Daily Current Affairs
(07 – Feb – 25)
1. Health Initiatives in Union Budget 2025-26 –
• The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated around Rs 1 lakh crore for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• The share of health in the FY26 budget increased marginally to 1.97% from 1.9% in FY25 but overall health allocation remained below 2% of the budget.
• The Economic Survey (ES) 2024-25 and Union budget 2025-26 recommended and announced a number of measures to promote health in the country.
• Among several announcements, the major one is the establishment of Daycare Cancer Centers.
• The National Health Policy 2017 recommends that the health expenditure be increased from 1.15% (2017) of the GDP to 2.5% of the GDP by 2025.
2. International Big Cat Alliance –
• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially became a treaty-based intergovernmental organization and international legal entity on 23rd January 2025 with headquarters in India.
• IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, and was formally approved by the Union Cabinet in February 2024.
• Implementation: IBCA established through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• It functions as a global platform to share conservation expertise, fund conservation initiatives, and create a repository of technical knowledge.
• Objective: The initiative’s main objective is the conservation of seven major big cat species: the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
• Membership: The Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of India, Federal Republic of Somalia, and Republic of Liberia have ratified the IBCA framework agreement.
• Membership is open to all United Nations member states, including range countries where these species naturally occur and non-range countries interested in supporting big cat conservation.
3. India Aims for Top 25 in Global Logistics by 2030 –
• India is set to strengthen its logistics sector through initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy, aiming to enter the top 25 of the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) by 2030.
• Currently ranked 38th out of 139 nations, India is witnessing rapid infrastructure development, multi-modal transformation, and policy-driven logistics advancements.
• With an expected market size of $484.43 billion by 2029, the government aims to reduce logistics costs from 13-14% of GDP to single digits. The study, released ahead of LogiMAT India 2025, emphasizes the role of advanced technologies and public-private partnerships in positioning India as a global logistics hub.
4. Trump Signs Executive Order Banning Trans Women from Women’s Sports –
• President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, titled the “No Men in Women’s Sports Executive Order.” The order prohibits transgender women and girls from competing in female sports, marking the fourth executive order targeting transgender individuals since Trump took office on January 20, 2025.
• This decision has sparked widespread debate, with the administration justifying it as a measure to protect women’s sports, while critics argue it is a direct attack on transgender rights.
5. After US Exit, Argentina Cuts Ties with WHO –
• Argentina has announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), following a similar decision made by the United States under President Donald Trump. President Javier Milei’s administration cited “deep differences” with the WHO’s handling of health issues, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.
• This move has sparked debates on Argentina’s global standing, healthcare policies, and the potential impact on the WHO’s credibility. Critics argue that the decision may require congressional approval and could have long-term consequences for Argentina’s healthcare system and international relations.
MCQ Quiz
Q1. What is “Stryker” that was recently seen in news ?
a) Invasive plant
b) Infantry combat vehicle
c) Indian Naval Ship
d) None of the Above
Q2. Which organization is the nodal agency for International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in India?
a) National Biodiversity Authority
b) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
c) National Tiger Conservation Authority
d) None of the Above
Q3. Which state is home to India’s first white tiger breeding centre ?
a) Maharashtra
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Gujarat
d) Rajasthan
Q4. Consider the following economic measures:
1. Increasing interest rates to control inflation
2. Implementing price controls on essential goods
3. Providing subsidies to domestic agricultural producers
4. Reducing corporate taxes to encourage investment
How many of the above measures can be classified as Supply-Side Economics policies ?
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Only 3
d) All four
Explanation-
This is a monetary policy aimed at controlling inflation by reducing borrowing and spending. While important for overall economic stability, it is not a supply-side policy, which focuses on increasing production and investment. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Price controls are a demand-side policy aimed at regulating prices for consumers. They don’t focus on increasing the economy’s supply capacity and are not considered supply-side economics. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
This is a supply-side policy. Subsidies to domestic producers help lower production costs and incentivize increased output, which is in line with supply-side economic principles. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
This is a key supply-side policy. Lower corporate taxes are intended to encourage businesses to invest more in production, boosting the economy’s overall supply capacity and fostering growth. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
Q5. With reference to United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), consider the following statements:
1. Recently, United States has withdrawn from UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
2. It is a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world.
3. The members of the Council serve for a period of three years and they are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.
How many of the above statements is/are correct ?
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) All three
d) None
Explanation-
On February 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This decision was driven by concerns over perceived “anti-American bias” within this agency. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The UNHRC is indeed a United Nations body dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The Council has 47 members who serve staggered three-year terms. They are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms, ensuring rotation among the member states. Hence, statement 3 is correct.