Current Affairs 17 February 2025 By GkSeries

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 17 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.

Padma Shri Awardee Sukri Bommagowda Passes Away at 88

Renowned folk singer and Padma Shri awardee Sukri Bommagowda, affectionately known as Sukrajji, passed away on February 13, 2025, at the age of 88. She had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Manipal, Karnataka, prior to her passing. Sukri Bommagowda was a beloved figure in Karnataka’s Halakki Vokkaliga community, celebrated for her dedication to preserving folk traditions through her music.

Sukrajji was often called a “walking encyclopedia” of Halakki folk traditions. She had memorized and performed nearly 5,000 folk songs that celebrated significant life events like marriages, births, and festivals. In the 1980s, All India Radio recorded hundreds of her songs, helping to preserve her vast knowledge for future generations. Her songs, shared through oral tradition, served as a connection between the past and the present, maintaining the cultural identity of the Halakki Vokkaliga community.

ITER: The Future of Fusion Energy

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is the largest and most advanced tokamak-based fusion reactor in the world, currently being built in France. This ambitious project is a collaboration among 35 nations, including the United States, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the European Union. ITER’s goal is to harness magnetic confinement fusion as a sustainable, carbon-free, and virtually limitless energy source. The main objective is to achieve “burning plasma,” a state where the fusion reaction can maintain itself by keeping enough heat within the plasma. While ITER won’t produce electricity, it represents a vital experimental step toward the development of future commercial fusion power plants.

Objectives of ITER

Investigate and demonstrate burning plasma (self-heating plasma)

• ITER is the first burning plasma device in the world.
• It aims to create self-sustaining fusion reactions where heat from fusion remains confined within the plasma.

Attain a fusion gain of more than 10 for a longer duration

• ITER aims to deliver 500 MW of thermal power, 10 times the input power (50 MW).
• The goal is to sustain the reaction for 400 to 600 seconds.

Test tritium breeding

• Develop tritium breeding modules to enable future reactors to become self-sufficient in tritium fuel.
• Demonstrate the safety characteristics of a fusion device
• Establish fusion as a low-risk, environmentally friendly energy source.
• Contribute to the technological advancement of fusion power plants
• Provide research insights for commercial fusion energy production.

West Bengal’s “Nodi Bandhan” Scheme and Ghatal Masterplan

The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has launched the “Nodi Bandhan” scheme in the 2025-26 budget to promote river development and combat erosion along the Ganga-Padma. Additionally, a substantial budget has been allocated for the Ghatal Masterplan to tackle flooding issues in West Midnapore. These efforts are designed to reduce the impact of natural disasters, enhance livelihoods, and improve infrastructure in the areas reliant on the rivers.

Key Highlights of the “Nodi Bandhan” Scheme & Ghatal Masterplan

1. Nodi Bandhan Scheme

1. Aims to combat natural calamities and enhance livelihoods in riverine areas.
2. Will interconnect rivers and wetlands, benefiting pisciculture and irrigation.
3. Could lead to the development of small-scale agriculture and fishery-based industries.
4. The name “Nodi Bandhan” was coined by Mamata Banerjee herself.

 2. Prevention of Ganga-Padma Erosion

1. The government has allocated ₹200 crore to address riverbank erosion in Murshidabad and Malda.
2. A two-year masterplan will be implemented using hydrological models and nature-based solutions.

 3. Ghatal Masterplan for Flood Prevention

1. Aims to prevent flooding in Ghatal and surrounding areas of West Midnapore.
2. Requires a total funding of ₹1,500 crore, with ₹500 crore allocated in this budget.

 4. Political and Economic Impact

1. Expected to benefit local communities, providing employment opportunities and economic growth.
2. Seen as a strategic move ahead of the elections to strengthen support in Malda and Murshidabad, where TMC holds a strong voter base.
3. Highlights the state’s efforts amid alleged lack of support from the central government.

India to Host First Regional Social Justice Dialogue in 2025

India will host the inaugural Regional Dialogue on the Global Coalition for Social Justice on February 24-25, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This event, organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Employers’ Federation of India (EFI), aims to unite global stakeholders to discuss inclusive and sustainable social policies.

The dialogue aligns with India’s broader commitment to social justice, ensuring fair employment opportunities, social security, and inclusive economic growth. With representatives from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, the conference will explore policies that drive responsible business practices and improve social justice frameworks.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) established the Global Coalition for Social Justice in 2023. This initiative acts as a collaborative platform that brings together governments, employers, workers’ organizations, international and regional bodies, financial institutions, businesses, NGOs, and academic institutions.

The Coalition is dedicated to confronting global social and economic inequalities by advocating for decent work conditions, economic security, and equitable labor rights. Through its various initiatives, the Coalition seeks to unite diverse sectors and institutions to address urgent social justice issues.

Axis Bank Pledges ₹104 Crore to Ashoka University for Research Growth

In a significant step forward for interdisciplinary research in India, Axis Bank has pledged ₹104 crore to Ashoka University over the next four years. This funding aims to strengthen the university’s PhD and Post-Doctoral programs and enhance its research capabilities in Neurosciences, Behavioral Studies, and Physics. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is set to create new opportunities for students and researchers while addressing pressing global challenges.

How Will This Investment Improve Research at Ashoka University?

The collaboration is part of the initiative “Co-building Interdisciplinary Sciences and Research at Ashoka University,” which aims to create top-tier research laboratories and cutting-edge scientific facilities. These labs will offer crucial infrastructure for faculty and researchers, fostering collaborative and impactful research. With this funding, the university plans to:

• Build state-of-the-art research centers focusing on Neurosciences, Behavioral Studies, and Physics.
• Provide fellowships and research grants for PhD and Post-Doctoral students to support their academic work.
• Expand its research ecosystem to attract global experts and top-tier scholars.

Philippines Set to Acquire $200 Million Akash Missile System from India

India is making significant progress in its defense exports, with a potential $200 million agreement for supplying its Akash missile system to the Philippines. This deal, anticipated to be finalized within the current fiscal year, underscores India’s expanding role in the global defense market and reinforces its relationship with the Philippines, a country that is actively working to bolster its military capabilities. The Akash missile system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has garnered international interest thanks to its advanced technology, affordability, and operational effectiveness.

How Does the $200 Million Deal Fit Into India’s Defense Strategy?

The agreement with the Philippines is anticipated to exceed India’s earlier defense export deal with Armenia, which was valued at $230 million in 2024. Although the specific number of missiles and radar systems involved in the agreement has not been revealed, it is expected to encompass several launchers and related systems. The Philippines’ interest in the Akash missile system arises during a period of escalating tensions with China regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea. In its pursuit to modernize its defense forces, the Philippines is looking to nations like India for cutting-edge military technologies. This deal not only boosts India’s defense export profile but also aids in countering China’s growing influence in the region.

President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ in New Delhi

The National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ was inaugurated by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in New Delhi on February 16, 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, this festival celebrates the rich tribal heritage, culture, and traditions of India. The event is taking place at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, from February 16 to 24, 2025.

While addressing the gathering, President Murmu highlighted the significance of Aadi Mahotsav as an essential initiative aimed at showcasing and promoting the rich heritage of India’s tribal communities. This festival serves as a vital link between tribal entrepreneurs, artisans, and artists and the wider market, providing them with an opportunity to present their talents and products to both national and international audiences.

The festival presents a unique opportunity to appreciate the traditional crafts, food, attire, jewelry, medical practices, household equipment, and sports of tribal societies.

The President highlighted that over the past 10 years, the Indian government has undertaken several significant initiatives for the upliftment and economic empowerment of tribal communities.

Increased Budget Allocation for Tribal Welfare

• The Tribal Development Budget has seen a fivefold increase, reaching approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore.
• The Tribal Welfare Budget Allocation has tripled, now standing at ₹15,000 crore.

SEBI Enhances Corporate Governance with New RPT Portal

To improve corporate governance and increase transparency in the Indian securities market, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a specialized portal for Related Party Transactions (RPT). This initiative is designed to simplify the reporting and oversight of RPTs, making sure that listed companies comply with strict disclosure requirements. The launch of the new RPT portal marks a major step in SEBI’s continuous effort to foster a more transparent and accountable market landscape.

What is the New RPT Portal by SEBI?

The newly launched RPT portal by SEBI is intended to support the timely and accurate reporting of related party transactions by listed companies. This initiative requires companies to provide comprehensive disclosures of their related party dealings, making it simpler for regulators and stakeholders to access and monitor these transactions. The portal is expected to elevate governance standards and increase transparency in the corporate landscape.

By mandating detailed disclosures, the portal seeks to protect investor interests by offering a clear view of how companies are engaging in related party transactions. This step reflects SEBI’s commitment to promoting a healthy and trustworthy corporate ecosystem.

BHARAT TEX 2025: A Premier Global Textiles Event Showcasing India’s Textile Industry

BHARAT TEX 2025, one of the largest global textiles events, is set to return for its second edition from February 14 to 17, 2025. Supported by the Ministry of Textiles, this prestigious event aims to highlight India’s textile industry on a global stage by uniting key stakeholders, including manufacturers, buyers, industry experts, and innovators.

The event will be hosted across two major venues:

• Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida

With participation from over 5,000 exhibitors and 6,000 international buyers representing 110 countries, the fair is expected to witness a footfall of over 120,000 visitors.

A Grand Platform for the Global Textile Industry

BHARAT TEX 2025 serves as a landmark trade fair and knowledge-sharing platform that provides a comprehensive overview of the textile industry’s value chain. The event will focus on multiple sectors, including Apparel, Home Furnishings, Technical Textiles, Sustainable Textiles, and Fashion Accessories.

This mega event aims to strengthen India’s global presence in the textile industry, drive international collaborations, and highlight technological advancements in textile production.

Meta’s 50,000 km Cable to Boost India-US Digital Connectivity

Meta has introduced an ambitious initiative called Project Waterworth, which aims to install a 50,000-kilometer undersea cable to enhance digital connectivity between India and the United States. This project is anticipated to provide faster and more reliable internet services not only between India and the US but also extending to regions in South America and Africa. Given the increasing significance of digital connectivity, this initiative is poised to serve as a vital infrastructure for promoting economic growth, digital inclusion, and global innovation.

What is Meta’s Project Waterworth?

Meta’s Project Waterworth is an innovative undersea cable project that will stretch over 50,000 kilometers, linking five continents, including India, the US, Brazil, and South Africa. This cable aims to enhance high-speed internet services, ensuring that more individuals in these areas can access improved online offerings. This encompasses everything from everyday activities like social media engagement to more sophisticated requirements such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. As global digital demand continues to grow, the project is intended to future-proof digital infrastructure by providing fast, secure, and reliable internet services for millions of users.

World Pangolin Day 2025

World Pangolin Day, which occurs annually on the third Saturday of February, will be observed on February 15, 2025. This significant day focuses on raising awareness about pangolins, the most trafficked mammals in the world. These remarkable, scaly creatures are facing serious threats from illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction, and the high demand for their scales and meat. On this day, conservationists and animal advocates worldwide come together to educate others, support conservation efforts, and call for stronger protective laws.

Significance of World Pangolin Day

• Aims to spread awareness about the declining pangolin population.
• Highlights the illegal trade and poaching threats to pangolins.
• Encourages global conservation efforts to protect these mammals.
• Educates people on the ecological role of pangolins in controlling insect populations.