Current Affairs - February 8, 2025 Current Affairs

The BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 is taking place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 7th to 11th February. This event aims to enhance cooperation among youth from BIMSTEC nations by fostering dialogue on sustainable development and youth-led initiatives. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the summit on 8th February, emphasizing the theme “Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange.” The discussions and engagements during the summit are expected to strengthen regional collaboration and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Argentina, under President Javier Milei’s leadership, has decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to "profound differences" in health management, particularly during COVID-19. This decision reflects concerns over external influence on national health policies. Argentina, which contributed $8 million to WHO’s $6.9 billion budget, opposes international intervention in its healthcare system. The move is similar to U.S. President Donald Trump's earlier decision to exit WHO on January 21, 2025, highlighting a broader debate on national sovereignty versus global health governance.

Panama has announced its withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) under President Jose Raúl Mulino. This decision reflects a geopolitical shift influenced by U.S. concerns over China’s growing involvement in Panama’s infrastructure, particularly near the strategic Panama Canal. Initially, Panama joined the BRI in 2017 to enhance trade and connectivity, allowing Chinese firms to undertake major projects. However, increasing U.S. pressure and concerns over national sovereignty led to the decision to exit the initiative, signalling a re-evaluation of Chinese investments in the country while strengthening ties with the United States.

Madhya Pradesh has launched the Drone Promotion and Utilisation Policy 2025 to establish itself as a major hub for drone manufacturing. The policy offers up to 40% capital subsidy (capped at ₹30 crore) for manufacturing units, along with incentives such as drone schools, research and development support, and stamp duty exemptions. The initiative aims to attract over ₹400 crore in investment and was a key highlight at Bhopal’s Global Investors Summit (Feb 24-25). With the drone sector projected to reach a $13 billion market by 2030, this policy positions Madhya Pradesh as a leader in drone technology and innovation.

The NSDC International Academy was inaugurated in Greater Noida by Shri Jayant Chaudhary. This academy is designed to provide world-class skill training and foreign language certifications, preparing youth for global careers in countries like Germany, Japan, and Israel. With a target of training 1,000 individuals annually, the academy is equipped with advanced AI and VR labs and offers placement support. The initiative aims to enhance employability by aligning specialized courses with international job market demands, making it a significant step in India’s skill development ecosystem.

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron, consisting of INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, arrived at Changi Naval Base on 6th February 2025. This visit is part of a Long-Range Training Deployment aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation. During their stay, engagements such as professional exchanges, cross-training visits, and sports fixtures with the Republic of Singapore Navy were planned, highlighting the significance of naval partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi introduced the ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ (BGBO) scheme in Jankia, Khordha district, to accelerate rural infrastructure development. With a ₹5,000 crore budget over five years, the initiative focuses on improving road connectivity, civic amenities, educational facilities, and micro-tourism. The scheme aims to ensure holistic village development while keeping politics separate from governance. Building upon previous initiatives like ‘Ama Gaon Ama Bikash’ (2018) and ‘Ama Odisha Naveen Odisha’ (2023), the BGBO scheme demonstrates Odisha’s commitment to long-term rural progress and improved quality of life in villages.

Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia successfully created kangaroo embryos using In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) through Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This breakthrough aims to support conservation efforts for endangered marsupials such as koalas and Tasmanian devils, which face increasing threats of extinction. Scientists created over 20 embryos using genetic material from deceased wildlife, marking a significant step in wildlife preservation and reproductive science. This innovation has the potential to aid species conservation efforts and enhance genetic diversity in threatened marsupial populations.

The Kodava community is an endogamous Dravidian ethnolinguistic group native to the Kodagu region in Karnataka. They have a distinct cultural identity and are the only community in India allowed to carry firearms without a license. The Kodavas are seeking constitutional recognition and land protection to preserve their heritage. They form over 60 per cent of the Kodava-speaking population and have a rich history tied to Karnataka’s cultural and social landscape. Their unique traditions, warrior heritage, and contributions to Indian society make them a significant ethnic group in southern India.

Kerala has secured a ₹2,424.28 crore loan from the World Bank under the Programme for Results (P for R) model to implement the Kerala Health System Improvement Programme. This initiative aims to enhance value-based healthcare, prevent non-communicable diseases, address climate-related health risks, and improve emergency response systems. The programme also focuses on strengthening healthcare services for the underprivileged and improving coordination between various state departments. This financial support is expected to significantly boost Kerala’s healthcare infrastructure and ensure better medical services for its population.

Pakistan, through its Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has joined China’s Chang’e-8 lunar mission, marking a significant step in its space exploration efforts. Scheduled for launch in 2028, this mission will see Pakistan contribute a 35-kilogram lunar rover to explore the Moon’s south pole, an area of interest due to its potential water ice deposits. The mission is part of China’s broader International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, which aims to establish a permanent lunar base by 2035. This collaboration strengthens the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China in advanced space research.