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 7 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.

Trump Pulls US from UN Human Rights Council, Cuts UNRWA Funding

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that had a major effect on U.S. participation in various United Nations organizations, such as the U.N. Human Rights Council and UNRWA, which provides humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. The order also initiated a review of U.S. funding to the U.N. and its related agencies. Trump’s choice to withdraw from these international bodies and reassess U.S. financial support underscores his administration’s ongoing critique of the U.N.’s effectiveness, especially regarding its role in addressing global conflicts. This article explores the executive order, the motivations behind it, and the possible consequences for global diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy.

Key Points:

• Trump signed an order to review the U.S. funding and involvement in U.N. agencies.
• The review targets organizations such as the U.N. Human Rights Council, UNESCO, and UNRWA.

• The U.S. officially withdrew from the Human Rights Council during Trump’s first term.
• Trump criticized the Council for its perceived bias against Israel and failure to address global human rights violations.
• The U.S. is no longer a voting member but retains observer status.

• The U.S. stopped funding UNRWA, which provides aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries.
• Israel had accused UNRWA of harboring Hamas sympathizers within its ranks, which contributed to the funding halt.
• The Biden administration had previously resumed funding, but Trump’s order halts it once again.

• The executive order also directs a review of U.S. participation in UNESCO.
• Allegations of “anti-American bias” and funding disparities are central to the review.

• U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the importance of U.S. support for global security.
• Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group expressed concerns about the U.S. withdrawal undermining the U.N.’s credibility.
• Rights organizations like Amnesty International criticized the decision, warning it could weaken global human rights advocacy.

• Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of these agencies could diminish its role in global peacekeeping, human rights, and conflict resolution.
• The U.S. remains the largest financial contributor to the U.N., and changes to funding could lead to shifts in global humanitarian efforts.

• Trump argued that the U.N. was not living up to its potential in resolving conflicts and mediating peace.
• Specific mention was made of the U.N. Security Council’s failure to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

India’s Gold Investments Soar 60% to ₹1.5 Lakh Crore in 2024

In 2024, India recorded a notable 60% jump in gold investments, amounting to $18 billion (about ₹1.5 lakh crore), according to a report by the World Gold Council (WGC). This increase was driven by rising gold prices, reduced import duties, and heightened demand during festive seasons. India’s gold investment demand hit 239 tonnes—the highest level since 2013—making up 20% of the global gold investment demand. This article delves into the main factors contributing to this surge and its potential implications.

Key Points:

• India’s gold investments surged by 60% in 2024, reaching ₹1.5 lakh crore ($18 billion).
• Gold investment demand in India stood at 239 tonnes, a 29% increase from 185 tonnes in 2023.

• India accounted for 20% of global gold investment demand (1,180 tonnes).
• Global demand for gold investments grew by 25%, reaching 1,180 tonnes in 2024, compared to 945.5 tonnes in 2023.

Key Factors Behind the Surge

• Rising Gold Prices: A steady increase throughout the year made gold an attractive investment.
• Import Duty Reduction (July 2024): Encouraged buying as prices climbed again after an initial dip.
• Festive Season Demand: Dhanteras and Diwali (October–November) led to high gold purchases.
• E-commerce Boom: Rapid delivery of gold bars and coins in 10-15 minutes boosted sales.
• Weaker Stock Market Performance: A decline in stock markets in the latter half of the year made gold a safer alternative.
• Geopolitical Uncertainty & Interest Rate Expectations: Global economic conditions favored gold as a secure asset.

Himachal Pradesh Launches Cannabis Farming Pilot Project

In response to the growing demand for cannabis cultivation and the worldwide acknowledgment of its medicinal, agricultural, and industrial benefits, the Himachal Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved a pilot project for cannabis (hemp) farming. The project aims to explore the potential benefits of cannabis cultivation in the region, with an emphasis on its medicinal and industrial uses.

Key Points:

• Himachal Pradesh has launched a pilot project aimed at the regulated cultivation of cannabis for both medical and industrial uses.
• The project is supported by Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agriculture University in Palampur and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture in Nauni, Solan.

• Cannabis, a naturally occurring plant in Himachal Pradesh, is gaining global recognition for its agricultural, medicinal, and industrial benefits.
• Countries like Canada, the United States, Japan, and Australia have recognized the plant’s potential and are leaders in cannabis farming.

• Cannabis is now viewed as a “trillion-dollar crop” due to its multifaceted uses, such as fibre, seeds, and biomass.
• The global cannabis market includes over 25,000 products, and cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, including non-psychoactive CBD and psychoactive THC.

• Advocates, like Sant Ram, have campaigned for the revival of cannabis farming, emphasizing its economic and cultural significance.
• Sant Ram criticized the stigma surrounding cannabis, which he believes was influenced by the international liquor lobby.

South Indian Bank Unveils Startup Current Accounts for Entrepreneurs

South Indian Bank (SIB) has made a significant move to support the burgeoning startup ecosystem in India. The bank has rolled out two specialized current account products for startups: the SIB Business Startup Current Account and the SIB Corporate Startup Current Account. These accounts offer a range of benefits that aim to simplify banking for startups and help them focus on scaling their businesses.

The introduction of these accounts reflects SIB’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with banking solutions that align with their needs. The SIB Business Startup Current Account is aimed at small businesses, such as sole proprietorships and partnerships. On the other hand, the SIB Corporate Startup Current Account is customized for larger organizations, including private limited companies, public limited companies, one-person companies, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). Both account types come with flexible features that enable efficient and affordable banking operations for new businesses.

Why are Startup Accounts Important for Entrepreneurs?

Startups face a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to managing finances. This is where specialized banking products, like the ones introduced by South Indian Bank, come into play. For entrepreneurs just starting their journey, these accounts offer essential services that allow them to focus on growth rather than administrative hurdles. SIB has designed these accounts to meet the unique requirements of startups, assisting them in reducing operational costs and simplifying financial processes.

What Benefits Do South Indian Bank’s Startup Accounts Offer?

1. Zero Minimum Balance for Three Years

2. Unlimited Free RTGS/NEFT Transactions

3. Premium Debit Cards with Exclusive Benefits

Ocean Coordination Mechanism Aims to Protect Caribbean & North Brazil Shelf

Oceans, which cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, play a crucial role in regulating our climate and providing food and livelihoods for billions of people. Unfortunately, they are under serious threat from pollution, overfishing, climate change, and habitat destruction. To safeguard marine life and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources, new initiatives such as the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) are being introduced. The OCM is designed to tackle the challenges faced by the Caribbean and North Brazil shelf, with a focus on preserving biodiversity, managing resources sustainably, and enhancing resilience to climate change.

Key Points

• Oceans regulate the climate, support biodiversity, and provide food and jobs for billions.
• Healthy oceans are crucial for fisheries, coastal communities, and climate protection.

• Pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction threaten marine ecosystems.
• Climate change further exacerbates the challenges facing oceans. 
• Marine reserves are key to conserving ocean ecosystems but require better coordination and management.

• OCM was announced by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) on January 14, 2025.
• Focuses on the Caribbean and North Brazil shelf, areas rich in biodiversity with significant local economic contributions.
• The initiative builds on lessons from previous projects like the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy (PIROP).

Key Features of OCM

• Biodiversity Conservation: Targets the protection of coral reefs and fisheries, vital for local economies.
• Blue Carbon Projects: Promotes the use of coastal ecosystems for carbon storage, benefiting both the environment and communities.
• Collaborative Framework: Ensures a sustainable, inclusive approach to ocean conservation, with clear objectives and integrated management.

ISRO Unveils FEAST 2025 Software at IIT Hyderabad

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the newest version of its structural analysis software, Finite Element Analysis of Structures (FEAST) 2025, during the 8th National Finite Element Developers’/FEAST Users’ Meet (NAFED08) at IIT Hyderabad. This event, organized in partnership with the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), gathered more than 250 experts from academia, industry, and research institutions to explore the latest developments in finite element-based structural analysis.

What is FEAST and Why is it Important?

FEAST is a finite element analysis (FEA) software created by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). It aims to predict how structures respond to real-world forces such as stress, strain, and temperature changes. Previously, Indian industries and research institutions depended on expensive foreign software for structural analysis. With FEAST, ISRO offers a homegrown, customizable, and affordable solution, which is especially advantageous for students, researchers, and industries.

According to WION News, FEAST is now accessible to academic institutions at a significantly reduced price compared to its international equivalents, allowing Indian institutions to utilize high-quality engineering software without facing substantial financial burdens.

Where is FEAST Used in ISRO’s Major Missions?

FEAST plays a key role in ISRO’s high-profile space missions. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan highlighted in his address that the software has been used in structural design analysis for projects such as:

• Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission – India’s ambitious manned space mission.
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station – The proposed Indian space station.
• Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) – The future of India’s launch vehicle technology.

With these upcoming projects, FEAST is set to contribute significantly to India’s growing space and engineering sector.

How Accessible is FEAST for Users?

ISRO has continuously improved FEAST, granting more than 4,000 licenses to various institutions and industries. The software works on both Windows and Linux, making it accessible even on systems with limited hardware.

Uganda Launches Groundbreaking Ebola Vaccine Trial

In a historic move, Uganda, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners, has initiated the first-ever clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Sudan species of the Ebola virus. This trial was launched a mere four days after the outbreak was confirmed on January 30, showcasing an extraordinary pace for a randomized vaccine trial in an emergency context. If it proves successful, the vaccine could be vital in managing future outbreaks and obtaining regulatory approval.

Key Points:

• First-ever clinical trial for a vaccine against the Sudan species of the Ebola virus.
• Initiated within four days of outbreak confirmation on January 30, demonstrating rapid response.
• No licensed vaccine currently exists for the Sudan species, unlike the Zaire ebolavirus.

• Led by Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).
• Supported by WHO, CEPI, Canada’s IDRC, EU HERA, and Africa CDC.
• Vaccine donated by the non-profit IAVI. 

• Ring vaccination strategy used, targeting contacts of confirmed cases.
• Strict regulatory and ethical compliance maintained.
• Results expected within months, potentially shaping future outbreak response strategies.

Ebola Virus Overview

• Discovered: 1976 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Family: Orthoebolaviruses (formerly ebolavirus).
• Origin of Name: Named after the Ebola River, near the first reported outbreak location in the DRC.
• Hosts: Primarily fruit bats (Pteropodidae family), also affects other primates and animals like gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys, forest antelope, and porcupines.

Transmission:

• Spread through direct contact with bodily fluids (blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, feces, urine, breast milk, semen) of an infected person or animal.
• Can also spread through contaminated objects (needles, surfaces) and consumption of infected bushmeat.

Symptoms:

• Initial symptoms: Fever, severe headache, muscle pain, fatigue, sore throat.
• Later symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, rash, internal and external bleeding (hemorrhaging).

Treatment:

• No specific cure, but supportive care (rehydration, oxygen therapy, pain management) improves survival.
• Experimental treatments include monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Inmazeb, Ebanga).

IOB Joins Global Partnership for Carbon Accounting

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has taken a significant step towards sustainability by becoming a signatory of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF). This decision underscores the bank’s dedication to measuring and reporting its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to its financed activities. Through this initiative, IOB is not only aligning with global best practices in the financial industry but also strengthening its contribution to India’s path toward a net-zero future.

What Is the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF)?

PCAF is a global initiative that helps financial institutions measure and disclose the carbon emissions associated with their financing activities. The partnership seeks to establish a standardized approach for banks and other financial entities to monitor and report their carbon footprints. By becoming a part of PCAF, IOB is embracing a globally acknowledged methodology for greenhouse gas accounting, promoting transparency and playing a role in the battle against climate change.

What’s the Bigger Picture for Indian Banks?

IOB’s commitment reflects a broader trend in India’s banking sector toward sustainable finance. In September 2024, Union Bank of India became the first major Indian bank to join PCAF, underscoring the growing focus on climate risk management within the industry. By aligning with global standards, IOB and other banks are actively supporting India’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. This collaboration not only advances the country’s climate targets but also fosters responsible investment practices.

Cocoa Crisis: Study Warns of 50% Land Loss in West, Central Africa by 2050

A recent study has shown that climate change is expected to have a major effect on cocoa production in West and Central Africa, which provides more than 70% of the world’s cocoa. The research, carried out in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon, forecasts that by 2050, almost 50% of the areas currently suitable for cocoa cultivation may become unsuitable due to increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. These findings underscore the critical need for adaptive strategies to maintain cocoa production while also protecting forests.

Key Points:

• Conducted in four major cocoa-producing nations—Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
• Ivory Coast and Ghana currently produce over 60% of the world’s cocoa.
• Used the CASEJ mechanistic cocoa crop model to simulate climate change effects on yield.

• Temperature and rainfall variations are reducing suitable cocoa-growing regions.
• Northern Ivory Coast and Ghana expected to experience a 12% decline in yield.
• Nigeria and Cameroon likely to see declines of 10% and 2%, respectively.

• Suitable cocoa regions may move from Ghana and Ivory Coast to Nigeria and Cameroon.
• Cameroon’s forests could face deforestation due to cocoa expansion.

• Effect of increased CO2 on cocoa yield remains uncertain.
• Climate change could influence flowering, fruiting, and pest outbreaks.
• Further research is needed to mitigate adverse effects on cocoa and other crops.

Major Producing Regions

• Global: About 70% of the world’s cocoa beans come from four West African countries: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
• India: Mainly cultivated in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu as an intercrop with Arecanut and Coconut.

India Strengthens Biomedical Research with First Ferret Research Facility

India has recently taken a significant step towards advancing biomedical research with the inauguration of its first Ferret Research Facility at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad, Haryana. This facility marks a major advancement in the country’s efforts to strengthen research on infectious and non-communicable diseases. The inauguration was led by Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Director General of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council and Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology. The center is expected to play a vital role in developing vaccines and therapeutics while enhancing India’s preparedness for emerging diseases.