India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to Slow to 6.4% in 2025: Moody’s Analytics
• India's economic growth is projected to slow to 4% in 2025, down from 6.6% in 2024, primarily due to new U.S. tariffs and weakening global demand impacting exports, according to a report by Moody's Analytics.
• The report, titled 'Asia-Pacific Outlook: Chaos Ahead,' highlights that the entire Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience slower growth as trade tensions, policy uncertainties, and uneven economic recoveries affect the region's fortunes.
Key Highlights:
• Specifically, China's GDP growth is forecasted to decline from 5% in 2024 to 4.2% in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026.
About Moody’s Ratings:
• Founded: 1909 by John Moody
• Headquarters: New York City, USA
• Operations: Moody's Ratings (Credit Ratings), Moody's Analytics (Financial Analysis)
• President & CEO: Rob Fauber

 

India Becomes 2nd Country to Launch Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for Flight Crew
• India has made a significant advancement in modernizing its aviation sector by launching the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for flight crew.
• With this initiative, India becomes the second country in the world after China to implement digital licensing for pilots.
• TheEPL was introduced by Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and is expected to enhance convenience, transparency, and efficiency in the licensing process.
Launch Details
• Launched by: Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu
• Regulatory Body: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

 

Former Credit Suisse Executive V. Anantha Nageswaran extended Chief Economic Adviser for 2 years
• The government has extended the tenure of Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran by more than two years until March 31, 2027.
• This extension virtually rules him out as a contender for the post of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor, a role for which he was recently interviewed.
Key Highlights:
• Michael Patra, the former RBI Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy, retired in January, 2025.
• Nageswaran has recently advocated for a change in the RBI’s inflation target to exclude food prices.
• Hisfirst term as CEA was for three years until January 2025.
• TheCEA's office is responsible for:
• Advising the government on various economic policies.
• Drafting the Economic Survey, which is presented in Parliament a day before the Union Budget.

 

National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog Chief Executive Officer BVR Subrahmanyam’s term extended beyond February 24, 2025


• The central government has extended NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam’s term by a year, beyond February 24, 2025, or until further orders.
• This announcement was made by the Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
About BVR Subrahmanyam:
• Subrahmanyam joined the CEO of NITI Aayog—the government's top policy think-tank—on February 25, 2023.
• Subrahmanyam is a 1987-batch IAS officer (Chhattisgarh cadre) and has held key positions in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, and the World Bank.
• Chairperson: Narendra Modi
• Vice chairperson: Suman Bery
• CEO: BVR Subrahmanyam

 

Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) Wins SKOCH Award 2024
• TheNagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) has been recognized with the prestigious SKOCH Award 2024, honoring its outstanding contributions to national development.
• The award was presented during the 100th SKOCH Summit at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
• Ango Konyak, Deputy Project Director of NFMP, and Wennyei Konyak, Resident Commissioner of Nagaland House in New Delhi, accepted the award on behalf of the Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (DEFCC), Government of Nagaland (GoN).
• Significance: The SKOCH Award is one of India’s highest independent honors, recognizing excellence in governance, public service, and social development.

 

Reliance Rises to 2nd Spot in FutureBrand Index 2024
• Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has made history by securing the 2 position in the FutureBrand Index 2024, surpassing Apple, Nike, and Microsoft.
• This marks the first time an Indian company has entered the top three of this global ranking, which evaluates companies based on brand perception, consumer trust, and strategic impact rather than financial performance.
Key Highlights
• First Indian Company to rank in the Top 3 of FutureBrand Index
• Ranks AboveApple (#3), Microsoft (#4), and Nike (#6)
• Massive Leap from #13 in 2023 to #2 in 2024
• Samsung Takes #1 Spot, Reliance Outperforms Global Giants
Top 10 Wealthiest Women in the World (2025):
• According to the Forbes Billionaire List 2024, women now constitute 3% of the globalbillionaire population, with the top 10 wealthiest women collectively amassing over $500 billion.
• Frombusiness moguls to industry pioneers, these women are reshaping financial power dynamics, proving that wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about innovation, leadership, and impact.

 


Indian pacer Mohammed Shami Creates History: Fastest Indian to 200 ODI Wickets & More
• Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has cemented his place in cricket history by becoming the fastest Indian to reach 200 ODI wickets during the India vs Bangladesh clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai.
• He surpassed Ajit Agarkar’s record (133 matches) by achieving the feat in just 110 matches.
• On the global stage, Shami equaled Pakistan’s Saqlain Mushtaq as the joint second-fastest to reach this milestone, trailing only Mitchell Starc (102 matches).
• Additionally, he became India’s highest wicket-taker in ICC ODI tournaments with 60 wickets in 19 matches, surpassing Zaheer Khan’s 59 wickets.

 


Rohit Sharma Becomes Second Fastest to 11,000 ODI Runs
• Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma achieved a historic milestone by becoming the second fastest batsman to reach 11,000 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
• He accomplished this feat during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 match against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, 2025.
• With this, Rohit became the fourth Indian and the 10th player overall in ODI history to reach this landmark. Only behind Virat Kohli (222 innings).

 

World Scout Day 2025: 22nd February
• World Scout Dayis celebrated every 22nd February.
• Each year on February 22nd, we honour Robert Baden-birth Powell's anniversary by celebrating World Scout Day.


World Thinking Day: 22nd February
• World Thinking Day 2025 is observed on 22nd February.

 

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the first edition of the SOUL Leadership Conclave
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first edition of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) Leadership Conclave 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Addressing the gathering of distinguished leaders and aspiring young leaders, he emphasized the importance of leadership in nation building and the development of excellent leaders across all fields. SOUL aims to train leaders through a scientific and structured approach.

The training will emphasize:
• Critical thinking
• Risk-taking ability
• Solution-driven mindset
• Adaptability to disruptive changes

 

FBI Director Kash Patel to be named US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) Chief


• Newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel is set to also lead.
• theBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) as its acting director.
• This development follows the dismissal of ATF General Counsel Pamela Hicks by Attorney General Pam Bondi, after President Donald Trump ordered the removal of all remaining Biden era U.S. Attorneys.
• Hicks, who served 28 years in the Department of Justice, confirmed her departure in a LinkedIn post, expressing gratitude for her tenure.

 

Former Reserve Bank of India governor Shaktikanta Das appointed Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Modi


• Former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Shaktikanta Dashas been appointed Principal Secretary II to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a notification issued by the Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
• His expertise will be crucial in managing economic challenges such as trade wars, rupee volatility, and slowing growth.
Key Highlights of Shaktikanta Das’s Career:
• Former RBI Governor (2018–2024), led during critical periods such as demonetization and COVID-19.
• IAS Officer (1980 batch, Tamil Nadu cadre) with extensive experience in the Finance Ministry, including roles as Revenue Secretary and Economic Affairs Secretary.

 

Indian Biologist Purnima Devi Barman Named in TIME’s Women of the Year 2025
• Renowned wildlife conservationist Purnima Devi Barman has been featured in TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025 list, recognizing extraordinary leaders shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.
• She is the only Indian woman on this year’s list, alongside global figures like Nicole Kidman and Gisele Pelicot of France.
• Barman is celebrated for her remarkable efforts in conserving the greater adjutant stork (Hargila), which has significantly influenced both environmental conservation and social empowerment.

 


Vishvaa Rajakumar Wins Memory League World Championship 2025
• In a remarkable display of cognitive brilliance, 20-year-old Vishvaa Rajakumar from India has been crowned the winner of the Memory League World Championship 2025, as reported by The New York
Times.
• This prestigious global competition tests participants' ability to memorize and recall sequences of numbers, images, and words in record time.
• Rajakumar's record-breaking performance included recalling 80 digits in just 13.5 seconds, showcasing his extraordinary mental agility and memorization skills.

 


Central Excise Day 2025: February 24
• Every year February 24 is celebrated as the central Excise Day all over the world.
• The day is being celebrated to honor the service of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) to the country.

 

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the "Imagine a World with More Women in Science" campaign
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched the "Imagine a World with More Women in Science" campaign to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, 2025.
• This initiative, supported by Canada’s International Development Centre (IDRC), aims to promote greater representation and participation of women in STEM fields worldwide.
• The campaign builds on UNESCO’s 2024 Call to Action: Closing the Gender Gap in Science, highlighting how diverse perspectives drive innovation in science, technology, medicine, artificial intelligence, and beyond.
• The movement is promoted using the hashtag #EveryVoiceInScience.
• Women represent only one-third of the global scientific community.
• In some countries, less than 10% of researchers are women.
About UNESCO:
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Founded:16 November 1945
• Director-General:Audrey Azoulay
• Member States:194

 

Mission moon: NASA to launch lunar lander ‘Athena’ with SpaceX Falcon 9 on February 26, 2025
• The US space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is preparing to launch its mission Moon on February 26, 2025.
Key Highlights:
• The spacecraft Nova-C lander ‘Athena’ on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled for a lift-off from Florida's Kennedy Space Center from Launch Complex 39A.
• This mission is a part of NASA's CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign.
• TheIntuitive Machines IM-2 mission, carrying NASA science investigations and technology demonstrations to the Moon, will be streamed online.
• Space enthusiasts can watch the live launch coverage on NASA+.
• As per NASA, the spacecraft will make a landing on the lunar surface possibly on March 6, 2025 or later.

 

Manohar International Airport Wins Prestigious ‘Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskar’
• Manohar International Airport (GOX), operated by GMR Goa International Airport Ltd. (GGIAL), has become the first Indian airport to win the ‘Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskar (Golden Trophy)’ at the NSCI Safety Awards 2024 in the ‘Service Sector’ category.
• The award was presented during a ceremony at The Lalit, Mumbai, in January 2025.
Key Highlights
• The award highlights the airport’s exemplary Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) performance.
• Recognized for reducing workplace injuries, implementing best safety practices, and maintaining a zero-incident record.

 

Virat Kohli Breaks Tendulkar’s Record for Fastest 14,000 Runs
• Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record to become the fastest batsman to reach 14,000 runs in international cricket.
• This milestone further cements Kohli’s legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game.
Key Highlights
• Virat Kohli has once again rewritten cricketing history by becoming the fastest batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs.
• He achieved this milestone in just 287 innings, surpassing:
• Sachin Tendulkar (350 innings)
• Kumar Sangakkara (378 innings)

 

Reserve Bank of India launches Financial Literacy Week 2025 with a focus on women’s prosperity
• The Reserve Bank of India launched Financial Literacy Week (FLW) 2025.
• The event runs from February 24 to 28, 2025.
• The theme is "Financial Literacy: Women's Prosperity".
• The launch was inaugurated by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
• The Governor stressed the importance of empowering women for inclusive and sustained economic growth.
About RBI :
• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

 

India’s ‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’ Secures Five Guinness World Records
• Indiahas set a new global benchmark in holistic healthcare and Ayurveda with the ‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’, which secured five Guinness World Records. Led by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and supported by the Ministry of Ayush, the campaign concluded its first phase in Mumbai.
• The initiative highlights India's commitment to integrating Ayurveda with public health through mass participation and data-driven healthcare insights. Guinness World Records Achieved
• Most pledges received for a health campaign in one week – 6,004,912 pledges (new global record).
• Most pledges received for a health campaign in one month – 13,892,976 pledges (broke China’s previous record of 58,284).
• Most pledges received for a health campaign (Overall) – 13,892,976 pledges (surpassing India’s previous record of 569,057).
• Largest online photo album of people displaying a digital certificate – 62,525 photos (breaking Accenture India’s record of 29,068).
• Largest online video album of people saying the same sentence – 12,798 videos (exceeding the previous Indian record of 8,992).

 

Datia Becomes Madhya Pradesh's 8th Airport, Receives Directorate General of Civil Aviation License
• Datia Airport has received a license as a public aerodrome from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• It is classified under the 3C/VFR category.
• Datia Airport is now the 8th public aerodrome airport in Madhya Pradesh.
About Madhya Pradesh:
• Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
• Governor: Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
• Capital: Bhopal
• National Parks: Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench National Park, Panna National Park.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ken Gharial Sanctuary, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.

 


West Bengal gets eastern India’s 1st astronomical observatory
• TheSatyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences has inaugurated Eastern India's first astronomical observatory atop Panchet Hill in the Garpanchkot area of Purulia district, West
Bengal.
• This facility, named after the renowned physicist Satyendra Nath Bose, is the 6th such observatory in India, joining others in Ladakh, Nainital, Mount Abu, Girbani Hills, and Kavalur.
About West Bengal:
• Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee
• Governor: C. V. Ananda Bose
• Capital: Kolkata

 

Madhya Pradesh State with the Highest Vulture Population in India
• Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest vulture population in India.
• The recent state-level vulture census conducted by the Forest Department counted 12,981 vultures.
Key Highlights:
Vulture Population Growth in Madhya Pradesh:
• 2019 Census: 8,397 vultures
• 2024 Census: 10,845 vultures
• 2025 Census: 12,981 vultures (significant increase)
Ideal Season for Vulture Census:
• The winter season is preferred for counting vultures.
• Bothlocal and migratory vultures are more easily spotted during this time.

 

Founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal Awarded Honorary Knighthood (KBE) for India-UK Business Contributions
• Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been awarded an Honorary Knighthood (KBE) for his remarkable contributions to India-UK business relations.
• He received the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) at a special investiture ceremony held at the British High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi.
• This prestigious honor, conferred under King Charles III, makes him the first Indian citizen to receive it during the new monarch’s reign. Notable Indians Previously Honored with KBE
• Jamshed Irani (1997)– Former Tata Steel Director
• Ravi Shankar (2001)– Legendary sitar maestro
• Ratan Tata (2009)– Former Tata Sons Chairman

 

Bisleri Partners with Archaeological Survey of India for Heritage Water Conservation Under ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’
• Bisleri International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme’ to restore and conserve historic water bodies at heritage sites across India.
• This initiative is part of Bisleri’s CSR program, ‘Nayi Umeed,’ which focuses on sustainable water conservation and heritage preservation.
• The project aims to revive four key historic water bodies in its initial phase, ensuring ecological restoration and improved tourism experiences.
About Bisleri
• Founder: Felice Bisleri
• CEO: Angelo George
• Founded: 1969
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
About ASI
• Founder: Alexander Cunningham
• Director General: Yadubir Singh Rawat
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• ASI, government organization that protects and researches India's cultural heritage. It was established in 1861 and is part of the Ministry of Culture.

 

Friedrich Merz becomes Germany’s Next Chancellor
• Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is set to become the country's next chancellor after his party won the national election on February 23, 2025.
Key Highlights:
• Political Background: Despite never holding a government role, Merz has been a longtime figure in German politics and is known for his conservative stance.

 

Namita Gokhale’s Life on Mars: A Literary Exploration of Love, Fate, and Mythology
• Namita Gokhale’s latest book, Life on Mars: Collected Stories, released in January 2025, is a compelling anthology of 15 short stories that delve into themes of love, destiny, and human existence.
• The collection brings together a mix of past works and new narratives, showcasing Gokhale’s evolving perspective on relationships, mythology, and emotions.

 

Decommissioned naval warship INS Guldar to be sunk off Sindhudurg coast to boost scuba tourism
• TheIndian Navy has handed over Ex INS Guldar, a Landing Ship Tank (Medium), to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Limited (MTDC).
• The ship will be converted into India’s first underwater museum and artificial reef using a decommissioned naval vessel.
• The ship was transferred to MTDC at Karwar on an ‘as is where is’ basis. The MTDC will manage the transformation, which includes removing pollutants, securing environmental clearances, obtaining necessary NOCs, and scuttling the ship at Sindhudurg following strict safety protocols.
Other Marine Museums in India
• INS Kursura (Visakhapatnam):
• Submarine museum at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam.
INS Vikrant (Mumbai):
• British-built aircraft carrier (1961-1997).
• Operated as a museum (2002-2012) before being scrapped (2014-2015).
INS Cuddalore (Pondicherry):
• Minesweeper turned underwater museum in 2018.
• Collaboration with National Institute of Oceanography and PondyCan (NGO)

 


Pankaj Advani Wins 2025 Asian Snooker Championship
• India’s ace cueist, Pankaj Advani, secured the 2025 Asian Snooker Championship (Men’s Title) by defeating Amir Sarkosh of Iran in the final.
• This victory marks his 14th Asian title across snooker and billiards formats.
About the Asian Snooker Championship 2025
• Organizer:Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS).
• Host:Qatar Billiards Sports Federation.
• Location:Doha, Qatar.
• Dates:February 15-21, 2025
About the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS)
• Established: 1984 as the Asian Billiards & Snooker Federation.
• Role: Governing body for non-professional English billiards & snooker in Asia.
• Promotes:Snooker, pool, English billiards, and carom.
• Members:25 countries.
• Headquarters: Doha, Qatar.
• President: Mohamed Salem Al-Nuaimi.

 

World NGO Day: 27th February
• World NGO Day 2025 is observed on the 27th of February 2025.
• G.O. is an acronym for non-governmental organization.

 


Prime Minister Modi to attend ‘biggest ever’ jhumur event in Guwahati, Assam
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will witness the “biggest ever” Jhumur event at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati, during Jhumoir Binandini 2025.
• The event marks the 200th anniversary of Assam’s tea industry, featuring a record-breaking 8,600 dancers performing Jhumur.
What is the Jhumur Dance?
• Jhumuris a folk dance of the Sadan ethnolinguistic group, with origins in Chotanagpur.
• It plays a central role in tea garden festivals celebrated by workers in Assam.
• Womenare the main dancers and singers, while men play traditional
instruments like:
• Madal, Dhol, Dhak (drums)
• Cymbals, Flutes, Shehnai

 

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the IndianNavy successfully conducts flight trials of the first-of-its-kind Naval Anti Ship Missile (NASM-SR)
• TheDefence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) on February 25, 2025, at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur,
• The missile, launched from an Indian Naval Seaking Helicopter, demonstrated its capability against ship targets.
About DRDO:
• Founded: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
• Chairman: Dr. Samir V. Kamat

 

World Protein Day: February 27
• World Protein Day, observed annually on February 27, aims to raise awareness about the importance of protein in human nutrition.

 

National Science Day 2025: February 28
• National Science Day is celebrated on 28th February every year to honor the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman while working at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata.
• His groundbreaking discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in 1930.