Current Affairs One - Liner :11th February 2025

National:

On February 7, 2025, Union MoS Jayant Chaudhary virtually launched the Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme. This initiative targets female students in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, offering entrepreneurial training, resources, and mentorship.
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) signed an LoI with the LEGO Group's Creative Play Lab on February 6, 2025. The collaboration aims to develop electronics and IT-based solutions for the Indian toy industry, fostering growth and equipping young engineers with necessary skills.
India's first indigenous Automated Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Plant, named Sṛjanam, was launched at AIIMS New Delhi on February 10, 2025. Developed by CSIR-NIIST, this eco-friendly plant disinfects biomedical waste without incineration, ensuring safe disposal.
The creation of the South Coast Railway Zone was approved by the Cabinet on February 7, 2025. The new zone will be headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and aims to enhance regional connectivity and operational efficiency.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) teamed up for an organ donation awareness initiative called "Donate Organs, Save Lives" during the third and final ODI between India and England on February 12, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

International:

Lebanon formed its first full-fledged government in over two years on February 8, 2025. Led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the new government aims to implement economic reforms, rebuild the country, and stabilize the region after a devastating war.
Bangladesh launched Operation Devil Hunt on February 8, 2025, to tackle escalating violence and ensure public safety. Led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus' interim government, the operation involves joint forces including the army, police, and specialized units.
President Donald Trump raised tariffs on aluminum and steel imports to 25% on February 10, 2025. The move aims to protect U.S. manufacturers from unfair competition but may result in higher prices for products using these metals.

Banking:

IDFC FIRST Bank launched an exclusive banking package for senior citizens on February 7, 2025. It includes an additional 0.5% interest on fixed deposits, no penalty for premature closures, ₹2 lakh cyber insurance, and health benefits such as a MediBuddy membership and discounts at network pharmacies.
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance launched HERizon Care on February 10, 2025. It’s India's first comprehensive health insurance plan for women, covering critical illnesses, maternal and reproductive health, and wellness, offering holistic protection tailored to women's unique needs.
The Board of Directors of General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) approved the setting up of a wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK on February 3, 2025. The new subsidiary, named GIC Re, India Service Company, will be incorporated as per UK laws.
The India-EFTA Desk was launched on February 10, 2025, in New Delhi to facilitate investments of $100 billion under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states. This initiative aims to promote transparency and ease of doing business for EFTA country businesses investing in India.
The RBI formed a working group on February 7, 2025, to review trading and settlement timings of RBI-regulated financial markets. Chaired by RBI Executive Director Radha Shyam Ratho, the group aims to enhance market efficiency and align with global standards, and will submit its report by April 30, 2025.
The RBI announced the introduction of 'bank.in' and 'fin.in' domains on February 7, 2025, to enhance payment security and reduce cyber threats. These domains are exclusively for Indian banks and non-bank financial entities.

Science & Technology:

ISRO successfully conducted the ignition trial of the indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine on February 7, 2025, at the High Altitude Test Facility in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The trial simulated engine ignition in space conditions, crucial for the Gaganyaan mission.

Sports:

Real Madrid legend Marcelo announced his retirement from professional football on February 6, 2025. Over 16 years at Real Madrid, Marcelo won numerous titles, including five UEFA Champions League and six La Liga trophies. His legacy will remain a significant part of football history.
Carlos Alcaraz won his first indoor hardcourt title at the Rotterdam Open on February 9, 2025. The event took place at the Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands. Alcaraz defeated Alex de Minaur in the final with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to claim the title.
The Mumbai Indians (MI) acquired a 49% stake in the Oval Invincibles on February 10, 2025. This partnership expands MI's global cricket footprint, adding to their teams in India, New York, UAE, South Africa, and now England.
Jil Teichmann clinched the Mumbai Open 2025 singles title on February 9, 2025, at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai, India. The event was part of the WTA 125 series in tennis.
Kyrian Jacquet clinched the 2025 Chennai Open men's singles title on February 9, 2025, at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Nungambakkam, Tamil Nadu. He defeated Elias Ymer of Sweden in the final with a score of 7-6 (1), 6-4. The event was part of the ATP Challenger Tour.

Defence:

DRDO unveiled redefined and augmented research verticals across its Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) on February 7, 2025. This initiative aims to boost deep technology research and streamline focus areas, enhancing overall research outcomes.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) renamed its HJT-36 jet trainer as 'Yashas' on February 10, 2025, during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. The renaming followed extensive modifications to enhance the aircraft's training capabilities and operational efficiency.

Summits & Conferences:

The 19th International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility was held on February 6-7, 2025, focusing on "The Board's Role in Shaping the Future of CSR." It featured notable speakers, including Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan and former Chief Justice Uday Lalit. The aim of this Conference was to discuss the evolving role of board leadership in shaping the future of CSR.
The fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue was held on February 10, 2025, in New Delhi. The theme was "Advancing India’s Energy Transition". It was co-chaired by Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar and UK Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband. The dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Power, India, and the UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The Paris AI Summit 2025 took place on February 10-11, 2025, at the Grand Palais in Paris. The summit aimed to unlock economic opportunities enabled by AI and promote international cooperation and governance. It was co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The theme of the Paris AI Summit 2025 was "Unlocking Economic Opportunities Enabled by AI".

Military Exercises:

The Elite troops from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the joint airborne operations exercise Ex Winged Raider on February 10, 2025, in the Eastern Theatre, India. The exercise aimed to enhance inter-service synergy and operational readiness, involving elite troops rehearsing various airborne techniques, including using the Chinook helicopter.

Important Days:

The World Day of the Sick 2025 is observed on February 11th with the theme "Hope does not disappoint" (Rom 5:5). This theme underscores the strengthening power of hope in challenging times. Established by Pope John Paul II in 1992, the day encourages prayers for those who are ill and their caregivers.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025 is observed on February 11th with the theme "Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science". This theme emphasizes breaking stereotypes and promoting role models for girls in STEM fields.
Safer Internet Day 2025 is observed on February 11th with the theme "Together for a Better Internet". This theme highlights the importance of collective action in creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering online community.

Appointments:

Dr. Madhavankutty G was appointed as the chief economist of Canara Bank on February 10, 2025. His appointment aims to leverage his extensive expertise to strengthen the bank's economic analysis and forecasting capabilities.
Nokia appointed Justin Hotard, Intel's AI and Data Center chief, as its new CEO on February 10, 2025. Hotard will take over from Pekka Lundmark on April 1, 2025. This move signals Nokia's focus on AI and data centers for future growth.
IRS (Indian Revenue Service) Officer Maimun Alam was appointed as Director in the Ministry of Steel on February 7, 2025. She was recommended for central deputation by the Department of Revenue (DoR) and will serve for a period of five years.

Awards & Honours:

Coal India Limited (CIL) received the Golden Peacock CSR Award 2024 on February 8, 2025, at the 19th International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility in Mumbai. The award recognizes CIL's impactful CSR initiatives, benefiting over 35 million lives, with significant investments in healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and education.

Questions:

1 Who was appointed as the Prime Minister of Lebanon in February 2025?

A) Saad Hariri
B) Najib Mikati
C) Nawaf Salam
D) Hassan Diab

2 Which initiative was launched by Union MoS Jayant Chaudhary on February 7, 2025, to support women entrepreneurship in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram?