{"id":4269,"date":"2025-02-12T11:25:26","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T05:55:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/study.madeeasy.in\/?p=4269"},"modified":"2025-02-12T14:47:47","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T09:17:47","slug":"last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025","title":{"rendered":"Last Week Current Affairs: 29th JAN to 4th FEB 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">MADE EASY Last Week Current Affairs: 29th JAN to 4th FEB 2025<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Aspirants preparing for government exams in India often prioritize current affairs, as it is a crucial section in most exams. Whether the exam is technical or non-technical, authorities include current affairs questions to evaluate a candidate\u2019s general awareness. Given its significance, dedicating time and effort to mastering this section can greatly enhance exam performance.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">To simplify your exam preparation, <strong>MADE EASY<\/strong> brings you the latest <strong>MADE EASY Last Week Current Affairs<\/strong> to enhance your GS score. This comprehensive resource covers all significant national and international events in one place, helping aspirants stay updated while saving valuable preparation time.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In this edition of <strong>MADE EASY Last Week Current Affairs<\/strong>, you will read about: DeepSeek,Liquid Propulsion Systems of ISRO, Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 System, ISRO\u2019s 100th Launch, When-Listed Platform, National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), Economic Survey 2024-25, Shubhanshu Shukla, Union Budget 2025-26, IndiaAI Mission Gyan Bharatam Mission, Samudrayaan Mission, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Ocean Coordination Mechanism, Makhana Board, GARBH-INi-DRISHTI, International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and much more!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Understanding these key topics will help you score well in your GS exam. Stay informed and boost your preparation with MADE EASY!<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Weekly Current Affairs 29 Jan to 4 Feb 2025 | Union Budget 2025-26 DeepSeek ISRO Launch | MADE EASY\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C5iN_iuY4m8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Top Headlines of the Week:<\/h2>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#DeepSeek-29-January-2025\" >DeepSeek: 29 January 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Liquid-Propulsion-Systems-of-ISRO-29-January-2025\" >Liquid Propulsion Systems of ISRO: 29 January 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Certificate-of-Origin-eCoO-20-System-29-January-2025\" >Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 System: 29 January 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#ISROs-100th-Launch-30-January-2025\" >ISRO\u2019s 100th Launch: 30 January 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#When-Listed-Platform-30-January-2025\" >When-Listed Platform: 30 January 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#National-Critical-Mineral-Mission-NCMM-30-January-2025\" >National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM): 30 January 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Economic-Survey-2024-25-31-January-2025\" >Economic Survey 2024-25: 31 January 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Shubhanshu-Shukla-31-January-2025\" >Shubhanshu Shukla: 31 January 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Union-Budget-2025-26-1-February-2025\" >Union Budget 2025-26: 1 February 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#IndiaAI-Mission-1-February-2025\" >IndiaAI Mission: 1 February 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Gyan-Bharatam-Mission-2-February-2025\" >Gyan Bharatam Mission: 2 February 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Samudrayaan-Mission-2-February-2025\" >Samudrayaan Mission: 2 February 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Foreign-Direct-Investment-FDI-3-February-2025\" >Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): 3 February 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Ocean-Coordination-Mechanism-3-February-2025\" >Ocean Coordination Mechanism: 3 February 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Makhana-Board-3-February-2025\" >Makhana Board: 3 February 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#GARBH-INi-DRISHTI-4-February-2025\" >GARBH-INi-DRISHTI: 4 February 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#International-Big-Cat-Alliance-IBCA-4-February-2025\" >International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): 4 February 2025<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#MADE-EASY-Offline-and-Online-Courses\" >MADE EASY Offline and Online Courses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/gk\/last-week-current-affairs-29th-jan-to-4th-feb-2025\/#Are-you-looking-for-Current-Affairs-2024\" >Are you looking for Current Affairs 2024?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DeepSeek-29-January-2025\"><\/span><strong>DeepSeek: <\/strong>29 January 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> China has developed DeepSeek AI models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About DeepSeek\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>DeepSeek\u00a0is the name of a\u00a0free AI-powered chatbot,\u00a0developed by the Chinese AI company founded by entrepreneur Liang Wenfeng.<\/li>\n<li>This has emerged as strong contenders in the global AI landscape, performing on par with\u00a0ChatGPT\u00a0and other leading AI systems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How is it Different?\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>It was built at a\u00a0fraction of the cost of industry-leading models\u00a0like OpenAI \u2013 because it uses fewer advanced chips.<\/li>\n<li>Its base model DeepSeek-R1 appears to have been trained via accurate sources while\u00a0introducing a layer of censorship.<\/li>\n<li>It surpasses models developed by tech giants Google, Meta, and Anthropic\u00a0in terms of overall quality.<\/li>\n<li>DeepSeek is also\u00a0faster than GPT 4,\u00a0more practical and, according to many experts,\u00a0even understands regional idioms and cultural contexts\u00a0better than its Western counterparts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About Large Language Model (LLM)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>A Large Language Model (LLM) is a type of AI trained to understand and generate human language.<\/li>\n<li>These models are built on deep learning techniques allowing them to process and generate text in a coherent, contextually appropriate manner.<\/li>\n<li>LLMs are used for various tasks, including text generation, language translation, and summarization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Liquid-Propulsion-Systems-of-ISRO-29-January-2025\"><\/span><strong>Liquid Propulsion Systems of ISRO<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>29 January 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> Recently, <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.madeeasy.in\/isro-all-about-indian-space-research-organisation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ISRO <\/a>appointed M. Mohan as director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About Liquid Propulsion Systems<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Liquid propulsion systems use liquid propellants, such as\u00a0liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2),\u00a0to generate thrust.<\/li>\n<li>These systems are\u00a0preferred over solid propulsion systems\u00a0due to their higher efficiency, controllability, and ability to be restarted multiple times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>It is a key facility under ISRO, responsible for the design, development, and realization of liquid propulsion stages for ISRO\u2019s launch vehicles.<\/li>\n<li>It has\u00a0two units\u00a0located in\u00a0Thiruvananthapuram (Valiamala) and Bengaluru, each focusing on different aspects of liquid propulsion systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Recent Developments<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Gaganyaan Mission:<\/strong>\u00a0ISRO has integrated advanced liquid propulsion systems into the\u00a0Crew Module\u00a0for the first uncrewed mission of the Gaganyaan project. The\u00a0Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS)\u00a0is a\u00a0bi-propellant\u00a0based\u00a0Reaction Control System (RCS)\u00a0designed for precise three-axis control (pitch, yaw, and roll) during the descent and re-entry phases.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cryogenic Upper Stage:<\/strong>\u00a0ISRO has developed an indigenous cryogenic upper stage\u00a0for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). It has significantly enhanced India\u2019s capabilities in launching heavier payloads into space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Satellite Propulsion Systems:<\/strong>\u00a0The LPSC is responsible for developing propulsion systems for satellites, including monopropellant thrusters and components for satellite control and maneuvering.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Certificate-of-Origin-eCoO-20-System-29-January-2025\"><\/span><strong>Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 System<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>29 January 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context<\/strong>: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has launched the enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 System.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>It is designed\u00a0to simplify the certification process for exporters and enhance trade efficiency.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>It offers multi-user access, which enables exporters to authorize multiple users under a single Importer Exporter Code (IEC).<\/li>\n<li>It offers exporters seamless access to eCoO services, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) information, trade events, and other resources.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Significance:\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>These certificates cater to goods not of Indian origin, intended for re-export, trans-shipment, or merchanting trade.<\/li>\n<li>This initiative not only simplifies the certification process but also accelerates processing times, making it particularly beneficial for global supply chains involving intermediary trade through India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ISROs-100th-Launch-30-January-2025\"><\/span><strong>ISRO\u2019s 100<sup>th<\/sup> Launch<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>30 January 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.madeeasy.in\/isro-all-about-indian-space-research-organisation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)<\/a> launched its historic\u00a0100th launch\u00a0from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>GSLV F15 carried the NVS-02 navigation satellite\u00a0placing it into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.<\/li>\n<li>The NVS-02 is the\u00a0second satellite in the NVS series,\u00a0and\u00a0part of India\u2019s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).<\/li>\n<li>It is designed to\u00a0provide accurate positioning services across India.<\/li>\n<li>GSLV-F15\u00a0is the\u00a017th flight of India\u2019s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle\u00a0(GSLV) and\u00a011th flight with Indigenous Cryo stage.<\/li>\n<li>Over these\u00a0100 launches ISRO has lifted 548 satellites to orbit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The GTO allows satellites to be positioned into geostationary orbits, where they can maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth\u2019s surface.<br \/>\nThis is crucial for\u00a0communication and weather satellites\u00a0that need to monitor specific areas continuously.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About NavIC<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>It is a\u00a0regional navigation satellite system\u00a0established by\u00a0Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).<\/li>\n<li>NavIC was erstwhile known as\u00a0Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).<\/li>\n<li>NavIC is designed with a constellation of\u00a07 satellites\u00a0and a network of ground stations operating 24 x 7.<\/li>\n<li>Three satellites\u00a0of the constellation are placed in\u00a0geostationary orbit\u00a0and\u00a0four satellites\u00a0are placed in\u00a0inclined geosynchronous orbit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>The\u00a0ground network\u00a0consists of a control centre, precise timing facility, range and integrity monitoring stations, two-way ranging stations, etc.<\/li>\n<li><strong>NavIC offers two services:<\/strong>\u00a0Standard Position Service (SPS) for\u00a0civilian users\u00a0and Restricted Service (RS) for\u00a0strategic users.<\/li>\n<li>It provides location accuracy better than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 40 nanoseconds across the core service area.<\/li>\n<li>The NavIC coverage area includes\u00a0India and a region up to 1,500 kmbeyond the Indian boundary.<\/li>\n<li>NavIC SPS signals are\u00a0interoperable with the other global navigation satellite\u00a0system (GNSS)\u00a0signals namely GPS, Glonass, Galileo and BeiDou.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When-Listed-Platform-30-January-2025\"><\/span><strong>When-Listed Platform<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>30 January 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context: <\/strong>The\u00a0\u201cwhen-listed\u201d platform\u00a0proposed by\u00a0SEBI\u00a0is a significant\u00a0regulatory initiative\u00a0aimed at\u00a0curbing grey market trading\u00a0and ensuring a transparent and structured mechanism for trading IPO shares before their official listing.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About Grey Market\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>The grey market refers to the\u00a0unofficial trading of securities, particularly shares, before they are officially listed on stock exchanges.<\/li>\n<li>It operates\u00a0outside the regulatory framework, relying on demand and supply dynamics.<\/li>\n<li>Here, the transactions are based on notional prices (prices agreed upon informally, without the actual transfer of shares until listing), and\u00a0no physical delivery of shares occurs here.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Aspects of the \u201cWhen-Listed\u201d Platform<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Regulated Pre-Listing Trading:\u00a0<\/strong>This platform will allow investors to trade IPO shares after allotment but before official listing, bridging the\u00a0gap between T+1 (allotment day) and T+3 (listing day).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price Discovery Before Listing<\/strong>: The \u201cwhen-listed\u201d price may serve as a pre-listing indicator of how the stock might perform on the listing day. Helps in better investment decisions for both retail and institutional investors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shorter Settlement Periods (T+0, T+1):<\/strong>\u00a0This aligns with SEBI\u2019s broader push toward faster trade settlements, such as the recent introduction of the T+0 settlement cycle for select stocks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"National-Critical-Mineral-Mission-NCMM-30-January-2025\"><\/span><strong>National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>30 January 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with an expenditure of \u20b916,300 crore.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Facts<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Aim:<\/strong>\u00a0To create a fast-track regulatory approval process for critical mineral mining projects.<\/li>\n<li>The NCMM will encompass\u00a0all stages of the value chain,\u00a0including mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Features:\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Setting up mineral processing parks and supporting the recycling of critical minerals.<\/li>\n<li>Promote research in critical mineral technologies and proposes setting up Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals.<\/li>\n<li>It also proposes development of a stockpile of critical minerals within the country.<\/li>\n<li>It encourages\u00a0Indian PSUs and private sector\u00a0companies to acquire critical mineral assets abroad and enhance trade with resource-rich countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About Critical Minerals<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Critical minerals\u00a0are those minerals that are\u00a0essential for economic development and national security.<\/li>\n<li>The future global economy will be underpinned by technologies that depend on minerals such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium, and rare earth elements.<\/li>\n<li>These are essential for the advancement of many sectors, including\u00a0high-tech electronics, telecommunications, transport, and defence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Economic-Survey-2024-25-31-January-2025\"><\/span><strong>Economic Survey 2024-25<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>31 January 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context: <\/strong>Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2024-25 in the Parliament.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About Economic Survey<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>The Economic Survey is a comprehensive review of the country\u2019s current economic state and future outlook.<\/li>\n<li>It is prepared by the\u00a0<strong>Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs\u00a0<\/strong>under the guidance of the Chief Economic Advisor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Major Highlights\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>State of the Economy<\/strong>: India\u2019s real\u00a0<strong>GDP growth<\/strong>\u00a0estimated at\u00a0<strong>6.4% in FY25<\/strong>, aligning with its decadal average.\n<ul>\n<li>Global\u00a0<strong>GDP grew 3.3% in 2023<\/strong>, slightly higher than IMF\u2019s 3.2% forecast for the next five years.<\/li>\n<li><strong>FY26 GDP<\/strong>\u00a0growth expected between 6.3% and 6.8%.<\/li>\n<li>Retail inflation<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>reduced to 4.9% in FY25 (April-Dec).<\/li>\n<li>Capital expenditure (CAPEX) grew 8.2% YoY post-general elections in 2024.<\/li>\n<li>India\u2019s share in\u00a0<strong>global services exports is 7th largest.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Monetary and Financial Sector Developments:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Bank credit grew steadily; asset quality and profitability improved.\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gross non-performing assets<\/strong>\u00a0(GNPAs) at a 12-year low (2.6% of gross loans).<\/li>\n<li>\u20b93.6 lakh crore realized from 1,068 insolvency resolutions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>India\u2019s stock markets<\/strong>\u00a0outperformed emerging market peers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resource mobilization<\/strong>\u00a0from primary markets reached \u20b911.1 lakh crore in FY25.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insurance premiums<\/strong>\u00a0grew by 7.7%, and pension sector subscribers rose 16%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>External Sector<\/strong>:\u00a0\u00a0<strong>Exports grew by 6%<\/strong>, with the services sector up 11.6% (April-Dec FY25).\n<ul>\n<li><strong>India ranked 2nd in global telecommunications<\/strong>, computer &amp; information services exports.<\/li>\n<li>FDI inflows increased by 17.9% YoY to USD 55.6 billion in FY25.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Forex reserves<\/strong>\u00a0stood at USD 640.3 billion, covering 10.9 months of imports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prices and Inflation<\/strong>:\u00a0 Global inflation moderated to 5.7% in 2024.\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s retail inflation reduced to 4.9% in FY25.<\/li>\n<li>RBI and IMF project inflation will align to around 4% by FY26.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medium-Term Outlook:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>India aims for 8% growth to achieve \u2018Viksit Bharat\u2019 by 2047.\n<ul>\n<li>Focus on deregulation to empower growth and ease of doing business, particularly for SMEs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investment and Infrastructure<\/strong>: Government capital expenditure grew by 38.8% from FY20 to FY24.\n<ul>\n<li>5853 km of National Highways constructed in FY25 (Apr-Dec).<\/li>\n<li>Renewable energy capacity grew by 15.8% YoY by Dec 2024.<\/li>\n<li>Significant infrastructure projects, including metro expansion and electricity access for rural areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Industry:\u00a0<\/strong>Industrial growth projected at 6.2% in FY25, driven by electricity and construction.\n<ul>\n<li>Automobile sales up by 12.5% in FY24.<\/li>\n<li>India ranks<strong>\u00a06th in global patent filings.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The MSME sector is growing, with initiatives like the Self-Reliant India Fund.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Services: <\/strong>Services sector contribution to GVA increased to 55.3% in FY25.\n<ul>\n<li>Services exports grew by 12.8% in FY25 (Apr-Nov).<\/li>\n<li>Indian Railways and tourism sector show strong growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Agriculture and Food Management<\/strong>:\u00a0 Agriculture contributes 16% to GDP in FY24.\n<ul>\n<li>Kharif foodgrain production is expected to rise by 89.37 LMT in FY24.\n<ul>\n<li>Fisheries and livestock sectors show strong growth.<\/li>\n<li>MSP increases for Arhar and Bajra by 59% and 77%, respectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Climate &amp; Environment:<\/strong>\u00a0India\u2019s non-fossil fuel power generation capacity reached 46.8% of total capacity.\n<ul>\n<li>LiFE initiative to drive sustainable living, with potential global savings of USD 440 billion by 2030.<\/li>\n<li>India\u2019s carbon sink increased by 2.29 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Social Sector<\/strong>:\u00a0 Social services expenditure grew at 15% CAGR from FY21 to FY25.\n<ul>\n<li>Decline in income inequality, with improvements in rural and urban Gini coefficients.<\/li>\n<li>Government health expenditure up from 29% to 48%, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.<\/li>\n<li>Ayushman Bharat has saved over \u20b91.25 lakh crore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Employment and Skill Development:\u00a0<\/strong>Unemployment rate declined to 3.2% in FY24.\n<ul>\n<li>Government initiatives supporting women entrepreneurship, including credit and skill development.<\/li>\n<li>Emerging sectors like the digital economy and renewable energy provide job opportunities.<\/li>\n<li>EPFO payroll additions doubled in the last six years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Labour in the AI Era:\u00a0<\/strong>AI expected to surpass human performance in key sectors but faces barriers like reliability and infrastructure.\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s young, tech-savvy population is poised to leverage AI for enhanced productivity.<\/li>\n<li>Collaboration between government, private sector, and academia is crucial to manage AI\u2019s societal impact.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shubhanshu-Shukla-31-January-2025\"><\/span><strong>Shubhanshu Shukla<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>31 January 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as a pilot on the Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station (ISS).<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>He will be the\u00a0first Indian astronaut\u00a0to reach the\u00a0International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission.<\/li>\n<li>He became\u00a0only the second Indian to go to space\u00a0after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in\u00a01984.<\/li>\n<li>He is elected as an astronaut-designate for\u00a0India\u2019s Gaganyaan mission\u00a0(tentatively scheduled for 2026).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About Axiom Mission-4<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Axiom Mission 4 (or Ax-4) is a\u00a0private spaceflight to the International Space Station to be launched in April 2025.<\/li>\n<li>Duration:\u00a0Up to 14 days.<\/li>\n<li>Countries:\u00a0USA, India, Poland, and Hungary.<\/li>\n<li>It is the first government-sponsored spaceflight in over 40 years for Poland &amp; Hungary.<\/li>\n<li>Objectives:\u00a0The astronauts will execute a mission that includes outreach, scientific, and commercial operations during their 14-day stay in orbit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Union-Budget-2025-26-1-February-2025\"><\/span><strong>Union Budget 2025-26<\/strong><strong>: 1 February <\/strong>2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context<\/strong>: The\u00a0Union Budget 2025-26\u00a0was framed around the theme\u00a0\u201c<strong>Sabka Vikas<\/strong>,\u201d emphasizing balanced growth across all regions of India.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>The Union Finance Minister quoted the renowned\u00a0Telugu poet Shri Gurajada Appa Rao\u2019s saying, \u201cA country is not just its soil; a country is its people,\u201d to highlight the importance of people-centric development.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Principles of Viksit Bharat:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Eradicate poverty (Zero-poverty)<\/li>\n<li>Provide high-quality, universal school education<\/li>\n<li>Ensure access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare<\/li>\n<li>Achieve full employment with a skilled workforce<\/li>\n<li>Involve 70% women in economic activities<\/li>\n<li>Strengthen agriculture to make India the \u201cfood basket of the world<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Budget Estimates 2025-26<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">The total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at \u20b9 34.96 lakh crore and \u20b9 50.65 lakh crore respectively.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">The net tax receipts are estimated at \u20b9 28.37 lakh crore.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">The<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>fiscal deficit is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">The gross market borrowings are estimated at \u20b9 14.82 lakh crore.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Capex Expenditure of \u20b911.21 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP) earmarked in FY2025-26.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Engines of Growth<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Agriculture (1<sup>st<\/sup> Engine):\u00a0<\/strong>Launch of Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to cover 100 districts.\n<ul>\n<li>Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses for Tur, Urad, and Masoor pulses.<\/li>\n<li>Loan limit for Kisan Credit Cards raised from \u20b93 lakh to \u20b95 lakh.<\/li>\n<li>Comprehensive program for vegetables, fruits, high-yield seeds, and cotton productivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>MSMEs (2<sup>nd<\/sup> Engine)<\/strong>: MSME investment &amp; turnover limits enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times.\n<ul>\n<li>Credit cards for micro enterprises and a loan scheme for 5 lakh women and marginalized entrepreneurs.<\/li>\n<li>Development of a toy manufacturing hub and National Manufacturing Mission.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investment (3<sup>rd<\/sup> Engine):<\/strong>\u00a050,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up in schools.\n<ul>\n<li>Broadband for all secondary schools &amp; PHCs under BharatNet project.<\/li>\n<li>Establishment of National Centres of Excellence for skilling.<\/li>\n<li>\u20b91.5 lakh crore for 50-year interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure.<\/li>\n<li>Urban Challenge Fund of \u20b91 lakh crore to support urban development.<\/li>\n<li>\u20b920,000 crore for private sector-driven R&amp;D and innovation.<\/li>\n<li>National Geospatial Mission for urban planning and Gyan Bharatam Mission for manuscript conservation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nuclear Energy Expansion<\/strong>: \u20b9 20,000 crore for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Exports (4th Engine):\u00a0<\/strong>Launch of Export Promotion Mission and BharatTradeNet for trade documentation.\n<ul>\n<li>Support for domestic manufacturing and integration with global supply chains.<\/li>\n<li>Infrastructure support for air cargo and fisheries exports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Reforms<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Financial Sector:\u00a0<\/strong>Increase in FDI limit in insurance from 74% to 100%.\n<ul>\n<li>Establishment of a High-Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms.<\/li>\n<li>Introduction of the Investment Friendliness Index of States.<\/li>\n<li>Decriminalization of 100+ provisions under the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0.<\/li>\n<li>Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) to review regulations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Taxation &amp; Fiscal Policy:\u00a0<\/strong>Fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP for FY 2025-26.\n<ul>\n<li>Increased receipts and expenditure estimates for 2025-26.<\/li>\n<li>Commitment to fiscal consolidation with a clear roadmap.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Tax Proposals<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Personal Income Tax Reform:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>no tax for income up to \u20b912 lakh per annum.\n<ul>\n<li>Standard deduction of \u20b975,000 for income up to \u20b912.75 lakh.<\/li>\n<li>Estimated \u20b91 lakh crore revenue loss due to tax reforms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>TDS\/TCS Rationalization:\u00a0<\/strong>TDS limit on interest for senior citizens increased from \u20b950,000 to \u20b91 lakh.\n<ul>\n<li>TDS threshold on rent raised to \u20b96 lakh from \u20b92.4 lakh.<\/li>\n<li>Extension of updated returns filing to 4 years for any assessment year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compliance Simplification:\u00a0<\/strong>Increase in registration period for small charitable trusts from 5 to 10 years.\n<ul>\n<li>Senior citizens benefit from tax exemption on National Savings Scheme withdrawals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Promotion of Employment &amp; Investment:\u00a0<\/strong>Presumptive taxation regime for non-residents providing services to electronics manufacturing companies<strong>.<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Extension of the Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds investment deadline to 2030.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Customs Tariff Reforms<\/strong>: Removal of seven tariffs, simplification of cess, and reduction of Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on critical minerals and textiles.\n<ul>\n<li>Reduction in BCD on lithium-ion battery manufacturing capital goods and shipbuilding materials.<\/li>\n<li>Duty adjustments to encourage domestic manufacturing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Export Promotion<\/strong>: Reduction of BCD on fish products and leather to boost exports.\n<ul>\n<li>Fully exempted BCD on lifesaving medicines for cancer, rare diseases, and chronic illnesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IndiaAI-Mission-1-February-2025\"><\/span><strong>IndiaAI Mission<\/strong><strong>: 1 February <\/strong>2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> The Indian government has decided to build a domestic large language model of its own as part of the \u20b910,370 crore IndiaAI Mission.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>It aims to build a homegrown AI system that understands India\u2019s unique culture, languages, and needs.<\/li>\n<li>The foundational model could take anywhere between 4-8 months.<\/li>\n<li>The government\u2019s AI compute facility would be \u201cthe most affordable\u201d in the world.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Infrastructure:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>The government has selected 10 companies that will supply 18,693 graphics processing units or GPUs.<\/li>\n<li>GPUs are high end chips needed to develop machine learning tools that can go into developing a foundational model. GPUs have become\u00a0essential for more complex tasks,\u00a0such as large-scale data processing and cryptocurrency mining.<\/li>\n<li>The project also includes plans for AI data centres in Odisha.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The idea is that institutions and researchers use GPUs and bring in innovations.\n<ul>\n<li>Since these GPUs are available now, students and researchers can make models on a large-scale instead of working in an ad hoc manner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About IndiaAI Mission<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Over the next five years, it will support the initiatives like the IndiaAI Compute Capacity, IndiaAI Innovation Centre (IAIC), IndiaAI Datasets Platform, IndiaAI Application Development Initiative, IndiaAI FutureSkills, IndiaAI Startup Financing, and Safe &amp; Trusted AI.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aim:<\/strong>Establishing a public-private partnership model aimed at nurturing India\u2019s AI innovation ecosystem.<\/li>\n<li>These initiatives aim to bolster India\u2019s global leadership in <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.madeeasy.in\/career-in-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AI (Artificial intelligence)<\/a>, foster technological self-reliance, ensure ethical and responsible AI deployment, and democratize the benefits of AI across all strata of society.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gyan-Bharatam-Mission-2-February-2025\"><\/span><strong>Gyan Bharatam Mission<\/strong>: 2 February 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> The\u00a0Gyan Bharatam Mission\u00a0was announced in the\u00a0Union Budget 2025-26.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>It is a landmark initiative focused on the\u00a0survey, documentation, and conservation\u00a0of India\u2019s\u00a0manuscript heritage.<\/li>\n<li>The mission aims to cover\u00a0more than one crore manuscripts, ensuring their\u00a0preservation and accessibility\u00a0for future generations.<\/li>\n<li>With this initiative, the government is taking\u00a0significant steps to reviving the\u00a0National Manuscripts Mission (NMM)\u00a0launched in\u00a02003\u00a0but largely inactive, and promoting India\u2019s\u00a0rich literary and intellectual traditions\u00a0at a global level.<\/li>\n<li>To accommodate this initiative, the budget for the\u00a0National Manuscripts Mission (NMM)\u00a0has been\u00a0significantly increased from \u20b93.5 crore to \u20b960 crore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Significance of the Mission<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Preserving India\u2019s Intellectual and Cultural Heritage: Manuscripts hold knowledge on subjects such as\u00a0philosophy, science, medicine, literature, mathematics, and astronomy. Their preservation helps safeguard\u00a0India\u2019s historical wisdom.<\/li>\n<li>Digital Access for Future Generations: Manuscripts often suffer from\u00a0physical decay. Digitization ensures\u00a024\/7 access to these texts worldwide\u00a0while preventing deterioration.<\/li>\n<li>Global Academic Impact: By making manuscripts available for study, India strengthens its position as a\u00a0hub of ancient knowledge and scholarship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Samudrayaan-Mission-2-February-2025\"><\/span><strong>Samudrayaan Mission<\/strong>: 2 February 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context<\/strong>: Samudrayaan Mission has been allocated Rs 600 crore in Union Budget 2025-26.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Launched in\u00a02021, it is India\u2019s<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>first manned ocean mission\u00a0to explore the deep ocean.<\/li>\n<li>It is a project of the\u00a0Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>under the Deep Ocean Mission.<\/li>\n<li>The technology is being developed by the\u00a0National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).<\/li>\n<li>NIOT is an autonomous institute under MoES, has developed a 6000m depth-rated<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) \u2018Matsya 6000\u2019.<\/li>\n<li>The mission aims to send\u00a0three people to a depth of 6,000 meters<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>in a submersible called the MATSYA 6000.<\/li>\n<li>The submersible will have an operational endurance of 12 hours, which is extendable up to 96 hours in the event of an emergency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Objectives of the Mission:\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>To study deep-sea marine life.<\/li>\n<li>To explore the distribution of polymetallic nodules, which are rich in minerals such as copper, nickel, and cobalt.<\/li>\n<li>To study the impact of climate change on the ocean.<\/li>\n<li>To develop India\u2019s capabilities in deep-sea exploration and research as well as develop underwater vehicles and underwater robotics.<\/li>\n<li>To develop offshore-based desalination techniques, renewable energy generation techniques, and provide clean drinking water and explore the avenues of desalination of water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>So far, countries such as the\u00a0U.S., Russia, China, France and Japan\u00a0have carried out successful deep-ocean crewed missions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Foreign-Direct-Investment-FDI-3-February-2025\"><\/span><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)<\/strong>: 3 February 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the opening up of the\u00a0insurance sector\u00a0to 100% foreign direct investment (FDI), up from the previous limit of 74%, to boost the sector.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Indian Insurance Sector\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>It has undergone significant transformation, evolving from being dominated by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to a more diverse industry with various players offering a wide range of products.<\/li>\n<li>The transformation has been driven by Economic development, Technological advancements, Demographic changes, Increased consumer awareness, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, regarding the importance of financial security through insurance.<\/li>\n<li>The insurance sector has played a significant role in the economic development of India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Impact of 100% FDI on Insurance<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>India\u2019s insurance sector has attracted Rs 82,847 crore in FDI since 2000, driving growth and improving operations.<\/li>\n<li>The government expects the sector to grow at 7.1% annually over the next five years, driven by foreign investment and policy changes.<\/li>\n<li>100% FDI\u00a0could address the insurance\u00a0under-penetration in India, accelerating the adoption of global best practices and introducing innovative products and services.<\/li>\n<li>It\u00a0will ensure long-term capital, enhance technology, strengthen distribution, and increase competitiveness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ocean-Coordination-Mechanism-3-February-2025\"><\/span><strong>Ocean Coordination Mechanism<\/strong>: 3 February 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) is a new initiative for\u00a0ocean conservation.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Announced by\u00a0Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO\u00a0on January 14, 2025.<\/li>\n<li>Focuses on the\u00a0Caribbean and North Brazil shelf, which are rich in biodiversity, coral reefs, and fisheries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Objectives:<\/strong>\u00a0Establishes a collaborative framework for ocean conservation.\n<ul>\n<li>Builds on lessons from past initiatives like Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy (PIROP).<\/li>\n<li>Addresses financial sustainability with an initial $15 million investment from Global Environment Facility (GEF), plus $126.02 million in co-financing.<\/li>\n<li>Promotes\u00a0Blue Carbon Projects\u00a0to enhance carbon storage and ecosystem resilience.<\/li>\n<li>Integrates traditional knowledge with scientific research for community-driven conservation efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Makhana-Board-3-February-2025\"><\/span><strong>Makhana Board<\/strong>: 3 February 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> The\u00a0Union Budget 2025-26\u00a0has allocated \u20b9100 crore to establish a\u00a0Makhana Board in Bihar, aimed at promoting Makhana products. The Board will provide training, support, and access to government schemes to benefit Makhana farmers.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About Makhana<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>Common Name:<\/strong> Fox nut<\/li>\n<li><strong>Botanical Features:<\/strong> Recognized for its\u00a0violet and white flowers.<\/li>\n<li>Has\u00a0large, round, and prickly leaves, often exceeding\u00a0one meter in diameter.<\/li>\n<li>Nutritional &amp; Economic Importance:\u00a0Considered a\u00a0superfood, rich in\u00a0carbohydrates, protein, and minerals.<\/li>\n<li>Widely used in\u00a0medicine, healthcare, and nutrition.<\/li>\n<li>Mithila Makhana\u00a0received the\u00a0Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022.<\/li>\n<li>Cultivation:\u00a0Cultivated across\u00a0South and East Asia, with\u00a0Bihar contributing nearly 90% of global production.<\/li>\n<li>Major Producing Districts in Bihar: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi (Mithilanchal region).<\/li>\n<li>Climatic &amp; Agronomic Conditions: Grown in\u00a0tropical and subtropical regions.<\/li>\n<li>Cultivated in\u00a0stagnant water bodies\u00a0like\u00a0ponds, lakes, and wetlands\u00a0(depth:\u00a04-6 feet).<\/li>\n<li>Optimal Growth Conditions:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Temperature:<\/strong> 20-35\u00b0C<\/li>\n<li><strong>Humidity:<\/strong> 50-90%<\/li>\n<li><strong>Annual Rainfall:<\/strong> 100-250 cm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GARBH-INi-DRISHTI-4-February-2025\"><\/span><strong>GARBH-INi-DRISHTI<\/strong>: 4 February 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> The Department of Biotechnology has launched the\u00a0<strong>GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Key Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>GARBH-INi-DRISHTI is the\u00a0<strong>Data Repository and Information Sharing Hub\u00a0<\/strong>at\u00a0<strong>Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI).\u00a0<\/strong>It provides access to\u00a0<strong>clinical data, images, and biospecimens<\/strong>\u00a0collected from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\u00a0As one of South Asia\u2019s largest maternal and child health databases, GARBH-INi-DRISHTI will empower researchers worldwide to conduct transformative research aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>THSTI:<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>The newly inaugurated THSTI Ferret Research Facility, is a state-of-the-art establishment adhering to the highest biosafety and research standards.<\/li>\n<li>It will serve as a crucial resource for vaccine development, therapeutic testing, and research into emerging infectious diseases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"International-Big-Cat-Alliance-IBCA-4-February-2025\"><\/span><strong>International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)<\/strong>: 4 February 2025<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Context:<\/strong> The Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) recently came into force, making it a full-fledged, treaty-based inter-governmental international organization.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">The IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, during the\u00a0<strong>\u201cCommemorating\u00a050 years of Project Tiger\u201d event<\/strong>. It is\u00a0headquartered in Delhi.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Members:<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>27 countries have consented to join the Alliance.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Five countries\u00a0<strong>(Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia)\u00a0<\/strong>have officially ratified and become members of the IBCA.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">It\u00a0was established by the Government of India through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment, Forest &amp; Climate Change (MoEFCC), with an order dated 12<sup>th<\/sup> March, 2024.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">It aims to conserve seven big cat species:\u00a0<strong>Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.<\/strong> It includes both range countries (countries where these species are found) and non-range countries interested in supporting big cat conservation.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">The primary goal of IBCA is to facilitate global collaboration for big cat conservation, consolidate successful conservation practices, and achieve the common goal of preserving big cats worldwide.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">It aims to provide financial support, disseminate conservation best practices, create a central repository of technical knowledge, and strengthen intergovernmental conservation platforms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>To read all the current affairs of the last year, click on the link below:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&#x1f517;<a class=\"melinkbtn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/weekly-current-affairs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Download the Complete Current Affairs PDF for Free Now!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Must Read:<\/strong>\u00a0&#x1f517; <strong><a class=\"melinkbtn\" href=\"https:\/\/study.madeeasy.in\/gk\/gs-score-weekly-current-affairs-15-to-21-jan-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GS Score Weekly Current Affairs: 15 to 21 JAN 2025<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MADE-EASY-Offline-and-Online-Courses\"><\/span>MADE EASY Offline and Online Courses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table class=\"table table-striped table-bordered table-condensed\" style=\"margin: 0 auto; width: 99%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\">MADE EASY Classroom &amp; Live-Online Courses: Enroll Now &#x1f447;<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\">\n<h4><strong>Classroom Courses<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/home\/ClassroomGATE\/Regular\">GATE<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/home\/classroom-study-course\/Regular\">GATE+ESE<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/1-year-foundation-course-for-gate-ses-gs\">GATE+SES<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/1-year-foundation-classroom-course-ots-ese-gate\">GATE+ESE+SES<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/home\/ies-ese-mains-exclusive-batches\">Conventional Course<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/ese-mains-test-series\">Offline Test Series<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/home\/Gs-Eng-Technical-Subjects-Batches\/Regular\">G.S. &amp; Engg. Aptitude Batch<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/home\/interview-guidance-programme\">Interview Guidance<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\">\n<h4><strong>\u00a0Live-Online Courses<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasyprime.com\/live-online-courses-gate-state-engg-exams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GATE+SES<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasyprime.com\/live-online-courses-ese-gate-psus-state-engg-exams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GATE+ESE<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasyprime.com\/live-online-courses-ese-gate-psus-state-engg-exams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GATE+ESE+SES<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasyprime.com\/live-online-coaching-classes-ae-je\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JE &amp; AE<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasyprime.com\/gate-rank-improvement-online-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rank Improvement Course<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasyprime.com\/live-online-rrb-je-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RRB-JE<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasyprime.com\/live-online-classes-uppsc-ae\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UPPSC-AE<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.madeeasyprime.com\/general-studies-online-course-ssc-ses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State Exams (GS) Course<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are-you-looking-for-Current-Affairs-2024\"><\/span>Are you looking for Current Affairs 2024?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If yes then buy the book given below today and strengthen your exam preparation.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/madeeasypublications.org\/bookdetail\/current-affairs-quarterly-issue-july-august-september-2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/madeeasypublications.org\/images\/book\/9788196872540\/9788196872540_small.jpg\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Book Name:<\/strong> Current Affairs Quarterly Issue: July-August-September 2024<\/li>\n<li class=\"bkdtlsprice\"><strong>Publisher Name: MADE EASY Publications<\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"bkdtlsprice\"><strong>MRP:<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through; color: red;\"> \u20b9 <strong>200.00<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"bkdtlsprice\"><strong>Price:<\/strong> <span style=\"color: green;\"> \u20b9 <strong>170.00\u00a0(15% OFF)<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&#x1f517; <a href=\"https:\/\/madeeasypublications.org\/bookdetail\/current-affairs-quarterly-issue-july-august-september-2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Buy Now<\/strong><\/a> | &#x1f517; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/madeeasypublications.org\/books\/Current%20Affairs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Explore and Buy Other Books<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MADE EASY Last Week Current Affairs: 29th JAN to 4th FEB 2025 Aspirants preparing for government exams in India often<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4277,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1176],"tags":[1203,1187,1202,1201,1200,1188],"class_list":["post-4269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gk","tag-govt-exam-news","tag-made-easy-current-affairs","tag-rrb-updates","tag-ssc-news","tag-upsc-current-affairs","tag-weekly-current-affairs-2025"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4269","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4269"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4269\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4277"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.madeeasy.in\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}