Daily Current Affairs of 08th February 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 08th 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 08, 2025

Daily GK Update – 08th February 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 08th February 2025:

National News

AI-Driven Consumer Grievance Redressal with Enhanced National Consumer Helpline

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has revolutionized the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) by incorporating AI-enabled technologies. This advanced system facilitates a sector-specific analysis of consumer complaints, leading to faster resolutions and boosting consumer confidence. The upgrade has resulted in a dramatic rise in call volumes and grievance resolutions, solidifying trust in NCH's capabilities.

75 Years of National Sample Survey: A Historic Celebration

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) celebrated the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Survey (NSS) with a grand event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on February 7, 2025. This milestone marks the NSS's pivotal role in shaping evidence-based policymaking and data-driven governance. The event also launched a nationwide campaign to highlight the NSS's contributions to various sectors.

UNICEF Introduces National Child Road Safety Roadmap

UNICEF has unveiled a national roadmap dedicated to addressing child road safety concerns, an issue exacerbated by the rising number of road accident fatalities involving children and adolescents. The roadmap prioritizes measures such as stricter speed regulations and educational initiatives, aiming to create safer roads and reduce child mortality rates.

Cabinet Approves Income Tax Bill 2025: A Transformative Reform

The Union Cabinet has greenlit the new Income Tax Bill, set to replace the outdated Income Tax Act of 1961. The bill seeks to modernize and simplify India’s tax framework for improved efficiency and clarity. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced its introduction in the current Parliament session, with plans to send it to the Standing Committee on Finance for further deliberation.

India Reaches 100 GW Solar Energy Capacity

India has achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy by crossing 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar power capacity. This landmark achievement was announced by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and represents a major step toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

International News

Panama Exits China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Panama has formally withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), signaling a shift in its foreign policy. President José Raúl Mulino emphasized the move aligns with Panama’s renewed focus on strengthening ties with the United States and reassessing Chinese investments, particularly concerning the Panama Canal.

World’s First Kangaroo Embryos Created Using IVF

In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists at the University of Queensland, Australia, have successfully created kangaroo embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF). This innovation paves the way for conserving endangered marsupial species like koalas, Tasmanian devils, and wombats by employing advanced reproductive technologies.

Pakistan Joins China’s Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission

Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, has announced its collaboration with China National Space Administration (CNSA) for the Chang’e-8 lunar mission, scheduled for 2028. This partnership will involve deploying a Pakistani rover on the Moon’s south pole as part of China’s International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s space exploration journey.

Buddhist Confederation Launches Triservices Expedition

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) has announced the launch of the Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition. This historic initiative unites the armed forces of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in a motorcycle journey that will traverse Buddhist heritage sites from Lumbini, Nepal, to Galle, Sri Lanka.

India Recognized on UN Honour Roll for Budget Contribution

India has reaffirmed its commitment to global cooperation by contributing $32.895 million to the United Nations’ regular budget on time. This timely payment earned India a spot on the UN Honour Roll, which recognizes nations for their financial responsibility.

Defence News

Indian Navy’s Training Squadron Visits Singapore

The First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy, comprising INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, docked at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, on February 6, 2025. The visit is part of a Long-Range Training Deployment aimed at fostering maritime collaboration and strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations.

State News

Himachal Pradesh Pioneers Green Hydrogen Facility

Himachal Pradesh has laid the foundation for North India’s first green hydrogen plant at Dabhota, Nalagarh. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the 1 MW facility, developed by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) in partnership with Oil India Limited. The plant, costing ₹9.04 crore, aligns with the state’s ambitious goal of becoming India’s first green state by March 2026.

Schemes News

Odisha Launches ‘Bikashita Gaon’ Village Development Program

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has introduced the ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ scheme to accelerate rural development. With a budget of ₹5,000 crore over five years, the initiative focuses on enhancing road connectivity, civic amenities, educational infrastructure, and micro-tourism, promising holistic village growth.

‘Swavalambini’ Program Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Northeast

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog, has rolled out the ‘Swavalambini’ program. Focused on women in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, the scheme aims to provide business training, mentorship, and financial support, empowering women to establish sustainable ventures.

Banking News

RBI Approves Tata Communications’ Payment Arm Sale

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Tata Communications’ sale of its payment solutions subsidiary to Australian fintech firm Findi for ₹330 crore, with an additional ₹75 crore contingent on interchange rate adjustments. This move reflects strategic restructuring within the payment sector.

SEBI Penalizes DB Realty for Financial Irregularities

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed fines totaling ₹25 lakh on DB Realty Ltd (now Valor Estate Ltd) and associated individuals for accounting violations and non-disclosures. The penalties stem from the company’s failure to meet financial reporting standards.

Science and Technology News

DRDO Expands Research Focus for Defense Innovations

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has restructured its research priorities to enhance defense capabilities. The move involves expanding research verticals and fostering partnerships through its Industry Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs), ensuring India remains at the forefront of advanced defense technologies.

Sports News

Marcus Stoinis Retires from ODIs

Australian cricketer Marcus Stoinis has announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals, opting to focus exclusively on T20 cricket. Stoinis played a vital role in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup victory but has decided to step away from the 50-over format, citing personal and professional priorities.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

08th February 2025

1. Which ministry introduced AI-enabled technologies to enhance the National Consumer Helpline (NCH)?

A) Ministry of Finance

B) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

C) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

D) Ministry of Defence

Answer: B) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Explanation: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has incorporated AI-enabled technologies into the National Consumer Helpline to analyze complaints and ensure faster resolutions.

2. What milestone did the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently celebrate?

A) 50 years of NSS

B) 75 years of National Sample Survey (NSS)

C) 100 years of NSS

D) 25 years of MoSPI

Answer: B) 75 years of National Sample Survey (NSS)

Explanation: MoSPI celebrated the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Survey (NSS) on February 7, 2025, marking its contributions to evidence-based policymaking.

3. Which organization unveiled a national roadmap to improve child road safety in India?

A) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

B) UNICEF

C) World Health Organization

D) Indian Red Cross Society

Answer: B) UNICEF

Explanation: UNICEF introduced the National Child Road Safety Roadmap to address road accident fatalities involving children and adolescents in India.

4. Which new bill did the Union Cabinet approve in February 2025 to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961?

A) Finance Bill 2025

B) GST Amendment Bill

C) Income Tax Bill 2025

D) Tax Reforms Bill 2025

Answer: C) Income Tax Bill 2025

Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved the Income Tax Bill 2025, which aims to modernize and simplify India's tax framework for better efficiency and clarity.

5. Which Indian state recently laid the foundation for North India’s first green hydrogen plant?

A) Uttarakhand

B) Himachal Pradesh

C) Haryana

D) Punjab

Answer: B) Himachal Pradesh

Explanation: Himachal Pradesh inaugurated the foundation for the first green hydrogen plant in North India, located in Dabhota, Nalagarh.

6. Which country officially exited China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in early 2025?

A) Venezuela

B) Panama

C) Argentina

D) South Africa

Answer: B) Panama

Explanation: Panama formally withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aligning with its renewed focus on strengthening ties with the United States.

7. What groundbreaking achievement did scientists at the University of Queensland accomplish?

A) First cloned kangaroo

B) Creation of the world’s first kangaroo embryos via IVF

C) Successful restoration of extinct species

D) The first marsupial gene therapy

Answer: B) Creation of the world’s first kangaroo embryos via IVF

Explanation: The University of Queensland scientists successfully created kangaroo embryos through IVF, which could help conserve endangered marsupial species.

8. Which mission will Pakistan collaborate with China on in 2028?

A) Mars Exploration Mission

B) Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission

C) International Space Station (ISS)

D) SpaceX Mars Mission

Answer: B) Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission

Explanation: Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, will collaborate with China on the Chang’e-8 lunar mission, which is part of the International Lunar Research Station initiative.

9. What is the primary focus of the ‘Swavalambini’ program launched in Northeast India?

A) Providing clean water

B) Empowering women entrepreneurs

C) Enhancing educational infrastructure

D) Renewable energy solutions

Answer: B) Empowering women entrepreneurs

Explanation: The ‘Swavalambini’ program focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram by providing business training, mentorship, and financial support.

10. What initiative did Odisha launch to enhance rural development?

A) Kisan Samriddhi Scheme

B) Bikashita Gaon Village Development Program

C) Gram Vikas Yojana

D) Panchayat Shakti Scheme

Answer: B) Bikashita Gaon Village Development Program

Explanation: Odisha launched the ‘Bikashita Gaon’ initiative to accelerate rural development, focusing on infrastructure and micro-tourism.

11. Which country’s space agency is collaborating with China for the Chang’e-8 lunar mission?

A) Japan

B) Pakistan

C) Russia

D) Brazil

Answer: B) Pakistan

Explanation: Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, is partnering with China on the Chang’e-8 lunar mission, which involves deploying a Pakistani rover on the Moon.

12. What significant renewable energy milestone did India achieve in early 2025?

A) 100 GW solar power capacity

B) 50 GW wind energy capacity

C) 100 GW nuclear power capacity

D) 50 GW solar power capacity

Answer: A) 100 GW solar power capacity

Explanation: India reached a significant milestone by surpassing 100 GW of installed solar power capacity, marking progress in renewable energy adoption.

13. Which Indian Navy squadron recently visited Singapore for maritime collaboration?

A) Second Fleet

B) First Training Squadron

C) Eastern Naval Fleet

D) Western Naval Fleet

Answer: B) First Training Squadron

Explanation: The First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy docked at Changi Naval Base in Singapore to foster maritime collaboration with Southeast Asian nations.

14. Which Indian state aims to become the first green state by 2026?

A) Goa

B) Maharashtra

C) Himachal Pradesh

D) Kerala

Answer: C) Himachal Pradesh

Explanation: Himachal Pradesh is aiming to become India's first green state by March 2026, with initiatives like the green hydrogen plant.

15. What major reform was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in February 2025?

A) GST Reform Bill

B) Income Tax Bill 2025

C) Corporate Tax Reduction Bill

D) Banking Reform Bill

Answer: B) Income Tax Bill 2025

Explanation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Income Tax Bill 2025, which aims to replace the outdated Income Tax Act of 1961.

16. Who was recently penalized by SEBI for financial irregularities?

A) Tata Motors

B) DB Realty

C) Infosys

D) Reliance Industries

Answer: B) DB Realty

Explanation: SEBI imposed a fine on DB Realty Ltd for accounting violations and non-disclosures related to financial reporting.

17. What is the objective of the ‘Triservices Expedition’ launched by the International Buddhist Confederation?

A) To promote environmental awareness

B) To connect Buddhist heritage sites

C) To strengthen diplomatic ties with China

D) To explore new military technologies

Answer: B) To connect Buddhist heritage sites

Explanation: The ‘Triservices Expedition’ aims to unite the armed forces of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka on a motorcycle journey to Buddhist heritage sites from Lumbini to Galle.

18. How much did India contribute to the United Nations' regular budget in February 2025?

A) $50 million

B) $32.895 million

C) $20 million

D) $40 million

Answer: B) $32.895 million

Explanation: India contributed $32.895 million to the UN regular budget in February 2025, securing a spot on the UN Honour Roll for its financial responsibility.

19. What is the total budget for the ‘Bikashita Gaon’ scheme in Odisha?

A) ₹2,000 crore

B) ₹5,000 crore

C) ₹10,000 crore

D) ₹1,000 crore

Answer: B) ₹5,000 crore

Explanation: Odisha’s ‘Bikashita Gaon’ scheme has a budget of ₹5,000 crore over five years to enhance rural infrastructure.

20. Which Australian cricketer recently retired from One-Day Internationals (ODIs)?

A) Steve Smith

B) Marcus Stoinis

C) Glenn Maxwell

D) David Warner

Answer: B) Marcus Stoinis

Explanation: Australian cricketer Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from ODIs to focus on T20 cricket after playing a key role in the 2023 ODI World Cup.