11th February, 2025 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
Cabinet Extends Safai Karamchari Commission Tenure

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for an additional three years beyond March 31, 2022. This extension ensures the commission’s operations continue seamlessly until March 31, 2025.
• Established in 1993 under the NCSK Act, the NCSK was initially set up to promote the welfare of Safai Karamcharis (sanitation workers) and address the challenges they face. Over the years, its tenure has been extended multiple times, reflecting the ongoing need to support this marginalized community.
• Additionally, under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act of 2013, the NCSK is tasked with monitoring the act’s implementation, advising central and state governments, and addressing complaints regarding its contravention.
• The NCSK’s tenure has been extended multiple times since its inception. Notably, in 2016, the commission’s term was extended for three years beyond March 31, 2016, with a budget of around ₹13.08 crore.
• The current extension not only continues the commission’s mandate but also reflects an increased financial commitment, indicating the government’s intensified focus on the welfare of Safai Karamcharis.

Union Cabinet Approves South Coast Railway Zone

• The Union Cabinet approved the creation of the South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone. PM Narendra Modi had earlier laid the foundation stone for the SCoR headquarters in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• The new zone was formed under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, which led to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana. It will be the 18th zone of Indian Railways and has been carved out from parts of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) and South Central Railway (SCR) zones.
• The Waltair Railway Division, one of the most revenue-generating divisions under Indian Railways, has been split into two parts.
• The first part has been renamed Visakhapatnam Railway Division and placed under the new SCoR zone. The second part will become a new division with its headquarters at Rayagada, Odisha, under the East Coast Railway.
• The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act mandated Indian Railways to examine the establishment of a new railway zone.
• On February 27, 2019, the Central government announced the creation of the South Coast Railway Zone to enhance operational efficiency and cater to the growing passenger and freight demands. The plan is now being implemented with modifications to the earlier decision.
• The New zone would support industrial and agricultural growth, improve logistics for key ports like Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam, and boost tourism to cultural destinations such as Tirupati.
• The new zone will cover large parts of Andhra Pradesh, along with regions in Telangana and Tamil Nadu. It will include:
• Vijayawada Division (from South Central Railway)
• Guntur Division (from South Central Railway)
• Visakhapatnam Division (carved from Waltair Division)

Join our WhatsApp Channel: Click Here  Join our Telegram Channel: Click Here

Follow our YouTube Channel: Click Here Follow our Instagram Page: Click Here

INTERNATIONAL
India and EFTA Strengthen Economic Ties with the Inauguration of the India-EFTA Desk

• India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – have taken a significant step towards deeper economic collaboration with the inauguration of the India-EFTA Desk.
• This initiative follows the recently concluded India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which positions EFTA as the first European bloc to formalize a trade pact with India.
• India’s ambition to surpass $100 billion in EFTA investments, highlighting the country’s commitment to fostering equitable and mutually beneficial trade relationships.
• The India-EFTA Desk will provide structured support to EFTA businesses looking to invest, expand, or establish operations in India. High-ranking dignitaries from all four EFTA nations attended the launch, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic ties.

DPIIT and Korea Transport Institute Sign MoU to Boost Collaboration in Logistics and Infrastructure Development

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in logistics and infrastructure development between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India (GoI) and the Korea Transport Institute (KoTI), Republic of Korea (RoK) was signed today at the Sejong National Research Complex, South Korea by Mr. Youngchan Kim, President of KOTI, and H.E. Amit Kumar, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea.
• The MoU will enhance cooperation in logistics and infrastructure development, leveraging KOTI's expertise to support India’s ambitious infrastructure initiatives. Joint working meetings will be held for taking the initiative forward.
• Further, the MoU will establish a comprehensive mechanism for knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation between the Logistics Division, DPIIT and KOTI. This will help in the development of infrastructure and logistics master plans under the aegis of the prestigious program - PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
• The key benefits of this collaboration include the establishment of a research-driven program that enhances expertise in logistics and infrastructure through knowledge exchange, training, and technical assistance. It will also foster cross-learning in areas such as master planning, technology adoption, and innovation. Additionally, the partnership will highlight the achievements under the PM GatiShakti initiative and promote GIS data-based technology on a global stage.
• This will mark a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and fostering innovation in the field of logistics and infrastructure development.

India and Nicaragua Forge Partnership for Quick Impact Projects

• India and Nicaragua have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). The agreement, formalized in Managua, Nicaragua, was signed between Indian Ambassador Sumit Seth and Nicaraguan Foreign Minister ValdrackJaentschke. The collaboration aims to enhance physical and social infrastructure in Nicaragua, providing direct and visible benefits to local communities.
• India will provide grant assistance for various Quick Impact Projects. The primary focus will be on developing physical infrastructure such as roads, community centers, and basic utilities. Additionally, social infrastructure projects will support education, healthcare, and sanitation. These initiatives are designed to create immediate improvements in people’s daily lives by addressing pressing needs in essential services.
• India and Nicaragua have shared warm diplomatic relations since 1983. The Indian Embassy in Panama is concurrently accredited to Nicaragua, reflecting India’s diplomatic presence in the region. Previously, Nicaragua had an embassy in India, but it was closed in 1990. Currently, Nicaragua’s diplomatic representation in India is handled through its embassy in Tokyo.

ECONOMY
India Achieves Record ₹1.27 Lakh Cr in Domestic Defence Production

• India has reached a historic milestone in its defense sector, with domestic defense production surpassing ₹1.27 lakh crore. This significant accomplishment highlights the country’s growing self-reliance and its increasing prominence in the global defense manufacturing landscape. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made this announcement ahead of the Aero India 2025 show, which is set to begin tomorrow in Bengaluru. The show, which is Asia’s largest aerospace and defense exhibition, will not only highlight India’s defense capabilities but also inspire the next generation to innovate and contribute to the nation’s growth in the defense sector.
• Aero India 2025, a prestigious international event, will be the platform for India to showcase its growing strength in the defense industry.
• As India aims to achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing, the ₹1.27 lakh crore figure represents a significant milestone. Over the years, the government has made substantial efforts to promote Make in India and encourage domestic defense production. India’s defense industry has been rapidly growing, driven by initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and reforms aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into the sector. The goal is to transform India into a major global player in defense manufacturing, moving away from reliance on imports.

RBI Cuts Repo Rate: Implications for Growth, Inflation, and Borrowing Costs

• After maintaining the repo rate at 6.50% for two years, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduced the key policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 25% on February 7.
• This marks the first repo rate cut in nearly five years, expected to lower interest rates and equated monthly instalments (EMIs) on home and personal loans. The unanimous decision aims to stimulate economic activity by making borrowing cheaper, encouraging spending and investment.
• The RBI projects GDP growth at 6.7% and retail inflation at 4.2% for FY 2025-26.
• The RBI has adopted a flexible inflation-targeting approach for macroeconomic decisions. In December 2024, it revised the GDP growth estimate for FY 2025 to 6.6% from the earlier projection of 7.2%, later adjusting it to 6.7% for 2025-26.
• India’s GDP growth for FY 2024-25 is estimated at 6.4%, slightly below the Economic Survey’s projection of 6.5-7%. Headline inflation moderated to 5.2% in December 2024 and is expected to decline further to 4.5% over the coming months. However, concerns remain over sustainability, especially with the rupee depreciating to 87 per US dollar.
• Retail inflation is projected at 4.2% for FY 2025-26, supported by declining vegetable prices and softened global edible oil prices, which should aid in controlling domestic inflation.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Financial Support for Rare Diseases

• The government has introduced financial aid of up to ₹50 lakhs to assist patients suffering from rare diseases under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD).
• This initiative currently covers 63 categories of rare diseases, aiming to provide essential treatment and support.
• Rare diseases are medical conditions that affect a small fraction of the population. While there is no globally standardized definition, they are generally severe, with limited or no available treatments.
• These diseases include genetic disorders, uncommon cancers, tropical infections, and degenerative conditions. As per WHO, a rare disease is a chronic, debilitating condition with a prevalence of 1 or fewer per 1,000 individuals.
• India accounts for nearly one-third of the world’s rare disease cases, with over 450 identified conditions impacting 8–10 crore people, mostly children. Despite this, rare diseases remain largely overlooked. A significant challenge is the absence of a clear definition in India.
• The NPRD, introduced in March 2021 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, includes 63 rare diseases based on recommendations from the Central Technical Committee for Rare Diseases (CTCRD).

Published date : 13 Feb 2025 11:22AM