Author name: Ajay Gulia

"Ajay Kumar Gulia is the lead editor at gknow.in. With a deep background in competitive exam coaching, he has helped thousands of students stay updated with daily current affairs. He meticulously vets every MCQ to ensure it meets the standards of UPSC and SSC boards."

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as new Chief Election Commissioner

The Central government appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on February 17, 2025, replacing Rajiv Kumar, who will retire on February 18, 2025. Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, is the senior-most among the three-member Election Commission panel.

Along with this, Vivek Joshi was appointed as an Election Commissioner. He previously served as Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner.

The selection was made by a three-member committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Rahul Gandhi (Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha) and Amit Shah (Union Home Minister) as members. This is the first CEC appointment under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioner Act, 2023, which became effective in December 2023.

Rajiv Kumar, who served as CEC from May 15, 2022, oversaw Lok Sabha elections 2024, Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections 2022, and elections in 31 States/UTs during his tenure, ensuring smooth electoral management with minimal repolling and violence.

Matsya-6000: India’s Fourth-Generation Deep-Ocean Submersible Completes Wet Testing

India’s fourth-generation deep-ocean submersible, Matsya-6000, has successfully completed wet testing at the harbour, moving closer to shallow-water trials at 500 meters depth by late 2025.

Before wet testing, Matsya-6000 underwent integrated dry tests and was later transported to Kattupalli Port near Chennai for further trials.

Developed under the Samudrayan Project, the submersible is part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission, led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). It features a 2.1-meter spherical hull designed to accommodate three crew members, enhancing India’s deep-sea exploration capabilities.

Khelo India Winter Games 2025 Postponed Due to Lack of Snow in Gulmarg

The second and final leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for February 22, 2025 has been postponed due to insufficient snowfall. Events in alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding will be rescheduled once weather conditions improve.

The first leg took place in Ladakh (Jan 23-27) at NDS Sports Complex and Guphuk Pond, featuring ice hockey and ice skating. A total of 19 teams are competing across six disciplines, with Ladakh leading the medal tally (4 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze).

U.S.-Russia Peace Talks on Ukraine to Begin in Saudi Arabia

U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia to initiate talks aimed at ending the nearly three-year-long war in Ukraine. However, Ukraine has not been invited and will not engage with Russia without consulting its strategic partners.

The talks, facilitated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials, aim to set up a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Trump, who took office on January 20, has pledged to quickly end the war but has excluded European allies from the peace process.

Russia has insisted Ukraine cede territory and remain neutral, while Ukraine demands Russia withdraw from occupied regions and seeks NATO membership or similar security guarantees. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Ukraine are negotiating a deal granting U.S. companies significant stakes in Ukraine’s critical minerals, though Zelenskiy has raised concerns over security provisions in the draft agreement.

Joint Military Exercise Dharma Guardian between India and Japan at Mount Fuji, Japan, from February 25 to March 9, 2025

The sixth edition of Joint Military Exercise Dharma Guardian between India and Japan will be held at Mount Fuji, Japan, from February 25 to March 9, 2025.

The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate. It builds on the momentum of the Indian Army Chief’s visit to Japan in October 2024, further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Gulveer Singh Breaks 17-Year-Old National Record in Indoor 3000m

India’s Gulveer Singh set a new National Record in the Men’s Indoor 3000 meters at the David Hemery Invitational meet in Boston, clocking 7 minutes 38.26 seconds. He broke Surendra Singh’s 17-year-old record by 11 seconds and secured the silver medal. Romain Legendre won gold, while Morgan Beadlescomb took bronze.

Gulveer Singh now holds three National Records in the outdoor 5000m, outdoor 10000m, and indoor 3000m.

BRICS Summit 2025 to be Held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7

The next BRICS summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, featuring leaders from 20 member and associate countries. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira stated that the summit will focus on economic development, cooperation, and improving living conditions. Under Brazil’s leadership, BRICS aims to strengthen ties with developing nations and reform global institutions.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva emphasized promoting trade and investment among members using local currency transactions, though there are no plans to replace the US dollar. This comes amid threats from Donald Trump to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they undermine the dollar.

Originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS expanded in 2010 with South Africa and later added Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE in 2023. Saudi Arabia has been invited, and Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have applied for membership. Recently, Indonesia joined as a full member, and Nigeria became a partner country.

Mahakumbh in Prayagraj Sets World Record with Over 50 Crore Participants

The Mahakumbh in Prayagraj has made history by becoming the first event in the world where more than 50 crore (500 million) people have participated directly. This incredible milestone was achieved on 14 February 2025, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, which started on January 13, 2025, and will continue until February 26, 2025.

The Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, has seen an unprecedented number of devotees taking a holy dip. This figure surpasses the combined population of many countries, including the United States and Russia. The Uttar Pradesh government has highlighted this as the largest congregation in human history for any religious, cultural, or social event.

Despite challenges such as a deadly stampede on January 29, the fair has continued to attract millions of pilgrims from India and around the world daily. The event has not only showcased the deep-rooted faith of the devotees but also the remarkable organizational efforts of the authorities involved.

Services Team Tops Medal Tally as 38th National Games

The 38th National Games concluded with a grand ceremony held at the International Sports Stadium in Golapar, Haldwani, on February 14, 2025. The event was graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha officially declared the conclusion of the Games.

Top Teams: The Services team topped the medal tally with 68 gold, 26 silver, and 27 bronze medals. Maharashtra and Haryana followed with 54 gold and 48 gold medals respectively.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives: The Games implemented eco-friendly practices, including planting trees in honor of the athletes.

Future Host: The National Games torch will now pass to Meghalaya, where Chief Minister Conrad Sangma plans to promote sports across Northeast states.

Recognition: Uttarakhand’s sports infrastructure development was praised, and the state’s athletes were congratulated for their achievements.

Cristiano Ronaldo Ranked as the World’s Highest-Paid Athlete in 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list of the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2024 with a total income of $260 million, according to sports industry news site Sportico. He retained the top spot for the second consecutive year, earning $215 million in wages from Saudi club Al-Nassr and $45 million from endorsements.

The top five highest-paid athletes are:

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($260 million)
  2. Stephen Curry ($153.8 million)
  3. Tyson Fury ($147 million)
  4. Lionel Messi ($135 million)
  5. LeBron James ($133.2 million)

The top 100 athletes collectively earned $6.2 billion, with $4.8 billion from salaries/prizes and $1.4 billion from endorsements. However, no female athlete made the list.

The highest-earning female athlete, Coco Gauff, earned $30.4 million, falling short of the 100th-ranked athlete, NFL quarterback Daniel Jones ($37.5 million).

President’s Rule imposed in Manipur under Article 356 of the Constitution

On February 13, 2025, President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur under Article 356 of the Constitution, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 8. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification stating that the Governor’s report indicated the state government could no longer function as per the Constitution.

Under this proclamation, the President assumes all executive functions, while legislative powers shift to Parliament. Meanwhile, the BJP is engaged in discussions to select a new leader for the legislature party.

Manipur has been facing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities for the past two years, which contributed to the political crisis. The Opposition Congress had planned a no-confidence motion against the BJP government, but the Governor canceled the Assembly session after Biren Singh’s resignation.

President Trump Announces F-35 Stealth Fighter Deal with India

President Donald Trump announced a significant military deal with India on February 13, 2025, during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump revealed plans to increase military sales to India by billions of dollars, including the eventual provision of F-35 stealth fighter jets.

Key Points:

Enhanced Defence Ties: The deal marks a major step in strengthening the defence relationship between the United States and India.

F-35 Jets: The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, known for its stealth capabilities, advanced situational awareness, and networked combat capabilities.

Timeline Uncertain: While Trump’s announcement is a significant commitment, the timeline for delivering the F-35 jets remains unclear.

Strategic Partnership: The deal is part of a broader effort to bolster security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, with both nations aiming to counter security threats and ensure stability.

India’s Position 96th in 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index

The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released by Transparency International, provides a snapshot of the perceived levels of public sector corruption across 180 countries and territories. The CPI scores countries on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Key Findings:

Global Average: The global average score remains unchanged at 43, indicating that corruption is still a significant issue worldwide 2024 – Transparency.am](https://transparency.am/en/cpi).

Top Countries: Denmark tops the list as the least corrupt nation with a score of 90, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84).0

Bottom Countries: South Sudan ranks as the most corrupt country with a score of 8, followed by Somalia and Venezuela.

India’s Performance: India ranks 96th with a score of 38, a slight decline from 39 in 2023. This indicates a growing concern about corruption in the country.

Climate and Corruption: The report highlights that corruption is a major threat to climate action, as it hinders progress in reducing emissions and adapting to global heating.

RBI Lifts Business Restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted the business restrictions imposed on Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. These restrictions, which were imposed on April 24, 2024, barred the bank from onboarding new customers through its online and mobile banking channels and issuing fresh credit cards.

The RBI’s decision to lift these restrictions comes after Kotak Mahindra Bank implemented remedial measures to address the supervisory concerns raised by the central bank. The bank also commissioned an external audit, approved by the RBI, to validate the compliance.

With the restrictions lifted, Kotak Mahindra Bank can now resume its digital customer acquisition and credit card issuance. This move is expected to positively impact the bank’s net interest margin (NIM) and fee income growth.

PM Modi in Washington DC for bilateral talks with US President

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington DC on February 12, 2025, for a crucial two-day visit. His visit aims to strengthen India-US ties and hold key discussions with President Donald Trump on trade, immigration, and defense. Modi was warmly welcomed by members of the Indian-American community at Blair House, the US presidential guest house.

The visit comes amid concerns over the US’s “America First” trade policy and its immigration stance. Modi’s discussions with Trump are expected to address these issues and explore ways to enhance cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, technology, and defense.

Sachin Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) set a new National Games record (84.39m) to win gold in Javelin Throw

The 38th National Games in Uttarakhand (12 Feb 2025) saw record-breaking performances across multiple disciplines.

  • Javelin Throw: Sachin Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) set a new meet record (84.39m) to win gold.
  • 5000m Race: Uttarakhand’s Ankita Dhyani won gold in the women’s event.
  • Water Sports: Services dominated, winning gold in K-2 500m and C-2 500m.
  • High Jump: Pooja (Haryana) set a new National Games record (1.84m), qualifying for the Asian Championships.
  • 400m Hurdles: Ruchit Mori (Gujarat) won gold (50.97s); Vithya Ramraj (Tamil Nadu) won the women’s event but lost in the 4x400m relay due to a baton drop, allowing Kerala to win gold.
  • 5000m Race (Men): Sawan Barwal (Himachal Pradesh) set a new meet record (13:45.93s) and qualified for the Asian Championships.
  • Fencing: Haryana won gold in the men’s foil event.
  • Hockey: Haryana’s women’s team defeated Jharkhand 2-1 to enter the final against Madhya Pradesh.

With finals approaching, the competition remains intense, with athletes achieving remarkable feats.

India Clean-Sweep England 3-0 in Men’s Cricket ODI Series

India delivered a dominant performance to clean-sweep England 3-0 in the ODI series. The final match, held in Ahmedabad on February 12, 2025, saw India defeat England by 142 runs.

Shubman Gill was the star of the match, scoring a brilliant 112 off 104 balls, his seventh ODI century. Gill’s innings, along with Virat Kohli’s 52 and Shreyas Iyer’s 78, helped India post a formidable 356 runs in 50 overs.

England struggled in their chase, being bowled out for 214 in 34.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel were the standout bowlers, taking two wickets each. This victory marked India’s second-largest win in terms of runs in ODIs against England.

First-Ever Olympic Esports Games to be Held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The first Olympic Esports Games will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This event is part of a 12-year deal signed with Saudi Arabia in 2023.

The IOC has been exploring Esports for years, aiming to attract a younger audience as interest in traditional sports declines. After launching the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021 as a test, the IOC formalized its commitment by partnering with Saudi Arabia for the Olympic Esports Games.

IOC President Thomas Bach confirmed that there is now a clear roadmap for the Games, with preparations beginning in 2025. A six-member committee will decide which Esports titles will be included in the competition.

Saudi Arabia has made major investments in global sports, including football, Formula One, boxing, and golf. However, critics accuse the country of “sportswashing” to distract from human rights concerns, a claim that Saudi Arabia denies.

PM Modi’s Visit to France from February 11, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited France from February 11 to 14, 2025. During his visit, he co-chaired the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The summit focused on the ethical and inclusive development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with discussions on how AI can revolutionize sectors like health, education, and agriculture.

Key highlights of the visit include:

Inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Marseille: This is India’s second diplomatic mission in France after the Embassy in Paris.

Tribute to Indian soldiers: PM Modi paid homage to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World Wars I and II at the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille.

Bilateral talks: Modi and Macron discussed strengthening Indo-French ties in technology, defence, and economic cooperation.

AI Action Summit: PM Modi emphasized the importance of international collaboration and open-source AI systems to enhance trust and transparency.

Following his engagements in France, PM Modi traveled to the United States for further discussions on strategic sectors like AI, defence, and trade.

Guru Ravidas Jayanti – February 12, 2025

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a significant festival celebrated in North India, particularly in Punjab, to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a renowned saint and poet. Also known as Bhagat Ravidas, he was a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement and is revered for his teachings on equality, human rights, and devotion.

Guru Ravidas was born in 1377 CE in the village of Seer Govardhanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Despite his humble origins, he dedicated his life to spreading messages of social reform and spiritual enlightenment. His poetry is included in the Guru Granth Sahib, and he was recognized as a spiritual guide by Meera Bai.

The festival is observed on the full moon day (Purnima Tithi) in the month of Magh, which falls on February 12, 2025 this year. Devotees celebrate by singing Gurbani, performing special prayers, and organizing Nagarkirtans (processions). A grand celebration is held at the Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir in Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi.

Indian Students Win Bronze at Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 for ‘AccessWay’ App

Three Indian computer science students from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, New Delhi, won the Bronze Award at the Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 on February 11, 2025, during the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai. The award recognizes innovative technological solutions that enhance mobile government services and social progress.

The winning team, comprising Sagar Teotia (team lead), Abhinav Mishra, and Anushka Singh, received a cash prize of $10,000 for their AI-powered application, ‘AccessWay’. The app integrates augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and crowdsourced data to provide accessible navigation, social connections, and emergency tools for individuals with disabilities. It features personalized route planning, real-time voice assistance, and community-driven mapping of accessible spaces, promoting social inclusion and accessibility.

Presented by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, the award was part of a global competition with 3,500 entries from 74 countries. The M-Gov Award and GovTech Award, prestigious honors from the UAE government, aim to inspire students, researchers, and companies to develop sustainable, technology-driven solutions for global challenges.

United States impose a 25% tariffs on Steel and Aluminum imports

The United States announced it will impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports starting from February 11, 2025. This decision aims to protect American industries and boost domestic production but has led to negative reactions in financial markets and concerns about global trade tensions.

Key allies like Canada and Mexico are affected and have warned of potential retaliation. The tariffs are expected to impact industries such as automotive and manufacturing that rely on imported metals, while the US administration argues it will strengthen national security and economic stability.

President Murmu takes holy dip at Triveni Sangam during Maha Kumbh

On February 10, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu visited Prayagraj to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela, where she took a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam. She was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Before the holy dip, she fed migratory birds, emphasizing her reverence for nature. She then visited the Akshayavat tree, a sacred symbol in Hinduism, and offered prayers at the Bade Hanuman Temple.

President Murmu also explored the Digital Maha Kumbh Experience Centre, which provides a virtual experience of the Kumbh Mela. Her visit was historic, following the legacy of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, who had also taken a holy dip at a previous Kumbh.

After an eight-hour visit, she returned to New Delhi by 5:45 P.M., marking a significant moment in the spiritual and cultural history of the Maha Kumbh.

India Energy Week 2025 (IEW’25) from February 11 to 14, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka in New Delhi

The India Energy Week 2025 (IEW’25) is set to take place from February 11 to 14, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka in New Delhi. This flagship event, organized by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is one of the largest energy events globally, attracting over 700 exhibitors and 70,000 delegates.

IEW’25 will feature 10 country-specific pavilions and 8 thematic zones, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations in the energy sector. Key highlights include the participation of 20+ Foreign Energy Ministers, 90 CEOs from Fortune 500 energy companies, and 250 speakers from across the international energy value chain.

The event will focus on energy security, affordability, and sustainability, with special emphasis on green hydrogen technologies, solar innovations, and advanced exploration techniques. A dedicated Sustainable Mobility Pavilion will display 15 cutting-edge vehicle models from 10 manufacturers, promoting a “People-Centric Mobility Ecosystem”.

IEW’25 will also host a Clean Cooking Ministerial on the sidelines, aiming to accelerate the global adoption of clean cooking solutions. The event is expected to foster international collaboration, drive policy discussions, and facilitate technology sharing to ensure clean, affordable, and accessible cooking energy for households worldwide.

With its comprehensive agenda and unparalleled global participation, IEW’25 is poised to be a pivotal platform for shaping the future of the global energy landscape.

India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, “Sṛjanam”, at AIIMS New Delhi

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, “Sṛjanam”, at AIIMS New Delhi on 10 February 2025. Developed by CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, this pioneering technology aims to transform biomedical waste management in healthcare facilities.

The Sṛjanam rig disinfects pathogenic biomedical waste such as blood, urine, and laboratory disposables without using incinerators, reducing environmental impact. It also neutralizes foul odors, replacing them with a pleasant fragrance. With an initial capacity of 400 kg per day, it processes 10 kg of degradable medical waste daily.

Dr. Singh emphasized India’s shift from “fragile five” to “First Five” in economic growth and highlighted the rig’s role in sustainability and waste-to-wealth transformation.

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s First President and Independence Leader, Passes Away at 95

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first democratically elected president and independence leader, passed away at age 95 on February 8, 2025. A guerrilla leader and activist, he led SWAPO and played a key role in Namibia’s liberation from apartheid South Africa, becoming president on March 21, 1990.

Recognized as the “Founding Father of the Namibian Nation”, Nujoma promoted national reconciliation and democratic institutions but faced criticism for media suppression, opposition to homosexuality, and a constitutional amendment enabling his third term.

His presidency (1990-2005) shaped Namibia’s post-independence governance, though autocratic tendencies and suppression of the 1999 Caprivi rebellion tainted his legacy. A longtime ally of Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, he backed land reforms in Zimbabwe while adopting a “willing buyer, willing seller” approach at home.

Born in 1929, Nujoma fought apartheid, led a guerrilla war, and petitioned the United Nations for independence. SWAPO won the 1989 elections, making him president in 1990. His leadership laid the foundation for Namibia’s stability and regional partnerships.

Aero India Show 2025: Aviation & Defence Exhibition in Bengaluru (Feb 10-14)

The Aero India Show 2025, a biennial air show and aviation exhibition, is being held in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14, 2025. Inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the event highlights India’s defence capabilities, aerospace innovations, and global collaborations.

Key Highlights:

Theme: “Runway to a Billion Opportunities”, emphasizing Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Exhibitors: 900 exhibitors spread across 42,000 square meters.

International Participation: Defence ministers from 30 countries, Air Chiefs and Defence Secretaries from 43 countries attending.

Aircraft Displays:

  • Foreign aircraft: Russian Su-57, American F-35 Lightning II.
  • Indigenous aircraft: Tejas (LCA), Prachand (LCH), Advanced Light Helicopter, and C-295 transport aircraft.
  • New Prototype: ADA showcased a fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Defence Ministers’ Conclave: A strategic discussion platform for global defence cooperation.

Aerospace Startups & MSMEs: Opportunities for joint ventures and collaborations with international manufacturers.

The largest aerospace event in Asia, Aero India 2025, is a landmark platform for advancing India’s aerospace sector and strengthening global defence ties.

India-Egypt Joint Military Exercise ‘Cyclone 2025’ Begins in Rajasthan on 10 Feb 2025

The third edition of the India-Egypt joint military exercise “Cyclone 2025” commenced on 10 February 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. The 14-day exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation, share professional skills, and improve special forces interoperability in desert environments.

Key Highlights:

  • Focus Areas: Counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, raids, sniping, combat free fall, surveillance, and target designation.
  • Indian Contingent: Personnel from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
  • Egyptian Contingent: Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.
  • Strengthened military cooperation between India and Egypt, emphasizing security collaboration.

BJP Returns to Power in Delhi After 27 Years, Defeats AAP in Assembly Elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in the Delhi Assembly Election on 8 February 2025, returning to power after 27 years by defeating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

  • BJP won 48 seats in the 70-member assembly, while AAP secured 22 seats.
  • Congress failed to win a single seat, getting wiped out from the polls.
  • A party needs 35 seats to form the government in Delhi.

Key Winners:

✅ BJP: Parvesh Sahib Singh (New Delhi), Vijender Gupta (Rohini), Kapil Misra (Karawal Nagar), Manjinder Singh Sirsa (Rajouri Garden), and others.
✅ AAP: Atishi (Kalkaji), Gopal Rai (Babarpur), Imran Hussain (Ballimaran), Sahi Ram (Tughlakabad), and others.

Notable Defeats:

❌ AAP: Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bhardwaj.
❌ Congress: Sandeep Dikshit.
❌ BJP: Ramesh Bidhuri, Raaj Kumar Anand.

RBI Cuts Repo Rate After 5 Years, Announces Financial and Digital Security Measures

On 7 February 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the policy repo rate by 25 basis points, from 6.50% to 6.25%, marking the first rate cut in nearly five years. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra made the announcement after a three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Mumbai. As a result:

  • Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate is now 6.00%
  • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and Bank Rate remain at 6.50%
  • The MPC has maintained a ‘neutral’ stance, focusing on controlling inflation while supporting growth

The last rate cut was in May 2020, and the most recent revision was in February 2023, when the repo rate was raised to 6.50%.

Economic and Inflation Projections

  • Real GDP growth for FY 2024-25 is projected at 6.4% (earlier 6.6%)
  • Real GDP for FY 2025-26 revised from 6.9% to 6.7% due to global uncertainties
  • CPI Inflation for FY 2024-25 estimated at 4.8%, with Q4 at 4.4%
  • CPI Inflation for FY 2025-26 projected at 4.2% (assuming normal monsoon)

Key Announcements

Banking Security Measures: RBI will launch ‘bank.in’ as an exclusive Internet domain for Indian banks, starting April 2025. A ‘fin.in’ domain for the financial sector will follow

Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) to be extended to international digital payments : Banks and NBFCs advised to strengthen cybersecurity measures and incident response mechanisms

Financial Literacy & Market Reforms: Financial Literacy Week (starting 24 February 2025) will focus on women’s financial decision-making with the theme “Financial Literacy: Women’s Prosperity”

A working group will review trading and settlement timings for RBI-regulated markets and submit a report by 30 April 2025

This repo rate cut signals RBI’s confidence in moderating inflation while ensuring sustained economic growth.

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