CURRENT TOPICS in HIGHLIGHTS 11 TO 20 February 2025

 CURRENT TOPICS in HIGHLIGHTS  11 TO 20 February 2025

1. Mount Taranaki

❖A snow-capped dormant volcano

Second highest mountain (8,261 feet) located in North Island of New Zealand

It is a stratovolcano (also called a composite cone) - and is made up of alternating layers of ash and lava flow

2. .PRASHAD Scheme

Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme.

Launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014.

It is an initiative that aimed at transforming the cultural preservation and spiritual travelling across identified pilgrimage destinations.

3. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog launched Swavalambini.

A Women Entrepreneurship Programme for Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Aimed at empowering female students in select Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the northeast by equipping them with the essential entrepreneurial mindset, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed in their entrepreneurial journey.

❖ It also provides six months of mentorship and handholding support to help participants translate their ideas into sustainable prospects.

4.The state govt's decision to open the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) in Khanapur for a wildlife safari has sparked controversy and is facing backlash from environmentalists.

Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary:

Spans over the Western Ghats in Belgaum district of Karnataka.

❖ Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in December 2011.

Named after the Bhimgad Fort, constructed and commanded by Shivaji in the 17th century as a defence from Portuguese troops.

5. International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Observed on: 11 February 2025

Aim: Recognizes the critical role women and girls play in science and technology.

to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.

Theme: "Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science.

6.World Unani Day

Observed on: 11 February 2025

Aim: To mark the birth anniversary of great Unani scholar and social reformer Hakim Ajmal Khan.

➤ He was an eminent Indian Unani physician and founder of scientific research in Unani System of Medicine.

7. World Day of the Sick.

Observed on: 11 February 2025

Aim: To encourage the people of God, Catholic health institutions and civil society be increasingly attentive to to the sick and to those who care for them.

Theme: "Hope does not disappoint".

8. Exercise Cyclone 2025

It is a joint military exercise held between India and Egypt army.

❖ This is the third edition of Cyclone exercise. The first edition of the exercise was conducted in 2023 (In India) and second edition (In Egypt) was in 2024. 2024.

Motto of Exercise Cyclone 2025: "Together we train, together we excel"

9.National Women's Day

Observed on: 13 February 2025

Aim: birth of India's first women governor Sarojini Naidu.

➤ Sarojini Naidu was born on 13 February 1879.

➤ Sarojini Naidu is known as the Nightingale of India or "Bharatiya Kokila".

She played an important role in India's freedom struggle and also promoted women's rights.

10. Singapore's Horse Therapy for Seniors

■ Why in News?

Singapore has launched 'Haydays with Horses', a two-year program using miniature horses to enhance the well-being of senior citizens.

■ Key Highlights:

Aimed at addressing the challenges of Singapore's ageing population.

Provides free horse therapy for seniors, funded by Temasek, Singapore's state

investment fund.

Activities include grooming, combing, and stroking miniature horses.

Retired race and polo horses are retrained for equine therapy.

11.the Sportstar Aces Awards go to...

Best State for Promotion of Sport: Madhya Pradesh

Best Corporate for Promotion of Sport: Reliance Industries

Best PSU for Promotion of Sport: Railway Sports Promotion Board

Best University for Promotion of Sport: Kalinga Institute Of Industrial Technology

Chairperson's choice (Sports for Social Good):

Downtown Heroes FC

Sportstar of the year (male): P.R. Sreejesh

Special Recognition GameChanger: Jay Shah

Sportswoman of the year (non-Olympic Sport): Divya Deshmukh

Sportswoman of the year (Para Sport): Avani Lekhara

Club/State team of the year: Mumbai Ranji team

National team(s) of the year: India men's chess team, India women's chess team

■Young Achiever (male): Parth Mane

Young Achiever (female): Neha Sangwan

Lifetime Achievement: Gurbux Singh, Mary D'Souza Sequeira

Inspirational Icon: P.V. Sindhu

Paralympic gold medallists - a tribute to champions: Avani Lekhara, Navdeep Singh and Harvinder Singh

Sportsman of the year (Olympic Sport): Swapnil Kusale

Sportswoman of the year (Olympic Sport): Manu Bhaker

Coach of the year: Jaspal Rana

Sportstar of the year (female): Manu Bhaker

12. The Fagli Festival is a significant cultural event in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district, marking the end of winter and welcoming the arrival of spring.

The festival is deeply rooted in the traditions of the region and is celebrated with vibrant rituals.

• Main Features of the Festival:

Traditional Celebration: The festival is primarily observed in Malana,

Kullu, and nearby villages, with locals engaging in unique rituals, dances, and performances.

13.Bailey bridge

❖ It is a type of modular bridge, one whose parts are pre-built so that they need minimal construction work and can be assembled quickly when needed.

❖A US Army Engineer School manual notes that the Bailey bridge originated during wartime. Donald Coleman Bailey, an English civil engineer, invented it during World War 2 (1939-45).

14. International Childhood Cancer Day

Observed on: 15 February 2025

Aim: to raise awareness about childhood cancer

➤ to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

Vision: "No child should die of cancer cure for more and care for all".

15. President's rule imposed in Manipur, Assembly under suspended animation.

16.Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to bring a dedicated Global Capability Centre

(GCC) policy.

Global Capability Centers:

GCCs are designed to leverage global talent pools and technological advancements to enhance organizational capabilities and drive business transformation.

India's GCC are emerging as strategic hubs reshaping the Indian corporate landscape while influencing global business dynamics.

Present Scenario: Number of GCCs in India has grown from ~1430 (FY 2019) to >1700(FY 2024) in FY24.

17.Appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner Amidst Legal Challenge

Why in News?

Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) following a meeting of a three-member selection panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

His appointment is under scrutiny as the Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge against the new selection law on Wednesday.

Congress opposed the process, with Rahul Gandhi submitting objections and walking out of the meeting.

18. PM Modi, Trump meet reaffirms strength of US-India

partnership: USISPF 

U.S.-India COMPACT Initiative

US.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century.

❖ It is a strategic framework launched to enhance defense, trade, and technology cooperation between India and the United States

Nations Involved: India & United States of America (USA).

19. Bhadra Tiger Reserve

It is located in the midst of the Western Ghats region of Karnataka.

❖ It is surrounded by hill ranges of Mullaianagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri, and Babaudangiri.

❖ It is the first official tiger reserve to finish a successful village relocation programme and a success story in wildlife conservation.

20. Matsya 6000

The Matsya 6000 is a three-person submersible that will be able to go 6,000 metres under the sea.

Developed By: The vessel is being developed by Chennai's National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).

Function/Aim:

Matsya 6,000 will look at chemo-synthetic biodiversity in hydrothermal vents and low-temperature methane seeps in the ocean.

Matsya 6000 will also promote tourism and ocean literacy.

21.Taj Mahotsav or Taj Festival

Observed on: 18-27 February 2025

Aim: celebrated at Agra reveals the rich cultural heritage of our

22. Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, has been appointed as the new Chief Minister of Delhi. The announcement came after the BJP legislature party meeting at its national headquarters.

Body (Main Part)

Background & Political Journey:

Ms. Gupta, 50 years old, is the fourth woman to become the Chief Minister of Delhi.

She has served as a three-time municipal councillor and has been active in student politics.

Despite being a surprise choice, she emerged victorious over strong contenders like Parvesh Sahib Singh, Vijender Gupta, and Satish Upadhyay.

23. Exercise Dharma Guardian.

It is a joint military exercise between India and Japan.

It is an annual exercise and conducted alternatively in India and Japan.

It aims to enhance interoperability between the two forces while undertaking joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under UN mandate.

24. Meta has introduced its world's longest undersea cable system Project Waterworth.

Project Watertworth:

Length: 50,000 km subsea cable will connect five continents, enhancing connectivity between U.S., India, Brazil, South Africa, and other regions.

Depth: Cable will reach depths of up to 7,000 meters in deep waters.

Techniques: Enhanced burial methods will be used in high-risk areas, like shallow coastal waters, to protect cable from ship anchors and other hazards.

25.World Day of Social Justice

Observed on: 20 February 2025

Aim: To promote gender equality, indigenous peoples and migrants' rights.

Focuses on: Achieving the goal of full employment and social integration.

Red

Theme: "Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice".