28th February 2025

1. Hollywood Legend Gene Hackman Passes Away at 95
2. INS Guldar to Be Sunk Off Sindhudurg for Scuba Tourism Boost
3. V. Raman Biography
4. Chandrashekhar Azad Biography: Birthplace, Caste, Education, Contribution and Death
5. Flipkart-Backed super.money Acquires BharatX for Growth
6. Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh Remembered on His 15th Death Anniversary
7. NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer for Mapping the Moon’s Water Launched
8. Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony 2025: Recognizing Excellence in Animal Welfare
9. International Booker Prize Winners from 2005 to 2025, Check the Complete List
10. SBI Life Appoints Dorababu Daparti as Deputy CEO
11. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh Unveils First Edition of ‘Sashakt Bharat’ Hindi Magazine
12. Yes Bank Leads S&P Global Sustainability Rankings 2025
13. Bharat Calling Conference 2025: A Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
14. SIDBI Signs MoU with Tata Capital Limited to Strengthen MSME Financing
15. UDAN Yatri Cafe Inaugurated at Chennai Airport: A Major Step Towards Passenger Convenience
16. Tuhin Kanta Pandey Appointed as 11th SEBI Chairperson
17. When National Science Day Is Observed In India? Know Date, Theme, History and Significance
18. India Successfully Test Fires Naval Anti-Ship Missile
19. Screen Actors Guild Awards 2025 Full List of Winners
20. SBI Cuts India’s FY25 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.3%
21. J-K Police Registers First e-FIR via Email: A Step Towards Digital Policing
22. Muthoot Finance Gets RBI Nod to Open 115 New Branches
23. Military Exercise ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ Held at Bet Dwarka
24. India’s First Hyperloop Test Track: A High-Speed Revolution
25. Pixxel’s Firefly: Revolutionizing India’s Space Tech
26. UAE Introduces Blue Visa: 10-Year Residency for Foreigners
27. Friedrich Merz Ascends as Germany’s New Chancellor
28. Madhya Pradesh Now Home to India’s Highest Vulture Population
29. N Chandrasekaran Appointed as Chairman of Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation
30. Australia Invests USD 16 Million to Strengthen Economic Ties with India
31. DPIIT & Paytm Signs MoU to Promote India’s Manufacturing & Fintech Startups
32. Indian Army signs MoU with L&T for ACADA systems
33. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport among Top 10 Busiest Global Airports in 2025; Dubai International Airport Tops: OAG
34. ADB Approves USD 200 Million Loan to Expand Urban Services in Kolkata
35. SIDBI signs MoU with TCL to Strengthen Financing Avenues for MSMEs
36. INOX India Becomes 1st to Earn IATF 16949 Certification for Cryogenic Fuel Tanks
37. DRDO & IN Successfully Conducted Flight Trials of First-of-its-Kind ‘NASM-SR’ in Odisha
38. SpaceX Successfully Launched 3rd Moon Landing Mission with Athena Lander
39. Renowned Gujarati Poet and Sahitya Akademi Awardee Anil Ramanath Joshi Passes Away
40. World NGO Day 2025 – February 27

National News

1. Amit Shah Honors Nanaji Deshmukh’s Legacy on His 15th Death Anniversary

• What:
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the Remembrance Day ceremony for Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh’s 15th death anniversary in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, and inaugurated Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s statue.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to honor Nanaji Deshmukh’s contributions to politics, rural development, and cultural nationalism, emphasizing his lasting impact on India.
• Tell me more:
  • Nanaji Deshmukh was a transformative figure who worked closely with Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya to establish the Jana Sangh in Uttar Pradesh.
  • He implemented the “Antyodaya” principle, focusing on uplifting the marginalized, and his efforts reshaped India’s villages.
  • Nanaji was universally respected across diverse fields and played a significant role in resisting the Emergency and forming the Janata Party.

Source: PIB

2. Defence Minister Launches ‘Sashakt Bharat’ Magazine

• What:
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the first edition of the Ministry of Defence’s Hindi magazine ‘Sashakt Bharat’ at South Block, New Delhi, on February 27, 2025.
• Why:
  • The magazine aims to promote Hindi, highlight the creative talent of MoD employees, and encourage them to use Hindi in their daily activities.
• Tell me more:
  • The magazine includes poems and articles on the valour and sacrifices of Armed Forces personnel, as well as government policies, showcasing inclusivity and unity in diversity.
  • An e-version of the magazine will be available on the MoD’s official website.

Source: ANI

3. Bharat Calling Conference 2025 in Mumbai

• What:
  • The ‘Bharat Calling Conference 2025’ was organized by IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The purpose of the Bharat Calling Conference 2025 is to discuss inclusive development, sustainability, and India’s role as an emerging global investment destination.
• Tell me more:
  • Union Commerce and Industry Minister identified five key enablers for a developed India by 2047: quality management, sustainability, inclusive growth, skill development, and competitiveness.
  • The minister emphasized the need for businesses to adopt modern quality standards and support small businesses in improving manufacturing practices.
  • India’s government initiatives aim to transform the economy over the next two decades, known as the Amrit Kaal, leading up to 2047.

Source: ANI

State News

1. UDAN Yatri Cafe Opens at Chennai Airport

• What:
  • Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the UDAN Yatri Cafe at Chennai Airport, following its successful launch at Kolkata Airport.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to make air travel more convenient and affordable by offering affordable refreshments, aligning with the UDAN scheme’s goal to democratize air travel.
• Tell me more:
  • The cafe provides hygienic refreshments at low prices, such as water, tea, coffee, and snacks, and is strategically located in the pre-check area of Chennai Airport’s T1 domestic terminal.
  • The facility will soon be expanded to Delhi Airport due to high passenger demand.
  • Chennai Airport is one of the oldest and fifth busiest in the country, handling over 22 million passengers annually.

Source: ANI

2. J-K Police Registers First e-FIR via Email

• What:
  • Police Station Khrew has registered its first electronic First Information Report (e-FIR) based on an email complaint regarding an alleged assault.
• Why:
  • The move is part of a digital policing initiative, allowing for more efficient and modernized reporting and processing of complaints.
• Tell me more:
  • The use of e-FIRs represents a shift towards digital policing, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of law enforcement services.

Source: ANI

3. Vulture Population Rises in Madhya Pradesh

• What:
  • The latest census in Madhya Pradesh shows an increase in the vulture population, now standing at 12,981, up from 10,845 in the previous census.
• Why:
  • The increase is attributed to conservation efforts, although the exact reasons are not specified in the report.
• Tell me more:
  • The census was conducted over three days from February 17, 2025, and marks a 35% increase in the vulture population over the past six years.
  • Madhya Pradesh is home to seven species of vultures, including four local and three migratory species.
  • The state has the largest vulture population in the country.

Source: DC

4. ADB Funds Kolkata’s Sewerage Upgrade

• What:
  • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 200 million loan to enhance Kolkata’s sewerage and drainage infrastructure, aiming to improve the city’s livability.
• Why:
  • The project aims to address Kolkata’s inadequate drainage and sewerage systems, exacerbated by climate change, to improve living conditions and health outcomes for residents.
• Tell me more:
  • The project includes constructing 84 km of trunk and secondary sewerage pipelines, 176 km of lateral pipelines, and 50,000 household connections.
  • It will also build one sewage treatment plant and five pumping stations, benefiting over 277,000 residents.

Source: ET

International News

1. NASA Launches Lunar Trailblazer Satellite

• What:
  • NASA launched the Lunar Trailblazer satellite from Florida to explore water deposits on the moon, particularly in permanently shadowed craters near the lunar poles.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to identify water resources on the moon, which are crucial for future lunar missions and interplanetary exploration.
• Tell me more:
  • The Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft will conduct flybys and orbit the moon to map water and ice, focusing on cold, shadowed regions where large water ice reservoirs are believed to exist.
  • The spacecraft uses instruments like the Lunar Thermal Mapper and High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper to detect temperature and map water patterns on the moon’s surface.
  • Water on the moon can originate from sources such as the solar wind and meteorites.

Source: TOI

2. UAE Introduces Blue Visa for Environmental Contributors

• What:
  • The UAE has launched the Blue Visa, a 10-year residency permit for individuals who have significantly contributed to environmental protection and sustainability.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to attract and retain global talent in environmental sustainability, enhancing the UAE’s ecological efforts and achieving its sustainability goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The Blue Visa targets members of international organizations, NGOs, award recipients, and distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work.
  • The visa complements existing programs like the Golden and Green Visas, focusing specifically on environmental sustainability.
  • The Blue Visa was unveiled during the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai, highlighting the UAE’s strategic emphasis on ecological preservation.

Source: IT

3. Australia to Invest $16m to Boost Trade Ties with India

• What:
  • Australia has launched an ambitious roadmap to expand and diversify its trade and investment ties with India, focusing on areas like defence, sports, culture, space, and technology.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to boost two-way investment, enhance economic security, and create jobs by leveraging the strategic partnership between Australia and India.
• Tell me more:
  • The roadmap identifies four “superhighways of growth”: clean energy, education and skills, agribusiness, and tourism.
  • Australia is investing $16 million in the Australia-India Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund to support businesses in India.
  • An additional $4 million will be invested in the Maitri Grants programme to strengthen people-to-people and cultural links.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Flipkart’s super.money Acquires BharatX

• What:
  • super.money, a Flipkart-backed UPI platform, has acquired BharatX, a checkout financing platform, in an all-cash deal to enhance its credit solutions on UPI.
• Why:
  • The acquisition aims to leverage BharatX’s tech stack to address the growing demand for innovative credit solutions on UPI, particularly in checkout financing.
• Tell me more:
  • super.money, launched in July 2024, is now India’s sixth-largest UPI player and plans to expand its financial offerings, including personal loans and unsecured credit products.
  • BharatX offers credit products like buy now, pay later (BNPL) and pay in X (EMI solutions), which will be integrated into super.money’s services.
  • The acquisition comes at a time when competition in checkout financing has decreased, making it an opportune moment to enter this market.

Source: LM

2. Yes Bank Tops Sustainability Ratings

• What:
  • Yes Bank has been ranked as India’s highest-rated bank in sustainability for the third consecutive year, according to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) 2024 and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
• Why:
  • The bank’s strong performance in ESG indicators such as climate strategy, financial inclusion, and corporate governance led to its high rating.
• Tell me more:
  • Yes Bank achieved a CSA score of 72 out of 100 and retained its A- (Leadership Band) rating from CDP, highlighting its effective climate risk management and disclosure practices.
  • The bank is committed to achieving net-zero emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2030 and discloses financed emissions for electricity generation loans.

Source: ET

3. Muthoot Finance Gets Approval for New Branches

• What:
  • Muthoot Finance has received RBI approval to open 115 new branches, with directives to ensure proper security and storage facilities for gold jewellery.
• Tell me more:
  • The company recently reported a 26% increase in net profit to Rs 1,389 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, driven by a 36% rise in revenue from operations.
  • The RBI’s focus on enhancing liquidity and recent interest rate adjustments contribute to a positive economic outlook for the company.

Source: MoC

4. Inox India Receives IATF 16949 Certification

• What:
  • Inox India became India’s first cryogenic equipment manufacturer to receive the IATF 16949 certification for cryogenic fuel tank manufacturing, despite its shares falling.
• Why:
  • The certification validates Inox India’s quality management standards in the automotive industry, aligning with global shifts towards greener transport fuels.
• Tell me more:
  • The certification covers the design and manufacturing of insulated cryogenic fuel tanks, including those for LNG, following a comprehensive audit of Inox India’s facility in Kalol, Gujarat.
  • The IATF 16949 standard is a mandatory requirement for automotive OEM suppliers, based on ISO 9001. It is a leading international automotive quality management standard.

Source: MoC

Reports and Indices

1. Global Airports Remain Key Transit Hubs: OAG Report

• What:
  • Airports continue to serve as crucial global connectivity hubs, facilitating travel across nations and cities, with India’s airport significantly improving its ranking in 2025.
• Why:
  • The ranking of the busiest airports is based on available seat capacity, both domestic and international, as per recent reports.
• Tell me more:
  • The busiest airports in the world, including India’s, are expected to handle millions of passengers annually, reflecting increased demand for air transport globally.
  • Top 10 busiest airports in the world 2025:

Source: TOI

GDP Forecasts

1. SBI Revises India’s GDP Growth Forecast for FY25 to 6.3%

• What:
  • The State Bank of India (SBI) has revised its GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.3%, down from the National Statistical Office’s projection of 6.4%, citing economic challenges like slowed lending and manufacturing.
• Why:
  • The revision is due to concerns over a general slowdown in aggregate demand, a large base effect from the previous year, and underperformance in the manufacturing and services sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The first advance estimates suggest a GDP growth rate of 6.4% for FY25, a decline from 8.2% in FY24, with agriculture growing at 3.8% and industry at 6.2%.
  • Private consumption is expected to drive growth with a real growth rate of 7.3%, supported by strong agricultural growth and lower food inflation.
  • Despite positive trends, investment growth has slowed, and weak private investment remains a concern.

Defence News

1. DRDO Tests Naval Anti-Ship Missile – NASM-SR

• What:
  • The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship missile (NASM-SR) from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur.
• Why:
  • The trials aimed to demonstrate the missile’s capabilities, particularly its Man-in-Loop feature, which allows for in-flight retargeting.
• Tell me more:
  • The missile was launched from an Indian Naval Seaking Helicopter and hit a small ship target with precision using an indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance.
  • The trials showcased the missile’s ability to operate in sea-skimming mode and use a high bandwidth two-way datalink system for real-time image transmission.
  • The missile’s guidance systems include an indigenous Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS and Radio Altimeter.

Source: PIB

2. Indian Army Procures ACADA Systems

• What:
  • The Indian Army has signed a contract with M/s L&T Ltd to procure 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems at a cost of Rs 80.43 Cr under the Buy Indian (IDDM) category.
• Why:
  • The procurement aims to boost the Government of India’s Atmanirbharta drive by utilizing locally sourced components and enhancing the Army’s defensive capabilities.
• Tell me more:
  • The ACADA system detects chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals using Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS).
  • It contains two highly sensitive IMS cells for continuous detection and monitoring of harmful substances.
  • The induction of ACADA will enhance the Army’s CBRN capabilities for operations and disaster relief situations.

Science and Technology

1. Pixxel Launches India’s First Private Satellite Constellation

• What:
  • Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space-tech company, has launched India’s first private satellite constellation, named Firefly, aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission.
• Why:
  • The launch aims to strengthen India’s presence in advanced space technology and provide high-resolution Earth observation capabilities for environmental monitoring and climate action.
• Tell me more:
  • The Firefly satellites offer a 5-meter resolution, significantly sharper than existing hyperspectral satellites, and can capture data across 150+ spectral bands.
  • They are designed for frequent revisits with a 40-kilometer swath width, enabling consistent monitoring of vast areas.
  • The satellites will impact industries like agriculture, natural resource management, and climate monitoring.

Source: FE

Awards

1. Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Awards Ceremony

• What:
  • The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) organized the “Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, to recognize contributions to animal welfare.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to promote animal welfare, enhance the implementation of animal welfare laws, and honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions.
• Tell me more:
  • The ceremony was attended by Union Ministers and senior officials, who emphasized India’s cultural heritage of nurturing animals and the importance of compassion towards animals.
  • Four books were released to support the implementation of animal welfare laws, including handbooks for veterinary officers and urban local bodies.
  • Awards were presented in various categories to individuals and organizations for their contributions to animal welfare.

Source: PIB

2. All 13 Writers on International Booker Longlist are First-Time Nominees

• What:
  • The International Booker Prize has announced its 2025 longlist, featuring 13 writers, including Mircea Cărtărescu, Hiromi Kawakami, and Christian Kracht, all first-time nominees.
• Why:
  • The longlist aims to recognize outstanding literary works translated into English, with the winner receiving a £50,000 prize shared equally between the author and translator.
• Tell me more:
  • This year’s list includes a record number of independent publishers and features languages such as Romanian and Kannada for the first time.
  • The shortlist will be announced on April 8, with the winner revealed on May 20 at the Tate Modern in London.

Source: TG

3. 31st Annual SAG Awards Ceremony

• What:
  • The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards is underway in Los Angeles, recognizing the best film and television performances of 2024.
• Why:
  • The event aims to honor outstanding acting performances in film and television, with notable nominees like Wicked and Shōgun leading their categories.
• Tell me more:
  • The SAG Awards are being hosted by Kristen Bell.

Source: HT

Important Dates

1. National Science Day – February 28

• Theme: “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.’”
• This day is not the birth or death anniversary of a person, but the anniversary of a scientific discovery — on this day in 1928, Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman discovered a new way light scatters.
• This was later known as the ‘Raman Effect’, and won him the Nobel Prize in Physics 1930. Till date, this remains the only science Nobel won by an Indian working in India.

Source: IE

2. World NGO Day – February 27

• Theme: “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future”

Source: N18

Memorandum of Understanding

1. SIDBI and Tata Capital Sign MOU for MSME Financing

• What:
  • SIDBI and Tata Capital Limited signed an MoU to collaborate on financing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through various loan options and risk-sharing models.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to support the growth and development of the MSME ecosystem by providing diverse funding avenues.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration will focus on machinery/equipment financing, working capital loans, and loans against property, with options for risk sharing and co-lending.

Source: ANI

2. DPIIT and Paytm Sign MOU for Startup Growth

• What:
  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed an MoU with Paytm to foster innovation and growth among manufacturing and fintech startups in India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to provide essential resources to startups, enhancing their ability to develop cutting-edge payment and financial technology solutions, and support India’s emergence as a global innovation hub.
• Tell me more:
  • Paytm will offer mentorship, infrastructure support, market access, and funding opportunities to startups, focusing on fintech hardware startups.
  • The collaboration includes regulatory and compliance assistance through workshops and guidance from industry and government bodies.
  • Paytm will launch dedicated programs for fintech hardware manufacturers, including mentorship and access to funding.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. SBI Life Appoints New Deputy CEO

• SBI Life Insurance Company has appointed Dorababu Daparti as its Deputy CEO, effective from February 24, 2025, based on the recommendation of the nomination and remuneration committee.

Source: BS

2. Tuhin Kanta Pandey Appointed SEBI Chairman

• What:
  • The Union government has appointed Finance and Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), effective from March 1, 2025.
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to bring experienced leadership to SEBI, with Pandey succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch at the end of her tenure.
• Tell me more:
  • Pandey will serve as the 11th chairman of SEBI for a term of three years.
  • He has been appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Source: BS

3. Germany’s New Chancellor

• Friedrich Merz has been appointed as the new chancellor of Germany.

Source: IE

4. N Chandrasekaran Appointed RTEF Chairman

• What:
  • N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF), a Section 8 entity established by the late Ratan Tata.
• Tell me more:
  • The RTEF was set up to focus on new areas of philanthropy, promote research in future technologies, and support initiatives with significant social impact.
  • The foundation will receive funds from Ratan Tata’s stake in Tata Sons and other holdings after his will is probated.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Gene Hackman Passes Away at 95

• Gene Hackman, a renowned Hollywood actor, has passed away at the age of 95 alongside his wife and dog at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
• Gene Hackman was celebrated for his roles in films like “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” winning two Academy Awards and earning three nominations.

Source: TOI

2. Renowned Gujarati Poet and Essayist Anil Joshi Passes Away

• Renowned Gujarati poet and essayist Anil Joshi, known for his works such as Kadach and Statue, and for returning his 1990 Sahitya Akademi award to protest attacks on literary writers in 2015, passed away.

Source: IE

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