Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 15 February 2025, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

PM Narendra Modi’s 2025 Visit to France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in February 2025 marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between India and France. The trip included strategic discussions, high-level diplomatic meetings, and agreements focused on increasing collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and trade. Modi’s visit also underscored the historical connections and people-to-people ties, showcasing India’s expanding global influence.

What Were the Major Highlights of PM Modi’s France Visit?

AI Action Summit and Technological Cooperation

A key highlight of the visit was PM Modi co-chairing the third International Summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI Action Summit) alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit focused on the responsible development of AI, ensuring fair access to AI technologies, and fostering transparency through open-source AI systems. The discussions underscored AI’s potential for driving innovation, boosting economic growth, and closing the digital divide. Leaders from various nations took part, emphasizing the significance of global cooperation in the field of AI.

Inauguration of Indian Consulate in Marseille

PM Modi and President Macron together inaugurated the Indian Consulate General in Marseille, highlighting India’s growing diplomatic presence in France. This event was historic, as it was the first occasion a French President took part in the opening of a foreign consulate. The new consulate aims to enhance consular services, strengthen trade relations, and promote cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries.

Tribute to Indian Soldiers in World Wars

During his visit, PM Modi paid homage at the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, where Indian soldiers who fought in the World Wars are buried. This act of remembrance underscored the historical ties between India and France and highlighted the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers in global conflicts. President Macron also participated in the tribute, further strengthening the shared history between the two countries.

PM Modi’s visit to France in 2025 reinforced India’s deepening ties with France across multiple sectors, from AI and nuclear energy to business and trade. The visit not only strengthened strategic cooperation but also paved the way for long-term collaborations that will shape the future of India-France relations.

Jotham Napat Becomes Vanuatu’s New PM

Jotham Napat has been elected as Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister, taking the position without opposition. His nomination came from Charlot Salwai, the leader of the Reunification Movement for Change and a former prime minister. Ishmael Kalsakau, another former prime minister and MP for Port Vila, confirmed that there were no other nominations and extended his congratulations to Napat on his election.

In addition to the new prime minister, Stephen Felix, a former judge and MP for Efate Rural Constituency, was elected as Speaker of Parliament without any opposition. Felix called on MPs to focus on Vanuatu’s national interests in their governance. The House of Parliament also elected four Deputy Speakers, all of whom were unopposed. The coalition government is made up of five political parties: the Leaders Party, Vanua’aku Party, Graon Mo Jastis Party, Reunification Movement for Change, and the Iauko Group.

Key Highlights of the Election

Jotham Napat’s Election as Prime Minister

• Jotham Napat was elected as Vanuatu’s Prime Minister unopposed.
• His nomination was submitted by Charlot Salwai, leader of the Reunification Movement for Change.
• Ishmael Kalsakau, a former prime minister, confirmed that no other candidates contested the position.
• Napat represents the Tanna Constituency in Parliament.

Jurassic Fossil Discovery in China Reveals Clues to Bird Evolution

A research team led by Professor Wang Min from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has discovered two bird fossils from the Jurassic period in Fujian Province, China. These fossils, which are around 149 million years old, offer fresh insights into the early evolutionary history of birds. Published in Nature, this study challenges earlier beliefs about bird evolution and indicates that birds were more diverse by the end of the Jurassic period than previously recognized. The finding of Baminornis zhenghensis, the oldest known short-tailed bird, pushes back the timeline for the emergence of this trait by nearly 20 million years, enhancing our understanding of avian evolution.

Key p of the Discovery

• Discovery Location: Fujian Province, southeast China
• Age of Fossils: ~149 million years (Jurassic period)
• Significance: Fills a crucial gap in the early evolution of birds
• Published in: Nature

Baminornis zhenghensis – The Oldest Short-Tailed Bird

• Named Baminornis zhenghensis, one of the two fossils exhibits key evolutionary traits.
• Possesses a short tail ending in a pygostyle, a feature of modern birds.
• Displays a combination of primitive and advanced traits, including,
• 1. Ornithothoracine bird-like shoulder and pelvic girdles (advanced feature).
• 2. Hand structure resembling non-avialan dinosaurs (primitive feature).
• Pushes back the first appearance of short-tailed birds by nearly 20 million years.
• Phylogenetic analysis places Baminornis zhenghensis as a derived form closely related to Archaeopteryx.

Constantine Tassoulas Elected as Greece’s New President

On February 12, 2025, the Hellenic Parliament elected Constantine Tassoulas, the former parliamentary speaker, as the new president of Greece. Tassoulas, a senior member of the ruling New Democracy party, received 160 votes in the 300-seat parliament. He will succeed Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Greece’s first female president, whose term concludes in March. While the role of president in Greece is mostly ceremonial, this selection indicates the political direction of the country’s leadership.

Who is Constantine Tassoulas and What is His Political Background?

Constantine Tassoulas has been an important political figure in Greece for more than twenty years. Born in 1959 in Ioannina, he has served as a Member of Parliament since 2000, representing his hometown. He is a member of the center-right New Democracy party and has held various ministerial roles, including Deputy Minister of National Defence and Minister of Culture and Sports.

One of his significant contributions came during his tenure as culture minister, where he played a crucial role in reviving Greece’s campaign for the return of the Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum. His efforts included international lobbying and collaboration with high-profile figures like lawyer Amal Clooney to bring global attention to Greece’s demand for the sculptures’ repatriation. This historical and cultural advocacy has been a defining aspect of his political career.

Saab & HAL Join Forces for Advanced Laser Warning System in India

Swedish defense company Saab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to work together on the Electronic Warfare Laser Warning System-310 (LWS-310). The agreement, signed on February 13, 2025, aims to bolster India’s defense capabilities by enabling HAL to produce the sophisticated laser warning system locally. This initiative supports the ‘Make in India’ campaign and seeks to improve self-sufficiency in essential defense technologies.

What is the Purpose of This MoU Between Saab and HAL?

The main goal of the MoU is to create a structured partnership for producing and maintaining the LWS-310 system in India. Saab will share essential maintenance technology with HAL through a Maintenance Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement, which will equip India with the skills and infrastructure needed to support and sustain this advanced electronic warfare system.

The LWS-310 is engineered to swiftly and accurately detect laser-based threats, enabling combat vehicles to respond effectively. This system offers early warnings against laser-guided weapons, thereby improving the survivability of military assets. By transferring production and maintenance capabilities to HAL, the MoU guarantees long-term operational support for this system in India.

How Does This Collaboration Fit Into the Larger Saab-HAL Partnership?

Saab and HAL have a longstanding partnership in India’s defense sector, which began in 2005 with the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program. In 2017, Saab Grintek Defence, a subsidiary of Saab, signed an agreement with HAL’s Avionics Division to transfer technology for the Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) system. This contract, worth ZAR 112 million (USD 8.5 million), facilitated the establishment of maintenance infrastructure at HAL’s facility in Hyderabad and provided training for personnel to manage the system.

Further strengthening their ties, Saab received orders from HAL in 2013 for the serial production of an integrated electronic warfare self-protection system for India’s Army and Air Force. The deal, worth SEK 216 million (USD 33 million), highlighted India’s trust in Saab’s expertise and HAL’s growing capabilities in defence production.

MIGA + MAGA = MEGA Partnership: Key Takeaways from PM Modi’s US Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States has laid the foundation for a stronger partnership between India and the US, emphasizing trade, defense, and strategic cooperation. His meeting with US President Donald Trump underscored significant areas for cooperation, with the goal of fostering economic growth and ensuring global stability. This visit represented a crucial step forward in the evolving Indo-US relationship, featuring agreements on trade expansion, defense arrangements, counterterrorism efforts, and regional security initiatives.

How Will Indo-US Trade Relations Grow?

A key takeaway from the visit was the pledge to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. India and the US have both committed to enhancing trade partnerships in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and essential supply chains for strategic minerals. This initiative aims to address trade imbalances and generate new economic opportunities for both nations.

India has committed to boosting its imports of US oil, gas, and military equipment, which will assist in reducing the US trade deficit with India. Further, talks on tariff reductions aim to create a fair and balanced trade environment for businesses in both nations. The discussions are focused on ensuring long-term economic cooperation through trade policy reforms.

What Does the Defense Agreement Include?

A major highlight of the visit was the United States’ decision to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to India, a move that significantly boosts India’s defense capabilities. This agreement places India among the select few countries that operate these advanced jets, strengthening its military preparedness.

The visit also confirmed a ten-year roadmap for defense collaboration, with potential plans for the co-production of jet engines and other military technologies. With billions of dollars in expected military sales, this partnership enhances India’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region. The report that this deal aligns with the US strategy to strengthen its allies in Asia against emerging security threats.

Government Announces ₹100 Commemorative Coin Honoring Mohammed Rafi’s Legacy

In honor of the legendary singer Mohammed Rafi on his 100th birth anniversary, the Indian government has unveiled a ₹100 commemorative coin. This initiative pays tribute to Rafi’s significant contributions to Indian music and culture.

Prime Minister’s Tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Mohammed Rafi, calling him a “musical genius whose cultural influence and impact span generations.” The Prime Minister emphasized Rafi’s versatility and his remarkable talent for expressing a wide range of emotions in his songs.

Commemorative Coin Details

The ₹100 coin will feature an image of Mohammed Rafi, symbolizing his enduring legacy in the music industry. While specific design details are yet to be released, such coins typically include national symbols and inscriptions honoring the individual’s contributions.

President of India Inaugurates International Women’s Conference by Art of Living

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, attended the inaugural session of the International Women’s Conference hosted by The Art of Living in Bengaluru on February 14, 2025. In her address to the esteemed audience, she highlighted the increasing strength of Indian women (Nari Shakti) and their expanding roles in fields such as science, sports, politics, arts, and culture.

Women Breaking Barriers & Achieving Excellence

In her speech, President Murmu highlighted the incredible accomplishments of Indian women and their significant contributions across different sectors. She emphasized that women are progressing with confidence, bringing pride to their families, institutions, and the nation.

She stated that breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes requires mental strength, and she urged every woman to:

• Gather courage and dream big
• Utilize her full potential to achieve success
• Recognize that every small step towards personal goals contributes to a developed India

PM Modi Receives Starship Heatshield Tile from Musk

On February 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk at the Blair House in Washington, D.C. During their meeting, Musk presented PM Modi with a hexagonal ceramic heatshield tile that had flown on SpaceX’s Starship test flight 5 in October 2024. This exchange, which also featured Modi gifting classic Indian books to Musk’s children, represented a deeper connection between India and Musk’s initiatives in space, mobility, and technology.

Key Highlights

Gift Exchange

• Elon Musk’s Gift: A heatshield tile from Starship Flight Test 5 (October 13, 2024), engraved with its mission details.
• Significance of the Tile: Designed to protect spacecraft from extreme heat during atmospheric re-entry.

PM Modi’s Gift

Three Indian classic books,

• The Crescent Moon by Rabindranath Tagore
• The Great RK Narayan Collection
• Panchatantra by Pandit Vishnu Sharma

Meeting Details

• Date & Location: February 13, 2025, at Blair House, Washington, D.C.

Attendees

• PM Narendra Modi
• Elon Musk
• Musk’s partner Shivon Zilis
• Musk’s three children

Govt Approves Nilgai Culling in Haryana

The Haryana government has recently implemented new Wildlife (Protection) Rules that permit the shooting of male Nilgais, commonly referred to as blue bulls. This move is intended to tackle the increasing human-wildlife conflict, especially the harm Nilgais inflict on agriculture. However, it has led to protests from environmentalists and local communities, notably the Bishnoi community, who regard Nilgais as sacred. Opponents contend that culling is neither an ethical nor a sustainable way to resolve the problem.

Background of the Nilgai Controversy

• Nilgais are a vital part of Haryana’s wildlife and contribute to regional biodiversity.
• Farmers and policymakers consider their rising population a threat to agriculture.
• The government’s decision has raised ecological and ethical concerns about legally allowing Nilgai culling.

About Nilgai (Blue Bull)

• Scientific Name: Boselaphus tragocamelus
• Native Habitat: Found in India, Nepal, and Pakistan
• Largest Asian Antelope
• Religious Significance: Considered sacred in Hinduism since the Vedic period (1500–500 BC)
• Some states suggested renaming it as ‘Rojad’ (forest antelope) to ease culling regulations.

China to Build First Deepwater ‘Space Station’ in South China Sea

After extensive discussions and technical evaluations, China has officially approved the construction of a deep-sea research facility in the strategically important South China Sea. This facility, known as a “deep-sea space station,” will be located 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) beneath the ocean’s surface. Its purpose is to enhance marine exploration and bolster China’s geopolitical influence in this resource-rich area. Set to be operational by 2030, the station will host six scientists for month-long missions, allowing for real-time experiments in extreme underwater environments.

Key points of the Deep-Sea Research Station

1. Overview of the Project

• China has approved a deep-sea research facility to be built in the South China Sea.
• It will be one of the deepest and most advanced underwater installations ever attempted.
• The facility is expected to be operational by 2030.
• It will accommodate six scientists for extended missions of up to one month.

2. Purpose and Research Objectives

• The station will primarily focus on studying cold seep ecosystems, which are methane-rich hydrothermal vents.
• Research will include tracking methane fluxes, ecological shifts, and tectonic activity.
• It will contribute to the study of deep-sea biodiversity and unique life forms that survive extreme conditions.
• Findings could have applications in energy research, climate science, and medicine.

Lam Research to Invest ₹10,000 Crore in Karnataka’s Semiconductor Industry

Lam Research, a prominent American semiconductor equipment manufacturer, has revealed plans to invest more than ₹10,000 crore in Karnataka. This announcement took place during the Global Investors Meet: Invest Karnataka 2025, which was held at Bangalore Palace on February 12, 2025. This initiative bolsters India’s semiconductor ecosystem and supports the government’s efforts to promote domestic chip manufacturing.

The company has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) to lease and eventually buy land in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Through this expansion, Lam Research intends to grow its operations, boost research and development, and strengthen its supply chain in India.

Key points of Lam Research’s Investment in Karnataka

Investment Announcement & MoU

• Lam Research will invest ₹10,000 crore over the next few years in Bengaluru.
• The company has signed an MoU with KIADB to acquire land in Whitefield, Bengaluru.
• This investment will support Lam’s expansion and growth in India’s semiconductor sector.

Significance of the Investment

• Boosts India’s Semiconductor Mission – Aligns with PM Modi’s vision to make India a global semiconductor hub.
• Strengthens Karnataka’s Role – CM Siddaramaiah highlighted that Karnataka is emerging as a major player in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Supports India’s Supply Chain – Lam aims to increase semiconductor equipment production and sourcing from India.