25th February 2025 Current Affairs | Daily GK Update & Top News for Exams

National News

NITI Aayog Panel to Drive AIIMS Modernization

NITI Aayog has set up a committee led by VK Paul to develop a roadmap for transforming AIIMS New Delhi into a world-class medical research and healthcare institution. The panel will assess current systems, propose reforms with timelines, and focus on governance, patient management, and financial sustainability. Additionally, NITI Aayog is working on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and rare disease treatment affordability, collaborating with CSEP Research Foundation to study global UHC models and promoting indigenous drug production to reduce costs.

‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’ Sets 5 Guinness World Records

India’s ‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’ has achieved five Guinness World Records, showcasing its commitment to holistic healthcare and elevating Ayurveda on the global stage. Led by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) under the Ministry of Ayush, the first phase concluded on February 20, 2025, in Mumbai. The campaign set records for the most health campaign pledges (weekly, monthly, and overall), along with the largest online photo and video albums. This initiative highlights India’s data-driven approach to integrating Ayurveda into public health.

India Dominates Global IPO Landscape in 2024

India has emerged as the global leader in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in 2024, accounting for 23% of all IPOs worldwide and raising a total of $19.5 billion. This milestone reflects India’s strengthening position in the global financial market, driven by a rise in venture-backed IPOs, SME growth, and investor confidence.

Soliga Tribe’s Role in Tiger Conservation at BRT Tiger Reserve

The Soliga tribal community has emerged as a key force behind the growing tiger population in Karnataka’s Biligirirangana Hills (BRT) Tiger Reserve. Their deep connection with the forest, traditional conservation methods, and recognition of their forest rights have contributed significantly to wildlife protection in the region.

Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Historic Jhumoir Ensemble in Assam

In a landmark event on February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the largest-ever Jhumoir dance performance at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Assam’s tea industry. The event, titled ‘Jhumoir Binandini 2025,’ featured over 8,000 artists from the tea garden community, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Assam.

State News

51st Khajuraho Dance Festival 2025: A Celebration of Classical Art and Heritage

The Khajuraho Dance Festival, a premier cultural extravaganza, will be held from February 20-26, 2025, against the stunning backdrop of the Khajuraho Group of Temples. Organized by the Department of Culture, Madhya Pradesh, with support from Madhya Pradesh Tourism, this 51st edition will feature a Guinness World Record attempt for a 24-hour Classical Dance Marathon, mesmerizing classical dance performances, a Food Festival showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s cuisine, and a Hunar Mela highlighting local handicrafts and art.

Datia Airport Gets DGCA Nod, Becomes MP’s 8th Airport

Datia has officially become Madhya Pradesh’s eighth airport after receiving a DGCA licence as a public aerodrome under the 3C/VFR category, enabling commercial operations. Spanning 118 acres, the airport is set to improve air connectivity in the state. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this development.

International News

Trump Appoints Dan Bongino as FBI Deputy Director

In a significant move, President Donald Trump has appointed Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator, as the new Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This decision places a staunch Trump ally in a pivotal position within the nation’s premier law enforcement agency.

FATF Plenary Session (February 2025) – Key Decisions & Updates

The FATF Plenary, led by Elisa de Anda Madrazo (Mexico), concluded after three days of discussions on money laundering, terrorism financing, financial inclusion, and online child exploitation. Key decisions included updates to FATF Standards, adding Nepal and Laos to the Grey List, removing the Philippines, and appointing Giles Thomson (UK) as Vice-President. A landmark report on financial flows in child exploitation will launch in London on March 13, 2025. Other initiatives focused on women’s careers in FATF, corruption reviews, and private sector collaboration, with Mumbai hosting the Private Sector Forum on March 25-27, 2025.

Defence News

India, Bangladesh Set Up New Border Hotline

The BSF-BGB director general-level talks (Feb 18-20, 2025) led to key agreements on border security and communication. A new hotline will be set up between BSF’s Eastern Command (Kolkata) and BGB (Dhaka) to enhance coordination. Both nations identified 99 new border patches (70-72 km) for fencing, while 92 patches (95.8 km) are already under construction. With 864.48 km of the border still unfenced, efforts will continue to address security gaps. BGB committed to stricter action against border crimes, including enhanced night patrolling.

Appointments News

Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher Steps Down; Fernando Fernandez Appointed Successor

Unilever announced that CEO Hein Schumacher will step down in March 2025 and be succeeded by current CFO Fernando Fernandez. The transition, effective by mutual agreement, will see Schumacher officially leave by May 31, 2025. This change comes after Schumacher’s leadership drove progress through the Growth Action Plan (GAP), a strategic reset, and strong financial results for 2024.

Vijender Gupta Elected Speaker of Delhi Assembly

In a major political development, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijender Gupta has been elected as the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly on February 20, 2025. His election is significant, not just for the BJP but also for Delhi’s legislative history, as Gupta takes charge of the very House where he once faced expulsion as a vocal opposition leader.

Schemes News

Haryana Witness Protection Scheme 2025

In a major move to strengthen the criminal justice system, the Haryana government, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has launched the Haryana Witness Protection Scheme, 2025. The initiative aims to protect witnesses in serious criminal cases, ensuring their safety and encouraging them to testify without fear. This move aligns with India’s evolving legal framework and the recent implementation of three new criminal laws.

Banking News

IndusInd Bank Becomes Official Banking Partner of PGTI

IndusInd Bank has partnered with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) as its official Banking Partner to enhance banking services for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) under the PIONEER banking program. This collaboration reflects the bank’s strategy of integrating lifestyle experiences with premium banking, particularly through sports sponsorships.

RBI Launches Financial Literacy Week 2025 for Women’s Inclusion

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated the Financial Literacy Week (FLW) 2025 from February 24 to 28, focusing on “Financial Literacy: Women’s Prosperity.” This annual event aims to educate women about managing finances, making informed decisions, and contributing to economic growth. By promoting financial literacy, the RBI seeks to bridge the gender gap in financial inclusion and empower women to participate actively in the economy.

Sports News

Pankaj Advani Wins 2025 Asian Snooker Championship

Pankaj Advani clinched the 2025 Asian Snooker Championship men’s title, defeating Amir Sarkosh (Iran) 4-1 in the final, marking his 14th Asian title across snooker and billiards. The tournament, held in Doha, Qatar (Feb 15-21, 2025), was organized by the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports. Advani, a multiple-time Asian and World Champion, has also won two Asian Games gold medals (2006, 2010).

Mohun Bagan Clinch Back-to-Back ISL Winners Shield

Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured their second consecutive Indian Super League (ISL) Winners Shield with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Odisha FC at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on February 23, 2025. The match remained tense until the final moments when Dimitrios Petratos struck the winning goal in injury time, making Mohun Bagan the first team in ISL history to defend the Shield successfully. This win also ensures their direct qualification for the AFC Champions League 2.

Books and Authors News

Namita Gokhale’s Life on Mars: A Literary Comeback Through Stories

Namita Gokhale’s latest book, Life on Mars: Collected Stories, brings together 15 short stories that explore themes of love, fate, and human existence. Released in January 2025, this collection reflects the author’s deep engagement with storytelling, blending past works with fresh narratives that highlight her evolving perspective. The book is structured into two distinct sections—‘Love and Other Derangements’ and ‘The Mirror of the Mahabharata’—each offering a different lens on relationships, mythology, and human emotions.

Important Days

Central Excise Day 2025: Key Details, Theme, and Importance

Central Excise Day, observed annually on February 24, marks the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944, which laid the foundation for modern excise taxation in India. It recognizes the contributions of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in tax administration, curbing corruption, and economic growth. The day highlights the significance of excise duty in funding public welfare programs and the evolving role of CBIC in Customs, GST, and anti-smuggling operations. The 2025 theme is yet to be announced but will focus on tax compliance, awareness, and efficient administration.

Science and Technology News

China Successfully Launches ChinaSat-10R from Xichang

China successfully launched the ChinaSat-10R (Zhongxing-10R) communications satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) on February 22, 2025, using a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. Developed to replace the aging ChinaSat-10, this mission strengthens China’s satellite communication infrastructure, benefiting sectors like transportation, emergency response, energy, forestry, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the launch success.