Current Affairs - February 6, 2025 Current Affairs

IPS officer Sagar Singh Kalsi, from the 2010 batch of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the Director in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas under the Central Staffing Scheme. His tenure is set for five years or until further orders. The Ministry of Home Affairs recommended his deputation, and he has been instructed to take charge immediately. His appointment highlights the government's strategic placement of experienced officers in key ministries to enhance governance and policy implementation.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, was appointed as the Acting Chair of the GSMA Board on February 3, 2025. His appointment followed the resignation of José María Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman and CEO of Telefónica, who stepped down due to his departure from the company. Vittal, with his extensive leadership experience in the telecom industry, is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the GSMA, which represents over 1,100 telecommunications companies worldwide. His previous roles in the GSMA Board further established his capability to lead the organization effectively.

South Indian Bank (SIB) introduced two specialized startup current accounts—SIB Business Startup Current Account and SIB Corporate Startup Current Account—to cater to the specific banking needs of entrepreneurs. These accounts offer tailored benefits for startups, simplifying financial operations and supporting business growth. The SIB Business Startup Current Account is designed for small businesses, while the SIB Corporate Startup Current Account is aimed at larger entities, including private limited companies and LLPs. This initiative underscores South Indian Bank’s commitment to fostering India's startup ecosystem with innovative banking solutions.

Tshego Gaelae made history by becoming the first Black woman to win the Mrs World title in 2025. She is an attorney, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment, using her platform to drive sustainable change, particularly for children. Gaelae is passionate about authenticity and aims to represent South Africa’s rich cultural heritage on a global stage. Her victory is a significant milestone for Black women worldwide, inspiring many through her achievements and advocacy efforts.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation was observed on February 6, 2025. This day raises awareness about the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which is a violation of human rights affecting millions of girls and women globally. The 2025 theme, “Step Up the Pace,” highlights the importance of strengthening alliances and increasing efforts to eliminate FGM by 2030. Despite a decline in global prevalence over the past three decades, millions of girls remain at risk, particularly in regions affected by conflict, climate change, and disease outbreaks.

Monika Rani, a 2010 batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), has been appointed as the Director of the Department of Justice under the Central Staffing Scheme. Her tenure is set to last until January 1, 2028, or until further orders. The Department of Defence recommended her appointment, and she has been directed to assume charge immediately in Delhi.

The Indian Army has renamed Kolkata’s Fort William ‘Vijay Durg’ as part of a decolonization initiative aimed at honouring India’s indigenous military heritage. The decision, made in December 2024, draws inspiration from Maharashtra’s Vijaydurg Fort, a key Maratha naval stronghold under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The renaming aligns with broader efforts by the Indian government to remove colonial imprints from institutions and landmarks. Fort William, originally built by the British in 1781, served as a major military base and later became the Eastern Command headquarters of the Indian Army post-independence.

Indian Overseas Bank joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) on its 89th Foundation Day, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and responsible banking. PCAF promotes transparency in tracking greenhouse gas emissions from loans and investments, aligning with India’s climate goals. MD & CEO Ajay Kumar Srivastava highlighted the bank’s dedication to fostering a greener economy through sustainable financial practices. This move reinforces IOB’s role in contributing to global environmental efforts.

Karnataka has been declared ‘Naxal-free’ after the surrender of its last active Naxalite, Lakshmi, in Udupi. She qualifies for a ₹7 lakh surrender package under the ‘A’ category, which includes benefits for rehabilitation. The surrender committee reported a total of 22 Naxal surrenders in 2025 and recommended dismissing cases to help reintegrate former Naxalites into society. This milestone marks a significant achievement in restoring peace and stability in the state.

Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from the UN Human Rights Council and extend the funding ban on UNRWA. This decision aligns with previous withdrawals from international organizations like the WHO and the Paris Agreement, citing bias against Israel. While critics expect global opposition to the move, Trump's supporters argue that it is necessary to protect US interests and sovereignty in international affairs. The withdrawal announcement coincides with Netanyahu’s visit to the White House.

Uttar Pradesh secured the gold medal in the men's kabaddi event at the 38th National Games by defeating Chandigarh in the final. The match, held at Yogasthali Khel Parisar, Roshnabad Stadium in Haridwar, saw Uttar Pradesh making a strong comeback after trailing 12-18 in the first half. Led by Arjun Deshwal, the team ultimately won with a decisive score of 57-43. This victory highlights Uttar Pradesh's strength in kabaddi and its ability to perform under pressure at a national level.