Daily Current Affairs of 24th February 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 24th 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 24, 2025

Daily GK Update – 24th February 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 24th February 2025:

State News

Uttarakhand Presents ₹1.01 Lakh Crore Budget with Focus on Infrastructure and Welfare

The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has unveiled a ₹1,01,175.33 crore budget for the financial year 2025-26. Finance Minister Prem Chandra Aggarwal presented the budget in the State Assembly in Dehradun, emphasizing the ‘GYAN’ model, which aims to benefit four key groups: the underprivileged (Gareeb), youth (Yuva), farmers (Anndata), and women (Naari). The budget prioritizes agriculture, industry, energy, roads, connectivity, tourism, Ayush, and social security to accelerate overall development in the state.

PM Modi Inaugurates Global Investors Summit 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, unveiling 18 fresh industrial policies aimed at strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s status as a major investment hub. The summit drew top global investors and industrialists, with a special focus on India's role in the global supply chain, particularly in the aerospace sector. Highlighting India’s rapid economic progress, PM Modi cited positive growth projections from the World Bank, OECD, and the United Nations, reinforcing the summit’s goal of attracting significant investments.

Agreement News

Bisleri Partners with ASI for Heritage Water Conservation

Bisleri International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme’ to restore and conserve historic water bodies at heritage sites across the country. Under its CSR initiative ‘Nayi Umeed,’ Bisleri aims to integrate heritage preservation with sustainable water management. The initiative will begin with the restoration of four heritage water bodies, contributing to ecological sustainability and boosting tourism.

HAL and DIAT Join Hands for Aerospace Innovation

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has partnered with the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, to advance research, skill development, and technological progress in aerospace. This collaboration will strengthen industry-academia ties, with the HAL Management Academy (HMA) playing a pivotal role in higher education, training, and research in emerging aerospace technologies.

Ranks & Reports News

US Leads Global University Reputation Rankings; Indian Institutes Decline

Harvard University has retained the top spot in the Times Higher Education (THE) World Reputation Rankings 2025 for the 14th consecutive year, with the University of Oxford and MIT jointly securing second place. The rankings feature 300 institutions across 38 countries, with American universities dominating the list. Four Indian institutions made it to the rankings but witnessed a decline, while IIT Bombay dropped out. Notably, Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), Bhubaneswar, made its debut in the 201-300 band.

Awards News

Manohar International Airport Wins NSCI Safety Award

Goa’s Manohar International Airport (GOX), managed by GMR Goa International Airport Ltd. (GGIAL), has won the prestigious ‘Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskar (Golden Trophy)’ at the NSCI Safety Awards 2024 in the ‘Service Sector’ category. This honor recognizes the airport’s exceptional Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards, its commitment to minimizing workplace risks, and the implementation of top-tier safety measures.

Sunil Mittal Honored with UK’s Knight Commander Award

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been conferred an Honorary Knighthood (KBE) for his contributions to strengthening India-UK business relations. He received the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) at a special ceremony in New Delhi, making him the first Indian citizen to be honored under King Charles III’s reign. His ventures, including Airtel Africa, Eutelsat OneWeb, and leadership in the India-UK CEO Forum, played a crucial role in enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

Banking News

SEBI Penalizes Axis Securities for Regulatory Breaches

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a ₹10 lakh fine on Axis Securities for multiple violations of stockbroker regulations. The penalty follows an inspection covering the period from April 2021 to November 2022, where several regulatory lapses were identified.

RBI Fines Citibank, Asirvad Micro Finance, and JM Financial

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied monetary penalties on Citibank N.A., Asirvad Micro Finance, and JM Financial Home Loans for non-compliance with regulatory norms. The violations include lapses in large exposures, credit reporting, and disclosure requirements.

Bajaj Allianz Life Introduces India’s First Bima-ASBA Facility

Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company (BALIC) has launched Bima-Application Supported by Blocked Amount (Bima-ASBA), becoming the first insurer in India to implement this payment method. Introduced by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), this facility aims to enhance transparency and ease premium payments.

RBI’s OMO Auction Sees Record ₹1.87 Trillion Bids

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Open Market Operation (OMO) auction on February 20, 2025, saw an overwhelming response, with bids totaling ₹1.87 trillion against the offered ₹40,000 crore. This high demand underscores the severe liquidity crunch in the banking system.

Economy News

India’s High-Income Aspiration for 2047

A recent Bain & Company and Nasscom report projects India’s GDP to reach $23-$35 trillion by 2047, positioning it as a high-income nation. The services sector is expected to drive 60% of the economy, while manufacturing will contribute 32%.

Moody’s Predicts India’s GDP Growth to Slow to 6.4% in 2025

Moody’s Analytics forecasts India’s economic growth rate to slow to 6.4% in 2025 from 6.6% in 2024. The slowdown is attributed to global economic uncertainties, new U.S. tariffs, and weakened global demand, affecting India’s exports.

RBI to Inject $10 Billion via Forex Swap

The RBI will conduct a $10 billion forex swap auction on February 28, 2025, to infuse liquidity into the banking system. This move follows a $5 billion swap last month as part of RBI’s strategy to counter liquidity shortages.

Defence News

Indian Coast Guard Conducts ‘Sagar Kavach’ Security Exercise

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully executed the ‘Sagar Kavach’ coastal security drill along West Bengal’s 158 km coastline from February 21-22, 2025. The exercise tested preparedness against simulated threats and improved inter-agency coordination.

Appointments News

Sabyasachi Kar Named Director of IEG

The Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), New Delhi, has appointed Professor Sabyasachi Kar as its new Director, effective February 6, 2025.

Sports News

Virat Kohli Breaks Record for Fastest 14,000 ODI Runs

Virat Kohli became the fastest cricketer to reach 14,000 ODI runs in 287 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 350 innings record. He achieved this feat during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan.

Saurav Ghosal Triumphs in Sydney Squash Event

Indian squash veteran Saurav Ghosal marked his return by winning the Octane Sydney Classic, defeating Egypt’s Abdelrahman Nasser in the final.

Obituary News

Odissi Maestro Mayadhar Raut Passes Away at 92

Legendary Odissi dancer Mayadhar Raut, a key figure in reviving and codifying Odissi in the 1950s, passed away at 92 in Delhi. The Padma Shri awardee’s contributions helped establish Odissi as a structured classical dance form.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

24th February 2025

1. What is the total budget allocation for Uttarakhand for the financial year 2025-26?

A) ₹98,000 crore

B) ₹1,01,175.33 crore

C) ₹1,10,500 crore

D) ₹95,500 crore

Answer: B) ₹1,01,175.33 crore

Explanation: The Uttarakhand government, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, presented a ₹1,01,175.33 crore budget for 2025-26. The budget focuses on infrastructure, welfare, and economic growth under the ‘GYAN’ model, targeting underprivileged sections, youth, farmers, and women.

2. Which model has been emphasized in the Uttarakhand budget 2025-26?

A) SMART

B) GYAN

C) PRAGATI

D) UDAY

Answer: B) GYAN

Explanation: The Uttarakhand budget is based on the ‘GYAN’ model, an acronym focusing on four key groups: the underprivileged (Gareeb), youth (Yuva), farmers (Anndata), and women (Naari).

3. Where was the Global Investors Summit 2025 inaugurated by PM Modi?

A) Mumbai

B) Bengaluru

C) Bhopal

D) New Delhi

Answer: C) Bhopal

Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, to enhance investment opportunities, particularly in the aerospace sector.

4. What is the primary focus of the MoU between Bisleri and ASI?

A) Plastic waste management

B) Restoration of heritage water bodies

C) Tourism promotion

D) Groundwater harvesting

Answer: B) Restoration of heritage water bodies

Explanation: Under the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme,’ Bisleri and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) signed an MoU to restore and conserve historic water bodies at heritage sites.

5. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has partnered with which institution for aerospace research?

A) IIT Bombay

B) Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT)

C) ISRO

D) DRDO

Answer: B) Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT)

Explanation: HAL and DIAT, Pune, have collaborated to enhance aerospace research, skill development, and technology innovation.

6. Which university topped the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2025?

A) Stanford University

B) University of Oxford

C) Harvard University

D) MIT

Answer: C) Harvard University

Explanation: Harvard University retained its top position for the 14th consecutive year in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2025.

7. Which Indian institution made its debut in THE World Reputation Rankings 2025?

A) IIT Delhi

B) JNU

C) Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), Bhubaneswar

D) IIM Ahmedabad

Answer: C) Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), Bhubaneswar

Explanation: SOA, Bhubaneswar, entered the 201-300 band in THE World Reputation Rankings 2025.

8. Which airport won the NSCI Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskar (Golden Trophy) for safety?

A) Indira Gandhi International Airport

B) Manohar International Airport (GOX)

C) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

D) Kempegowda International Airport

Answer: B) Manohar International Airport (GOX)

Explanation: Goa’s Manohar International Airport won the NSCI Safety Award for its excellence in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

9. Who received the UK’s Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) award?

A) Mukesh Ambani

B) Ratan Tata

C) Sunil Bharti Mittal

D) Narayana Murthy

Answer: C) Sunil Bharti Mittal

Explanation: Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was honored with the UK’s KBE award for strengthening India-UK business relations.

10. Which organization was fined ₹10 lakh by SEBI for regulatory breaches?

A) HDFC Securities

B) Kotak Securities

C) Axis Securities

D) ICICI Direct

Answer: C) Axis Securities

Explanation: SEBI fined Axis Securities ₹10 lakh for multiple stockbroker regulation violations.

11. What is India’s projected GDP by 2047 according to the Bain & Company-Nasscom report?

A) $10-15 trillion

B) $18-22 trillion

C) $23-35 trillion

D) $40-50 trillion

Answer: C) $23-35 trillion

Explanation: The report predicts India’s GDP will reach $23-$35 trillion by 2047, transforming it into a high-income nation.

12. What is Moody’s projected GDP growth rate for India in 2025?

A) 7.2%

B) 6.9%

C) 6.4%

D) 5.8%

Answer: C) 6.4%

Explanation: Moody’s Analytics forecasted a slowdown in India’s GDP growth to 6.4% in 2025 due to global economic factors.

13. How much did the RBI’s OMO auction receive in bids on February 20, 2025?

A) ₹50,000 crore

B) ₹1.87 trillion

C) ₹90,000 crore

D) ₹75,000 crore

Answer: B) ₹1.87 trillion

Explanation: The RBI’s Open Market Operation auction saw bids totaling ₹1.87 trillion, reflecting a liquidity crunch in the banking system.

14. What is the purpose of the $10 billion forex swap announced by RBI?

A) Strengthen the rupee

B) Inject liquidity into the banking system

C) Increase foreign investments

D) Stabilize inflation

Answer: B) Inject liquidity into the banking system

Explanation: The RBI’s forex swap aims to infuse $10 billion into the banking system to address liquidity issues.

15. What is the name of the Indian Coast Guard’s security exercise conducted in West Bengal?

A) Suraksha Sagar

B) Sagar Kavach

C) Samudra Rakshak

D) Varuna

Answer: B) Sagar Kavach

Explanation: ‘Sagar Kavach’ is a coastal security drill testing defense preparedness along West Bengal’s coastline.

16. Who was recently appointed as the Director of IEG?

A) Arvind Subramanian

B) Raghuram Rajan

C) Sabyasachi Kar

D) Urjit Patel

Answer: C) Sabyasachi Kar

Explanation: Professor Sabyasachi Kar has been appointed as the Director of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), New Delhi.

17. Who became the fastest cricketer to score 14,000 ODI runs?

A) MS Dhoni

B) Virat Kohli

C) Rohit Sharma

D) Babar Azam

Answer: B) Virat Kohli

Explanation: Virat Kohli reached 14,000 ODI runs in just 287 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 350 innings record.

18. Which Indian squash player won the Octane Sydney Classic?

A) Ramit Tandon

B) Mahesh Mangaonkar

C) Saurav Ghosal

D) Joshna Chinappa

Answer: C) Saurav Ghosal

Explanation: Saurav Ghosal won the Octane Sydney Classic, defeating Abdelrahman Nasser.

19. Which legendary Odissi dancer passed away recently?

A) Kelucharan Mohapatra

B) Mayadhar Raut

C) Sonal Mansingh

D) Guru Deba Prasad Das

Answer: B) Mayadhar Raut

Explanation: Odissi maestro Mayadhar Raut, known for reviving the dance form, passed away at 92.

20. What is the name of Bajaj Allianz Life’s new payment facility?

A) Pay-Bima

B) Bima-Secure

C) Bima-ASBA

D) InsurePay

Answer: C) Bima-ASBA

Explanation: Bajaj Allianz Life launched Bima-ASBA, India's first payment method for insurance premium transparency.