APPOINTMENTS
Gyanesh Kumar appointed as new Chief Election Commissioner
• Gyanesh Kumar appointed as India’s 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
• President Droupadi Murmu approved his appointment.
• His tenure will last until 26 January 2029.
• He succeeds Rajiv Kumar, whose term ended on 18 February 2025.
• A 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre.
• Previously served as Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
• Dr. Vivek Joshi appointed as Election Commissioner.
• He is a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Haryana cadre.
STATE NEWS
Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy released by Madhya Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh becomes the first state in India to introduce a dedicated GCC policy.
• The Madhya Pradesh GCC Policy 2025 offers incentives for capital investment, payroll, skill development, and research.
• A nodal agency will oversee the policy’s implementation.
• The policy focuses on IT, finance, engineering, HR, and emerging technologies.
• Aims to attract 50+ GCCs and create 37,000+ jobs.
• Establishes MP as a hub for IT/ITeS, analytics, R&D, and digital transformation.
• Launched ahead of the Global Investors' Summit to boost investments.
• First-ever framework in India to drive GCC expansion in tier-2 cities.
DEFENCE
5th Multilateral Naval Exercise “Komodo”
• Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2025 began on February 16.
• Hosted by the Indonesian Navy, it runs from February 16-22, 2025.
• Over 30 ships from 15+ countries are participating.
• Key participants include Russia, China, India, and the US.
• The theme is “Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability”.
• Focuses on maritime cooperation and disaster response.
• The International Fleet Review marks 80 years of the Indonesian Navy.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
Macron to Host Emergency Europe Summit on Ukraine
• French President Emmanuel Macron to host an emergency European summit on Ukraine.
• Top European leaders, including the UK PM, will participate.
• Attendees include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish PM Donald Tusk, NATO's Mark Rutte, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, and EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen & Antonio Costa.
• Some nations criticize the exclusive nature of the meeting, as it is not a full EU summit.
• The summit aims to address shifts in U.S. policy on Ukraine and its impact on European security.
• U.S. officials indicate that Europe may have no role in discussions to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
India to Host First Regional Dialogue on Social Justice
• First-ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice to be held on February 24-25, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Hosted by the Ministry of Labour & Employment in partnership with CII-EFI.
• India leads this Regional Dialogue under the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
• 80+ partners from the Asia-Pacific region to participate.
• ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to deliver the keynote address.
• ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to deliver the keynote address.
• The Global Coalition for Social Justice was launched by the ILO in 2023.
• Participation is voluntary and open to governments, businesses, NGOs, academia, and international organizations.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
AI programme has been launched by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
• Centre launches AI programme to train 1 lakh young innovators.
• ‘AI for Entrepreneurship’ module introduced by MSDE, NSDC, and Intel India.
• Aims to foster entrepreneurial thinking and simplify AI concepts.
• By 2025, one lakh youth will be equipped with AI skills for a tech-driven economy.
• Focuses on AI applications, business opportunities, and emerging technologies.
• Covers problem-solving, entrepreneurship strategies, and AI for business growth.
• Accessible to both urban and rural learners.
• Participants will receive joint certification from Intel, MSDE, NSDC, and Skill India.
