Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 13 February 2025, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘CYCLONE-III’ Begins in Rajasthan

India and Egypt have lauched the third edition of their joint special forces exercise, ‘CYCLONE-III’, at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. Running from February 10 to 23, 2025, this exercise is a vital step in strengthening military cooperation between the two countries. It comes after the second edition that took place in Egypt in January 2024 and is designed to improve interoperability and strategic coordination among their special forces.

What is Exercise CYCLONE-III and Why is it Important?

The India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE-III aims to enhance military cooperation by concentrating on special operations tactics, counter-terrorism exercises, and advanced military strategies. Each country has sent 25 personnel, with the Indian team consisting of troops from two Special Forces Battalions, while the Egyptian contingent includes members from the Special Forces Group and the Task Force of the Egyptian Special Forces.

The exercise focuses on:

• Physical endurance and joint planning, ensuring high fitness levels and coordinated operational strategies.
• Tactical drills, including specialized combat techniques and mission execution strategies.
• Counter-terrorism training, where a 48-hour validation exercise will simulate real-world scenarios in desert and semi-desert conditions.

How Does CYCLONE-III Strengthen India-Egypt Defense Ties?

The India-Egypt defense relationship has seen significant growth in recent years, with both nations deepening their military cooperation. This exercise serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, joint military planning, and operational preparedness. It also showcases India’s indigenous defense capabilities, with Indian forces demonstrating advanced military equipment to their Egyptian counterparts.

Additionally, the exercise aligns with India’s broader defense outreach, reinforcing its commitment to strategic partnerships in the Middle East and Africa. Egypt, as a key regional player, benefits from enhanced defense collaboration with India, particularly in tackling security threats in desert warfare environments.

MoHUA Launches ‘Culinary, Crafts & Clicks’ Festival

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in collaboration with MyGov, has launched the ‘Culinary, Crafts & Clicks – Moods & Magic’ festival. This event seeks to showcase the cultural richness of India through its food, traditional arts, and photography. Taking place at prominent locations such as Kartavya Path and Amrit Udyan, the festival will unite artisans, photographers, and food lovers to celebrate India’s heritage.

What is the ‘Moods & Magic’ Photography Contest?

One of the main highlights of the festival is the ‘Moods and Magic’ photography contest. This contest invites participants to capture the spirit of India’s public spaces by focusing on candid moments, artistic expressions, and lively cultural interactions. Photographers are encouraged to explore themes such as:

• Families enjoying the gardens
• Children discovering nature
• Local artisans displaying craftsmanship
• Workers maintaining the festival atmosphere

This initiative promotes community engagement and captures the dynamic connection between people and urban spaces. The best photographs will be exhibited at Kartavya Path and other official platforms.

What are the Prizes and Recognition for Participants?

The competition will be judged by an expert panel, including prominent photographers and MoHUA officials. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of:

• ₹50,000 for first place
• ₹30,000 for second place
• ₹20,000 for third place

Additionally, ‘Spotlight Awards’ will be given in categories like Best Candid Moment, Most Vibrant Mood, and Cultural Engagement, with each winner receiving ₹5,000. Selected photos will be featured on DAY-NULM and MyGov platforms.

Indian Students Win Bronze at Global M-Gov Awards 2025

Three computer science students from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology in New Delhi won the Bronze Award at the Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 during the World Government Summit (WGS) held in Dubai. Their innovative app, AccessWay, which utilizes AI technology, was acknowledged for improving mobile government services and promoting social inclusion for people with disabilities. The award was presented by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President of the UAE, along with a cash prize of $10,000.

Key Highlights

Winners

• Sagar Teotia (Team Lead)
• Abhinav Mishra
• Anushka Singh
• All are fourth-semester Computer Science students from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Delhi.

Winning Project – AccessWay App

• AI-powered platform integrating Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and crowdsourced data.
• Provides accessible navigation, social connections, and emergency assistance for people with disabilities.
• Offers personalized AR-based route planning and real-time voice assistance for visually impaired users.
• Promotes community-driven mapping of accessible locations and accessibility certification for businesses.
• Users contributing accessibility data are rewarded with incentives to sustain engagement.

Award Details

• Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 at World Government Summit (WGS), Dubai.
• Bronze Medal and $10,000 prize.
• Presented by: Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE Vice President).
• Recognized for its scalability, innovation, and social impact.

Competition Overview

• Organized by: UAE Government as part of WGS 2025.
• Received entries from 74 countries.
• Over 3,500 submissions, with 60 finalists and 6 winners.
• Encourages students, startups, and government entities to create tech-driven solutions.

Thaipusam 2025 | Devotees Flock to Murugan Temples Across Tamil Nadu

Thaipusam 2025 is one of the most important festivals in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Murugan. This festival is characterized by deep devotion, special prayers, kavadi offerings, and vibrant celebrations at Murugan temples, especially at the Aarupadai Veedu (the six abodes of Murugan). Thousands of devotees have come together in Tamil Nadu’s temples to take part in the spiritual festivities.

Key Highlights of Thaipusam 2025

Religious Significance

• Thaipusam is dedicated to Lord Murugan, symbolizing victory over evil.
• Devotees express gratitude by carrying kavadis (ornate wooden or metal structures) as a form of penance.
• Spiritual rituals and special prayers are conducted across Murugan temples, especially in Tamil Nadu and South India.

Major Celebrations at Murugan Temple

• Aarupadai Veedu (Six Abodes of Murugan) are witnessing a massive influx of devotees.
• Vadalur Vallalar Gnanasabai: Devotees are gathering in large numbers to witness the Jyoti Darshan, a sacred event where seven curtains are removed to reveal the divine light.

Palani Murugan Temple

• Thousands of devotees carrying kavadis are allowed to ascend via the Elephant Path and descend through the staircase route.
• Annadanam (free food distribution) and prasadam services are provided.
• Due to the heavy crowd, darshan tickets have been canceled for three days.

Security & Crowd Management

• Special trains arranged to accommodate the influx of devotees across Tamil Nadu.
• At Palani, over 3,000 police personnel deployed for security.
• Measures to prevent overcrowding, including clearing encroachments along the Giri Valam path.
• Temporary vehicle parking, sanitation facilities, drinking water stations, and medical camps set up at the foothills.

Celebrations at Tiruchendur and Other Temples

• Massive turnout of devotees at Tiruchendur Murugan Temple.
• Security and crowd management arrangements in place across all six abodes of Lord Murugan to ensure smooth darshan.

ISRO & IIT Madras Unveil Indigenous Chip for Space

In a major step towards achieving self-reliance in space technology, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have worked together to create and successfully launch an indigenous semiconductor chip called ‘IRIS’ (Indigenous RISC-V Microprocessor for Space Applications). This initiative supports the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission, which seeks to lessen reliance on foreign technology in essential sectors.

What is the ‘IRIS’ Chip and Its Significance?

The ‘IRIS’ chip comes from the ‘SHAKTI’ microprocessor initiative, which utilizes the open-source RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA). This project, spearheaded by Prof. V. Kamakoti at IIT Madras, aims to develop customizable processors for a range of applications. Specifically designed for space applications, the ‘IRIS’ chip supports command and control systems and can also be applied in areas like the Internet of Things (IoT) and computing systems for strategic purposes.

How Was the ‘IRIS’ Chip Developed?

The ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) in Thiruvananthapuram has put forward a concept for a 64-bit RISC-V-based controller and worked together with IIT Madras to outline the specifications and design of the semiconductor chip. This design tackled the typical functional and computing needs of the sensors and systems currently employed in ISRO missions. To improve reliability, fault-tolerant internal memories were incorporated, and custom functional and peripheral interface modules were added to cater to the specific requirements of space systems.

What Makes This Development a Milestone in ‘Make in India’ Efforts?

The ‘IRIS’ chip’s development is noteworthy because it was entirely conceived, designed, and manufactured within India. The chip design and implementation were carried out by IIT Madras, fabrication was done by the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh, packaging by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. in Karnataka, and the motherboard was manufactured by PCB Power in Gujarat. This end-to-end indigenous development exemplifies India’s capabilities in semiconductor design and fabrication, marking a significant milestone in the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

What Are the Future Prospects of the ‘IRIS’ Chip?

ISRO plans to conduct flight tests using products based on the ‘IRIS’ controller shortly to confirm its performance in real-world space mission scenarios. The successful deployment of this high-performance controller is expected to contribute significantly to future embedded controllers for space mission-related applications, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in space technology.

This collaboration between ISRO and IIT Madras not only showcases the nation’s growing expertise in advanced technology development but also sets a precedent for future industry-academia partnerships aimed at achieving technological self-sufficiency.

Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Steel & Aluminum Imports

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, with the new policy set to begin on March 4, 2025. This decision removes previous exemptions for specific countries, affecting major exporters such as Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea. The administration has positioned this move as a way to streamline tariff policies, enhance domestic production, and tackle issues related to foreign dumping. This announcement signifies a return to the protectionist trade strategies that defined Trump’s first term in office.

Why is Trump Reintroducing These Tariffs?

The recently announced tariffs are quite similar to those introduced in 2018, when Trump justified similar trade restrictions by citing national security concerns. Over time, however, exemptions were made for key allies like Canada and Mexico, which helped to ease tensions. Now, with this new directive, all exemptions have been eliminated, reinstating a broad tariff policy that applies uniformly across the board.

Furthermore, the Trump administration has indicated that reciprocal tariffs may be implemented, meaning the U.S. could impose duties that match those faced by American exports in other countries. The goal is to protect U.S. industries and counter foreign pricing strategies that are said to disadvantage American producers. Nevertheless, economic experts caution that this approach could provoke retaliatory measures from trade partners, potentially leading to a new escalation in global trade tensions.

How Have Global Leaders Reacted to These Tariffs?

Trump’s announcement has received strong pushback from Canada, the European Union, and the UK. Canada, one of the largest suppliers of U.S. metal imports, has labeled the move as “unjustified” and is preparing countermeasures. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have vowed strong retaliatory actions.

The UK government, on the other hand, has taken a more cautious approach, with officials stating they will “keep a cool head” while evaluating their response. However, the EU has hinted at potential tariffs on U.S. exports in retaliation.

What Will Be the Economic Impact of These Tariffs?

Domestically, the cost of consumer goods, automobile manufacturing, and construction materials is expected to rise due to increased raw material costs. Small businesses that rely on imported steel and aluminum are likely to face higher operational expenses, which could result in higher prices for consumers.

The National Economic Council has acknowledged concerns and has promised further clarifications on how these tariffs will be implemented. However, economic analysts fear that higher costs for American businesses and potential job losses in downstream industries could offset any gains for the domestic steel and aluminum sectors.

How Will These Tariffs Affect India?

For India, the U.S. decision raises concerns over excess steel and aluminum being dumped in its market. The Indian steel sector has already witnessed a sharp rise in imports, particularly from China. A similar scenario unfolded in 2018, when Trump’s tariffs forced exporters to redirect their supplies, affecting Indian manufacturers.

To counter this, India’s steel ministry has proposed a 25% safeguard duty on certain imported steel products to prevent market flooding and protect domestic producers. Given the ongoing economic shifts, Indian policymakers are expected to closely monitor trade developments and respond accordingly.

World Radio Day 2025

World Radio Day is celebrated every year on February 13 to honor radio as a vital medium for communication, sharing information, and providing entertainment. It acknowledges the influence of radio in encouraging dialogue, supporting democratic values, and amplifying diverse voices. Initiated by UNESCO in 2011 and subsequently embraced by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, this worldwide observance emphasizes the essential role that radio plays in society, especially in remote and underserved areas.

AIIMS Delhi Unveils ‘Srjanam’ for Biomedical Waste Management

India has made significant progress in managing biomedical waste with the launch of ‘Srjanam’, the nation’s first automated system for converting biomedical waste, launched at AIIMS Delhi. On February 10, 2025, Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, officially inaugurated this homegrown innovation. Created by CSIR-NIIST in Thiruvananthapuram, ‘Srjanam’ offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution compared to conventional biomedical waste disposal methods. The system is designed to mitigate environmental risks by eliminating the reliance on incineration, a common but polluting practice.

How Does ‘Srjanam’ Revolutionize Biomedical Waste Management?

India produces around 743 tonnes of biomedical waste each day, creating a major challenge for hospitals and medical facilities. Conventional disposal methods, particularly incineration, contribute to air pollution and various environmental risks. ‘Srjanam’ offers an eco-friendly solution by safely neutralizing hazardous biomedical waste like blood, urine, sputum, and lab disposables without depending on energy-heavy processes.

One of the unique aspects of ‘Srjanam’ is its ability to control foul odors, making waste disposal safer and more manageable. Unlike conventional systems, which often release harmful emissions, this automated system processes waste efficiently without external energy sources. AIIMS Delhi has become the first healthcare institution in India to install and implement this breakthrough technology.

What Are the Key Features of ‘Srjanam’?

1. Automated Waste Neutralization – The system is designed to efficiently break down and neutralize hazardous biomedical waste. Unlike incinerators, which release harmful emissions, ‘Srjanam’ operates with a more environmentally friendly approach.
2. Odor Control Technology – Managing foul-smelling toxic waste has been a persistent challenge in biomedical disposal. ‘Srjanam’ is equipped with a fragrance technology that neutralizes odors, making waste handling much safer and easier.
3. Scalable Processing Capacity – Currently, the system can process up to 10 kg of biodegradable medical waste per day. Once necessary approvals are obtained, it is expected to scale up to 400 kg per day, ensuring its effectiveness for large-scale healthcare facilities.

What Does This Mean for India’s Healthcare System?

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the launch of ‘Srjanam’ aligns with India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. The government is actively supporting sustainable innovations that address environmental challenges while improving healthcare infrastructure. By implementing ‘Srjanam’ at AIIMS Delhi, the institution sets a precedent for other hospitals across India to adopt advanced waste management technologies.

Looking ahead, the success of ‘Srjanam’ at AIIMS Delhi could lead to its nationwide adoption. With proper approvals and funding, this system could become a benchmark for safe and sustainable biomedical waste disposal in India. The initiative not only protects the environment but also enhances safety standards in hospitals, ensuring better waste management practices for the future.

The launch of ‘Srjanam’ at AIIMS Delhi marks a significant step in India’s efforts towards sustainable healthcare. With its ability to handle biomedical waste efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner, this innovation could pave the way for a cleaner and safer medical waste disposal system across the country.

Lok Sabha Expands Translation Services to 6 More Languages

In a significant step towards promoting linguistic inclusivity, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that translation services in the House will be extended to six more languages—Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Sanskrit, and Urdu. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for Members of Parliament and strengthen democratic engagement. It is part of a broader plan to eventually offer translation services for all 22 languages recognized under Schedule 8 of the Indian Constitution. However, the decision to include Sanskrit has ignited debate, with some expressing concerns about its communicability and official status in various states.

Important Points:

Extension of Translation Services

• Lok Sabha has added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Sanskrit, and Urdu to its translation services.

Existing Languages

• Until now, translation was available in 10 languages—Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and English.

Future Plans

• Speaker Om Birla stated that efforts are ongoing to gradually extend the service to all 22 languages listed in Schedule 8, subject to resource availability.

Global Recognition

• India’s legislature is the only democratic institution worldwide offering simultaneous translation in multiple languages, a move that has been widely appreciated by global forums.

SEBI Unveils MITRA to Track Inactive Mutual Fund Folios

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched the Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant (MITRA), a new platform that assists investors in tracking, tracing, and reclaiming inactive or unclaimed mutual fund folios. This initiative aims to tackle a significant problem in the mutual fund sector—investors losing access to their investments because of outdated contact information, lack of awareness, or non-compliance with KYC regulations.

How Will MITRA Help Investors Reclaim Lost Mutual Funds?

One of the major challenges in the mutual fund sector is the presence of inactive folios, where no transactions—either financial or non-financial—have been initiated by the investor for a decade, even though there is still a balance in the account. SEBI’s MITRA offers investors a comprehensive searchable database to help them locate these unclaimed investments.

Additionally, MITRA promotes KYC compliance, helping investors update their details and reducing the number of non-KYC compliant folios, which are often at risk of fraudulent claims. Investors can access the platform through MF Central, AMCs, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), and SEBI’s website. The platform is expected to be fully operational within 15 working days from the circular’s issuance.

Why Is SEBI Launching MITRA Now?

For years, many investors have been unaware of their unclaimed or inactive mutual fund folios, particularly those made in physical form with minimal KYC details. Such folios often become susceptible to fraud, as unauthorized individuals might attempt redemptions.

Recognizing this issue, SEBI took a proactive step to develop MITRA, ensuring investors get a centralized system for tracing their forgotten investments. According to a report by CFO Economic Times, SEBI has been considering an industry-level solution to this issue for some time, and MITRA is the result of this effort.

This platform aligns with SEBI’s broader vision of investor security, financial inclusion, and transparency in the mutual fund industry. By launching MITRA, SEBI is ensuring that investors reclaim what rightfully belongs to them, creating a safer and more accountable investment landscape.

India’s Industrial Output Growth Slows to 3.2% in December 2024

India’s industrial output growth decelerated to 3.2% in December 2024, down from 5% in November, as reported by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). This decline was primarily attributed to a weaker performance in the manufacturing sector, although electricity generation experienced a significant boost. This slowdown raises concerns regarding the overall economic momentum as the country approaches 2025.

What Led to the Slowdown in Industrial Growth?

The slowdown in industrial growth during December was affected by various sector performances. The manufacturing sector, which holds a significant portion of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), experienced only a 3% growth in December, down from 4.6% in the same month last year. The mining sector also saw a decline, with output increasing by just 2.6%, a stark contrast to the 5.2% growth recorded in the previous year. On a brighter note, electricity generation rose by 6.2%, a notable increase compared to the 1.2% growth seen in December of the previous year.

Which Sectors Were Affected the Most?

The slowdown was uneven across different sectors:

Capital Goods: Investment in capital goods remained strong, registering 10.3% growth, up from 3.7% last year .

Consumer Durables: Demand for consumer durable goods rose by 8.3%, compared to 5.2% in December 2023 .

Consumer Non-Durables: This sector witnessed a sharp contraction of 7.6%, reversing from a 3% growth last year .

RBI to Issue ₹50 Banknotes with Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s Signature

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the release of new ₹50 banknotes that will feature the signature of its newly appointed Governor, Sanjay Malhotra. Malhotra assumed office as the 26th RBI Governor in December 2024, taking over from Shaktikanta Das. These new banknotes will follow the existing design of the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, ensuring consistency in India’s currency system. Importantly, all previously issued ₹50 notes will still be valid and recognized as legal tender, as confirmed by the RBI.

Who is Sanjay Malhotra, the New RBI Governor?

Sanjay Malhotra assumed office as RBI Governor in December 2024 after Shaktikanta Das’s extended tenure ended. Before taking charge at the central bank, Malhotra held key roles in the Ministry of Finance, contributing to policymaking in banking and financial regulations. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the RBI is focusing on inflation control, economic stability, and digital banking expansion.

What Will Change in the New ₹50 Banknotes?

The new ₹50 banknotes will keep the current design of the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series. This series was launched to enhance security features and combat counterfeiting, prominently featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait on the front and cultural motifs on the back. The RBI has confirmed that there will be no changes to the design, except for the updated signature of Governor Malhotra. This strategy ensures that users remain familiar with the currency while upholding the security of its circulation.

Will Old ₹50 Notes Still Be Valid?

Yes, the RBI has confirmed that all previously issued ₹50 notes will continue to be legal tender. This means that even after the introduction of new notes with Malhotra’s signature, older versions signed by previous governors will remain in circulation. This practice is in line with RBI’s policy of ensuring smooth transitions without causing inconvenience to the public or businesses.

Why Does the RBI Update Governor Signatures on Banknotes?

Changing the RBI Governor’s signature on banknotes is a routine procedure. Whenever a new governor takes office, the RBI issues fresh notes with their signature while continuing to allow older ones in circulation. For instance, ₹50 notes with Urjit Patel’s signature were introduced in 2016, and earlier, notes with Y.V. Reddy’s signature were released in 2004. This practice helps maintain an updated official record on banknotes without disrupting the currency system.

The issuance of ₹50 banknotes with Sanjay Malhotra’s signature is part of the RBI’s routine currency management. By ensuring design continuity and legal validity of existing notes, the central bank maintains a stable and efficient monetary system in India.