Table of Contents
National News
Dharmendra Pradhan Celebrates Hindu College’s 126th Founder’s Day
On the 126th Founder’s Day of Hindu College, Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan attended the event in New Delhi, praising the college’s legacy in shaping India’s intellectual, cultural, and national identity. He interacted with students, faculty, and staff, visited an exhibition on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and engaged with innovative ideas and business models. He expressed confidence in young talents driving future innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
Mary Kom, Avani Lekhara, Suhas Yathiraj Join Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, an interactive initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, continues to guide students on academic and life challenges. The seventh episode featured iconic sportspersons M C Mary Kom, Avani Lekhara, and Suhas Yathiraj, discussing goal setting, resilience, stress management, and life lessons from sports. This session, part of the ongoing series, encourages students to adopt hard work, discipline, and a growth mindset for success.
Union Minister Pabitra Margherita Inaugurates SILKTECH 2025
The CSB’s International Conference – SILKTECH 2025 was inaugurated by Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles & Foreign Affairs, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as part of the Bharat Tex 2025 mega textile event. Organized by CSB-Central Tasar Research & Training Institute, Ranchi, and CSB-Central Silk Technological Research Institute (CSTRI) under the Ministry of Textiles, the conference focused on emerging technologies in the silk sector to enhance quality, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
MSME Sector Gets Boost with Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme & Other Initiatives
The Union Budget 2025 focuses on economic growth, energy security, education, healthcare, and agriculture. Key highlights include full Customs Duty exemption on 25 critical minerals, MSME Loan Guarantee expansion, 100% FDI cap in insurance, and the launch of PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to boost agricultural productivity in 100 low-yield districts, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers. The budget also enhances student loan support and strengthens food security, financial inclusion, and rural development.
State News
Madhya Pradesh Unveils India’s First GCC Policy
Madhya Pradesh has taken a major step in India’s economic landscape by introducing the country’s first dedicated Global Capability Centers (GCC) Policy 2025. This initiative aims to attract multinational corporations by creating a strong ecosystem for global innovation and collaboration, particularly in Tier-2 cities like Indore, Bhopal, and Jabalpur. By providing a business-friendly environment, financial incentives, and infrastructure development, the state plans to position itself as a preferred destination for GCCs.
Defence News
Indian Navy Launches Eighth MCA Barge, LSAM 11
On February 14, 2025, the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone by launching its eighth Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, LSAM 11 (Yard 79). This key event took place in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra, at the launch site of M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam. The ceremony was presided over by Commodore N Gopinath, AGM (PL) at Naval Dockyard Mumbai. This addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet is set to strengthen its logistical support and operational capabilities.
Matsya-6000: India’s Deep-Ocean Submersible Completes Wet Testing
The Matsya-6000 is a state-of-the-art, fourth-generation deep-ocean human submersible developed under India’s Deep Ocean Mission. Part of the Samudrayan Project, led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, its aim is to enhance India’s deep-ocean exploration capabilities. The submersible, designed to carry three people, features advanced technologies and has successfully completed both dry and wet testing, ensuring operational efficiency at depths of up to 500 meters.
Banking News
RBI Fines Shriram Finance, Ujjivan SFB, and Nainital Bank for Violations
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken strict action against three financial institutions—Shriram Finance, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, and The Nainital Bank Limited—by imposing monetary penalties for non-compliance with various regulatory norms. The penalties were imposed under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, following the RBI’s Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2023), which assessed the financial health of these institutions as of March 31, 2023. The violations ranged from non-adherence to interest rate directives, loan documentation irregularities, and risk categorization lapses.
RBI Ombudsman Called As “रिज़र्वबैंक ओम्बड्समैन योजना 2021”
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 mandates the establishment of Lokpal at the Union level and Lokayuktas at the State level to address corruption allegations against public officials. However, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mistakenly translated its Reserve Bank-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS), 2021 into Hindi as “रिज़र्वबैंक-एकीकृत लोकपाल योजना, 2021”. Since “Lokpal” is legally reserved for the anti-corruption body, the RBI corrected this by renaming the scheme in Hindi to “रिज़र्वबैंक-एकीकृत ओम्बड्समैन योजना, 2021”, replacing “लोकपाल” with “ओम्बड्समैन” in all official documents.
Schemes News
PM-AASHA Scheme Extended to Support Farmers Until 2025-26
The Government of India has extended the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme until 2025-26. This move is aimed at providing better income support to farmers by ensuring that they receive remunerative prices for their produce. PM-AASHA also helps stabilize the prices of essential food commodities, benefiting both farmers and consumers alike.
Gujarat Launches G-SAFAL to Uplift 50,000 Underprivileged Women
The Gujarat government, led by CM Bhupendra Patel, has launched G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) to empower underprivileged families, particularly women, and promote economic self-sufficiency. Implemented by the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited, the scheme targets 50,000 Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholder families across 25 talukas in 10 districts over five years. Key features include a ₹80,000 grant per family, skill training, financial inclusion, women’s empowerment through field coaches, and technology integration via a digital dashboard for real-time monitoring.
Appointments News
Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as India’s New Chief Election Commissioner
On February 17, 2025, the Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, was officially appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) by the Law Ministry. This appointment marks a significant milestone, as he is the first CEC to be appointed under the new law governing the selection of Election Commission (EC) members. His tenure will last until January 26, 2029, positioning him at the helm of the Election Commission of India (ECI) during crucial electoral events, including the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Standard Chartered Appoints P.D. Singh as India CEO
Standard Chartered Bank has secured approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to appoint Prabdev (P.D.) Singh as its Chief Executive Officer for India and South Asia. Singh, a veteran in corporate banking and former CEO of JP Morgan India, will assume his new role on April 1, 2025. He will replace Zarin Daruwala, who is set to retire on March 31, 2025, after leading the bank for nearly a decade.
Ranks and Reports News
BJP Emerges as India’s Richest Political Party in 2023-24 with Over ₹4,300 Crore Income: ADR Report
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the richest political party in India for the financial year 2023-24, with a staggering income of ₹4,340.47 crore, according to the latest report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The Indian National Congress (INC) follows in second place with an income of ₹1,225.11 crore, while other national parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and National People’s Party (NPEP), have also disclosed their financial standings.
Business News
IRDAI’s ‘Bima Trinity’ Initiative: Transforming India’s Insurance Landscape
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has unveiled a revolutionary plan called Bima Trinity during the 9th Bima Manthan, held on February 13-14, 2025. This initiative is set to transform India’s insurance industry, aiming to make insurance more accessible, affordable, and efficient. The plan, a three-pronged approach, is designed to address critical gaps in insurance accessibility and coverage across the country. The 9th Bima Manthan meeting was an important platform where IRDAI engaged with the CEOs of insurance companies to discuss the performance of the sector and its future strategies.
Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran Honored with UK Knighthood
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group, has been awarded an honorary knighthood by the United Kingdom. This prestigious recognition highlights his remarkable contributions to strengthening business ties between India and the UK. The UK government conferred this honor on February 14, 2025, acknowledging his leadership in driving Tata Group’s investments and collaborations in the UK.
Science and Technology News
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan Reveals India’s Space Roadmap for the Next 10 Years
V Narayanan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), unveiled the future roadmap of India’s space missions. Narayanan, who is also the Secretary of the Department of Space, rocket scientist, and aerospace engineer, spoke about India’s growing space capabilities and ambitious missions set for the coming years. His insights cover launch vehicle technology, human spaceflight, interplanetary missions, space station developments, and much more. Here’s a detailed account of what lies ahead for ISRO, as shared by Narayanan.
Faecal Bacteria in Ganga at Prayagraj: A Health Hazard
The Ganga River, one of India’s most revered rivers, holds deep religious significance for millions of devotees. Every year, especially during the Maha Kumbh Mela, millions gather to take a holy dip in the river’s waters, believing it will cleanse them of sins. However, recent reports from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have raised serious concerns regarding the presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the waters at Prayagraj, particularly during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. This contamination, primarily due to untreated sewage discharge, is not just an environmental issue but a significant public health risk. This article delves into the impact of faecal bacteria on human health and the steps being taken to address this growing concern.
Elon Musk Unveils Grok 3 AI: The Smartest AI on Earth
Elon Musk and his artificial intelligence company xAI have launched Grok 3, an advanced AI chatbot that promises to be the most intelligent AI ever developed. The launch event, which attracted nearly 100,000 viewers, showcased the remarkable capabilities of Grok 3, its development process, and how it outperforms leading AI models.
Sports News
Indonesia Defeats China to Win First Asia Mixed Team Title
Indonesia made history by winning its first Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championship title, defeating defending champions China 3-1 at the Conson Sports Centre, Qingdao. This victory marks a major milestone in Indonesia’s badminton legacy, breaking China’s dominance in the tournament. The decisive moment came in the men’s doubles match, where Muhammad Shohibul Fikri & Daniel Marthin secured the title by defeating Chen Xujun & Huang Di 21-15, 21-9.
Saudi Arabia to Host Inaugural Olympic Esports Games 2027
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the launch of the Olympic Esports Games in July 2023, marking a historic step in integrating esports with traditional sports. Saudi Arabia has been chosen to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2027, in collaboration with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC). The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has been named the Founding Partner, aiming to innovate esports, expand global opportunities, and impact the gaming industry.
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