21st February 2025

1. Women Billionaires Global List 2025: Forbes Billionaire List
2. Nagaland’s Forest Project Recognized with SKOCH Award
3. International Mother Language Day 2025: Date, Theme, History and Significance
4. Bengal Leads India in Bird Count for Third Consecutive Year
5. TRIFED Partners with Meesho, IFCA, and MGIRI
6. India and Nepal Strengthen Scientific Ties with New Agreement
7. India and Argentina Ink MoU for Lithium Exploration
8. Overview of Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s visit to India from February 17 to 18, 2025
9. India & Argentina signed MoU to Strengthen Cooperation in Lithium Exploration and Mining
10. 28th GBBC: WB Lead in India’s Bird Count for 3rd Consecutive Year
11. Brazil to Join Major Oil-Exporting Nations in OPEC+ Group
12. Karnataka Bank Celebrated its 101st Founders’ Day by Launching Two New Products
13. Federal Bank Launches Prospera NRE Savings Account for NRIs
14. Godrej Partners with Bisaich & Caru for Advanced Railway, Aerospace Equipment
15. SBI Cards Appoints Salila Parida as MD & CEO
16. World Day of Social Justice 2025 – February 20
17. 2nd edition of Simolu Festival held in Assam
18. Nagaon Hosts 2nd Simolu Festival Amid Blooming Bombax Ceiba
19. Mount Dukono erupts in Indonesia
20. Brazil Joins OPEC+ as Observer for Global Energy Influence
21. Delhi Cabinet Approves Ayushman Bharat in First Meeting and Other Decisions
22. Mizoram Foundation Day 2025: Celebrating the Birth of the 23rd State of India
23. India Rolls Out Digital Pilot Licenses, Second After China
24. Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2025: Celebrating the Land of the Rising Sun
25. V Anantha Nageswaran’s Term as Chief Economic Advisor Extended to March 2027
26. Vivek Joshi Assumes Charge as Election Commissioner
27. Rohit Sharma Becomes Second Fastest to 11,000 ODI Runs

National News

1. India Second Country After China to Introduce Digital Pilot Licenses

• What:
  • Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots in India.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance digital transformation, safety, security, and efficiency in civil aviation.
• Tell me more:
  • With this launch, India becomes the second country after China to implement EPL for flight crew. The initiative is expected to improve convenience and transparency for pilots.
  • The Indian civil aviation sector is projected to need at least 20,000 new pilots due to growing air travel demand.
  • The government plans to develop digital twin systems for airports for real-time decision-making and innovative technology solutions.

Source: HT

2. Amir of Qatar’s Visit to India

• What:
  • The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, visited India, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to enhance bilateral relations, reaffirm trade linkages, and expand cooperation between India and Qatar.
• Tell me more:
  • During the visit, both countries signed agreements on establishing a Bilateral Strategic Partnership and a revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
  • They also discussed expediting negotiations on the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty.
  • Qatar committed to investing USD 10 billion in India in sectors like infrastructure and technology.
  • The countries agreed to explore a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to double bilateral trade by 2030.
  • Elevation of the Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce to a Joint Commission chaired by Ministers of Commerce and Industry.
  • First Joint Business Council meeting held on February 13, 2025.
  • India and Qatar launched the Joint Business Forum on February 18, 2025, fostering private sector collaboration.
  • Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced an office in India to strengthen investment channels.
  • Both nation decided to celebrate India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship and Sports in the near future.

Source: MEA

State News

1. Bengal Tops Great Backyard Bird Count Again

• What:
  • Bengal recorded the highest number of bird species in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) for the third consecutive year, with 543 species identified.
• Why:
  • The GBBC aims to engage citizens in birdwatching and collect data on bird populations to aid conservation efforts.
• Tell me more:
  • The GBBC was conducted from February 14 to 17, 2025, and involved participation from various states and union territories.
  • A total of 1,068 species were recorded in India, with Bengal leading the count.
  • The number of checklists submitted from Bengal was 1,909, a decrease from 2,223 in 2024.

Source: TOI

2. Laokhowa Burhachapori Simolu Festival Celebrated in Assam

• What:
  • The second Laokhowa Burhachapori Simolu Festival 2025 concluded, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage with performances, cuisine, and community activities.
• Why:
  • The festival aimed to celebrate nature, culture, and community while attracting tourists to the Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Tell me more:
  • Activities included nature walks, cultural performances, a 20km cyclothon, and educational programs for local students to promote environmental awareness and conservation.
  • The festival was organized by the Nagaon Wildlife Division under Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
  • Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries are part of the same ecosystem and serve as buffer zones for Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, housing diverse wildlife such as the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tigers.

Source: TOI

3. Delhi Cabinet Implements Ayushman Bharat Yojana

• What:
  • Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the first Cabinet meeting.
• Tell me more:
  • The plan includes a ₹5 lakh top-up from both the Delhi government and the Central government. Additionally, 14 pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports will be tabled in the Delhi Assembly.
  • The Chief Minister emphasized a mission for a ‘Viksit Delhi’ and mentioned discussions on a ₹2,500 monthly benefit for women.

Source: TH

International News

1. Brazil Joins OPEC+

• What:
  • Brazil’s government approved the country’s entry into OPEC+, a group of major oil-exporting nations, marking a significant step in its oil industry.
• Why:
  • The decision aims to enhance Brazil’s role in the global oil market while allowing it to discuss strategies among oil-producing countries without being bound by production limits.
• Tell me more:
  • OPEC+ includes 12 OPEC members and 10 other major producers, including Russia.
  • Brazil was invited to join in 2023 and is currently the seventh-largest oil producer globally, pumping around 4.3 million barrels per day.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. Federal Bank Launches Prospera NRE Savings Account in Dubai

• What:
  • Federal Bank introduced a new NR Savings account variant named Prospera, designed for the emerging affluent NRI segment.
• Why:
  • Prospera aims to offer a comprehensive financial experience that aligns with the aspirations and lifestyle of today’s NRI customers, who seek more than basic banking services.
• Tell me more:
  • Prospera includes benefits such as complimentary insurance up to Rs. 60 Lakh, airport lounge access, and rewards on debit card spends.
  • The bank also introduced a mobile banking feature for NRI customers to open PIS accounts for investing in the Indian stock market.

Source: BS

2. Godrej Enterprises Partners with Italian Firm for Manufacturing

• What:
  • Godrej Enterprises Group signed an initial agreement with Italian automation company Bisiach & Carru to produce advanced railway and aerospace equipment in India.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to enhance local manufacturing and align with India’s push for self-reliance in critical sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership will focus on manufacturing advanced robotic systems, high-precision jigs, specialized automation solutions, and assembly machinery for Indian Railways, metro projects, and the aerospace industry.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Women Billionaires Redefining Wealth in 2025

• What:
  • The Forbes Billionaire List 2025 highlights that women constitute 13.3% of the global billionaire population, with the top ten richest women collectively worth over $500 billion.
• Why:
  • This emergence of women billionaires signifies a shift in traditional leadership roles and challenges male dominance in wealth and influence.
• Tell me more:

Source: IE

2. Nagaland Forest Management Project Wins SKOCH Award

• What:
  • The Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) was awarded the SKOCH Award 2024 for its work in sustainable forest conservation and improving livelihoods in villages.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes the project’s effective need-based interventions led by joint forest management committees.
• Tell me more:
  • Ango Konyak and Wennyei Konyak received the award at the 100th SKOCH summit in New Delhi on February 15, 2025.
  • The NFMP is implemented by Nagaland’s department of environment, forests, and climate change with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
  • The project started in 2017 and is scheduled to conclude in 2027, covering 185 villages across 11 districts.
  • The NFMP aims to enhance forest ecosystems and support income generation by rehabilitating jhum areas.
  • The SKOCH Award is known for its rigorous assessment process and is a prestigious honor for states and organizations.

Source: TOI

Important Dates

1. International Mother Language Day 2025 – February 21

• What:
  • International Mother Language Day is observed globally on February 21 to recognize linguistic diversity and protect languages.
• Tell me more:
  • The year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day.
  • The theme for 2025 is “Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day”.
  • UNESCO established the day, and the UN General Assembly recognized it in 2002.

Source: IE

2. World Day of Social Justice – February 20

• Theme – Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future

Source: UN

3. Foundation day of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram – February 20

Source: ST

Sports

1. Rohit Sharma Second-Fastest to 11,000 ODI Runs

• What:
  • Rohit Sharma reached 11,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs), becoming the second-fastest to achieve this milestone.
• Why:
  • He achieved this record during India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh.
• Tell me more:
  • Rohit reached the milestone in his 261st innings, only behind Virat Kohli (222 innings).
  • He is the fourth Indian to reach this mark after Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Sourav Ganguly, and the 10th overall. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 41 runs off 36 balls in the match.

Source: TOI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Trifed Signs MoUs to Boost Tribal Economic Growth

• What:
  • The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (Trifed) signed MoUs with Meesho, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI) to enhance economic opportunities for tribal communities.
• Why:
  • The partnerships aim to shift tribal businesses from a B2C model to a B2B approach, expanding market access and building capacity.
• Tell me more:
  • Meesho will help onboard tribal products onto its platform and provide training for online selling.
  • IFCA will promote tribal food products in the hospitality sector through collaborations.
  • MGIRI will conduct training programs for tribal artisans to enhance their skills.

Source: BW

2. India and Nepal Strengthen Science Cooperation

• What:
  • The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to enhance bilateral scientific and technological collaboration between India and Nepal.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed at the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi from CSIR and Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba from NAST.
  • This partnership will involve exchanging scientific information, conducting joint research projects, and organizing training programs.
  • The focus areas include biological sciences, food technology, environmental technologies, and more.

Source: PIB

3. India and Argentina Sign MoU for Lithium Cooperation

• What:
  • India and Argentina signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in lithium exploration and mining.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to facilitate collaboration in the exploration and resource development of lithium and other critical minerals.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed during a meeting in New Delhi between Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and Raúl Alejandro Jalil, Governor of Catamarca, Argentina.
  • The agreement involves Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) and the Provincial Government of Catamarca.
  • Argentina is part of the ‘Lithium Triangle,’ which has significant lithium reserves essential for electric vehicle batteries.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. V Anantha Nageswaran’s Tenure as Chief Economic Advisor Extended

• What:
  • The Indian government has extended V Anantha Nageswaran’s tenure as Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) by two years.
• Tell me more:
  • His tenure is extended until March 2027 and was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet.
  • The Economic Survey 2024-25 projected GDP growth of 6.3% to 6.8% for FY26.

Source: LM

2. Dr. Vivek Joshi Appointed as Election Commissioner

• What:
  • Dr. Vivek Joshi has assumed charge as the Election Commissioner of India.
• Tell me more:
  • Gyanesh Kumar, the newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner, emphasized the importance of voting for nation-building.
  • The Election Commission is composed of three members, including Joshi and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.

Source: ANI

Miscellaneous

1. Mount Dukono Erupts, Aviation Warning Issued in Indonesia

• What:
  • Mount Dukono in Indonesia erupted, spewing ash up to 2,000 meters, leading to an aviation warning.
• Tell me more:
  • A Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) has been issued at the orange level.
  • Mount Dukono is 1,087 meters above sea level and one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes.
  • Mount Merapi, another active volcano in Indonesia, emitted hot lava last month.

Source: DD

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