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Daily Current Affairs 21st February 2025 Daily GK Update
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National News
Google opens new office Ananta in Bengaluru
- Google has officially opened Ananta, its newest and one of its biggest campuses globally, in Bengaluru.
- Situated in Mahadevapura, the campus marks another step in the company’s long-standing presence in India.
- Ananta is designed to support teams working across various Google services, and with the launch of this large office space, Google now has over 10,000 employees across multiple locations in India, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Mumbai, and Pune.
- The Ananta campus, meaning limitless in Sanskrit, spans 1.6 million square feet and can accommodate over 5,000 employees. Various Google teams working on Android, Search, Pay, Cloud, Maps, Play, and DeepMind, among others, will operate from this new space.
9th Asia Economic Dialogue organised in Pune
- The 9th Asia Economic Dialogue has been organised in Pune, Maharashtra. The Asia Economic Dialogue is External Affairs Ministry’s annual flagship ‘Track 1.5 Dialogue’ on Geoeconomics.
- The theme of the Dialogue is “Economic Resilience and Resurgence in an Era of Fragmentation.”
- The Dialogue explored key contemporary topics in geo-economics, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, economic imperatives of Cyber Security, and facets of Blue Economy in Indian Ocean Region and beyond. It also aims to address the complexities of economic fragmentation and identify actionable pathways for resilience and resurgence.
Meesho launches ‘creator marketplace’ to ramp up influencer-driven traffic
- Meesho has introduced a ‘creator marketplace platform’ to strengthen its influencer-driven content commerce strategy after seeing success with over 14 million influencer-driven purchases in the past year.
- The company is collaborating with content creators who reflect diverse lifestyles, aiming to provide a personalized shopping experience tailored for the Indian market.
- Meesho’s influencer-driven approach has led to nearly 10 times growth in categories such as women’s Western wear, jewellery, footwear, home décor, kidswear, and beauty products.
- Meesho is committed to supporting both large and micro creators across metro and tier-2+ cities by providing tools and resources to thrive in the evolving digital commerce landscape.
Govt removes caste, income restrictions for free coaching under PM-CARES
- The government has introduced an updated scheme to provide high-quality coaching to children covered under the PM CARES scheme along with students from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
- Originally launched during the Sixth Five-Year Plan, the free coaching scheme has undergone multiple revisions over the years to enhance its effectiveness. The latest update extends its benefits to PM CARES beneficiaries, removing caste and income-related restrictions for these students.
- Under the scheme, students will receive coaching for a wide range of competitive examinations, according to the guidelines of the updated scheme. These include Civil Services examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and State Public Service Commissions, as well as officer-grade recruitment tests for banks, insurance companies, and public sector undertakings (PSUs).
- Additionally, the scheme covers entrance exams for premier institutions in fields such as engineering (IIT-JEE), medicine (NEET), management (CAT), and law (CLAT). Students aspiring for international studies will also receive coaching for standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, and SAT. Furthermore, coaching will be provided for defence-related examinations such as those for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS).
- Among these, 70 per cent of the seats will be allocated to SC students, while 30 per cent will be reserved for OBC students. Additionally, 30 per cent of the total seats in each category will be reserved for female candidates. If there are not enough female applicants in any category, the remaining seats will be filled by male candidates from the same category.
- In the case of PM CARES beneficiaries, there will be no limit on the number of students admitted under the scheme. In the case of PM CARES beneficiaries, there will be no limit on the number of students admitted under the scheme.
- To be eligible for the scheme, SC and OBC students must come from families with an annual income of Rs 8 lakh or less. Applicants must also have scored at least 50 per cent in their previous board examinations to qualify.
- The selection process will be conducted online, with Central Universities empanelled under the scheme reviewing applications and preparing a merit-based shortlist. However, students covered under the PM CARES scheme will not be subject to the selection process and will be granted direct admission.
- The government will fully cover the coaching fees for students, which will range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 75,000, depending on the course. Additionally, students will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 4,000 for up to 12 months to assist with their expenses.
- To further support candidates who pass the mains stage of Civil Services and State Services exams, an additional Rs 15,000 will be provided to help them prepare for interviews.
- The implementation of the scheme will be overseen by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) in collaboration with Central Universities. Coaching centres under this initiative will operate under the Dr. Ambedkar Centre of Excellence (DACE).
Union Health Ministry launches Intensified Special NCD Screening Drive to ensure 100% coverage of all individuals
- In view of the escalating burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched an Intensified Special NCD Screening Campaign.
- Running from 20th February to 31st March 2025, this ambitious initiative aims to achieve 100% screening of all individuals aged 30 years and above for prevalent NCDs, including Diabetes Hypertension, and three common cancers—Oral, Breast, and Cervical.
- The campaign will be executed across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and various healthcare facilities nationwide, under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
- The Intensified Screening Campaign aims to achieve the following-
- 100% Screening Coverage– The campaign aims to ensure early detection and timely intervention for NCDs.
- Improved Linkage to Care– By establishing structured treatment and follow-up protocols, the campaign seeks to reduce complications associated with NCDs.
- Better Health Outcomes– The initiative is expected to lower healthcare costs and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals across the nation.
Banking and Financial
Eurobank partners with LTIMindtree to elevate banking operations and IT services
- Eurobank has established a strategic multi-year partnership with Indian IT giant LTIMindtree to modernise its banking operations and enhance its technology ecosystem. As part of this collaboration, Eurobank has established a new global delivery centre at LTIMindtree’s Pune office.
- This centre, set up in partnership with Fairfax Digital Services, a subsidiary of Canada’s Fairfax Financial, is designed to spearhead technology innovation, digital transformation, and the maintenance of key banking applications.
- LTIMindtree has also been selected as the services partner for Eurobank Luxembourg’s Temenos implementation program. This initiative builds on Eurobank’s group-wide IT overhaul that began in 2019, leveraging Temenos T24 Transact and T24 Infinity solutions.
Mirae Asset Sharekhan Expands into Life Insurance Distribution with ICICI Prudential, HDFC Life Partnerships
- Mirae Asset Sharekhan, a leading financial services platform, has entered the life insurance distribution sector through strategic partnerships with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and HDFC Life.
- This move aligns with the company’s vision of offering a one-stop financial platform that integrates wealth creation with long-term financial security.
- With a growing number of retail investors in the stock market, Mirae Asset Sharekhan aims to bridge the gap between investment and financial protection by providing a diverse range of life insurance products. These include:
- Term Life & Health Plans – Ensuring income protection and financial security for dependents.
- Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) – Offering market-linked returns alongside life cover.
- Endowment Plans – Providing risk-free savings with life cover for family security.
- Annuity & Retirement Solutions – Ensuring financial stability post-retirement.
India’s GDP growth rate to slow to 6.4% in 2025: Moody’s Analytics
- India’s growth is anticipated to decelerate to 6.4% in 2025 from 6.6% in 2024, due to new US tariffs and weaker global demand affecting exports, according to Moody’s Analytics.
- In its report titled ‘Asia-Pacific Outlook: Chaos Ahead’, Moody’s Analytics said growth across the Asia-Pacific economy will slow in 2025 as trade tensions, policy shifts, and, uneven recoveries knock the region’s fortunes.
- As per its APAC forecast, India’s GDP is expected to grow 6.4 percent both in 2025 and 2026 fiscal years.
Updated GDP List
- RBI –6.6% (FY25), 6.7% (FY26)
- Deloitte – 6.5-6.8 (FY25)
- FICCI – 6.4% (FY25)
- UN – 6.6% (CY25); 6.7% (CY26)
- SBI – 6.3% (FY25)
- NSO – 6.4% (FY25)
Appointment
Govt extends Chief Economic Adviser Nageswaran’s term until March 2027
- India’s Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran’s term has been extended by two years until March 2027.
- Nageswaran was appointed to the position in 2022 and has also served as a part-time member of the economic advisory council to the prime minister from 2019 to 2021.
- Nageswaran authored India’s annual economic survey in January that projected GDP growth at 6.3 per cent-6.8 per cent in the next fiscal year that starts on April 1.
Rekha Gupta sworn in as 9th Chief Minister of Delhi
- Mrs Rekha Gupta of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was sworn in as the 4th woman and 9th Chief Minister of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
- While, Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, who defeated former CM Arvind Kejriwal in the recently held 8th Delhi Legislative Assembly Election 2025, was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of NCT Delhi.
- The first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh constituency, Rekha Gupta and her six cabinet ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by the Lieutenant Governor of NCT Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, at a function held at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.
- Delhi LG V K Saxena administered the oath of office and secrecy to Ms. Gupta and six Cabinet Ministers. They are Parvesh Sahib Singh, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra, and Pankaj Kumar Singh, who also took the oath.
- The BJP won 48 seats in the 70-member Delhi Legislative Assembly election held on 5th February 2025. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party won only 22 seats, and its founder and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lost his seat to Parvesh Verma of the BJP.
Defence
Goa Shipyard Showcases Indigenous Naval Vessels at NAVDEX 2025
- Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), one of India’s premier defense shipbuilding yards, is showcased its indigenously designed Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) at NAVDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
- These vessels highlight India’s growing capabilities in naval innovation and self-reliance under the “Make in India” initiative.
- The Fast Patrol Vessel (Model) on display is a 50-meter-long, high-speed craft capable of reaching 35 knots. Designed and built in-house by GSL, it is primarily intended for patrolling, anti-smuggling, and anti-terrorist operations.
- Additionally, it can serve as a coastal convoy escort and a communication link during wartime. The vessel is powered by three 2,720 kW diesel engines driving independent waterjets, offering high maneuverability and efficiency.
Sports
34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup table tennis tournament begins in China
- The 34th edition of the ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup table tennis tournament begins in Shenzhen, China.
- India’s men’s team is led by world No. 42 Sharath Kamal, a five-time Olympian and reigning Commonwealth Games singles champion.
- The squad also includes world No. 60 Manav Thakkar and world No. 70 Harmeet Desai. The Indian women’s team features Paris 2024 Olympian Sreeja Akula, Ayhika Mukherjee, and Yashaswini Ghorpade.
- The event features men’s and women’s singles competitions, with 32 players in each category. The top four semi-finalists in both events will qualify for the ITTF World Cup 2025, scheduled for April.
Important day
20 February – World Day of Social Justice
- World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20.
- The day highlights the need for social justice in eliminating poverty, ensuring decent work, gender equality, and access to education and healthcare.
- Theme 2025 – Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps Of Social Justice
- The ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization was unanimously approved by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on June 10, 2008. This is the third significant statement of principles and policies adopted by the International Labour Conference since the 1919 ratification of the ILO Constitution.
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