Daily Current Affairs of 22nd February 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 22nd 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 22, 2025

Daily GK Update – 22nd February 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 22nd February 2025:

National News

Indian Prodigy Vishvaa Rajakumar Wins Global Memory ChampionshipVishvaa Rajakumar, a 20-year-old from India, emerged victorious in the Memory League World Championship 2025 by recalling 80 digits in just 13.5 seconds. Employing the Memory Palace technique and emphasizing hydration for cognitive performance, he described the experience as exhilarating. Looking ahead, he aspires to become a memory coach and establish a dedicated memory training institution in India.

Purnima Devi Barman Recognized in TIME’s Women of the Year 2025 ListIndian conservationist and biologist Purnima Devi Barman has been featured in TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025 list, which honors 13 global leaders. She stands as the only Indian woman among prominent figures like Nicole Kidman and Gisele Pelicot. Barman is renowned for her conservation efforts to protect the greater adjutant stork (Hargila), significantly impacting wildlife conservation in India, Cambodia, and beyond.

PM Modi Invited as Guest of Honour for Mauritius' National DayPrime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Mauritius next month to serve as the Guest of Honour at the country's National Day celebrations. Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam highlighted the significance of Modi’s visit, emphasizing the enduring historical and diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

India Opens First Wildlife Biobank at Darjeeling ZooA milestone in wildlife conservation, India has inaugurated its first-ever zoo-based biobank at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Operational since July 2024, this facility is designed to store and preserve genetic materials from endangered species. Additionally, the zoo has launched an animal museum to support conservation and research initiatives.

Reports News

Lancet Study: India's Suicide Rate Declines by 30% Over Three DecadesA study published in The Lancet (GBD 2021) reports a 30% reduction in India’s suicide death rate between 1990 and 2021, with figures dropping from 18.9 to 13 per lakh. The decline is particularly noticeable among females, attributed to improved mental health initiatives and policy interventions. Globally, one suicide occurs every 43 seconds, underscoring the importance of continuous mental health efforts.

Appointments News

Kash Patel Becomes Ninth FBI Director, Takes Oath on Bhagavad GitaIndian-origin Kash Patel was officially sworn in as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on February 21, 2025. Known for his association with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Patel took his oath on the Bhagavad Gita in a ceremony held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, officiated by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. He replaces Christopher Wray, who resigned at the end of the Biden administration.

Science and Technology News

Microsoft Introduces Magma: A Cutting-Edge Multimodal AI ModelMicrosoft has unveiled Magma, an advanced AI model capable of understanding both visual and textual information across digital and physical environments. This innovative model can read, interpret, and execute real-world tasks, including navigating applications and controlling robotics. Developed in collaboration with leading global research institutions, Magma is the first foundational AI model to integrate multimodal inputs for real-time interactions.

ESA Approves First Astronaut with Disability for ISS MissionIn a landmark decision, the European Space Agency (ESA) has medically cleared British astronaut John McFall, a former Paralympian with a prosthetic leg, for extended space missions. This move marks a significant step toward inclusive space exploration.

ISRO Develops World's Largest Vertical Propellant MixerThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has created a groundbreaking 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer, the largest of its kind globally, for solid propellant production. Developed in partnership with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in Bengaluru, this indigenous innovation will enhance solid rocket motor manufacturing efficiency and safety, advancing India’s space capabilities.

New Bat Coronavirus HKU5-CoV-2 Identified in ChinaChinese scientists have discovered a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, capable of infecting human cells through the ACE2 receptor—the same pathway used by SARS-CoV-2. This finding highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring zoonotic viruses.

Summits and Conferences News

PM Modi Inaugurates SOUL Leadership ConclavePrime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the SOUL (School of Ultimate Leadership) Conclave 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with a vision to nurture leaders across governance, business, technology, sports, and social sectors. A dedicated SOUL campus will be established near GIFT City, Gujarat, to provide top-tier leadership training, reinforcing India’s aspirations for global leadership.

India Assumes Chairmanship of BOBP-IGOIndia has taken over the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) from Bangladesh during its 13th Governing Council Meeting in Malé, Maldives (Feb 20-22, 2025). Led by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, India committed to enhancing sustainable fisheries, regional cooperation, and small-scale fishers’ welfare, aligning with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ agenda.

Hyderabad Hosts International Art ExhibitionHyderabad is set to host an international art exhibition, “Topographies of Tents, Terracotta, and Time,” organized by Srishti Art Gallery and Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad. This exhibition will showcase works by esteemed national and international artists, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and transformation.

State News

Uttarakhand Enacts Stricter Land Laws for Non-ResidentsThe Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the Bhoo Kanoon (Land Law Amendment Bill) 2025 to regulate land transactions by non-residents, aiming to safeguard cultural heritage, natural resources, and local communities. The law restricts agricultural land purchases in 11 hill districts and imposes strict controls on residential land sales. The bill will be presented in the Budget session concluding on February 24, 2025.

Rajasthan Presents First Green BudgetDeputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari unveiled Rajasthan’s inaugural Green Budget for 2025-26, with a ₹5.37 lakh crore allocation prioritizing electricity, roads, water, health, and agriculture. The budget aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and includes a plan to generate 2.75 lakh jobs (1.25 lakh in the government sector and 1.5 lakh in the private sector), fulfilling 73% of previous budgetary commitments.

Mising Tribe Celebrates Ali Ai Ligang Festival in AssamThe Mising tribe of Assam recently celebrated Ali Ai Ligang, an important agricultural festival marking the start of the sowing season. Held on the first Wednesday of the Assamese month of Fagun, this festival reflects the deep agricultural traditions of the Mising community.

Kerala Launches Nayanamritham 2.0: AI-Powered Eye ScreeningThe Kerala government has rolled out Nayanamritham 2.0, an AI-driven eye screening initiative aimed at early detection of chronic eye diseases. Partnering with health-tech firm Remidio, Kerala has become the first government globally to implement an AI-assisted screening program for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.

Banking News

SBI Revises India's GDP Forecast for FY25 to 6.3%The State Bank of India (SBI) has revised its GDP growth projection for India in FY25 to 6.3%, slightly below the National Statistical Office’s (NSO) estimate of 6.4%. The revision accounts for concerns over slowing economic momentum, particularly in lending, manufacturing, and overall demand, prompting policymakers to explore fiscal and monetary measures for sustained growth.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

22nd February 2025

1. Who won the Memory League World Championship 2025?

A) Rohan Rajakumar

B) Vishvaa Rajakumar ✅

C) Arjun Reddy

D) Rahul Verma

Explanation:

Vishvaa Rajakumar, a 20-year-old Indian, won the Memory League World Championship 2025 by recalling 80 digits in just 13.5 seconds. He used the Memory Palace technique and emphasized hydration for cognitive performance.

2. Which Indian conservationist was featured in TIME’s Women of the Year 2025 list?

A) Medha Patkar

B) Vandana Shiva

C) Purnima Devi Barman ✅

D) Arundhati Roy

Explanation:

Purnima Devi Barman, an Indian biologist, was recognized for her conservation efforts to protect the greater adjutant stork (Hargila). She was the only Indian woman featured on TIME’s list.

3. Where will PM Narendra Modi serve as the Guest of Honour in March 2025?

A) Singapore

B) Mauritius ✅

C) Sri Lanka

D) South Africa

Explanation:

PM Modi has been invited as the Guest of Honour for Mauritius' National Day, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.

4. Where was India’s first wildlife biobank inaugurated?

A) Jim Corbett National Park

B) Kaziranga National Park

C) Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park ✅

D) Gir National Park

Explanation:

India’s first zoo-based biobank was established at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, to preserve genetic materials of endangered species.

5. What percentage decline in India’s suicide rate was reported by The Lancet study?

A) 10%

B) 20%

C) 30% ✅

D) 40%

Explanation:

The Lancet (GBD 2021) reported a 30% decline in India’s suicide rate between 1990 and 2021, attributed to mental health initiatives and policy interventions.

6. Who was appointed as the ninth Director of the FBI in 2025?

A) Christopher Wray

B) Andrew McCabe

C) Kash Patel ✅

D) James Comey

Explanation:

Indian-origin Kash Patel replaced Christopher Wray as the ninth FBI Director and took his oath on the Bhagavad Gita.

7. What is the name of Microsoft’s latest multimodal AI model?

A) GPT-5

B) DeepVision

C) Magma ✅

D) OmniAI

Explanation:

Microsoft introduced Magma, a multimodal AI model that processes both visual and textual information for real-time interactions.

8. Who became the first astronaut with a disability to be approved for ISS missions?

A) Richard Branson

B) John McFall ✅

C) Mark Kelly

D) Chris Hadfield

Explanation:

ESA approved British astronaut John McFall, a former Paralympian with a prosthetic leg, marking a milestone for inclusive space exploration.

9. What is the name of the new bat coronavirus identified in China?

A) HKU5-CoV-2 ✅

B) SARS-CoV-3

C) MERS-CoV-2

D) HKU1-CoV

Explanation:

Chinese scientists discovered HKU5-CoV-2, a bat coronavirus that uses the ACE2 receptor to infect human cells.

10. What is the full form of the SOUL Leadership Conclave inaugurated by PM Modi?

A) School of Ultimate Leadership ✅

B) Summit of Outstanding Universal Leaders

C) Society of United Leaders

D) Strategic Organization for Universal Learning

Explanation:

The SOUL (School of Ultimate Leadership) Conclave 2025 was launched to develop leadership in governance, business, technology, and other sectors.

11. Which country did India replace as the Chair of BOBP-IGO?

A) Sri Lanka

B) Bangladesh ✅

C) Thailand

D) Maldives

Explanation:

India assumed the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) from Bangladesh during its 13th Governing Council Meeting.

12. In which Indian city is the international art exhibition ‘Topographies of Tents, Terracotta, and Time’ being held?

A) Delhi

B) Hyderabad ✅

C) Mumbai

D) Bengaluru

Explanation:

Hyderabad is hosting the international art exhibition, organized by Srishti Art Gallery and Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad.

13. What is the purpose of the Uttarakhand Bhoo Kanoon (Land Law Amendment Bill) 2025?

A) To promote industrialization

B) To regulate land transactions by non-residents ✅

C) To allow foreign direct investment in agriculture

D) To establish land banks

Explanation:

The law aims to protect Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage and restricts land purchases in 11 hill districts.

14. Which Indian state presented its first Green Budget in 2025?

A) Kerala

B) Gujarat

C) Rajasthan ✅

D) Karnataka

Explanation:

Rajasthan’s Green Budget prioritizes sustainable infrastructure and job creation, aligning with SDGs 2030.

15. What festival was recently celebrated by the Mising Tribe in Assam?

A) Rongali Bihu

B) Ali Ai Ligang ✅

C) Magh Bihu

D) Karam Festival

Explanation:

Ali Ai Ligang marks the sowing season and is celebrated by the Mising tribe in Assam.

16. What is the focus of Kerala’s Nayanamritham 2.0 initiative?

A) AI-driven eye screening ✅

B) Cancer detection

C) Diabetes monitoring

D) Heart disease prevention

Explanation:

Nayanamritham 2.0 uses AI to detect chronic eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

17. What is SBI’s revised GDP growth projection for India in FY25?

A) 6.1%

B) 6.3% ✅

C) 6.5%

D) 6.7%

Explanation:

SBI revised India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.3%, considering economic challenges in lending, manufacturing, and demand.

18. What is ISRO’s new innovation in propellant production?

A) World's first liquid hydrogen engine

B) Largest vertical propellant mixer ✅

C) AI-powered rocket fuel technology

D) 3D-printed propulsion system

Explanation:

ISRO developed the world’s largest 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer for solid propellant production, enhancing rocket motor efficiency.

19. Which magazine featured Purnima Devi Barman in its 2025 Women of the Year list?

A) Forbes

B) TIME ✅

C) National Geographic

D) The Economist

Explanation:

TIME Magazine recognized Purnima Devi Barman for her conservation efforts, particularly for the greater adjutant stork.

20. Who is the Prime Minister of Mauritius in 2025?

A) Pravind Jugnauth

B) Navin Ramgoolam ✅

C) Anerood Jugnauth

D) Xavier-Luc Duval

Explanation:

Navin Ramgoolam is the current Prime Minister of Mauritius, who invited PM Modi as Guest of Honour for National Day celebrations.