Current Affairs One - Liner : 23rd & 24th February 2025

National:

• On 20 February 2025, the Haryana government launched the Haryana Witness Protection Scheme, 2025 to protect witnesses in criminal cases. The scheme categorizes witnesses into three threat levels and includes measures such as identity change and relocation. It aims to strengthen the rule of law and ensure witness safety during judicial proceedings.

• On 15 February 2025, the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government in Assam approved Bathouism as an official religion option in application forms. This move recognizes the traditional faith of the Bodo community and aims to preserve their cultural and religious identity.
• On 20 February 2025, Mount Dukono in Indonesia erupted, sending ash up to 2,000 meters high. An orange aviation warning was issued, prohibiting flights within 5 km of the volcano.
• On 20 February 2025, the Ministry of Mines reclassified Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz as major minerals to boost critical mineral exploration and mining in India. This move involves extended lease periods of up to 50 years and regulation by the Indian Bureau of Mines. It is part of the National Critical Mineral Mission.

International:

• The collaboration between India and the UK in telecommunications, AI, and emerging technologies was officially announced on 21 February 2025. This partnership includes joint projects in 5G, 6G, and digital infrastructure security. The collaboration aims to enhance technological capabilities, promote skill development, and drive economic growth.
• UNESCO launched the "Imagine a World with More Women in Science" campaign on 11 February 2025, supported by Canada's International Development Centre (IDRC). The campaign aims to emphasize women's essential role in driving scientific progress and calls for a more gender-balanced scientific community.

Banking:

• In 2024, bank lending to non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in India grew by 6.7% to ₹16.22 lakh crore as of December. This marked the slowest growth in four years, due to higher funding costs after the RBI raised risk weights. Consequently, NBFCs sought funds through bonds and syndicated loans in domestic and overseas markets.
• On 20 February 2025, Paytm launched India's first solar-powered payment soundbox for merchants. It features a solar panel for automatic charging, dual batteries, and supports audio notifications in 11 languages. The device aims to provide uninterrupted payment experiences and reduce electricity costs for small merchants.

Economy:

• On 20 February 2025, Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented a ₹8.08 trillion state budget for FY26. The budget prioritizes infrastructure, education, and agriculture, aiming to position Uttar Pradesh as a growth engine of India.
• On 20 February 2025, Uttarakhand Finance Minister Premchand Aggrawal presented a ₹1,01,175 crore budget for FY26 in Dehradun. The budget focuses on infrastructure, education, health, and rural development. Key allocations include ₹14,763 crore for infrastructure development and ₹1,843 crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Moody's Analytics projected India's GDP growth to slow to 6.4% in 2025 on 20 February 2025. This slowdown is attributed to new US tariffs and softening global demand, which are expected to weigh on exports.

Science & Technology:

• IN-SPACe launched the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) on 19 February 2025 to support spacetech startups. The fund provides significant financial support for project costs, aiming to turn early-stage technologies into commercially viable products. The maximum funding limit is ₹25 crore per project.

Reports:

• The Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2025 was released on 18 February 2025 by UNESCAP. This report highlights progress and challenges in achieving the region's SDGs, focusing on climate change, natural disasters, and data gaps. It also emphasizes community-level partnerships to ensure inclusive progress.

Sports:

• On 23 February 2025, Saurav Ghosal made a triumphant return to professional squash by winning the Sydney Classic 2025 title in Sydney, Australia. The event was part of the PSA Challenger Tour, and Ghosal clinched the title in the squash category.
• On 21 February 2025, 20-year-old Indian student Vishvaa Rajakumar won the Memory League World Championship 2025. The event was held online, and Rajakumar triumphed in the memory sports category by memorizing 80 random numbers in 13.50 seconds and 30 images in 8.40 seconds.

Defence:

• On 19 February 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) formalized their collaboration in Bengaluru. The aim is to bridge the gap between industry and academia, enhancing aerospace research and innovation.

Committees:

• On 19 February 2025, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the 13th MIDCOM Meeting in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia's Secretary General Lokman Hakim Bin Ali. The aim was to expand bilateral defence cooperation in areas such as cyber security, AI, and maritime security.

Important Days:

• World Peace and Understanding Day is observed annually on 23 February, emphasizing dialogue, mutual respect, and global harmony. It is closely associated with Rotary International, founded on this day in 1905.
• Central Excise Day is observed annually on 24 February to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act in 1944. This day honors the contributions of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and its officers in managing indirect taxes and promoting economic stability.

Appointments:

• On 20 February 2025, Anurag Rastogi was appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Haryana, succeeding Vivek Joshi. Rastogi, a 1990-batch IAS officer, will continue to hold the charge of Additional Chief Secretary (Finance and Planning).
• On 6 February 2025, Professor Sabyasachi Kar was appointed as the new Director of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), New Delhi, succeeding Professor Chetan Ghate. Kar is an economist and currently the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Chair Professor at IEG.

Awards & Honours:

• On 22 February 2025, Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, received the Honorary Knighthood (KBE) from King Charles III. The award ceremony took place at the British High Commissioner's residence in New Delhi, recognizing Mittal's exceptional contributions to UK-India business relations
• On 14 February 2025, Goa's Manohar International Airport (Mopa Airport) became the first airport in India to win the Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskaar (Golden Trophy). The award recognizes the airport's exemplary Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) performance.

Obituaries:

• Renowned Odissi dancer Mayadhar Raut passed away at the age of 92 on 22 February 2025 in Delhi. Raut played a crucial role in reviving and codifying the Odissi dance form, helping it gain classical dance status.

Questions:

Q.1 Which Indian airport became the first to win the Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskaar (Golden Trophy) in 2025?
a) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
b) Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
c) Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
d) Manohar International Airport, Goa

Answer: d) On 14 February 2025, Goa’s Manohar International Airport (Mopa Airport) became the first airport in India to win the Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskaar (Golden Trophy) for its exemplary Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) performance.

Q.2 What is the projected GDP growth rate of India for 2025, as per Moody’s Analytics report on 20 February 2025?
a) 6.4%
b) 7.0%
c) 5.9%
d) 6.8%

Answer: a) Moody’s Analytics projected on 20 February 2025 that India's GDP growth would slow to 6.4% in 2025 due to factors like new US tariffs and weakening global demand affecting exports.