Today’s Current Affairs: 5th February 2025 for UPSC IAS exams, State PSC exams, SSC CGL, State SSC, RRB, Railways, Banking Exam & IBPS, etc
Table of Contents
North Sea:
Researchers have discovered huge landforms deep beneath the North Sea that suggest the region was swallowed by a giant ice sheet toward the middle of the last ice age.
- North Sea is a relatively shallow and enclosed sea located in Northwestern Europe.
- It is considered to be a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean.
- It connects to the Atlantic Ocean via the Norwegian Sea in the north and the English Channel in the south.
- It connects to the Baltic Sea in the east via the Kattegat and Skagerrak straits
- Bordering Countries: United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
- It covers an area of approximately 570,000 sq.km.
- Major rivers that drain into the North Sea include Forth, Elbe, Weser, Ems, Rhine, Meuse, Scheldt, Thames and Humber.
- It also hosts two of the world’s largest ports (Hamburg and Rotterdam).
- It is one of the most important fishing grounds globally.
SC/ST Act to Include Intellectual Property:
In the Principal Secretary Government of Maharashtra v. Kshipra Kamlesh Uke Case, 2024, the Supreme Court upholds the Bombay High Court’s ruling, expanding the definition of “property” in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to include intellectual property.
- The aggrieved sought compensation for the theft of their research data, laptops, and intellectual property under the provisions of the SC/ST Act, 1989.
- The Bombay High Court ruled that the term “property” should be interpreted broadly to include intellectual property such as data, electronic material, and intellectual rights, whether tangible or intangible.
- Patents, copyrights, and designs, are property, even though they lack physical existence, and are capable of being valued for compensation under the SC/ST Act, 1989.
- The SC/ST Act, 1989 defines specific offenses against SC/ST members, including physical violence, harassment, and social discrimination.
- The SC/ST Act, 1989, does not allow anticipatory bail, unless a prima facie case is made against the accused.
- It mandates special courts for swift trials and SC/ST Protection Cells at the state level, led by senior police officers, to oversee its implementation.
Black Kite : Found
An article recently revealed that black kites have been found to nest in a tower structure located in Chennai.
- They are medium-sized birds of prey in the family Accipitridae.
- Unlike others in the group, black kites are opportunistic hunters and spend much time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food.
- These are medium-sized raptors. Their dorsal coloration is mostly brown, which fades to a darker brown towards the tips of the wings and tail.
- They have small, bead-like dark brown eyes and a large black, hook-shaped beak for tearing flesh and consuming their prey.
- They live in a wide variety of habitats from wetlands, river edges, coasts, grassland, open savannas, shrubland and woodlands.
- They are mainly found in tropical portions of Australasia, Eurasia, and Africa.
- They are monogamous and form strong pair bonds that may last for life.
- They are extremely versatile feeders, taking carrion as well as live birds, mammals, fish, lizards, amphibians and invertebrates, and even vegetable matter such as palm oil fruits.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Least Concern
- Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: Schedule-II
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve : Most Famous Tiger Dead
‘Chhota Bheem’, one of the most famous tigers of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, died while undergoing treatment for multiple fractures at Bhopal’s Van Vihar recently.
- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is nestled in the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.
- The name “Bandhavgarh” is derived from the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, which sits atop a hill in the park.
- According to legend, the fort was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana, hence the name “Bandhavgarh” (Brother’s Fort).
- It is spread over 1536 sq. km., which includes the 716 sq. km. core zone and 820 sq. km. of the buffer zone.
- It is known to have one of the highest densities of tigers in the world.
- The habitat is characterized by valleys, hills, and plains with the Bandhavgarh fort prominently seen as a major landmark.
- The flora of the region comprises majorly Sal forests, mixed forests and grasslands.
- Apart from tigers, the park is home to other significant species such as leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), Asiatic elephants, and a variety of deer species, including sambar and chital.
World Health Organization : In News
The World Health Organization chief recently asked global leaders to lean on Washington to reverse President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the U.N. health agency.
- World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations specialized agency for health.
- It was established in 1948 with the objective of the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health.
- Health, as defined in the WHO Constitution, is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
- WHO is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.
- It has 193 member countries and two associate members.
- It has its administrative headquarters in Geneva,Switzerland.
- The governance of WHO operates through the World Health Assembly, which meets annually as the general policy-making body, and through an Executive Board of health specialists elected for three-year terms by the assembly.
- The agency is led by a director general nominated by the Executive Board and appointed by the World Health Assembly.
- Roughly 16 percent of the budget comes from mandatory dues paid by members; the rest is made up of voluntary donations from governments and private partners.
Kolleru Lake:
The Southern Zonal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently restrained the Andhra Pradesh Government from proceeding with the six infrastructure projects in Kolleru wetland area.
- It is a large, natural, shallow, freshwater lake located in northeastern Andhra Pradesh.
- It lies between the Krishna and Godavari deltas near the city of Eluru. The lake serves as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for these two rivers.
- It is the largest shallow freshwater lake in Asia.
- It covers an area of 308 sq.km.
- The lake drains into the Bay of Bengal through the Upputeru river. Occasionally, small amounts of salt water enter the otherwise freshwater lake through this river.
- It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in November 1999 and a Ramsar Site in November 2002.
- It serves as a habitat for migratory birds. It regularly supports more than 50,000 waterfowls, due to which it has been selected as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
- Kolleru Lake falls on the migratory route called the Central Asian Flyway (CAF).
- Major bird species found here include Siberian cranes, pelicans, and painted storks
Fall In Indian Rupee:
The Indian rupee is falling continuously against the US dollar, hitting a record low due to US President new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada.The exchange rate is the value of one currency in terms of another, determining how much domestic currency is needed to buy one unit of foreign currency.
- Exchange rates fluctuate based on demand and supply in the currency market, influenced by trade, investments, and monetary policies.
Impact of Falling Rupee on Indian Economy
Negative Impacts:
- Higher Import Costs: India imports 80% of its crude oil, making fuel, raw materials, and essential goods more expensive.
- Inflation Surge: Costlier imports increase input costs, leading to higher inflation and reduced purchasing power.
- Widening Current Account Deficit (CAD): Rising trade deficit and costlier dollar-denominated imports worsen India’s CAD, pressuring forex reserves.
- FII Outflows: A weak rupee reduces investor confidence, leading to stock market declines and capital flight.
Positive Impacts:
- Stronger Export Competitiveness: A weaker rupee makes Indian exports cheaper, boosting IT, pharma, and textile exports.
- Higher Remittances: NRIs sending money to India benefit from better exchange rates, increasing remittance inflows.
Gyan Bharatam Mission:
The Union Budget 2025-26 announced the Gyan Bharatam Mission, under which one crore manuscripts will be conserved and documented.
- Gyan Bharatam Mission is a special mission for the survey, documentation, and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage lying with academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors.
- It intends to cover more than one crore manuscripts.
- A key component of the Gyan Bharatam Mission is the national digital repository of the Indian knowledge system.
- It will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing.
- It will help in digitising and centralising India’s traditional knowledge.
- It will be accessible to researchers, students, and institutions worldwide.
- A manuscript is a handwritten composition on paper, bark, cloth, metal, palm leaf, or any other material dating back at least 75 years that has significant scientific, historical and aesthetic value.
Ban on Begging : Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh has issued a complete ban on begging across all public places, following Indore’s example, as part of efforts to tackle the issue and provide alternative solutions for displaced beggars.The ban was triggered by reports of begging at traffic signals, religious sites, and tourist spots, causing traffic disruptions and accidents.Authorities also revealed that many beggars come from other states and have criminal records or are involved in illicit activities, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure public safety and prevent further hazards.
Grameen Credit Score:
On Budget 2025-26 has introduced the Grameen Credit Score (GCS) framework to address the credit needs of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and rural populations. It is developed by public sector banks to assess the creditworthiness of rural individuals, facilitating easier access to loans.It aims to improve repayment discipline and reduce fraud by providing a more accurate evaluation of borrowers in rural areas.It will strengthen microfinance, boost financial inclusion, and support sectors like agriculture, rural development, and MSMEs.
Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton:
Union Finance Minister announced a five-year mission to boost the productivity and sustainability of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton farming in India during the Union Budget 2025-26.ELS cotton refers to cotton varieties with fibre lengths of 30 mm and above, known for their superior quality, softness, and durability. Primarily derived from the Gossypium barbadense species, also known as Egyptian or Pima cotton.
Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy) as biological mosquito control agents:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response from the Centre on the use of Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy) as biological mosquito control agents, despite being classified as invasive alien species by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). Both species consume mosquito larvae, reducing populations in water bodies.
It is Introduced in many countries to combat vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.While effective in mosquito suppression, they also disrupt native aquatic ecosystems, leading to food scarcity for indigenous fish species.
Fentanyl Crisis:
US President has imposed 25% tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada over fentanyl trafficking, linking the opioid crisis to trade policies.Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid approved for pain relief and anesthesia, nearly 100 times stronger than morphine.
It is commonly used in medical settings for treating severe pain, but illicitly produced versions contribute to the opioid epidemic.
South Sudan : In News
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has declared a famine in its controlled territories, including the Nuba Mountains and parts of Blue Nile State.SPLM-N Emerged as a breakaway faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)after South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Primarily represents the interests of the Nubaand Blue Nile regions in Sudan.
Advocates for greater autonomy, political representation, and resource sharing for marginalized regions in Sudan.
Airtel Payments Bank Partners with Karnataka Bulldozers for CCL 2025:
Airtel Payments Bank has announced its partnership with the Karnataka Bulldozers for the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2025, set to begin on February 8, 2025. The collaboration makes Airtel Payments Bank a co-sponsor of the team, aiming to promote safe digital banking among cricket fans across India. This initiative aligns with the bank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening digital security and financial awareness through popular platforms like cricket, which has a vast and engaged audience.
Centre Unveils New Agri-Tech Schemes for Higher Productivity:
The government has introduced several initiatives to enhance agricultural technology, aiming to boost productivity, sustainability, and farmers’ earnings. These programs leverage digital advancements, modern farming methods, and efficient resource management to increase agricultural output.Key Government Initiatives are- Digital Agriculture Mission, Crop Improvement & Agricultural Research, Technological Advancements in Animal & Fisheries Sector, Farmer Training& Awareness, Agricultural Marketing & Market Access Sustainable Farming & Soil Health Management,Value Addition & Agri-Processing
SEBI Proposes Secure UPI Payment Mechanism for Market Intermediaries:
SEBI is planning a secure UPI payment mechanism to ensure investor safety and prevent fraud in capital markets. The proposal includes unique UPI IDs for registered intermediaries, a verification icon for authenticity, and an increased UPI transaction limit of ₹5 lakh per day (up from ₹2 lakh).
TROPEX-25:
TROPEX-25, or the Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise 2025, is one of the most significant military exercises conducted by India, with the Indian Navy at its core.This biennial exercise is designed to showcase jointness among the armed forces, demonstrate India’s ability to address challenges, and project power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Held in January 2025, TROPEX-25 underscores India’s evolving military doctrine, emphasizing integrated operations, fleet coordination, and rapid response capabilities.
UK Becomes First Country to Criminalize AI-Generated Child Abuse Content:
The United Kingdom is taking a historic step in the fight against child sexual abuse by becoming the first country to criminalize AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The British government is introducing strict legal measures to tackle the exploitation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation and distribution of child abuse content. These measures aim to prevent the misuse of generative AI tools for the production of CSAM and ensure severe punishments for offenders.
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 Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Planned in Govindgarh near Mukundpur’s white tiger safari, the project, initially approved in 2011, aims to conserve biodiversity, boost wildlife tourism, and generate local employment. 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.
Japan’s H-3 Rocket Successfully Launches Michibiki No. 6 Satellite:
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched the fifth H-3 rocket, which carried the Michibiki No. 6 satellite. This satellite will contribute to Japan’s positioning system, a vital part of its version of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS). The launch took place at 5:30 p.m. from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, and the satellite was successfully placed into its designated orbit
R Praggnanandhaa Wins Tata Steel Masters Chess Title:
R Praggnanandhaa claimed his first-ever Tata Steel Masters title on February 2, 2025, by defeating D Gukesh 2-1 in a dramatic tie-breaker. The thrilling final featured surprising upsets and intense moments. Praggnanandhaa’s victory is a major milestone in his career.
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. These include a $5 billion USD/INR buy/sell swap auction, open market operations (OMOs), and a variable rate repo (VRR) auction. The RBI’s efforts aim to alleviate liquidity constraints in the banking system and support economic stability.
Kotak Mutual Fund Introduces India’s First MSCI India ETF:
Kotak Mutual Fund has launched India’s first MSCI India ETF, designed to track the MSCI India Index. This ETF offers investors an easy way to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of Indian equities. With a minimum investment of ₹5,000, providing a cost-effective, passive investment option.
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.
MY NREGA App:
The ‘MY NREGA App’ has been launched in Barmer District to streamline the employment process under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). This initiative, spearheaded by District Collector IAS Tina Dabi and Chief Executive Officer IAS Siddharth Palanichamy, aims to simplify the way MNREGA workers apply for jobs. By offering a mobile-based solution, the app reduces the need for workers to physically visit Gram Panchayats and enhances the efficiency of the employment request process. With the potential to be replicated in other districts across India, this app represents a significant step toward digitizing rural welfare programs.
New Phytopathogenic Fungus:
Researchers at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have identified a new phytopathogenic fungus, Epicoccum indicum, responsible for leaf spot disease in Chrysopogon zizanioides . The discovery, led by Dr. Raghvendra Singh and Soumyadeep Rajwar, was published in Fungal Diversity on December 19, 2024.