Keeping up with current affairs is crucial for aspirants preparing for the UPSC examination. Here's a detailed overview of the most significant national and international events that made headlines on 25th February 2025.
National News
1. Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati. The event aims to foster industrial growth, global trade partnerships, and the MSME sector. With over 240 exhibitors, the summit includes seven ministerial sessions and 14 thematic discussions, highlighting Assam's potential as an investment hub.
2. Meetings of Delhi’s New Chief Minister
Rekha Gupta, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Delhi, held meetings with Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Emphasising her commitment to development and good governance, Gupta discussed various initiatives to enhance the infrastructure and public services in the capital city.
Economic and Financial News
1. RBI’s $10 Billion Forex Swap
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a $10 billion foreign exchange swap to inject liquidity into the banking system amidst a cash crunch. Scheduled for 28th February 2025, this three-year swap follows a previous $5 billion swap conducted in January. The move is expected to stabilise the rupee and support the banking sector.
2. Government’s Stake Sales in Public Sector Banks
The Indian government is seeking bids to appoint merchant bankers and legal advisers for the sale of minority stakes in public sector banks, including Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, and Punjab and Sind Bank. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to comply with public shareholding norms and boost capital through offerings like qualified institutional placements.
International Relations
1. India-UK Free Trade Agreement Talks Resume
India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement after resolving visa-related disagreements. British Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is currently in Delhi to discuss tariff reductions and strengthen bilateral trade ties, which are expected to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.
2. Mauritius National Day Celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as the guest of honour for Mauritius' National Day celebrations on 12th March 2025. This gesture underscores the close bilateral ties between India and Mauritius, reflecting cultural and historical connections between the two countries.
Science and Technology
1. Microsoft Unveils Quantum Chip ‘Majorana 1’
Microsoft introduced its first quantum chip named ‘Majorana 1’, powered by a new Topological Core architecture. The chip is designed to scale up to one million qubits on a single chip and is expected to be more error-resistant compared to competing quantum chips. This breakthrough is anticipated to accelerate advancements in quantum computing.
Sports News
1. India Wins Champions Trophy
In an exhilarating match, the Indian cricket team defeated Pakistan to clinch the Champions Trophy. Star batsman Virat Kohli scored his 51st ODI century, further cementing his status as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
2. Saurav Ghosal Triumphs in Squash
Indian squash player Saurav Ghosal made a remarkable comeback by winning the Octane Sydney Classic title. His victory is celebrated as a testament to his skill and perseverance in the sport.
Environment
1. Rising Temperatures Pose Threat to Crops
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings about rising temperatures that could adversely impact wheat and rapeseed crops. Farmers are advised to take preventive measures to protect their crops from potential heat stress.
Miscellaneous
1. Rediscovery of Rare Fish Species
A rare species of Chel snakehead fish has been rediscovered in West Bengal, highlighting the region's rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species.
2. American Airlines Flight Diverted
An American Airlines flight en route to Delhi was diverted to Rome due to a security scare. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were reported to be unharmed, ensuring a timely resolution to the incident.
Conclusion
These events reflect the dynamic and evolving landscape of national and international affairs. For UPSC aspirants, staying updated with such significant developments is crucial for the current affairs section. Make sure to revise these events thoroughly and understand their implications on a national and global scale.
Stay informed, and best of luck with your preparation!