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 5 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.

Avaada and Casale Collaborate on 1,500 TPD Green Ammonia Plant in Odisha

In a significant advancement for sustainable energy, Avaada Group has partnered with Casale to develop a green ammonia plant in Gopalpur, Odisha, with a capacity of 1,500 tonnes per day (TPD). This collaboration focuses on harnessing renewable energy and utilizing cutting-edge ammonia production technology to develop a carbon-free method for ammonia production. This initiative represents a crucial step for India’s clean energy landscape and underscores Avaada’s dedication to minimizing carbon emissions in industrial operations.

What Is the Green Ammonia Project About?

The green ammonia plant will be located in Gopalpur, Odisha, a region known for its growing renewable energy capabilities. This facility aims to produce 1,500 tons per day (TPD) of green ammonia, which is utilized in fertilizers and various industrial processes. The entire plant will be powered by 100% renewable energy, further reducing its environmental impact.

Why Is This Project Important for India?

India has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon emissions and transition to a greener economy. This project is a part of that broader initiative, as it aims to replace the traditional fossil fuel-based ammonia production methods with cleaner, renewable energy-powered alternatives. By reducing the carbon footprint of ammonia production, this collaboration will contribute to India’s leadership in clean energy solutions.

Gujarat Appoints Panel for Uniform Civil Code Draft

The Gujarat government has made a notable decision by appointing a panel to draft the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state. This panel, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, is tasked with preparing a detailed report within 45 days regarding the UCC’s potential implementation. The formation of this committee represents a significant step toward the government’s goal of guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a uniform law throughout India.

Key Points

Panel Formation

• Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the formation of the five-member panel on February 4, 2025, which will be responsible for preparing the draft of the Uniform Civil Code for the state.

Panel Composition

• The panel will be chaired by Retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Desai.
• Other members include Retired IAS Officer CL Meena, Advocate RC Kodekar, Educationist Daxesh Thakar, and Social Worker Gita Shroff.

Timeline for Submission

• The committee is expected to submit its report within 45 days, outlining the implementation plan for the UCC.

Statement from CM Gujarat

• Bhupendra Patel emphasized the importance of the Constitution as the “sacred text” and referred to “Indianness” as the guiding principle behind this decision.
• He stated that this move would help ensure equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.

Future Steps

• Once the committee submits its report, the state government will review the draft and make decisions regarding the implementation of the UCC in Gujarat.

UCC in India

• The concept of UCC aims to standardize laws related to marriage, inheritance, divorce, and adoption, irrespective of religious beliefs.
• It has been a topic of debate for several years, with proponents arguing that it would promote gender equality and social justice.
• Uttarakhand UCC Adoption: The state of Uttarakhand recently introduced UCC Rules for live-in relationships, further highlighting the movement toward UCC across India.

R Praggnanandhaa Wins Tata Steel Masters Chess Title

R Praggnanandhaa claimed victory at the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament in the Netherlands on February 2, 2025. He defeated D Gukesh 2-1 in a thrilling tie-breaker, claiming his first-ever Tata Steel Masters title. The final was filled with unexpected turns and a suspenseful conclusion. Praggnanandhaa’s win marks a significant milestone in his young career, bolstered by fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi’s earlier victory against Gukesh.

Key Highlights

Tie Breaker Match

• The match was contested over two games and a sudden-death decider.
• Praggnanandhaa won the tie-breaker 2-1, claiming his first-ever Tata Steel Masters title.
• Praggnanandhaa’s Appreciation for Arjun Erigaisi
• Praggnanandhaa cheekily thanked Arjun Erigaisi for defeating Gukesh in the first round, which led to the tie between him and Gukesh.

Upsets During the Tournament

• Both Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh suffered surprising losses during the tournament but managed to stay at the top.
• Gukesh lost to Arjun Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa lost to Germany’s Vincent Keymer.

Tie Breaker Games Breakdown

• First Game: Gukesh won due to a blunder by Praggnanandhaa, costing him a full rook.
• Second Game: Praggnanandhaa equalized and won with technical precision.
• Sudden-Death Game: Praggnanandhaa triumphed after Gukesh lost control, costing him a pawn and his last knight.

Gukesh’s Performance

• This was Gukesh’s second consecutive year of losing in the tiebreaker after sharing first place.

Japan’s H-3 Rocket Successfully Launches Michibiki No. 6 Satellite

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully launched its fifth H-3 rocket, which is carrying the Michibiki No. 6 satellite. This satellite will enhance Japan’s positioning system, an essential component of its own version of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS). The launch occurred at 5:30 p.m. from the Tanegashima Space Center located in Kagoshima Prefecture, and the satellite was successfully positioned into its intended orbit.

The Michibiki satellite series plays a vital role in Japan’s space infrastructure. It delivers high-precision location data with centimeter-level accuracy, which is essential for the country’s future independence in navigation systems. Japan aims to have seven Michibiki satellites operational by fiscal 2025, with plans to eventually expand to 11, thereby reducing its dependence on external GPS sources. The H-3 rocket, developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has achieved success after overcoming a setback in 2023, and its upcoming launches will be critical for Japan’s space ambitions.

Key Details

Launch Details

• Launch Date & Time: Sunday, at 5:30 p.m.
• Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Kagoshima Prefecture

Satellite Details

• Satellite: Michibiki No. 6 satellite
• Satellite Series: Part of Japan’s Michibiki GPS system

Satellite Specifications

• Length: 19 meters with solar panels deployed
• Weight: 1.9 tons
• Development Cost: ¥100 billion for Michibiki No. 6 and two future satellites
• Rocket Series: H-3, developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Other Info

• Purpose: This satellite will contribute to Japan’s positioning system, a vital part of its version of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS)
• It provides high-precision location data with centimeter-level accuracy and is integral to the country’s future self-sufficiency in navigation systems.
• Successful Launches: The first H-3 rocket failed in March 2023, but the subsequent launches (second through fifth) have been successful since February 2024.
• Future Plans: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries aims to secure more orders, and JAXA plans to transfer the launch business to Mitsubishi in the future.

India’s First White Tiger Breeding Centre Approved in MP

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved India’s first white tiger breeding centre in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district. This initiative is a major advancement in wildlife conservation, particularly because Rewa is historically associated with the last known wild white tiger. The project, which received initial approval in 2011, will be set up in Govindgarh, close to the state’s only white tiger safari in Mukundpur. The breeding centre aims to boost biodiversity conservation, encourage wildlife tourism, and generate job opportunities for the local community.

Key Highlights

Approval & Location

• CZA has given the final approval for the centre.
• It will be set up in Govindgarh, Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh.
• The Mukundpur White Tiger Safari, located 10 km away, is the state’s only existing white tiger tourism facility.

Historical Significance

• Rewa is known as the home of Mohan, the last wild white tiger, discovered in Govindgarh jungle in 1951 by Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo.
• The maharaja started a breeding and conservation program for white tigers, which resulted in the worldwide proliferation of white tigers in captivity.

Government & Conservation Efforts

• The centre is part of a revised master plan for the Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo White Tiger Safari and Zoo in Mukundpur.
• Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla emphasized the state’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
• The initiative is expected to boost wildlife tourism and generate employment opportunities for locals.

UK Becomes First Country to Criminalize AI-Generated Child Abuse Content

The United Kingdom is making a significant move in the fight against child sexual abuse by becoming the first nation to criminalize AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The British government is implementing stringent legal measures to address the exploitation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation and distribution of child abuse content. These measures are designed to prevent the misuse of generative AI tools for producing CSAM and to impose harsh penalties on offenders.

New Legislation Against AI-Generated CSAM

On February 1, 2025, the UK Home Office revealed a set of legislative changes designed to combat AI-generated CSAM. These new laws will be included in a larger Crime and Policing Bill, which is anticipated to be presented in Parliament soon. This initiative responds to increasing worries that AI-driven technologies are being utilized to produce highly realistic CSAM, facilitating its distribution and complicating detection efforts.

What is AI-Generated CSAM?

AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) refers to images and videos that are either completely or partially created using artificial intelligence. AI tools can manipulate existing images, generate entirely new and highly realistic abuse content, and even replace a child’s face with another in abusive materials. These advancements pose a severe threat to child protection efforts, as they enable offenders to create and distribute illegal content with increasing sophistication.

Alarming Rise in AI-Generated CSAM

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has reported an alarming 380% increase in AI-generated CSAM within a year. In 2024, there were 245 confirmed reports of AI-generated child abuse content compared to just 51 in 2023. Experts warn that generative AI has made it significantly easier for criminals to create realistic-looking abuse content, leading to an unprecedented surge in its circulation.

Key Provisions of the New UK Laws

The UK’s new legislation introduces four major legal provisions aimed at eradicating AI-generated CSAM:

Criminalizing AI Tools for CSAM

• It is now illegal to create, possess, or distribute AI-powered tools designed to generate CSAM.
• Violators face a maximum prison sentence of five years.

Ban on AI Paedophile Manuals

• The legislation also targets AI-generated manuals that instruct offenders on how to create CSAM.
• Those found possessing such manuals face up to three years in prison.

Crackdown on Online CSAM Platforms

• Websites or forums that facilitate the sharing of CSAM or provide guidance on child grooming will be shut down.
• Operators of such websites face up to 10 years in prison.

Empowering Border Force to Inspect Devices

• The UK’s Border Force has been given the authority to inspect the digital devices of individuals suspected of possessing CSAM.
• This measure ensures that offenders cannot bypass laws by storing content outside the UK.
• Immigrants found in possession of AI-generated CSAM could face up to three years in prison.

SEBI Proposes Secure UPI Payment Mechanism for Market Intermediaries

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is working on a secure Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system specifically for registered market intermediaries. This initiative is designed to improve investor security, prevent fraudulent transactions, and guarantee that payments are made solely to authorized intermediaries. SEBI’s proposal comes as unregistered entities increasingly mislead investors and collect funds fraudulently.

How will SEBI’s proposed UPI payment mechanism improve security?

SEBI plans to introduce a unique alphanumeric UPI ID for each registered market intermediary. This ID will help investors verify the legitimacy of intermediaries before making payments. In addition, a verification icon—a “thumbs-up” symbol inside a green triangle—will appear when payments are made to verified entities. If this icon is missing, investors will know that they may be dealing with an unregistered intermediary.

This approach will help minimize fraud by guaranteeing that payments are directed solely to intermediaries registered with SEBI. SEBI’s initiative is in line with its overarching objective of enhancing investor protection and improving market transparency.

What changes will SEBI make to UPI transaction limits?

Currently, UPI transactions in the capital markets are limited to ₹2 lakh per day. SEBI is suggesting an increase of this limit to ₹5 lakh per day, enabling investors to conduct higher-value transactions with greater security. This change will be carried out in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which manages the UPI system. The new limit will be assessed regularly to ensure it aligns with market demands.

By raising the transaction limit, SEBI aims to facilitate smoother and safer fund transfers within the securities market. This change is particularly important for high-value transactions in stock trading, mutual fund investments, and other capital market activities.

Why is SEBI introducing these changes now?

Since 2019, SEBI has permitted UPI payments in the securities market. However, fraudulent activities by unregistered entities have been rising. These entities often collect funds from investors under false pretenses. SEBI’s proposal to introduce a unique UPI ID and verification system is a response to these risks.

By implementing this secure UPI mechanism, SEBI seeks to protect investors, reduce fraud, and enhance trust in digital transactions. The regulatory body has invited public comments on the proposal until February 21, 2025, allowing stakeholders to share their views before implementation.

Centre Unveils New Agri-Tech Schemes for Higher Productivity

The Centre has introduced various important schemes aimed at upgrading agricultural technology, with an emphasis on boosting productivity, sustainability, and farmers’ income. These initiatives integrate digital technologies, contemporary farming methods, and effective resource management to improve agricultural output while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Key Government Initiatives

1. Digital Agriculture Mission

• Uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and geospatial technology for,
• Better crop monitoring
• Soil management
• Weather forecasting

2. Crop Improvement & Agricultural Research

• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed 2,900 crop varieties in the last decade.
• 2,661 varieties are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses (diseases, pests, drought, etc.).
• 156 new technologies/machines introduced for production and post-harvest processing.

3. Technological Advancements in Animal & Fisheries Sector

• Development of advanced diagnostics, vaccines, and processing methods.
• Enhancing animal productivity, aquaculture efficiency, and fish health management.

4. Farmer Training& Awareness

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) conduct,
• Training sessions for farmers
• Field demonstrations
• Skill development programs to improve farm efficiency

5. Agricultural Marketing & Market Access

• e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) for better price discovery & transparency.
• Kisan Rail & Kisan Udan for faster transportation of farm produce.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to reduce intermediaries and enhance farmers’ profits.
• Promotion of Agri-tech startups and digital platforms like AGRI-Bazaar for direct farmer-buyer connections.

6. Sustainable Farming & Soil Health Management

• Soil Health Card Scheme promotes balanced fertilizer use.
• ICAR-recommended soil test-based nutrient management for:
• Reduced chemical fertilizer dependency
• Improved soil health
• Micro-irrigation & efficient irrigation methods under Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme for water conservation.

7. Value Addition & Agri-Processing

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana focuses on:
• Value-added processing of farm products
• Enhancing shelf life
• Linking farmers with agro-industries

India’s First AI University to Open in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is set to establish India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) university, marking a significant step in advancing AI education, research, and innovation. A task force has been created to strategize and execute the project, uniting experts from academia, industry, and government. The university’s goal is to foster research and development, boost technological innovation, facilitate skill development, and influence AI policies, positioning Maharashtra as a global center for AI education and innovation.

Highlights of the AI University

1. Objective and Vision

• Establish India’s first AI-focused university.
• Promote research, innovation, and development in AI and related fields.
• Strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and government.
• Support technological advancements and policy formulation in AI.
• Aligns with BJP’s election manifesto promoting technology-driven growth.

2. Role of the Task Force

• A task force has been created for planning and implementation.
• It comprises experts from academia, industry, and government.
• Chaired by the Principal Secretary of the IT Department.
• Members Include,
• Directors of IIT Mumbai and IIM Mumbai.
• Representatives from Google India, Mahindra Group, L&T.
• Officials from Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), Govt. of India.
• Experts from Rajiv Gandhi Science & Technology Commission.
• Data Security Council of India representatives.

3. Key Focus Areas

• AI Education & Research: Building a Centre of Excellence for AI.
• Skill Development: Training students and professionals in AI technologies.
• Technological Innovation: Developing new AI-based solutions for industries.
• Policy Formulation: Creating AI regulations and ethical frameworks.
• Global Competitiveness: Positioning Maharashtra as a leader in AI innovation.

4. Progress and Roadmap

• The task force has held two meetings to finalize the roadmap.
• The government aims to position Maharashtra as a hub for AI and technology.
• Focus on long-term AI-driven economic growth and global AI leadership.

India Tops Global Domestic Flight Load Rankings

India has become the global leader in passenger load factor (PLF) for domestic flights, achieving an impressive 86.4% in 2024, outpacing the US at 84.1% and China at 83.2%, as reported by the latest International Air Transport Association (IATA). India’s booming aviation sector carried 16.3 crore domestic passengers in 2024, highlighting its rapid growth and efficiency.

Key Findings from the Report

India’s Performance in Domestic Aviation

• Passenger Load Factor (PLF) in 2024: 86.4% (highest globally).
• Total domestic passengers carried: 16.3 crore (as per DGCA data).
• Ranked ahead of the US (84.1%) and China (83.2%).
• Other major countries, 
• Brazil: 81.9% (4th place).
• Australia: 81.8% (5th place).
• Japan: 78% (6th place).

Global Air Travel Trends in 2024

• Total air traffic growth (domestic & international): 10.4% increase over 2023.
• International traffic growth: 13.6% compared to 2023.
• Capacity increase (Available Seat Kilometers – ASK): 8.7% in 2024.
• Overall Load Factor: 83.5% (new global record).

December 2024: Strong Year-End Performance

• Total demand growth: 8.6% YoY.
• Capacity increase: 5.6% YoY.
• International demand rise: 10.6%.
• Domestic demand rise: 5.5%.
• December 2024 Load Factor: 84% (highest for the month).

IATA’s Statement on Aviation Growth

• Willie Walsh (IATA Director General) highlighted,
• Record demand for travel in 2024, showing strong global aviation recovery.
• 83.5% of all available seats were filled, reflecting efficient capacity management.
• Aviation’s role in economic growth, job creation, trade, and innovation.
• 2025 outlook: Travel demand to continue growing at 8.0%, aligning with historical averages.