Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 20th February 2025

 

National News 

1. Zomato unveils AI-powered platform Nugget to help businesses scale up 

• Food and delivery platform Zomato has introduced Nugget, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered customer support platform designed to help businesses streamline their operations. 

What is Nugget? 

•  Nugget is a no-code, AI-powered customer support solution that enables businesses to automate customer service without requiring technical expertise. 
• It is designed to handle up to 80 per cent of customer queries autonomously, continuously learning and adapting in real time, Goyal boasts.

 2. Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated 77th Session of Executive Committee of the AARDO in New Delhi 

• Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has inaugurated the 77th Session of the Executive Committee (EC-77) of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) in New Delhi, with participation from senior officials of AARDO member countries.
•  The session proposed new leadership for AARDO (President and Vice Presidents), review budget estimates, approve new memberships and MOUs, and assess development projects, HRD programs, and regional office activities from May 2023 to October 2024. 
• AARDO is established in 1962. AARDO is a multilateral organization promoting rural and agricultural development across 32 member countries in Africa and Asia, with India playing a key role in its support and operations. 
• The Indian government has been a long-term supporter of AARDO, providing financial assistance for infrastructure and facilitating its headquarters in New Delhi, along with active participation in governance and development initiatives. 

3. The first edition of the SOUL Leadership Conclave inaugurated by PM Modi on 21st February in Delhi 

• The two-day SOUL Leadership Summit from February 21–22 served as a major platform.
•  The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, delivered the keynote address as the chief guest.
•  Leaders from diverse fields such as politics, sports, arts and media, the spiritual world, public policy, business, and the social sector shared their inspiring life journeys and discussed aspects related to leadership.
•  The conference fostered an ecosystem of collaboration and thought leadership, facilitating learning from both failures and successes to inspire the young audience. 
• The School of Ultimate Leadership is an upcoming leadership institute in Gujarat that enables authentic leaders to advance the public good. 
• It aims to broaden the landscape of political leadership in India through formal training and inclusion of people who rise to power not simply from hereditary politics but through merit, commitment, and passion for public service.
• SOUL brings the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to tackle the complex challenges of leadership in today's world.

 4. Ajmer hosted the first All India Conference of Transgender 

• The 10-day conference was organised in memory of Anita Bai. 
• Anita Bai has been mentor of the Gaddipati Saloni Nayak of Ajmer's transgender community.
• About 2,000 community members attended the Panch ritual performed in the Khichdi Tulai festival. 
• The community collectively performs the Khichdi Tulai ritual, the first ritual of the conference. 
• Several stalls including medical, banking, perfume and tour operators have been set up in the venue. 

International News 

5. EAM Jaishankar to attend G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in South Africa 

• External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for February 20-21 in Johannesburg, South Africa. 
• Jaishankar will attend the meeting at the invitation of South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. 
• On the sidelines of the summit, Jaishankar is also set to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other participating countries. 
• South Africa assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2024, and will hold the position until November 2025.
• The G20, comprising 19 leading economies along with the European Union and African Union, represents 85% of global GDP, over 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population. The presidency rotates annually among members.

 6. The International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) has elected India to its Vice Presidency

• The election was held during IALA's inaugural General Assembly in Singapore. 
• T.K. Ramachandran, the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, led the Indian delegation. 
• The election shows India's dedication to improving navigational aids and promoting maritime safety. 
• It also highlights India's contribution to promoting global collaboration in the maritime industry. 
• In December 2025, the IALA Council meeting will be held in India. 
• The IALA Conference and General Assembly will take place in Mumbai in September 2027. 

7. An MoU was signed by Argentina and India to further their collaboration in lithium mining and exploration 

• Raul Alejandro Jalil, the governor of Catamarca, Argentina, and G. Kishan Reddy, the minister of coal and mines, met and signed the MoU. 
• New Delhi was the venue where the meeting was held. 
• The goal of the meeting was to increase collaboration in the mining industry, particularly in the areas of investment opportunities and lithium exploration. 
• In order to increase India's engagement in Argentina's mining industry, the meeting prioritized knowledge sharing and infrastructure support. 
• India and Argentina reiterated their commitment to deepening their relationship in the vital minerals sector with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. 
• It is expected that this partnership will open up new mining potential for Indian businesses in Latin America. 

8. India has a lot of money, why give it $21 mn, asks Trump 

• U.S. President Donald Trump has wondered why $21 million was being given to India for "voter turnout", reiterating that the U.S. "can hardly get in there" because of high Indian tariffs. 
• "India is one of the highest taxing countries in the world," he said while signing executive orders at Mara-Lago on Tuesday. 
• The Elon Musk-led Depart-ment of Government Effi-ciency (DOGE) had dis-closed that USAID contributed $21 million to the Election Commission for boosting voter turnout. 
• Mr. Trump said, "...And $21 million for voter turnout in India. Why are we giving $21 million to India? They got a lot of money there. One of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us. We can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high." Mr. Trump said he had a "lot of respect for In-dia. I have a lot of respect for the Prime Minister". Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the White House last week. 
• "But we're giving $21 million for voter turnout. It's voter turnout in India. What about voter turnout here," he said. 
• Hours before Prime Minister Modi had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Trump in the White House on February 13, the U.S. The President had announced reciprocal tariffs. 

State News 

9. Uttarakhand government approved a new land law 'to protect cultural identity and natural resources' 

• Uttarakhand Cabinet approved a more stringent land law to "protect" the state's resources and "maintain" its original identity. 
• As per the Cabinet decision, individuals from outside the state will not be able to purchase horticultural and agricultural land in 11 districts of Uttarakhand except Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar. 
• The government has taken this decision to ensure proper land use in hilly regions and prevent encroachments. 
• Now, district magistrates will not have the authority to personally grant permission for land purchases. 
• All district magistrates will have to submit regular reports related to land purchases to the Revenue Council and the government. 
• The new law will repeal the land law enacted in 2018. 

10. The first project on the collection and disposal of expired medicines is being launched by Kerala Government 

• For the first time in the country, the State Drug Control Department is launching a project to collect and dispose of expired and unused medicines from households in a scientific manner. 
• On February 22, Health Minister Veena George will inaugurate the project titled 'nPROUD' (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs) in Kozhikode. 
• As part of the project, authorities will collect unused medicines from households or provide facilities for their disposal at designated locations. 
• This is the first time such a project has been launched and implemented at the government level in the country.
• The project is being implemented for the first time in the Kozhikode Corporation and Ulliyeri Panchayat of Kozhikode district 
• The government is planning to implement it across the state. 
• Veena George said that expired and unused medicines should not be carelessly thrown into the soil and water bodies, as this leads to antimicrobial resistance, health problems, and environmental pollution. 
• The medicines so collected will be scientifically processed at the Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited (KEIL) waste treatment plant, which has been approved by the Central and State Environment Departments. 

11.Rajasthan budget focuses on infra, jobs, water projects 

• The 2025-26 State budget presented by Rajasthan Fi-nance Minister Diya Kumari in the Assembly on Wednesday laid emphasis on infrastructure expansion in the key sectors, employment generation and water supply projects despite an estimated fiscal deficit of *84,643 crore, which was 4.25% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
•  Presenting the ₹5.37-lakh-crore budget, Ms. Kumari, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, an-nounced recruitments for 2.75 lakh posts in the government and private sectors, drinking water connections for 20 lakh houses, and the construction of nine greenfield expressways at a cost of ₹60,000 crore. "We are committed to creating a 350-billion U.S. dollar economy by 2030," Ms. Kumari said. 
• Ms. Kumari described her financial statement as the State's first "green budget", with its focus on climate change adaptation, forests, environment, and biodiversity. She said the 
• State government would take concrete steps for promoting sustainable agriculture, water harvesting, recycling and waste disposal, and capacity building in these domains.
•  While the ruling Bharati-ya Janata Party welcomed the budget as a document for "inclusive develop-ment", the Opposition Congress said Ms. Kumari's budget speech only com-prised "jugglery of figures" and has failed to offer anything tangible to the youth, backward classes, Dalits, tribals and women. Former CM Ashok Gehlot said the budget would even result in the denial of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantees. 
• Ms. Kumari also announced 150 units of free electricity per month to the beneficiaries under the CM's Free Electricity Scheme. Other budgetary announcements for the energy sector included 50,000 new agricultural power connections, 5 lakh domestic connections, abolition of banking with other States at high rates, and installation of more solar plants. 
• An allocation of ₹10 crore was made for work of non-patchable roads in each Assembly constituency as well as 15 crore in the constituencies situated in the desert region, ₹50 crore for detailed project reports of ring roads in 15 cities, and 250 crore for traffic improvement work in Jaipur. She also an-nounced the creation of a fund of ₹150 crore under the CM's Thar region development programme. 
• Ms. Kumari announced a new global capacity centre policy for investment in the service sector, a trade promotion policy for the trading sector, and development of 10 sites as iconic tourist destinations. She said 100 crore would be spent to promote night tourism 

Defence News 

12. Goa Shipyard showcased Indigenous Naval Vessels at NAVDEX 2025 

• The indigenously designed Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) were showcased by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL), one of India’s premier defense shipbuilding yards, at NAVDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. 
• These ships highlight India's growing capabilities in naval innovation and self-reliance under the "Make in India" initiative. 
• The Fast Patrol Vessel (Model) on display is a 50 metre long, high-speed vessel capable of reaching speeds of 35 knots. 
• It was designed and built in-house by GSL and was primarily intended for patrolling, anti-smuggling, and anti-terrorist operations. 
• The ship is powered by three 2,720-kilowatt diesel engines driving independent waterjets, providing high maneuverability and efficiency. 
• Seven FPVs were successfully delivered by GSL to the Indian Coast Guard, and their capabilities were proven in national emergencies, including disaster response during tsunamis. 
• The Offshore Patrol Vessel, another key exhibit at NAVDEX 2025, is renowned for its high stability, operational versatility, and adaptability to diverse missions. 
• Established in 1957, GSL is recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) as it evolved into a leading defense shipbuilder known for its indigenous warship design and development. 
• Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025: 
• NAVDEX, held alongside IDEX, serves as an important platform for international cooperation in defence and security.
• ADNEC Group, in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, organized it from 17 to 21 February. 
• The five-day event brought together global defence leaders, government officials, and industry experts to discuss emerging defence trends, strategic partnerships, and technological advancements in military innovation. 

Economy News 

13. 9th Asia Economic Dialogue was organized in Pune, Maharashtra 

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the 9th Asia Economic Dialogue. 
• The three-day Dialogue is being co-hosted in collaboration with Pune International Centre. 
• “Economic Resilience and Resurgence in an Era of Fragmentation” was the theme of the Dialogue. 
• Many key contemporary topics in geo-economics, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, economic imperatives of Cyber Security, etc. were discussed in the meeting. 
• Asia Economic Dialogue 2025 brought together political leaders and senior government officials, academicians, policymakers, and industry experts from India and abroad. 
• It also aims to resolve issues of economic fragmentation and identify actionable pathways for resilience and resurgence. 
• It is the External Affairs Ministry’s annual flagship ‘Track 1.5 Dialogue’ on Geoeconomics 

Appointment News 

14. Rekha Gupta, first-time MLA, named as Delhi CM 

• Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, has been chosen as the new Delhi Chief Minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said after its legislature party meeting at its national headquarters on Wednesday evening. 
• Ms. Gupta, 50, will be the fourth woman to head the government in the Union Territory. 
• The announcement comes nearly 10 days after the BJP returned to power in the national capital after 26 years, winning 48 of the 70 seats in the Assembly election. The party is yet to announce its picks for ministerial berths. 
• Ms. Gupta, a three-time municipal councillor who was active in student politics, and was a surprise choice. She beat a number of probable candidates, including Parvesh Sahib Singh who had defeated Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency, three term MLA and former Leader of the Opposition Vijender Gupta, and former Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay. Later, Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena invited Ms. Gupta formed the government after she met him at his residence accompanied by senior BJP leaders. 
• The oath-taking cere-mony, set to take place at Ramlila Maidan on Thurs-day, will be attended by Any way the wind blows Haier 
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Minis-ters of NDA-ruled States. 
• Approved by consensus Ms. Gupta's selection by the legislature party was overseen by two central observers-senior MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, and former Haryana MLA O.P. Dhankar. BJP sources said that nine proposals were made in her favour, and all were approved by consensus. Speaking to prosper sons after the meeting, Ms. Gupta expressed her gratitude to the top leadership of the party for trusting her with the responsibility. 

Important Day News 

15.Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2025: 19 February

 

• Every year on 19 February, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti (also known as Shiv Jayanti) is celebrated. 
•  It is the birth anniversary of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, which is celebrated throughout Maharashtra. 
• In 2025, India celebrated the 395th birth anniversary of the great Maratha ruler. 
• Celebrating this festival first started with Maratha ruler Mahatma Phule in Pune in 1870. 
• PM Modi also paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary. 
• Shivaji Maharaj: 
• Shivaji Maharaj's name was Shivaji Bhosale and he was a member of the Bhonsale Maratha dynasty. 
• In 1674, he was crowned as "Chhatrapati (Emperor)". 
• He was born in Shivneri Fort on the Marathi Shalivahana in 1630, according to Krishna Paksha 3 of the Hindu calendar Falgun. 
• He is considered one of the greatest Maratha rulers. 
• He carved out a territory from the Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur, which was the beginning of the Maratha Empire. 
• He is also known for re-establishing Hindavi Swarajya. 

Science and Technology News 

16. CSIR and NAST inked an MoU to strengthen Indo-Nepal Scientific Cooperation 

• The ween CSIR and NAST started in 1994. This new agreement will enhance the collaboration through joint research projects, seminars and capacity-building programs. 

Infrastructure and Energy News 

17.India’s first Bifacial Solar Plant on the Metro Viaduct has been inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar

 

• Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated India’s first vertical bifacial solar plant on a metro viaduct at Okhla Vihar Metro station. 
• He also inaugurated a one-megawatt rooftop solar power plant installed at Khyber Pass depot. 
• The vertical bi-facial solar panels can capture sunlight from both sides. 
• It will use the metro’s elevated structure for solar energy generation without occupying any additional land. 
• Vertical solar panels and energy-efficient LED systems will pave the way for sustainable urban living. 
• This plant has been inaugurated as part of the International Conference on ‘Green Metro Systems – The Future of Urban Mobility’ held in Delhi. 
• DMRC in close association with the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Indian Green Building Council hosted the conference. 
• India is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 with growth and sustainability.