Here’s a comprehensive summary of the major events from 4th February 2025.

📰 National News

1️⃣ Government Introduces New Data Protection Bill

• The government introduced the Data Protection Bill 2025 in Parliament to regulate data collection and storage.
• Key provisions:
  • Stricter data localization norms for companies operating in India.
  • Hefty penalties for data breaches.
  • Special provisions for sensitive personal data like health and financial records.
• Relevance for UPSC:
  • Fundamental rights vs. data privacy.
  • Global best practices in data protection.

2️⃣ India’s Solar Power Milestone

• India crossed the 75 GW mark in solar energy capacity.
• This makes it one of the top five countries in the world in terms of installed solar power.
• The government aims for 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
• Impact:
  • Reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
  • Boosts employment in the green energy sector.

3️⃣ India’s Anti-Corruption Measures Tightened

• A new bill was introduced to strengthen anti-corruption laws.
• Key highlights:
  • Stricter penalties for public servants convicted of corruption.
  • Enhanced powers to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas.
  • Whistleblower protection measures.
• UPSC Relevance:
  • Governance and Transparency.
  • Role of institutions in tackling corruption.

🌍 International News

4️⃣ G20 Summit Preparations Underway

• India confirmed participation in the upcoming G20 Summit.
• Key agenda items:
  • AI regulation, global trade policies.
  • Climate action and sustainable finance.
  • Strengthening supply chain resilience.
• UPSC Angle:
  • India’s role in global economic governance.
  • International cooperation on economic issues.

5️⃣ UK Faces Economic Slowdown

• UK announces a 5% hike in council tax amid economic slowdown.
• Interest rates cut to the lowest levels since 2023 to boost economic growth.
• Impact:
  • Cost of living expected to rise.
  • Inflation control remains a challenge.
• UPSC Relevance:
  • Fiscal and monetary policies in developed economies.
  • Impact of global economic trends on India.

🌱 Environment & Science

6️⃣ World Wetlands Day 2025 Celebrations

• India’s Initiative: Several new Ramsar sites added to the list of protected wetlands.
• Government announces a ₹500 crore scheme for restoration of wetlands and mangrove protection.
• UPSC Focus:
  • Biodiversity conservation.
  • Wetlands’ role in climate resilience.

7️⃣ Chandrayaan-4 Ready for Final Testing

• ISRO’s next lunar mission to explore Moon’s polar regions for water ice.
• Advanced robotic drilling systems installed on the rover for deeper analysis.
• Global impact: Collaboration with international space agencies to share lunar data.
• UPSC Relevance:
  • India’s space program and strategic implications.
  • Role of technology in space exploration.

Current Affairs MCQs – 4th February 2025

UPSC-level multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on 4th February 2025 Current Affairs, with detailed explanations for better understanding.

📰 National Affairs

1. The newly introduced Data Protection Bill 2025 focuses on which of the following?
a) Data localization requirements
b) Complete ban on data sharing with foreign entities
c) Mandatory biometric authentication for internet access
d) Digital transactions only through government-approved apps

✅ Answer: a) Data localization requirements
📌 Explanation: The bill mandates stricter data localization policies to ensure Indian users’ data is stored within the country while allowing controlled cross-border data flow.

2. India recently surpassed which milestone in solar energy capacity?
a) 50 GW
b) 75 GW
c) 100 GW
d) 150 GW

✅ Answer: b) 75 GW
📌 Explanation: India crossed the 75 GW mark in solar power, placing it among the top five countries with the highest installed capacity.

3. The new anti-corruption bill introduced in Parliament aims to:
a) Strengthen the Lokpal and Lokayuktas
b) Remove existing penalties for bribery
c) Make corruption cases non-punishable if money is returned
d) Allow government officials to accept foreign gifts freely

✅ Answer: a) Strengthen the Lokpal and Lokayuktas
📌 Explanation: The bill enhances the powers of Lokpal (central) and Lokayuktas (state), introducing stricter penalties for corruption and providing whistleblower protection.

🌍 International Affairs

4. Which key agenda is expected to be discussed in the upcoming G20 Summit?
a) Cryptocurrency legalization
b) AI regulation and supply chain resilience
c) Nuclear disarmament policies
d) Elimination of all import tariffs globally

✅ Answer: b) AI regulation and supply chain resilience
📌 Explanation: AI regulation and strengthening global supply chains are major priorities for this year’s G20 Summit.

5. The UK recently announced a 5% hike in which tax?
a) Income Tax
b) Corporate Tax
c) Council Tax
d) Value-Added Tax (VAT)

✅ Answer: c) Council Tax
📌 Explanation: The UK government raised Council Tax by 5% to address budgetary deficits and support local services.

🌱 Environment & Science

6. What is the primary focus of the ₹500 crore wetland conservation scheme launched by India?
a) Restoration of degraded wetlands
b) Construction of artificial lakes
c) Ban on human activities near all wetlands
d) Relocation of wetland species to zoos

✅ Answer: a) Restoration of degraded wetlands
📌 Explanation: The scheme aims to restore wetlands and protect mangrove ecosystems as part of climate action efforts.

7. Chandrayaan-4 aims to explore which region of the Moon?
a) Equatorial plains
b) Southern polar region
c) Northern highlands
d) Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility)

✅ Answer: b) Southern polar region
📌 Explanation: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-4 will study water ice deposits in the Moon’s south pole, crucial for future lunar missions.

🏆 Sports

8. India recently won a T20 series against which country in women’s cricket?
a) England
b) Australia
c) South Africa
d) New Zealand

✅ Answer: b) Australia
📌 Explanation: India secured a historic T20 series victory against Australia, marking a significant milestone in women’s cricket.