INTERNATIONAL NEWS

U.K. will be the first country to criminalize AI child abuse tools.

• The U.K. will be the first country to criminalize AI tools used for child abuse.

• New laws will make it illegal to create, possess, or distribute AI tools that generate sexual abuse images of children.

• Offenders could face up to five years in prison for these crimes.

• Possession of AI "paedophile manuals" instructing abuse methods will also be punishable by up to three years in prison.

• The law will ban AI models used for creating child abuse content.

• It will also target those who run websites for sharing child sexual abuse material, with a punishment of up to ten years in prison.

China has imposed tariffs on US products after the decision of US to raise tariffs on Chinese products.

• China has imposed tariffs on US imports in response to the US raising tariffs on Chinese goods.

• A 15% tax is now levied on coal and liquefied natural gas from the US.

• A 10% tariff applies to US crude oil, agricultural machinery, pickup trucks, and large-engine cars.

• China announced the launch of an investigation into US tech giant Google.

• The US delayed tariff hikes on Canada and Mexico for a month after both countries agreed to enhance border security.

• The new tariffs on China are set to take effect on February 4, 2025.

• Canada is implementing a $1.3 billion border plan to combat fentanyl trafficking.

• Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed to deploy 10,000 soldiers along the US-Mexico border.

Bart De Wever took oath as new Prime Minister of Belgium.

• Bart De Wever has taken the oath as Belgium's new Prime Minister.

• He is a member of the Flemish nationalist N-VA party.

• De Wever replaces Alexander De Croo, who served as a caretaker prime minister since the June 2024 elections.

• De Wever swore the oath in front of King Philip.

• After the June elections, five major political parties formed a coalition government.

• This marks the first time a Flemish nationalist is leading Belgium's federal government.

• Belgium, located in Northwestern Europe, has Brussels as its capital and uses the Euro as currency.

STATE NEWS

A five-member committee has been formed by Gujarat government to draft the Uniform Civil Code for the state.

• Gujarat government has formed a five-member committee to draft the state's Uniform Civil Code.

• The committee is headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai and will submit its report in 45 days.

• Based on the committee's findings, the government will make the final decision.

• The Uniform Civil Code aims to unify personal laws across all religions, including areas like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships.

• Uttarakhand recently became the first state to implement a Uniform Civil Code.

India’s first white tiger breeding centre will be set up in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district.

• India’s first white tiger breeding centre will be established in Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh.

• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved the proposal for the centre.

• Rewa is historically known as the home of the last white tiger found in the wild.

• The project received initial approval from the central government back in 2011.

• The breeding centre will be located in Govindgarh, aimed at enhancing wildlife tourism and generating local employment.

• This facility will ensure the conservation and increase in white tiger population.

• The centre is part of the revamped master plan for the Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo White Tiger Safari and Zoo in Mukundpur.

Amendment to Haryana Village Common Land (Regulation) Act, 1961 has been approved by the Haryana Cabinet.

• Haryana Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Haryana Village Common Land (Regulation) Act, 1961.

• The amendment allows the sale of land, up to 500 square yards, with unauthorized houses built on Gram Panchayat land at below market prices.

• The Cabinet also approved the Haryana Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 2024.

• The new rules outline procedures for issuing permits for wildlife education, scientific research, and management.

• They also provide guidelines for conducting surveys or investigations within wildlife sanctuaries.

• The Haryana government will allocate over three crore rupees to compensate commission agents for their losses.

Rajasthan Assembly tabled the Anti-conversion Bill.

• Rajasthan Assembly has tabled the Anti-conversion Bill to curb forced or fraudulent religious conversions.

• The Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025 was presented in the state Assembly.

• The bill includes penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to ₹50,000 for various offences.

• Offences under the bill are cognizable, non-bailable, and triable in court.

• Conversion through force, fraud, coercion, inducement, or marriage is criminalized.

• Anyone wishing to convert must submit a declaration to the District Magistrate at least 60 days in advance.

• The bill aims to address concerns over "love jihad" incidents in some regions of the state.

• The bill was introduced by Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar.

AWARDS

Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 presented to Late Chaman Arora.

• The Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 has been posthumously awarded to Chaman Arora.

• Arora received the honor for his book "Ik Hor Ashwthama" in Dogri.

• The book was selected by a three-member jury committee based on their recommendations.

• The award includes a copper plaque and a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000.

• The award will be presented to Arora's family member or nominee during a special ceremony in New Delhi on 8 March 2025.

• The jury for the Dogri language award consisted of Dr. Sushma Rani, Dr. Veena Gupta, and Dr. Jitendra Udhampuri.

NATIONAL NEWS

India has become the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer.

• India is now the world's second-largest mobile manufacturer.

• Mobile production has skyrocketed from 2 units in 2014 to over 300 operational units across the country.

• Around 99.2% of mobile phones sold in India are locally produced.

• The mobile manufacturing sector's value has reached Rs 4.22 lakh crore, with exports exceeding Rs 1.29 lakh crore in 2024.

• India manufactures approximately 325 to 330 million mobile phones annually.

• Over the past decade, the sector has created around 12 lakh direct and indirect jobs.

• The 'Make in India' initiative has boosted domestic production of critical components like chargers, battery packs, and various mechanical parts.

• The India Semiconductor Mission and five major projects have been launched to further enhance the sector.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Watershed Yatra launched by the Center to raise awareness about water and soil conservation.

• The Center launched the Watershed Yatra to promote awareness about water and soil conservation.

• Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the nationwide initiative on 5 February in hybrid mode.

• The campaign, led by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to engage the public in watershed activities.

• The initiative's theme is "Jal Laaye Dhan-Dhaanya."

• The Watershed Yatra will focus on raising awareness about Watershed Development activities under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0).

• Vans will travel across 805 projects in 26 states and 2 Union Territories for 60-90 days, covering 6,673 gram panchayats.

• The campaign highlights the importance of sustainable natural resource management for improving agriculture, livelihoods, and environmental health.

• Public awareness about water conservation and soil erosion will be a key focus of the initiative.