Daily Current Affairs of 12th February 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 12th February 2025, witnessed a series of significant events across various domains, ranging from infrastructure development to geopolitical concerns, cultural celebrations, and scientific discoveries. Here's an in-depth look at the noteworthy occurrences of the day.

Top Current Affairs and News Headlines – February 12, 2025

Daily GK Update – 12th February 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 12th February 2025:

National News

MoHUA Unveils ‘Culinary, Crafts & Clicks’ Festival

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in collaboration with MyGov, has launched the ‘Culinary, Crafts & Clicks – Moods & Magic’ festival. This initiative showcases India’s cultural diversity through food, traditional crafts, and photography. The event is being hosted at prominent locations like Kartavya Path and Amrit Udyan, bringing together artists, photographers, and culinary enthusiasts to celebrate India's rich heritage.

International News

14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) Begins in New Delhi

The 14th edition of the Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) has commenced in New Delhi, running from February 12 to 14, 2025. Themed “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific,” this forum is organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Fisheries (DoF), and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB). The event aims to foster sustainable fisheries and aquaculture advancements across the Asia-Pacific region.

Defence News

Mehar Baba Competition-II Successfully Concludes

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially concluded the second edition of the Mehar Baba Competition-II (MBC-II), a vital initiative promoting India’s advancement in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. Initially launched on April 6, 2022, by the Defence Minister, this competition aimed at developing swarm drone-based systems to detect foreign objects on aircraft operating surfaces. The initiative, which concluded on July 29, 2024, has significantly strengthened industry-academia collaborations in UAV technology.

India-Egypt Joint Military Exercise ‘CYCLONE-III’ Kicks Off

The third edition of the India-Egypt joint special forces exercise, ‘CYCLONE-III,’ has commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. Running from February 10 to 23, 2025, the exercise aims to boost interoperability and strategic coordination between the two nations’ special forces. This follows the second edition held in Egypt in January 2024 and marks a crucial step in the growing military partnership between India and Egypt.

State News

THDC Ventures into Thermal Energy with 660-MW Plant in Uttar Pradesh

THDC India Ltd (THDCIL) has successfully commenced operations of a 660-MW unit at its Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant (STPP) in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. This project, with a total capacity of 1,320 MW (2×660 MW) and an investment of ₹13,000 crore, marks THDCIL’s entry into India’s thermal energy sector. The facility is equipped with modern environmental technologies like Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) to ensure sustainable power generation.

Banking News

RBI Imposes Fines on Federal Bank & Karur Vysya Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied penalties on Federal Bank Ltd and Karur Vysya Bank Ltd for regulatory violations. Federal Bank has been fined ₹27.30 lakh, while Karur Vysya Bank faces a penalty of ₹8.30 lakh. These penalties follow RBI’s inspections, which identified non-compliance in account management and credit delivery systems, reaffirming the central bank’s commitment to maintaining strict financial regulations.

Ranks & Reports

India’s Standing in Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024

India has ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, published by Transparency International. With a score of 38, India has seen a decline from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022. The CPI measures perceived corruption in the public sector on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

India Climbs Global Logistics Performance Index

India has made significant strides in logistics, securing the 22nd rank in the International Shipments category and improving its overall ranking to 38th out of 139 countries in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023. This progress reflects India's focused efforts on reducing logistics costs, enhancing efficiency, and integrating advanced technology.

NITI Aayog Releases Report on State Higher Education

NITI Aayog has published a report titled ‘Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities.’ Released by Vice Chairman Suman Bery, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the quality, governance, funding, and employability trends in State Public Universities (SPUs). The report features 80 policy recommendations aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and India’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.

Summits and Conferences

President Inaugurates International Conference on Unani Medicine

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated an international conference on Unani medicine at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Organized by the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) under the Ministry of Ayush, the event—titled “Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward”—focused on Unani medicine’s role in modern healthcare.

Science & Technology

Israeli Researchers Discover Autism-Linked Brain Mechanisms

Researchers from the University of Haifa, Israel, have identified key brain mechanisms linked to recognizing emotional states in others. Their findings, published in Current Biology, emphasize the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in social and emotional perception, potentially paving the way for new treatments for autism spectrum disorders.

Sports News

Meghalaya to Host 2027 National Games

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed Meghalaya as the host for the 39th National Games in February/March 2027. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma received the official announcement from IOA President PT Usha. The northeastern state will take over the hosting responsibilities following the conclusion of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand.

Pankaj Advani Wins 36th National Snooker Title

Indian cue sports legend Pankaj Advani secured his 36th national title by winning the men’s snooker championship at the Yashwant Club. Overcoming Brijesh Damani in the final, Advani reaffirmed his dominance in the sport and secured a spot in upcoming international championships.

Obituaries

Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Passes Away

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, passed away at the age of 85. He dedicated over six decades to religious service and was deeply revered in the Hindu religious community.

Gyalo Thondup, Elder Brother of the Dalai Lama, Dies at 97

Gyalo Thondup, the elder brother of the 14th Dalai Lama and a key figure in Tibetan politics, passed away at 97 in Kalimpong, West Bengal. Born in 1928 in Tibet’s Amdo region, he played a crucial role in advocating for Tibetan autonomy and engaging with global leaders.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

12th February 2025

1. What is the theme of the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) being held in New Delhi in 2025?

a) Fisheries Development in Asia

b) Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific

c) Sustainable Aquaculture in Asia

d) Fishing for the Future in Asia

Answer: b) Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific

Explanation: The theme of the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) is "Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific," which focuses on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture advancements in the region.

2. Which organization is responsible for launching the 'Culinary, Crafts & Clicks' festival?

a) Ministry of Culture

b) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

c) Ministry of Tourism

d) MyGov

Answer: b) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

Explanation: The ‘Culinary, Crafts & Clicks’ festival is launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with MyGov.

3. Where is the India-Egypt joint military exercise ‘CYCLONE-III’ being conducted?

a) New Delhi

b) Amritsar

c) Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan

d) Thar Desert

Answer: c) Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan

Explanation: The 'CYCLONE-III' military exercise is being held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.

4. What is the capacity of the newly commissioned 660-MW unit at THDC India Ltd's Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh?

a) 1,320 MW

b) 660 MW

c) 2,640 MW

d) 3,960 MW

Answer: b) 660 MW

Explanation: The newly commissioned 660-MW unit at THDC India Ltd's Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant adds to the plant's total capacity of 1,320 MW.

5. What fine did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) impose on Federal Bank Ltd?

a) ₹8.30 lakh

b) ₹27.30 lakh

c) ₹50 lakh

d) ₹10 lakh

Answer: b) ₹27.30 lakh

Explanation: RBI imposed a fine of ₹27.30 lakh on Federal Bank Ltd for regulatory violations.

6. What is India's ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024?

a) 92nd

b) 96th

c) 90th

d) 100th

Answer: b) 96th

Explanation: India ranks 96th out of 180 countries in the CPI 2024 with a score of 38.

7. Which state will host the 39th National Games in February/March 2027?

a) Assam

b) Meghalaya

c) Uttar Pradesh

d) Goa

Answer: b) Meghalaya

Explanation: Meghalaya has been confirmed as the host for the 39th National Games in 2027.

8. Which Indian cue sports legend secured his 36th national snooker title?

a) Pankaj Advani

b) Geet Sethi

c) Sourav Kothari

d) Aditya Mehta

Answer: a) Pankaj Advani

Explanation: Pankaj Advani won his 36th National Snooker Title by defeating Brijesh Damani.

9. Who inaugurated the international conference on Unani medicine at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?

a) Prime Minister Narendra Modi

b) Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

c) President Droupadi Murmu

d) Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal

Answer: c) President Droupadi Murmu

Explanation: The international conference on Unani medicine was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.

10. What does the abbreviation ‘LPI’ stand for in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index?

a) Logistics Process Indicator

b) Logistics Pricing Index

c) Logistics Performance Index

d) Local Performance Indicator

Answer: c) Logistics Performance Index

Explanation: The World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) measures logistics performance across countries. India ranked 38th in 2023.

11. What is the total capacity of THDC India Ltd’s Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant?

a) 1,320 MW

b) 660 MW

c) 2,640 MW

d) 3,960 MW

Answer: a) 1,320 MW

Explanation: The total capacity of the Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant is 1,320 MW (2×660 MW).

12. What significant contribution did Mehar Baba Competition-II focus on?

a) Space research

b) Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology

c) Robotics for defense

d) Artificial intelligence in military

Answer: b) Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology

Explanation: Mehar Baba Competition-II focused on developing UAV-based systems, particularly swarm drones, to detect foreign objects on aircraft operating surfaces.

13. Which state recently saw the passing of Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple?

a) Uttar Pradesh

b) Bihar

c) West Bengal

d) Rajasthan

Answer: a) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, passed away at the age of 85.

14. What is the primary goal of the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF)?

a) Promoting fishing technologies

b) Advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

c) Promoting tourism through fisheries

d) Enhancing global seafood exports

Answer: b) Advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

Explanation: The forum focuses on fostering advancements in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific region.

15. Who was the elder brother of the Dalai Lama, who recently passed away at 97?

a) Tenzin Gyatso

b) Lobsang Rampa

c) Gyalo Thondup

d) Tashi Namgyal

Answer: c) Gyalo Thondup

Explanation: Gyalo Thondup, the elder brother of the 14th Dalai Lama, passed away at the age of 97 in Kalimpong, West Bengal.

16. What does the RBI fine Federal Bank for?

a) Tax evasion

b) Regulatory violations in account management

c) Loan default issues

d) Currency counterfeiting

Answer: b) Regulatory violations in account management

Explanation: The fine imposed on Federal Bank by the RBI was for violations related to account management and credit delivery systems.

17. Which event is organized by the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM)?

a) International Unani Medicine Conference

b) Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions

c) Traditional Medicine Global Summit

d) National Ayurveda Conference

Answer: b) Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions

Explanation: The CCRUM organized the "Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions" conference.

18. Where is the 'Culinary, Crafts & Clicks' festival being hosted in India?

a) Delhi and Mumbai

b) Kartavya Path and Amrit Udyan

c) Jaipur and Chandigarh

d) Bengaluru and Pune

Answer: b) Kartavya Path and Amrit Udyan

Explanation: The ‘Culinary, Crafts & Clicks’ festival is being hosted at prominent locations such as Kartavya Path and Amrit Udyan in New Delhi.

19. How many policy recommendations were made in NITI Aayog's report on State Higher Education?

a) 60

b) 80

c) 100

d) 120

Answer: b) 80

Explanation: NITI Aayog's report on State Higher Education includes 80 policy recommendations aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

20. Which country is hosting the 14th edition of the Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum?

a) India

b) Japan

c) Thailand

d) China

Answer: a) India

Explanation: India is hosting the 14th edition of the Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) in New Delhi.