The Ministry of Culture in India has launched the “Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)” scheme to support cultural organizations involved in performing arts such as music, dance, theatre, and folk art.

• The scheme provides financial assistance for training artists (shishyas)by their respective gurus following the traditional Guru–Shishya Parampara.
• Eligibility: Cultural organizations in performing arts (theatre groups, music ensembles, etc.) are eligible to apply.
• The scheme is a sub-scheme of Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY), encouraging traditional arts and nurturing emerging talent.

Tribal families of Neelabanda in Rolugunta mandal, Anakapalli district, celebrated electrification by performing Dhimsa dance for the first time after 77 years of Independence.

• First-time electricity in their hamlet, marking a historic milestone for the tribal community.
• Dhimsa danceis a traditional tribal dance performed mainly by the Porja caste women in Andhra Pradesh.
• The name “Dhimsa” means “sound of footsteps,”highlighting rhythmic tapping and stomping.
• Originates from the Koraput district of Odishaand is popular in Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam, and surrounding tribal regions.
• Performed by 15-20 womenin a chain or circle, with synchronized steps and formations.
• Instruments used:Mori, Thudumu, and Dappu provide rhythmic beats.
• Dancers wear colorful sarees(green, red, yellow) and tribal ornaments.
• Themes reflect mythology, folklore, and daily life, performed at festivals, marriages, and religious events.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially become a treaty-based intergovernmental organization as of January 23, 2025.

• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition of96 big cat range countries, and non-range countries.
• IBCA focuses on conserving seven big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
• The idea was first proposed by India’s Prime Minister in 2019 and officially launched in April 2023 to mark the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.
• Headquarters: India, under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
• Five countries ratified the IBCA Framework Agreement: India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia.
• 27 countries have expressed intent to join IBCA for global big cat conservation efforts.

• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA)has approved India’s first white tiger breeding centre in Madhya Pradesh.
• It will be set up in Govindgarh, Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh
• Rewa is known as the home of Mohan, the last wild white tiger, discovered in Govindgarh jungle in 1951 by Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo.
• The breeding centre is expected to enhance biodiversity conservation, promote wildlife tourism, and create job opportunities for the local population.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched the Michibiki No. 6 satellite using the fifth H3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture.

• The launch took place from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture.
• The H-3 rocket is developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
• This satellite will contribute to Japan’s positioning system, a vital part of its version of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS).
• It provides high-precision location data with centimeter-level accuracy and is integral to the country’s future self-sufficiency in navigation systems.

TROPEX (Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise) is the Indian Navy’s largest biennial maritime exercise, conducted in the Indian Ocean Region.

• Involves the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Coast Guard, ensuring joint operational coordination.
• TROPEX-25 demonstrates India’s combat readiness, material preparedness, and operational capabilities.
• INS Vikrant participated in TROPEX-25, marking a defining moment for the Indian Navy.
• First-ever convergence of India’s Eastern and Western Fleets operating as a single maritime force.
• Western Fleet (based in Mumbai) focuses on the Arabian Sea.
• Eastern Fleet (based in Visakhapatnam)secures the Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific.

R Praggnanandhaa won the Tata Steel Masters 2025 title in the Netherlands on February 2, 2025.

• He defeated D Gukesh 2-1in a thrilling tie-breaker to claim his first-ever Tata Steel Masters title.
• Gukesh had been leading the tournament but lost to Arjun Erigaisi in the final round, allowing Praggnanandhaa to win.

• It is observed annually on 6 February, provides an opportunity to highlight progress and raise awareness to end this harmful practice.
• This year, with the theme Step up the Pace, there is a focus on strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM.
• The United Nations aims to eliminate FGM by 2030.

Forbes has released its 2025 list of the world’s most powerful countries, ranking them based on leadership, economic influence, political power, strong international alliances, and military strength.

The top 10 countries are:

1. United States
2. China
3. Russia
4. United Kingdom
5. Germany
6. South Korea
7. France
8. Japan
9. Saudi Arabia
10. Israel

India is ranked 12th on this list.

Andhra Pradesh has launched ‘Mana Mitra’, becoming the first state to offer governance services via WhatsApp.

• Citizens can access 161 public services by messaging ‘Hi’ to 9552300009.
• A total of 36 government departments are involved in this initiative.
• Total Services in(Phase 1):161 public services
• Total Services in (Phase 2):360 additional services