Current Affairs Summary - February 15, 2025

February 15, 2025 - Current Affairs Summary

India-USA Bilateral Trade and Relations

Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed strengthening ties and agreed to double bilateral trade by 2030, aiming for $500 billion.
Both leaders emphasized "Make India Great Again" and "Make America Great Again", focusing on a mega partnership.
The US approved the extradition of Tawer Rana, accused in the 26/11 attacks, highlighting strong India-US cooperation.
USA will provide India with F-35 stealth fighters to enhance defense capabilities.
Discussions included the Asia's Autonomous System Industry Alliance (ASIA), where the US will share underwater domain awareness technology.
The US will also support the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
USA is expected to increase oil and gas supply to India, potentially becoming a leading supplier.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 commenced on February 15, 2025, and will continue until February 24th at Namo Ghat, Varanasi.
This 3rd edition focuses on Maharishi Agastya (also known as Agasthiyar or Agasti Munivar), considered the Father of Tamil grammar.
The event aims to strengthen historical and civilizational linkages between North and South India, under the Ministry of Education's "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" and "Yuva Sangam" programs.
Implemented by IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), it includes participation from students, teachers, farmers, writers, professionals, women, and startups.
Documents on Agastya temples and Siddha medicine will be released.

BrahMos NG is the next-generation variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, named after Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
It is a supersonic cruise missile with a speed of 3.5 Mach and a range of 290 km.
Compatible with Sukhoi MKI fighter aircraft and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
Lighter and more compact than predecessors, enhancing India's supersonic cruise capabilities.
Boosts defense indigenization and export potential. Philippines already supplied with BrahMos batteries, talks ongoing with Indonesia, African, and West Asian countries.

India's palm oil imports decreased in January 2025, reaching a 13-year low compared to last year.
Palm oil tree is native to West Africa, with major production in Indonesia and Malaysia (85% of global production).
India is increasing domestic palm oil production, with major producing states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala.
National Mission on Edible Oil - Oil Palm launched in 2021 to increase domestic cultivation and reduce import dependence, aiming for 10 lakh hectares of cultivation by 2025-26, focusing on North-Eastern states.

Vechur-19, an Angole breed cow of Indian origin, set a Guinness World Record by selling for ₹41 crore (4.82 million USD) in Brazil, becoming the most expensive cow globally.
Angole cattle breed originates from Nellore & Prakasam districts, Andhra Pradesh (also known as Nellore breed).
Known for strength, disease & heat tolerance, suitable for harsh tropical climates like in Brazil.
Produces A2 milk, considered healthier than A1 milk.
Veera, an Angole bull, was the mascot of 2002 National Games in India.

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kodagu district, Karnataka in the Western Ghats.
Named after Brahmagiri Peak, the highest peak in the area, near the origin of the Kaveri River.
Vegetation includes evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, and is home to Lion-tailed Macaque (endangered), tigers, elephants, common langur, barking deer, etc.
Kerala government's plan to build a tribal village within the sanctuary faces objections due to potential wildlife conflict and tribal safety concerns.
Discussed the concept of Core, Buffer, and Transition zones in protected areas.

4th India-EU Urban Forum on Smart and Sustainable Urbanization held in New Delhi.
Focuses on strengthening sustainable urban growth through India-European Union (EU) cooperation, building upon the 2017 Joint Declaration.
Discussed circular economy concepts (recycle, reuse, reduce waste), Mission LIFE, and inclusive urban mobility (public transportation).
Partnership since 2017 has involved Indian municipalities in climate-smart development, with collaboration between Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and EU.