Current Affairs 18 February 2025

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 18 February 2025, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2025 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Highlights of the 15th edition Aero India 2O25The 15th edition of Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, was held from February 10 to 14, 2025, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, under the theme “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities.”

• For key highlights from the first part of the event, refer to Part 1 of Highlights of the 15th edition Aero India 2O25 and Below are the highlights of Aero India 2025- Part 2.

Key Highlights:
i.Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based in New Delhi (Delhi) unveiled India’s first indigenous Very High Frequency (VHF) radar, designed to detect fifth- and sixth-generation stealth aircraft that pose significant threats to national security.
ii.Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Management Academy, the training wing of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited headquartered at Bengaluru signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Dharwad, Karnataka at Aero India 2025 to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia.
iii.HAL has entered into an agreement with Collins Aerospace, a North Carolina (United States of America, USA)-based aerospace and defence company and a subsidiary of RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies Corporation) to set up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the HAL Accessories Complex in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
iv.Union Minister of State (MoS) Sanjay Seth, Ministry of Defence (MoD) handed over Restricted Military Type Certificates (RMTC) for the Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) aircraft during the 15th Aero India International Seminar, which was held in Bengaluru before Aero India 2025.
v.During Aero India 2025, Russia-based Rosoboronexport, in collaboration with its Russian aerospace and defence corporation Unit United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), proposed a partnership with India for the production of the Sukhoi-57 Export Variant (Su-57E),Russia’s fifth-generation fighter jet, and is ready to initiate its localization at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) facilities.
>> Read Full News

RuTAGe Smart Village Center Launched in Haryana for Rural Technological EmpowermentIn February 2025, the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAGe) Smart Village Center (RSVC) was inaugurated in Mandaura village, Sonipat, Haryana.The inauguration was led by Professor Ajay Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India (GoI), alongside key partners: Commodore Sridhar Kotra, Founder of the Modern Village Foundation, and DP Goel, Chairman of the Chaalis Gaon Vikas Parishad.

• The RSVC aims to bridge the gap between rural technological needs and cutting-edge innovations, promoting sustainable development in rural areas.

i.The RSVC serves as a permanent hub for technological integration at the Panchayat level, impacting 15-20 villages over several years and offers a comprehensive range of 12 technology tracks to address diverse rural challenges.
ii.Additionally, the center emphasizes market linkages through collaborations with platforms like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), Amazon.com.Inc, and Market Mirchi (a RuTAG innovation by IIT Bombay in Mumbai), ensuring that rural producers have access to larger markets and can sell their goods effectively.
>> Read Full News

Madhya Pradesh Unveils India’s 1st Dedicated GCC Policy 2025Madhya Pradesh (MP) has become the 1st state in India to introduce a dedicated Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2025, positioning itself as a leading hub for global innovation, technology, and business collaboration.

• The Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (MPSeDC) will act as the nodal agency responsible for implementing the policy.
• A dedicated Policy Implementation Unit (PIU) will manage project approvals, incentive allocation, and compliance monitoring.

Note: Unveiled ahead of the Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 in Bhopal, MP on 24 and 25 February 2025, the GCC Policy 2025 reinforces MP’s role in India’s USD 110 billion GCC market vision for 2030.
Objective:
The Madhya Pradesh GCC Policy 2025 aims to transform tier-2 cities like Bhopal, Indore, and Gwalior into global operations centers, providing a competitive advantage to businesses seeking expansion in India.
Key Features:
i.The focus sectors of the policy include Information Technology (IT), Finance, Engineering, Human Resources (HR), and Emerging Technologies (ET), with a special emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cybersecurity.
ii.This policy combines incentives for Capital Expenditure (CapEx), payroll subsidies, upskilling programs, and Research and Development (R&D).
Economic and Employment Impact:
i.The policy aims to attract over 50 GCCs, generating over 37,000 direct jobs in sectors like IT or Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES), advanced analytics, R&D, and digital transformation.
Points to Note:
i.Madhya Pradesh’s IT exports have tripled in the last 3 years, with an annual growth rate of 43%.
ii.MP ranked 4th in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) (2023) rankings released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I).

Union Minister JP Nadda launches National MDA Campaign to eliminate LF
In February 2025, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) (commonly known as Hathi Paon). The launch took place through a video conference with State Health Ministers and senior officials from 13 LF-endemic states.

• The campaign aims for the door-to-door distribution of anti-filarial medication, ensuring that all eligible individuals take the prescribed medicine to prevent the transmission of the disease.
• It is led by the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) under MoHFW
• India is committed to eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027.

Note: Lymphatic Filariasis is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) which is caused by Culex mosquitoes.
Key People: The State Health Ministers who participated in the meeting are Satya Kumar Yadav (Andhra Pradesh, AP), Ashok Singhal (Assam), Shyam Bihari Jaiswal (Chhattisgarh), Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel (Gujarat), Irfan Ansari (Jharkhand), Dinesh Gundu Rao (Karnataka), Rajendra Shukla (Madhya Pradesh, MP), Mukesh Mahaling (Odisha), Mangal Pandey (Bihar), Prakashrao Abitkar (Maharashtra) and Brijesh Pathak (Uttar Pradesh, UP).
Highlights:
i.MDA campaign takes place twice a year and will cover 111 endemic districts across 13 states: AP, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, MP, Maharashtra, Odisha, UP, and West Bengal (WB).
ii.Starting from February 10, 2025, anti-filarial medicines will be provided free of cost to over 17.5 crore people across the endemic districts.
iii.The medication includes:

• Double Drug Regimen (DA): Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) and Albendazole
• Triple Drug Regimen (IDA): Ivermectin, DEC, and Albendazole

iv.Under the National Health Mission (NHM), there is a provision for hydrocelectomy surgeries. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme also offers coverage for hydrocelectomy for its beneficiaries.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Releases Commemorative Postage Stamps on Maha Kumbh 2025 The Department of Posts (DoP) has released a special commemorative souvenir sheet featuring 3 postage stamps dedicated to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which is taking place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP) from 13th January to 26th February 2025. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, Ministry of Communications (MoC), unveiled these stamps at Arail Ghat Post Office (PO), Prayagraj.

• The commemorative postage stamps, designed by Sankha Samanta, depict 3 prominent aspects of Triveni Tirtha– Maharshi Bharadwaj Ashram (an ancient center of learning), Snan (holy dip at Triveni Sangam), and Akshayvat (the immortal Banyan tree).
• Other philatelic releases highlighting Maha Kumbh include special covers and cancellations on sacred Snan days, ‘Divya, Bhavya and Digital Mahakumbh’, and a picture postcard celebrating ‘Prakhyat Prayagraj’.

Note: The Kumbh Mela is rooted in Hindu mythology, linked to the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Maha Kumbh occurs once every 144 years at Prayagraj, UP.

GoI to Issue Rs 100 Commemorative Coin to Mark Birth Centenary of Mohammed Rafi The Government of India (GoI) will issue a Rs 100 commemorative coin, to mark the birth centenary of legendary playback singer Padma Shri Mohammed Rafi, which concluded on 24 December 2024. The circular and non-circulating coin is reportedly minted by the India Government Mint (IGM) in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• The metal composition of the Rs 100 commemorative coin will consist of a Quaternary Alloy, comprising 50% Silver (Ag), 40% Copper (Cu), 5% Nickel (Ni), and 5% Zinc (Zn).
• The coin will weigh 35 grams (g) and have a diameter of 44 millimeters (mm), featuring 200 serrations along the edge.
• On the obverse side, the face of the coin will bear the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar in the center with the legend ‘Satyamev Jayate’ inscription, Rupee symbol (₹) below, and denominational value “100” in the international numerals below it.
• The left and right peripheries of the coin will be flanked with the words “Bharath” in Devanagari script and ‘INDIA’ in English respectively.
• On the reverse side, the face of the coin will bear Mohammed Rafi’s image in the center with inscriptions Birth Centenary of Mohammed Rafi in Devanagari script and English on the upper and lower peripheries respectively, along with the years 1924-2024.

Points to Note:
i.Mohammed Rafi (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980) often referred to as Rafi Sahab was born in Punjab. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1967 for ‘Art’.
ii.Commemorative coins were earlier issued in honour of legendary singers including Begum Akhtar, a renowned Ghazal artist in 2014, and Dr. M.S. Subbulakshmi, the iconic Carnatic singer in 2017.

BANKING & FINANCE

South Indian Bank Introduces ‘SIB Quick FD’ for Seamless FD InvestmentsOn February 14, 2025, Thrissur (Kerala) based South Indian Bank Limited launched ‘SIB Quick FD’, a new digital service that allows individuals to open Fixed Deposits (FDs) without a savings account in the bank.

• This initiative aims to offer a hassle-free and convenient digital banking experience for both existing and new customers.
• It offers digital-first solutions that cater to the evolving needs of customer with minimal setup, affordable entry amounts, and insured deposits ensuring a secure, simple, and convenient investment experience.

Key Features of ‘SIB Quick FD’:
i.No Savings Account Required: Individuals do not need a savings account with SIB to open an FD. This provides greater flexibility and accessibility for all customers.
ii.Digital and Paperless Process: The entire process is digital, eliminating the need for traditional paperwork. The FD can be set up in just 5 minutes.

iii.UPI Fund Transfer: Customers can fund their FD using Unified Payments Interface (UPI), streamlining the payment process for added convenience.
iv.Minimal Documentation: Only two documents are required to open an FD: PAN (Permanent Account Number) and Aadhaar (unique identification number).
v.24/7 Availability: Customers can open an FD at any time, offering flexibility in managing their investments.
vi.Affordable Investment: The minimum investment to start an FD is just Rs.1,000, making it accessible to a wide range of investors.
vii.Attractive Interest Rates: SIB offers competitive interest rates on its FDs, and customers also can avail the flexibility of premature withdrawals.
viii.DICGC Insurance: Deposits made through SIB Quick FD are insured under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), providing coverage up to Rs.5 lakh per depositor.
About South Indian Bank (SIB) Limited:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– PR Seshadri
Headquarters- Thrissur, Kerala
Established- 1929
Tagline- Experience Next Generation Banking

IRDAI Unveils Bima Trinity Schemes for Insurance RevolutionThe Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) organised the 9th edition of Bima Manthan on February 13-14, 2025, its a quarterly meeting with insurance company Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).

• During the meeting, IRDAI has introduced the ‘Bima Trinity’ initiative to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of insurance services in India.
• This comprehensive plan comprises three key components: Bima Sugam, Bima Vistaar and Bima Vahaak.
• The aim is to enhance insurance inclusion and digital transformation, reinforcing its commitment to a more accessible and consumer-friendly insurance ecosystem as part of its Vision Insurance for all’ by 2047.

Highlights:
i.Bima Sugam: An open digital marketplace designed to facilitate the sale, servicing, and claims of insurance policies across various insurance companies.
ii.Bima Vistaar: A pioneering composite insurance product that offers coverage for life, personal accidents, property, and surgical hospitalization.
iii.Bima Vahaak: A localized, women-centric insurance field sales force aimed at enhancing insurance penetration in underserved areas.Bima Vahaak is scheduled for a soft launch in April 2025.
Note: The Bima Sugam India Federation (BSIF) was established to develop and operate this platform has completed its foundational processes and is now ready for industry participation and capitalization.
About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
IRDAI was established under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) Act, 1999. It is an autonomous body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) responsible for regulating and developing the insurance and re-insurance industries in India.
Chairperson– Debasish Panda
Headquarters- Hyderabad, Telangana
Established- 1999

RBI Penalizes SFL, NTB, USFB for Regulatory Non-Compliance
In February 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties on two banks and one Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) for not adhering to regulatory guidelines.

• The banks involved include Nainital (Uttarakhand) based Nainital Bank Limited (NTB), Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited (USFB), and the Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN) based Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), an NBFC.

i.NTB was fined Rs 61.40 lakh for failing to comply with directions related to ‘Interest Rate on Advances’ and ‘Customer Service in Banks’.
ii.USFB was fined Rs 6.70 lakh for non-compliance with specific directions issued by RBI regarding ‘Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions’.
iii.SFL was fined Rs 5.80 lakh for non-compliance with several provisions, including the Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines and directions on ‘Data Format for Furnishing Credit Information to Credit Information Companies (CICs)’.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran Conferred with UK’s Honorary Knighthood On February 14, 2025, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons Private Limited was conferred with the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) “Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE )” under King Charles III reign for his services to U.K./India Business relations.

• The KBE/DBE is one of the highest honors awarded by the British Sovereign to civilians, recognizing the exceptional contributions of foreign nationals across various fields.

About the Order of the British Empire:
i.The GBE (Knight or Dame Grand Cross) is the highest rank within the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

• In 2014, the late Ratan Tata, former Chairman of the Tata Group, became the only Indian to be awarded the GBE (Knight or Dame Grand Cross) since 1950.

ii.The “Knight Commander (KBE for men) or Dame Commander (DBE for women)” of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is the second-highest rank within the Order of the British Empire.

• In 2024, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises Limited, was conferred with the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE).
• Other Indian recipients of the honorary KBE include the late Ratan Tata (2009), the late sitar virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar (2001), and the late Tata Steel veteran Jamshed Irani (1997), was honored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

About Natarajan Chandrasekaran:
i.In 2016, he joined the Board of Tata Sons Private Limited, and in 2017, he became its Chairman.
ii.He also chairs the boards of key Tata Group companies, including Tata Steel Limited, Tata Motors Limited, Tata Power Limited, and Air India Limited.
Awards:
i.In 2023, Chandrasekaran was also awarded France’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur’ (Knight of the Legion of Honour).
ii.In 2022, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in the field of Trade and Industry.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

RBI Approves PD Singh Appointment as CEO of Standard Chartered IndiaOn February 17, 2025 , Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Banker Prabdev Singh (P.D.) Singh’s appointment as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of  India’s operation of Standard Chartered of India based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• He will assume office on April 1, 2025, succeeding Zarin Daruwala who will retire on March 31, 2025, after serving for ten years
• He will head India and South Asia operation and the tenure will be for 3 years

Note: Standard Chartered has been operating in India for over 160 years, with a network of 100 branches across 42 cities.
About Prabdev Singh :
i.PD Singh holds two Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degrees and an engineering qualification and is recognized for his contributions to the banking industry.
ii.He also spent over ten years at Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) based in London, United Kingdom (UK).
iii.Before joining Standard Chartered, Singh was the CEO of JPMorgan Chase and Co based in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
About Standard Chartered of India:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Zarin Daruwala (India) (Currently)
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established– 1853

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DRDO’s ADA & MIDHANI Signed MoU to Develop MDN100 Steel for Aeronautical ApplicationsBengaluru (Karnataka)-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a department of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), a defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Indigenous development of high-strength, high-toughness special-grade steel “MDN100” for aerospace applications.

• This collaboration aims to advance aeronautical applications, particularly in the 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
• The MoU was signed at the Aero India 2025 airshow held from 10-14 February 2025 in Bengaluru.

Note: ADA is the nodal organization for combat aircraft development in India.
Key Points:
i.The MDN100 Steel has excellent forgeability and is suitable for manufacturing highly stressed aircraft parts offering significant weight-saving benefits.
ii.This initiative supports the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative under India’s combat aircraft programs.
iii.MIDHANI has been a key supplier of critical materials for DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in various aeronautical projects.

• MIDHANI showcased SuperNi 41 plates at Aero India 2025, a nickel-chromium-based superalloy capable of withstanding extreme temperatures in aero engines.

iv.ADA’s ongoing combat aircraft programs include Light Combat Aircraft Mark 2 (LCA Mk2), Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and Twin-Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) for the Indian Navy.
About Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI):
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD)- Gowri Sankara Rao Naramsetti
Headquarters– Hyderabad, Telangana
Established– 1973

IN Launches 8th Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 11 (Yard 79)
On February 14, 2025, the Indian Navy (IN) successfully launched its ‘8th Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge’, Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM 11) (Yard 79) at Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra, the launch site of M/s SECON Engineering Projects Private Limited (SEEPL) based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP).

• The launch ceremony was attended by Commodore N. Gopinath, Assistant Chief of Materiel (Planning), Naval Dockyard (ND), Mumbai (Maharashtra).
• The contract for the construction of this 8th MCA Barge was signed on February 19, 2021 with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Private Limited.

i.The barge has been indigenously designed and built in collaboration with an Indian ship design firm and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). 
ii.Model testing was conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam (AP) to ensure seaworthiness.
iii.The MCA Barges are integral to the IN’s operational capabilities, aiding in the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of ammunition and materials to naval platforms, both at jetties and outer harbors.
iv.These MCA Barges support the Government of India’s (GoI) ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, contributing to the India’s defence self-reliance.

SPORTS

Indonesia won their first ever ‘Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship 2025’ over ChinaOn February 16, 2025, Indonesia won their first-ever title at the 4th Edition of the “Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship 2025” by defeating two-time defending champions China with a 3-1 victory in the final. The tournament was held from February 11 to 16, 2025 at the Conson Gymnasium in Qingdao, China.

• Muhammad Shohibul Fikri served as the captain for the Indonesia team while the China team was led by captain Chen Xujun.
• Indonesia, for their triumph, earned the coveted gold medal, China took home the silver while Japan and Thailand were awarded with the bronze medals for their victory.

Key Highlights:
i.Mixed Doubles: Rinov Rivaldy and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti set the tone for Indonesia’s victory, defeating China’s Gao Jiaxuan and Wu Mengying with a dominant 21-11, 21-13 scoreline, giving Indonesia an early 1-0 lead.
ii.Men’s Singles: Alwi Farhan continued the momentum by securing a 21-15, 21-13 win over China’s World Junior Champion Hu Zhe’an, pushing Indonesia’s lead to 2-0.
iii.Women’s Singles: China managed to grab a point when Xu Wenjing triumphed over Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani 21-12, 21-13, bringing the score to 2-1.
iv.Men’s Doubles: The decisive match saw Indonesia’s Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Daniel Marthin comfortably defeat China’s Chen Xujun and Huang Di 21-15, 21-9, sealing Indonesia’s historic victory and sparking celebrations among the team.
v.India’s Stance: Team India has been eliminated in the Quarterfinals and placed at 6th in the table.
Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship 2025 Medalists:

About Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships:
i.The Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships is a biennial tournament organized by Badminton Asia and hosted by the Chinese Badminton Association (CBA).
ii.The 4th edition was sponsored by China based Tsingtao Brewery Co-Limited and was named as “Tsingtao Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship 2025”.
iii.The tournament featured 13 teams from across Asia competing in a series of group-stage matches followed by knockout rounds to determine the final standings.
iv.The participating countries were divided into 4 groups: Group- China, Singapore, and Taiwan; Group B-Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia; Group C – Japan, Kazakhstan, and Thailand; while Group D -South Korea, Macau, and India.
About Indonesia:
President- Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo
Capital- Jakarta
Currency- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
About China:
President– Xi Jinping
Prime Minister (PM)– Li Qiang
Capital- Beijing
Currency- Renminbi or Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Saudi Arabia to Host First-Ever Olympic Esports Games in 2027
On February 11, 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA) for the 1st time, in 2027. This decision is part of a 12-year partnership between the IOC and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), aimed at engaging younger audiences through esports.

• The SOPC and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) are collaborating with the IOC to organize the Games.
• It aims to bridge traditional sports and esports, expanding opportunities for players and teams.
• The “Road to the Games” is set to commence this year 2025, with initial Olympic esports competitions leading up to the main event in 2027. IOC decided to create the Olympic Esports Games in July 2024, during the 142nd IOC Session.

IMPORTANT DAYS

Global Tourism Resilience Day 2025 – February 17The United Nations (UN’s) Global Tourism Resilience Day (GTRD) is observed annually on February 17 across the globe to highlight the critical need to build resilience in the tourism industry. This day draws attention to the sector’s vulnerability to various crises and emergencies and emphasizes the importance of preparedness and adaptability.

• 17 February 2025 marks the observance of the 3rd GTRD.

Background:
i.On February 6, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/77/269, officially designating February 17 as GTRD.

• The first-ever GTRD was observed on February 17, 2023

ii.This annual observance aims to highlight the importance of building resilience within the tourism industry to better handle disruptions and challenges.
>> Read Full News

STATE NEWS

Gujarat Launches G-SAFAL to Empower 50,000 Underprivileged WomenIn February 2025, the Gujarat government led by Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, launched the G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods), an initiative aims to enhance the livelihoods of Antyodaya families (underprivileged families), empower women, and promote economic self-sufficiency.

• The initiative will empower 50,000 families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards across 25 talukas in 10 districts of Gujarat in the next 5 years.
• It is being implemented by Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited (GLPC) under the Rural Development Department of Gujarat.
• It aligns with the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), launched by the Government of India (GoI) in January 2023, aimed at improving the quality of life in 500 aspirational blocks across 27 states and 4 Union Territories (UTs).

About G-SAFAL initiative:
i.Four Key Pillars of G-SAFAL for Women’s Empowerment ,they are Social Security,Livelihood Creation,Financial Inclusion,and Social Development and Empowerment.ii.The scheme will provide beneficiaries with thorough training and support, along with a grant of Rs. 80,000 to help them create new opportunities for financial stability.
ii.Around 10 Districts and Talukas of Gujarat will be covered under G-SAFAL.
About Gujarat:
Capital – Gandhinagar
Chief Minister (CM) – Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel
Governor – Acharya Devvrat
Airports – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

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