by the Andhra Pradesh government.
• It represents the first instance globally where a state government delivers public services via WhatsApp.
• The initiative makes 161 civil services accessible directly through the messaging platform, streamlining the interaction between citizens and the government.

 Launch Details:

• Launch Date and Location:
  • Launched on February 1, 2025 in Undavalli, Amaravati.
• Inaugurated by:
  • Minister Nara Lokesh, who holds the portfolios for IT, Electronics & Communication, and Real-Time Governance (RTG).
• Inspiration:
  • The service launch was inspired by Nara Lokesh’s 3,132-km Yuva Galam padayatra, which highlighted the critical need for accessible digital governance.

 Key Features and Objectives:

• WhatsApp-Based Service Delivery:
  • Citizens can access 161 public (civic) services via WhatsApp using the official number 9552300009.
  • This system acts as a direct bridge between the government and the public, enabling ease of access to essential services at the press of a button.

Technical Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Partnership with Meta:
  • The initiative was developed in collaboration with Meta.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Meta in Delhi on October 22, 2024.
• Meta’s Contributions:
  • WhatsApp India Head Ravi Garg highlighted the uniqueness of this single-platform service for governance.
  • Meta India VP Sandhya Devanathan committed to further enhancements, ensuring that the platform continues to evolve with advanced features.

Defence news

DRDO-IIT Hyderabad Unveils Large Area Additive Manufacturing System

India’s defense and aerospace manufacturing sectors have received a significant boost with the development of a Large Area Additive Manufacturing (LAAM) system at the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Hyderabad. The innovative LAAM system, a collaboration between IIT Hyderabad, DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), and various industry partners, is set to revolutionize the way large components, particularly for the aerospace and defense sectors, are fabricated. By enabling the large-scale production of metal parts through additive manufacturing, this achievement paves the way for India’s future growth in advanced manufacturing technology.

Overview and Significance:

• Boost to Defense & Aerospace Manufacturing:
  The development of the LAAM system represents a major technological advancement for India’s defense and aerospace sectors, enabling large-scale production of metal components.
• Collaborative Effort:
  The system is a result of a collaborative project between IIT Hyderabad, DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), and multiple industry partners, under the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE).

Key Technological Features:

• Powder-Based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Technology:
  • The LAAM system employs DED technology, which uses high-powered lasers to melt metal powder that is blown onto the build area.
  • This method enables the layer-by-layer deposition of metal to fabricate large and complex components.

Large Build Volume:

• The system has an impressive build volume of 1 meter x 1 meter x 3 meters.
• This capability is significant as it allows for the fabrication of very large components, such as rocket parts and structural elements used in aerospace applications, which are challenging to produce using conventional manufacturing methods.

Sports news

R Praggnanandhaa Wins Tata Steel Masters Chess Title

R Praggnanandhaa emerged as the champion of the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament held in the Netherlands on February 2, 2025. He defeated D Gukesh 2-1 in a thrilling tie-breaker, claiming his first-ever Tata Steel Masters title. The intense final saw shocking twists, including upsets and an edge-of-the-seat finish. Praggnanandhaa’s victory is considered a milestone in his young career, with a significant contribution from fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi’s earlier win over Gukesh.

 Overview of the Tournament:

• Event: Tata Steel Masters Chess Tournament 2025
• Location: Held in the Netherlands
• Date of Final: February 2, 2025
• Champion: R Praggnanandhaa
• Significance: This victory marks Praggnanandhaa’s first-ever Tata Steel Masters title, a major milestone in his rapidly rising chess career.

Final Standings and Tie-Breaker:

• Both R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh finished the main tournament with 8.5 points each.
• The equal score necessitated a tie-breaker to determine the champion.
• The tie-breaker was structured over two games followed by a sudden-death decider if required.

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