Current Affairs - February 16, 2025 Current Affairs

Two remote tribal hamlets, Buriga and China Konela, located in Andhra Pradesh's ASR district, celebrated "freedom from darkness" after receiving electricity for the first time in 78 years. This historic milestone included the installation of streetlights and the electrification of homes, significantly improving the quality of life for the residents. The electrification will enhance night-time safety, education, healthcare, and infrastructure in the region. This development also highlights the importance of rural electrification for sustainable growth in remote areas.

The India-U.S. bilateral trade is expected to reach $500 billion by 2030 under the ‘Mission 500.’ This growth is driven by expanding trade, energy cooperation, and technological partnerships between the two countries. Key areas of collaboration include energy imports, nuclear technology, and defence cooperation. Strengthening ties with the United States is also expected to bolster India's strategic positioning globally and contribute to trade deficit reduction. The United States plays a central role in this evolving partnership, with significant implications for both countries' economic and geopolitical strategies.

The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) was established in 1978 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush. CCRUM is the apex government organization dedicated to research in Unani medicine, a traditional healing system based on the balance of the body's four humours. The organization's research and efforts aim to enhance the understanding and application of Unani medicine, contributing to integrative health solutions. The President's participation in the recent conference highlights the growing recognition of Unani medicine in India.

The Income Tax Act, of 1961, has been the primary framework for taxation in India and has undergone more than 4,000 amendments since its enactment. The Finance Minister's proposal to introduce the Income Tax Bill 2025 aims to simplify and streamline this existing Act, which has grown increasingly complex over the years. The new Bill aims to reduce its word count and simplify terminology, thus reducing confusion for taxpayers and tax authorities alike while improving compliance and efficiency. The Act's original version was passed in 1961.

The Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Kollam introduced India's first-ever 'Living Will Information Counter.' This initiative aims to raise awareness and assist people in drafting living wills, which specify their healthcare preferences if they become incapacitated. The counter has already helped hundreds of individuals obtain soft copies of their living wills within three months. The program promotes patient autonomy and informed decision-making, while also reducing emotional and financial burdens on families in cases of terminal illness or life-threatening conditions.

55% of urban consumers reported unchanged income in January 2025, marking the highest such figure in 11 years. This reflects a stagnant income trend, which may contribute to weakening economic sentiment and reduced consumer spending, particularly on non-essential items. The report highlights broader economic concerns, including a decline in job opportunities and reduced optimism about income growth. This stagnation may impact overall economic growth and consumer confidence, suggesting the need for targeted government interventions to stimulate the economy.

The Representation of the People Act, of 1951, was enacted to regulate elections and establish disqualification criteria for elected officials. It includes provisions such as Section 8(3), which disqualifies individuals convicted of serious criminal offences, and Section 8(1), which covers disqualification for heinous crimes like rape and corruption. The Act plays a critical role in the electoral system by ensuring that individuals with criminal backgrounds are excluded from holding public office, contributing to efforts to decriminalize politics in India.

India Energy Week 2025 was held in New Delhi, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, along with the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI). The event featured over 700 exhibitors from the global energy sector and focused on key areas such as energy access, security, sustainability, and decarbonization. It served as a platform for India to sign multiple strategic agreements aimed at enhancing energy security, diversifying energy supply sources, and advancing the country’s energy transition efforts.

The study indicates that nearly 44% of the global population, which equates to 3.5 billion people, is potentially exposed to zoonotic diseases. These diseases are transmitted from animals to humans, and the study highlights wildland-urban interfaces (WUIs) as high-risk zones where zoonotic spillovers are more likely. Factors such as human activities and rapid urbanization in these regions contribute to the increased risk. This makes it crucial to focus on regions with high host species richness and populations at risk from zoonotic diseases.

Manipur has been facing ethnic violence between the Kuki–Zo and Meitei communities since May 2023, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. In response to the situation and governance challenges, the President’s Rule was imposed under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution. The state government was unable to function effectively, prompting the President’s intervention. The Manipur Legislative Assembly is in “suspended animation,” and the Union government now governs the state, pending parliamentary approval for the continuation of the President's Rule.

Under the revised Free Movement Regime (FMR), 22 out of the 43 planned border gates along the India-Myanmar border have been activated. This is part of efforts to regulate movement while maintaining security across the largely unfenced northeastern border. The FMR, which was introduced in 1968 to facilitate cross-border movement due to ethnic and familial ties, has undergone changes over time, such as reducing the free movement limit from 40 km to 10 km. The border gates now require border passes that are validated with biometric data.