Current Affairs 22 February 2025

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Soil Health Cards: Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa Successfully Completed 10 YearsOn February 19 2025, the Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme, launched by Government of India (GoI) to assist state governments to issue soil health cards to all farmers in the country, has completed 10 years of successful implementation.

• The scheme was formally introduced by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on February 19, 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan.
• The scheme is promoted by the Department of Agriculture & Co-operation (DA&C), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) and implemented through the Department of Agriculture of all state and Union Territory (UT) governments.

i.The SHC provides status of the soil with respect to 12 parameters which contains

• Macronutrients: Nitrogen(N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S);
• Micro-nutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B);
• pH (Acidity or Basicity), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Organic Carbon (OC).

ii.Under this scheme, soil samples are taken two times in a year, following the harvesting of Rabi and Kharif crop respectively or when there is no standing crop in the field.
iii.As of February 2025, 24.74 crore SHCs have been generated and 8,272 soil testing lab have been established across the country.
About Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW):
Union Minister- Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Constituency- Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, MP)
Minister of State (MoS) – Ram Nath Thakur (Rajya Sabha- Bihar); Bhagirath Choudhary (Constituency- Ajmer, Rajasthan)
>> Read Full News

India’s CSIR and Nepal’s NAST Sign MoU to Strengthen Science & Technology PartnershipIn February 2025, New Delhi(Delhi) based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology(MoS&T) and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) in New Delhi, Delhi.

• This partnership aims to strengthen the Science and Technology (S&T) cooperation between both the countries.

Signatories: The MoU was signed and exchanged by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General (DG), CSIR, and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR),MoS&T and Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba, Vice-Chancellor, NAST.
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Key Points:
i.Initial Agreements: To implement the agreement, two Working Programmes were signed in 1997 and 2002, resulting in the organization of several joint workshops and training programs that extended beyond the official duration of these agreements.
ii.Collaboration Expansion: The newly signed MoU aims to rejuvenate and expand this collaboration, fostering enhanced scientific engagement between the two institutions.
iii.Collaborative Activities: The renewed partnership under the 2025 MoU will be carried out through a range of collaborative activities, such as the exchange of scientific knowledge, research materials, and experts, as well as organizing joint S&T seminars, workshops, and training programs.
iv.Research and Technology Partnerships: It will also include the implementation of joint research projects, providing access to each other’s major research facilities, fostering technology partnerships, and promoting institutional twinning for capacity development.
v.Focus Areas: The cooperation will focus on mutually agreed areas, including biological sciences, food science and technology, water and environmental technologies, fuel and mining sciences, metallurgy, material sciences such as glass, ceramics, biomaterials, and nanotechnology, alternative energy, leather and footwear technologies, metrology, polymer sciences, and drug discovery.
About Nepal:
Prime Minister (PM)– Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli
President- Ram Chandra Paudel
Capital- Kathmandu
Currency- Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

India’s NCGG & Sri Lanka’s SLIDA Finalize Plan to Train 1,500 Civil Service Officers Under MoU In February 2025, India’s National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions(MoPP&P) and Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) finalized the modalities for the implementation of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train 1,500 Sri Lankan civil service officers over five years.

• The MoU was signed between the two countries during the visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India in December 2024.
• An NCGG delegation, led by Director General (DG) Dr. Surendrakumar Bagde, visited Sri Lanka from 17 to 20 February 2025, to firm up modalities. The delegation met key officials, including Prime Minister(PM) Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Public Administration Minister Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna.

Key People
The delegation included N B S Rajput, Joint Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), MoPP&P; A P Singh, Associate Professor, NCGG; Prisca Mathew, Chief Administrative Officer(CAO) and Consultant, NCGG and Mukesh Bhandari, Research Associate, NCGG.
Key Points:
i.The two-day official visit concluded well with a clear plan for a five-year (2024-2028) collaboration between SLIDA and NCGG to conduct capacity building programmes for Sri Lankan government workers, thereby contributing to the improvement of public sector efficiency.
ii.The NCGG has trained 95 civil servants from Sri Lanka till date. Around 8 modules will be held annually under the programme.
iii.The first training module for 40 Sri Lankan officers will take place soon, and over 200 Sri Lankan police had already received training at NCGG prior to the signing of the MoU.
iv.Previously, the NCGG organized three capacity-building training programmes for senior and mid-level officers of Sri Lanka.
About Sri Lanka:
President – Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Prime Minister (PM) – Harini Amarasuriya
Capital – Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Currency – Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)

MoD Signs Two Contracts for Procurement of SDRs and RTFLTsIn February 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed two contracts worth approximately Rs. 1,917.47 crore  for the procurement of Software Defined Radios (SDR) and Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks (RTFLTs) to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indian Army (IA), Indian Navy (IN), and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Details of Contract :
i.The first contract, valued at Rs. 1,220.12 crore, involves the procurement of 149 SDRs from Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the ICG .

• SDRs were procured under the’Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured,IDDM)’ category of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).

ii.The second contract worth Rs. 697.35 crore involves the procurement of 1,868 RTFLTs from Faridabad (Haryana) based Action Construction Equipment (ACE) Limited and Ballabgarh (Haryana) based JCB India Limited, a subsidiary of Joseph Cyril Bamford Excavators Limited in England, the United Kingdom (UK).

• The RTFLTs will be produced in Buy (Indian) category which will give a boost to the indigenisation effort and Make in India initiative in defence.

About Ministry of Defence (MoD):
Union Minister– Rajnath Singh (Constituency- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
Minister of State (MoS)– Sanjay Seth (Constituency- Ranchi, Jharkhand)
>> Read Full News

India’s First Open-Air Art Wall Museum Inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
In February 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh , Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) inaugurated India’s first Open-Air Art Wall Museum at Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.

• This initiative marks the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi, honoring its contributions to weather science
• The project, developed by IMD and Delhi Street Art, has transformed the walls of IMD’s headquarters on Lodhi Road , New Delhi into a vibrant display.

i.This initiative is a first-of-its-kind effort, celebrating IMD’s legacy and contributions through public art
ii.A total of 38 murals showcase key moments in weather forecasting, meteorological advancements, and their impact on society.
iii.The murals depict significant weather events in India’s history and advancements in meteorological technology, including satellites and radars.
iv.They also highlight IMD’s role in disaster management, agriculture, daily life, and its efforts in issuing early warnings for cyclones, monsoons, and extreme weather conditions.
Note: Delhi Street Art was founded by Late Yogesh Saini.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates IWT at Jogighopa, Assam
In February 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, (MoPSW) inaugurated the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) at Jogighopa at Bongaigaon district of Assam, located along the Brahmaputra River. Marking this occasion a ship Motor Vessel (MV) Trishul, MV Padma Navigation II along with barges Ajay and Dikshu, were flagged off with 110 metric tonnes(mt)  of coal along with stone chips to Bangladesh.
i.This new terminal aims to improve logistics and connectivity in Eastern India while strengthening trilateral trade between India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
ii.The project, built at a cost of Rs. 82.03 crores, was overseen by New Delhi based National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), MoPSW.
iii.The terminal is equipped with an Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Jetty and an Electric Level Luffing Crane for efficient cargo handling.
iv.The terminal, located 91 kilometres (km) from Gelephu (Bhutan), 108 km from the Bangladesh border, and 147 km from Guwahati, is expected to handle 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2027.

UP Assembly Becomes 1st in India to Introduce Translation Facility
In February 2025, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Assembly made history by becoming the first legislative body in India to implement a translation facility. This innovative service will enable discussions in Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhand, and English to improve accessibility and inclusivity in legislative proceedings.

• The arrangement was reviewed by Chief Minister (CM) of UP, Yogi Adityanath, who observed translation rehearsals in multiple languages.

i.The service was introduced on February 18, 2025 in the assembly session, subject to approval from the House of Suit.
ii.If the members want to listen to the address of others in any of the four regional dialects (Awadhi, Braj, Bundeli and Bhojpuri), they will have the facility to select the respective channel on their seat to listen to the live translation in their ear plugs.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India Elected as Vice President of IALA in SingaporeOn February 19, 2025, India was elected as the Vice President (VP) of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) during its 1st General Assembly in Singapore.

• The 1st General Assembly of IALA, held from February 18 to 21, 2025, signifies its shift from a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to an Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO).
• India’s election as VP highlights its leadership and significant contributions to maritime affairs, reinforcing its dedication to advancing maritime safety, improving navigational aids, and promoting international cooperation in the maritime sector.

Key Points:
i.India’s delegation at the IALA General Assembly was led by T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), along with Mukesh Mangal, Joint Secretary of MoPSW; N. Muruganandam, Director of Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), MoPSW; and S. Saravanan, Deputy Director of DGLL.
ii.India is set to host the IALA Council meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in September 2027, both in Mumbai (Maharashtra).

• These meetings will serve as platforms for India to exhibit its progress in maritime technology, navigation systems, and international maritime collaborations.

About International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA):
i.Founded in 1957, IALA(formerly the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities), was established as an NGO to unite Marine Aids to Navigation authorities, manufacturers, consultants, and scientific and training organizations from across the globe.
ii.In August 2024, 34 member states ratified IALA’s transformation into an IGO, strengthening its capacity to regulate and standardize marine navigation.

• After becoming an IGO, the name of IALA has been changed to the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation(IALA).

iii.As an IGO, it establishes international standards for safe and efficient navigation, harmonizes global maritime systems, promotes safety initiatives, and collaborates with member states, organizations, and industry partners to address emerging challenges in maritime safety and environmental protection.
Secretary General – Francis Zachariae
Headquarters – Saint-Germain-en-Laye (France)

EAM S Jaishankar Participated at 8th IOC in OmanIn February 2025, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar participated at the inaugural session of 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, Oman. The conference, themed “Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership,” aimed to enhance regional cooperation and address shared challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 

• During the conference, EAM S. Jaishankar delivered the keynote address  highlighting India’s dedication to enhancing regional cooperation.

Highlights of the Visit:
i.Bilateral Engagements: During his visit, EAM of India, S.Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, the Foreign Minister of Oman.

• They reviewed the full spectrum of India-Oman relations and discussed avenues for further enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

ii.Commemorative Initiatives: EAM of India, S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister of Oman, Sayyid Badr Albusaid unveiled a specially designed logo celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman.

• This logo symbolizes the long-standing partnership built on history, culture, and strong people-to-people ties.

iii.Cultural and Diplomatic Contributions: Additionally, both the ministers launched the book titled “Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman”.

• The book was brought out by the Embassy of India in Muscat, and highlights the rich history of the Indian diaspora in Oman and the centuries old, people-to-people ties that continue to shape bilateral relations.

iv.Regional Engagements: On the sidelines of the conference, EAM of India, S.Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from Brunei, Bangladesh, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Nepal.

• These discussions focused on key regional and global issues of mutual concern, reinforcing India’s commitment to deeper engagement with the IOR.

About Oman:
Prime Minister (PM) & Sultan – Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
Capital- Muscat
Currency- Omani Rial (OMR)

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI Data: Outward Remittances under LRS Drop 10% to USD 22.82 Billion in 9MFY25According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) latest data, outward remittances under its Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) declined 10.15% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) to USD 22.82 billion in nine month (from April to December) of Financial Year 2024-25 (9MFY25), compared to USD 24.80 billion in 9MFY24.

• The data highlighted outward under the scheme declined across major segments such as: in deposits, maintenance of close relatives, and the international segment, among others.

i.As per the RBI’s data, outward remittances increased 3.3% Y-o-Y in 3rd Quarter (October-December) of FY25 to USD 6,670.4 million compared to same period last financial year.
ii.The RBI data revealed that remittances of close relatives  dropped approximately 25.2% to USD 2,757 million and similarly, remittances for gifts decreased 21.38% to USD 2,215.5 million.
>> Read Full News

JICA & Uttarakhand Signed Agreement for Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion ProjectIn February 2025, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing (DHFP), Government of Uttarakhand signed the ‘Records of Discussions’, an official agreement document for a four-year Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) titled ‘Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion Project’.

• The project aims to increase horticulture production and improve market systems in Tehri Garhwal and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand. The project is expected to create a favorable horticulture model across the state.

About Technical Cooperation Project (TCP):
i.The majority of farmers in Uttarakhand own fewer than two hectares of land, and 39% of the state’s population works in agriculture, according to the most recent data.
ii.TCP will accelerate the progress and optimize the impact of JICA’s ongoing Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan with the department, which focuses on improving supply chains, strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and increasing the productivity of high-value crops.
iii.The Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) strategy, a market-driven farming model developed by JICA, is expected to grow with the support of the new TCP.
iv.This initiative will improve agricultural productivity, and contribute to broader socio-economic development by promoting sustainable livelihoods, expanding rural economies, and building long-term resilience of the horticulture industry in Uttarakhand.
About Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA):
President – TANAKA Akihiko
Headquarters – Tokyo, Japan
Established – 1974
About Uttarakhand
Chief Minister (CM) – Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor – Gurmit Singh
National Parks – Rajaji National Park, Gangotri National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary

RBI Launches ‘RBIDATA’ App for Access to Macroeconomic & Financial DataOn February 19 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched ‘RBIDATA’, a mobile application (App) to provide the public with access to macroeconomic and financial data related to the Indian economy.

• The app is designed to help researchers, students, and the general public track important economic trends in a user-friendly and visually engaging format.
• This initiative aligns with RBI’s ongoing efforts to enhance data transparency and accessibility.

Key Features of the RBIDATA app:
i.Comprehensive Economic and Financial Data Access: Offers users access to more than 11,000 economic data series, enabling the viewing of time-series data in graphical formats and the ability to download information for further analysis.

• It also provides key details like data sources, units of measurement, frequency, recent updates, and helpful notes to better understand the graphs and charts.

ii.Popular Reports Section: Features the most frequently accessed reports, making it easier for users to find key information quickly.
iii.Search Function: Allows users to quickly find data directly from the home screen, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple sections.
iv.Banking Outlet Section: Helps users locate banking facilities within a 20-kilometer (km) radius of their current location.
v.SAARC Database Access: Offers access to economic data from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries via the ‘SAARC Finance’ link.
vi.DBIE Portal Integration: Connects with the RBI’s Database on the Indian Economy (DBIE) portal at https://data.rbi.org.in ensuring real-time updates and accuracy.
vii.It is available for both iPhone Operating System (iOS) and Android users (version 12 and above) and features a feedback mechanism for user suggestions and improvements.

IRDAI Forms Committee Under Ex-SBI Chairman Dinesh Khara to Review Insurance Law AmendmentsOn February 20 2025, Hyderabad (Telangana) based Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set up a 7-member committee to review and implement changes to the Insurance Act of 1938.

• This panel will be led by Dinesh Kumar Khara, the former Chairman of the Mumbai (Maharashtra) based State Bank of India (SBI).
• These changes are part of the government’s effort to improve the insurance sector and its reach, aiming for “Insurance for All by 2047.”

i.The committee, led by Dinesh Kumar Khara, is tasked with reviewing these proposed amendments and suggesting a framework for their implementation.

• The committee is expected to submit its report within 3 months. 

ii.Based on its recommendations, the IRDAI will forward proposals to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), while the Department of Financial Services (DFS), MoF will draft a new bill for stakeholder feedback.
About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
Chairperson– Debasish Panda
Headquarters- Hyderabad, Telangana
Established- 1999
>> Read Full News

IOB Launches Aadhaar-OTP Based Account Opening & API Banking Services
Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) based Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), a public sector lender, marked its 89th Foundation Day on February 18, 2025, by launching Aadhaar-One-Time Password(OTP) based account opening and Application Programming Interface (API) banking services in response to the growing need for automation in corporate banking.

• These initiatives aim to streamline banking services for both individual and corporate customers.

i.The digital onboarding procedure follows the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Aadhaar OTP-based eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) guidelines, ensuring a safe and hassle-free experience.
ii.Customers can open accounts through the bank’s website and easily with minimal documents, subject to regulatory transaction limits.
iii.API Banking enables corporates a safe approach to improve, streamline, and automate financial processes. Transactions initiated in corporate accounting systems are immediately integrated with the bank’s core banking system, minimizing duplicate data entry and manual intervention.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

SBI Estimates India’s Q3FY25 GDP Growth at 6.2% to 6.3%
In February 2025, according to the State Bank of India (SBI)Research report, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 6.2% to 6.3% in the third quarter (October-December) of the Financial Year 2024-25(Q3 FY25).

• SBI economists have developed a “Nowcasting Model” to estimate GDP using 36 high-frequency indicators linked to industrial and service activity, as well as global economic factors.

i.It forecasts 6.3% GDP growth in FY25, assuming no significant revisions to earlier quarter data from the National Statistical Office (NSO).
ii.The Indian economy expanded by 5.4% in real terms during the July-September quarter of the current financial year(Q2 FY25).

• This was significantly below the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s GDP forecast of 7%. In the April-June quarter of FY25, India’s GDP grew slower than the central bank estimated.

iii.The report notes that India’s manufacturing sector, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), grew from 3.3% in Q2 FY25 to 4.3% in Q3 FY25.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

2024 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 List: RIL Tops as Most Valuable company for 4th Consecutive Year According to the 2024 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list, released by Axis Bank Limited‘s  Burgundy Private and Hurun India, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) based in Mumbai, Maharashtra has retained its position as India’s most valuable company for the fourth consecutive year with a valuation of Rs17,52,650 crore.

• Following RIL, Mumbai based Tata Consultancy Services Limited(TCS) ranks second with a valuation of Rs 16,10,800 crore , while Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) Bank Limited, Mumbai, is in third place at Rs 14,22,570 crore .
• The total worth of the 500 companies featured in the 2024 edition of the list stands at Rs 324 lakh crore (approximately USD 3.8 trillion).

About 2024 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500:
i.The 2024 Burgundy Private Hurun India is the fourth edition of the list featuring the 500 most valuable private companies in India. The average age of the companies on the list is 43 years.
ii.The threshold for qualifying in the 2024 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 is Rs 9,580 crore as of 13 December 2024, reflecting a 43% increase from the Rs 6,700 crore threshold in 2023.
About Hurun India:
Founder and Chief Researcher – Anas Rahman Junaid
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established – 2012
>> Read Full News

Purnima Devi Barman: Assam’s Conservation Champion featured in TIME’s Women of the Year 2025On February 20 2025, New York, United States of America (USA) based TIME Magazine’s announced 2025 Women of the Year list,recognizing 13 inspiring women worldwide for their efforts in shaping a more equal and sustainable future.Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist and conservationist from Assam, India, is the only Indian honoree on the list.She is recognized for her efforts in reviving the endangered greater adjutant stork (Hargila ,meaning is bone swallower) while empowering rural women through conservation initiatives.
List of TIME’s 2025 Women of the Year

About Purnima Devi Barman and her efforts
i.Purnima Devi Barman is widely recognized for her dedication to wildlife conservation, particularly in saving the greater adjutant stork (Hargila) from extinction.
ii.This species was once on the brink of disappearing, with only 450 birds remaining in the region. However, due to her relentless efforts, the stork population has now increased to over 1,800.
iii. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) upgraded its status from “endangered” to “near threatened” in 2023.
iv.She founded the Hargila Army, an all-female conservation group comprising 10,000 women. This group plays a vital role in protecting the stork’s nesting sites and rehabilitating injured birds, ensuring the long-term survival of the species.

• Through this initiative, she has successfully mobilized local communities to actively participate in conservation efforts, making it a model for wildlife preservation worldwide.

Recognition and Contributions
Purnima Devi Barman’s contributions extend beyond her work with the greater adjutant stork. She is:

• The Director of WiNN (Women in Nature Network) India , an organization that promotes women-led conservation efforts.
• A member of the IUCN Stork, Ibis, and Spoonbill Specialist Group , where she contributes to global strategies for conserving these bird species.

Accolades and Global Recognition
A recipient of India’s Nari Shakti Puraskar (2017) and the United Kingdom’s Whitley Award (2017), Barman was also named a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champion of the Earth (2022) for her entrepreneurial vision.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

GoI Extends V.Anantha Nageswaran’s Tenure as CEA Until March 2027On February 20, 2025, the Government of India (GoI) extended the tenure of Venkatramanan(V). Anantha Nageswaran as Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) for two more years, until March 31, 2027.

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved Nageswaran’s tenure on a contract basis up to March 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

i.Nageswaran was a key contributor to India’s annual Economic Survey 2024-25, which projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.3% to 6.8% for the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26.
ii.On January 28, 2022, Nageswaran took charge as the 18th CEA for a three-year term, succeeding Krishnamurthy Venkata (KV) Subramanian, who served as the 17th CEA from 2018 to 2021.
>> Read Full News

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Mother Language Day 2025 – February 21 The United Nations (UN’s) International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is observed annually on February 21 across the globe to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting mother languages. The day also aims to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and to encourage multilingualism and highlight the role of languages in fostering a peaceful, tolerant, and inclusive global society.

• 21 February 2025 marks the observance of the 25th anniversary of IMLD.
• The theme of IMLD 2025: “Languages Matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day,” serves as an important reminder to safeguard linguistic diversity and encourage the use of mother tongues.

Background:
i.The initiative to celebrate IMLD originated in Bangladesh, where it honors the language martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1952 language movement in Dhaka, Bangladesh striving to protect the dignity of their mother tongue, ‘Bangla’.
ii.On November 17 1999, the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) declared February 21 as “International Mother Language Day (IMLD)” to honor the Bengali people’s struggle and sacrifice for their language and culture.

• The first ever IMLD was observed on 21st December 2000, following the proclamation by UNESCO. 

v.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) further recognized this observance in its resolution (A/RES/56/262) in 2002.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO):
Director-General (DG)– Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
Established – 1945
>> Read Full News

STATE NEWS

Rajasthan FM Diya Kumari Unveils State’s 1st Green Budget Worth Rs 27,854 Cr for SustainabilityOn 19 February 2025, Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister (CM) and Finance Minister(FM) of Rajasthan presented the state’s Annual Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs 5.37 lakh crore. The budget focuses on essentials such as electricity, roads, water, health, and agriculture while integrating sustainability measures.

• The state’s first Green Budget allocates Rs 27,854 crore, which accounts for 11.34% of the total scheme expenditure allocated for sustainability initiatives and 5.18% of the total Budget.
• FM Diya Kumari announced that the state government is committed to make the state a USD 350 billion economy by the year 2030. She also made provision for free solar plants and 150 electricity units per month.

Fiscal Indicators:
The Budget 2025-26 of Rajasthan outlines key fiscal indicators and economic projections while focusing on developmental initiatives. Below are the major highlights:

• Estimated Revenue Receipts: Rs 2,94,536.49 crore
• Estimated Revenue Expenditure: Rs 3,25,545.90 crore
• Estimated Revenue Deficit: Rs 31,009.41 crore
• Estimated Fiscal Deficit: Rs 84,643.63 crore (4.25% of Gross State Domestic Product, GSDP).

About Rajasthan:
Chief Minister (CM)- Bhajan Lal Sharma
Governor– Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Van Vihar Sanctuary, and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Tiger Reserves– Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and Ramgarh Visdhari Tiger Reserve
>> Read Full News

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Aspirant: Why is there a delayal in news?
Affairscloud: As some of the major news sites doesn’t provide the required data on the exact day, we take extra time for important data to be presented to the aspirants on the examination basis to ensure nothing is missed.
Example:  In ‘Important Days’ topics the International Organisations publish their reports and Rankings in the evenings, to make sure every data is covered, we delay the topics to the next day.