Current affairs 09 February 2025

EPFO Settles Record ₹2.05 Lakh Crore in FY 2024-25.

• EPFO settled five crore claims in FY 2024-25, disbursing ₹2.05 lakh crore, surpassing last year's ₹1.82 lakh crore for 4.45 crore claims.
• Reforms like expanded auto-settlement, streamlined PF transfers, and improved KYC boosted efficiency, reducing grievances.
• Auto-settled claims doubled to 1.87 crore, enhancing claim processing speed.

MP Unveils Drone Policy to Boost Manufacturing Hub.

• Madhya Pradesh introduced the Drone Promotion and Utilisation Policy 2025, offering up to 40% capital subsidy (max ₹30 crore) for manufacturing units.
• The policy includes drone schools, R&D support, and stamp duty exemptions to attract ₹400+ crore investment.
• Bhopal’s Global Investors Summit (Feb 24-25) will highlight drone sector growth, aiming for a $13 billion market by 2030.

RBI Defers LCR Norms to 2026, Easing Pressure on Banks.

• RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra postponed the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) norms and project financing guidelines by a year, pushing implementation to March 31, 2026.
• Banks are fearing a liquidity crunch as ₹4 lakh crore would shift from credit to government bonds.
• LCR measures whether a bank has enough liquid assets to cover its net cash outflows during 30 days of stress.

Scientists Create First-Ever Kangaroo Embryo Using IVF.

• Australian researchers at University of Queensland successfully created kangaroo embryos using In-Vitro Fertilization through Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
• This technique aims to protect endangered marsupials like koalas and Tasmanian devils amid rising extinction rates.
• Over 20 embryos were created using genetic material from deceased wildlife.

ICC Unveils Official Song for Champions Trophy 2025.

• ICC launched Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke, the official song for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, performed by Atif Aslam.
• Produced by Abdullah Siddiqui, with lyrics by Adnan Dhool and Asfandyar Asad, the song’s video showcases Pakistan’s vibrant culture and cricket passion.
• The 15-match event runs from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and UAE, featuring the world’s top eight teams.