Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 4 February 2025, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

FDI Limit for Insurance Raised from 74% to 100%

The Union Budget for 2025-26, introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, brings about significant reforms across six key areas aimed at boosting India’s growth potential and enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage over the next five years. In the Financial Sector, there are major reforms focusing on Insurance, Pensions, Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), KYC simplification, and corporate mergers.

The insurance sector from 74% to 100%, which aims to attract foreign investment, improve market penetration, and integrate global best practices. Additional important changes include reforms in the development of pension products, simplification of KYC processes, facilitation of company mergers, and an overhaul of BITs to promote ongoing foreign investment.

Key Highlights of Financial Sector Reforms in Budget 2025-26

1. 100% FDI in the Insurance Sector

• FDI limit increased from 74% to 100% for companies investing entire premiums within India.
• The current conditions and regulatory guardrails on foreign investment will be simplified.
• This move is expected to attract global insurance giants, bringing in significant foreign capital.
• It aims to deepen market penetration, foster competition, and introduce global best practices.

2. Pension Sector Reforms

• A forum for regulatory coordination will be set up to develop pension products.
• The move aims to enhance the pension ecosystem and encourage more private sector participation.

3. KYC Simplification

• A revamped Central KYC Registry will be rolled out in 2025.
• The new system will streamline periodic updates, making compliance easier.

4. Simplified Company Merger Process

• Requirements and procedures for mergers will be rationalized to speed up approvals.
• The scope of fast-track mergers will be expanded, making the process more efficient.

5. Revamping Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs)

• The current BIT model will be revised to make it more investor-friendly.
• This is in line with the ‘First Develop India’ (FDI) strategy, ensuring that foreign investments contribute to India’s growth.

Impact of 100% FDI in Insurance

• Since 2000, the FDI limit in insurance has increased from 26% to 74%, and now to 100%.
• The insurance industry has grown from 7 state-owned entities to over 60 companies today.
• The announcement has attracted interest from global insurers, expecting higher foreign investment.
• Market leaders believe this reform will enhance capital inflows, foster competition, and improve customer service.

Chandrika Tandon’s ‘Triveni’ Wins Grammy for Best New Age Album

Indian-American musician and business leader Chandrika Tandon has been awarded the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her project ‘Triveni’, created in collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Eru Matsumoto. This esteemed award was presented during the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tandon, celebrated for her unique fusion of ancient mantras and contemporary musical styles, expressed her gratitude for the honor and emphasized the album’s themes of peace and healing.

How did Tandon represent her Indian heritage at the Grammys?

At the award ceremony, Chandrika Tandon proudly represented her Indian roots. She wore a traditional silk salwar suit, accessorized with statement necklaces, embracing her cultural identity on a global platform. She expressed her gratitude to her supporters and highlighted the album’s message of peace, unity, and healing through music.

ISRO’s NVS-02 Satellite Faces Orbit-Raising Challenge

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is currently dealing with a major technical challenge involving its NVS-02 navigation satellite, which was launched on January 29, 2025, using the GSLV-F15 rocket. After the launch, the satellite’s solar panels successfully deployed, and communication with ground control was established. However, a faulty valve has prevented the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) from firing, which is crucial for the satellite’s orbit-raising maneuvers. As a result, NVS-02 is stuck in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) instead of reaching its intended geostationary orbit.

What Led to the Orbit-Raising Hurdle?

The primary issue stems from valves that failed to open, preventing the oxidizer from reaching the thrusters necessary for orbit-raising operations. Despite the satellite’s systems functioning nominally and maintaining communication with ground stations, this malfunction has stalled its progression to the intended orbit.

How Is ISRO Addressing the Situation?

ISRO has convened a dedicated committee to explore potential recovery strategies. Efforts to rectify the valve malfunction have been ongoing since the issue was identified post-launch. While the satellite remains operational, the inability to perform orbit-raising maneuvers poses a significant challenge.

What Are the Implications for India’s Navigation System?

NVS-02 is part of India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services. The current setback with NVS-02 may impact the planned augmentation of the NavIC constellation, which aims to enhance navigation services across India and its surrounding regions.

Grammy Awards 2025: Complete List of Winners

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking a significant moment in the music industry. With Trevor Noah as the host, the event was filled with charm and excitement, celebrating musical talent from various genres. Beyoncé made history, while Kendrick Lamar shone brightly, winning multiple awards and solidifying his status as one of today’s most influential artists.

Grammy Awards 2025: How Did the Grammys Honor Those Who Passed?

The Grammys also honored individuals who have made a significant impact. A particularly touching moment was when President Jimmy Carter was awarded posthumously. This gesture symbolized the Academy’s recognition of his contributions to culture and music during his presidency.

Full List of Major Grammy Winners in 2025

World Wetlands Day 2025 Date, Theme, Challenges, Role of RAMSAR Convention

World Wetlands Day, observed every year on February 2, aims to raise awareness about the essential role that wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, human health, and cultural heritage. The theme for 2025, ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’, highlights the importance of wetlands in sustaining life, addressing climate change, and fostering sustainable livelihoods. These vital ecosystems are crucial for maintaining the planet’s ecological balance, making their protection essential for the future of both nature and humanity.

Purpose of World Wetlands Day

• Raise awareness about the importance of wetlands for people, nature, and culture.
• Focuses on the benefits of wetlands for biodiversity and human well-being.
• Celebrates the vital ecosystems that wetlands represent and promotes actions for their protection.

Theme for 2025

• ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’ highlights the need for continued conservation efforts to preserve wetlands for the health of future generations.

PM-JANMAN Package for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

The PM-JANMAN Package (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) was introduced in November 2023, aiming to enhance the living standards of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. This initiative addresses the persistent challenges that these marginalized communities have faced for years. The mission focuses on delivering substantial infrastructural and socio-economic advancements through a range of strategic measures.

What is the PM-JANMAN Package?

The PM-JANMAN Package targets over 22,000 villages inhabited by PVTGs and aims to uplift these communities through a comprehensive plan. The main interventions include constructing 4.9 lakh pucca homes, laying down 8,000 km of roads for better connectivity, providing piped water to every household, and deploying 1,000 mobile medical units for healthcare delivery.

Besides infrastructure, the package also focuses on education by setting up 2,500 anganwadi centers and vocational training facilities to enhance skill development. It also addresses the energy needs of the tribes by providing off-grid solar power systems to 1 lakh households. These initiatives, taken together, seek to provide the PVTGs with better access to basic necessities, including clean water, healthcare, and education, which have long been denied to them due to their geographical isolation.

Russian Lawmaker Vyacheslav Volodin’s Official Visit to India

Russian Lawmaker Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of the State Duma of Russia, arrived in India on February 3, 2025, for a crucial official visit. The purpose of this visit is to further strengthen the strategic relationship between Russia and India, which has been developing over recent years. Volodin plans to engage in discussions with Indian leaders aimed at enhancing collaboration in various areas, including economic growth, education, technology, and cultural exchanges, while also advocating for increased inter-parliamentary cooperation. This visit underscores the ongoing significance of the Russia-India relationship in today’s global landscape.

What Are the Key Objectives of Volodin’s Meetings in India?

One of the primary objectives of Volodin’s visit is to foster stronger ties through direct engagement with Indian leadership. During his trip, he is anticipated to meet with Indian officials and Parliament members to explore future collaborations. He will also tour the Indian Parliament, a significant move that underscores the need to enhance inter-parliamentary dialogue. These discussions will lay the groundwork for shaping the bilateral relations between the two nations in the years ahead.

World Cancer Day, Date, Theme, History, Significance, Symptoms, Treatment

Cancer is one of the most significant health challenges that humanity faces today, with millions of people diagnosed and millions more succumbing to the disease each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths globally in 2022. With its staggering impact, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality, underscoring the importance of addressing the disease at all levels. World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, serves as a powerful reminder to raise awareness, take action, and reduce the global burden of this life-threatening condition. This day encourages individuals, communities, and governments to come together in the fight against cancer

Theme of World Cancer Day 2025

The theme for World Cancer Day 2025, “United by Unique,” marks the launch of a three-year campaign that will run until 2027.

WhatsApp-Based ‘Mana Mitra’ to Offer 161 Govt Services in Andhra

The Andhra Pradesh government has introduced ‘Mana Mitra’, a unique WhatsApp Governance initiative that allows access to 161 civil services through WhatsApp. Nara Lokesh, the Minister for IT, Electronics & Communication, and Real-Time Governance (RTG), launched the service in Amaravati, highlighting its aim to deliver government services directly to citizens. This initiative, created in collaboration with Meta, is expected to grow further by incorporating blockchain and AI technologies for improved digital governance.

Key Highlights of ‘Mana Mitra’

First of its kind Whatsapp Governance in India

• Andhra Pradesh becomes the first state in the world to introduce governance services via WhatsApp.
• Citizens can access 161 public services through the official WhatsApp number 9552300009.

Launch and Vision

• Launched by Nara Lokesh on February 1, 2025, in Undavalli, Amaravati.
• Inspired by his 3,132-km Yuva Galam padayatra, highlighting the need for digital governance.
• Aims to make government services easily accessible at the press of a button.

Phased Implementation

• Phase 1: 161 civic services across 36 departments made available.
• Phase 2: 360 additional services to be introduced.

Key Features

• WhatsApp Governance acts as a bridge between citizens and the government.
• QR Code verification for digital certificates to prevent fake documents.
• Integration of AI and blockchain in future updates.

Technical Collaboration

• MoU signed with Meta in Delhi on October 22, 2024.
• WhatsApp India Head Ravi Garg emphasized the unique single-platform service for governance.
• Meta India VP Sandhya Devanathan committed to further enhancements.

User Access & Future Plans

• Citizens can access services by simply typing “Hi” on WhatsApp.
• Future upgrades include AI bots, voice-based services, and real-time data integration.
• The initiative aims to become an ideal governance model within six months.

DRDO-IIT Hyderabad Unveils Large Area Additive Manufacturing System

India’s defense and aerospace manufacturing sectors are experiencing a significant enhancement with the introduction of a Large Area Additive Manufacturing (LAAM) system at the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Hyderabad. This innovative LAAM system, developed through a partnership between IIT Hyderabad, DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), and various industry collaborators, is poised to transform the fabrication of large components, especially in the aerospace and defense fields. By facilitating the large-scale production of metal parts via additive manufacturing, this development opens new avenues for India’s advancement in cutting-edge manufacturing technology.

Key Features

Technological Breakthroughs

• The LAAM System is based on Powder-based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology, which uses laser and blown-powder techniques to fabricate metal components.
• This system is capable of producing large-sized components—a milestone achievement for India’s additive manufacturing capabilities.

Power Based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Technology

• The system utilizes Laser and Blown-Powder-based DED technology, where the powder is melted using a high-powered laser and deposited layer by layer to form the desired structure.
• The process is highly accurate and capable of producing complex geometries that are essential in aerospace and defense industries.

Dual Heads for Thermal Balancing and Speed

• A key feature of the LAAM system is its use of dual heads, which are designed for thermal balancing and to increase the deposition speed of the metal components.
• The use of dual heads ensures uniform heat distribution during the printing process, reducing the chances of thermal distortion and enhancing the overall quality of the parts produced.

Large Scale Rocket Components

• The LAAM system has already made a mark by successfully fabricating a component that is 1 meter tall. This milestone is crucial for expanding the potential of additive manufacturing to large-scale aerospace components that previously would have been manufactured using traditional methods.

Significance for India’s Manufacturing and Defense Sectors

• Self-Reliance in Defense Manufacturing
• Fostering Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing
• Growth of Additive Manufacturing in India
• Job Creation and Skill Development

Future Prospects and Expansion

• The successful development of the LAAM System marks just the beginning of a broader vision for the future of additive manufacturing in India. The collaboration between IIT Hyderabad and DRDO will continue to evolve, with plans for:
• Phase II Expansion: The second phase will see the integration of AI and blockchain technologies, enabling better quality control, faster production speeds, and the ability to track and authenticate components with ease.
• Global Leadership: India aims to position itself as a global leader in additive manufacturing, leveraging its growing expertise and capability to produce large-scale metal parts for the aerospace and defense sectors.

Defence Budget 2025: Key Highlights and Analysis

The Union Budget for 2025-26 has set aside Rs 6,81,210.27 crore for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which is a 9.53% increase compared to last year’s budget. This amount represents 13.45% of the total Union Budget, marking it as the largest allocation among all ministries. The budget supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ and emphasizes the need for a technologically advanced and self-reliant Armed Forces.

Key Highlights and Analysis of Defence Budget 2025

Budget Allocation Breakdown

• Capital Outlay: Rs 1,80,000 crore (26.43%) for modernisation and infrastructure.
• Revenue Expenditure: Rs 3,11,732.30 crore (45.76%) for pay, allowances, and operational needs.
• Defence Pension: Rs 1,60,795 crore (23.60%) for 34 lakh pensioners.
• Civil Organisations: Rs 28,682.97 crore (4.21%).

Capital Outlay and Modernisation

• Rs 1,80,000 crore allocated, 4.65% higher than last year.
• Rs 1,48,722.80 crore for acquisitions like aircraft, submarines, and AI-driven technology.
• 75% of modernisation budget (Rs 1,11,544.83 crore) for domestic procurement.
• Major purchases include drones, deck-based aircraft, and cyber warfare investments.

Operational and Sustenance Budget

• Rs 3,11,732.30 crore for revenue expenditure, 10.24% higher than 2024-25.
• Rs 1,97,317.30 crore allocated for salaries.
• 24.25% increase in operational funds to strengthen border deployments and military readiness.

Boost for DRDO and Defence R&D

• Rs 26,816.82 crore allocated to DRDO, up 12.41%.
• Rs 14,923.82 crore for R&D, focusing on AI, robotics, and space tech.

Encouraging Startups and Innovation

• Rs 449.62 crore for iDEX & ADITI schemes, tripling in two years.
• Focus on private sector partnerships and defence startups.

Ex-Servicemen Welfare and Defence Pension

• Rs 1,61,000 crore allocated for pensions, 13.87% higher.
• Rs 8,317 crore for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), up 19.38%.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Enhancements

• Rs 9,676.70 crore allocated, 26.50% higher than 2024-25.
• Rs 5,000 crore for new aircraft, vessels, and patrol boats.

Strengthening Border Infrastructure

• Rs 7,146.50 crore allocated to BRO, up 9.74%.
• Projects in Arunachal Pradesh, J&K, and Rajasthan to boost security and economy