Current Affairs - February 18, 2025 Current Affairs

Meta's Project Waterworth is a major initiative to lay a 50,000-kilometer undersea cable aimed at enhancing digital connectivity between India, the United States, and other regions. The cable will provide faster and more reliable internet, supporting technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and global business operations. This project is designed to improve digital infrastructure, meet rising global demand for high-speed internet, and connect multiple continents including India, the US, Brazil, and South Africa.

Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed annually on February 17. The day highlights the importance of building a resilient tourism industry that can withstand various challenges, such as pandemics, economic crises, and environmental changes. The observance encourages nations to adopt strategies that ensure the continuous growth, sustainability, and recovery of the tourism sector. Activities such as workshops, conferences, and awareness campaigns are conducted globally to promote climate-resilient tourism practices and strategies for recovery.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) to establish a branch in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat. This approval will enhance the bank's offshore banking operations and align with its expansion plans in the region. The bank already operates 101 branches in Gujarat and is targeting a 25% business growth to ₹15,000 crore by the second quarter of FY25. This move supports GIFT City's development as a prominent financial hub and strengthens India’s global financial standing.

The Matsya-6000 submersible, developed under India’s Deep Ocean Mission by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), successfully passed its wet tests at Kattupalli Port. This submersible is a significant part of India’s Samudrayan Project, which aims to advance deep-sea exploration. It features state-of-the-art systems such as thrusters, ballast, navigation sensors, and life-support systems, making it crucial for India’s shallow-water and deep-sea exploration goals. The success of these tests brings India closer to conducting 500-meter shallow-water trials by 2025.

South Indian Bank launched the ‘SIB Quick FD’ service, allowing customers to open Fixed Deposits digitally through UPI, without needing an existing account with the bank. The process is paperless, takes only 5 minutes, and requires minimal documentation. This service is designed to make Fixed Deposit investments accessible to a wider customer base and is available 24/7, making it convenient for users to invest at any time. Additionally, the FD investments are insured up to ₹5 lakhs under DICGC, ensuring security for customers.

Madhya Pradesh introduced India’s first Global Capability Centers (GCC) Policy 2025 with the goal of transforming Tier-2 cities like Indore, Bhopal, and Jabalpur into global business hubs. This policy aims to attract multinational corporations by providing a conducive business environment, infrastructure, and financial incentives. The policy not only enhances the state's global business standing but also decentralizes economic growth, supporting balanced development across India. It offers several benefits such as financial subsidies, R&D support, and simplified investment processes to make these cities more attractive to international businesses.

The statue of the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar was unveiled in the Philippines, specifically at the Gullas College of Medicine (GCM) in Cebu. The Indian Ambassador, Harsh Kumar Jain, participated in the unveiling ceremony. The event was organized by the Gullas College of Medicine under the leadership of Dr. David Pillai, the Chief Executive Adviser of GCM, who had commissioned the statue. This event highlights the cross-cultural appreciation and recognition of Thiruvalluvar's contributions.

Indonesia achieved a historic milestone by winning its first Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championship title, defeating the defending champions China with a decisive 3-1 victory. The final match was held at the Conson Sports Centre in Qingdao, China. The Indonesian team’s outstanding performance, especially in the men’s doubles, played a key role in securing the victory and ending China’s dominance in the competition. This victory marks a new chapter in Indonesia's badminton history and further solidifies the nation's reputation in the sport.

International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is observed on February 15 each year. This global initiative was established by Childhood Cancer International (CCI) in 2002 and focuses on raising awareness about childhood cancer. The day advocates for better treatment options, early detection, and support for young cancer patients and their families. The 2025 observance marks the 24th anniversary of ICCD, highlighting the ongoing challenges children face while battling cancer and the importance of research and healthcare improvements.

The presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga River at Prayagraj has raised serious public health concerns, particularly during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Faecal coliform bacteria are indicative of contamination due to animal or sewage waste. While not all faecal bacteria are harmful, their presence signals the potential presence of other pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause gastrointestinal infections and other serious health issues. The contamination level in the Ganga exceeds safe limits, heightening the risks for millions of people who bathe in the river.

India recently sent its first-ever sea shipment of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia, facilitated by APEDA. The shipment, weighing 5.7 MT from Maharashtra’s Solapur region, arrived in Sydney in January 2025. This marked a significant milestone in India's fruit export sector. The positive market response, coupled with India's ANARNET traceability system, helped enhance export credibility. The initiative also led to a 29% year-on-year increase in fresh fruit exports, underlining the growing demand for Indian produce in global markets.

The G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) initiative was launched by the Gujarat government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This scheme focuses on empowering underprivileged families, particularly women, by promoting economic self-reliance. It aims to uplift 50,000 Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholder families across 25 talukas in 10 districts of Gujarat. Key components include skill training, financial inclusion, and livelihood creation to ensure sustainable development for economically weaker sections in the state.

Gyanesh Kumar was appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India on February 17, 2025, following his tenure as the Election Commissioner. This significant appointment marks him as the first CEC selected under the new law governing the Election Commission's appointments. His tenure is expected to last until January 26, 2029. Before becoming CEC, he was the senior-most Election Commissioner, with a solid background in administration and governance, which positioned him as a suitable candidate for leading the Election Commission during crucial electoral events.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is collaborating with India’s Department of Technology (DoT) on AI-driven digital twin technologies, has its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland. This partnership focuses on innovation and sustainable development through global frameworks and standards. Additionally, India has proposed to host the ITU-Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030, showcasing its growing role in global technological collaborations.