Current Affairs One - Liner : 6th February 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as an inter-governmental international organization on February 3, 2025. The Framework Agreement was ratified by Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia.

GMR Airports Ltd (GAL) joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to promote sustainable aviation. GAL commits to aligning with UNGC's principles on human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption. All GMR airports are certified by the USGBC or IGBC, supporting sustainability.
PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School in Namchi, Sikkim is the only educational institution from the Northeastern states to receive a Green School Rating. This recognition highlights the school's commitment to sustainability and environmental education.
Lakshmi, the last Naxalite in Karnataka, surrendered in Udupi on February 3, 2025. Following her surrender, Karnataka has been declared Naxalite-free. Lakshmi was entitled to a surrender package of Rs 7 lakh under the 'A' category. She also requested the authorities to relieve her of all charges.
The Indian government has expanded quality compliance by mandating Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for over 150 products, ranging from household appliances to industrial materials. This move, overseen by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), aims to ensure stricter safety and performance standards.
Maharashtra announced the establishment of India's first AI university on February 4, 2025. The initiative aims to promote research, innovation, and skill development in AI, positioning Maharashtra as a global hub for AI education and technology.

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) on February 4, 2025. By joining PCAF, IOB commits to measuring and disclosing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with its financed activities. This move is part of IOB's efforts to support sustainable finance and combat climate change.
South Indian Bank launched their startup current accounts on February 4, 2025. The event took place at the Andromeda auditorium in Kochi, with key dignitaries in attendance. The new accounts are designed to support startups and small businesses with features like zero minimum balance and unlimited free digital transactions.
CreditAccess Grameen secured a USD 50 million loan from IFC on February 3, 2025. The funding aims to expand their reach to 40 lakh women borrowers, especially in agriculture. This initiative will strengthen their asset liability management and promote financial inclusion for underserved communities.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a Regulatory Sandbox to test an offline digital payment solution. This initiative aims to enable transactions without internet connectivity, boosting digital payments in areas with poor network coverage.

India's services sector activity grew at its slowest pace in over two years in January 2025, with the HSBC India Services Business Activity Index falling to 56.5 from 59.3 in December.

The Indian Army and IIT Guwahati signed an MoU to develop bamboo-based bunkers for high-altitude areas like Arunachal Pradesh. These epoxy bamboo-based composites will replace traditional materials, providing the same protection with reduced weight, enhancing transport efficiency and sustainability.

ISRO unveiled the latest version of its Finite Element Analysis of Structures (FEAST) software at the 8th National Finite Element Developers’ Meet at IIT-Hyderabad on February 2, 2025. The event highlighted FEAST's applications in aerospace, automobile, civil, mechanical, and marine engineering, and emphasized the importance of indigenous software development.

Wriddhiman Saha announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on February 1, 2025, after his final Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Punjab at Eden Gardens. The 40-year-old played 40 Tests and 9 ODIs for India, and also represented Bengal and Tripura in domestic cricket.

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Russia on February 4, 2025, for the procurement of anti-ship cruise missiles. These missiles will enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy's Kilo-class submarines. The agreement was finalized in New Delhi.

The International Day of Human Fraternity is observed on February 4 each year. The theme for 2025 is "Peace, Human Dignity, and Peaceful Coexistence." This day promotes unity, mutual respect, and cooperation among people of different religions and cultures, celebrating the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, was appointed as the Acting Chair of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Board on February 3, 2025. This followed the resignation of José María Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman & CEO of Telefónica. Vittal, who was recently re-elected as Deputy Chair.

Veteran Akashvani news reader R. S. Venkatraman passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 102 in Chennai. He was renowned for reading the news bulletin in Tamil that announced India's independence on August 15, 1947.

Questions:

1 Which organization provided the USD 50 million loan to CreditAccess Grameen?

2 Who was appointed as the Acting Chair of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Board on February 3, 2025?