Current affairs 12 February 2025

India's 1st Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig Launched.

• Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated Sṛjanam, India's first automated bio-medical waste treatment plant at AIIMS, New Delhi.
• Developed by CSIR-NIIST Thiruvananthapuram, it ensures eco-friendly disposal of biomedical waste.
• Advances sustainable waste management in healthcare facilities.
• Aligns with the Waste to Wealth initiative.

Centre Releases ₹1.11 Trillion Interest-Free Loans to States.

• The Centre disbursed ₹1.11 lakh crore in interest-free loans to states from April to January under the capital expenditure assistance scheme.
• Bihar (₹11,522 cr), UP (₹10,795 cr), MP (₹10,166 cr), and WB (₹9,729 cr) were top beneficiaries in FY24.
• The 2024-25 budget raised the allocation to ₹1.5 lakh crore to boost infrastructure and key reforms.

India Shines at Para-Archery Asia Cup.

• Sarita won gold in the Women’s Compound Open, defeating Singapore’s Nur Syahidah Alim 143-142 in Bangkok.
• Adil Mohammed secured bronze in the Men’s W1 category, beating Hong Kong’s Man Tai Yung 120-116.
• India’s Jyoti narrowly missed bronze in Women’s Compound Open, losing 135-136 to Singapore’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly.

GI-Tagged Rice Exports Get HS Code for Global Trade.

• India introduced a new HS code for GI-tagged rice exports under the 2025-26 Budget, ensuring trade continuity during general bans.
• 20 rice varieties, including Navara, Kalanamak, and Joha, have GI tags, with more awaiting approval.
• Experts stress the need for strict quality control to prevent mislabeling and ensure authenticity.

Reliance Launches "Spinner" Sports Drink with Muralitharan.

• Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) launched Spinner, a sports drink co-created with Muttiah Muralitharan, at ₹10 for 150 ml.
• Spinner partners with IPL teams like MI, GT, PBKS, SRH, and LSG to boost brand visibility.
• RCPL aims to create a $1 billion sports beverage market within three years, offering Spinner in Lemon, Orange, and Nitro Blue flavors.