BrainBuzz Academy

Why in the News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to France has marked a significant milestone in India-France relations. Both nations have strengthened their strategic partnership across defense, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and Indo-Pacific cooperation. Groundbreaking agreements underscore the deepening trust and shared vision between the two countries.
Key Takeaways
Nuclear Energy Collaboration:
India and France agreed to jointly develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) to enhance nuclear energy as a key component of their low-carbon energy transition.
The Jaitapur nuclear power plant project received renewed focus, with commitments to advancing peaceful nuclear energy uses.
Defense Cooperation:
A Defense Industrial Roadmap was unveiled, focusing on co-design, co-development, and co-production of defense equipment.
Key projects include:
Integration of DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) into Scorpene submarines.
Collaboration on missile, helicopter, and jet engine technologies.
France welcomed India’s inclusion as an observer in the Eurodrone MALE program.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Partnership:
An India-France Roadmap on AI was launched, focusing on the development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems.
Indo-Pacific Cooperation:
The India-France Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation aims to support climate and SDG-focused projects in third countries across the Indo-Pacific region.
Economic and Digital Ties:
France expanded the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for seamless transactions.
Ten Indian startups were included in France’s Startup Incubator Station F, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Do You Know?
France is India’s second-largest arms supplier, accounting for 33% of India’s defense imports. Key projects include the Rafale aircraft deal and the P-75 Scorpene submarine program.
The India-France Year of Innovation will be inaugurated in New Delhi in March 2026, showcasing their commitment to innovation.
Marseille, where Modi inaugurated the Indian Consulate, holds historical significance as a base for Indian troops during World War I and is closely linked to Indian revolutionary Veer Savarkar.
Challenges in India-France Relations
Bilateral Trade: Despite growing ties, bilateral trade stood at $15.8 billion in 2022, which remains below its potential compared to other partnerships.
Visa Restrictions: Increased visa restrictions pose challenges for Indian professionals and correspondents.
Nuclear Agreement Delays: Technical, financial, and civil nuclear liability issues continue to delay the Jaitapur nuclear power project.
Strategic Autonomy: India’s non-aligned foreign policy contrasts with France’s pragmatic alliances, creating challenges in aligning their Indo-Pacific strategies, especially in countering China’s assertiveness.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France has reinforced the strategic partnership between the two nations, with significant strides in defense, nuclear energy, AI, and Indo-Pacific cooperation. While challenges remain, the growing convergence between India and France reflects their shared commitment to addressing global challenges and fostering mutual growth. This partnership not only strengthens bilateral ties but also positions both nations as key players in shaping a multipolar world order.

Why in the News?
India and Egypt have launched their joint military exercise, Cyclone 2025, at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. This 14-day exercise aims to strengthen defense ties, enhance interoperability between special forces, and refine skills in challenging desert environments. The event underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations amid evolving global security challenges.
Key Takeaways
Objective: The primary goal of Cyclone 2025 is to bolster defense cooperation and improve operational capabilities in counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, and specialized missions.
Focus Areas: The exercise emphasizes sniping, combat free fall, surveillance, and target designation in harsh desert conditions.
Participants: The Indian contingent includes the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while Egypt is represented by its Commando Squadron and Airborne Platoon.
Strategic Importance: The exercise strengthens military relations, enhances regional security, and addresses shared threats like terrorism and insurgency.
Do You Know?
This marks the third edition of the Cyclone series, reflecting the deepening defense ties between India and Egypt. Both nations are strategically positioned—India in the Indo-Pacific and Egypt at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East—making their collaboration vital for regional stability.
Broader Implications
Cyclone 2025 is more than a military exercise; it symbolizes the growing synergy between India and Egypt in addressing global security challenges. By sharing expertise and conducting joint drills, both nations aim to build a unified defense front capable of tackling modern threats. This collaboration also complements their broader diplomatic efforts, fostering stronger regional and international partnerships.
In a world increasingly defined by complex security dynamics, exercises like Cyclone 2025 highlight the importance of military-to-military cooperation in ensuring peace and stability.

Why in the News?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Jomel Warrican (West Indies) and Beth Mooney (Australia) as the Players of the Month for January 2025, recognizing their exceptional performances in international cricket. Warrican’s spin wizardry and Mooney’s explosive batting were pivotal in their teams’ historic victories, earning them this prestigious accolade.
Key Takeaways
1. Jomel Warrican – ICC Men’s Player of the Month
Historic Test Win in Pakistan: Warrican played a crucial role in West Indies’ first Test victory in Pakistan since 1990.
Outstanding Bowling: Took 19 wickets in two Test matches at an impressive average of 9.00.
First Test (Multan): Claimed 10 wickets, including a career-best 7 for 32 in the second innings.
Second Test: Scored 36 not out in a crucial 95-run last-wicket stand and took 9 wickets across both innings.
Player of the Series: Awarded for his match-winning all-round performance.
First West Indian Winner Since 2024: Follows Gudakesh Motie’s win in May 2024.
2. Beth Mooney – ICC Women’s Player of the Month
Ashes Triumph: Mooney’s batting was instrumental in Australia’s dominant Ashes victory over England.
ODI Heroics: Scored 50 off 64 balls in the third ODI, rescuing Australia from 59/4 to help post 308 runs and secure an ODI series sweep.
T20I Dominance: Scored 213 runs at a strike rate of 146.89, including a career-best 94 off 63 balls in Adelaide.
Continued Australian Dominance: Follows Annabel Sutherland’s win in December 2024.
Do You Know?
Warrican’s Feat: His 7 for 32 in Multan is the best bowling figure by a West Indian spinner in Asia since 1990.
Mooney’s Consistency: She has been a key player in Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket, with multiple match-winning performances in recent years.
ICC Player of the Month: Introduced in 2021, the award recognizes outstanding performances by male and female cricketers across formats.
Conclusion
Jomel Warrican and Beth Mooney’s stellar performances in January 2025 have not only earned them the ICC Player of the Month titles but also highlighted their crucial roles in their teams’ successes. Warrican’s spin mastery and Mooney’s batting brilliance continue to inspire cricket fans worldwide, showcasing the ever-growing talent and competitiveness in international cricket.

Why in the news?
World Radio Day is celebrated on February 13 every year to acknowledge and celebrate the significance of radio in shaping society and culture globally. It is a day to recognise the importance of radio in promoting information, education, and entertainment across diverse communities.
Key Takeaways:
The print medium was the first form of mass media in the world. However, with technological advancements, radio emerged as the most popular broadcasting medium. Designed to disseminate information to those who found reading newspapers and advertisements challenging but could easily understand audio messages, radio became a powerful tool for communication. To recognise its significance and raise awareness, World Radio Day is celebrated every year on February 13.
Even in an era dominated by social media and instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, radio remains the most resilient and far-reaching communication medium.
World Radio Day 2025: Theme
This year, World Radio Day will focus on the theme “Radio and Climate Change" to support radio stations in their journalistic coverage of this pressing issue. The theme highlights radio’s role in spreading vital information about climate change, amplifying voices advocating for environmental sustainability, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
World Radio Day 2025: History
Radio, which uses sound waves and signals to send messages over a specific bandwidth, dates back to the late 19th century around the world. Radio came to India in the early twentieth century; however, it took several years before it became the most popular form of mass media.
To maintain its popularity and to promote its use amongst all, World Radio Day was announced worldwide. Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day, World Radio Day was first observed on February 13.
Since then, February 13 has been observed as World Radio Day. This day reminds us of the resilience of this medium in connecting communities, promoting freedom of expression, and acting as a lifeline during disasters and emergencies.
World Radio Day 2025: Significance
The main objective of celebrating World Radio Day is to make people realise the importance of radio. Despite television and smartphones taking over the world, radio still holds a reputed position in the form of the medium of music, a travel companion, and raising voices of the community through community radio.
Moreover, radio acts as a reliable source of information in emergencies. It plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges like climate change and provides a platform for under-represented voices. The day also promotes dialogue and mutual understanding across cultures by fostering education and awareness, especially in rural areas.
World Radio Day 2025: Key Facts
The first true radio transmission was carried out by Guglielmo Marconi in 1895.
India’s radio broadcast history goes back to the early 1920s.
The first radio broadcast in India was conducted by the Radio Club of Bombay in June 1923.
The first news bulletin was broadcast on January 19, 1936, by All India Radio (AIR).
The first radio station in India is Akashvani. It was later known as All India Radio’s on-air name in 1957.
With over 415 radio stations in about 23 languages and 146 dialects, AIR is one of the largest radio broadcasters in the world. It also has 99 per cent population coverage and 18 FM channels.
Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic energy that travel through the air and can transmit information over distances.
In the 1860s, Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell predicted the existence of radio waves.
Note: National Broadcasting Day in India is marked on July 23 as symbolic of the Radio Club of Bombay (established by some businessmen) making the first-ever broadcast in the country in June 1923.

Why in the news?
National Women's Day is observed annually in India on February 13th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a renowned political leader, poet, and champion of women’s rights. Known as the "Nightingale of India," Sarojini Naidu was born on this day in 1879.
What is National Women's Day?
National Women’s Day is celebrated in India on February 13 to honour Sarojini Naidu’s contributions to the freedom movement and women's empowerment. The day recognizes the diverse struggles and dreams of women, promoting gender equality and leadership.
Born in Hyderabad in 1879, Naidu was highly intelligent from a young age. Her father, Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, was a scientist and educator who encouraged her education. She dedicated her life to fighting for women's rights and empowerment in society.
National Women's Day 2025:
Date 
Observed every year on February 13th, National Women’s Day marks the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu. In 2025, the occasion will once again be celebrated on this date to honour her lasting impact.
National Women's Day 2025: Significance
Born on February 13, 1879, Sarojini Naidu was a distinguished poet, activist, and political leader. Mahatma Gandhi bestowed upon her the title of "Nightingale of India" in recognition of her poetic excellence. She actively participated in significant movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt Satyagraha. Additionally, she made history as India’s first female governor. Through her poetry, Naidu beautifully captured India’s culture, the struggle for independence, and the fight for women’s rights.
Sarojini Naidu’s Role in Women’s Empowerment:
Sarojini Naidu used her poetic talent as a means to advocate for women's rights and gender equality. Inspired by the nationalist leader Gopal Krishna Gokhale, she joined politics with the conviction that women's liberation was crucial to India's progress. She played a pivotal role in founding the Women’s Indian Association, providing a platform for women to voice their rights and concerns.
In 1930, Naidu became the fourth president of the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC). She was a strong proponent of women's voting rights, which were later incorporated into India’s constitution. She also urged British authorities to grant women the right to vote, reinforcing her commitment to gender equality.
National Women's Day serves as an occasion to honour Sarojini Naidu’s contributions and to inspire continued efforts towards women's empowerment and equality in society.
Note: International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Context:
World Pulses Day is marked annually on February 10 around the globe to raise awareness about the importance of pulses as a crop. It also emphasizes the nutritional value, food security and environmental advantages of pulses. According to the United Nations, this day provides an opportunity to highlight the role of its sustainable option for diversification.
Pulses, commonly known as legumes, are the edible seeds of leguminous plants grown for consumption. Among the various types, dry beans, lentils and peas are the most popular. It is a common element in various cuisines, ranging from Mediterranean hummus to Indian dal.
World Pulses Day: History
In 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/68/231), recognizing 2016 as the International Year of Pulses. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), it was started with the aim of raising public knowledge about the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses.
However, upon its grand success, the crops’ potential was recognized to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In particular, relevance was given to Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 13 and 15. This led Burkina Faso to propose the observance of World Pulses Day.
Later in 2019, the UN General Assembly declared February 10 to be observed as World Pulses Day.
World Pulses Day 2025: Significance
Known for their high nutritional value, pulses work best to lower the cholesterol levels of the body and control blood sugar levels. It can also help in fighting obesity and help in the management of several non-communicable diseases.
The day holds an important significance as it provides the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of pulse crops, particularly their nutritional value, food security and environmental benefits. It aims to promote the cultivation of pulses due to its role in helping to improve human health and soil health.
World Pulses Day 2025: Key Facts
World Pulses Day is observed annually by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
As per the United Nations, the theme for World Pulses Day 2025 is Pulses: Bringing Diversity to Agri-food Systems.
The theme emphasizes the important role of pulses in supporting diversity, both above and below ground.
Pulses not only supply necessary nutrients but also promote healthier diets and sustainable farming systems, making them an important source of food for even the most vulnerable communities.
Pulses are an important crop for farmers as they can be sold and consumed, allowing them to maintain family food security while also creating economic stability.