Current Affairs - February 1, 2025 Current Affairs

India is set to host the BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting from March 3-7, 2025, under the theme “Youth Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth.” The event aims to enhance youth cooperation in entrepreneurship, policy discussions, and global networking among BRICS nations. In preparation, eight run-up events will be held across India to engage young entrepreneurs and encourage meaningful discussions on sustainable business practices. This initiative highlights India’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in entrepreneurship and innovation among BRICS member states.

Switzerland has announced that it will end its development aid programs for Bangladesh, Albania, and Zambia due to budget reductions in its foreign aid plans. The Swiss parliament has cut 110 million Swiss Francs from the 2025 foreign aid budget and an additional 321 million from the 2026-2028 allocations. While these cuts will affect bilateral and multilateral cooperation, Switzerland will continue to provide funding for humanitarian efforts. This decision reflects the country's financial adjustments and shifting priorities in international assistance.

New Zealand's parliament has officially granted personhood status to Mount Taranaki, also known as Taranaki Maunga. This decision is part of a broader effort to address historical injustices faced by the Maori people and to restore their cultural and spiritual connection to the mountain. By recognizing the mountain as a legal entity, the government ensures its protection, giving it rights and responsibilities similar to those of a person. This move follows similar decisions in New Zealand, such as granting personhood to the Whanganui River and emphasizing Indigenous rights and environmental protection.

Guneri village in the Kutch district has been designated as Gujarat’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site to protect its rare inland mangrove ecosystem. Unlike traditional coastal mangroves, Guneri’s mangroves grow in a non-tidal, flat terrain, covering an area of 32.78 hectares. The Gujarat government has initiated conservation efforts, community training programs, and ecological protection measures to safeguard this unique habitat. This recognition highlights the importance of preserving diverse ecosystems and promoting sustainable environmental practices in the region.

The first Raisina Middle East Conference took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on January 28-29, 2025. The event featured India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, as the Chief Guest. It was organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The conference aimed to strengthen India-UAE relations, discuss geopolitical and geoeconomic issues and enhance trade and strategic partnerships. It served as a key platform for fostering regional cooperation and global economic integration.

The Ministry of Railways has launched the ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp to integrate multiple railway services into a single, user-friendly platform. Introduced on January 31, 2025, and currently in its beta phase, the app is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It offers services such as ticket bookings, platform and parcel reservations, train and PNR inquiries, food ordering, and complaint management through Rail Madad. By consolidating these features, ‘SwaRail’ aims to enhance user convenience and reduce the need for multiple railway-related applications. Users are encouraged to participate in beta testing and provide feedback for further improvements.

Niger has become the first African country and the fifth globally to eliminate onchocerciasis, a disease caused by the Onchocerca volvulus parasite and transmitted by black flies in riverine areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized this achievement, marking a significant public health milestone. Other countries that have successfully eradicated the disease include Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. This success highlights Niger’s effective health policies and commitment to combating neglected tropical diseases, improving the lives of its citizens by preventing blindness and skin conditions associated with onchocerciasis.

The Assam government has decided to denotify three proposed reserve forests in Tinsukia district—Talpathar, Mohongpathar, and Duarmarah—to provide land rights to over 20,000 residents. These areas will now be converted into revenue villages, ensuring legal land ownership for the inhabitants. Alongside this decision, Assam has also announced a Rs 600 crore grant for 25,000 places of worship and introduced new policies to support startups and defence manufacturing. This move reflects the state’s commitment to balancing environmental conservation with social and economic development.

The Sci-Fi Science Film Festival of India was inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in Panaji on January 30, 2025. The festival, organized by Vidnyan Parishad Goa, focuses on science, innovation, and curiosity, with the theme “Green Revolution” this year. It also honours Dr. M. Swaminathan, a renowned scientist. The event serves as a platform to inspire young minds and encourage participation in scientific endeavours. The festival lasts for four days and emphasizes the importance of science for India’s progress while promoting sustainability and curiosity among the youth.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has set a new record for the longest spacewalking time by a woman, surpassing the previous record held by Peggy Whitson. Williams has accumulated a total of 62 hours and 6 minutes of spacewalking time across nine extravehicular activities (EVAs). She achieved this milestone during a spacewalk with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore on the International Space Station (ISS). The record-breaking spacewalk lasted 5 hours and 26 minutes, contributing to her ranking as the fourth-highest spacewalker in NASA’s history.