Current Affairs One - Liner : 20th February 2025

National:

• Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, on February 18, 2025. The initiative aims to create and update land records in urban areas to ensure accurate documentation and empower citizens.

• The Rajasthan government renamed Foy Sagar as Varun Sagar and King Edward Memorial as Maharishi Dayanand Vishrant Grih on February 12, 2025. This move aims to remove colonial-era names and honor Indian cultural heritage.
• The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) signed an agreement with Reliance New Energy Battery Limited (RNBL) on February 18, 2025 for 10 GWh capacity under the PLI Scheme for ACC batteries. This agreement supports local battery manufacturing for EV and renewable energy sectors. A cumulative capacity of 40 GWh has been awarded to four firms out of the total 50 GWh.
• The Uttarakhand government approved a new land law on February 19, 2025, aimed at protecting cultural identity and natural resources. It restricts non-residents from buying agricultural and horticultural land in 11 out of 13 districts and introduces a digital portal for tracking transactions.
• The Kerala Government is launching nPROUD (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs), India's first initiative for the collection and disposal of expired and unused medicines. Inaugurated by Health Minister Veena George on February 22, 2025, in Kozhikode, this project aims to mitigate environmental pollution and health risks associated with improper medicine disposal.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated on February 19 to honor the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The day is marked with cultural programs, processions, and tributes to commemorate his contributions to Indian history and culture.

Banking:

• India's power demand is projected to grow at a rate of 6.3% annually until 2027, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), as reported on February 19, 2025. This increase is driven by robust economic activity, rising electrification, and greater air conditioner ownership.
• India's trade deficit rose to $22.99 billion in January 2025, reported on February 17, 2025. Imports increased by 10.28% to $59.42 billion, while exports fell by 2.38% to $36.43 billion.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) reported a fraud of ₹270.57 crore by Gupta Power Infrastructure Ltd to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on February 18, 2025. The loan, issued by PNB's Bhubaneswar branch, turned into a non-performing asset (NPA), and PNB has already made provisions for the full amount.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) fined UIB Insurance Brokers ₹1 crore on February 20, 2025 for delays in remitting premiums and claims to reinsurers and insurers. UIB must review all pending remittances and submit an action-taken report within 45 days.
• On February 13, 2025, Paytm Cloud Technologies Limited (PCTL) acquired a 25% stake in Seven Technology LLC for USD 1 million. This strategic investment aims to enhance PCTL's capabilities in embedded finance, particularly in the Brazilian market through Seven Technology's subsidiary, Dinie.
• UGRO Capital partnered with FMO on February 13, 2025 to secure Rs 2,600 million through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs). The funding aims to support initiatives in women empowerment, address territorial inequalities, and foster youth development, ultimately strengthening UGRO Capital's balance sheet and socio-economic programs.
• LTIMindtree partnered with Eurobank S.A. to implement a multi-year banking technology transformation program, with the new Global Delivery Center inaugurated in Pune on February 17, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance customer experience and drive digital transformation across Eurobank's operations in Cyprus, Luxembourg, and Greece.

Economy:

• Diya Kumari, Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, presented the state budget for 2025-26 on February 19, 2025. Key highlights include job creation, infrastructure development, and welfare measures such as 5 lakh new electricity connections, 150 free units for households, solar panels for eligible families, 1.25 lakh government jobs, 1.5 lakh private sector jobs, and Green Budget initiatives worth ₹27,854 crore.
• India's overall exports from April 2024 to January 2025 reached USD 682.59 billion, showing a growth of 7.21% compared to the same period in the previous year. Merchandise exports were valued at USD 358.91 billion, while services exports totaled USD 323.68 billion.

Science & Technology:

• PRL scientists in Ahmedabad discovered a new exoplanet named TOI-6038A b using the PARAS-2 spectrograph on February 13, 2025. This dense sub-Saturn exoplanet, 78.5 times the mass of Earth, orbits a bright, metal-rich F-type star every 5.83 days.

Sports:

• Manu Bhaker was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2024 on February 17, 2025. She won this accolade following her outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, where she won two bronze medals, becoming the first Indian athlete since Independence to win multiple medals at a single Games.

Defence:

• Goa Shipyard Ltd showcased its indigenously designed Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) at NAVDEX 2025, held from February 17 to 21, 2025. These vessels emphasize India's naval innovation and self-reliance under the "Make in India" initiative.

Important Days:

• Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day is celebrated on February 20 each year, marking its transition to the 24th state of India in 1987. The day celebrates the state's rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and natural beauty through cultural programs, traditional dances, and official ceremonies.
• World Anthropology Day 2025 is celebrated on February 20. The theme for this year is "Understanding Human Diversity and Promoting Global Harmony." The day highlights the importance of understanding human cultures, societies, and evolution, fostering respect for diversity.
• Mizoram Foundation Day is celebrated on February 20 each year, marking Mizoram's transition to a full-fledged state in 1987. The day highlights Mizoram's journey of peace, progress, and cultural preservation through various festivities and official ceremonies.

Appointments & Resignations:

• First-time MLA Rekha Gupta took oath as the new Chief Minister of Delhi on February 20, 2025. She represents the Shalimar Bagh constituency and is the fourth woman to hold this position and the first from the BJP in 27 years.
• On February 19, 2025, India was elected to the Vice Presidency of the International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore. This election highlights India's leadership in maritime affairs and its commitment to safe and efficient marine navigation.

Awards & Honours:

• Nita Ambani was honored with the Governor's Citation by Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts on February 16, 2025, for her contributions in various fields, including education, healthcare, and women's empowerment.

Questions:

Q.1 Who honored Nita Ambani with the Governor's Citation on February 16, 2025?
a) Kamala Harris
b) Gavin Newsom
c) Maura Healey
d) Ron DeSantis

Answer: c) Nita Ambani was honored by Maura Healey, the Governor of Massachusetts, for her contributions to education, healthcare, and women's empowerment.

Q.2 Which state in India has launched nPROUD, the first initiative for collecting and disposing of expired and unused medicines?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Kerala
c) Maharashtra
d) Karnataka

Answer: b) The Kerala Government launched nPROUD (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs) to safely collect and dispose of expired and unused medicines, making it India's first such initiative.