IMPORTANT DAYS

World Radio Day 2025 observed on 13 February

• World Radio Day is observed annually on February 13 to highlight the significance of radio.

• The 2025 theme is "Radio and Climate Change” and 2025 marks the 14th edition of World Radio Day.

• The day promotes public awareness and encourages access to information through radio.

• In 2011 UNESCO designated February 13 as World Radio Day.

• The United Nations recognized it as an international event in 2013.

• Ram Singh Buddh, also known as Radio Man, hails from Gajraula, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, his Mann Ki Baat Radio Museum holds a Guinness World Record.

National Women's Day 2025 observed on 13 February

• National Women's Day in India is observed on February 13 each year.

• It marks the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a leader, poet, and advocate for women's rights.

• The day celebrates her role in the freedom movement and efforts toward women's empowerment.

• It also highlights women’s struggles, achievements, and leadership while promoting gender equality.

• International Women's Day is observed globally on March 8.

• Sarojini Naidu, "Nightingale of India" (Bharat Kokila) born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, was a renowned poet known for her patriotic works.

• In 1925, she became the first Indian woman to serve as President of the Indian National Congress.

RANKING AND INDEX

RANKING AND INDEX

• India secured 38th place in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) among 139 countries.

• Indian ports' turnaround time stands at 0.9 days, outperforming the USA (1.5 days) and Australia (1.7 days).

• India ranked 22nd globally in the International Shipments category.

• Singapore tops the index, followed by Finland in second place.

• Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland secured the third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively.

• In the customs category, Switzerland and Denmark ranked high after Singapore.

• Afghanistan and Libya ranked at the bottom of the index.

• Initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy aim to position India among the top 25 nations by 2030.

• India’s freight and logistics market is expected to grow at 8.8% annually, reaching $484.43 billion by 2029 from $317.26 billion in 2024.

• India is rapidly evolving as a global logistics hub, with logistics costs accounting for 13–14% of GDP.

STATE NEWS

The central government-imposed President’s Rule in Manipur following CM Biren Singh’s resignation.

• The central government-imposed President’s Rule in Manipur following the resignation of CM Biren Singh.

• On February 13, the Home Ministry announced the implementation of Article 356 in the state.

• The President has taken over all functions of the Manipur government and the powers of the Governor.

• Legislative powers of the state will now be exercised by or under Parliament’s authority.

✓ What is President’s Rule?

✓ It refers to the suspension of a state government under Article 356, bringing it under central government control.

✓ It is imposed when a state fails to function as per constitutional provisions or loses majority in the Assembly.

✓ It can also be enforced due to law-and-order issues or non-compliance with constitutional obligations.

✓ Initially imposed for six months, it can be extended up to three years with Parliamentary approval every six months.

✓ The President can revoke it anytime without requiring Parliament’s approval.

✓ India’s first President’s Rule was imposed in Punjab on June 20, 1951.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India-US to Double Trade in 5 Years

• India and the US aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, as announced by PM Modi and President Trump on February 13.

• Trump acknowledged India’s tariff reductions on certain imports and expressed interest in resolving trade imbalances through negotiations.

• The US plans to impose "reciprocal tariffs," matching India's tariff rates on imports.

• India grants a 17% average tariff under the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status, while the US applies 3.3%.

• Trade between both nations is projected to reach $129 billion in 2024, with India’s surplus hitting $45.7 billion last year.

• Oil and gas exports from the US could help bridge the trade deficit with India.

• Military cooperation will expand, with the US set to increase arms sales to India, including F-35 fighter jets, to counter radical threats.

Narendra Modi arrived in the USA for bilateral talks with President Donald Trump.

• On February 13, PM Narendra Modi arrived in the USA for bilateral talks with President Donald Trump.

• Before the talks, PM Modi met Tulsi Gabbard, the newly appointed Director of National Intelligence (DNI), in Washington, DC.

• Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in as DNI on February 12.

• The bilateral discussions will take place in both restricted and delegation-level formats in Washington, DC.

• PM Modi will also engage with senior US officials, business leaders, and the Indian community during his visit.

• The new US administration extended an invitation to PM Modi within three weeks of taking office, showcasing the significance of India-US ties.

• India and the US align on multiple fronts, including trade, technology, defense, counter-terrorism, Indo-Pacific security, and people-to-people ties.

NATIONAL NEWS

Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations 2018 amend by TRAI.

• TRAI has amended the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018, to enhance consumer protection against unsolicited commercial communication.

• The new rules aim to create a more transparent commercial communication ecosystem for consumers.

• Telecom providers must now accept complaints against spam within one week of receiving such calls.

• Customers can easily identify the type of commercial messages through specific SMS sender headers.

• Message categories will be marked as: “-P” for promotional, “-S” for service, “-T” for transactional, and “-G” for government messages.

• The amendments are based on stakeholder feedback and in-depth discussions, reinforcing consumer rights.

• The changes also focus on preventing telecom resource misuse while ensuring legitimate commercial communication.

SPORTS

Indian Snooker Championship won by Pankaj Advani

• Pankaj Advani clinched the Indian Snooker Championship, marking his 10th national snooker title and 36th overall national title.

• The event, held at Yashwant Club, serves as the selection tournament for the Asian and World Championships.

• In the final frame, Advani showcased his skill with an 84 break.

• During the group stage, he faced a setback, losing to Damani and securing only one frame.

• The Asian Snooker Championship is set to begin on February 15.