Current Affairs - February 25, 2025 Current Affairs

The 51st Khajuraho Dance Festival 2025 is being hosted by the Department of Culture, Madhya Pradesh, with support from Madhya Pradesh Tourism. This annual cultural event will take place from February 20 to 26, 2025, and celebrates classical dance and India’s rich cultural heritage. The festival, set against the backdrop of the Khajuraho Group of Temples, will feature dance performances, a food festival, handicraft exhibitions, and more. Madhya Pradesh continues to play a central role in preserving and promoting classical arts through this iconic festival.

China successfully launched the ChinaSat-10R communications satellite on February 22, 2025, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The satellite, carried by a Long March 3B rocket, replaces the ageing ChinaSat-10 and is part of China’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its satellite communication infrastructure. The ChinaSat-10R will support various sectors including transportation, emergency response, and energy, and is crucial for China's Belt and Road Initiative. This launch underscores China's growing space capabilities and its geopolitical influence through satellite diplomacy.

India and the United Kingdom agreed to resume free trade negotiations following discussions between Prime Minister Modi of India and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom. These talks took place during the G-20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. The two leaders instructed their negotiators to collaborate and resolve the remaining issues in the agreement, marking a significant step forward in their trade relationship.

IndusInd Bank has become the official banking partner of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). This collaboration aims to enhance the banking experience for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) through the PIONEER banking program. IndusInd Bank’s partnership with PGTI is part of its strategy to integrate lifestyle experiences with premium banking services, particularly in the sports sector. The bank’s involvement will help grow India’s golfing landscape while offering exclusive engagement opportunities for its premium customers.

The northern region of Iraq is experiencing a slow sinking effect caused by the movement of tectonic plates. This process results from the interaction between the Arabian and Eurasian plates, which has been occurring for millions of years. The shifting of the Neotethys oceanic slab is responsible for pulling the region downward. The research associated with this phenomenon contributes to improving geological models, which can help predict future earthquakes.

Madhya Pradesh has recently become the state with its 8th operational airport, following the approval of Datia Airport by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This airport, categorized as a public aerodrome under the 3C/VFR category, is now eligible for commercial operations. With its 118-acre area and facilities like a runway of 1,810 meters and a terminal building, the airport is set to improve air connectivity in the state. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed gratitude for the development, which is expected to benefit both local and national travellers.

NITI Aayog, the Indian government's premier think tank, has established a committee to develop a strategic plan for transforming AIIMS, New Delhi, into a globally recognized centre for medical research and healthcare excellence. The committee, led by NITI Aayog member VK Paul, aims to assess the current systems at AIIMS and propose reforms with specific timelines for implementation. This initiative is part of NITI Aayog's broader efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, governance, and self-sufficiency within the institution.

Sabyasachi Kar has been appointed as the Director of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), succeeding Chetan Ghate. Kar, an economist, currently holds the RBI Chair Professorship at IEG and is a member of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (Mospi) Committee on Regional Accounts. His expertise includes macroeconomics, economic growth, and policy advisory roles, having worked with institutions such as NITI Aayog and the World Bank. His appointment marks a significant leadership transition at IEG.

India will host the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur from 3-5 March 2025. This event will focus on "Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific." The Jaipur Declaration, which will be discussed during the forum, builds upon the earlier Hanoi Declaration, making it a significant event in promoting sustainable development and circular economy practices in the region.

Indian squash legend Saurav Ghosal won the Sydney Classic 2025 title, marking a remarkable return to professional squash after coming out of retirement. He defeated Egypt’s Abdelrahman Nassar in straight games during the final on February 23. This victory added to Ghosal’s illustrious career, bringing his total number of PSA titles to 11, further cementing his legacy in the sport.