Table of Contents
National News
Centre Releases 15th Finance Commission Grants for Rural Local Bodies
The Union Government has released the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) grants for the fiscal year 2024–25, providing crucial financial support to the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Bihar, Haryana, and Sikkim. These funds aim to enhance rural governance by empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to improve local administration and address region-specific needs. The allocation includes untied grants for flexible use and tied grants for essential services such as sanitation and water supply.
International News
India and Nepal Strengthen Scientific Ties with New Agreement
India and Nepal have taken a major step toward advancing their scientific collaboration with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). The agreement, signed on February 18, 2025, at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi, aims to deepen research and technological cooperation between the two nations. This MoU builds on a long-standing partnership and focuses on various domains, including biotechnology, environmental sciences, alternative energy, and material sciences.
India Becomes IALA Vice President, Boosts Maritime Leadership
India has been elected as the Vice President of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during its inaugural General Assembly in Singapore. This election highlights India’s growing influence in global maritime affairs and comes at a crucial time when IALA is transitioning from a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an inter-governmental organization (IGO). India’s leadership in maritime navigation is set to expand further, with key international events scheduled in the coming years.
State News
Arunachal Cabinet Unveils Key Schemes for Women, Youth & Development
The Arunachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has announced a series of comprehensive initiatives aimed at empowering women, supporting youth, and fostering state development. These decisions were made during the fourth outdoor cabinet meeting at Nyapin’s Mini Secretariat. From financial aid for girl children to the establishment of a think tank for policy planning, the measures are set to have a broad socio-economic impact.
Jharkhand Govt Prohibits Gutkha, Pan Masala for a Year
The Jharkhand government has imposed a one-year ban on the sale, manufacture, storage, and distribution of gutkha and pan masala across the state. This action is enforced under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and aims to curb the health risks, particularly oral cancer, associated with tobacco consumption. Health Minister Irfan Ansari highlighted the risks to youth and public health. Violators of the ban will face strict legal action, as outlined by ACS-cum-Food Safety Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh.
Rekha Gupta Sworn in as Delhi’s New Chief Minister
Rekha Gupta has been sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, making her the fourth woman to hold the position after Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Ramlila Maidan, with Lt Governor VK Saxena administering the oath. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other prominent leaders. Gupta, from the BJP, assumes office with the responsibility of fulfilling her election promises, which include direct financial benefits for women and development initiatives in the city. Additionally, six cabinet ministers were sworn in alongside her: Parvesh Verma, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ashish Sood, Pankaj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Ravinder Indraj Singh.
Defence News
Goa Shipyard Displays Indigenous Vessels at NAVDEX 2025
Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), a prominent Indian defense shipbuilder, is showcasing its Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) at NAVDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. These vessels represent India’s growing maritime capabilities under the Make in India initiative. The FPV is 50 meters long, capable of reaching 35 knots, and is equipped for patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-terrorist operations, and more. The OPV serves multiple roles such as combat operations, law enforcement, and search and rescue missions. GSL is also presenting other innovations, including floating docks and pollution control vessels. Established in 1957, GSL has a legacy of naval excellence and is recognized for its indigenous warship design.
Indian Naval Training Squadron Leaves Sihanoukville Port
The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), consisting of INS Sujata and ICGS Veera, completed a successful goodwill visit to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on 17 February 2025. During the visit, the Indian Navy engaged with the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN) to enhance maritime cooperation, bilateral relations, and regional security under India’s SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) initiative. Key activities included meetings with RCN leadership, a Small Arms Simulator handover, and friendly sports matches. The visit reinforced defence ties, promoted cultural exchange, and showcased India’s commitment to regional maritime interoperability.
India, Malaysia Deepen Military and Su-30 Cooperation
India and Malaysia have bolstered their defence cooperation, focusing on the maintenance and expertise sharing of their Russian-origin Sukhoi-30 (Su-30) combat aircraft fleets. During Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s visit to Kuala Lumpur, both nations finalized agreements to enhance collaboration between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). This was part of the 13th Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) meeting. Key highlights include the establishment of the Su-30 Forum, cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and maritime security, and the formation of a Strategic Affairs Working Group to advance defence industry partnerships.
Agreement’s News
India and Argentina Ink MoU for Lithium Exploration
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, along with senior officials, met H.E. Raúl Alejandro Jalil, the Governor of Catamarca, Argentina, in New Delhi to discuss expanding cooperation in the mining sector, with a focus on lithium exploration and investment. The meeting led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) and the Provincial Government of Catamarca, aimed at fostering collaboration in the exploration and development of critical minerals, particularly lithium, essential for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage. This agreement strengthens bilateral ties between India and Argentina in the mining sector.
Celebrating 22 Years of Empowerment: National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
The 22nd Foundation Day of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was marked with events emphasizing the Commission’s role in protecting the rights and promoting the development of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, praised NCST’s efforts, particularly in the implementation and monitoring of the Forest Rights Act. The event included speeches and discussions on tribal welfare and highlighted key government programs, such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools, scholarships, and the National Overseas Scholarship, aimed at improving the socio-economic status of ST communities.
TRIFED Partners with Meesho, IFCA, and MGIRI
In a significant move to boost the economic welfare of tribal communities, TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd) has formed strategic partnerships with Meesho, the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI). These alliances aim to integrate tribal businesses into the B2B sector and promote tribal products. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on February 18, 2025, during the “Aadi Mahotsav” at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, marking a pivotal step toward enhancing tribal entrepreneurship and expanding market access.
Economy News
Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Unveils ₹2.90 Lakh Cr Budget for 2025-26
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has presented the state budget for the financial year 2025-26, setting the total expenditure at ₹2.90 lakh crore. This budget, which was tabled on February 17, 2025, focuses on agriculture, irrigation, and rural development, aiming to strengthen the state’s economy by prioritizing key sectors. This is the first full-fledged budget by the BJP-led government since it came to power last year. The allocation sees a significant rise compared to the 2024-25 budget of ₹2.65 lakh crore, indicating the state’s continued commitment to economic growth.
India’s Exports Surge by 7.2% YoY in Apr-Jan 2025
India’s total exports recorded a 7.2% year-on-year (YoY) growth during the April 2024 to January 2025 period, as per data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This marks a significant increase in India’s global trade engagement, driven by key industries such as electronics manufacturing and aerospace. However, potential U.S. tariffs pose a challenge to sustaining this momentum.
LIC Unveils ‘One Man Office’ to Digitally Empower Agents
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has introduced a new digital initiative called the ‘One Man Office’ (OMO) to enhance the efficiency of its agents by providing 24×7 digital services. Launched on February 17, 2025, this initiative aims to support LIC’s long-term vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ by offering seamless online tools for policy sales, customer service, and business management.
Banking News
SBI Cards Appoints Salila Pande as New MD & CEO
SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd has announced a major leadership change along with a financial update. Salila Pande has been appointed as the next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the company, effective April 1, 2025. She will replace Abhijit Chakravorty, who is set to retire on March 31, 2025. In addition, SBI Cards has declared an interim dividend of ₹2.50 per share for the financial year 2024-25.
360 ONE Asset to Acquire 15% Stake in Bharti AXA Life Insurance
In a significant development in India’s insurance industry, 360 ONE Asset has announced its plan to acquire a 15% stake in Bharti AXA Life Insurance. This move is expected to bring fresh capital into the insurance firm, enabling it to expand its operations, enhance innovation, and strengthen its position in the highly competitive life insurance market.
Sports News
Manu Bhaker Wins BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2024
Olympic medal-winning shooter Manu Bhaker has been awarded the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (ISWOTY) 2024. The prestigious award, conducted by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), honours the achievements of Indian female athletes and their contributions to sports over the past year.
Other winners
- BBC Emerging Player of the Year – Sheetal Devi (archery)
- Lifetime Achievement – Mithali Raj (cricket)
- Indian Para-sportswoman of the Year – Avani Lekhara (shooting)
Important Days
World Day of Social Justice 2025: Theme, History, Significance, and Key Discussions
Observed annually on February 20, the World Day of Social Justice highlights the need to promote fairness, equality, and inclusivity in societies across the world. Established by the United Nations (UN), this day aims to combat poverty, social exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights violations, and inadequate social protection systems. The theme for 2025 is “Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future”.
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