Current Affairs One - Liner : 22nd February 2025

National:

• JICA and Uttarakhand's DHFP signed an agreement for the Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion Project on January 17, 2025. This four-year project aims to enhance productivity, strengthen supply chains, and improve market access for farmers in Tehri Garhwal and Nainital districts using the SHEP approach.

• The Government of Kerala, in collaboration with Remidio, launched the world's first AI-driven chronic eye disease screening program, Nayanamritham 2.0, on February 18, 2025. The program enhances early detection of eye diseases and aims to make quality eye care more accessible across the state.
• India assumed the chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) at the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives, from February 20 to 22, 2025. Led by Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, India emphasized regional cooperation and sustainable development in the fisheries sector.
• Purnima Devi Barman was featured in TIME's Women of the Year 2025 list, released on February 21, 2025 by TIME Magazine. She is recognized for her conservation work, particularly saving the greater adjutant stork, and empowering local women through the "Hargila Army."

International:

• India's National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and Sri Lanka's Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) have finalized a plan to train 1,500 civil service officers under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU was signed during the State Visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka to India on December 16, 2024.

Banking:

• The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) launched the Kerala Entrepreneurs Development Forum on February 21, 2025. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the initiative promotes micro-entrepreneurship by providing support, mentorship, and skill development.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a Rs 39 lakh penalty on Citibank on February 21, 2025. The penalty was due to non-compliance with guidelines on the large exposures framework and delays in furnishing credit information to Credit Information Companies (CICs).
• Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) launched Aadhaar-OTP based account opening and API banking services on February 18, 2025, its 89th Foundation Day. These services aim to simplify banking for individuals and enhance financial workflows for corporate customers.

Reports:

• The Lancet Public Health report, released on February 20, 2025, highlights a 30% decline in India's suicide rate from 1990 to 2021. The study attributes this decrease to improved mental health services and a reduction in suicide stigma.

Committees:

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) formed a seven-member committee chaired by ex-SBI Chairman Dinesh Khara on February 20, 2025. The committee will review proposed amendments to the Insurance Act, 1938, including increasing the FDI cap to 100% and introducing a composite license system.

Index & Ranking:

• The 2024 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list has been released, and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has topped the list as the most valuable company for the fourth consecutive year. RIL's valuation stands at ₹17.5 lakh crore, followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HDFC Bank.

Important Days:

• World Thinking Day is celebrated annually on February 22 by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide. The 2025 theme, "Our Story", focuses on understanding the movement's history and fostering confidence to create change. It encourages exploring global perspectives on the journey.

Appointments:

• Shaktikanta Das, former RBI Governor, was appointed as Principal Secretary-2 to PM Narendra Modi. His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, is effective from February 22, 2025. This role is co-terminus with the PM's term or until further orders.
• NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam's term has been extended for one year, until February 24, 2026. This announcement was made on February 20, 2025, by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
• Shahrukh Todiwala has been appointed as MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Prime, effective February 21, 2025. He succeeds Vyomesh Kapasi, who will now head the product-consumer bank vertical at Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Questions:

Q.1 Who has been appointed as Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, effective from February 22, 2025?
a) Shaktikanta Das
b) Urjit Patel
c) Rajiv Gauba
d) Subhash Chandra Garg

Answer: a) Shaktikanta Das, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as the Principal Secretary-2 to PM Narendra Modi.

Q.2 Which company topped the 2024 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list?
a) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
b) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
c) HDFC Bank
d) Infosys

Answer: b) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) topped the 2024 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list as the most valuable company for the fourth consecutive year.