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GK Update

Sun 23 Feb, 2025

National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a tour of three states

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam from February 23 to February 25, 2025.

Key Events During the Tour:

 

  • Laying the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute (Cancer Hospital) in Madhya Pradesh
  • Inauguration of Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal
  • Inauguration of Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025, aimed at promoting investment in Assam and the Northeast region

119th Episode of Monthly Radio Program 'Mann Ki Baat'

 

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 119th episode of the monthly radio program 'Mann Ki Baat' on February 23, 2025.
  • In this episode, the Prime Minister specifically mentioned National Science Day, which is celebrated on February 28.

Related Facts:

 

 

  • Prime Minister highlighted the achievements of women and their significant roles in society on the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8).

'Mann Ki Baat' Program:

  • First Broadcast: October 2014
  • Airs On: Last Sunday of every month at 11 AM
 Symbol of International Cooperation: In January 2015, U.S. President Barack Obama participated in the program alongside PM Modi.

100th Episode Broadcasted: April 2023

 

Chief of Army Staff on an Official Visit to France

  • As part of efforts to strengthen India-France defense cooperation, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi has embarked on an official visit to France from February 24 to February 27, 2025.

Related Facts:

 

 

  • On February 24, 2025, the COAS will meet senior military leadership of France at Les Invalides in Paris.
  • The day will begin with a Guard of Honor, followed by discussions with General Pierre Schill, CEMAT (Chef d'État-Major de l'Armée de Terre – Chief of the French Army).

International News

Chief Guest at Mauritius National Day Celebrations

  • Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has announced that India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the Chief Guest at the upcoming Mauritius National Day celebrations.
  • The celebrations will be held on March 12, 2025, the anniversary of Mauritius' independence from British rule in 1968. Last year, President Draupadi Murmu attended Mauritius' 56th National Day celebrations as the chief guest.

Mauritius :

  • Official name: Republic of Mauritius
  • An island country
  • Capital: Port Louis
  • Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
  • Independence: 12 March 1968 (from Britain)

Tourism and major attractions :

  • Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao): Hindu religious place
  • Black River Gorges National Park – famous for wildlife and lush green forests
  • Le Morne Brabant: UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Bella Ombre Beach: Famous for beautiful beach and water sports
  • Port Louis Market: Popular for local shopping and cuisine

Demand for 50% Stake in Ukraine's Key Mineral Resources

  • U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded a 50% stake in Ukraine's key mineral resources in exchange for support and military aid against Russia.

Related Facts:

 

 

  • Additionally, the US has also discussed the possibility of reducing the availability of SpaceX-owned Starlink satellite internet service to increase pressure on Ukraine.
  • Under this proposal, the US wants a $500 billion share from Ukraine's mineral resources.
  • Ukraine's mineral sector is valued at $14.8 trillion, which includes significant lithium reserves.

State News

State with the Highest Vulture Population

  • During the vulture census in Madhya Pradesh, a total of 12,981 vultures were recorded, making it the state with the highest vulture population in the country.

Related Facts:

 

 

  • Seven vulture species are found in Madhya Pradesh, including four resident species:
  • Indian Long-billed Vulture
  • White-rumped Vulture
  • Egyptian Vulture (Gobur Vulture)
  • Red-headed Vulture (King Vulture)

Three migratory species visit the state during winter and return before summer:

  • Himalayan Griffon Vulture
  • Eurasian Griffon Vulture
  • Cinereous Vulture (Black Vulture)
  • Decline in vulture population is largely due to the veterinary drug Diclofenac.
  • In 2006, the Indian government banned the sale and use of Diclofenac for cattle.
  • Globally, 23 vulture species exist, out of which 9 species are found in India.

 

Emergency Due to Sinkholes

  • A state of emergency has been declared in Buriticupu, a city in the northeastern Amazon region of Brazil, after the appearance of massive sinkholes.
  • These sinkholes have put approximately 1,200 people at risk of displacement from their homes.

Sinkhole:

 

 

  • A depression that suddenly appears on the surface due to the dissolution or erosion of rocks beneath the ground.
  • They can form as a result of natural processes or human activities.

Science And Technology

Discovery of a New Bat Coronavirus

  • China’s leading virologist, known as "Batwoman," has discovered a new bat coronavirus.
  • This virus uses the same ACE2 receptor to enter human cells as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
  • At present, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of this virus.

Related Facts:

  • Coronavirus, specifically COVID-19, is an infectious disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2.
  • The virus was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China

Update on TB-Free India Campaign

  • Since the launch of the 100-day Intensive TB-Free India Campaign by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, on December 7, 2024, more than 5.1 lakh patients have been recorded across India.
  • Since the launch of the campaign, more than 2.4 lakh Nishkhaya Mitras have been registered and over 2.3 lakh food baskets have been distributed.

Miscellaneous

Decline in Suicide Mortality Rate in India: 'The Lancet Public Health'

  • According to a study published in 'The Lancet Public Health', India's suicide mortality rate declined by 31.5% between 1990 and 2021.

Related Facts:

 

 

  • In 1990, the suicide mortality rate in India was recorded at 18.9 per 100,000 population.
  • By 2019, this figure had dropped to 13.1 per 100,000 and by 2021 it had dropped further to 13 per 100,000 population.
  • This represents an overall decrease of 31.5 percent over three decades.
  • Decline in suicide rate among women: From 16.8 per 1 lakh population in 1990 to 10.3 in 2021.
  • Decline in suicide rate among men: From 20.9 per 1 lakh population in 1990 to 15.7 in 2021.

Appointed as the Second Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister

  • The Central Government has appointed former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das as the Second Principal Secretary (PS-2) to the Prime Minister.
  • This appointment will be effective upon Shaktikanta Das assuming office.

Shaktikanta Das:

 

 

  • 1980 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre
  • Date of Birth: 26 February 1957
  • RBI Governor: December 2018, till 2024
  • Played an important role during demonetisation in 2016
  • Actively contributed in implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
  • His term was extended for three years in 2021

Hansa Mehta Mentioned in the 119th Episode

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Hansa Mehta in the 119th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on February 23, 2025.
  • The Prime Minister also announced that on the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8), he will dedicate his social media platforms to the inspirational women of the nation.

Hansa Mehta:

 

 

  • A renowned freedom fighter, social reformer, educator, and strong advocate for women's rights.
  • Born: July 3, 1897
  • Birthplace: Surat, Gujarat
  • Father: Manubhai Mehta (Diwan of Baroda State)

Key Contributions:

  • Played a crucial role in modifying the phrase "All men are born free and equal" to "All human beings are born free and equal" in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), ensuring gender equality.
  • Served as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Commission (1946–48).
  • President of the All India Women’s Conference (1945).

Death:

  • April 4, 1995 (at the age of 97).

Person in News

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti

  • Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti was celebrated on 23 February 2025.
  • Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati was the founder of Arya Samaj and a prominent social reformer who raised his voice against the evils prevalent in Indian society in the 19th century. He was born on 12 February 1824 in Tankara, Gujarat.

 

 

  • Birth: 12 February 1824
  • Birth Place: Tankara, Morbi (Gujarat)
  • Father: Karshanji Lalji Tiwari
  • Mother: Yashoda Bai
  • Foundation of Arya Samaj: 10 April 1875, Mumbai
  • Major works:
  • Satyarth Prakash (his most famous book), Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhumika, Sanskar Vidhi, Gokarunanidhi

 

Today News

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