Current Affairs One - Liner : 5th February 2025

• National:
• The Maharashtra government announced the establishment of India's first AI university on February 4, 2025. The initiative aims to promote AI research, enhance AI-driven solutions, and nurture a future-ready workforce.

• On February 3, 2025, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the Sensex Futures & Options contracts on the India International Exchange (India INX) at GIFT City. This launch allows global investors to invest in the Indian market using US dollars, simplifying their participation.
• India's first white tiger breeding centre will be set up in Govindgarh, Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh. Approved on February 2, 2025, by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), this initiative is part of the Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo White Tiger Safari and Zoo. It aims to boost wildlife tourism and create local jobs.
• On February 4, 2025, the Haryana Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, approved amendments to the Haryana Village Common Lands (Regulation) Act, 1961. These amendments exclude certain leased lands from Shamilat Deh and allow Gram Panchayats to sell land occupied by unauthorized houses at market rates.
• On February 3, 2025, researchers from INST Mohali announced a self-actuating drug delivery system to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This system targets joint inflammation, releasing therapeutic agents as needed. It uses microspheres loaded with methotrexate, improving outcomes and minimizing side effects.
• On February 4, 2025, India became the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. This achievement is due to the 'Make in India' initiative, which boosted domestic production, with over 300 operational manufacturing units producing around 325 to 330 million mobile phones annually.
• The Rajasthan Assembly tabled the Anti-conversion Bill on February 3, 2025. Introduced by Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, the bill aims to prohibit unlawful religious conversions and includes penalties such as imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines up to ₹50,000.
• On February 3, 2025, IIT Madras launched India's first Cancer Genome Atlas called the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA). This initiative aims to identify cancer-specific biomarkers for early breast cancer detection and improve personalized treatment strategies in India.
• International:
• On February 4, 2025, China imposed tariffs on select American imports in response to the U.S. decision to raise tariffs on Chinese products. These include a 15% tariff on coal and LNG, and a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars.
• MoUs:
• On February 3, 2025, T-Hub and the Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) signed an MoU to boost innovation, trade, and cultural exchanges between India and Türkiye in Hyderabad. The collaboration includes cross-border mentorship, market access, and joint events in sectors like IT, pharma, and renewable energy.
• Science & Technology:
• On February 3, 2025, researchers announced the discovery of two new green cardamom species in Kerala's Western Ghats: Elettaria facifera and Elettaria tulipifera. These species were found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Agasthyamalai Hills, respectively.
• Committees:
• On February 4, 2025, the Gujarat government formed a five-member committee to draft the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai. They will submit their report within 45 days to guide the government's decision on UCC implementation.
• Apps & Portals:
• On February 4, 2025, the Government of India launched the Haj Suvidha App to enhance the Haj pilgrimage experience. The app offers various features, including training content, accommodation and flight details, baggage information, an SOS helpline, and language translation.
• Appointments:
• On February 3, 2025, Flemish nationalist Bart Albert Liliane De Wever was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Belgium. This came after seven months of coalition government negotiations.

Questions:

1 Which institution launched India's first Cancer Genome Atlas, Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), on February 3, 2025?

• A) AIIMS Delhi
• B) IIT Madras
• C) IISc Bangalore
• D) Tata Memorial Hospital

Answer: B) IIT Madras launched the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) to study genetic variations in cancer patients in India, aiming to enhance early detection and personalized treatment strategies.

2 Who was the new Prime Minister of Belgium on February 3, 2025?

• A) Bart De Wever
• B) Alexander De Croo
• C) Charles Michel
• D) Sophie Wilmès

Answer: A) On February 3, 2025, Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever took office as Belgium’s new Prime Minister after seven months of coalition negotiations.