Daily Current Affairs of 01st February 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 01st February 2025, witnessed a series of significant events across various domains, ranging from infrastructure development to geopolitical concerns, cultural celebrations, and scientific discoveries. Here's an in-depth look at the noteworthy occurrences of the day.

Top Current Affairs and News Headlines – February 01, 2025

Daily GK Update – 01st February 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 01st February 2025:

National News

India Welcomes Four New Ramsar Wetlands, Milestone for Jharkhand and Sikkim

India has achieved a significant milestone in wetland conservation by adding four new sites to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, raising the total to 89. Among the new additions, two are from the northeastern region, one from Gujarat, and Udhwa Lake from Jharkhand. Notably, this marks the first Ramsar recognitions for both Jharkhand and Sikkim, underlining the country’s dedication to safeguarding its ecological diversity.

Centre Approves Rs 3,027 Crore for Disaster Mitigation Projects

A High-Level Committee (HLC), led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has sanctioned Rs 3,027.86 crore for disaster mitigation efforts across various states. The projects, approved after a review with key officials including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, aim to enhance preparedness for natural disasters such as lightning, drought, and forest fires. This move underscores India’s focus on reducing disaster impacts and improving resilience.

Indian Railways Unveils ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp for Travelers

On January 31, 2025, the Ministry of Railways launched the ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp to integrate multiple railway services into a single, seamless platform. Available in its beta version on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store, the app is designed to simplify user interactions and reduce the need for multiple applications. This innovation is expected to improve the overall travel experience for railway passengers.

International News

Niger Becomes First African Nation to Eliminate River Blindness

Niger has made history by becoming the first African nation to eliminate onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, as a public health threat. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced this achievement on January 30, 2025. Niger now joins a select group of nations—Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico—that have successfully eradicated the transmission of this parasitic disease. This accomplishment is a testament to Niger’s dedication to public health and the broader fight against neglected tropical diseases in Africa.

State News

Goa Hosts Sci-Fi Science Film Festival Celebrating Innovation

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Sci-Fi Science Film Festival of India in Panaji on January 30, 2025. Organized by Vidnyan Parishad Goa, this four-day festival celebrates science and innovation while paying tribute to renowned scientist Dr. M. Swaminathan. With the theme “Green Revolution,” the event aims to inspire young minds and promote sustainable development through scientific exploration.

Panel Investigates Maha Kumbh Stampede Tragedy

A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025, claimed 30 lives and injured over 60 people. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has established a three-member judicial commission to probe the incident. Led by retired High Court judge Harsh Kumar, the panel also includes retired IAS officer D.K. Singh and former DGP V.K. Gupta. The investigation is expected to be completed within a month, focusing on identifying the causes and recommending preventive measures.

Economy News

Union Budget 2025-26: Prioritizing Growth, Discipline, and Welfare

The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, outlines an ambitious vision for India’s economic development. With a total expenditure of ₹50.65 lakh crore, the budget emphasizes infrastructure growth, fiscal prudence, and inclusive development. Key investments include significant allocations for railways, highways, defence, and rural development, alongside efforts to reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.4% of GDP.

Income Tax Relief: No Tax on Income up to ₹12 Lakh

In a major relief for taxpayers, individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually will be exempt from income tax under the new regime. For salaried individuals, the exemption extends to ₹12.75 lakh, considering a standard deduction of ₹75,000.

Healthcare Boost: ₹98,311 Crore Allocation in Budget 2025

The healthcare sector received a significant boost in the Union Budget 2025, with an allocation of ₹98,311 crore, up from ₹90,658.63 crore in the previous fiscal year. The budget focuses on expanding medical education, promoting cancer care initiatives, and improving access to medical services, including support for medical tourism. Customs duty exemptions on life-saving drugs are also a key highlight.

Summits and Conferences

India to Host BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Meet in March 2025

India is set to host the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting from March 3 to 7, 2025, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Themed “Youth Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth,” the event will bring together 45 youth representatives from BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to discuss innovation and global market opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

Science and Technology News

Sunita Williams Breaks Spacewalk Record

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has set a new record for the longest cumulative spacewalking time by a woman, surpassing Peggy Whitson’s record. Williams has logged 62 hours and 6 minutes across nine spacewalks. The milestone was achieved during a maintenance activity on the International Space Station (ISS), where she and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore have been stranded since June 2024 due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.

Sports News

BCCI Awards 2024: Honoring Cricket Excellence

The BCCI honored cricketing legends and rising stars at its annual awards ceremony. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Jasprit Bumrah was recognized as the Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 2021-22 season with the Polly Umrigar Award. Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana was named Best International Cricketer (Women) for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, cementing her status as a leading figure in women’s cricket.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

01st February 2025

1. Which of the following states in India has received its first Ramsar recognition with the addition of Udhwa Lake to the Ramsar List?

A) Maharashtra

B) Jharkhand

C) Sikkim

D) Gujarat

Answer: B) Jharkhand

Explanation: Udhwa Lake from Jharkhand has been added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. This marks the first Ramsar recognition for Jharkhand and Sikkim.

2. What is the total financial approval sanctioned by the High-Level Committee (HLC) for disaster mitigation projects across various states in India?

A) Rs 1,500 crore

B) Rs 3,027 crore

C) Rs 4,500 crore

D) Rs 5,000 crore

Answer: B) Rs 3,027 crore

Explanation: The HLC, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, approved Rs 3,027 crore for disaster mitigation efforts across India.

3. Which app was launched by the Ministry of Railways to integrate multiple railway services into a single platform?

A) IRCTC RailConnect

B) SwaRail

C) RailYatra

D) TrainEnquiry

Answer: B) SwaRail

Explanation: The Ministry of Railways launched the 'SwaRail' SuperApp, which aims to simplify passenger interactions with railway services and integrate multiple services into a single platform.

4. Niger recently became the first African country to eliminate which public health threat?

A) Malaria

B) River Blindness (Onchocerciasis)

C) Tuberculosis

D) Ebola

Answer: B) River Blindness (Onchocerciasis)

Explanation: Niger became the first African nation to eliminate river blindness (Onchocerciasis) as a public health threat, joining a select group of countries that have achieved this feat.

5. In which Indian state is the 'Sci-Fi Science Film Festival' being held, which focuses on science and innovation?

A) Goa

B) Maharashtra

C) Tamil Nadu

D) Kerala

Answer: A) Goa

Explanation: The Sci-Fi Science Film Festival is being held in Goa, celebrating science and innovation, with the theme "Green Revolution."

6. What was the tragic event that occurred at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025?

A) A fire broke out

B) A stampede occurred

C) A collapse of a bridge

D) A river flood

Answer: B) A stampede occurred

Explanation: A stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 30 people and over 60 injuries.

7. The Union Budget 2025-26 of India is focused on which of the following major areas?

A) Reducing income tax

B) Infrastructure growth, fiscal prudence, and inclusive development

C) Military expansion

D) Supporting foreign businesses

Answer: B) Infrastructure growth, fiscal prudence, and inclusive development

Explanation: The Union Budget 2025-26 focuses on infrastructure development, fiscal prudence, and inclusive growth, with investments in key sectors like railways, highways, and rural development.

8. Under the new income tax regime in the Union Budget 2025-26, individuals with an income up to what amount will be exempt from income tax?

A) ₹10 Lakh

B) ₹12 Lakh

C) ₹15 Lakh

D) ₹20 Lakh

Answer: B) ₹12 Lakh

Explanation: In the Union Budget 2025-26, individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually are exempt from income tax under the new tax regime.

9. Which of the following sectors received a significant budget allocation of ₹98,311 crore in the Union Budget 2025?

A) Education

B) Healthcare

C) Technology

D) Defence

Answer: B) Healthcare

Explanation: The healthcare sector received an allocation of ₹98,311 crore in the Union Budget 2025, marking an increase from the previous year's allocation.

10. Which country will host the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting in March 2025?

A) Brazil

B) India

C) Russia

D) South Africa

Answer: B) India

Explanation: India will host the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting from March 3 to 7, 2025, with the theme "Youth Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth."

11. Which Indian-origin astronaut recently set a record for the longest cumulative spacewalking time by a woman?

A) Kalpana Chawla

B) Sunita Williams

C) Rakesh Sharma

D) K. Radhakrishnan

Answer: B) Sunita Williams

Explanation: Sunita Williams set a record for the longest cumulative spacewalking time by a woman, logging 62 hours and 6 minutes during her space missions.

12. Who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Awards 2024?

A) MS Dhoni

B) Virat Kohli

C) Sachin Tendulkar

D) Rahul Dravid

Answer: C) Sachin Tendulkar

Explanation: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Awards 2024 for his outstanding contribution to cricket.

13. Who was named the Best International Cricketer (Women) at the BCCI Awards for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons?

A) Mithali Raj

B) Smriti Mandhana

C) Harmanpreet Kaur

D) Shafali Verma

Answer: B) Smriti Mandhana

Explanation: Smriti Mandhana was awarded the Best International Cricketer (Women) for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, recognizing her excellence in women’s cricket.

14. Which Indian state is associated with the launch of the 'SwaRail' SuperApp?

A) Uttar Pradesh

B) Maharashtra

C) Delhi

D) National initiative (Across India)

Answer: D) National initiative (Across India)

Explanation: The 'SwaRail' SuperApp is a national initiative launched by the Ministry of Railways to streamline railway services.

15. Which of the following is a key focus of the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Meeting to be held in India in 2025?

A) Youth Empowerment

B) Sustainable Growth and Entrepreneurship

C) Renewable Energy

D) Trade Relations

Answer: B) Sustainable Growth and Entrepreneurship

Explanation: The BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Meeting will focus on "Youth Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth," aiming to foster innovation and global market opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

16. Which of the following is one of the key objectives of the Rs 3,027 crore disaster mitigation projects approved by the HLC?

A) Promote renewable energy

B) Enhance preparedness for natural disasters

C) Improve urban development

D) Boost industrial growth

Answer: B) Enhance preparedness for natural disasters

Explanation: The Rs 3,027 crore approved by the High-Level Committee is focused on enhancing disaster preparedness for events like lightning, drought, and forest fires.

17. The Union Budget 2025-26 aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to what percentage of India's GDP?

A) 2.8%

B) 4.4%

C) 6.0%

D) 5.5%

Answer: B) 4.4%

Explanation: The Union Budget 2025-26 sets a target to reduce India's fiscal deficit to 4.4% of GDP.

18. Which Indian festival was the site of the tragic stampede that occurred in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025?

A) Diwali

B) Maha Kumbh

C) Holi

D) Makar Sankranti

Answer: B) Maha Kumbh

Explanation: The tragic stampede occurred during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025.

19. Which organization announced the successful eradication of river blindness in Niger?

A) United Nations (UN)

B) World Health Organization (WHO)

C) World Bank

D) Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Answer: B) World Health Organization (WHO)

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Niger became the first African nation to eliminate river blindness as a public health threat.

20. What is the total expenditure outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26?

A) ₹45.32 lakh crore

B) ₹50.65 lakh crore

C) ₹55.42 lakh crore

D) ₹60.00 lakh crore

Answer: B) ₹50.65 lakh crore

Explanation: The total expenditure outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26 is ₹50.65 lakh crore, with allocations for infrastructure, defense, and rural development.