Current Affairs - February 27, 2025 Current Affairs

Axis Bank launched the 9th edition of its Evolve seminar, which focuses on helping Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) adapt to digital transformation, innovation, and operational resilience. Since its inception in 2014, the Evolve program has impacted over 9,000 entrepreneurs across more than 50 cities. Axis Bank aims to support MSMEs with practical insights and strategies, allowing them to thrive in the changing business landscape and remain competitive. This initiative highlights the bank’s commitment to MSME growth and innovation.

The successful test-firing of India's Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) was conducted from Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. This significant defence achievement was carried out at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, with collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy. The missile successfully demonstrated its precision strike capabilities, highlighting India's advancements in missile technology and naval warfare systems. The test marks a crucial milestone for India's defence capabilities, especially in the domain of naval operations.

The UAE has introduced the Blue Visa, a 10-year residency permit for individuals dedicated to environmental sustainability. This initiative was announced during the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai. It is part of the country's broader commitment to sustainability and climate action, in line with its existing long-term residency options such as the Golden Visa and Green Visa. The Blue Visa is being launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP).

Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest vulture population in India, with 12,981 vultures counted in the first phase of the 2025 census. This is a significant increase from 10,845 in 2024 and 8,397 in 2019. The state conducts systematic vulture censuses and has been actively working on conservation efforts since 2016. These efforts, including the banning of harmful veterinary drugs and the protection of habitats, have helped in the gradual recovery of the vulture population. The state is home to seven out of nine vulture species found in India, making it a key location for vulture conservation.

The military exercise ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ was conducted at Bet Dwarka, Gujarat, by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police. The exercise aimed at strengthening island security, preventing illegal encroachment, and improving coordination among various security forces. The exercise included activities like hovercraft landings, response simulations, and interdepartmental coordination to ensure preparedness for potential security threats. The location, Gujarat, plays a crucial strategic role in enhancing India’s coastal defence capabilities.

Shri Anil Joshi was a prominent poet and essayist from Gujarat, India. He made significant contributions to Indian literature with his works, including "Kadach," "Barafna Pankhi," and "Pavan Ni Vyaspithe." Joshi received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990 for his essay collection "Statue." He also served as the chief advisor for the Gujarati language development project at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. He passed away on February 26, 2025, in Mumbai, leaving behind a lasting impact on Indian literary circles.

TRIFED's signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd (HPMC) aims to significantly boost tribal entrepreneurship. These MoUs focus on supporting tribal businesses through the implementation of a B2B (Business-to-Business) marketing approach, which will help promote and expand the market for tribal products. The agreement was formalized during the 'Aadi Mahotsav' event in New Delhi on February 24, 2025, marking a key step in advancing opportunities for tribal entrepreneurs.

The Cali Fund was launched at COP16 in Rome on February 25, 2025, to gather contributions from businesses using Digital Sequence Information (DSI) like genetic data. The fund is dedicated to supporting biodiversity conservation, with a focus on directing at least 50% of its resources to indigenous peoples and local communities. Managed by the UNDP and UNEP, the Cali Fund aims to support various conservation projects to safeguard biodiversity globally.

The European Union has classified caffeine as "harmful to humans if swallowed," mainly due to its potential risks to the heart, hydration, and nervous system. This ruling is primarily focused on non-food applications and includes a ban on caffeine's use as a pesticide. However, moderate caffeine intake remains considered safe, and coffee is not expected to face significant restrictions. The ruling also indicates the potential for stricter regulations, especially regarding energy drinks.

N Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons, has been appointed to lead the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF). The Foundation, founded by the late Ratan Tata, focuses on philanthropy and technological research for the benefit of Indian society. N Chandrasekaran's leadership is crucial in streamlining the Foundation’s operations and ensuring its independent identity and effective governance. His appointment was made by the executors of Ratan Tata's will, and Ratan Tata personally chose him for this position.

World Protein Day is celebrated every year on February 27 to raise awareness about the essential role of protein in human nutrition. It highlights the health benefits of adequate protein intake and emphasizes the issues related to protein deficiency. The day aims to encourage the consumption of protein-rich foods and promote better nutritional security worldwide. Initiated by the US Soybean Export Council, the observance has grown globally and is aligned with National Protein Day in India, making it a significant global health campaign.