19th February 2025

1. MoLE & APNA Join Hands to Expand Job Opportunities
2. Thiruvalluvar Statue Inaugurated in the Philippines
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2025: Know Date, History, Significance and Celebrations
4. BAFTA Awards 2025: Full Winners List Unveiled!
5. India-Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian 2025’ to be Held at Mount Fuji
6. Bhupender Yadav Opens ‘Waste Recycling and Climate Change 2025’ Conclave
7. RSS Inaugurates New Headquarters ‘Keshav Kunj’ in New Delhi
8. India’s First Open-Air Art Wall Museum Marks IMD’s 150-Year Journey
9. India-Qatar to Double Trade to $28B by 2030
10. WPL 2025: G Kamalini Becomes Youngest Debutant for MI
11. MSME Sector Gets Boost with Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme & Other Initiatives
12. DoT and ITU Partner to Revolutionize Infrastructure with AI Digital Twins
13. 3rd Edition of India Energy Week Held in Delhi – Part I Part II
14. Military Exercise ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ Held in Gujarat to Enhance Coastal Security
15. Volvo Trucks Launches India’s First Road Train for Efficient Logistics
16. Overview of PM Narendra Modi visit to France & USA
17. IN’s Participation in ‘International Fleet Review 2025’ and ‘Exercise Komodo’
18. India’s Solar Share to Surge, Renewables to Contribute 27% of Energy Mix by 2027: IEA
19. ePlane & ICATT Sign USD 1 Billion Deal for 788 eVTOL Air Ambulances
20. Odisha Govt and EESL Collaborate to Enhance Energy Efficiency Initiatives
21. Veteran Space Scientist & Padma Shri Awardee R. Manicka Vasagam Passes Away

National News

1. ‘Waste Recycling & Climate Change 2025’ Conclave: Key Highlights

• What:
  • Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurated a conclave on ‘Waste Recycling & Climate Change 2025,’ emphasizing India generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually.
• Why:
  • The conclave highlights the need to shift towards a circular economy that conserves resources, fosters innovation, and creates jobs.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s circular economy is expected to reach a market value of $2 trillion and generate 10 million jobs by 2050.
  • The Ministry has introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations covering e-waste, end-of-life vehicles, plastic packaging, waste tyres, waste batteries, and used oil.
  • Shri Yadav outlined four key strategies: redesigning products for recyclability, investing in advanced recycling technologies, strengthening supply chain collaboration, and promoting consumer awareness.

Source: PIB

2. India’s First Open Air Art Wall Museum Inaugurated at IMD

• What:
  • Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first “Open Air Art Wall Museum” at “Mausam Bhawan”, depicting 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to celebrate the milestone journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Tell me more:
  • The art museum transforms the walls of IMD’s headquarters on Lodhi Road into a vibrant visual narrative of India’s meteorological advancements.
  • The “Mausam Bhawan” special art showcase features 38 unique murals depicting India’s meteorological history, the evolution of weather forecasting, and its impact on agriculture, disaster management, and everyday life.
  • The artwork illustrates crucial meteorological events, advancements in technology such as satellites and radars, and the role of IMD in safeguarding lives through early warnings.

Source: PIB

3. India and Qatar Upgrade Bilateral Relations to Strategic Partnership

• What:
  • India and Qatar have decided to upgrade their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
• Tell me more:
  • This decision was made during the two-day visit of Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to India.
  • Both nations aim to double bilateral trade from the current $14.08 billion to $28 billion over the next five years.

Source: cnbc

4. 2nd India-France AI Policy Roundtable and 14th India-France CEOs Forum

• What:
  • The 2nd India-France AI Policy Roundtable was held, and India offered France the Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket system.
• Why:
  • The roundtable aimed to discuss India’s AI policy priorities, and the defence offer seeks to strengthen defence ties.
• Tell me more:
  • The AI roundtable focused on responsible AI, data governance, and collaboration on AI safety, with discussions building on the first roundtable held in Bengaluru.
  • PM Modi invited the French Army to consider the Pinaka system, and India is already exporting Pinaka to Armenia.
  • At the 14th India-France CEOs Forum, PM Modi highlighted India’s economic growth and invited French companies to explore opportunities in various sectors.

Source: PIB1 PIB2 TOI

5. PM Modi Receives SpaceX Heatshield Tile

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in Washington.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to discuss various topics, including space, mobility, technology, and innovation.
• Tell me more:
  • Elon Musk gifted PM Modi a heatshield tile that flew on SpaceX’s Starship test flight 5 in October 2024.
  • The tile is designed to protect spacecraft from extreme heat during atmospheric re-entry.
  • PM Modi gifted Musk’s children three Indian classic books, which they were seen reading.

Source: NDTV

6. India Energy Week 2025

• What:
  • Third edition of India Energy Week (IEW) 2025, the world’s second-largest energy event, scheduled from February 11-14, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• Why:
  • India Energy Week is more than just an industry conference—it was designed to be a dynamic platform redefining global energy dialogues.
• Tell me more:
  • Avinya’25 and Vasudha Startup challenges aim to foster innovation in the energy sector and contribute to India’s energy transition.
    • UrjanovaC Pvt Ltd won Avinya’25, while Latin Energy Partners Inc., Paraguay won Vasudha.
    • The announcement came at the conclusion of “Energize India: Catalyzing Growth Through Startup Innovation” conclave.
  • Shri Hardeep Singh Puri chaired a Ministerial Roundtable on Clean Cooking at India Energy Week 2025.
  • A team from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad won the top position at the Pan-India IIT FIPI Hackathon during India Energy Week 2025.
    • The team developed a patented process for producing nitrogen-doped multilayer graphene nanopowder for CO2 adsorption and conversion.

Source: PIB1 PIB2 PIB3 TOI HBL BS1 BS2 BS3 CNBC

State News

1. Odisha Partners with EESL for Energy Efficiency Measures

• What:
  • EESL signed an MoU with the government of Odisha for collaboration on large-scale energy efficiency measures.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration will deploy innovative solutions, including energy efficiency projects in public buildings and municipal services.
  • It also promotes clean cooking solutions, electric mobility, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and joint research and development.

Source: ET

International News

1. Thiruvalluvar Statue Unveiled in Philippines

• What:
  • Indian Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain unveiled the statue of Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar in the Philippines.
• Why:
  • The unveiling commemorated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines.
• Tell me more:
  • The statue unveiling took place at Gullas College of Medicine (GCM) in Cebu.
  • The envoy also attended the Indo-Philippine Cultural and Educational Exchange Summit at the college.
  • The event was organized by GCM under the leadership of its Chief Executive Adviser Dr. David Pillai, who commissioned the statue.

Source: DE

Banking and Economy

1. Volvo Introduces India’s First Road Train Solution for Logistics

• What:
  • Volvo Trucks has announced the introduction of India’s first Road Train solution.
• Why:
  • The Road Train solution is aimed at optimising efficiency in the high-volume logistics industry.
• Tell me more:
  • The Road Train concept was formally incorporated into regulations in 2020, allowing for vehicle lengths up to 25.25 meters.
  • The Road Train is certified by MoRTH and ARAI for operation between Delhivery hubs of Nagpur and Bhiwandi.
  • It aligns with the ongoing transformation in Indian logistics and the government’s Gati Shakti master plan.

Source: TH

2. India and US Launch Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA)

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump kick-started a new initiative named Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA).
• Why:
  • ASIA aims to scale industry partnerships and production in the Indo-Pacific.
• Tell me more:
  • The Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance refers to India-U.S. cooperation in the area of underwater domain awareness technologies.
  • The U.S. has offered co-production and co-development opportunities for UDA technologies on a commercial basis.
  • India is in discussion with some U.S. companies for technologies like Sea Picket autonomous surveillance system, Wave Glider unmanned surface vehicle systems, and Low Frequency Active Towed Sonar.
  • ASIA is set to cover all the areas of co-development and co-production.

Source: TH

3. ePlane Company to Supply 788 Air Ambulances to ICATT

• What:
  • The ePlane Company has agreed to supply 788 air ambulances to International Critical Care Air Transfer Team (ICATT).
• Why:
  • The deal aims to provide air ambulance services across all districts in India, helping to combat traffic congestion.
• Tell me more:
  • The non-binding agreement is valued at more than $1 billion.
  • ePlane is targeting commercial operations by the latter half of 2026, with an initial production of 100 units a year.
  • The aircraft would have an initial range of about 110 kilometres, which can later be increased to more than 200 kilometres.

Source: HBL

Reports and Indices

1. India’s Renewable Energy Share to Reach 27% by 2027: IEA Report

• What:
  • India’s renewable energy share is set to grow from 21% in 2024 to 27% by 2027, led by solar PV expansion.
• Why:
  • The government aims to accelerate the renewable energy transition and meet rising electricity demand.
• Tell me more:
  • PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide rooftop solar systems for 10 million households, adding 30 GW capacity.
  • Wind energy is projected to accelerate to 11% growth from 2025 to 2027 and nuclear power plans to triple capacity by 2032.
  • Coal accounted for 74% of India’s power mix in 2024, projected to decline to 67% by 2027.
  • Electricity demand surged 5.8% year-on-year in 2024, driven by economic growth and heatwaves.

Source: HBL

Defence News

1. India-Japan Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025

• What:
  • The Indian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) will conduct the sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian at Mount Fuji, Japan.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to improve interoperability between the two forces through joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism drills under a United Nations mandate.
• Tell me more:
  • The exercise will be held from February 25 to March 9.
  • Dharma Guardian 2025 underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan and provides a platform for personnel to exchange best practices, refine coordination strategies, and develop mutual trust.

Source: IN

2. ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ Exercise

• What:
  • A military exercise titled ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ was organized at Bet Dwarka, an island in Gujarat.
• Why:
  • The exercise was held to strengthen security in Dwarka and its surrounding islands, particularly in response to recent illegal encroachments.
• Tell me more:
  • The large-scale drill involved participation from 11 Ahmedabad and 31 Jamnagar Army units, as well as the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police.
  • The exercise was monitored by the District Administration of Devbhoomi Dwarka, Forest Department, Maritime Board of Gujarat Energy, NSG.
  • Security personnel practised securing critical infrastructure and responding to potential land-based threats.

Source: ANI

3. US, India Launch COMPACT to Boost Defence, Tech Ties

• What:
  • US President Trump and PM Modi launched the US-India COMPACT to drive transformative change.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to strengthen mutual trust and partnership, counter China’s assertiveness, and enhance India’s security.
• Tell me more:
  • The COMPACT will increase military sales and cooperation.
  • A new 10-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership will be signed.
  • New procurements include Javelin missiles and Stryker vehicles.

Source: IE

4. Indian Navy Participates in International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025

• What:
  • INS Shardul and P8I aircraft are in Bali, Indonesia, to participate in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025.
• Why:
  • The IFR aims to promote maritime cooperation among participating naval forces.
• Tell me more:
  • The IFR will be reviewed by the President of Indonesia from February 15 to 22, 2025.
  • The Indian Navy will participate in the International Maritime Security Symposium and tactical floor games.
  • Following IFR 25, both INS Shardul and the P8I will participate in Exercise Komodo.

Source: PIB

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards 2025

• What:
  • The 78th British Academy Film Awards, more commonly known as the BAFTAs, honor films of any nationality that were screened in British cinemas in 2024.
• Tell me more:

Source: IE

Important Dates

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti – February 19

• What:
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire.
• Tell me more:
  • In 2025, Shivaji Jayanti will be observed on February 19, commemorating his 395th birth anniversary.
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosale (1630–1680 C.E.) established the Maratha Empire, defying the Mughal rule.

Source: MoC

Sports

1. G Kamalini Youngest Player to Debut in Women’s Premier League

• What:
  • G Kamalini became the youngest player to debut in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) at 16 years 213 days.
• Tell me more:
  • The match was held at the Kotambi International Stadium in Vadodara.
  • The list of youngest debutants in WPL includes Shabnam Shakil, Parshavi Chopra, Alice Capsey and Joshitha VJ.

Source: TS

Memorandum of Understanding

1. MoLE Signs MOU with APNA for Job Opportunities

• What:
  • The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) has partnered with APNA to bring 10 lakh+ job opportunities annually to the National Career Service (NCS) Portal.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to enhance employment prospects for young job seekers and strengthen domestic employment avenues.
• Tell me more:
  • The NCS Portal has 40 lakh+ registered employers and 4.40 crore vacancies mobilized since its launch, with nearly 10 lakh vacancies available at any given time.
  • Job seekers on NCS will gain broader employment options across metro and non-metro cities through seamless integration with APNA.
  • The collaboration promotes equal opportunities for women and persons with disabilities, ensuring a fair recruitment process.

Source: PIB

2. India and ITU Partner for Digital Advancement and Global Standards

• What:
  • Department of Telecom and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for collaborative projects.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to enhance India’s global position in the telecommunications sector and develop global standards.
• Tell me more:
  • The projects will focus on digital twins, AI-driven solutions, virtual world technologies, and IMT-2030 advancements.
  • India pledged to contribute to global connectivity projects and skill development programs.
  • India proposed hosting the ITU-Plenipotentiary Conference 2030 in India.

Source: PIB

Miscellaneous

1. R Manicka Vasagam, Pioneer of Indian Space Program, Passes Away

• What:
  • Space scientist R Manicka Vasagam, project director of APPLE, passed away in Bengaluru.
• Why:
  • Vasagam was revered for his contributions to India’s space program and as a visionary engineer.
• Tell me more:
  • APPLE was India’s first experimental geostationary communication satellite.
  • Vasagam’s study on Isro’s path for the future became a crucial document that paved the way for the development of Vikas engine.

Source: TOI

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