26th-27th February 2025

1. World Protein Day 2025
2. National Protein Day 2025 – February 27
3. Germany new chancellor
4. Cali Fund Launched at CBD COP16 to Boost Biodiversity Finance
5. Advantage Assam 2.0: A New Dawn for Investment and Infrastructure
6. Australia and NZ Lead in Global Breast Cancer Rates
7. Recognition of Bathouism in Assam
8. India’s Economic Growth to Reach 6.4% in FY25 and FY26
9. Record-Breaking Mass Nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles at Rushikulya Beach
10. Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards Honor India’s Healthcare Legacy
11. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Biography, Know About His Life, Career, Political Life and Death
12. International Booker 2025: Kannada Book in Historic Longlist
13. SEBI Fines BSE’s ICCL ₹5 Crore for Regulatory Violations
14. IOA Forms Ad-Hoc Panel for Boxing Affairs
15. PNB Partners with ITBP to Provide Exclusive Banking Benefits
16. Operative Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Amount Crosses ₹10 Lakh Crore Benefiting 7.72 Crore Farmers
17. NASA and SpaceX to Launch Athena to Moon
18. Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher Steps Down; Fernando Fernandez Appointed Successor
19. Vijender Gupta Elected Speaker of Delhi Assembly
20. Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Historic Jhumoir Ensemble in Assam
21. Pankaj Advani Wins 2025 Asian Snooker Championship
22. Soliga Tribe’s Role in Tiger Conservation at BRT Tiger Reserve
23. Overview of PM of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay’s visit to India from February 20 to 21, 2025
24. CAG & IIT Madras Signed Two MoUs to Enhance Data Analytic Skills
25. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Regional Dialogue on Social Justice in New Delhi
26. Indian Navy Hands Over INS Guldar to MTDC for Underwater Museum and Artificial Reef
27. South Indian Bank Launches ‘SIB QUICKPL’, a Fully Digital Personal Loan Platform
28. S&P Global Market Intelligence Projects India’s GDP to Grow at 6.4% in FY25 and FY26
29. MP Govt & SECI signs MoU for 200 MW Solar Project at Dhar
30. ACC Approved Extension of Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi’s Tenure as DCGI by 1 Year
31. First Detailed Geological Map of Moon’s South Pole from Chandrayaan Data
32. 2025 Archery Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament, Stage 1: India Tops Medal Tally With 5 Gold Medals
33. International Asperger’s Day 2025 – February 18
34. PM Narendra Modi Embarks on a 3-day Visit to MP, Bihar & Assam
35. CUNPK Hosts First-Ever ‘Conference For Women Peacekeepers From Global South’ In New Delhi
36. India and UK Resumed Negotiations for FTA, Aims to Triple Bilateral Trade in 10 Years
37. IIT Madras Unveils India’s First Hyperloop Test Track
38. Denmark Launches GTAI to Strengthen Sustainable Energy Collaboration
39. HDFC Bank Launches India’s First Salary Account ‘Anmol Savings Account’ for PSU Employees
40. GIFTCL Partners with ZPOSL to Launch Prepaid Citizen Card and VMS
41. PNB signed MoU with ITBP for Financial benefits and Insurance Coverage
42. Axis Bank Hosts 9th Edition of ‘Evolve’ to Empower MSMEs
43. Digit Insurance & KMD Launches India’s First AQI-based Parametric Insurance
44. HAL & BEML sign MoU with for Collaboration in Training Programmes
45. EDF India Partners with CIL & NTPC for PSP and RE Opportunities
46. MUFG Bank Limited Completes First Fully-Digital Trade Finance Transaction with TTL at GIFT City
47. Mohun Bagan Super Giant Wins 2024–25 ISL Shield Title

National News

1. Bhutan’s PM Visits India for Leadership Conclave

• What:
  • Prime Minister of Bhutan, H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, visited India from February 20-21 to attend the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) Conclave.
• Why:
  • The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan.
• Tell me more:
  • Prime Minister Tobgay met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian ministers.
  • SOUL was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
  • India and Bhutan share strong ties of friendship and cooperation built on trust and mutual understanding.

Source: MEA

2. India Hosts Regional Dialogue on Social Justice

• What:
  • Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated a two-day Regional Dialogue on Social Justice in New Delhi, alongside ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and other dignitaries.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to promote decent work, social protection, and responsible business conduct through international collaboration.
• Tell me more:
  • The dialogue coincided with the 74th Foundation Day of ESIC and featured an award ceremony.
  • Dr. Mandaviya highlighted India’s leadership in promoting sustainable and inclusive societies.
  • ILO DG Houngbo praised India for doubling social protection coverage, citing it as a global model.
  • Plans were announced to extend ESIC coverage to unorganized and gig workers.

Source: PIB

3. First-Ever Conference for Women Peacekeepers Held in New Delhi

• What:
  • The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), organized a conference on “Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective” in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The conference aimed to strengthen gender inclusivity in peacekeeping missions and reaffirm India’s leadership in fostering South-South cooperation and women’s roles in UN peacekeeping.
• Tell me more:
  • The conference brought together women peacekeepers from 35 Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) from the Global South.
  • Thematic sessions covered topics like integrating technology into peacekeeping, the role of women, medical advancements, and combating sexual exploitation.
  • India has been a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping operations for over seven decades, with significant contributions to peacekeeper safety and technology-driven solutions.

Source: ET

4. India and UK Resume FTA Talks

• What:
  • India and the UK have resumed negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at doubling or tripling bilateral trade from the current USD 20 billion over the next decade.
• Why:
  • The FTA aims to boost bilateral trade and investments by eliminating or reducing customs duties and easing norms for trade in services and investments.
• Tell me more:
  • The negotiations were announced by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds.
  • Both countries are also negotiating a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) and a Double Contribution Convention Agreement in parallel with the FTA talks.
  • The bilateral trade between India and the UK increased to USD 21.34 billion in 2023-24 from USD 20.36 billion in 2022-23.

Source: BS

State News

1. Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit Concludes with ₹4.91 Lakh Crore Investment

• What:
  • Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 concluded with ₹4,91,500 crore in investment commitments.
• Why:
  • The summit aims to transition Assam from a dependable state to a contributory state, aiding in the transformation of Viksit Bharat.
• Tell me more:
  • Assam’s GSDP has grown over 12% in the last decade, and the state is set for further growth with new infrastructure and manufacturing projects.
  • The summit emphasized the importance of skilled workforce development and full implementation of signed MoUs.

Source: ANI PIB

2. Bathouism Recognized as Official Religion in Bodoland Region

• What:
  • The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government in Assam has included ‘Bathouism’ as an official option in the religion column of application forms.
• Why:
  • This move recognizes the distinct indigenous identity of the Bodos and preserves their nature-centric faith.
• Tell me more:
  • The decision applies to admission forms for educational institutions and key documents like birth and death certificates.
  • Bathouism is the traditional faith of the Bodos, the largest plains tribe of Assam, and is centered on the worship of Bathoubwrai, the supreme god.

Source: DTE

3. Olive Ridley Turtles Arrive for Mass Nesting in Odisha

• What:
  • Thousands of Olive Ridley turtles have arrived at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha for their annual mass nesting, known as Arribada, which began on February 16.
• Why:
  • Favorable weather conditions are believed to have played a key role in the record-breaking turnout of nesting turtles this year.
• Tell me more:
  • Authorities have ramped up conservation efforts, including installing protective fencing and intensifying Operation Olivia.

Source: TOI

4. PM Modi Participates in Jhumoir Binandini 2025 in Guwahati

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in Jhumoir Binandini 2025, a Mega Jhumoir programme in Guwahati, Assam.
• Why:
  • The event celebrates Assam’s rich tea garden culture and marks 200 years of the tea industry and industrialization in Assam.
• Tell me more:
  • The event featured 8,000 performers participating in the Jhumoir dance, a folk dance of Assam Tea Tribe and Adivasi Communities.
  • Modi highlighted the government’s efforts to develop Assam and serve the ‘Tea Tribe’ community, including bonuses for workers and support for women during pregnancy.

Source: GOV

5. PM Modi Praises Soligas for Tiger Conservation

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the Soligas’ contribution to tiger conservation in the BRT Tiger Reserve in Karnataka during his Mann Ki Baat address.
• Why:
  • The Soligas’ reverence for tigers and sustainable lifestyle has minimized human-animal conflict in the region.
• Tell me more:
  • The tiger population in the BRT Tiger Reserve increased from 69 in 2014 to 86 in 2018, though recent reports indicate a decline due to human presence and habitat degradation.
  • The Soligas assist the Forest Department in activities like fire protection due to their deep understanding of the forest ecosystem.

Source: TH

6. SECI Signs MoU for Solar and Storage Projects in Madhya Pradesh

• What:
  • Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) signed an MoU with the Government of Madhya Pradesh to develop a 200 MW solar project and a 1000 MWh battery storage project.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to support Madhya Pradesh’s clean energy transition goals by supplying renewable electricity through a 25-year power supply contract.
• Tell me more:
  • The 200 MW solar project is part of a larger 500 MW agreement signed in 2023 with MP Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL).
  • SECI plans a phase-wise capital investment of ₹2500 crore for solar and storage projects in Madhya Pradesh.
  • The MoU was signed during the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal.

Source: ET

7. PM Modi’s Three-State Visit – Madhya Pradesh, Bihar & Assam

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-day visit to Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam, focusing on healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth initiatives.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to promote balanced regional development through investment summits, infrastructure projects, and cultural events, enhancing economic, healthcare, and agricultural advancements.
• Tell me more:
  • In Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute, including a cancer hospital, and inaugurate the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal.
  • In Bihar, he will address a farmers’ welfare event, releasing the 19th instalment of the PM KISAN scheme and inaugurating key infrastructure projects.
  • In Assam, he will attend the Jhumoir Binandini cultural event and inaugurate the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit.

Source: ET

International News

1. Cali Fund Launched for Biodiversity Conservation

• What:
  • The Cali Fund for the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on Genetic Resources was launched in Rome during COP 16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the FAO Headquarters.
• Why:
  • The fund aims to mobilize resources for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, particularly supporting indigenous communities and implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Tell me more:
  • Half of the fund’s resources will support indigenous communities, including women and youth, and aid in implementing National Biodiversity Strategies and scientific research.
  • Large corporations benefiting from DSI are expected to contribute, while academic and public institutions are exempt.
  • Established under decision 16/2 at COP 16 in Colombia, the Cali Fund is hosted by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO) in collaboration with UNDP, UNEP, and the CBD Secretariat.
  • The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) convened from 21 October to 1 November 2024 in Cali, Columbia, under the presidency of Susana Muhamad (Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia).

Source: UN

2. Australia and New Zealand Have Highest Breast Cancer Rates

• What:
  • Australia and New Zealand have the highest breast cancer incidence rates globally, with one in 20 women worldwide diagnosed in their lifetime.
• Why:
  • High incidence rates in Australia and New Zealand may be due to aging populations and lifestyle risk factors.
• Tell me more:
  • The study analyzed breast cancer rates in 185 countries, finding the highest incidence in Australia/New Zealand and lowest in south-central Asia.
  • Only seven countries are meeting the WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) goal to reduce breast cancer mortality by 2.5% annually.

Source: ZN

3. Athena Robotic Lander Heads to Moon’s South Pole

• What:
  • Athena, a robotic lander built by Intuitive Machines, has launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the IM-2 mission to explore the moon’s south pole.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to search for water ice, which could be used for air, water, and rocket fuel, and to analyze the lunar surface.
• Tell me more:
  • Athena carries a drill, a small robotic hopper, and a tiny rover to explore the terrain for water evidence.
  • The lander will deploy the NASA-built Lunar Trailblazer probe and an AstroForge spacecraft for deep-space asteroid mining.
  • Athena’s target, Mons Mouton, is the closest landing site to the moon’s south pole yet, providing sufficient sunlight for a 10-day mission.

Source: CNN

4. Denmark Launches Green Transition Alliance India

• What:
  • Denmark has launched the Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI) to enhance collaboration with India on sustainable energy solutions and accelerate global carbon neutrality efforts.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to foster sustainable energy growth by creating an ecosystem for collaboration between businesses, governments, research institutions, and financial stakeholders from both countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The alliance involves prominent Danish companies like Grundfos and A. P. Moller-Maersk, along with strategic partners such as the Global Wind Energy Council and IIT Madras Energy Consortium.
  • The GTAI focuses on renewable energy, green fuels, and energy efficiency through three working groups.
  • It builds on the success of previous alliances like the Green Fuels Alliance India and Wind Alliance India.

Source: ANI

Banking and Economy

1. Sebi Penalizes ICCL with ₹5 Crore for Non-Compliance

• What:
  • SEBI has imposed a ₹5 crore penalty on the Indian Clearing Corporation (ICCL) for not following certain rules about network and cyber audits.
• Why:
  • The penalty was imposed because ICCL did not maintain correct inventory and failed to close out cyber audit observations promptly.
• Tell me more:
  • ICCL, a BSE subsidiary established in 2007, did not maintain an up-to-date inventory of hardware, software, and information assets.
  • The norms are prescribed in the July 2015 SEBI circular on Cyber Security for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs).
  • ICCL failed to obtain comments from management and the board of directors before submitting the Network Audit report to SEBI.

Source: ET

2. PNB and ITBP Sign MoU for Financial Benefits

• What:
  • Punjab National Bank (PNB) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide financial benefits and insurance coverage.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to support ITBP personnel, pensioners, and their families by offering customized financial products and services.
• Tell me more:
  • ITBP personnel will receive Personal Accidental Insurance of Rs. 100 lakh and Air Accidental Insurance of Rs. 150 lakh.
  • PNB has extended its Rakshak Account benefits to ITBP pensioners, offering lifetime PAI coverage of Rs. 50,00,000 and AAI coverage of Rs. 100 lakh.

Source: APAC

3. Kisan Credit Card Operative Amount More Than Doubles

• What:
  • The amount under operative Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts has more than doubled from ₹4.26 lakh crore in March 2014 to ₹10.05 lakh crore in December 2024.
• Why:
  • This reflects increased credit availability in agriculture and reduced reliance on non-institutional credit.
• Tell me more:
  • As of December 2024, a total of ₹10.05 lakh crore has been given under operative KCCs, benefiting 7.72 crore farmers.

Source: ET

4. South Indian Bank Launches Digital Loan Platform, ‘SIB QUICKPL’

• What:
  • South Indian Bank has launched ‘SIB QUICKPL’, a fully digital personal loan platform for new customers, allowing quick and document-free loan approvals.
• Why:
  • The platform aims to provide efficient, transparent, and customer-friendly financing solutions by integrating technology with banking services.
• Tell me more:
  • SIB QUICKPL is designed for salaried and self-employed individuals with strong credit profiles, offering loan approvals in just 10 minutes.
  • The platform uses the Account Aggregator framework and Income Tax portal for instant verification, eliminating the need for document uploads.
  • Approved loan amounts are directly credited to the applicant’s savings account.

Source: ET

5. HDFC Bank Launches India’s First PSU Salary Account with Cyber Fraud Cover

• What:
  • HDFC Bank has introduced India’s first PSU Salary Account with cyber fraud cover, known as the ‘Anmol Savings Account’, as part of its ‘Speciale’ suite of savings accounts.
• Why:
  • The account aims to provide comprehensive benefits and protection to PSU employees, including cyber fraud cover and additional insurance benefits.
• Tell me more:
  • The Anmol Savings Account offers cyber fraud cover up to ₹25,000, zero-balance salary family accounts for up to five family members, and comprehensive health insurance with OPD coverage.
  • It also includes benefits like free locker access, unlimited ATM transactions, and a free Platinum Debit Card with exclusive offers.
  • The account provides supplementary home loan options for Maharatna PSU employees.
  • Similarly, ‘Speciale Gold Women’ account gives a cancer cover *of up to ₹ 5 lakhs for women

Source: ET

6. Zaggle Partners with GIFTCL for Prepaid Solutions

• What:
  • Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services has entered into an agreement with Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company (GIFTCL) to provide Co-Brand Pre-Paid Citizen Card and Visitor Management System solutions.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to deliver fintech solutions to GIFTCL over a five-year period, leveraging Zaggle’s expertise in prepaid cards and software services.
• Tell me more:
  • Zaggle offers a range of fintech products, including prepaid cards and software as a service (SaaS) solutions like tax and payroll software.
  • Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services is known for its financial technology products and services.

Source: BS

7. Axis Bank Hosts 9th edition of MSME Seminar ‘Evolve’

• What:
  • Axis Bank hosted the 9th edition of its flagship seminar, Evolve, in Bangalore, focusing on future-proofing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through innovation and digital transformation.
• Why:
  • The seminar aimed to empower MSMEs by providing solutions for operational resilience and competitiveness in an evolving business landscape.
• Tell me more:
  • Axis Bank’s MSME lending portfolio has grown at a 30% CAGR since 2020, reflecting its commitment to the sector.
  • The Evolve series was launched in 2014 and has positively impacted over 9,000 MSME entrepreneurs across more than 50 cities.
  • Axis Bank holds an 8.6% market share in the MSME credit industry and offers tailored solutions like cash flow-based lending products and digital platforms.

Source: BN

8. India’s First AQI-Based Insurance Policy Launched

• What:
  • Go Digit General Insurance has partnered with K.M. Dastur Reinsurance Brokers to introduce India’s first AQI-based parametric insurance policy, protecting migrant construction workers in Delhi NCR from wage loss due to air pollution.
• Why:
  • The policy aims to provide timely financial support to workers during construction bans caused by hazardous air quality, addressing their vulnerability to wage loss during such disruptions.
• Tell me more:
  • The policy triggers payouts automatically if the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 400 for more than two days, with a minimum gap of 25 days between each event.
  • Affected workers can receive up to ₹6,000 to compensate for wage loss during these periods.
  • This parametric insurance offers a faster and more transparent claims process compared to traditional insurance.

Source: BS

9. NTPC and EDF India Partner for Energy Projects

• What:
  • NTPC and EDF India have signed a non-binding term sheet to collaborate on setting up pumped hydro storage and hydro projects bundled with renewable energy, and exploring opportunities in the distribution business.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to develop and operate energy projects, leveraging the strengths of both companies to enhance India’s energy infrastructure and renewable energy integration.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement proposes a 50:50 joint venture (JV) company to undertake these projects in India and neighboring countries.
  • The JV will focus on developing hydro projects combined with renewable energy and exploring distribution business opportunities.

Source: ET

10. Japan’s MUFG Completes Transaction with Tata International at GIFT City

• What:
  • Japan’s MUFG Bank has completed its first fully digitalized trade finance transaction from its GIFT City Branch for a subsidiary of Tata International Limited, utilizing the Contour Network Hub.
• Why:
  • The transaction aims to enhance international trade efficiency by leveraging technology, reducing processing time from two days to just three hours.
• Tell me more:
  • The digital transaction involved a $15-million Letter of Credit, negotiated and accepted within hours, showcasing the efficiency of digital trade finance.
  • This breakthrough underscores MUFG’s commitment to digital innovation and its role in India’s vision of becoming a global financial hub.
  • The collaboration with Xalts and Tata International highlights the potential for sustainable growth through cutting-edge technology.

Source: LM

GDP Forecasts

1. S&P Global Forecasts 6.4% Indian Economic Growth in FY26

• What:
  • S&P Global Market Intelligence forecasts the Indian economy to grow at 6.4% in FY26.
• Why:
  • Monetary and fiscal stimulus will help the economy in an increasingly challenging global environment.
• Tell me more:
  • Tax relief measures announced in the 2025 Union budget and the RBI’s policy rate reduction should support domestic demand.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lowered the policy rate to 6.25 percent in February and is expected to cut rates further.

Defence News

1. Indian Navy Ship Converted into Underwater Museum

• What:
  • The Indian Navy handed over INS Guldar to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Limited (MTDC) to be converted into an underwater museum and artificial reef.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to repurpose a decommissioned ship in a unique way, promoting marine conservation and tourism.
• Tell me more:
  • The ship was handed over on an ‘as is where is’ basis at Karwar and will undergo cleaning to remove pollutants before being scuttled at Sindhudurg.
  • The conversion process involves obtaining environmental clearances and ensuring safety precautions.
  • INS Guldar was built at Gdynia Shipyard, Poland, and commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 30, 1985.
  • It served in the Eastern Naval Command from 1985 to 1995 and later in the Andaman and Nicobar Command until its decommissioning on January 12, 2024.

Source: TOI

2. HAL and BEML Collaborate on Training Programs

• What:
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an MoU with BEML Ltd to collaborate on leadership and technical training programs for skill development and professional excellence.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem by equipping professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and skills through industry-academia collaboration.
• Tell me more:
  • The HAL Management Academy will design and deliver various training programs, including induction, middle and senior management training, specialized workshops, and certification programs.
  • The collaboration will also facilitate industrial visits, knowledge-sharing sessions, joint conferences, internships, and project-based learning opportunities for BEML professionals.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. Moon’s South Polar Region Mapped Using Data from Chandrayaan-3’s Pragyan Rover

• What:
  • Astronomers have created a detailed geological map of the moon’s south polar region using data from Chandrayaan-3’s Pragyan rover.
• Why:
  • The map aims to provide insights into the moon’s geological history and support theories about Earth and the moon’s common origin.
• Tell me more:
  • The map reveals a landscape of highlands and flat plains, confirming the presence of an underground ocean of primordial magma.
  • The region is estimated to be 3.7 billion years old, coinciding with the emergence of microbial life on Earth.
  • The South Pole-Aitken Basin near the landing site is one of the oldest and largest impact craters in the Solar System.

Source: TH

2. India Develops Hyperloop Test Track

• What:
  • India has developed its first hyperloop test track in collaboration with IIT Madras and Indian Railways to advance research in high-speed travel.
• Why:
  • The hyperloop technology aims to significantly reduce travel times between cities, offering an alternative to conventional rail and air transport by leveraging high-speed pods in low-pressure tubes.
• Tell me more:
  • The 422-meter test track is located on the IIT Madras campus and has been funded by the Ministry of Railways.
  • If successful, the hyperloop system could reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai to just 30 minutes.
  • Indian Railways plans to explore commercial implementation once extensive testing is completed, aiming for a fully functional hyperloop system.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Kannada Book ‘Heart Lamp’ Longlisted for International Booker Prize

• What:
  • “Heart Lamp,” a translated short story collection by Banu Mushtaq, has been longlisted for The International Booker Prize, marking the first Kannada book to achieve this recognition.
• Tell me more:
  • The collection features 12 short stories written between 1990 and 2023, focusing on the lives of ordinary girls and women in South India’s Muslim communities.
  • Translator Deepa Bhasthi aimed to retain the original style and local flavor while making the stories universally engaging.

Source: IE

Important Dates

1. World Protein Day – February 27

• World Protein Day is celebrated annually on February 27 to raise awareness about the health benefits of protein and address its deficiency.
• India also celebrates National Protein Day 2025 on the same date.

Source: N18

2. Veer Savarkar’s 59th Death Anniversary Observed on February 26

• What:
  • February 26, 2025, marks the 59th death anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also known as Veer Savarkar, a freedom fighter, politician, activist, and writer.
• Why:
  • Savarkar is recognized for his significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle and for developing the Hindu Nationalist Ideology of Hindutva.
• Tell me more:
  • Savarkar founded Abhinav Bharat in 1904 and started the Free India Society in London.
  • He was sentenced to double transportation for life in 1910 and released from jail in 1924, and passed away on February 26, 1966, after a hunger strike.

Source: N18

3. International Asperger’s Day – February 18

• What:
  • The National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (NIEPID) organized various programs across India to raise awareness about Asperger’s Syndrome on International Asperger’s Day (February 18).
• Why:
  • The initiative aimed to foster greater understanding and support for individuals affected by Asperger’s Syndrome, promoting inclusivity and improving their quality of life.
• Tell me more:
  • NILD, Kolkata, hosted a webinar on understanding Asperger’s Syndrome, while CRCs in Jammu, Nagpur, Guwahati, and Jaipur conducted awareness programs and webinars.

Source: pib

Sports

1. BFI Opposes IOA’s Ad Hoc Committee for Boxing Affairs

• What:
  • The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is opposing the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) decision to form an ad hoc committee to manage boxing affairs, calling it “illegal”.
• Why:
  • The IOA cited “administrative instability” within the federation, as BFI elections scheduled for February 2 have not been held.
• Tell me more:
  • The IOA formed the ad hoc committee to oversee the affairs of the Indian Boxing Federation and ensure smooth functioning until free and fair elections are conducted.
  • The BFI issued a statement condemning the creation of the ad hoc committee and plans to file a petition before the Delhi High Court.
  • The ad hoc committee is headed by Madhukant Pathak, with Rajesh Bhandari, DP Bhatt, Virendra Singh Thakur, and Shiva Thapa as members.
  • The IOA’s decision was prompted by complaints from stakeholders regarding the non-participation of Indian boxers in national and international events.

Source: DD

2. India Tops Medal Tally At Asia Cup Archery Tournament

• What:
  • India secured the top position in the medal standings at the first leg of the Asia Cup World Ranking Archery tournament, winning eight medals.
• Tell me more:
  • India won five gold medals, with notable victories in the recurve men’s section by Vishnu Choudhary and Rahul, and in other categories like women’s recurve and men’s compound.
  • The recurve mixed team won a silver, and the women’s compound team secured a bronze.

Source: N18

3. Indian Super League 2024-25

• Mohun Bagan Super Giant has won the Indian Super League’s League Shield for the second consecutive time.

Source: TH

Memorandum of Understanding

1. CAG and IIT Madras Sign MoUs for Audit Innovation

• What:
  • The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Madras to enhance sustainable audit skills and foster innovation in auditing.
• Why:
  • The partnerships aim to combine expertise and resources to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the audit process, focusing on areas like cyber security and sustainable audits.
• Tell me more:
  • The first MoU focuses on cyber security and sustainable audit, while the second MoU involves collaboration with the International Centre for Environment Audit and Sustainable Development (ICED) on environment audit and ESG.
  • The CAG plans to develop protocols for auditing entities with digital data and enhance remote auditing capabilities.
  • IIT Madras’s expertise in sustainable practices will support the CAG in auditing entities focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Source: ANI

Appointments

1. Germany New Chancellor

• Friedrich Merz is the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and is set to be the next chancellor.

Source: IE

2. Unilever’s New CEO Fernando Fernandez

• Unilever has appointed Fernando Fernandez as the new CEO, succeeding Hein Schumacher, effective March 1.

Source: ET

3. Vijender Gupta Elected Speaker of Delhi Assembly

Source: TW

4. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi’s Tenure as Drug Controller General of India Extended

• What:
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension of tenure for Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi as Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
• Tell me more:
  • Raghuvanshi was initially set to retire on February 28, 2025, but will continue on a contract basis from March 1, 2025.
  • During his tenure, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has intensified efforts against substandard drugs and improved pharmacovigilance systems.

Source: BS

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