Daily Current Affairs of 14th February 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 14th 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 14, 2025

Daily GK Update – 14th February 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 14th February 2025:

International News

India and US Strengthen Ties with ‘MEGA’ Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States has bolstered Indo-US relations, with a strong focus on trade, defense, and strategic cooperation. During discussions with US President Donald Trump, key agreements were made concerning economic expansion, counterterrorism efforts, regional security, and technological collaboration. This visit marks a milestone in India’s global diplomatic engagement.

Greece Elects Constantine Tassoulas as New President

On 12th February 2025, Constantine Tassoulas, former parliamentary speaker, was elected as Greece’s new president by the Hellenic Parliament. He secured 160 votes out of 300, succeeding Katerina Sakellaropoulou. Though largely ceremonial, his appointment signals a continued direction for Greece’s leadership under the ruling New Democracy party.

Ilie Bolojan Takes Over as Romania’s Interim President

Following the resignation of Klaus Iohannis, Ilie Bolojan has been appointed as Romania’s interim president. As the current President of the Senate, Bolojan steps into this role during a politically crucial period, ensuring stability ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in May 2025.

Jotham Napat Becomes Vanuatu’s Prime Minister

Jotham Napat has been sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Vanuatu, taking office unopposed. His nomination was put forth by Charlot Salwai, former prime minister and leader of the Reunification Movement for Change. The peaceful transition underscores the nation’s political stability.

PM Modi’s Diplomatic Visit to France

During his official trip to France, PM Narendra Modi engaged in high-level discussions aimed at boosting cooperation in artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and trade. Strengthening bilateral relations, the visit also reinforced cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

Tulsi Gabbard Appointed as US Director of National Intelligence

Former Democratic Congresswoman and 2020 US presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard has been named the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), making history as the first Hindu to lead the US intelligence community. She will oversee 18 intelligence agencies, shaping national security policies and intelligence operations.

State News

Historic Renaming of British-Era Landmarks in Rajasthan

In a significant move to honor Indian heritage, the Rajasthan government has renamed two historical sites in Ajmer. The 132-year-old Foy Sagar Lake is now called ‘Varun Sagar,’ and the King Edward Memorial Bhawan has been rechristened as ‘Maharishi Dayanand Vishrant Grih.’ These changes reflect India’s ongoing efforts to shed colonial remnants and celebrate indigenous culture.

Defense News

Saab and HAL Collaborate on Advanced Laser Warning System

Swedish defense company Saab has signed an MoU with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to develop and manufacture the Electronic Warfare Laser Warning System-310 (LWS-310). This agreement, signed on 13th February 2025, aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, fostering domestic production of critical defense technology.

Banking & Finance News

RBI Injects ₹2.5 Lakh Crore to Support Banking Liquidity

To address liquidity challenges in the financial system, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has injected ₹2.5 lakh crore through a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction. This measure aims to ensure stable credit flow and prevent disruptions in the financial markets.

Easebuzz Gains RBI Authorization as a Payment Aggregator

Easebuzz, a prominent payment solutions provider, has secured final authorization from the RBI to operate as an online payment aggregator. This regulatory approval enhances digital transaction security and supports seamless business payments across India’s fintech ecosystem.

RBI Approves Temasek’s Stake Increase in AU Small Finance Bank

The RBI has granted Zulia Investments, a subsidiary of Singapore-based Temasek Holdings, permission to increase its stake in AU Small Finance Bank to 7%. This move underscores growing foreign interest in India’s banking sector and AU Small Finance Bank’s expanding influence in the financial services industry.

Business News

TCS to Overhaul UPM’s IT Systems in Nordic Region

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with Finnish company UPM to modernize its IT infrastructure. The collaboration will focus on cloud migration, digital transformation, and operational efficiency, ensuring streamlined IT services for UPM’s workforce.

Ranks & Reports

Mukesh Ambani Tops Asia’s Wealthiest Families List

According to Bloomberg’s 2025 rankings, Mukesh Ambani and his family have once again been named the wealthiest in Asia. The Ambani business empire continues to thrive across multiple industries, solidifying their financial influence in the global market.

Government Schemes

One-Year Anniversary of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Launched on 13th February 2024, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has completed its first successful year. Aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations in one crore households by 2027, the scheme has significantly contributed to India’s renewable energy sector and reduced electricity costs for millions.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

14th February 2025

1. Who did India sign the ‘MEGA’ partnership with to enhance trade, defense, and strategic cooperation?

a) China

b) United States

c) Russia

d) France

Answer: b) United States

Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US strengthened Indo-US relations through the ‘MEGA’ partnership, focusing on trade, defense, and strategic cooperation.

2. Who was elected as the new President of Greece on 12th February 2025?

a) Alexis Tsipras

b) Katerina Sakellaropoulou

c) Constantine Tassoulas

d) Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Answer: c) Constantine Tassoulas

Explanation: Constantine Tassoulas, the former parliamentary speaker, was elected as Greece’s new president, receiving 160 votes out of 300 in the Hellenic Parliament.

3. Who has been appointed as Romania’s interim President after Klaus Iohannis resigned?

a) Ilie Bolojan

b) Nicolae Ciucă

c) Ludovic Orban

d) Florin Cîțu

Answer: a) Ilie Bolojan

Explanation: Following the resignation of Klaus Iohannis, Ilie Bolojan, President of the Senate, was appointed as Romania’s interim president to ensure stability before the May 2025 elections.

4. Who has been sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Vanuatu?

a) Bob Loughman

b) Ishmael Kalsakau

c) Charlot Salwai

d) Jotham Napat

Answer: d) Jotham Napat

Explanation: Jotham Napat took office unopposed as Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister, with his nomination put forth by Charlot Salwai.

5. What was the main focus of PM Modi’s diplomatic visit to France?

a) Cybersecurity and Space Exploration

b) Artificial Intelligence, Nuclear Energy, and Trade

c) Climate Change and Immigration Policy

d) Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Answer: b) Artificial Intelligence, Nuclear Energy, and Trade

Explanation: During his visit to France, PM Modi discussed collaboration in artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and trade to strengthen bilateral ties.

6. Who has been appointed as the US Director of National Intelligence in 2025?

a) Kamala Harris

b) Tulsi Gabbard

c) Nancy Pelosi

d) Ron DeSantis

Answer: b) Tulsi Gabbard

Explanation: Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate, became the first Hindu to lead the US intelligence community.

7. Which British-era landmark in Rajasthan was renamed as ‘Varun Sagar’?

a) Jai Sagar Lake

b) Pushkar Lake

c) Foy Sagar Lake

d) Sambhar Lake

Answer: c) Foy Sagar Lake

Explanation: The Rajasthan government renamed the 132-year-old Foy Sagar Lake as ‘Varun Sagar’ to honor Indian heritage.

8. What is the new name of King Edward Memorial Bhawan in Rajasthan?

a) Maharishi Dayanand Vishrant Grih

b) Swami Vivekananda Bhawan

c) Rajput Heritage Center

d) Chhatrapati Shivaji Smarak

Answer: a) Maharishi Dayanand Vishrant Grih

Explanation: The King Edward Memorial Bhawan was renamed ‘Maharishi Dayanand Vishrant Grih’ as part of Rajasthan’s efforts to replace colonial-era names.

9. Which Swedish defense company is collaborating with HAL to develop a laser warning system?

a) BAE Systems

b) Saab

c) Lockheed Martin

d) Thales

Answer: b) Saab

Explanation: Swedish company Saab signed an MoU with HAL to manufacture the Electronic Warfare Laser Warning System-310 (LWS-310).

10. How much liquidity did the RBI inject into the banking system through VRR auction?

a) ₹1.2 Lakh Crore

b) ₹2.5 Lakh Crore

c) ₹3.0 Lakh Crore

d) ₹4.5 Lakh Crore

Answer: b) ₹2.5 Lakh Crore

Explanation: To support banking liquidity and ensure stable credit flow, RBI injected ₹2.5 Lakh Crore through a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction.

11. Which company received RBI authorization as a payment aggregator?

a) Razorpay

b) Easebuzz

c) PhonePe

d) Paytm

Answer: b) Easebuzz

Explanation: Easebuzz received final approval from RBI to operate as an online payment aggregator, boosting fintech security in India.

12. Which company received RBI approval to increase its stake in AU Small Finance Bank?

a) BlackRock

b) SoftBank

c) Temasek Holdings

d) Berkshire Hathaway

Answer: c) Temasek Holdings

Explanation: RBI granted Temasek’s subsidiary, Zulia Investments, permission to increase its stake in AU Small Finance Bank to 7%.

13. Which Indian IT firm is partnering with UPM to modernize its IT infrastructure?

a) Infosys

b) Wipro

c) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

d) HCL Technologies

Answer: c) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Explanation: TCS partnered with Finnish company UPM to enhance its IT systems through digital transformation and cloud migration.

14. Which Indian business family topped Bloomberg’s Asia wealth rankings in 2025?

a) Tata Family

b) Ambani Family

c) Adani Family

d) Birla Family

Answer: b) Ambani Family

Explanation: According to Bloomberg, Mukesh Ambani and his family were ranked as the wealthiest in Asia in 2025.

15. When was the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana launched?

a) 13th February 2023

b) 13th February 2024

c) 13th February 2025

d) 1st January 2024

Answer: b) 13th February 2024

Explanation: The scheme was launched on 13th February 2024 to promote rooftop solar installations and reduce electricity costs.

16. What is the goal of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana by 2027?

a) Install solar panels in 1 crore households

b) Achieve 50% solar energy production

c) Provide free electricity to rural India

d) Reduce coal dependency by 60%

Answer: a) Install solar panels in 1 crore households

Explanation: The scheme aims to facilitate rooftop solar installations in 1 crore households by 2027.

17. What is the primary role of the US Director of National Intelligence?

a) Oversee 18 intelligence agencies

b) Manage the FBI exclusively

c) Conduct military operations

d) Oversee global diplomatic missions

Answer: a) Oversee 18 intelligence agencies

Explanation: The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) oversees 18 US intelligence agencies, shaping national security policies.

18. Which country’s elections led to the appointment of Constantine Tassoulas as president?

a) Italy

b) Spain

c) Greece

d) Portugal

Answer: c) Greece

Explanation: Greece elected Constantine Tassoulas as its new president in February 2025.

19. What does VRR stand for in banking terms?

a) Variable Rate Repo

b) Voluntary Rate Regulation

c) Value Reserve Ratio

d) Verified Risk Retention

Answer: a) Variable Rate Repo

Explanation: VRR (Variable Rate Repo) is a liquidity tool used by the RBI to manage money supply.

20. Which European country did PM Modi visit for discussions on AI and nuclear energy?

a) Germany

b) UK

c) France

d) Italy

Answer: c) France

Explanation: PM Modi visited France to enhance cooperation in AI, nuclear energy, and trade.