Daily Current Affairs of 19th February 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 19th 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 19, 2025

Daily GK Update – 19th February 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 19th February 2025:

National News

India Unveils Its First Open-Air Art Wall Museum at Mausam Bhawan

New Delhi has become home to India's first Open-Air Art Wall Museum, inaugurated at Mausam Bhawan by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences. The museum, developed in collaboration with Delhi Street Art, commemorates 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) through an artistic narrative. Vibrant murals illustrating the evolution of meteorology in India, technological breakthroughs, and the IMD’s societal contributions make this initiative a unique fusion of science and art.

India and Qatar Set Sights on Doubling Trade to $28 Billion by 2030

Strengthening economic ties, India and Qatar have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. During Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to India, both nations committed to increasing trade volume from $14.08 billion to $28 billion within five years. This collaboration aims to expand investment in key sectors, moving beyond Qatar’s dominant role in India’s LNG and LPG imports. The agreement brings Qatar in line with other Gulf nations such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, which already maintain strong trade partnerships with India.

NAKSHA Initiative Launched for Urban Land Survey Modernization

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) pilot project in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. With a budget of ₹194 crore, this central government initiative will modernize land surveys across 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) spanning 26 states and three Union Territories. By integrating geospatial technology, the project aims to enhance land record accuracy, improve urban planning, reduce land disputes, and promote transparency in land administration.

Thiruvalluvar Statue Unveiled in the Philippines

In a milestone event celebrating the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines diplomatic ties, Indian Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain unveiled a statue of Tamil philosopher-poet Thiruvalluvar at Gullas College of Medicine, Cebu. Attended by key dignitaries, including former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the ceremony paid tribute to Thiruvalluvar’s enduring literary and ethical legacy.

RSS Inaugurates Grand New Headquarters in Delhi

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has unveiled its state-of-the-art headquarters, ‘Keshav Kunj,’ in Jhandewalan, New Delhi. Spanning five lakh square feet over four acres, the complex features three high-rise towers, auditoriums, a library, a hospital, a canteen, and a Hanuman temple. Built with an emphasis on sustainability and modern infrastructure, the ₹150 crore project was fully funded through public donations, underscoring the organization’s extensive support base.

Employment Boost as MoLE Partners with APNA

The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) has signed an MoU with job recruitment platform APNA to facilitate job placements across India. This collaboration will introduce over 10 lakh job opportunities annually through the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, enhancing employment accessibility and digital job-matching capabilities.

State News

Kerala Pioneers Scientific Disposal of Expired Medicines

Kerala is set to lead the country in pharmaceutical waste management with the launch of the ‘nPROUD’ initiative (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs) on February 22, 2025. Led by the state’s Drugs Control Department, this initiative aims to ensure the safe collection and disposal of unused and expired medicines, reducing environmental hazards and public health risks.

Uttarakhand Innovates with Forest Fire Prevention Technology

Uttarakhand’s IFoS officer Vaibhav Singh has developed a cutting-edge Forest Fire App to enhance fire detection and response times. Inspired by technology from Canada, Australia, and South Africa, the app integrates GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, and automated alerts to streamline firefighting operations. Successfully tested in Rudraprayag, the app is now operational across Uttarakhand’s Forest Department, with 7,000 personnel and 40 firefighting vehicles onboard.

Defence News

India-Japan ‘Dharma Guardian 2025’ Exercise Set for Mount Fuji

The sixth edition of the Indo-Japanese joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ is scheduled to take place from February 25 to March 9, 2025, at Mount Fuji, Japan. The drills will focus on urban warfare tactics and counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate, reinforcing the strategic and defense partnership between the two nations.

Awards News

BAFTA 2025: Winners List Announced

The 78th BAFTA Awards saw Conclave and The Brutalist emerge as big winners, each bagging four awards. Conclave secured Best Film and Best Adapted Screenplay, while The Brutalist triumphed with Best Director (Brady Corbet) and Best Actor (Adrien Brody). Dune: Part Two dominated technical categories, and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl won Best Animated Film. (Click to read the full list.)

Economy News

Urban Unemployment Rate Steady at 6.4% in Q3 FY25

According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India’s urban unemployment rate remained stable at 6.4% in Q3 FY25. The report signals a steady employment scenario, following a decline from 6.6% in Q1 FY25.

Smartphone Exports Surge to ₹1.5 Trillion, Driven by PLI Scheme

India’s smartphone exports reached an all-time high of ₹1.55 trillion between April 2024 and January 2025, a 56% increase year-on-year. Apple leads the export market, accounting for nearly 70% of total shipments, as the PLI scheme continues to bolster India’s position as a global manufacturing hub.

Sports News

WPL 2025: G Kamalini Becomes Youngest MI Debutant

Sixteen-year-old G Kamalini made history as the youngest debutant for Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), playing against Gujarat Giants in Vadodara. She surpasses previous record-holder Shabnam Shakil from the India U19 team.

Obituaries News

Milind Rege, Mumbai Cricket Legend, Passes Away at 76

Veteran cricketer and former Mumbai captain Milind Rege passed away on February 19, 2025, due to cardiac arrest. A key figure in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy dominance, he was instrumental in nurturing young talents like Sachin Tendulkar.

Science & Technology News

AI-Powered TrailGuard Revolutionizes Wildlife Anti-Poaching Efforts

TrailGuard AI, a state-of-the-art surveillance system, has significantly enhanced wildlife conservation by curbing poaching activities. Implemented at Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve, the AI-driven system detects and alerts rangers about illegal activities in real time. Its integration has dramatically improved anti-poaching measures, setting a precedent for conservation efforts worldwide.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

19th February 2025

1. Where has India’s first Open-Air Art Wall Museum been inaugurated?

a) Mumbai

b) New Delhi

c) Kolkata

d) Bengaluru

Answer: b) New Delhi

Explanation: India’s first Open-Air Art Wall Museum has been inaugurated at Mausam Bhawan in New Delhi, commemorating 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

2. What is the main theme of the Open-Air Art Wall Museum?

a) Evolution of Indian space technology

b) Development of artificial intelligence in India

c) Evolution of meteorology in India

d) Traditional Indian art forms

Answer: c) Evolution of meteorology in India

Explanation: The museum illustrates the journey of meteorology in India, technological advancements, and IMD’s contributions to society.

3. By 2030, India and Qatar aim to double their trade volume to:

a) $18 billion

b) $22 billion

c) $28 billion

d) $35 billion

Answer: c) $28 billion

Explanation: India and Qatar have set a target to increase bilateral trade from $14.08 billion to $28 billion within five years.

4. Which Gulf nation is NOT mentioned as having a strong trade partnership with India?

a) UAE

b) Saudi Arabia

c) Oman

d) Bahrain

Answer: d) Bahrain

Explanation: The article mentions UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, but not Bahrain.

5. What is the primary goal of the NAKSHA initiative?

a) Enhancing India’s space exploration

b) Modernizing land surveys in urban areas

c) Promoting digital payments in rural India

d) Strengthening cyber security

Answer: b) Modernizing land surveys in urban areas

Explanation: The NAKSHA initiative aims to improve land record accuracy, urban planning, and transparency using geospatial technology.

State News MCQs

6. Which state has launched the ‘nPROUD’ initiative for expired medicine disposal?

a) Maharashtra

b) Tamil Nadu

c) Kerala

d) Gujarat

Answer: c) Kerala

Explanation: Kerala’s ‘nPROUD’ initiative ensures safe disposal of unused and expired medicines to prevent environmental hazards.

7. What technology is used in Uttarakhand’s Forest Fire App?

a) Blockchain

b) GPS tracking and real-time monitoring

c) 5G-enabled fire sensors

d) Quantum computing

Answer: b) GPS tracking and real-time monitoring

Explanation: The app, inspired by global technologies, integrates GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, and automated alerts for quick response.

8. Where will the 2025 Indo-Japan ‘Dharma Guardian’ exercise be held?

a) Ladakh

b) Arunachal Pradesh

c) Tokyo

d) Mount Fuji

Answer: d) Mount Fuji

Explanation: The exercise will take place at Mount Fuji, focusing on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations.

9. What is the primary objective of ‘Dharma Guardian’ exercises?

a) Naval warfare training

b) Air force pilot exchange

c) Counter-terrorism and urban warfare drills

d) Space research collaboration

Answer: c) Counter-terrorism and urban warfare drills

Explanation: The military exercise is designed to enhance Indo-Japan cooperation in counter-terrorism operations.

10. Which film won Best Film at the BAFTA 2025 Awards?

a) Dune: Part Two

b) The Brutalist

c) Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

d) Conclave

Answer: d) Conclave

Explanation: Conclave won Best Film and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 78th BAFTA Awards.

11. Which actor won Best Actor at BAFTA 2025?

a) Leonardo DiCaprio

b) Tom Hardy

c) Adrien Brody

d) Benedict Cumberbatch

Answer: c) Adrien Brody

Explanation: Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist.

12. What was India’s urban unemployment rate in Q3 FY25?

a) 5.8%

b) 6.4%

c) 7.2%

d) 6.6%

Answer: b) 6.4%

Explanation: The unemployment rate remained stable at 6.4%, as per the PLFS report.

13. Which company leads India’s smartphone exports?

a) Samsung

b) Xiaomi

c) Apple

d) OnePlus

Answer: c) Apple

Explanation: Apple accounts for nearly 70% of India’s smartphone exports, driven by the PLI scheme.

14. G Kamalini became the youngest debutant for which WPL team?

a) Delhi Capitals

b) Mumbai Indians

c) Royal Challengers Bangalore

d) Gujarat Giants

Answer: b) Mumbai Indians

Explanation: G Kamalini, at 16, became Mumbai Indians' youngest debutant in WPL history.

15. Whose record did Kamalini break in WPL?

a) Smriti Mandhana

b) Shabnam Shakil

c) Jemimah Rodrigues

d) Poonam Yadav

Answer: b) Shabnam Shakil

Explanation: She surpassed Shabnam Shakil, a former India U19 player.

16. Mumbai cricket legend Milind Rege passed away due to:

a) Cancer

b) Heart attack

c) Accident

d) Kidney failure

Answer: b) Heart attack

Explanation: Milind Rege, a former Mumbai captain, passed away due to cardiac arrest.

17. What is the name of the AI-driven wildlife surveillance system?

a) AI-Ranger

b) EcoGuard

c) TrailGuard AI

d) SmartWatch Wildlife

Answer: c) TrailGuard AI

Explanation: TrailGuard AI is an advanced system used in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve for anti-poaching efforts.

18. Which Indian state implemented TrailGuard AI for wildlife conservation?

a) Maharashtra

b) Odisha

c) Karnataka

d) Assam

Answer: b) Odisha

Explanation: Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve uses TrailGuard AI for real-time anti-poaching alerts.

19. What is the estimated cost of the RSS headquarters ‘Keshav Kunj’?

a) ₹100 crore

b) ₹150 crore

c) ₹200 crore

d) ₹250 crore

Answer: b) ₹150 crore

Explanation: The state-of-the-art complex in Delhi was built with ₹150 crore, funded through public donations.

20. Which ministry partnered with APNA to enhance employment opportunities?

a) Ministry of Commerce

b) Ministry of Labour & Employment

c) Ministry of Education

d) Ministry of MSME

Answer: b) Ministry of Labour & Employment

Explanation: The MoLE signed an MoU with job recruitment platform APNA to facilitate job placements via the NCS portal.