Current Affairs - February 21, 2025 Current Affairs

Mount Dukono, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted on February 20, 2025, sending a massive ash cloud into the sky. The eruption prompted authorities in Indonesia to issue an orange-level aviation warning, advising aircraft to avoid the area due to the risks posed by volcanic ash. Indonesia, being home to numerous active volcanoes, faces continuous volcanic threats, and Mount Dukono is one of the country’s most persistent sources of volcanic activity. This eruption serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Indonesia faces due to its geographical location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The 2nd Simolu Festival was held in Assam, specifically at Bwisang-Na, an ethnic eco-resort located in Barunguri, Laokhowa. This festival, which began on February 15, 2025, celebrated the blooming of Bombax ceiba (Shimul) flowers while promoting eco-tourism, conservation, and local culture. It included various activities like cycling, camping, and cultural performances, with an emphasis on environmental conservation and the ecological importance of Laokhowa and Donduwa Beel. The festival was a way to raise awareness and engage local communities in preserving nature.

West Bengal topped India's bird species count for the third consecutive year in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) held from February 14 to 17, 2025. The state recorded 543 species out of a total of 1,068 species documented across India. This achievement reflects West Bengal's rich bird diversity and the active participation of birdwatchers in the state. Despite a slight decrease in participant numbers due to exam conflicts, West Bengal maintained its leadership, showcasing significant contributions to India’s birdwatching culture and habitat preservation efforts.

Nagaland's Forest Management Project (NFMP) was recognized with the prestigious SKOCH Award 2024 for its outstanding contributions to national development. The award was presented at the 100th SKOCH Summit held in New Delhi on February 15, 2025. The NFMP focuses on improving forest ecosystems, rehabilitating jhum areas (agricultural land) , and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The project, spanning 185 villages across 11 districts, is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aims to conserve forests and enhance rural incomes through targeted interventions over a 10-year period.

According to Moody's Analytics, India's GDP growth is expected to slow to 6.4% in 2025, down from 6.6% in 2024. This forecast was shared in the report titled 'Asia-Pacific Outlook: Chaos Ahead.' The same growth rate of 6.4% is projected for India in both 2025 and 2026, indicating a period of moderate growth. The report also projected a slowdown in China's GDP growth, but India's expected performance remains relatively stable within the forecasted period.

The term of India’s Chief Economic Adviser, V Anantha Nageswaran, has been extended by two years until March 2027. Nageswaran, who was appointed in 2022, has also previously served as a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister from 2019 to 2021. His extension will continue as he contributes to key economic decisions, including authoring India's annual economic survey, which has forecasted GDP growth in the range of 6.3%-6.8% for the upcoming fiscal year.

International Mother Language Day is observed annually on February 21. This day emphasizes the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity, while also raising awareness about the need to protect endangered languages. The day has significant historical roots, originating from the language movement in Bangladesh in 1952, and has since become an important global observance to celebrate and promote multilingualism and mother tongues. The 2025 observance marks the 25th anniversary of this initiative, highlighting a quarter-century of efforts to preserve linguistic heritage worldwide.

Tata Power has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to modernize its digital infrastructure and help accelerate India’s transition to a smarter and more sustainable energy ecosystem. This collaboration focuses on using cloud technology to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen grid resilience, and improve consumer energy management. The integration of cloud computing, AI, and IoT into Tata Power’s operations will enable smarter energy distribution and promote sustainability by encouraging energy conservation and more efficient consumption.

The Gujarat government, under Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, presented a budget of Rs 3.70 trillion for the financial year 2025-26. This budget includes tax reliefs worth Rs 148 crore and plans for significant infrastructure developments, including the creation of six growth hubs, 12 high-speed corridors, two expressways, and a greenfield airport. Additionally, a ₹50,000 crore Viksit Gujarat Fund has been planned for the next five years, with ₹5,000 crore allocated for the current year to help drive these initiatives.

Vietnam's parliament approved an $8 billion project for a rail link that will connect the country’s largest northern port city, Haiphong, to the border with China. The proposed rail route will span 390 kilometres, passing through the capital city, Hanoi, and ending in the mountainous city of Lao Cai, which borders China's Yunnan province. This infrastructure development is expected to strengthen trade and improve connections between the two communist-ruled countries.

LIC (Life Insurance Corporation) launched the ‘One Man Office’ (OMO) digital platform on February 17, 2025. This platform allows agents and sales associates to sell policies, track business, and offer continuous customer service. The initiative is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and productivity of LIC’s sales force. By introducing OMO, LIC strives to provide better service and empower its agents with the necessary tools to operate effectively in the digital age.

Brazil has joined OPEC+ as an observer, allowing the country to participate in key global oil discussions while maintaining flexibility over its own production levels. As one of the world’s top oil producers, Brazil’s decision aligns with its goal of using oil revenues to fund a green energy transition. By joining as an observer, Brazil can engage with major oil-exporting nations and influence energy market policies without being bound by production quotas, thus balancing both economic and environmental priorities.

Mohammed Shami became the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets, achieving the milestone in just 104 matches. This performance surpassed the previous record held by Ajit Agarkar, who had reached 200 wickets in 133 matches. Shami is also the second-fastest bowler overall, behind Mitchell Starc, who achieved the feat in 102 matches. Additionally, Shami is the eighth Indian cricketer to take 200 wickets in One Day Internationals, marking a significant achievement in his career.

The Aravali Safari Park project is located in Haryana, specifically in two districts: Gurugram and Nuh. It covers a total area of 3,858 hectares, with 2,574 hectares in Gurugram and 1,284 hectares in Nuh. This safari park is set to be the largest of its kind in the world. The project has been transferred to the forest department, and an expert committee has been established to oversee its development, demonstrating Haryana’s commitment to environmental conservation and wildlife tourism.

Arunachal Pradesh celebrates its Foundation Day on February 20th every year, marking its transition from a Union Territory to a full-fledged state in 1987. Known as the "Land of the Rising Sun," Arunachal Pradesh is the first region in India to receive sunlight. The day holds historical significance as it commemorates the state's journey toward statehood and its rich cultural heritage. This celebration also reflects on the progress and development the state has achieved since becoming the 24th state of India under the 55th Constitutional Amendment.