Daily Current Affairs and GK | 20 February 2025

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

1. CSIR and NAST inked an MoU to strengthen Indo-Nepal Scientific Cooperation.

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance scientific collaboration between India and Nepal.
• The main aim of the MoU is to bolster scientific and technological cooperation.
• The agreement was signed by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), and Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba, Vice-Chancellor of NAST.
• Under this MoU, a broad framework for collaboration in areas such as biological sciences, water technologies, alternative energy, and material sciences will be established.
• This agreement will open new avenues for joint research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
• The partnership between CSIR and NAST started in 1994. This new agreement will enhance the collaboration through joint research projects, seminars and capacity-building programs.

Topic: Environment and Ecology

2. India’s first Bifacial Solar Plant on the Metro Viaduct has been inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

• Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated India’s first vertical bifacial solar plant on a metro viaduct at Okhla Vihar Metro station.
• He also inaugurated a one-megawatt rooftop solar power plant installed at Khyber Pass depot.
• The vertical bi-facial solar panels can capture sunlight from both sides.
• It will use the metro’s elevated structure for solar energy generation without occupying any additional land.
• Vertical solar panels and energy-efficient LED systems will pave the way for sustainable urban living.
• This plant has been inaugurated as part of the International Conference on ‘Green Metro Systems – The Future of Urban Mobility’ held in Delhi.
• DMRC in close association with the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Indian Green Building Council hosted the conference.
• India is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 with growth and sustainability.

Topic: Defence

3. Goa Shipyard showcased Indigenous Naval Vessels at NAVDEX 2025.

• The indigenously designed Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) were showcased by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL), one of India’s premier defense shipbuilding yards, at NAVDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
• These ships highlight India's growing capabilities in naval innovation and self-reliance under the "Make in India" initiative.
• The Fast Patrol Vessel (Model) on display is a 50 metre long, high-speed vessel capable of reaching speeds of 35 knots.
• It was designed and built in-house by GSL and was primarily intended for patrolling, anti-smuggling, and anti-terrorist operations.
• The ship is powered by three 2,720-kilowatt diesel engines driving independent waterjets, providing high maneuverability and efficiency.
• Seven FPVs were successfully delivered by GSL to the Indian Coast Guard, and their capabilities were proven in national emergencies, including disaster response during tsunamis.
• The Offshore Patrol Vessel, another key exhibit at NAVDEX 2025, is renowned for its high stability, operational versatility, and adaptability to diverse missions.
• Established in 1957, GSL is recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) as it evolved into a leading defense shipbuilder known for its indigenous warship design and development.
• Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025:
  • NAVDEX, held alongside IDEX, serves as an important platform for international cooperation in defence and security.
  • ADNEC Group, in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, organized it from 17 to 21 February.
  • The five-day event brought together global defence leaders, government officials, and industry experts to discuss emerging defence trends, strategic partnerships, and technological advancements in military innovation.

Topic: State News/ New Delhi

4. First-time MLA Rekha Gupta took oath as the new Chief Minister of Delhi.

• On 20 February, she took charge as the next Chief Minister of Delhi during a swearing-in ceremony.
• Ms. Gupta became the ninth Chief Minister of Delhi and the fourth woman Chief Minister.
• Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dixit and Atishi are the other women who have held this post.
• She defeated three-time AAP MLA Bandana Kumari by a margin of 29,595 votes.
• On February 19, 2025, Rekha Gupta, the debutante MLA from Shalimar Bagh, was announced as the leader of the BJP’s Delhi legislative party by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
• The announcement comes after the BJP returned to power in the national capital after 26 years by winning 48 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections.
• Ms. Gupta started her political journey with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the RSS, and was the president of the Delhi University Students Union in 1996.

Topic: Summit/Conferences/Meetings

5. The first edition of the SOUL Leadership Conclave inaugurated by PM Modi on 21st February in Delhi.

• The two-day SOUL Leadership Summit from February 21–22 served as a major platform.
• The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, delivered the keynote address as the chief guest.
• Leaders from diverse fields such as politics, sports, arts and media, the spiritual world, public policy, business, and the social sector shared their inspiring life journeys and discussed aspects related to leadership.
• The conference fostered an ecosystem of collaboration and thought leadership, facilitating learning from both failures and successes to inspire the young audience.
• The School of Ultimate Leadership is an upcoming leadership institute in Gujarat that enables authentic leaders to advance the public good.
• It aims to broaden the landscape of political leadership in India through formal training and inclusion of people who rise to power not simply from hereditary politics but through merit, commitment, and passion for public service.
• SOUL brings the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to tackle the complex challenges of leadership in today's world.

Topic: International News

6. The International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) has elected India to its Vice Presidency. 

• The election was held during IALA's inaugural General Assembly in Singapore. 
• T.K. Ramachandran, the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, led the Indian delegation. 
• The election shows India's dedication to improving navigational aids and promoting maritime safety. 
• It also highlights India's contribution to promoting global collaboration in the maritime industry. 
• In December 2025, the IALA Council meeting will be held in India. 
• The IALA Conference and General Assembly will take place in Mumbai in September 2027.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

7. An MoU was signed by Argentina and India to further their collaboration in lithium mining and exploration. 

• Raul Alejandro Jalil, the governor of Catamarca, Argentina, and G. Kishan Reddy, the minister of coal and mines, met and signed the MoU. 
• New Delhi was the venue where the meeting was held. 
• The goal of the meeting was to increase collaboration in the mining industry, particularly in the areas of investment opportunities and lithium exploration. 
• In order to increase India's engagement in Argentina's mining industry, the meeting prioritized knowledge sharing and infrastructure support. 
• India and Argentina reiterated their commitment to deepening their relationship in the vital minerals sector with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. 
• It is expected that this partnership will open up new mining potential for Indian businesses in Latin America.

Topic: State News/ Uttarakhand

8. Uttarakhand government approved a new land law 'to protect cultural identity and natural resources'.

• Uttarakhand Cabinet approved a more stringent land law to "protect" the state's resources and "maintain" its original identity.
• As per the Cabinet decision, individuals from outside the state will not be able to purchase horticultural and agricultural land in 11 districts of Uttarakhand except Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.
• The government has taken this decision to ensure proper land use in hilly regions and prevent encroachments.
• Now, district magistrates will not have the authority to personally grant permission for land purchases.
• All district magistrates will have to submit regular reports related to land purchases to the Revenue Council and the government.
• The new law will repeal the land law enacted in 2018.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

9. 9th Asia Economic Dialogue was organized in Pune, Maharashtra.

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the 9th Asia Economic Dialogue.
• The three-day Dialogue is being co-hosted in collaboration with Pune International Centre.
• “Economic Resilience and Resurgence in an Era of Fragmentation” was the theme of the Dialogue.
• Many key contemporary topics in geo-economics, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, economic imperatives of Cyber Security, etc. were discussed in the meeting.
• Asia Economic Dialogue 2025 brought together political leaders and senior government officials, academicians, policymakers, and industry experts from India and abroad.
• It also aims to resolve issues of economic fragmentation and identify actionable pathways for resilience and resurgence.
• It is the External Affairs Ministry’s annual flagship ‘Track 1.5 Dialogue’ on Geoeconomics.

Topic: State News/ Kerala

10. The first project on the collection and disposal of expired medicines is being launched by Kerala Government.

• For the first time in the country, the State Drug Control Department is launching a project to collect and dispose of expired and unused medicines from households in a scientific manner.
• On February 22, Health Minister Veena George will inaugurate the project titled 'nPROUD' (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs) in Kozhikode.
• As part of the project, authorities will collect unused medicines from households or provide facilities for their disposal at designated locations.
• This is the first time such a project has been launched and implemented at the government level in the country.
• The project is being implemented for the first time in the Kozhikode Corporation and Ulliyeri Panchayat of Kozhikode district
• The government is planning to implement it across the state.
• Veena George said that expired and unused medicines should not be carelessly thrown into the soil and water bodies, as this leads to antimicrobial resistance, health problems, and environmental pollution.
• The medicines so collected will be scientifically processed at the Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited (KEIL) waste treatment plant, which has been approved by the Central and State Environment Departments.

Topic: Personality in News

11. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2025: 19 February

• Every year on 19 February, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti (also known as Shiv Jayanti) is celebrated.
• It is the birth anniversary of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, which is celebrated throughout Maharashtra.
• In 2025, India celebrated the 395th birth anniversary of the great Maratha ruler.
• Celebrating this festival first started with Maratha ruler Mahatma Phule in Pune in 1870.
• PM Modi also paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary.
• Shivaji Maharaj:
  • Shivaji Maharaj's name was Shivaji Bhosale and he was a member of the Bhonsale Maratha dynasty.
  • In 1674, he was crowned as "Chhatrapati (Emperor)".
  • He was born in Shivneri Fort on the Marathi Shalivahana in 1630, according to Krishna Paksha 3 of the Hindu calendar Falgun.
  • He is considered one of the greatest Maratha rulers.
  • He carved out a territory from the Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur, which was the beginning of the Maratha Empire.
  • He is also known for re-establishing Hindavi Swarajya.

Topic: State News/ Rajasthan

12. Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari presented the state budget for 2025-26.

• The budget is focused on job creation, water supply enhancement, and infrastructure development.
• The state government is aiming to make Rajasthan a 350 billion economy by 2030.
• The Rajasthan’s GDP is likely to exceed Rs 19.89 lakh crore in 2025-26.
• Under this budget, government announced to provide 5 lakh new domestic electricity connections and 5,000 power connections specifically for agricultural use.
• Under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme and the Mukhyamantri Free Electricity Scheme, all those who have installed solar panels in their homes will get free electricity upto 150 units.
• The recruitment of 1.25 lakh positions will be completed for the government departments and state undertakings.
• The state government will construct nine greenfield expressways at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore.
• Gas pipelines will also be installed in more than 1 lakh homes in the state.
• Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana 1,600 settlements will be connected with asphalt roads in the next two years.
• Rs 400 crore has been allocated for providing new drinking water connections to households.
• The government has announced a new phase of the Jaipur Metro and will remove the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) for easing out traffic flow.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

13. Ajmer hosted the first All India Conference of Transgenders.

• The 10-day conference was organised in memory of Anita Bai.
• Anita Bai has been mentor of the Gaddipati Saloni Nayak of Ajmer's transgender community.
• About 2,000 community members attended the Panch ritual performed in the Khichdi Tulai festival.
• The community collectively performs the Khichdi Tulai ritual, the first ritual of the conference.
• Several stalls including medical, banking, perfume and tour operators have been set up in the venue.