Current Affairs - February 28, 2025 Current Affairs

China's Zhurong rover discovered 3.6 billion-year-old sandy beach deposits on Mars, indicating that the planet once had an ancient ocean. The rover's ground-penetrating radar detected foreshore deposits, similar to Earth's beaches, which suggest past interactions between water and land. These findings provide evidence that Mars was once habitable, supporting the possibility that microbial life may have existed on the planet in the past. This discovery adds to our understanding of Mars' geological and environmental history.

National Science Day is observed on February 28 each year to commemorate Sir C.V. Raman's discovery of the Raman Effect, which earned him the Nobel Prize in 1930. The day, first celebrated in 1987, aims to promote science communication through theme-based activities. The theme for 2025, "Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT," aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, emphasizing the role of science and innovation in India's progress.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, India’s Finance Secretary, has been appointed as the 11th Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a three-year term. He succeeds Madhabi Puri Buch, the first woman chairperson of SEBI, whose tenure concludes in February 2025. Pandey, a seasoned bureaucrat with a strong background in economics and financial management, will lead SEBI during challenging times, including managing the bearish market pressures and significant withdrawals by foreign investors.

The UDAN Yatri Cafe was inaugurated at Chennai International Airport, marking the second such facility under this initiative aimed at improving passenger convenience. The cafe provides high-quality food at reasonable prices, aligning with the government's vision of making air travel more accessible and affordable. Chennai International Airport, being a vital aviation hub in Southern India, plays a crucial role in domestic and international travel, making it an ideal location for this initiative following the success of the first UDAN Yatri Cafe at Kolkata Airport.

The 9th National Summit on Healthcare Innovations took place in Puri, Odisha, on February 28, 2025. The summit focused on healthcare innovations and best practices across India, aiming to showcase successful healthcare initiatives and promote knowledge-sharing under the National Health Mission (NHM). The event was inaugurated by Union Health Minister JP Nadda at Swosti Premium Beach Resort, emphasizing the state's role in healthcare advancements.

In 2024, Japan's birth rate hit a record low for the ninth consecutive year. The country saw 720,988 births, a five per cent decline from the previous year's 758,631 births. This marks the lowest number of births since the Japanese government began tracking birth data in 1899. The decline in births in Japan is a significant demographic trend, reflecting challenges such as an ageing population and fewer young people starting families.

Dorababu Daparti has been appointed as the Deputy CEO of SBI Life Insurance Company, effective from February 24, 2025. With over 29 years of experience in the financial sector, Daparti has held key leadership roles at the State Bank of India (SBI), including CEO of SBI's operations in the Maldives. His appointment strengthens SBI Life’s leadership team, bringing valuable expertise in banking and insurance. Daparti's educational background includes a Master’s degree in Sciences (M.Sc.) and CAIIB certification, further supporting his suitability for the role.

The Maharashtra Tourism Department plans to acquire the decommissioned naval warship INS Guldar and sink it off Sindhudurg near Nivati Rocks to create India’s first artificial reef. This project aims to promote adventure tourism, specifically scuba diving, by enhancing marine biodiversity. The artificial reef will provide a habitat for fish and marine species while attracting tourism revenue, similar to global examples like the USS Spiegel Grove in Florida. The ship will undergo complete decontamination before being sunk, ensuring a safe and environmentally responsible project.

The state of Madhya Pradesh attracted ₹30.77 lakh crore in investment proposals at the GIS 2025 event. The initiatives focus on improving skill development, creating world-class infrastructure, and simplifying business processes. Additionally, the state has streamlined industrial permissions, reducing the number of required approvals from 32 to 10 to ensure faster clearances and boost business activities.

Flipkart-backed UPI platform super.money has acquired BharatX, a checkout financing platform, in an all-cash transaction. This move aims to bolster super.money's foothold in India's expanding digital credit market, particularly within the checkout financing sector. The acquisition will enable super.money to leverage BharatX's technology stack to enhance credit-on-UPI solutions.

World NGO Day is celebrated annually on February 27 to acknowledge and appreciate the vital contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in addressing global challenges. The day recognizes their efforts in areas such as humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, human rights, and environmental protection. The theme for 2025, “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future,” emphasizes the important role local NGOs play in promoting sustainability. World NGO Day aims to raise awareness and encourage collaboration to support NGOs worldwide in their missions.

The 10th India International Dance & Music Festival concluded in New Delhi, held from February 22-27, 2025. The festival featured performances by both global and Indian artists, showcasing traditional and contemporary dance and music. It served as a platform for cultural exchange, promoting the appreciation of diverse artistic traditions. The event was hosted at various city venues and was well-received, celebrating the universal language of music and dance.

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Capital Limited (TCL) to strengthen financial support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The MoU aims to provide various funding options, such as machinery/equipment financing, working capital loans, and loans against property. It also explores co-lending and risk-sharing models to enhance MSME access to credit, which is crucial for their growth and development. This partnership is expected to significantly benefit the MSME sector by offering better financial opportunities.

Yes Bank has been recognized as India's highest-rated bank in sustainability for the third consecutive year, as per the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) 2024 and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The bank achieved a CSA score of 72/100 and is the only Indian bank included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025. It has also maintained an A- (Leadership Band) rating from CDP, reflecting its strong performance in climate risk management and sustainable practices across various ESG parameters.