Current Affairs Summary - February 17, 2025

February 18, 2025 - Current Affairs Summary

Bheema Trinity

• Introduced by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India).
• IRDAI was established in 2000 based on the recommendations of the Malhotra Committee (1993) and the IRDA Act of 1999.
• IRDAI headquarters: Hyderabad.
• Components of Bheema Trinity:
  • Bheema Sugam: Online platform for insurance services (purchase, sale, claim, portability). Aim is Insurance for all by 2047.
  • Bheema Vistar: All-in-one insurance policy covering life, health, and accident.
  • Bheema Vahak: Village-level insurance awareness and service providers to reach underserved areas.

Bharat Tex 2025

• Bharat Tex 2025 summit held in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Largest textile industry summit hosted by India.
• PM Modi's address: Aim to increase textile exports to 9 lakh crore by 2030 (from current 3 lakh crore).
• Budget 2025-26: National Cotton Technology Mission to be established with ₹500 crore.
• Economic Survey 2024-25 on Textile Industry:
  • Contributes 2.3% to GDP.
  • Contributes 13% to industrial production.
  • Contributes 12% to exports.
  • Second largest employment provider in India after agriculture, employing approximately 45 million people.

Akash Missile Deal with Philippines

• Philippines to purchase Akash missiles from India.
• Deal worth 200 million USD.
• Akash missile: Surface-to-air missile (SAM), medium-range, multiple targets.
• In 2023, Akash missile successfully engaged four aerial targets simultaneously during Astrashakti exercise at Suryalanka.
• Akash missile is part of APJ Abdul Kalam's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) (1983).

Exercise Komodo

• Multilateral naval exercise Komodo to be held in Bali, Indonesia.
• Hosted by: Indonesian Navy.
• Indian Navy participation: INS Shardul and P8I aircraft (maritime surveillance).

Exercise Dharma Guardian

• Joint military exercise Dharma Guardian between Japan and India.
• Biannual exercise, this edition hosted at Mount Fuji, Japan.
• Mount Fuji: Active volcano and World Heritage site.

Rootage Smart Village Center

• Rootage Smart Village Center launched in Mandora village, Sonipat, Haryana.
• By: Rural Technology Action Group ( रूटेज).
• Aim: Sustainable development in rural areas through technology.

Solar Dehydration Technology (SDT)

• Solar Dehydration Technology (SDT) developed by IIT Kanpur.
• Uses sunlight for dehydration of agricultural products (fruits, vegetables).
• Increases shelf life of produce by removing moisture content.

Grok-3 AI Model

• Grok-3 AI model claimed by Elon Musk to be the most intelligent AI.

First Bio Bank in Zoo, India

• India's first bio bank in a zoo established at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, West Bengal.
• Initiated by: CCMB (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology).
• Purpose: To store tissues of endangered animals for potential revival using technology.

Simlipal Tiger Reserve - Zero Poaching

• Simlipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha achieved 0% poaching.
• Used Trail Guard system (camera-based anti-poaching technology) for one year.
• First tiger reserve to achieve 0% poaching using this system.
• Simlipal is a Biosphere Reserve and known for melanistic tigers (black tigers).
• Bhitarkanika National Park also in Odisha.

Adi Mahotsav 2025

• Adi Mahotsav tribal festival inaugurated by the President at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
• Organized by: Tribal Ministry.
• Objective: To showcase tribal art, culture, heritage, and promote economic empowerment of tribal artisans.

Asian Winter Games 2025

• 9th edition of Asian Winter Games concluded.
• 10th edition to be hosted by Saudi Arabia - first West Asian country to host.
• Host for 9th edition: China.
• Mascot: BinBin and NiNi (tiger cubs).
• Motto: Dream of Winter, Love among Asia.
• Medal Tally (Top 3):
  1. China
  2. Republic of Korea (South Korea)
  3. Japan
• India: No medals, participated with 59 athletes.
• Held every 4 years.

Madhya Pradesh - First Global Capability Center in Tier 2 City

• Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to formulate a policy to establish Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in Tier 2 cities.
• Aims to make Tier 2 cities leaders in global exports.

International Temple Convention and Expo

• Tirupati to host the International Temple Convention and Expo.

Books

• " मांडवी टू मस्कट " (Mandvi to Muscat): Book on the history of Indian women in Oman, unveiled by Jaishankar.
• "Life of a Karma Yogi: Memoir of A Civil Servant": Biography of Gopalakrishna Naidu, unveiled by Telangana CM Revanth Reddy.

Persons in News

• Pravind Jugnauth: Former Prime Minister of Mauritius, arrested in connection with a money laundering case.

Telangana News

• Kankal village, Vikarabad district: Chalukya era inscriptions found.
• Shield 25: Cyber security summit organized by Cyber Security Bureau in Hyderabad at HICC.