IMPORTANT DAYS
International Mother Language Day 2025 observed on 21 February
• International Mother Language Day is observed on 21st February to raise awareness about linguistic diversity, cultural preservation, and multilingualism.
• There are approximately 8,324 languages spoken worldwide, but many are at risk of disappearing due to globalization and societal changes.
• UNESCO declared 21st February as International Mother Language Day on 17th November 1999.
• 2008 was also recognized as the International Year of Languages.
• The initiative for International Mother Language Day was proposed by Bangladesh.
APPOINTMENTS
Kash Patel Appointed as 9th Director of the FBI
• Kash Patel has been appointed as the 9th Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), becoming its first Indian-origin head.
• Patel, a staunch ally of Donald Trump, was confirmed by the Senate on February 20, 2025, with a close vote of 51-49.
• Two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine), voted against his confirmation.
• Born in New York to Gujarati parents, Patel's appointment marks a significant milestone.
• The FBI Director holds a 10-year term, typically remaining unchanged with presidential transitions.
• After winning the November election, Trump selected Patel, leading to the resignation of Christopher Wray, who had served as FBI Director since 2017.
Govt. extends tenure of CEA Anantha Nageswaran
• The government has extended the tenure of Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran until March 2027.
• His contract extension was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, on February 20, 2025.
• Nageswaran first assumed the role of CEA on January 28, 2022, for a three-year term, succeeding Krishnamurthy Subramanian.
• As CEA, Nageswaran advises the government on economic policies and drafts the Economic Survey, presented in Parliament before the Union Budget.
NATIONAL NEWS
98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan
• The 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on February 21.
• Marathi has recently been granted the status of a classical language by the government.
• The conference will run from February 21 to 23, featuring panel discussions, book exhibitions, cultural programs, and sessions with renowned literary figures.
• The event will highlight the enduring importance of Marathi literature and address topics like language preservation, translation, and the effects of digitization on literary works.
• This is the first time in 71 years that the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is being held in the national capital, including a symbolic literary train journey from Pune to Delhi with 1,200 participants.
• Over 2,600 poems will be presented, 50 books launched, and 100 book stalls set up during the conference.
• Scholars, writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts from all over the country are participating.
AWARDS
BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (ISWOTY) award
• Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (ISWOTY) 2024 through a global public vote.
• Bhaker, 22, was recognized for her historic achievement of becoming the first Indian woman to win two medals at the same Olympic Games.
• She had previously received the BBC ISWOTY Emerging Athlete of the Year award.
• Shooter Avani Lekhara was awarded the BBC ISWOTY Para-Sportswoman of the Year.
• Mithali Raj received the BBC ISWOTY Lifetime Achievement Award for her long-standing leadership in women's cricket.
• The fifth edition of the BBC ISWOTY was produced by Collective Newsroom.
Indian Biologist Purnima Devi Barman Recognized as TIME's 'Woman of the Year'
• Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, has been recognized in Time Magazine's 2025 "Women of the Year" list.
• She is one of 13 women globally honoured for their efforts to address challenges faced by women and their contributions toward creating a more equitable world.
• Time Magazine, an influential American media company founded in 1923, annually highlights such impactful women.
Nita Ambani Honoured with Governor’s Citation for Philanthropy
• Nita Ambani was awarded a Governor’s Citation in Massachusetts for her philanthropic efforts.
• The citation was presented by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, recognizing Ambani's leadership.
• She was honoured for her significant contributions to society through her visionary work.
• The recognition highlights her dedication to making a transformative impact in education, healthcare, sports, arts, culture, and women's empowerment.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India is the second country to launch digital pilot licenses.
• India becomes the second country in the world to introduce digital pilot licenses.
• The Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots was launched by Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu.
• The EPL was approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) before its introduction.
• Traditional physical pilot licenses will be replaced with the new Electronic Personnel License.
• Pilots can access the EPL via the eGCA Mobile Application.
• The initiative aims to enhance security, transparency, and efficiency in pilot licensing.
• The introduction of EPL is expected to improve global employability for pilots.
• Other digital initiatives in aviation include eGCA for licensing, the Digital Sky Platform for drones, and the Electronic Flight Folder for airlines.
India and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Media Ties Ahead of WAVES 2025 Summit
• India and Saudi Arabia have strengthened their media partnership ahead of the WAVES 2025 summit.
• A high-level Indian delegation concluded strategic meetings in Saudi Arabia to boost bilateral media ties.
• The delegation, led by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju and Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, met key Saudi media leaders during the "Future of Media" Exhibition in Riyadh.
• Key discussions took place with Jomana R. Alrashid, CEO of Saudi Research and Media Group, and Assistant Minister Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Maghlouth to expand media cooperation.
• WAVES 2025, scheduled for May 1-4 at Mumbai's Jio World Convention Centre, aims to be a landmark event in India’s digital entertainment sector.
• The summit will highlight innovations in animation, gaming, visual effects, augmented reality, and virtual production.
STATE NEWS
Uttar Pradesh Presents ₹8.09 Lakh Crore Budget for FY 2025-26
• Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented an ₹8.09 lakh crore budget for FY 2025-26, the largest in the state's history.
• The budget prioritizes research, development, and Information Technology initiatives.
• This is the ninth consecutive budget under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership.
• 22% of the budget is allocated for development, 13% for education, 11% for agriculture, and 6% for healthcare.
• The budget is 9.8% higher than the previous year’s allocation.
• Plans include developing an Artificial Intelligence City and establishing a Cyber Security research park.
• 49.86 lakh smartphones/tablets have been distributed under the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana.
• Meritorious female students will receive scooters through the Rani Laxmibai Scooty Yojana.
• The Mukhya Mantri Gramodyog Rojgar Yojna will provide bank loans to 800 beneficiaries and create 16,000 new jobs.
• ₹509 crore is allocated for solar pump installations under PM Kusum Yojana and ₹124 crore for promoting natural farming.
• 20.5% of the budget is set for capital expenditure.
• ₹461 crore is allocated for the Defence Industrial Corridor project along the Bundelkhand Expressway.
West Bengal topped the bird count list in India for 3rd consecutive year
• West Bengal led India in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), recording the highest number of species with 543.
• India saw a total of 1,068 bird species during the GBBC, up from 1,036 species last year.
• The GBBC was held from February 14 to 17, with Bengal taking the top spot.
• Darjeeling recorded the highest number of bird species in the state.
• South 24 Parganas topped Bengal in terms of checklists, with 513 submissions.
• Baharuddin Sk emerged as the top observer, spotting 310 species.
BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE
India's GDP to Reach $23–$35 Trillion by 2047, Becoming a High-Income Nation
• India is projected to become a high-income nation by 2047, with a GDP ranging from $23 to $35 trillion, according to Bain & Company and Nasscom.
• Key drivers of growth will include India's demographic advantage, technological advancements, and regional changes.
• Around 200 million people are expected to join the workforce in the upcoming decades.
• Key sectors like electronics, energy, chemicals, automotive, and services will play a crucial role in this growth.
• Innovations in AI-driven chip design, touchless manufacturing, and component manufacturing will boost cost efficiency and foster innovation.
• India’s renewable energy share could rise significantly from 24% in 2023 to 70% by 2047.
• The auto-components export sector is expected to grow to $200-$250 billion by 2047, fueled by the long-term shift toward electric vehicles.
