Current Affairs Today: 04th February 2025 | Daily GK Update
National News
1. What major wildlife initiative was approved in Madhya Pradesh?
Answer: India’s first White Tiger Breeding Centre was approved in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh by the Central Zoo Authority. It aims to boost biodiversity, tourism, and local employment.
2. What new agricultural tech hub was launched by MeitY and IIT Indore?
Answer: AgriHub, an AI-driven Centre of Excellence, was launched to tackle drought, floods, and low productivity using AI, ML, and DL technologies.
International News
3. What economic milestone did Sri Lanka reach in January 2025?
Answer: Sri Lanka recorded its highest deflation in 65 years at -4.0%, driven by reduced electricity and fuel costs amid IMF-backed reforms.
4. What legal move did the UK make regarding AI-generated content?
Answer: The UK became the first country to criminalize AI-generated child sexual abuse material, introducing strict laws to curb misuse of generative AI.
Defence News
5. What new manufacturing system was unveiled by DRDO and IIT Hyderabad?
Answer: A Large Area Additive Manufacturing (LAAM) system was developed to produce large metal components for aerospace and defense sectors.
6. What was the Defence Budget allocation for FY 2025–26?
Answer: ₹6.81 lakh crore was allocated, a 9.53% increase, making it the highest among ministries and aligning with the ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ vision.
7. What joint military exercise began between India and Maldives?
Answer: The 13th edition of ‘Ekuverin’ commenced in Maldives on February 2, 2025, strengthening bilateral defense ties.
State News
8. What legal reform panel was formed in Gujarat?
Answer: A panel led by Justice Ranjana Desai was appointed to draft the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within 45 days.
9. What green energy project was announced in Odisha?
Answer: Avaada Group and Casale will develop a 1,500 TPD green ammonia plant in Gopalpur, promoting carbon-free industrial processes.
10. What digital employment initiative was launched in Barmer, Rajasthan?
Answer: The ‘MY NREGA App’ was launched to streamline job applications under MNREGA, reducing physical visits to Gram Panchayats.
11. What WhatsApp-based governance service was launched in Andhra Pradesh?
Answer: ‘Mana Mitra’ was launched to offer 161 government services via WhatsApp, integrating blockchain and AI for digital governance.
Banking & Economy News
12. What fintech firm was selected by RBI for offline payment testing?
Answer: Exto India Technologies was chosen under RBI’s Regulatory Sandbox to test offline digital payment solutions.
13. What liquidity measures did RBI announce?
Answer: RBI introduced a $5 billion USD/INR swap auction, OMOs, and VRR auctions to ease banking system liquidity.
14. What new fintech app was launched by Finvasia and Yes Bank?
Answer: ‘Jumpp’, an AI-powered super app for personal finance management, was launched to simplify financial services.
15. What ETF milestone was achieved by Kotak Mutual Fund?
Answer: Kotak launched India’s first MSCI India ETF, offering exposure to a diversified portfolio of Indian stocks.
16. What penalty was imposed on Bybit by FIU-IND?
Answer: A ₹9.27 crore penalty was levied for violating PMLA norms, with Bybit’s websites blocked under the IT Act.
Summits & Conferences
17. What global conservation alliance gained treaty status?
Answer: The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) became a treaty-based organization headquartered in India, focusing on big cat conservation.
Sports News
18. Who won the Tata Steel Masters Chess Title 2025?
Answer: R Praggnanandhaa defeated D Gukesh 2–1 in tie-breaks to win his first Tata Steel Masters title in the Netherlands.
Science & Technology
19. What satellite was launched by Japan’s H-3 rocket?
Answer: Michibiki No. 6 was successfully launched to enhance Japan’s GPS capabilities.
Obituaries
20. Which prominent global leader passed away recently?
Answer: Horst Koehler, former German President and IMF Chief, died at 81, remembered for his leadership and advocacy for Africa.