February 2025

PM Modi takes holy dip at Treveni Sangam at Mahakumbh, Prayagraj

On 5 February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a holy dip in Triveni Sangam at Mahakumbh, Prayagraj. He described the experience as a divine connection and prayed for peace, wisdom, and good health for all. UP CM Yogi Adityanath accompanied him on a boat ride to the site, where PM Modi performed Aarti and Puja.

The Mahakumbh 2025, which began on 13 January (Paush Purnima), is the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering and will continue until 26 February (Mahashivratri). So far, over 39 crore devotees have participated.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also took a holy dip and urged people to follow Mela guidelines, emphasizing that Mahakumbh happens once in 144 years and should remain above politics.

US Military Plane Carrying Deported Indians Lands in Amritsar

On February 5, 2025, a US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed at the Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar. The C-17 aircraft departed from San Antonio, Texas, and arrived in Amritsar after a long journey. The deportees, primarily from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, were handed over to local authorities upon arrival.

The deportees included 25 women, 12 minors, and 79 men. Many of them had entered the US through illegal means and were subsequently caught and deported. The Punjab government has set up counters at the airport to assist the returnees and ensure their smooth transition back to their home state.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring the situation and working alongside law enforcement agencies to determine the next steps. The state government has also announced plans to provide assistance to the deportees and help them reintegrate into society.

Third Amrit Snan Held on Basant Panchami in Mahakumbh, Prayagraj

Over 2.33 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam during the third Amrit Snan on the occasion of Basant Panchami in Mahakumbh, Prayagraj on 2 Feb 2025. The Amrit Snan is the most significant and sacred ritual of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The first two Amrit Snans took place on Makar Sankranti and Mauni Amavasya.

The third Amrit Snan in Mahakumbh concluded smoothly as the state government adopted a zero-error approach. The Amrit Snan commenced with Saints and seers of 13 Akharas followed by the devotees. Flower petals were showered on saints and devotees taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam. To avoid chaos, separate pathways were used for entry and exit to safeguard the flow of devotees. The security of the Mela area was monitored through drones, helicopters and CCTV cameras. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regularly monitored the security situation at the war room set up at his residence, taking continuous updates from the DGP and Home Secretary and giving them instructions for the smooth conduct of the Amrit Snan. The Maha Kumbh Mela, recognized as the world’s largest spiritual gathering, commenced on 13th January and over 37 crore devotees have taken holy dips so far.

Q.: On which occasion was the third Amrit Snan held in Mahakumbh, Prayagraj on February 2, 2025?

a) Makar Sankranti
b) Basant Panchami
c) Mauni Amavasya
d) Holi

Ans: b) Basant Panchami
Over 2.33 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam during the third Amrit Snan on the occasion of Basant Panchami in Mahakumbh, Prayagraj on 2 Feb 2025.

Delhi Assembly Polls: Voting turnout nearly 60.42% turnout

Voting for the 70-member Delhi Assembly was held peacefully on 5 Feb 2025, with a voter turnout of 60.42%. The highest turnout was in North East Delhi (66.25%), while the lowest was in South East Delhi (56.16%). Prominent candidates included Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi, Manish Sisodia (AAP), Parvesh Verma, Vijender Gupta, Arvinder Singh Lovely, Ramesh Bidhuri (BJP), and Devendra Yadav, Sandeep Dixit, Alka Lamba (Congress). A total of 699 candidates contested the elections.

The Election Commission ensured strict security measures and seized ₹236 crore worth of illegal inducements since the announcement on 7 Jan 2025. Counting will take place on Saturday.

Additionally, bye-polls were held in Erode-East (Tamil Nadu) with 67.97% turnout and Milkipur (Uttar Pradesh) with 65.35% turnout.

UNGA President Philemon Yang Visits India for Strengthening Multilateral Engagement

Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, is visiting India for four days from 4 February 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that Mr. Yang, previously Prime Minister of Cameroon, assumed office on 10 September 2024. Under his leadership, the UN adopted “A Pact for the Future,” aimed at realizing “multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow.”

During his visit, Mr. Yang will meet with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to discuss key multilateral and regional issues. He will also pay a courtesy call to President Droupadi Murmu and visit Bengaluru.

Current Affairs MCQs : 5 February 2025

Q.: What is the theme of World Cancer Day 2025 observed on February 4th?

a) Fight Against Cancer
b) Cancer Awareness for All
c) United by Unique
d) Cancer-Free World

Show Answer
Ans: c) United by Unique
World Cancer Day is observed on February 4th every year. This year’s theme is “United by Unique”, which emphasizes a people-centered approach to cancer care.

Q.: Which King took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh 2025?

a) King Maha Vajiralongkorn
b) King Norodom Sihamoni
c) King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
d) King Philippe

Show Answer
Ans: c) King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan visited Prayagraj on February 4, 2025 to participate in the Maha Kumbh. During his visit, he took a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam

Q.: Who is the President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly visited India in February 2025?

a) António Guterres
b) Philemon Yang
c) Ban Ki-moon
d) Kofi Annan

Show Answer
Ans: b) Philemon Yang
Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, is visiting India for four days from 4 February 2025.

King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Takes Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan visited Prayagraj on February 4, 2025 to participate in the Maha Kumbh. During his visit, he took a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. This significant event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who welcomed the King and participated in the rituals alongside him.

The King’s visit highlights the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan. After the holy dip, both the King and the Chief Minister offered prayers and performed the Aarti amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. The event was attended by several dignitaries and devotees, emphasizing the global significance of the Maha Kumbh.

The King’s participation in the Maha Kumbh reflects the spiritual and cultural importance of this grand religious gathering, which attracts millions of pilgrims and dignitaries from around the world.

World Cancer Day 2025 theme: ‘United by Unique’

World Cancer Day is observed on February 4th every year. This year’s theme is “United by Unique”, which emphasizes a people-centered approach to cancer care. The campaign aims to highlight the importance of personalized treatments and support systems for cancer patients, acknowledging that each person’s experience is unique.

The campaign encourages open discussions about cancer to reduce stigma and create a supportive environment for those affected. It also stresses the need for compassionate, individualized care to improve outcomes and quality of life.

Current Affairs MCQs : 4 February 2025

Q.: Who was sworn in as Belgium’s new prime minister in February 2025?

a) Charles Michel
b) Elio Di Rupo
c) Sophie Wilmès
d) Bart De Wever

Show Answer
Ans: d) Bart De Wever
Bart De Wever has been sworn in as Belgium’s new prime minister on February 3, 2025

Q.: What is the name of the joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force that began on February 2, 2025?

a) MalInd Defence
b) Operation Ocean Shield
c) Ekuverin
d) Indo-Maldives Combat

Show Answer
Ans: c) Ekuverin
The 13th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force began on February 2, 2025, in the Maldives.

Q.: Which of the following are the seven big cats the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) aims to conserve?

a) Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma
b) Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Panther, Cougar, and Lynx
c) Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma, and Cougar
d) Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Panther, Snow Leopard, Jaguar, and Lynx

Show Answer
Ans: a) Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma
The IBCA aims to conserve seven big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

Q.: On which occasion was the third Amrit Snan held in Mahakumbh, Prayagraj on February 2, 2025?

a) Makar Sankranti
b) Basant Panchami
c) Mauni Amavasya
d) Holi

Show Answer
Ans: b) Basant Panchami
Over 2.33 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam during the third Amrit Snan on the occasion of Basant Panchami in Mahakumbh, Prayagraj on 2 Feb 2025.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially comes into force

The Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force, as announced by the Environment Ministry. The IBCA and its Secretariat have become a treaty-based, inter-governmental international organization and legal entity as of January 23.

Five countries – Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia – have deposited their instruments of ratification under the Framework Agreement. A total of 27 countries, including India, have consented to join the IBCA. Several international and national organizations working in wildlife conservation have partnered with the IBCA.

The IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the ‘Commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger’ event. The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the IBCA last year, with its headquarters in India.

The IBCA aims to conserve seven big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

India-Maldives Joint Military Exercise ‘Ekuverin’ Begins in Maldives

The 13th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force began on February 2, 2025, in the Maldives.

This bilateral annual exercise, named ‘Ekuverin’ which means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language, is conducted alternately in India and the Maldives. The 2023 edition took place in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from June 11 to 24.

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

Bart De Wever has been sworn in as Belgium’s new prime minister on February 3, 2025, in an oath-taking ceremony before King Philippe at the Royal Palace.

De Wever’s coalition government consists of five parties, with seven francophone ministers and seven Flemish ministers. The new government’s agenda focuses on budget reform, stricter migration policies, and economic restructuring.

However, there are concerns about gender equality, as only three women are represented in the 15-member cabinet. Additionally, the government faces the challenge of bridging Belgium’s linguistic and political divides.

Current Affairs MCQs : 3 February 2025

Q.: Who won the Tata Steel Masters 2025 title on 2 Feb 2025 at Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands?

A) D. Gukesh
B) Viswanathan Anand
C) R. Praggnanandhaa
D) Vincent Keymer

Show Answer
C) R. Praggnanandhaa
Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa clinched the prestigious Tata Steel Masters 2025 title by defeating World Champion D. Gukesh in a thrilling tiebreaker on 2 Feb 2025 at Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. This victory makes him the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand in 2006 to claim the prestigious title.

Q.: How many consecutive budgets has Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented as of 2025?

A) Six
B) Seven
C) Eight
D) Nine

Show Answer
Ans: C) Eight
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 in Parliament on February 1, 2025. This was her eighth consecutive budget presentation, making her the first Finance Minister to achieve this milestone.

Q.: Up to what amount is no income tax payable under the new tax regime in Budget 2025?

A) ₹10 lakh
B) ₹11 lakh
C) ₹12 lakh
D) ₹13 lakh

Show Answer
Ans: C) ₹12 lakh
Income Tax Reforms: No income tax payable up to ₹12 lakh under the new tax regime.

Q.: As per Budget 2025, How many Atal Tinkering Labs are planned to be set up in government schools over the next five years?

A) 40,000
B) 45,000
C) 50,000
D) 55,000

Show Answer
Ans: C) 50,000
Education: 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up in government schools over the next five years.

Q.: US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imports from which countries on February 1, 2025?

A) Mexico, Canada, and China
B) Mexico, India, and China
C) Canada, Japan, and China
D) Mexico, Canada, and Japan

Show Answer
Ans: A) Mexico, Canada, and China
On February 1, 2025, President Donald Trump imposed significant tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. The tariffs include a 25% increase on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% increase on imports from China

Q.: Which country won the U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup on 2 Feb 2025?

A) Australia
B) South Africa
C) India
D) England

Show Answer
Ans: C) India
India retained their U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup title with a nine-wicket win over South Africa in the summit clash at the Bayuemas Oval on 2 Feb 2025.

India retained U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup Title

Trisha Gongadi put out a sparkling all-round performance as a dominant India retained their U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup title with a nine-wicket win over South Africa in the summit clash at the Bayuemas Oval on 2 Feb 2025.

A stellar bowling performance, with the spinners taking nine wickets – three of which went to Trisha – along with fielders stepping up nicely, helped Niki Prasad-led India bowl out South Africa for 82 on a slow pitch.

In the chase, Trisha made 44 not out off 33 balls while Sanika Chalke slammed an unbeaten 26 off 22 deliveries to help India complete the chase in 11.2 overs. This victory marks India’s second successive triumph in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, showing their dominance at this level as they also became the first side to win the title without losing any game.

Brief Scores:

  • South Africa 82 all out (Mieke van Voorst 23, Fay Cowling 15; Trisha Gongadi 3-15, Parunika Sisodia 2-6)
  • India 84/1 in 11.2 overs (Trisha Gongadi 44 not out, Sanika Chalke 26 not out; Kayla Reyneke 1-14)

India won by nine wickets.

US imposes tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China

On February 1, 2025, President Donald Trump imposed significant tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. The tariffs include a 25% increase on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% increase on imports from China, citing issues such as illegal immigration and the smuggling of fentanyl as reasons for the decision.

This move has led to swift retaliatory measures from the affected countries, signaling the beginning of a broader trade war.

Main Highlights of Budget 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 in Parliament on February 1, 2025. This was her eighth consecutive budget presentation, making her the first Finance Minister to achieve this milestone.

Here are the main highlights of Budget 2025:

Income Tax Reforms: No income tax payable up to ₹12 lakh under the new tax regime.

Capex Increase: Capital expenditure (Capex) rises to ₹11.21 lakh crore for FY2025-26.

Agriculture Initiatives: Launch of Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana targeting 100 districts with low productivity.

Nuclear Energy Mission: Aim to develop 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, with ₹20,000 crore allocated for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

MSME Support: Customized credit cards for MSMEs, enhanced investment and turnover limits, and a new fund of funds.

Urban Development: ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to transform cities into growth hubs.

Employment Generation: Plans to generate 22 lakh jobs through various schemes.

Regional Connectivity: Modified UDAN Scheme to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations.

Healthcare: Enhanced credit limits for farmers and inclusion of gig economy workers in welfare schemes.

Education: 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up in government schools over the next five years.

MCQs on Budget 2025:

Q.: How many consecutive budgets has Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented as of 2025?

A) Six
B) Seven
C) Eight
D) Nine

Ans: C) Eight
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 in Parliament on February 1, 2025. This was her eighth consecutive budget presentation, making her the first Finance Minister to achieve this milestone.

Q.: Up to what amount is no income tax payable under the new tax regime in Budget 2025?

A) ₹10 lakh
B) ₹11 lakh
C) ₹12 lakh
D) ₹13 lakh

Ans: C) ₹12 lakh
Income Tax Reforms: No income tax payable up to ₹12 lakh under the new tax regime.

Q.: As per Budget 2025, How many Atal Tinkering Labs are planned to be set up in government schools over the next five years?

A) 40,000
B) 45,000
C) 50,000
D) 55,000

Ans: C) 50,000
Education: 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up in government schools over the next five years.

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa wins Tata Steel Masters 2025

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa clinched the prestigious Tata Steel Masters 2025 title by defeating World Champion D. Gukesh in a thrilling tiebreaker on 2 Feb 2025 at Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. This victory makes him the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand in 2006 to claim the prestigious title.

The event ended dramatically, with both Gukesh and Pragg tied at 8.5 points after 13 rounds. In the tiebreak, Gukesh won the first of two blitz games and needed only a draw in the second to secure the title. However, Pragg staged a stunning comeback, winning both blitz games to clinch the championship.

Current Affairs MCQs : 1 February 2025

Q.: Who was honoured with the BCCI’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Board’s annual gala in Mumbai on 1 February 2025?

A) Ravi Shastri
B) Farokh Engineer
C) Sachin Tendulkar
D) Col. C.K. Nayudu

Show Answer
Ans: C) Sachin Tendulkar
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been honoured with the BCCI’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Board’s annual gala in Mumbai on 1 February 2025.

Q.: Which state now has the maximum number of Ramsar sites in India as on February 2025?

A) Kerala
B) Punjab
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Gujarat

Show Answer
Ans: C) Tamil Nadu
The Centre has announced the addition of four new Ramsar sites in India, taking the total to 89. Tamil Nadu become the state with the most Ramsar sites, now totaling 20.

Q.: What has the World Health Organization (WHO) recently recommended to combat hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases?

A) Increase sodium intake
B) Switch from regular table salt to potassium-enriched salt substitutes
C) Reduce potassium intake
D) Eliminate salt from the diet entirely

Show Answer
Ans: B) Switch from regular table salt to potassium-enriched salt substitutes
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines recommending the switch from regular table salt to potassium-enriched salt substitutes as part of efforts to combat hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.

Q.: As per the Economic Survey 2025, what is the projected growth rate of India’s real GDP for the financial year 2025?

A) 5.4%
B) 6.4%
C) 7.1%
D) 6.7%

Show Answer
Ans: B) 6.4%
The Economic Survey, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 31 Jan 2025, estimates India’s real GDP to grow by 6.4 percent in the financial year 2025

Economic Survey Projects India’s Real GDP to Grow by 6.4% in FY 2025

The Economic Survey, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 31 Jan 2025, estimates India’s real GDP to grow by 6.4 percent in the financial year 2025, with growth likely ranging between 6.3 and 6.8 percent in FY 2026.

The survey highlights that the fundamentals of the domestic economy remain robust, with steady growth supported by the agriculture and services sector. Rural demand is improving due to record Kharif production and favorable agricultural conditions. The manufacturing sector faced challenges due to weak global demand and seasonal conditions, but private consumption remained stable.

Fiscal discipline and strong external balance contributed to macroeconomic stability, supported by a services trade surplus and healthy remittance growth. The survey stresses the importance of improving global competitiveness through grassroots-level structural reforms and deregulation.

In Q1 of FY 2025, GDP grew by 6.7 percent, while Q2 saw a 5.4 percent growth, resulting in a real GDP growth of 6 percent in the first half of the fiscal year. The agriculture sector maintained steady growth, recording a 3.5 percent growth rate in Q2. The industrial sector grew by 6 percent in the first half of FY 2025, with a notable 8.3 percent growth in Q1. The services sector performed well, achieving a 7.1 percent growth in the first half of FY 2025.

Fiscal discipline has progressively improved, and retail headline inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index, softened from 5.4 percent in FY 2024 to 4.9 percent from April to December 2024. Food inflation is expected to ease in Q4 of FY 2025. The unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above has steadily declined from 6 percent in 2017-18 to 3.2 percent in 2023-24, according to the 2023-24 annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report.

WHO Urges Shift to Potassium-Enriched Salt Substitutes to Combat Hypertension

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines recommending the switch from regular table salt to potassium-enriched salt substitutes as part of efforts to combat hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases. The WHO’s mission to lower sodium intake stems from extensive research highlighting the health risks posed by excess sodium consumption.

Excess sodium can lead to high blood pressure, posing a significant risk for millions globally. Studies indicate approximately 1.9 million deaths annually are linked to high salt consumption, with hypertension as the underlying factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disorders. Interestingly, many people are unaware of their high sodium intake, which averages around 4.3 grams per day, far exceeding the WHO’s recommendation of less than 2 grams.

India Adds Four New Ramsar Sites, Taking Tally to 89

The Centre has announced the addition of four new Ramsar sites in India, taking the total to 89. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change shared this news ahead of World Wetlands Day, stating that the new sites include Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand.

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted that India continues to have the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and ranks third in the world. He congratulated Tamil Nadu for becoming the state with the most Ramsar sites, now totaling 20. This addition also marks a significant achievement for Sikkim and Jharkhand, which have added their first Ramsar sites.

Sachin Tendulkar Honoured with BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award 2025

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been honoured with the BCCI’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Board’s annual gala in Mumbai on 1 February 2025. Tendulkar, now 51, becomes the 31st recipient of this prestigious award, which was first introduced in 1994 to honor India’s inaugural cricket captain, Col. C.K. Nayudu.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tendulkar played an astounding 664 international matches for India, amassing the highest number of runs in both Test (15,921) and ODI (18,426) cricket history. He also holds the record for the most appearances in both formats, with 200 Test matches and 463 ODIs to his name. One of Tendulkar’s crowning achievements was being a crucial member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team, marking his record sixth and final tournament appearance.

In recent years, other notable recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include former India head coach Ravi Shastri and wicket-keeping legend Farokh Engineer, who received the honor in 2023.

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