Institute of Chartered Accountants of India elects new President and Vice President for the 2025-26 term
• TheInstitute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) elected its new President and Vice President for the term 2025-26 during its 26th Council meeting on February 12, 2025.
Newly Elected Leadership:
• President: CA Charanjot Singh Nanda (73rd President of ICAI)
• Vice President: CA Prasanna Kumar D
About ICAI:
• Founded: July 1, 1949
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• President: CA Charanjot Singh Nanda
• Regulated by: Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India

 

Greece elects former parliamentary speaker Constantine Tassoulas,as its new president
• Greece's parliament elected Constantine Tassoulas, former parliamentary speaker, as the country's new president.
• He was approved as the conservative government's nominee for the largely ceremonial role.
• Tassoulas will succeed Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Greece’s first female president.
About Greece:
• Capital: Athens
• Currency: Euro (€)
• President: Constantine Tassoulas
• Prime Minister: Kyriakos Mitsotakis

 

President’s Rule Imposed in Manipur Amid Political Crisis Procedure
• President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025 after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned, citing political instability.
• A notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that President Droupadi Murmu believes the state government cannot function as per constitutional provisions, leading to the invocation of Article 356.
• Thestate assembly has been put under suspended animation following the imposition of President’s Rule.
• Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, just before the budget session of the assembly, amid controversy over leaked audio tapes allegedly implicating him in the ethnic violence.
States/UTs with the longest duration under President’s Rule:
• Jammu & Kashmir–Over 12 years.
• Punjab–Over 10 years.
• Both faced prolonged militant and separatist activityleading to instability.
• Puducherry– Over 7 years.
• Presidential Satisfaction: If convinced, the President issues a proclamation imposing President’s Rule.
• Parliamentary Approval: Both Houses of Parliament must approve the proclamation within two months by a simple majority.
• Duration: Initially imposed for six months, extendable up to three years with parliamentary approval every six months.
• Extension Beyond One Year:Allowed only if:
a) The Election Commission certifies that elections cannot be held.
b) A national emergency is in effect (either nationwide or in the concerned state).
About Manipur:
• Chief Minister: President rule (From February 9,2025)
• Governor: Ajay Bhalla
• Capital: Imphal

 

JioStar launches new OTT player JioHotstar, merging JioCinema and Disney Hotstar into one platform
• On February 14, 2025, JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar officially merged to form JioHotstar, creating one of India's largest streaming platforms.
Key Highlights:
• Content Library: JioHotstar offers nearly 300,000 hours of entertainment, combining the extensive libraries of both JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.
• Subscription Plans: The platform has introduced new subscription plans to cater to diverse audience needs:

Bloomberg’s List of Asia’s 20 Richest Families (2025)
• Indians continue to dominate Asia's wealth rankings, with six Indian families making it to Bloomberg’s list of Asia’s 20 richest families.
• TheAmbani family leads the chart with a massive fortune of $90.5 billion, significantly ahead of the second-richest family in Asia.

 

Karnataka Tops Local Governance Health Index 2024
• Karnatakahas emerged as the best-performing state in local governance in 2024, overtaking Kerala, which held the top position in 2015-16.
• The findings were published in a report by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).
• Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. SP Singh Baghel, launched the Panchayat Devolution Index 2024, prepared by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).
Key Highlights of the Report
• The ranking was based on six key parameters:
• Framework
• Finances
• Functions
• Functionaries
• Capacity Enhancement
• Accountability
• Uttar Pradesh (UP) made a significant jump from 15th place to 5th place, showing strong improvements in transparency and anti-corruption measures in Panchayati Raj governance. Tripuraalso showed progress, moving from 13th place to 7th place.

 


Shikhar Dhawan Named Official Ambassador for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
• TheICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and Dubai, has gained further excitement with the announcement of Shikhar Dhawan as one of its official event ambassadors.
• Dhawan, India’s highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history, joins an elite group of cricketing legends to promote the competition.Shikhar Dhawan’s Role as an Ambassador
• India’s highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history with 701 runs.
• The only player to win the Golden Bat in two consecutive editions (2013 & 2017).
About ICC
• Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Founded: 15 June 1909
• Chairman: Jay Shah

 

Bangladesh's Shohely Akhter Becomes First Woman Cricketer Banned by ICC for Corruption
• Bangladesh's Shohely Akhter has become the first woman cricketer to be banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for corruption charges.
• The36-year-old off-spinner was found guilty of attempting to fix matches during the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup and has been banned for five years from all forms of cricket, effective February 10, 2025.
Corruption Charges & ICC Ban
The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) found Shohely Akhter guilty of violating five provisions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code:
• Article 2.1.1: Attempting to fix matches or influence their outcome.
• Article 2.1.3: Engaging in corrupt conduct by making improper approaches to fellow players.
• Article 2.1.4: Offering money to manipulate match outcomes.
• Article 2.4.4: Failing to report corrupt approaches to the ICC.
• Article 2.4.7: Trying to obstruct investigations into corruption.

 

Indian President Droupadi Murmu Addresses International Women’s Conference 2025 in Bengaluru, Karnataka
• ThePresident of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced the inaugural session of the International Women’s Conference organised by The Art of Living in Bengaluru.
• In her address, she emphasized the rising power of Indian women (Nari Shakti) and their growing influence in science, sports, politics, arts, and culture. Women Breaking Barriers & Achieving Excellence
• Indian women are confidently advancing, making their families, institutions, and the nation proud.
• Overcoming stereotypes requires mental strength and determination.
• She urged women to:
• Gather courage and dream big.
• Utilize their full potential for success.
• Recognize that every step towards personal goals contributes to a developed India.

 

NTPC Limited. Wins Forward Faster Sustainability Award 2025 for Water Resilience
• NTPC Limited., India’s largest integrated power utility, has been honoured with the Forward Faster Sustainability Award 2025 in the Water Resilience category.
• The award was presented by the UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) at a ceremony in Chennai.


Key Highlights of the Award
• Recognizes NTPC’s leadership in sustainable water management and conservation.
• Award received by Shri Harekrushna Dash (Executive Director, Sustainability, Environment & Ash) and Shri K Karthikeyan (AGM, Environment & Sustainability).
• Aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Cristiano Ronaldo Tops 2025 List of Highest-Paid Athletes
• Cristiano Ronaldo has once again secured his place as the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning a staggering $285 million in 2025.
• His earnings come from:
• $200 million annual salary from Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
• $65 million from endorsements and business ventures This reinforces football’s growing commercial appeal and the significant investments from Middle Eastern clubs in global sports.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025
The rankings include stars from football, basketball, golf, and American football:
• Cristiano Ronaldo– $285 million
• Jon Rahm (Golf)– $218 million
• Lionel Messi– $135 million
• LeBron James– $128.7 million
• Neymar– $110 million
• Stephen Curry– $105.8 million
• Karim Benzema– $104 million

 


Why Are There No Women in the Top 100?
Anotable absence from the 2025 list is female athletes. The highest-paid woman, Coco Gauff (Tennis), earned $30.4 million, falling short of the $37.5 million threshold needed to make the top 100.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo– $93.8 million

 

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam Becomes Joint-Fastest to 6,000 ODI Runs
• Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has achieved another milestone by becoming the joint-fastest player to reach 6,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
• He reached this landmark during the final of the ODI tri-series against New Zealand at the National Stadium.
• Babar reached 6,000 runs in just 123 innings, equaling the record set by South African legend Hashim Amla.
• He surpassed Virat Kohli to become the fastest Asian to achieve this feat, as Kohli had taken 136 innings.

 


Madhya Pradesh Introduces India’s First Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2025
• Madhya Pradesh becomes the first state in India to introduce the Global Capability Centre Policy 2025.
• Aims to position the state as a global hub for innovation and collaboration.
• It Supports decentralization by encouraging businesses to expand beyond metro cities into tier-2 cities.
Key Highlights:
• TheGCC Policy 2025 offers incentives for capital expenditure, payroll, upskilling, and R&D, with a focus
on IT, finance, engineering, HR, AI, and cybersecurity.
About Madhya Pradesh:
• Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
• Governor: Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
• Capital: Bhopal

 

West Bengal Launches "Nodi Bandhan" Scheme to Combat Disasters and Boost Livelihoods
• TheWest Bengal government has launched the “Nodi Bandhan” initiative as part of its 2025-26 budget, aiming to address natural disasters and generate employment opportunities.
• Thename "Nodi Bandhan" was personally coined by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
• Introduced as part of the 2025-26 budget, the "Nodi Bandhan" (River Bond) scheme aims to combat natural disasters while generating employment opportunities.
• The scheme aims to combat natural disasters like floods and river erosion, enhance job opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, fishing, and small-scale industries, and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable districts like Murshidabad and Malda.
• The government has allocated ₹200 crore to tackle riverbank erosion in Murshidabad and Malda, with a two-year masterplan.
About West Bengal:
• Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee
• Governor: C. V. Ananda Bose
• Capital: Kolkata

 

India, Japan to conduct 6th edition of joint military exercise Dharma Guardian from Feb 15 to March 9, 2025
• The6thedition of Dharma Guardian will be held at Mount Fuji, Japan from February 25 to March 9, 2025.
• The5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
• The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 25th February to 9th March 2024.

 

Stunning 'Einstein Ring' Discovered by European Telescope
• Scientists using the Euclid space telescope discovered a bright ring of light circling a nearby galaxy.
• This is an Einstein ring, a rare phenomenon that occurs when light from a distant galaxy bends around a closer galaxy.
Key Highlights:
• The ring encircles a galaxy located 590 million light-years away from Earth.
• The discovery was made in the NGC 6505 galaxy, situated in the Draco constellation.

 

9th Asian Winter Games 2025

Key Highlights
• The9th Asian Winter Games were held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, from February 7 to February 14, 2025. Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and supported by the International Skating Union (ISU), the event witnessed participation from 34 countries across 11 winter sports disciplines.
Theme & Mascots:
• Mascots: "Binbin" & "Nini" (tigers)
• Motto: "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia"
Medal Tally – China Leads the Standings
• China–85 medals (32 Gold, 27 Silver, 26 Bronze)
• Republic of Korea– 45 medals (16 Gold, 15 Silver, 14 Bronze)
• Japan–37 medals (10 Gold, 12 Silver, 15 Bronze)
• Kazakhstan & Philippines rounded off the top five.

 

Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo Breaks Half-Marathon World Record in Barcelona
• Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo made history by shattering the half-marathon world record in Barcelona.
• The24-year-old clocked 56 minutes 42 seconds, reclaiming the record he first held in 2021.
• His time was 48 seconds faster than the previous world record set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in November 2024.

 


International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) - February 15, 2025
• International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), observed annually on February 15, is a global movement aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer, advocating for improved treatments, andsupporting young cancer patients and their families.

 

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) Marks 9 Years:
Strengthening Agricultural Resilience
• OnFebruary 18, 2025, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) celebrates its 9th anniversary, marking nearly a decade of providing financial security to Indian farmers.
• Launched in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PMFBY serves as a comprehensive crop insurance scheme, protecting farmers from natural calamities, pests, and diseases while encouraging the adoption of modern farming practices.

 


Government approves Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme till 2025-26 during the 15th Finance Commission cycle
• TheGovernment of India has extended the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) till 2025-26 to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle.
• This initiative plays a vital role in stabilizing food prices, benefiting farmers and consumers.
Key Highlights:
• Key Components of PM-AASHA
• Price Support Scheme (PSS):
• Government procures pulses, oilseeds, and copra at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Procurement is done through NAFED and NCCF from pre-registered farmers.

 

N. Chandrasekaran Awarded Honorary Knighthood by the United Kingdom: A Milestone in UK-India Business Relations
• N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group, was conferred with an honorary knighthood by the United Kingdom.
• This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to strengthening the economic and business ties between India and the UK.

 


Government Appoints Gyanesh Kumar as India’s Next Chief Election Commissioner
• Gyanesh Kumar, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1988 Kerala cadre, has been appointed as India's 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), effective February 19, 2025.
• He succeeds Rajiv Kumar, who retires upon reaching the age of 65.
• The selection was made by a three-member committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

 

Janet E. Petro made history as the first woman to serve as NASA's Acting Administrator.
• Janet E. Petro made history as the first woman to serve as NASA's Acting Administrator.
• She is also the 11th director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC).
Key Highlights:
• Acting Administrator: In 2025, she was appointed by President Donald Trump as NASA’s Acting Administrator.
• Director of KSC: She has held the position of KSC Director since 2021, continuing to shape NASA's future.
• Born in Michigan, Raised Near KSC: Janet was born in Michigan, but her family moved to Florida when her father worked on NASA's Mercury and Gemini Programs.
About NASA:
• Founded: July 29, 1958 (by the National Aeronautics and Space Act)
• Operational Since: October 1, 1958
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• Administrator: Janet Petro

 

Indonesia Wins First-ever Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championship
• In a historic victory, Indonesia claimed its first-ever Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championship title by defeating defending champions China with a 3-1 win at the Conson Sports Centre in Qingdao, China.
• This victory marks a significant milestone in Indonesia's badminton legacy, breaking China's dominance in the tournament.
About China:
• Capital: Beijing
• President: Xi Jinping
• Currency: Yuan
About Indonesia:
• Capital: Jakarta
• President: Prabowo Subianto
• Currency: Rupiah

 

Manu Bhaker Wins BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2024
• Manu Bhaker, an Olympic medal-winning shooter, has been named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (ISWOTY) 2024.
• The award, organized by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), recognizes outstanding Indian female athletes for their achievements in the past year.
Past BBC ISWOTY Winners
• 2019–PV Sindhu (badminton)
• 2020–Koneru Humpy (chess)
• 2021 & 2022– Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting)
• 2023– No awards held

 

India’s First Open-Air Art Wall Museum Showcases 150 Years of India Meteorological Department
• India has taken an innovative step in blending science and art with the inauguration of the country’s first Open-Air Art Wall Museum at Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, inaugurated this unique initiative to commemorate the 150-year journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

 

How the Open-Air Art Museum Celebrates IMD’s 150-Year Legacy
• IMD was established in 1875 and has been instrumental in weather forecasting, disaster management, aviation, and agriculture.
• The museum features 38 murals, narrating IMD’s historical evolution, meteorological advancements, and contributions to climate resilience.
About IMD
• Founded: 15 January 1875
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Director General : Mrutyunjay Mohapatra

 

Kerala Health Department Launches nPROUD (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs)
initiative
• In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Kerala Drugs Control Department is set to launch a programme for the collection and scientific disposal of expired and unused medicines.
• TheKerala government is set to launch 'nPROUD' (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs), a pioneering initiative aimed at the scientific collection and disposal of expired and unused medicines.
• This program, the first of its kind at the government level in India, addresses the critical issue of improper disposal of pharmaceuticals, which can lead to antimicrobial resistance, health hazards, and environmental pollution.
• UndernPROUD, facilities will be established to collect unused medicines from households, allowing residents to deposit them at designated collection points.
About Kerala:
• Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
• Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
• Capital: Thiruvananthapuram

 

India and Qatar Elevate Bilateral Ties to Strategic Partnership, Enhancing Trade, Investment, and Energy Cooperation
• India and Qatar have decided to upgrade their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, focusing on trade, investment, and energy cooperation.
• This decision was announced during the two-day visit of Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to India.
• Both nations aim to double their bilateral trade from $14.08 billion to $28 billion within the next five years, with Qatar expressing strong interest in expanding investments in India's key sectors.
• Qatar is India’s largest supplier of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas).
• The strategic partnership aligns Qatar with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman,
and Kuwait, which have similar ties with India.

 

World Day of Social Justice 2025: 20th February
• The United Nations (UN) World Day of Social Justice is annually observed on February 20 to encourage people to look at how social justice affects poverty eradication
• World Day of Social Justice is not a public holiday but rather a global observance that has been in effect since 2009.

 

India Elected as Vice President of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)
• India was elected to the Vice Presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore.
• This election highlights India's leadership in maritime affairs and its commitment to enhancing global marine navigation safety and sustainability.


Indian Delegation at IALA General Assembly
• A high-level Indian delegation, led by Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, participated in the ongoing 1st General Assembly of IALA.

 

Rekha Gupta's oath as Delhi's 4th woman Chief Minister
• Rekha Guptatook oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi, marking the BJP’s return to power in the national capital after 27 years.
• The swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Maidan was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states.
Key Highlights:
• At 50 years old, Gupta became the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi.
• She won the Shalimar Bagh seat in the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, securing over 29,000 votes against her AAP rival, Bandana Kumari.

 

Nita Ambani Honored with Governor of Massachusetts’ Citation for Philanthropy
• Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, has been awarded the Governor of Massachusetts’ Citation for her outstanding contributions to education, healthcare, sports, arts,
culture, and women’s empowerment.
• This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication to driving positive societal change in India and globally.

 

Indian Space Research Organization Develops World’s Largest Vertical Propellant Mixer
• In a major boost to India’s self-reliance in space technology, Indian scientists and engineers have successfully developed the world’s largest 10-tonne Vertical Planetary Mixer for processing solid propellants, a critical component in rocket motor production.
• The milestone marks a significant achievement under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat in Space’
• The mixer was designed and developed by Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), ISRO, incollaboration with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bangalore, a premier research and development organisation under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

 

West Bengal’s Darjeeling Zoo Gets Country's First Bio-Banking And Animal Museum
• ThePadmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, West Bengal (Darjeeling Zoo) setting up the country's first bio-banking facility and animal museum is a huge step forward in preserving endangered species and studying biodiversity.
Key Highlights:
• First-of-its-kind in India– The Darjeeling Zoo is the first zoo in India to establish a biobank and museum for endangered species.
• Preservation of Biological Samples– The facility will store DNA, genome, and gametes of endangered species like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Siberian Tiger.
• Long-term Storage– Samples can be stored for 40 to 45 years, aiding future research.
About Biobank:
• A biobank is a collection of biological samples that are stored and used for research.
• Biobanks are important for medical research and can help develop new treatments.

 

First astronaut with disability approved for International Space Station mission
• TheEuropean Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed that John McFall, a 43-year-old British surgeon and former Paralympian, has been approved for a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
• His selection under ESA’s Parastronaut initiative marks a groundbreaking step toward inclusivity in space exploration.
John McFall’s Journey to Space:
• Early Life & Athletic Career:
• At19 years old, McFall lost his leg in a motorbike accident but pursued a career in athletics, representing Great Britain as a Paralympian.

 

International Mother Language Day 2025: February 21
• Every year February 21 is celebrated as International Mother Language Day 2025 all over the world.
• UNESCO declared February 21st as International Mother Language Day in the year 1999 and has been witnessed all throughout the world since 2000.