Current Affairs - February 10, 2025 Current Affairs

India is set to launch the EFTA Desk in New Delhi to enhance economic relations with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This initiative aligns with the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement and aims to boost trade, investment, and business collaboration between India and EFTA member nations. The EFTA consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. By establishing this desk, India seeks to facilitate smoother economic interactions and expand its engagement with these European economies, fostering stronger trade partnerships and investment opportunities.

Assam is set to host the world's largest Jhumur dance festival on February 24, 2025, as a prelude to the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment Summit. The event aims to achieve a Guinness World Record with over 7,500 dancers performing Jhumur, a traditional folk dance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Prime Minister would be attending the festival, highlighting Assam’s rich cultural heritage. The festival serves as both a cultural celebration and an opportunity to attract global investors to Assam, showcasing the state's commitment to tradition and economic growth.

The joint military exercise 'Cyclone 2025' between India and Egypt has commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. This 14-day exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation and interoperability between the special forces of both nations. The training focuses on counter-terrorism operations, reconnaissance, sniping, surveillance, and other specialized military tactics in challenging desert conditions. The Indian Army is represented by the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while Egypt has deployed its Commando Squadron and Airborne Platoon. The exercise strengthens bilateral defence ties and improves coordination in tackling modern security threats.

India secured the 3rd position in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Global LEED Green Buildings 2024 rankings, with 370 projects covering 8.50 million gross square meters (GSM) of green-certified space. China ranked first with over 25 million GSM, followed by Canada with 10 million GSM. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a globally recognized standard for sustainability, energy efficiency, and reduced carbon footprint in buildings. India's consistent ranking highlights its growing commitment to eco-friendly infrastructure and sustainable construction, reinforcing its leadership in green building development in the Asia-Pacific region.

N. Biren Singh resigned as the Chief Minister of Manipur ahead of a no-confidence motion in the state assembly. He submitted his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal, accompanied by BJP leader Sambit Patra and Manipur BJP State President A. Sharda Devi. Biren Singh has been serving as the 12th Chief Minister of Manipur since 2017. His resignation marks a significant political development in the state, influencing the political landscape and governance moving forward.

India and Nicaragua have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) aimed at enhancing physical and social infrastructure. India will provide grant assistance for projects focusing on roads, community centres, education, and sanitation, ensuring direct benefits to Nicaraguan communities. This collaboration, formalized in Managua, strengthens diplomatic ties between the two nations. India’s approach to QIPs aligns with its broader development cooperation strategy, which prioritizes high-impact, small-scale projects that bring rapid and visible change to partner countries, fostering stronger bilateral relations.

Lovlina Borgohain won the gold medal in the women's 75kg boxing category at the 38th National Games. The event also saw Shiva Thapa securing a silver medal in the men's 63.5kg category, while Ankushita Boro made history by winning the 66kg welterweight event. Other notable winners included Jasmine Lamboria and Nivedita Kari. The medal tally was led by Services with 66 medals, followed by Karnataka with 58 medals. The National Games continue until February 14, showcasing top athletic talent from across the country.

Singapore holds the title of the world's most powerful passport in 2025, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 countries. It surpasses South Korea and Japan, which are tied in second place with access to 190 nations. The United Arab Emirates made significant progress, reaching 8th place, while the United States dropped to 9th. Venezuela experienced the steepest decline, falling from 2nd place in 2015 to 44th in 2025. Meanwhile, India ranked 80th with access to 56 countries, and Pakistan ranked 96th, placing near the bottom of the list.

Bangladesh launched "Operation Devil Hunt" to address political violence and unrest, resulting in the arrest of over 1,300 individuals. The operation was initiated following violent attacks on properties linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s family and her political party. Joint forces, including the army and police, have been deployed across the country to restore order and prevent further disturbances. The crackdown aims to control mobs and political factions responsible for escalating tensions, ensuring stability and security in Bangladesh amidst rising political turmoil.

World Pulses Day is observed every year on February 10 to highlight the importance of pulses as a sustainable and nutritious food source. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, the day builds on the success of the 2016 International Year of Pulses. It emphasizes the role of pulses in global food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Pulses, such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans, are rich in proteins, dietary fibre, and essential nutrients. The observance promotes their contribution to eradicating hunger, improving human health, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.

Nepal and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the HydroNepal Project, focusing on digitizing Nepal’s river basins and optimizing hydropower resources. The agreement was signed by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kul Man Ghising and Blue Water Intelligence (BWI) CEO Jeremy Fain, with the French Ambassador to Nepal, Virginie Corteval, also present. The project aims to enhance Nepal’s hydrological risk preparedness and improve sustainable water management. This collaboration highlights France’s support in advancing Nepal’s renewable energy sector and ensuring efficient hydropower utilization.

Lebanon has successfully formed its first government since 2022, marking the end of a prolonged political stalemate. Nawaf Salam was appointed as the Prime Minister, and President Joseph Aoun accepted the caretaker government's resignation. The newly established 24-member cabinet is expected to focus on key issues such as judicial reforms, economic stability, and ceasefire implementation with Israel. Salam has also committed to overseeing Israeli troop withdrawal and facilitating war reconstruction efforts. This move is seen as a crucial step toward restoring governance and stability in Lebanon after years of political gridlock.

Maimun Alam, an IRS officer from the 2007 batch, has been appointed as the Director of the Ministry of Steel under the Central Staffing Scheme. Her appointment was recommended by the Department of Revenue for Central Deputation, and she will serve in this role for five years or until further orders. With a strong background in tax administration and policy formulation, she is expected to play a key role in strategic initiatives within the steel sector, contributing to its growth and policy development at the national level.