18th February 2025

1. Mary Kom, Avani Lekhara, Suhas Yathiraj Join Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025
2. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan Reveals India’s Space Roadmap for the Next 10 Years
3. Ramakrishna Paramhansa Jayanti 2025: Know Date, History, Significance and Inspiring Quotes
4. Elon Musk Unveils Grok 3 AI: The Smartest AI on Earth
5. Madhya Pradesh Unveils India’s First GCC Policy
6. Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as India’s New Chief Election Commissioner
7. RBI Fines Shriram Finance, Ujjivan SFB, and Nainital Bank for Violations
8. “Imagine a world with more women in science” Campaign Launched By UNESCO
9. Campa Cola Replaces Thums Up as IPL 2025 Co-Presenter
10. C Krishnaveni, Pioneer of Telugu Cinema, Dies at 102
11. Jacob Kiplimo Breaks Half-Marathon World Record in Barcelona
12. Noted Bengali Vocalist Pratul Mukhopadhyay Passes Away
13. Government to Establish Deregulation Commission to Reduce State’s Role in Governance
14. Bank of Maharashtra Receives RBI Approval to Establish Branch in GIFT City
15. Meta’s 50,000 km Cable to Boost India-US Digital Connectivity
16. BHARAT TEX 2025: A Premier Global Textiles Event Showcasing India’s Textile Industry
17. BRICS Summit in Rio Amid U.S. Tariff Threats
18. Karnataka Tops Local Governance; UP Rises 10 Places
19. President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ in New Delhi
20. Philippines Set to Acquire $200 Million Akash Missile System from India
21. Highlights of the 15th edition Aero India 2025
22. RuTAGe Smart Village Center Launched in Haryana for Rural Technological Empowerment
23. Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Releases Commemorative Postage Stamps on Maha Kumbh 2025
24. South Indian Bank Introduces ‘SIB Quick FD’ for Seamless FD Investments
25. Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran Conferred with UK’s Honorary Knighthood
26. RBI Approves PD Singh Appointment as CEO of Standard Chartered India
27. DRDO’s ADA & MIDHANI Signed MoU to Develop MDN100 Steel for Aeronautical Applications
28. IN Launches 8th Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 11 (Yard 79)
29. Indonesia won their first ever ‘Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship 2025’ over China
30. Saudi Arabia to Host First-Ever Olympic Esports Games in 2027
31. Global Tourism Resilience Day 2025 – February 17
32. Gujarat Launches G-SAFAL to Empower 50,000 Underprivileged Women

National News

1. Inspiring Insights from Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

• What:
  • The seventh episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 featured discussions on goal setting, resilience, and stress management with sportspersons M C Mary Kom, Avani Lekhara, and Suhas Yathiraj.
• Why:
  • The event aims to inspire students by sharing personal experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges in academics and life.
• Tell me more:
  • Mary Kom highlighted her journey in boxing, challenging gender stereotypes.
  • Suhas Yathiraj discussed the importance of mental strength and introduced music therapy.
  • Avani Lekhara emphasized skill development and the need for adequate rest before exams.
  • The inaugural episode took place on February 10, 2025, at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi.

Source: PIB

2. Deregulation Commission Announced at Business Summit

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a Deregulation Commission during the ET Now Global Business Summit 2025 to reduce state intervention in people’s lives.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims at eliminating unnecessary regulations, compliances, and bureaucratic hurdles.
• Tell me more:
  • It aims to make governance more efficient, promote ease of doing business, and encourage private sector participation

Source: ANI

3. Bharat Tex 2025 Textile Industry Event Begins

• What:
  • Bharat Tex 2025, India’s premier textile industry event, commenced at the Bharat Mandapam and will run until February 17.
• Why:
  • The event aims to showcase India’s textile capabilities in innovation and sustainability, reinforcing its position as a leading investment destination.
• Tell me more:
  • Inaugurated by Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, the event features over 5,000 exhibitors from nearly 110 countries.
  • The event is organized by a consortium of 11 major textile industry bodies and supported by the Ministry of Textiles.

Source: IE

4. National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ in New Delhi

• What:
  • The National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The festival aims to highlight and promote tribal heritage, providing opportunities for tribal entrepreneurs, artisans, and artists to connect with the market.
• Tell me more:
  • Aadi Mahotsav is being organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs from February 16 to 24, 2025 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
  • The Tribal Development Budget has increased five times to approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore over the last decade.
  • About 1.25 lakh tribal children are receiving education through more than 470 Eklavya Model Residential Schools.

Source: PIB

5. Aero India 2025 Concludes

• What:
  • The 15th edition of Aero India concluded on February 16, 2025, at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to showcase India’s aerospace and defense capabilities and strengthen international collaboration in defense technology.
• Tell me more:
  • Aero India 2025 featured participation from 930 exhibitors, an increase from 800 in the previous edition.
  • The event included a Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs Roundtable, and various seminars.
  • Over 90 countries participated, with representatives from about 30 countries attending.
  • This edition showcased advanced fighter aircraft like the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II side by side for the first time in an international airshow.

Source: TH

State News

1. Madhya Pradesh First State with Dedicated GCC Policy 2025

• What:
  • Madhya Pradesh introduced the Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2025, becoming the first state in India to do so.
• Why:
  • It aims to establish the state as a hub for global innovation and collaboration, attracting foreign investment and encouraging infrastructure development.
• Tell me more:
  • The policy focuses on IT, finance, engineering, HR, AI, and cybersecurity.
  • It provides incentives for capital expenditure, upskilling, payroll, and R&D.
  • The state aims to attract 50+ GCCs and generate 37,000+ direct jobs.
  • MP State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (MPSeDC) manages the policy.

Source: TH

2. Launch of Smart Village Center in Mandaura, Sonipat

• What:
  • The Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAGe) Smart Village Center (RSVC) was launched in Mandaura village, Sonipat.
• Why:
  • The center aims to bridge the gap between rural needs and technology, ensuring that innovations reach grassroots communities.
• Tell me more:
  • Inaugurated by Professor Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, the RSVC will address challenges like animal intrusion, organic farming, and provide livelihood solutions.
  • It will serve 15-20 villages and offer 12 technology tracks covering various sectors.

Source: ANI

3. Commemorative Stamps Released for Maha Kumbh 2025

• What:
  • The Department of Posts launched a commemorative souvenir sheet with three stamps for Maha Kumbh 2025.
• Why:
  • The stamps aim to honor the rich traditions and cultural significance of the Maha Kumbh festival.
• Tell me more:
  • The stamps were unveiled by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at Arail Ghat Post Office, Prayagraj.

Source: PIB

4. Gujarat Launches G-SAFAL Scheme for Livelihoods

• What:
  • The Gujarat government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has launched the G-SAFAL scheme to enhance livelihoods for Antyodaya families and empower women.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to uplift 50,000 Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholder families in 25 talukas across 10 districts over five years.
• Tell me more:
  • G-SAFAL is implemented by the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited and focuses on providing livelihood opportunities, financial inclusion, and social development.
  • Each beneficiary family will receive Rs 80,000 in grants and skill training to ensure financial stability.

Source: ANI

International News

1. xAI Unveils Updated Grok-3 Model

• What:
  • Elon Musk’s xAI presented the updated Grok-3 model, claimed to be the “smartest AI on Earth.”
• Why:
  • This aims to surpass competitors like Google Gemini, DeepSeek’s V3, Anthropic’s Claude, and OpenAI’s GPT-4o in various benchmarks.
• Tell me more:
  • Grok-3 has “more than 10 times” the compute power of its predecessor.
  • xAI introduced DeepSearch, a reasoning chatbot, with Grok-3.
  • Grok-3 is immediately available to Premium+ subscribers on X.

Source: ET

2. UNESCO Campaign Women in Science: A Call to Action

• What:
  • The campaign #EveryVoiceInScience aims to increase women’s representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
• Why:
  • The initiative seeks to address the persistent gender gap in science, where women comprise only one-third of the global scientific community.
• Tell me more:
  • A UNESCO report reveals that women hold just 22% of STEM jobs in G20 countries, and only one in ten leaders in STEM fields are women.
  • The campaign encourages sharing perspectives on social media regarding the impact of increased female involvement in science.

Source: UN

3. BRICS Summit 2025 to be held in Rio de Janeiro

• What:
  • The next BRICS summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, 2025.
• Why:
  • Brazil, as the new chair, will focus on global governance reform and cooperation among Global South nations.
• Tell me more:
  • The summit will address key decisions on development, cooperation, and improving living conditions in BRICS nations.
  • Discussions will include establishing an alternative payment system independent of the US dollar.

Source: FE

Banking and Economy

1. RBI Penalizes Shriram, Nainital, and Ujjivan Bank

• What:
  • RBI has imposed penalties on Shriram Finance, Nainital Bank, and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank for regulatory non-compliance.
• Why:
  • The penalties were levied due to failures in adhering to specific regulatory guidelines.
• Tell me more:
  • Nainital Bank was fined Rs 61.40 lakh for issues including interest rates on advances and customer service.
  • Ujjivan Small Finance Bank received a Rs 6.70 lakh fine for not issuing loan agreements to certain borrowers.
  • Shriram Finance was fined Rs 5.80 lakh for issues like periodic review of risk categorization.

Source: ET

2. Bank of Maharashtra to Open International Banking Unit

• What:
  • The Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) received approval from the Reserve Bank of India to establish an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit at GIFT City.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to minimize state intervention in banking operations and expand the bank’s international business.
• Tell me more:
  • The IFSC Banking Unit will allow BoM to conduct offshore banking operations, providing access to international financial markets and specialized banking services.
  • The establishment of the IBU aligns with the government’s vision to make India an international financial hub.
  • The unit will enable BoM to offer products like External Commercial Borrowings and meet funding needs for overseas entities.

Source: BS

3. Meta to Build 50,000 km Subsea Cable Network

• What:
  • Meta announced plans to construct a 50,000 km subsea cable network connecting the United States, India, Brazil, South Africa, and other regions.
• Why:
  • The project aims to enhance global digital connectivity and support the growing demand for digital services in India.
• Tell me more:
  • Named Project Waterworth, this multi-billion-dollar investment will create three new oceanic corridors to improve high-speed connectivity.
  • The project will also employ advanced techniques for cable installation to avoid damage from hazards.
  • This subsea cable project is part of Meta’s commitment to strengthening India’s digital landscape.

Source: BS

4. South Indian Bank Launches ‘SIB Quick FD’ for Customers

• What:
  • South Indian Bank has introduced ‘SIB Quick FD’, allowing customers to open Fixed Deposits (FDs) using funds from other bank accounts.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for customers, making it easier to invest in FDs digitally.
• Tell me more:
  • Customers can open FDs through UPI without needing an existing savings account with South Indian Bank.
  • The entire process is digital, taking just 5 minutes, and requires minimal documentation (only PAN and Aadhaar).
  • Fixed deposits start at ₹1,000, making them affordable for a wider audience.

Source: PSU

Defence News

1. Philippines to Order $200 Million in Indian Missiles

• What:
  • The Philippines plans to place a $200 million order for indigenously developed short-range missiles from India in the upcoming financial year.
• Why:
  • The order is part of the Philippines’ efforts to modernize its military amid growing tensions with China.
• Tell me more:
  • The Philippines is interested in India’s Akash missile system, which has a range of up to 25 km.
  • This potential deal follows India’s previous $375 million sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines in 2022.

Source: BT

2. Launch of Eighth MCA Barge in Maharashtra

• What:
  • The eighth Missile Cum Ammunition Barge (LSAM 11) was launched on February 14, 2025, at Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra.
• Why:
  • The launch aims to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy by providing essential support for the transportation and handling of ammunition.
• Tell me more:
  • The barge was constructed by SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd in collaboration with an Indian ship designing firm and the Indian Register of Shipping.
  • It has been designed to meet the needs of the Indian Navy and is part of a contract concluded on February 19, 2021.

Source: PIB

Science and Technology

1. Third Launch Pad Approved for ISRO in Sriharikota

• What:
  • The Union Cabinet approved a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• Why:
  • It supports India’s space goals like Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS) and lunar landing by 2040, along with Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) development.
• Tell me more:
  • The NGLV will have enhanced payload capacity, reusability, and green propulsion.
  • ISRO’s current vehicles launch up to 10 tonnes to LEO and 4 tonnes to GTO.
  • The NGLV project has an approved budget of ₹8,240 crore and is set for completion by December 2032.

Source: ETV

Awards

1. Tata Group Chairman Receives Honor from King Charles

• What:
  • Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed gratitude for a prestigious recognition from King Charles.
• Why:
  • The honor reflects the strong strategic relationship between the Tata Group and the UK across various sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • Chandrasekaran highlighted the employment of over 70,000 people in the UK and the group’s iconic British brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley.
  • He also mentioned partnerships with prominent institutions such as the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics.

Source: HT

Important Dates

1. 189th Birth Anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

• What:
  • February 18 marks the 189th birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a significant religious figure.
• Tell me more:
  • Born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyay on February 18, 1836, he explored Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam.
  • He established the Ramakrishna Mission, which offers spiritual counseling and humanitarian aid.

Source: N18

1. Global Tourism Resilience Day – February 17

Source: UN

Sports

1. Campa Secures IPL Sponsorship Rights

• What:
  • Reliance Consumer Products Ltd’s brand Campa has acquired the ‘co-powered’ sponsorship rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) for both television and digital platforms.
• Tell me more:
  • The deal is estimated at around ₹200 crore, similar to the previous year’s rights held by Coca-Cola’s Thums Up.
  • Campa will feature prominently on TV and digital platforms, including Star channels and JioStar.
  • The IPL is expected to generate about ₹4,500 crore in combined ad revenue from television and OTT platforms this year.

Source: ET

2. Jacob Kiplimo Breaks Half Marathon World Record

• What:
  • Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda broke the half marathon world record with a time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds at the Barcelona Half Marathon.
• Why:
  • He aimed for a great race and achieved a sub-57 minutes timing, becoming the first athlete to do so.
• Tell me more:
  • The previous record was 57 minutes and 30 seconds, set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia last year. Kiplimo also set a world best of 39:47 for 15km en route to the half marathon record.
  • Kiplimo is a two-time world cross country champion.

Source: TH

3. Indonesia Wins Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship 2025

• What:
  • Indonesia won the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships 2025, defeating the People’s Republic of China 3-1.
• Why:
  • The win marks Indonesia’s first title in this championship.
• Tell me more:
  • Indonesia secured a 2-0 lead with wins in mixed doubles and men’s singles.
  • China reduced the deficit, but Indonesia clinched the title by winning the men’s doubles match.
  • The event took place at Qingdao Conson Sports Centre.

Source: OC

4. Olympic Esports Games Launched in Saudi Arabia

• What:
  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the creation of the Olympic Esports Games in July last year, partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) and designating the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) as the Founding Partner.
• Why:
  • This collaboration aims to connect esports with traditional sports and create more opportunities for players and teams globally.
• Tell me more:
  • The first Olympic Esports Games are set to begin in 2025, with a roadmap established during a meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and IOC officials.

Source: OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. MoU for Indigenous Aerospace Steel Development

• What:
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd (MIDHANI).
• Why:
  • The MoU promotes the indigenous development of high-strength, high-toughness special steel for use in aerospace applications.
• Tell me more:
  • ADA and MIDHANI will collaborate to develop special grade steel MDN100 for aeronautical applications during the Aero India-2025 airshow. The steel boasts good forgeability for aircraft parts.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as New Chief Election Commissioner

• What:
  • Gyanesh Kumar was elevated to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) after serving as an Election Commissioner.
• Tell me more:
  • His CEC tenure lasts until January 26, 2029.
  • He is a 1988-batch officer of the Kerala cadre.
  • Kumar served as Secretary of the Cooperation Ministry before this appointment.

Source: IE

2. Prabdev Singh Appointed CEO of Standard Chartered India

• The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Prabdev (PD) Singh as the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank in India and South Asia.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Veteran Telugu Actress C Krishnaveni Passes Away at 102

• What:
  • Veteran Telugu actress and producer C Krishnaveni passed away at her residence in Filmnagar, Hyderabad, due to age-related illness.
• Why:
  • She was known for introducing legendary actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) in the 1949 film ‘Mana Desam’.
• Tell me more:
  • Born on December 24, 1924, Krishnaveni was also the first female producer in Telugu cinema.
  • She acted in over two dozen films, including ‘Bhakta Prahlada’, ‘Golla Bhama’ and ‘Mana Desam’.

Source: TOI

2. Veteran Bengali Singer Pratul Mukhopadhyay Passes Away

• Veteran Bengali singer-songwriter Pratul Mukhopadhyay passed away at the age of 83 in a Kolkata hospital due to age-related ailments.
• Some of his famous songs include “Ami Banglay Gaan Gai,” “Dinga Bhasao Sagore,” and “Amra Dhan Katar Gaan Gai.”

Source: TH

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