Current Affairs 8,9 & 10 February 2025

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 8,9 & 10 February 2025, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2025 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

India Modernizes Army’s Firepower with Rs 10,147 Crore Defence ContractsOn February 6, 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed defence contracts worth Rs 10,147 crore to enhance the Indian Army’s (IA) firepower. These deals focus on the procurement of advanced ammunition for the PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and upgrades to critical software systems.

• Nagpur (Maharashtra) based Economic Explosive Limited (EEL), Pune (Maharashtra) based Munitions India Limited (MIL), and Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) were awarded contracts under this initiative.The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi
• The move aligns with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing while addressing modern security challenges.

Key Contracts and Their Significance
EEL Contract: Area Denial Munition (ADM) Rockets
Economic Explosive Limited (EEL) secured a contract for Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 rockets, designed to deny enemy access to specific areas by dispersing sub-munitions. This system is crucial for targeting mechanized forces and personnel.
MIL Contract: Enhanced HEPF Rockets
Munitions India Limited (MIL) was awarded a contract for High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets. These advanced rockets offer greater range and precision, enabling deep strikes into enemy territory.
BEL Contract: SHAKTI Software Upgrade
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will upgrade the SHAKTI Software, improving navigation, targeting, and firing accuracy for rocket artillery systems.
PINAKA System: A Strategic Asset
The PINAKA system, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has evolved significantly since its deployment in the 1999 Kargil War. Capable of firing 12 rockets in quick succession with a range of up to 60 kilometer (km), its guided version ensures precision targeting. Future upgrades aim to extend its range beyond 120 km, countering regional adversaries effectively.

TN CM M.K.Stalin Inaugurated India’s Largest Single-Location Solar Point in TirunelveliIn February 2025, Muthuvel Karunanidhi (M.K.) Stalin, Chief Minister (CM) of Tamil Nadu (TN), formally inaugurated the 4.3 Giga Watt (GW) solar cell and module manufacturing facility of Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL). This facility is India’s largest single-location solar manufacturing plant.

• It is located at Gangaikondan State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) Industrial Growth Centre in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu (TN).
• He also laid the foundation stone for Kolkata (West Bengal, WB)-based Vikram Solar Ltd’s 3 GW solar cell and 6 GW module manufacturing plant. It will be established at an investment of Rs 2,574crore and expected to generate 2,500 jobs.

Key People:
T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister Industries & Commerce, TN; Dr. Praveer Sinha, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of TPSSL ; and Deepesh Nanda, CEO and MD of TPREL.
About 4.3 GW solar manufacturing facility:
i.This facility has been established with an investment of Rs 3,800 crore. The plant is expected to generate around 4,000 jobs with 80% of the female workforce.
ii.It is equipped with advanced Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) and Mono Passivated Emitter & Rear Cell (PERC) technologies, designed to meet the increasing demand for Renewable Energy (RE) in India.
iii.The facility will manufacture high-efficiency solar cells and modules, contributing to India’s clean energy target.

• For the initial phase, this facility will manufacture solar cells and modules for Tata Power’s ongoing projects and will later expand for wider market distribution.

Note: TPSSL also operates a manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
About Tamil Nadu (TN):
Chief Minister (CM)- Muthuvel Karunanidhi (M.K.) Stalin
Governor – Ravindra Narayana(R.N) Ravi
Capital- Chennai
National Parks (NPs)- Guindy NP, Mukurthi NP

IA’s Eastern Headquarters ‘Fort William’ Renamed as ‘Vijay Durg’ 
On February 6, 2025, the Indian Army’s (IA) Eastern Headquarters, Fort William in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB) was renamed as ‘Vijay Durg’ to eliminate colonial influences. The fort was built by the British in 1781, originally named after King William III of England. The new name draws inspiration from an ancient Vijaydurg fort in Maharashtra, that was a key naval base for the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji.

• The fort, covering over 170 acres has 6 gates including Chowringhee, Plassey, Calcutta (now Kolkata), Water Gate, St. George’s, and Treasury Gate.
• Fort William became the Eastern Army Command’s headquarters in 1963 after the Sino(China)-India War.

i.Additionally, ‘Kitchener House’ within the fort was renamed as Manekshaw House, and the South Gate, previously known as St. George’s Gate was renamed as Shivaji Gate. 
ii.These changes, initiated in December 2024, reflect the ongoing efforts  to “Indianize” military customs, a movement supported by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.
iii.The renaming aligns with broader efforts to distance India from colonial legacy, with the Indian Navy (IN) already adopting a new ensign in September 2022.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

USGBC: India Retained 3rd Spot Globally for LEED Green Building Certification in 2024; China topped the ListIn February 2025, Washington D.C. (the United States of America, USA)-based United States Green Building Council (USGBC) released its latest ‘Annual list of Top 10 countries and Regions for Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) in 2024’. India has retained its 3rd spot globally on the list, with 370 LEED-certified projects; covering 8.50 million Gross Square Meters (GSM) or 91.5 million square feet (sq. ft.) area.

• India has consistently ranked among the top 3 countries on USGBC’s annual list, reflecting its commitment to achieve the United Nations (UN)’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.

i.Chinese Mainland (or China) topped the list with 1,860 LEED-certified projects, covering over 25 million GSM, followed by Canada ranked at 2nd position with 300 projects, covering 10 million GSM.
ii.The countries and region on the list are ranked based on data and analysis of LEED-certified GSM space between January 1and December 31, 2024.
iii. Bottom 5 countries on the list: Mexico (6th); Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of People’s Republic of China (PRC)  (7th); Italy (8th); Brazil (9th) and Turkey (10th).
About United States Green Building Council (USGBC):
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Peter Templeton
Headquarters- Washington D.C., the United States of America (USA)
Established- 1993
>> Read Full News

India & Panama signs MoU to Implement QIPIn February 2025, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Panama for the 1st time to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIP) in Panama. The MoU aims to provide tangible benefits to Panama’s local communities and improve socio-economic infrastructure.

• The MoU was signed by Dr. Sumit Seth, India’s Ambassador to Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua; and Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, Panama’s Foreign Minister in Panama City, Panama.

Key Features:
i.The QIP will be supported by grant assistance from the Government of India (GoI) and these projects are designed to deliver immediate and visible benefits to local communities in Panama.
ii.The MoU focuses on 2 key areas: Physical Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure.

• Physical Infrastructure: Development of roads, community centers, and other essential structures.
• Social Infrastructure: Projects will also address critical sectors like education, healthcare, and sanitation.

Points to Note:
i.In 2020, India donated a medical aid package for COVID-19 medical assistance to Panama.
ii.In 2015, India also upgraded an Information Technology (IT) center in Panama, strengthening the technological infrastructure of the country.
About Panama:
President- José Raúl Mulino Quintero
Capital- Panama City
Currency- Panamanian Balboa (PAB)

BANKING & FINANCE

SEBI allowed Retail Investors to join Algo trading from August 1 2025In February 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a comprehensive framework to regulate algorithmic (algo) trading for retail investors. Under the new framework, retail investors will get SEBI’s Direct Market Access (DMA) facility through the registered brokers, which was previously dominated by institutional players.

• The Brokers’ Industry Standards Forum has been tasked with formulating detailed implementation standards by April 1, 2025, with the new norms set to take effect from August 1, 2025.

Key Highlights of Framework:
i.Broker Authorization: Brokers are required to obtain approval from stock exchanges for each algorithm they offer to retail investors.

• Any modifications to approved algorithms also necessitate prior exchange consent.

ii.Unique Identifier for Orders: All algo orders must be tagged with a unique identifier provided by the exchange, ensuring a clear audit trail and enhancing transparency.
iii.Retail Investor-Developed Algos: Tech-savvy retail investors who develop their own algorithms must register them with exchanges through their brokers if their trading activity exceeds a specified order-per-second threshold.

• These self-developed algos can be used for personal accounts, including those of immediate family members.

iv.Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Stock exchanges are required to establish SOPs for testing, monitoring, and simulating algo trading.

• This includes implementing a “kill switch” mechanism to disable specific algos in case of irregularities.
• Exchanges will supervise algo trading, ensuring brokers can differentiate between algo and non-algo orders.

Operational Controls:
i.Limits on order frequency or leverage to curb excessive risk-taking.
ii.Requirements for backtesting environments to validate algo strategies before deployment.
iii.Stricter oversight on brokers offering algo platforms, requiring transparency in algorithm operations.
iv.Technical standards compliance, including audit trails, real-time monitoring, and circuit breakers to prevent market manipulation.

Kerala Secures Rs 2,424 Crore Loan from WB to Strengthen Healthcare SystemIn February 2025, the Government of Kerala (GoK) approved the ‘Kerala Health System Improvement Programme (KHSP)’ with a loan of Rs 2,424.28 crore (approximately USD 280 million) from the United State of America (USA) based World Bank(WB). 

• This initiative was approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister (CM) of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan and the programme will be implemented under the Programme for Results (P for R) model.
• The aim is to improve living standards and life expectancy, focusing on preventing diseases, accidents, and premature deaths, benefiting economically disadvantaged groups in Kerala.

Programme Features:
i.Health System Resilience: To create a robust health system capable of handling new and evolving health challenges, including those arising from climate change.
ii.Emergency and Trauma Care: To improve trauma care and emergency medicine by establishing a 24×7 emergency care network, which includes ambulances and a trauma registry.
iii.Elderly Care: To augment care for the elderly by involving local self-government institutions and improving the efficiency of human resources in the health sector.
iv.Universal Digital Health Applications: To work towards the universalization of digital health applications and increasing healthcare investment in Kerala.
v.Prevention of NCDs: To develop a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem to reduce the prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Note: Kerala has made strides in public health, particularly in maternal and child health, and successfully surpassed the targets set under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
About Kerala: 
Chief Minister (CM)- Pinarayi Vijayan
Governor– Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
Capital- Thiruvananthapuram
Stadium- Lal Bahadur Shastri stadium, VKN Menon Indoor Stadium

PNB MetLife Partners with Policybazaar to Launch Smart Invest Pension Plan
On February 6, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife), partnered with Gurugram (Haryana) based Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited to launch the ‘PNB MetLife Smart Invest Pension Plan’, a Unit-Linked, Non-Participating Individual Pension Plan. This collaboration aims to provide accessible retirement solutions through digital platforms.

• It was designed for individuals aged 40 to 50 years and offers flexibility for early retirement planning.
• The plan comes with 2 funds – Pension Mid Cap Fund and Pension Bond Fund, available from February 1 to February 14, 2025, offers 60% tax-free lump sum withdrawal and a Rs.10 Net Asset Value (NAV) for both funds.

Features:
i.There are no premium allocation or policy administration charges, ensuring maximum investment growth.
ii.The plan allows to postpone the vesting age up to 70 years to better align with evolving retirement goals.
iii.It enables to choose from options such as the Pension Mid Cap Fund for growth or the Pension Bond Fund for stability.
iv.The plan offers unlimited fund switches, premium redirection, and partial withdrawals after 5 years to suit your specific financial needs.

TPREL and BoB Sign MOU for Rooftop Solar Financing Under PMSGMBY
On February 6 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vadodara (Gujarat) based Bank of Baroda Limited (BoB) to offer loans for Residential Rooftop Solar Installations.

• This collaboration aims to support the Prime Minister – Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), an initiative targeting 1 crore households with rooftop solar panels by March 2027.

i.Under the agreement, customers can avail loans up to Rs.6 lakhs at an  interest rate starting at 7% per annum with both fixed and floating rate options.
ii.Homeowners installing systems of up to 3 kilowatt (kW)can access loans up to Rs.2 lakhs without income documentation.
iii.The scheme requires only a 10% margin contribution and flexible repayment tenure of up to 10 years.

• Installations ranging from 3 kW to 10 kW qualify for loans up to Rs.6 lakh with a 20% margin contribution.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

German Institute Fraunhofer Signed MoUs with IIT Ropar and BITS Pilani on Sustainability and Circular EconomyIn February 2025, Stuttgart (Germany)-based Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with Ropar (Punjab)-based Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT-R) and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani.

• This MoU was signed during the visit of Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, the Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Housing of the State of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany to India.
• This strategic collaboration between Fraunhofer and Indian Institutes, aims to leverage Germany and India’s technological strengths.
• It also aims to improve the implementation of best practices to optimize the water-energy-food nexus, to foster sustainable and climate-neutral economy.

Key Points:
i.The collaboration between Fraunhofer IGB and IIT Ropar will focus on joint Research and Development (R&D); identification of technology gaps.

• Demonstration of technologies aimed to solve industry challenges within the scope of two national mission of Government of India (GoI): Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).

ii.The strategic partnership will facilitate technology transfer and licensing agreements with industry stakeholders to promote large-scale adoption.

• Also, training will be provided on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) into water management systems.

iii.As per the MoU, the expertise of Fraunhofer in applied research and IIT Ropar’s Technology and Innovation Hub (TIH) i.e. Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub (AWaDH), will be used in water technology innovations. This will help in creating a robust water innovation ecosystem that supports sustainable resource management, smart water infrastructure, and climate-resilient solutions.
About Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB:
It is one of 76 institutes and research units of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the world’s leading applied research organisation.
President- Dr. Markus Wolperdinger
Headquarters- Stuttgart, Germany

Zomato Rebrands as ‘Eternal’ to Reflect Expanded Vision, Unveils New LogoOn February 6, 2025, Leading Indian food and grocery delivery giant Zomato announced that it will rename its parent company to Eternal Limited., accompanied by a new logo. The move underscores the company’s evolution beyond its core food delivery service into a diversified conglomerate, driven by its quick-commerce arm Blinkit and other ventures
Eternal will oversee four major divisions:

• Zomato: Core food delivery vertical.
• Blinkit: Quick-commerce unit (10-minute deliveries).
• District: Live events and B2B logistics.
• Hyperpure: Restaurant supply chain services.

i.The Zomato app remains unchanged for users. Existing services, including food delivery and subscriptions, continue uninterrupted.
ii.Zomato becomes first new-age tech firm to join Bombay Stock Exchange Sensex in December 2024.
iii.A Journey from Foodiebay to Eternal: Founded in 2007 as Foodiebay, a platform for uploading restaurant menus, Zomato’s rebranding to Eternal caps an 18-year journey. CEO Deepinder Goyal emphasized that the change reflects Eternal’s mission to build an enduring institution.
About Zomato:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Deepinder Goyal
Headquarters – Gurugram, India
Founded in – 2008

NTPC & IA Sign PPA for Solar-Hydrogen Microgrid in Ladakh
In February 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based NTPC Limited (Formerly National Thermal Power Corporation), under the Ministry of Power (MoP) and the Indian Army (IA) signed a 25 years Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

• The agreement enables the sale of 200 kilowatts (kW) of renewable energy round-the-clock (RE-RTC) from a solar-hydrogen-based microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh to off-grid Army locations.
• The agreement was signed by DMR Panda, Chief General Manager (CGM) of NTPC-Hydrogen, and Aditya Anil Harshey, Brigadier and Chief Engineer (CE) of Leh of IA.

i.The microgrid aims to replace the IA’s diesel generators, eliminating fossil fuel logistics and cutting carbon-di-oxide (CO2) emissions by 1,500 tons (t) annually.
ii.The microgrid is situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters (m), where winter temperatures drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius (°C).
iii.It is expected to aid in the decarbonization and modernization of the defense sector in the Himalayan border regions.
Note: NTPC is committed to reaching 60 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2032.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Deepak Kumar Kedia Bestowed with “CA in Public Service” Award by ICAIIn February 2025, Deepak Kumar Kedia, Inspector General (IG) Headquarters, National Security Guard (NSG), has been bestowed with the prestigious “CA in Public Service” Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for his outstanding contributions to public service, particularly in law enforcement and national security.

• He was honoured with the award at the World Forum of Accountants (WOFA) meet held at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention and Exhibition Centre (IICC) in New Delhi, Delhi.
• Earlier, he was also honoured with the prestigious ‘President Medal for Distinguished Service’ on 76th Republic Day of India(January 26, 2025)

About Deepak Kumar Kedia:
i.Deepak Kumar Kedia is a 1999-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Assam cadre.
ii.He has also worked with the Steel Authority of India Limited(SAIL) at its Rourkela Plant (Odisha) in the Finance and Accounts (F&A) Department.
iii.During his extensive career in public service, he has held various positions including Superintendent of Police (SP) in Assam, Director (Left Wing Extremism) at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Additional Director at the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Inspector General of Police (IGP) (Law & Order), Assam.
About WOFA 2025:
i.The ICAI hosted the WOFA 2025 from January 31, 2025 to February 2, 2025.

• Theme: “Accountability Meets Innovation (AI): For A Sustainable Planet”.

ii.The 3-day mega event was inaugurated by Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD) as Chief Guest.
About Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI):
It is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament i.e. The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 for regulation and development of the profession of Chartered Accountants (CA) in the country.
President- CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 1949
About National Security Guard(NSG):
NSG is a counter-terrorism agency of India and also, known as Black Cats. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was formed under the National Security Guard (NSG) Act, 1986.
Director General(DG) – Brighu Srinivasan
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi

MoC Honors Chaman Arora with Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in Dogri
In February 2025, the Ministry of Culture (MoC) announced that the late Chaman Arora has been selected for the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the Dogri language for his short story book ‘Ik Hor Ashwthama’(Short Stories).

• The Sahitya Akademi Award in Dogri has been approved by Madhav Kaushik, president of Sahitya Akademi, and was selected based on the recommendations of jury members Sushma Rani, Veena Gupta, and Jitendra Udhampuri.
• The award will be presented to the family member or nominee of the awardee at the ceremony, which will take place on International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, at Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi(Delhi).

i.The winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 include 8 books of Poetry, 3 Novels, 2 short stories, 3 Essays, 3 Literary Criticism, 1 Play and 1 Research
ii.The award comprises a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh.
iii.In December 2024, the Ministry of Culture (MoC) announced the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 in various languages.
Click here to view the full list of  Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 winners.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI Approved the Proposed Acquisition of Two Entities of POSCO Holdings Inc.
In February 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved POSCO India Processing Center Private Limited’s (Acquirer) proposed acquisition of entire shareholdings of South Korea-based LX International Corporation (seller) in POSCO – India Pune Processing Center Private Limited (Target).

• POSCO India Processing Center and POSCO-India Pune Processing Center are involved in the processing and distributing hot and cold rolled sheets and plates, galvanised steel, speciality steel, electrical steel, and other products like wire rods, scrap, and coils.

Note: Both POSCO entities operate under a South Korean steel manufacturer POSCO Holdings Inc.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Saab Completes AT4 Weapons Supply to Indian Armed ForcesIn February 2025, Sweden based Saab AB, an aerospace and defence company has completed the delivery of its latest disposable Anti-tank 4 (AT4) weapons, enhancing the advanced weaponry capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

• This follows a contract awarded in 2022 for the delivery of around 2000 units of AT4 weapons, which is now actively in use by both the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• In addition to the AT4 deliveries, Saab announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility for the Carl-Gustaf anti-tank weapons system under Saab FFVO India Private Limited, located at MET City in Jhajjar, Haryana, with operations expected to begin by the end of this year or early next year.

About Saab AB:
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Micael Johansson
Headquarters – Stockholm, Sweden
Founded – 1937
>> Read Full News

China’s Shenzhou-19 Crew Produces Oxygen & Rocket Fuel in Space Through Artificial PhotosynthesisIn February 2025, the Shenzhou-19 crew aboard China’s Tiangong space station (located in Low Earth Orbit, LEO) successfully produced Oxygen (O2) and Rocket Fuel ingredients through Artificial Photosynthesis(AP).

• The Shenzhou-19 crew’s experiment is the first-ever in-orbit application of this method, aligning with China’s ambition to achieve a crewed moon landing by 2030.

Note: Artificial Photosynthesis is a chemical process that mimics natural photosynthesis, to produce hydrogen from water by using solar energy.
Background:
i.The Shenzhou-19 crew consists of Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze, and was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), China on October 30, 2024
ii.In January 2025, the China Manned Space Agency declared that the Taikonauts (Chinese astronauts) aboard the Shenzhou-19 mission had successfully produced ethylene, a key component of rocket fuel and oxygen.
Experiment Overview:
i.The tests, which involved 12 experiments, focused on critical technologies for resource production and human survival.
ii.The astronauts utilized a unique device resembling a ‘drawer-like’ structure, equipped with a ‘semiconductor catalyst’, to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into vital resources.

• This process mimics natural photosynthesis, where plants convert CO2 and H2O into oxygen.

iii.The experiment led to the creation of ethylene (C2H4), a hydrocarbon that can be used in rocket fuel, marking a crucial step toward space resource production.
iv.The tests also examined technologies like room-temperature CO2 conversion, precise control of gas and liquid flows in microgravity, and real-time, high-sensitivity detection of reaction products.
Note: The concept of employing semiconductor catalysts is distinct from other traditional methods of generating oxygen, like the International Space Station’s (ISS) electrolysis process, which converts solar energy into breathable air.
Significance for Space Exploration:
i.This method is more energy-efficient than the traditional electrolysis process used on the International Space Station (ISS), which consumes a significant amount of power.
ii.Artificial photosynthesis technology offers a more sustainable solution by converting CO2 into essential resources for astronauts, reducing the need to bring supplies from the Earth.
iii.Furthermore, it also operates with lower energy requirements, for long-duration space missions.
Points to Note:
i.By 2035, China plans to establish a Moon base near the lunar south pole, and this technology could allow astronauts to produce oxygen and rocket fuel from lunar water, eliminating the need to transport these resources from Earth.
ii.China also aims to use robotics to build a nuclear reactor for the Moon base, in collaboration with Russia.
About China:
President– Xi Jinping
Prime Minister (PM)– Li Qiang
Capital- Beijing
Currency- Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Blue Origin Completed NS-29 Mission, Successfully Simulated Lunar GravityIn February 2025, Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder) owned Blue Origin completed its 29th New Shepard flight (NS-29), an unscrewed spaceflight mission and 14th payload mission. The mission used the New Shepard rocket, which was lifted off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site in West Texas, the United States of America (USA).

• The payloads had successfully experienced two minutes (min) of lunar gravity forces, a first for New Shepard.
• The rocket used its Reaction Control System (RCS) to spin up to approximately 11 revolutions per min and simulated 1/6th Earth gravity at the midpoint of the crew capsule lockers.

About NS-29 Mission:
i.The mission will test 6 main lunar technology areas such as: In-situ resource utilization; dust mitigation; advanced habitation systems; sensors and instrumentation; small spacecraft technologies; and entry descent and landing.
ii.The rocket carried 30 payloads, of which 29 will fly inside the crew capsule and one will fly on the booster with exposure to the space environment.
 iii.National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) has provided 17 payloads through its flight opportunities program, which supported development of the lunar gravity capability for New Shepard.

• 4 of the payloads are from Honeybee Robotics, In-space business division of Blue Origin and remaining payloads are from various research institutions, and commercial companies.
• With this, the number of payloads flown on New Shepard reached more than 175.

Components of the Mission:
i.Electrostatic Dust Lofting (EDL): This project is supported by NASA Kennedy Space Centre, Florida (the USA). It aims to study how moon dust gets electrically charged and lifted up when exposed to Ultraviolet (UV) light.
ii.Fluidic Operations in Reduced Gravity Experiment (FORGE): This project is led by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the USA. It will test how to manage liquids and gases in space.
iii.Honey Bubble Excitation Experiment (H-BEE): It is led by Honeybee Robotics, the USA. It will conduct experiments to test technologies focused on penetrating, excavating, and processing lunar regolith.
iv.Soil Properties Assessment Resistance and Thermal Analysis (SPARTA): It was created by JPL in Southern California and developed by Honeybee Robotics. It is a toolkit designed for geo-mechanical testing below the lunar surface.
v.Lunar-g Combustion Investigation (LUCI): This project is developed by Cleveland (Ohio, the USA)-based NASA’s Glenn Research Center in partnership with Voyager Technologies. It aims to study how materials catch fire in the Moon’s gravity compared to Earth’s.
vi.Film Evaporation MEMS Tunable Array Micropropulsion System (FEMTA): It is a water-based micro-propulsion system in development by researchers at Purdue University. This small propulsion system will help to precisely control the direction and positioning of small satellites.
About Blue Origin:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Dave Limp
Headquarters– Kent, Washington, the United States of America(USA)
Established- 2000

Iran Unveils Its 1st Drone Carrier Warship ‘Shahid Bagheri’On February 06, 2025, Iran commissioned its 1st drone carrier warship, the ‘Shahid Bagheri’ also known as Shahid Bahman Bagheri or Shahid Bakri, into the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy during a ceremony held in the Persian Gulf.

• It aims to strengthen Iran’s maritime presence and operational capabilities, enhancing Iran’s defensive and deterrent power.

About Shahid Bagheri:
i.Converted from a commercial container ship, it is designed for the deployment of drones, helicopters, and missile systems, allowing operations far from Iran’s mainland.
ii.It is equipped with Unmanned Aerial vehicle (UAV), maritime and helicopter refueling stations, air defense systems, intelligence and surveillance tools, an air traffic control tower, and various combat drones and guided underwater units.
Key Features:
i.Drone and Helicopter Operations: It is equipped with a 180-meter (m) runway, multiple hangars for drones and helicopters, and a dedicated control tower for seamless operations.
ii.Long Range Missile Systems: It is armed with long-range surface-to-surface missiles and missile-launching boats capable of striking targets up to 30 kilometers (km) away.
iii.Speed: It has a maximum speed of 22 knots and an economic cruising speed of 18 knots.
iv.Medical and Logistical Facilities: it includes specialized hospitals offering surgical and medical services, along with sports and fitness facilities to support the crew’s well-being.
v.Sustained Operations: It has a range of up to 22,000 nautical miles (NM) and can operate for up to one year without the need for refueling.
About Iran:
President – Masoud Pezeshkian
Capital – Tehran
Currency – Iranian Rial (IRR)

STATE NEWS

Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot Launches Braille-Enabled Version of Indian Constitution 
In February 2025, Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot launched a Braille-enabled version of the Indian Constitution in Bengaluru (Karnataka) to mark the 75th anniversary of the Constitution.

• This initiative, a collaboration between Sankara Eye Hospital, Bengaluru and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Young Indians (Yi), Bengaluru  aimed at empowering individuals who are blind or have low vision by enabling them to read and understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

i.The Braille version of the Constitution will be distributed across key institutions to ensure broader access.
ii.This project strives to create a more inclusive society by making foundational national knowledge accessible to all, regardless of their vision ability.
iii.This launch signifies a monumental shift in providing visually impaired citizens the opportunity to independently engage with their rights and responsibilities.

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