22nd-24th February 2025

1. India’s NCGG & Sri Lanka’s SLIDA Finalize Plan to Train 1,500 Civil Service Officers Under MoU
2. MoD Signs Two Contracts for Procurement of SDRs and RFTLFs
3. India’s First Open-Air Art Wall Museum Inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
4. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates IWT at Jogighopa, Assam
5. UP Assembly Becomes 1st in India to Introduce Translation Facility
6. JICA & Uttarakhand Signed Agreement for Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion Project
7. IOB Launches Aadhaar-OTP Based Account Opening & API Banking Services
8. Purnima Devi Barman: Assam’s Conservation Champion Featured in TIME’s Women of the Year 2025
9. Bisleri Signs MoU with ASI for Heritage Water Conservation
10. THE World Reputation Rankings 2025: Harvard University Retained Top Spot; 4 Indian Varsities in the List
11. India Expands Collaboration with UK in Key Areas of Telecom, AI, & Emerging Technologies
12. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh Co-Chairs 13th MIDCOM Meeting in Kuala Lumpur
13. NSDL and CDSL Launch UIP to Provide Consolidated Data to Investors
14. Paytm Launched India’s First Solar-Powered Payment Soundbox for Merchants
15. Moody’s Projects India’s GDP Growth to Slow to 6.4% in 2025
16. IN-SPACE Launches Technology Adoption Fund to Support SpaceTech Startups
17. HMA & DIAT Collaborate to Enhance Aerospace Research and Innovation. HAL & DIAT Collaborate for Aerospace Innovation
18. Goa’s Mopa Airport Becomes 1st in India to Win ‘Sarvashreshtha Suraksha Puraskar’
19. GoI Extends B.V.R. Subrahmanyam’s Tenure as CEO of NITI Aayog Until February 2026
20. World Thinking Day 2025 – February 22
21. Virat Kohli Breaks Tendulkar’s Record for Fastest 14,000 Run
22. Shaktikanta Das Appointed Principal Secretary-2 to PM Modi
23. Indian Vishvaa Rajakumar Prodigy Wins Global Memory Championship
24. Kerala Unveils Nayanamritham 2.0: AI-Driven Eye Screening
25. Mising Tribe Celebrates Ali Ai Ligang Festival
26. First Astronaut with Disability Cleared for ISS Mission
27. Hyderabad to Host International Art Exhibition – Know the Date, Venue, and Timings
28. India’s First Wildlife Biobank Opens at Darjeeling Zoo
29. Microsoft Unveils Magma: The AI Model That Can See, Read, and Take Action in the Real World
30. ISRO Develops World’s Largest Vertical Propellant Mixer
31. PM Modi To Attend Mauritius’ National Day Celebrations As Guest of Honour
32. SBI Cuts India’s FY25 GDP Forecast to 6.3%
33. Kash Patel Sworn in as the Ninth Director of the FBI, Takes Oath on Bhagavad Gita
34. Microsoft’s Majorana 1: Quantum Computing Breakthrough
35. Tata Power Partners with AWS to Drive India’s Smart Energy Transition
36. Mohammed Shami Joins Elite Club with 200 ODI Wickets

National News

1. Inland Waterways Terminal Opens at Jogighopa

• What:
  • The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) at Jogighopa in Assam, marking the first shipment of coal and stone chips to Bangladesh.
• Why:
  • The terminal aims to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen trilateral trade with Bhutan and Bangladesh, aligning with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and contributing to India’s logistics growth.
• Tell me more:
  • The terminal is strategically located near the borders of Bangladesh and Bhutan, making it crucial for trade ties with these countries.
  • It is expected to handle 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2027.
  • The terminal features modern infrastructure, including an RCC jetty and essential facilities like customs and immigration offices.

Source: ET

2. India and UK Strengthen Telecom Ties

• What:
  • Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal visited the UK to explore collaboration opportunities in next-generation telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and space technology.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to strengthen Indo-UK ties by fostering partnerships in emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, and digital infrastructure security.
• Tell me more:
  • The Secretary visited key research centers and innovation hubs, including the 5G Centre at the University of Strathclyde and the 6G Research Centre at the University of Glasgow.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between SONIC Labs and the Centre for Development of Telematics (CDOT) focusing on Open RAN and AI in 4G/5G.
  • The collaboration builds on the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI), where telecom is a key priority.

Source: ANI

3. IN-SPACe Launches Technology Adoption Fund for Space Startups

• What:
  • The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced a Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) worth Rs 500 crore to support early-stage space technologies developed by companies.
• Why:
  • The fund aims to promote the manufacturing of critical space components within India and position the country as a reliable global partner in the space industry.
• Tell me more:
  • The TAF will offer financial support of up to 60% of the project cost for startups and MSMEs, and 40% for larger industries, with a maximum funding cap of Rs 25 crore per project.
  • In addition to financial support, the fund will provide technical guidance and mentoring opportunities.
  • Startups will now be able to secure 60% financial support from the government for their projects.

Source: ET

4. India’s First Zoo-Based Bio Bank Operational in Darjeeling

• What:
  • India’s first zoo-based bio bank is now operational at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo).
• Why:
  • To collect and preserve genetic material from endangered animals and prevent extinction.
• Tell me more:
  • The bio bank was established in July 2023 with CCMB.
  • It houses DNA materials from 60 animals across 23 species, stored at minus 196 degrees Celsius.
  • The initiative is part of a national programme.
  • Similar bio banks are proposed in Delhi and Odisha.
  • Darjeeling Zoo is involved in Red Panda conservation breeding.

Source: IE

State News

1. Uttar Pradesh Assembly Becomes First in India to Use Translation Facility

• What:
  • The Uttar Pradesh assembly session will be the first in India to use a translation facility, with arrangements proposed for languages like Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhand, and English.
• Why:
  • The translation facility aims to enhance communication and inclusivity within the assembly by supporting diverse regional languages.
• Tell me more:
  • The session will discuss significant issues such as the Prayagraj stampede and Sambhal violence.
  • Two ordinances are set to be introduced during the session: the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Planning and Amendment Ordinance 2025 and the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (Amendment) Ordinance 2025.

Source: ANI

2. Uttarakhand Horticulture Project Launched

• What:
  • The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Uttarakhand, signed an agreement for the “Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion Project” to enhance horticulture production and marketing in Tehri Garhwal and Nainital districts.
• Why:
  • The project aims to address challenges in Uttarakhand’s horticulture sector, such as limited access to advanced techniques and inadequate infrastructure, by promoting market-oriented production and empowering smallholder farmers.
• Tell me more:
  • The four-year project will focus on capacity development of human resources and involve key stakeholders for technical guidance.
  • It will implement the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach to align production with market demands.
  • The initiative seeks to boost rural economies and promote sustainable livelihoods in Uttarakhand.

Source: JICA

3. Kerala Launches Nayanamritham 2.0 for Eye Disease Screening

• What:
  • The Government of Kerala, with Remidio, launched Nayanamritham 2.0, an AI-assisted program for screening chronic eye diseases.
• Why:
  • To improve early detection and make eye care more accessible across Kerala.
• Tell me more:
  • It screens for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
  • The program uses AI-enabled fundus cameras for faster diagnoses.
  • Nayanamritham 2.0 builds on the success of Nayanamritham 1.0.
  • It expands eye care to Community Health Centers, Taluk Hospitals, and District Hospitals.
  • Kerala aims to improve early detection, reduce preventable blindness, and enhance patient care using AI.

Source: ET

4. Mising Tribe Celebrates Ali Ai Ligang Festival in Assam

• What:
  • The Mising tribe celebrated the Ali Ai Ligang festival in Shankarpur, Jorhat.
• Why:
  • The festival marks the beginning of the sowing season and honors agricultural heritage.
• Tell me more:
  • Festivities included flag hoisting, traditional rituals, and the Gumrag dance.
  • The community offered prayers to Donyi Polo for crop protection.
  • Ali Ai Ligang means “first sowing of roots and fruits”.
  • The festival is celebrated on the first Wednesday of the Fagun month.
  • Mising Kababang organizes Ali Ai Ligang annually in Jorhat.

Source: ANI

5. Hyderabad to Host International Art Exhibition at Srishti Art Gallery

• What:
  • Srishti Art Gallery and Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad present “Topographies of Tents, Terracotta, and Time,” a cross-cultural exhibition.
• Why:
  • The exhibition explores themes of identity, displacement, and transformation.
• Tell me more:
  • It features artists Arnaldo Drés González, Sudhakar Chippa, and Swen Kählert.
  • The exhibition is curated by Matthew Partridge.
  • The artists participated in a residency at Banyan Hearts Open Studio.
  • Srishti Art Gallery is celebrating its 25 years of innovation in art.

Source: ETV

International News

1. John McFall, An Astronaut with Disability, Cleared for ISS Missions

• What:
  • John McFall, a European astronaut with a physical disability, has been medically cleared for missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
• Why:
  • This is part of ESA’s effort to broaden access to space for people with physical disabilities.
• Tell me more:
  • McFall lost his right leg at 19 and wears a prosthesis.
  • ESA selected McFall as part of an astronaut class in 2022.

Source: SN

2. India’s PM Modi to Attend Mauritius National Day

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend Mauritius’ 57th National Day celebrations as the guest of honor.
• Tell me more:
  • Mauritius will celebrate its National Day on March 12.
  • Last year, President Draupadi Murmu was the chief guest at the celebrations.
  • PM Modi recently congratulated Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam on his electoral victory.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. Indian Overseas Bank Launches Digital Services

• What:
  • Indian Overseas Bank introduced Aadhaar-OTP based account opening and API banking facilities to simplify banking services for individual and corporate customers.
• Why:
  • The initiatives aim to enhance customer experience by providing secure, hassle-free, and efficient banking solutions through digital transformation.
• Tell me more:
  • The Aadhaar-OTP based account opening allows customers to open savings accounts online with minimal documentation, following RBI’s eKYC guidelines.
  • The API banking service enables corporate customers to automate financial transactions directly from their accounting systems, reducing manual intervention.

Source: ET

2. CDSL and NSDL Unify Investor App Features

• What:
  • CDSL and NSDL launched unifying features in their investor apps, MyEasi and SPEED-e, to provide consolidated access to financial data across Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs).
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to democratize investor access to information, streamline portfolio management, and promote informed decision-making.
• Tell me more:
  • The apps allow investors to view demat securities, margin positions, and holdings across both depositories in one place, eliminating multiple logins.
  • The platform integrates data from depositories, stock exchanges, and clearing corporations, providing real-time financial insights and robust security.

Source: ET

3. Paytm Launches Solar Soundbox for Merchants

• What:
  • Paytm has launched the ‘Paytm Solar Soundbox’ for merchants, which is a first-of-its-kind device in India that uses solar energy for power.
• Why:
  • The device is aimed at providing uninterrupted payment services to small shop owners and merchants, especially in rural and remote areas with electricity shortages.
• Tell me more:
  • The Solar Soundbox features a solar panel for auto-charging, two batteries, and supports UPI and RuPay Credit Card payments.
  • It has a 4G connection, high-quality audio payment confirmation, and supports audio notifications in 11 languages.

Source: PAYTM

4. Microsoft Introduces New AI Model Called Magma

• What:
  • Microsoft Research has introduced a new AI model called Magma to control both software interfaces and robotic systems.
• Tell me more:
  • Magma combines visual and language processing. It can process data like text, images, and video and act upon it natively.
  • Development has been a collaborative effort with KAIST, the University of Maryland, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Washington.
  • Magma aims to move toward creating an agentic AI system. Other companies like OpenAI and Google are also exploring agentic AI.
  • Microsoft has also developed the Majorana 1 quantum computing chip, which could potentially enable quantum computers to solve large-scale problems by 2027-29.
    • The development aims to enhance the scalability and stability of quantum computing, leveraging topological qubits to reduce errors.

Source: IN IE

5. Tata Power Partners with AWS for Energy Transition

• What:
  • Tata Power has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to modernize its digital infrastructure and drive a smart, consumer-centric energy transition in India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to accelerate India’s transition to a greener, smarter energy ecosystem by leveraging cloud computing, AI, and IoT.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership will utilize real-time analytics, automation, and decentralized power generation to optimize energy supply and demand.
  • Digitalization will enhance grid stability, predictive maintenance, and seamless energy transactions, ensuring sustainability and efficiency.
  • Tata Power has already migrated 23 critical applications to AWS using Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS).

Source: BS

Reports and Indices

1. Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2025

• What:
  • Four Indian universities were featured in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2025, but all experienced a decline in their rankings compared to the previous year.
• Why:
  • This year’s ranking uses a methodology that includes six key measures, namely research vote count, teaching vote count, research pairwise comparison, teaching pairwise comparison, research voter diversity, and teaching voter diversity.
• Tell me more:
  • Harvard University maintained its top position for the 14th consecutive year, while the University of Oxford and MIT shared the second spot.
  • Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras slipped to the 201-300 band, with IIT Bombay not appearing in the list this year.
  • Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, a private university in Odisha, entered the rankings in the 201-300 band.

Source: LM

GDP Forecasts

1. Moody’s Forecasts Slower Indian Growth in 2025

• What:
  • Moody’s Analytics projects India’s economic growth to slow to 6.4% in 2025, down from 6.6% in 2024.
• Why:
  • The slowdown is attributed to new US tariffs and softening global demand impacting India’s exports.
• Tell me more:
  • The report forecasts a general slowdown in the Asia-Pacific economy in 2025 due to trade tensions and policy shifts.
  • China’s GDP growth is projected to slow to 4.2 per cent in 2025 and 3.9 per cent in 2026.
  • India’s GDP is expected to grow 6.4% in both the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years, according to Moody’s APAC forecast.

Source: ET

2. SBI: India’s GDP Growth Estimated at 6.3% for FY25

• What:
  • SBI Research estimates India’s GDP growth at 6.3% for FY25, slightly lower than the NSO’s forecast of 6.4%.
• Why:
  • The estimate is based on the assumption that there will be no major revisions to Q1 and Q2 growth figures.
• Tell me more:
  • Capex is improving in Q3 FY25, and IIP manufacturing growth has increased from 3.3% in Q2 to 4.3% in Q3.

Source: FE

Defence News

1. Defence Ministry Signs Contracts for Radios and Forklifts

• What:
  • The Defence Ministry signed two contracts worth ₹1,917.47 crore for procuring 149 software defined radios (SDRs) for the Indian Coast Guard and 1,868 rough terrain forklift trucks (RTFLTs) for the three Services.
• Why:
  • The contracts aim to enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s communication capabilities and the operational effectiveness of the three Services through advanced equipment.
• Tell me more:
  • The SDR contract with Bharat Electronics Limited is valued at ₹1,220.12 crore, enabling secure voice and data communication for the Indian Coast Guard.
  • The RTFLTs contract with ACE Limited and JCB India Limited is worth ₹697.35 crore, aiding in combat and logistics tasks by reducing manual handling.

Source: TH

2. 13th Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee Meeting in Kuala Lumpur

• What:
  • The 13th meeting of the Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) took place in Kuala Lumpur, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Malaysia’s Secretary General Lokman Hakim Bin Ali.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to expand bilateral defence cooperation, focusing on emerging areas like cybersecurity and AI, and to deepen collaboration in the defence industry and maritime security.
• Tell me more:
  • A joint focus group was agreed upon to tackle non-traditional maritime security threats.
  • Terms of Reference (ToR) were exchanged for establishing a Strategic Affairs Working Group and a Su-30 Forum to enhance cooperation between the two Air Forces.
  • The meeting reaffirmed commitments under the defence pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Malaysia.
  • India supports ASEAN centrality and unity, aligning with its Indo-Pacific Vision, and considers Malaysia a key partner in this region.

Source: PIB

Science and Technology

1. ISRO Develops Largest Solid Propellant Vertical Mixer

• What:
  • ISRO has developed a 10-tonne ‘vertical planetary mixer’ for solid propellants to enhance self-reliance in the space sector and improve solid motor production.
• Tell me more:
  • The mixer was made with CMTI in Bengaluru.
  • It weighs 150 tonnes and has specific dimensions mentioned.
  • Solid propellants are crucial for rocket motors.
  • This innovative equipment has been designed and manufactured in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in Bengaluru.

Source: TOI

Awards

1. Purnima Devi Barman Featured in Time’s List

• What:
  • Purnima Devi Barman, a biologist from Assam, was recognized in Time’s Women Of The Year 2025 list for her conservation efforts in saving the greater adjutant stork.
• Why:
  • Barman’s work aimed to protect the endangered stork species, which was once considered a pest, by changing societal perceptions and engaging local communities in conservation.
• Tell me more:
  • Her conservation journey began after saving a family of storks in 2007, despite facing local resistance.
  • The population of the greater adjutant stork has increased from 450 to over 1,800, thanks to her efforts and the ‘Hargila Army’, a group of 20,000 women.
  • The species was reclassified from “endangered” to “near threatened” in 2023.

Source: LM

2. Manohar Airport Wins Safety Award

• What:
  • Manohar International Airport (GOX) received the “Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskar (GOLDEN TROPHY)” at the National Safety Council of India (NSCI) Safety Awards 2024 under the ‘Service Sector’.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes the airport’s exemplary Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) performance and commitment to reducing workplace injuries.
• Tell me more:
  • The airport was evaluated on its safety performance, statistics, commitments, awareness, training, and innovations.
  • Manohar International Airport had ZERO fatal, non-fatal, & Total Permanent Disability incidences.

Source: The Goan

3. Vishvaa Rajakumar Wins Memory League World Championship 2025

• What:
  • Vishvaa Rajakumar won the Memory League World Championship 2025 with a perfect score of 5,000.
• Why:
  • He won due to his skill in memorising sequences quickly.
• Tell me more:
  • Rajakumar memorised 80 digits in 13.50 seconds and 30 images in 8.40 seconds.
  • He uses the “memory palace” technique.
  • Rajakumar is a 20-year-old student from Puducherry, studying at Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology.

Source: TOI

Important Dates

1. World Thinking Day – February 22

• Theme – “Our Story”

Source: N18

Sports

1. Virat Kohli Fastest to 14,000 ODI Runs

• What:
  • Virat Kohli became the fastest batter to reach 14,000 runs in ODIs during a Champions Trophy match against Pakistan.
• Tell me more:
  • He reached the milestone in just 287 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 350 innings.
  • Kohli also scored his 51st ODI century in the same game.
  • Kohli equalled Tendulkar’s record for most 50+ scores in ICC tournaments (23).
  • He also surpassed Mohammad Azharuddin for most catches for India in ODIs.
  • Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most runs in ODIs (18,426).
  • Kumar Sangakkara’s overall tally stands at 14,234, which Kohli is close to surpassing.

Source: HT

2. Md Shami Achieves 200 ODI Wickets

• What:
  • Md Shami reached a milestone of 200 ODI wickets during India’s match against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
• Why:
  • This achievement highlights Shami’s consistent performance and contribution to Indian cricket.
• Tell me more:
  • Shami is the eighth Indian player to achieve this milestone.
  • Ravindra Jadeja is the only active Indian cricketer with more ODI wickets than Shami, having taken 224 wickets.
  • Shami ranks 43rd globally in terms of ODI wickets.

Source: BS

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Bisleri Partners with ASI for Heritage Conservation

• What:
  • Bisleri International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme’ to conserve historic water bodies.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to combine heritage conservation with sustainable water management, aligning with Bisleri’s CSR initiative ‘Nayi Umeed’ and ASI’s conservation efforts.
• Tell me more:
  • The project will focus on four historic water bodies: Chand Baori, Baori at Neemrana, Padma and Rani Talabs, and Budha Budhi Pond.
  • The rejuvenation process includes desilting, cleaning, ecological revival, and landscaping, with minimal disruption to historical sites.
  • Informative signages will be installed to enhance tourism and community engagement.

Source: BS

2. HAL and DIAT Partner for Aerospace Research

• What:
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration between industry and academia.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to foster research and technological advancements in the aerospace sector.
• Tell me more:
  • HAL executives can pursue master’s and Ph.D. programs at DIAT, participate in specialized modules, and engage in exchange programs.
  • Joint conferences, seminars, and collaborative research projects will also be conducted.

Source: BS

Appointments

1. NITI Aayog CEO’s Tenure Extended

• What:
  • The tenure of NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) B V R Subrahmanyam has been extended by one year.
• Tell me more:
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the extension.
  • Subrahmanyam was appointed as NITI Aayog CEO in February 2023 for a period of two years.
  • He is a 1987-batch retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.
  • The extension is for a period of one year beyond February 24, 2025.

Source: ET

2. Shaktikanta Das Appointed as Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

• What:
  • Shaktikanta Das, the former governor of the Reserve Bank of India, has been appointed as the Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Tell me more:
  • His appointment is co-terminus with the term of the prime minister or until further orders.
  • Shaktikanta Das served as the RBI governor for six years before demitting office in December last year.

Source: HT

3. Kash Patel Sworn in as FBI Director

• What:
  • Kash Patel was sworn in as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), taking the oath on the Bhagavad Gita.
• Tell me more:
  • The ceremony took place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with US Attorney General Pam Bondi administering the oath.
  • Patel is not the first Indian-American to use the Bhagavad Gita for an oath; Congressman Suhas Subramanyam also did so.

Source: BS

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