Current Affairs One - Liner : 19th February 2025

National:

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on February 17, 2025. The collaboration aims to advance AI-driven digital twin technologies, innovate infrastructure planning, and develop global standards for interoperability.

• Volvo Trucks has launched India's first Road Train system in Nagpur on February 15, 2025. The Road Train, which extends up to 25.25 meters, offers a 50% increase in cargo capacity and includes advanced technologies like an Electronic Braking System (EBS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and a 360-degree camera system.
• According to the IEA, India's renewable energy share is expected to rise from 21% in 2024 to 27% by 2027, driven by solar power, which will increase by over 28% between 2025 and 2027. Announced on February 15, 2025, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide rooftop solar systems to 10 million households, adding 30 GW of capacity.
• The ePlane Company signed a $1 billion deal with ICATT for 788 eVTOL air ambulances. These aircraft will improve emergency medical transport, initially covering 110 kilometers and extendable to 200 kilometers. Commercial operations are set for late 2026.
• The Uttar Pradesh Assembly has introduced a translation facility, becoming the first legislative body in India to do so. This allows discussions in Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhand, and English. The facility was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, and aims to promote regional languages and inclusivity.
• India and Qatar agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership on February 18, 2025. This decision was made during a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The partnership aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy, and technology.
• Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first Open-Air Art Wall Museum at Mausam Bhawan on February 18, 2025. Developed with Delhi Street Art, the museum celebrates the 150-year journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) through 38 unique murals.
• APEDA facilitated the first-ever sea shipments of Indian pomegranates to Australia on February 17, 2025. The shipments, including premium Sangola and Bhagwa varieties, were sent to Sydney and Brisbane.

Banking:

• The Indian government plans to raise the deposit insurance limit from ₹5 lakh. This proposal is under active consideration and could be announced by the end of February 2025. The increase aims to enhance depositor protection in case of bank failures.

Economy:

• On February 18, 2025, it was reported that the unemployment rate in urban areas for the October-December 2024 quarter declined to 6.4%. This slight decrease is compared to the same period the previous year.

MoUs:

• India and Argentina signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 19, 2025, in New Delhi, to enhance cooperation in lithium exploration and mining. This collaboration, between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) and the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina, aims to develop resources and create opportunities for Indian companies in Latin America.
• The Odisha government and EESL signed an MoU on February 14, 2025, to enhance energy efficiency in public buildings, municipal services, clean cooking solutions, and electric mobility. This collaboration aims to leverage advanced technologies and best practices to optimize energy consumption and support India's Net Zero targets.

Sports:

• G Kamalini became the youngest debutant in WPL 2025 history on February 18, 2025, playing for Mumbai Indians at 16 years and 213 days. She made her debut against Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, scoring four runs and receiving her cap from Kiran More.
• The inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. Announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the event aims to bridge traditional sports and esports, attracting younger audiences.

Military Exercises:

• The Indian Navy participated in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 and Exercise Komodo 2025 from February 15 to 22, 2025, in Bali, Indonesia. INS Shardul and the P8I aircraft were involved, representing India among 38 countries. The events included high-level maritime security engagements, disaster relief drills, and humanitarian activities.

Appointments & Resignations:

• Gyanesh Kumar (born 27 January 1964) is a 1988-batch retired Indian Administrative Service officer belonging to the Kerala cadre serving as 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India from 19th February 2025 onwards. He is the first CEC to be appointed under the provisions of the 2023 CEC and Other EC Appointment Act.

Obituaries:

• Veteran space scientist and Padma Shri awardee R. Manicka Vasagam passed away on February 14, 2025, in Bengaluru at the age of 91.
• Milind Rege, Mumbai cricket's encyclopedia, passed away on February 19, 2025, at 76 due to cardiac arrest. A former Mumbai captain and renowned selector, he played a pivotal role in spotting talents like Sachin Tendulkar.

Questions:

Q.1 When and where will the inaugural Olympic Esports Games be held?
a) 2026, Paris, France
b) 2027, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
c) 2028, Los Angeles, USA
d) 2029, Doha, Qatar

Answer: b) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the first-ever Olympic Esports Games will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027.

Q.2 Which Indian legislative body has become the first to introduce a translation facility for multiple languages?
a) Lok Sabha
b) Rajya Sabha
c) Uttar Pradesh Assembly
d) Maharashtra Assembly

Answer: c)  The Uttar Pradesh Assembly has become the first legislative body in India to introduce a translation facility, allowing discussions in multiple regional languages along with English.