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State News
Punjab Schools to Compulsorily Teach Punjabi
The Punjab government has made Punjabi a mandatory subject in all schools, regardless of their educational board, with immediate effect. The rule applies to PSEB, CBSE, and CISCE schools, ensuring Punjabi remains a core subject. Non-compliance will result in student certificates being null and void, and private schools violating the rule have been fined ₹50,000 each. The decision enforces the Punjab Learning of Punjabi and Other Languages Act, 2008, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
Implementation of Telugu as a Compulsory Subject in Telangana Schools
The Telangana government has made Telugu a mandatory subject for Class 9 students across CBSE, ICSE, IB, and other board-affiliated schools starting from 2025-26. This rule will extend to Class 10 from 2026-27 under the Telangana (Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Telugu in Schools) Act, 2018, ensuring language preservation. The simplified ‘Vennela’ textbook (CBSE code: 089) will replace ‘Singidi’ to facilitate easier learning.
J-K Police Registers First e-FIR via Email: A Step Towards Digital Policing
The Jammu and Kashmir Police registered its first-ever e-FIR at Police Station Khrew, marking a major step in digital policing. The complaint, filed via email, led to Case FIR No. 17/2025. This initiative aligns with the Law Commission of India’s recommendations for e-FIRs in cognizable offenses, enhancing transparency and accessibility in the criminal justice system. The FIR must be signed within three days for validation and is registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
MP Secures ₹30.77 Lakh Cr in Investment Pledges
Madhya Pradesh secured ₹30.77 lakh crore in investment commitments at the 8th Invest Madhya Pradesh Summit in Bhopal. The two-day event attracted global investors, highlighting MP’s strategic advantages, industrial potential, and business-friendly policies. Major investors like Adani Group, Reliance, NTPC, and Avaada pledged investments across manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology. Key projects include ₹1.1 lakh crore by Adani, ₹60,000 crore by Reliance, and ₹1.2 lakh crore by NTPC Green Energy Ltd & MPPGCL. International partnerships were also formed with Indo-European and Indo-German trade chambers.
Madhya Pradesh Now Home to India’s Highest Vulture Population
Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the state with the highest vulture population in India, marking a major success in wildlife conservation. According to the first phase of the 2025 vulture census, the state’s vulture population has reached 12,981, a significant increase from 10,845 in 2024 and 8,397 in 2019. This steady rise highlights the effectiveness of conservation measures implemented over the years. The vulture census, which began in 2016, plays a crucial role in tracking population trends and ensuring the survival of these important scavengers.
International News
Friedrich Merz Ascends as Germany’s New Chancellor
In a major political development, Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is set to take over as Germany’s next chancellor. His party, in alliance with the Christian Social Union (CSU), secured victory in the 2025 federal elections, marking a shift in Germany’s leadership after the tenure of Olaf Scholz. At 69, Merz will be the oldest person to assume the role since Konrad Adenauer in 1949. His rise to power signifies a return of conservative leadership, with policies that could impact both Germany’s domestic governance and its role in global affairs.
UAE Introduces Blue Visa: 10-Year Residency for Foreigners
The UAE has introduced the Blue Visa, a 10-year residency permit for individuals contributing to environmental sustainability and climate action. Announced at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai (Feb 11-13), it was launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP). The Blue Visa expands the UAE’s long-term residency options, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
Appointment News
N Chandrasekaran Appointed as Chairman of Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, has been appointed head of the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF), a philanthropy and tech research entity founded by Ratan Tata. Appointed by the executors of Tata’s will, his leadership will ensure independent governance and effective operations.
Defence News
Military Exercise ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ Held at Bet Dwarka
The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police, conducted the large-scale military exercise ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ at Bet Dwarka, Gujarat. The drill focused on island security, combating illegal encroachments, and enhancing coordination between security forces. Key participants included Army units from Ahmedabad & Jamnagar, district administration, Forest Department, Maritime Board, Gujarat Energy Department, and NSG. The exercise featured hovercraft landings, securing critical infrastructure, and simulated responses to security threats, ensuring preparedness against potential risks.
India Successfully Test Fires Naval Anti-Ship Missile
India has successfully conducted the test-firing of a first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. The missile was launched from an Indian Naval Seaking helicopter and successfully demonstrated its precision strike capability. This achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s defense and naval warfare capabilities.
Banking News
Corporate Profits Jump 15.3% in FY24 Despite Slow Sales: RBI
Indian corporate profits witnessed a strong rise of 15.3% in FY24, even as sales growth remained moderate at 5.5%, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report. The report highlights that cost-cutting measures played a key role in improving profit margins, helping companies maintain financial strength despite economic uncertainties. While the services sector showed resilience, manufacturing struggled with slower growth.
Axis Bank Launches 9th Evolve Edition
Axis Bank has launched the 9th edition of its knowledge-sharing seminar, Evolve, to help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) adapt to the changing business landscape. This year’s theme, “Future-Proofing MSMEs for the New-Age Business,” highlights the need for digital transformation, innovation, and operational resilience. The initiative aims to equip entrepreneurs with practical insights and strategies to strengthen their businesses in an evolving market.
Muthoot Finance Gets RBI Nod to Open 115 New Branches
Muthoot Finance, India’s leading gold loan non-banking financial company (NBFC), has secured approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to expand its branch network by adding 115 new branches across the country. This expansion aligns with the company’s focus on reaching more customers, particularly in underbanked and underserved regions. By increasing its physical presence, Muthoot Finance aims to strengthen its foothold in the gold loan segment and provide better access to financial services.
SBI Cuts India’s FY25 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.3%
India’s economic growth is expected to slow down in the fiscal year 2024-25, with the State Bank of India (SBI) revising its GDP growth estimate to 6.3%. This is lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) projection of 6.6% and a significant drop from last year’s growth rate of 8.2%. The downgrade is attributed to weaker manufacturing growth and subdued private investment, both of which have raised concerns about the overall economic trajectory.
Science and Technology News
Pixxel’s Firefly: Revolutionizing India’s Space Tech
Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel has marked a historic milestone by launching India’s first private hyperspectral satellite constellation under its Firefly project. The launch, which took place aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, signifies a major shift in the Indian space sector, bringing private players into a domain traditionally dominated by government agencies.
India’s First Hyperloop Test Track: A High-Speed Revolution
IIT Madras, in collaboration with Indian Railways, has launched India’s first hyperloop test track, marking a major step toward revolutionizing high-speed transportation. This 422-meter-long facility, located within the IIT Madras campus, is expected to pave the way for ultra-fast travel, potentially cutting down long intercity journeys to just a few minutes. The hyperloop system uses electromagnetically levitated pods inside vacuum tubes, reducing air resistance and allowing speeds comparable to airplanes.
Awards News
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2025 Full List of Winners
The 31st SAG Awards took place on February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, celebrating excellence in film and television. Hosted by Kristen Bell and streamed on Netflix, the event honored actors and ensembles for their outstanding performances. Jane Fonda received the SAG Life Achievement Award, emphasizing empathy and unions in her speech. The awards, known for predicting Oscar winners, featured emotional moments and surprise victories. Top winners included Conclave (Best Cast), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown, Best Male Actor), Demi Moore (The Substance, Best Female Actor), Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain, Best Supporting Male Actor), Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez, Best Supporting Female Actor), and The Fall Guy (Best Stunt Ensemble).
Important Days
World Protein Day 2025: Significance, History, and Importance
World Protein Day (February 27) promotes awareness of protein’s importance in nutrition, preventing deficiencies, and ensuring global health security. Initiated by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), it has grown into a global campaign with widespread participation. India also observes National Protein Day on the same date.
Current Affairs Today | 27 February Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam