FridayJunk: Daily Current Affairs in Telugu | 23 February 2025 | Hareesh Academy | APPSC | TGPSC | Group-2

February 24, 2025 Daily News Summary - Harish Academy (Comprehensive)

Health & Research

New COVID-like Virus in China: Scientists, led by virologist Shi Zhengli (known as "Bat Woman"), discovered a novel virus in bats in China, named HKU5-CoV-2. It exhibits similar features to the COVID-19 virus and can affect the respiratory system in humans.
WHO & Brain Swelling: World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes brain swelling (encephalitis) as an international health threat.
Kerala's Eye Screening Program: Kerala government launches Nayanaamrutam 2.0, the world's first government-led program for AI-assisted chronic eye disease screening.
mRNA Vaccine for Tuberculosis: Australian scientists developed an mRNA vaccine for tuberculosis that has shown promising results in trials on mice by enhancing immunity.

India-Bangladesh Hotline: India and Bangladesh agree to establish a hotline between border security forces (BSF of India and Border Guard Bangladesh) at the Additional Director General level for information exchange and border management.
Border Fencing: Both countries identified 99 locations along the 4096 km border to erect fences in unfenced areas. This decision was made during the bi-annual Director General level meeting.

Inaugural SOUL Leadership Conclave: The Inaugural SOUL (School of Ultimate Leadership) Leadership Conclave was held in Delhi, organized by the School of Ultimate Leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it on February 21st, with Bhutan's Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay as a guest.
Assam's Ali Aye Ligang Festival: Assam's Mishing tribe celebrated Ali Aye Ligang festival, marking the beginning of the sowing season.
Arunachal Pradesh's Dulari Kanya Yojana: Arunachal Pradesh government's Dulari Kanya Yojana scheme provides financial support to promote institutional births of girl children.

Simlipal Tiger Reserve AI System: Simlipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha introduces Trial Guard AI, an early warning system using AI-powered cameras to prevent poaching and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Simlipal Tiger Reserve was recognized as a biosphere reserve in 1994 and by UNESCO in 2009.

Jharkhand Bans Gutka & Pan Masala: Jharkhand government prohibits Gutka and Pan Masala for a year under Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2006, aiming to protect public health (Article 47 of the Constitution).
Lokpal Jurisdiction Stayed: Supreme Court stays Lokpal orders to investigate judges, citing separation of powers.

Increased Reservoir Water Levels: Central Water Commission (CWC) reports increased water storage in 155 reservoirs across India, reaching 55% of total capacity, 120% more than last year.
- Regional Variations:
  - Northern Region (HP, Punjab, Rajasthan): 30% storage, 10% less than last year.
  - Eastern Region (Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, WB, Tripura, Nagaland, Bihar): 54%, slightly less than last year's 55%.
  - Western Region: 67%, 11% higher than last year.
  - Central Region (UP & others): 57%, 4% higher than last year.
  - Southern Region: 53%, significantly higher with a 23% increase from last year.

World Memory League Champion: Indian student Vishwaraj Kumar wins the World Memory League Championship 2025 held in the USA.
Time's Woman of the Year: Purnima Devi Barman, environmentalist from Assam, recognized as Time Magazine's Woman of the Year.
FBI Director Appointment: Kash Patel, of Indian origin, appointed as Director General of the FBI in the US.

Asian Snooker Championship: Pankaj Advani secures his 14th Asian Snooker title.

Thank you.