Current Affairs - February 20, 2025 Current Affairs

Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) is showcasing its indigenously developed Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) at NAVDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The vessels represent India's growing maritime capabilities under the "Make in India" initiative. NAVDEX provides GSL with a platform to highlight these advanced naval innovations and increase its presence in the global defence market. The exhibition is a significant event for showcasing India's defence manufacturing progress and enhancing international collaboration.

Salila Pande has been appointed as the new MD & CEO of SBI Cards, effective from April 1, 2025. She succeeds Abhijit Chakravorty, who will retire on March 31, 2025. Pande, currently serving as Chief General Manager at SBI, brings extensive banking experience to the role. Her appointment reflects her long tenure at SBI, including key leadership positions. With a strong academic background and certifications, Pande's leadership is expected to help SBI Cards navigate its challenges and continue its growth in the digital payments sector.

India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Argentina to expand cooperation in the mining sector, specifically focusing on lithium exploration. This agreement aims to enhance bilateral ties between the two countries, with a key focus on the exploration and development of critical minerals like lithium. Argentina, known for its vast lithium reserves, is a vital partner for India in securing resources necessary for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage, crucial components for India’s green energy transition.

360 ONE Asset is set to acquire a 15% stake in Bharti AXA Life Insurance. This acquisition is part of the company's strategy to infuse fresh capital, drive innovation, and enhance its market presence. The move will provide Bharti AXA with the necessary financial resources to expand its operations, improve its product offerings, and strengthen its competitiveness in the rapidly evolving insurance sector. This stake acquisition will play a pivotal role in Bharti AXA's growth strategy and financial stability.

The Indian Navy’s 1st Training Squadron, consisting of INS Sujata and ICGS Veera, concluded a three-day visit to Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The visit aimed at strengthening naval ties between India and Cambodia, with discussions on interoperability, joint exercises, and regional security with the Royal Cambodian Navy. Additionally, a Small Arms Simulator was gifted, and cultural exchanges helped improve people-to-people relations between the two nations. This visit reflects the growing defence cooperation and collaboration between India and Cambodia.

Google's largest campus in India, named Ananta, is located in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru. This state-of-the-art campus highlights India's role as a key player in global technological advancements, especially in AI and software development. Bengaluru, known as the "Silicon Valley of India," is a hub for tech giants like Google, emphasizing the city's significance in the tech landscape. The campus is designed to promote collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, reinforcing Google's commitment to India’s growing digital landscape.

Karnataka Bank celebrated its 100th anniversary on February 18, 2024, by launching two new financial products—a specialized savings account for children and a high-interest term deposit scheme. The bank also inaugurated a centenary building, two museums, and 15 new branches to enhance its market presence. These steps highlight Karnataka Bank's commitment to both customer-centric banking and long-term growth, reinforcing its position as a prominent player in India’s financial sector. The bank has also set ambitious expansion goals for the coming years.

ISRO, in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, developed a 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer, the largest globally for solid propellants. This innovative, indigenous mixer will significantly improve the production of solid rocket motors, which are vital to India’s space transportation systems. The development of this mixer is a major step in advancing India’s spaceflight capabilities, playing a crucial role in ISRO's future space missions.

The Karnataka government has announced the provision of an additional 5 kilograms of rice starting from February, as part of the pre-poll Anna Bhagya guarantee. This will be added to the 10 kg of rice already promised to each member of families below the poverty line (BPL). The total includes 5 kg of rice supplied by the Centre under the National Food Security Act, 2013. This move aims to assist low-income families in the state with essential food security.

The World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20. This day highlights the importance of promoting fairness, equality, and inclusivity in societies across the globe. It was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in November 2007 and has been celebrated since 2009. The day aims to address issues like poverty, social exclusion, gender inequality, and human rights violations, urging global cooperation to build a more just and sustainable future. The 2025 theme focuses on strengthening a just transition for sustainability.

Vivek Joshi, a former Haryana Chief Secretary and a 1989 batch IAS officer, has assumed charge as Election Commissioner at the age of 58. He will serve in this capacity until February 18, 2031, as per election laws. Joshi is an alumnus of IIT-Roorkee and has previously held key positions, including Registrar General and Census Commissioner, contributing significantly to the Indian administration.

Rekha Gupta, BJP leader and Shalimar Bagh MLA, has been named the new Chief Minister of Delhi. She will succeed AAP’s Atishi Marlena and bring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) back to power in the capital after 27 years. Gupta won her seat in the February 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, where the BJP secured a majority with 48 out of 70 seats. She will be the only woman Chief Minister in BJP-ruled states and the fourth female Chief Minister of Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dixit, and Atishi Marlena.

The 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup table tennis tournament is being held in Shenzhen, China. This event features athletes from various countries, with India's men's team led by Sharath Kamal and the women's team featuring Olympian Sreeja Akula. The top four semi-finalists in both singles events will secure a spot for the ITTF World Cup 2025 in April.