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 18 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.

Jacob Kiplimo Breaks Half-Marathon World Record in Barcelona

Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo made history in Barcelona by breaking the world half-marathon record. The 24-year-old, who previously held the title in 2021, finished the 21.0975 km race in an incredible 56 minutes and 42 seconds. This remarkable performance was 48 seconds faster than the previous record, which was set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in November 2024. Kiplimo’s achievement is being celebrated as the greatest single improvement in the men’s world half-marathon record ever.

Key Highlights of Jacob Kiplimo’s Performance

• Record Time: Jacob Kiplimo set a new half-marathon world record of 56 minutes 42 seconds.
• Improvement: He improved the previous world record by 48 seconds.
• Perfect Conditions: The race was held under ideal conditions—13°C temperature with no wind—allowing Kiplimo to perform at his best.
• Pacing Strategy: Kiplimo started with the pacemakers at a 2:45 per kilometer pace, but by the third kilometer, he decided to increase his pace, completing the race faster than expected.

World Record

• New World Best: In addition to the half-marathon record, Kiplimo set a world best for 15km with a time of 40:07.
• Speed Breakdown: Kiplimo averaged 22.3 km/h (2:41 per kilometer), which equates to a 13:26 for 5 km and 26:53 for 10 km.
• Personal Best for 10km: His personal best for 10km on the track is 26:33.93.
• Future Goals: Kiplimo is set to debut in the London Marathon on April 27, where he is confident of challenging the marathon world record of 2:00:35.

“Imagine a world with more women in science” Campaign Launched By UNESCO

UNESCO has initiated the “Imagine a world with more women in science” campaign to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11. This campaign highlights the benefits of diverse viewpoints in scientific disciplines and promotes increased involvement of women, encouraging the use of the hashtag #EveryVoiceInScience.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015, aiming to bridge the gender gap in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine).

Gender Gap in Science

Global Scenario

• Low Representation: Women comprise only one-third of the global scientific community.
• Leadership Gap: Only 1 in 10 STEM leadership roles is occupied by women.

India’s Scenario

Women make up 43% of STEMM enrolments in higher education. However, only 18.6% of scientists in India are women. Additionally, women lead about 25% of R&D projects.

Challenges Faced by Women in Science

• Social & Cultural Norms: Gender roles often discourage women from pursuing STEM careers.
• Lack of Role Models: Few visible female leaders in science limit aspirations.
• Workplace Inequality: Biased work cultures and discrimination persist.

Steps to Bridge the Gender Gap in Science

1. Dismantling Gender Stereotypes and Biases

• Increase visibility of women scientists in school textbooks and curricula.
• Ensure equitable representation of women in scientific boards, committees, and panels.

2. Opening Educational Pathways for Girls in Science

• Remove gender bias from teaching and learning materials.
• Encourage businesses to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs supporting women in science.

3. Creating Inclusive Work Environments

• Adopt diversity, inclusion, and equity policies in workplaces.
• Address gender-based violence, sexism, and sexual harassment in STEM fields.
• Promote women into leadership roles to ensure decision-making representation.

RBI Fines Shriram Finance, Ujjivan SFB, and Nainital Bank for Violations

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken decisive action against three financial institutions—Shriram Finance, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, and The Nainital Bank Limited—by imposing monetary penalties due to their failure to comply with various regulatory standards. These penalties were enforced under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, following the RBI’s Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2023), which evaluated the financial status of these institutions as of March 31, 2023. The infractions included not following interest rate guidelines, issues with loan documentation, and lapses in risk categorization.

Why Did RBI Penalize These Banks?

• The Nainital Bank Limited has been fined ₹61.40 lakh for not adhering to RBI’s regulations regarding ‘Interest Rate on Advances’ and ‘Customer Service in Banks.’ The bank failed to link floating rate loans to MSMEs with an external benchmark rate, which is a requirement set by the RBI. Additionally, it charged a fixed penalty for not maintaining the minimum balance in savings accounts rather than applying a proportionate fee based on the shortfall.

• Ujjivan Small Finance Bank was fined ₹6.70 lakh for not issuing loan agreements to some borrowers at the time of loan disbursement. This violated RBI’s guidelines under ‘Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions.’
• Shriram Finance received a penalty of ₹5.80 lakh for not setting up a system to review risk categorization of accounts periodically, which is essential for regulatory compliance.

Gujarat Launches G-SAFAL to Uplift 50,000 Underprivileged Women

The Gujarat government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has launched G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods), a holistic initiative designed to empower disadvantaged families, particularly women, and foster economic independence. This scheme aims to reach 50,000 families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards across 25 talukas in 10 districts of Gujarat over the next five years.

Implemented by the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited under the Rural Development Department, G-SAFAL aims to create livelihoods, promote financial inclusion, and foster social development, all with the goal of achieving sustainable economic growth for the most disadvantaged families in the state.

Key Highlights of G-SAFAL

Objective

• To strengthen the livelihoods of Antyodaya families (economically weaker sections).
• To empower women and enhance financial self-sufficiency.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Target Beneficiaries: 50,000 AAY cardholder families.
• Coverage: 25 talukas across 10 districts in Gujarat.
• Implementation: By Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited.
• Grant Amount: ₹80,000 per family to develop income sources.
• Skill Training: Specialized training for sustainable livelihood.
• Financial Inclusion: Connection with banks, savings programs, and insurance.
• Women’s Empowerment: Field coaches assist 40 families each in skill development.
• Technology Integration: Digital dashboard for real-time monitoring.

Indonesia Defeats China to Win First Asia Mixed Team Title

In a historic victory, Indonesia secured its first-ever Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championship title by defeating defending champions China with a commanding 3-1 win at the Conson Sports Centre in Qingdao, China. Supported by a lively crowd, the Indonesian team showcased exceptional skill and determination, clinching their win with a strong performance in the men’s doubles match. This victory represents a significant milestone in Indonesia’s badminton history, ending China’s dominance in the tournament.

Key Highlights of the Championship

Final Match

• Indonesia vs China (3-1)
• Venue: Conson Sports Centre, Qingdao, China

Indonesia’s Winning Matches

• Men’s Doubles (Decisive Match)
• Muhammad Shohibul Fikri & Daniel Marthin (Indonesia) defeated Chen Xujun & Huang Di (China) 21-15, 21-9.
• This victory sealed Indonesia’s title, sparking celebrations on the court.

Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as India’s New Chief Election Commissioner

On February 17, 2025, Gyanesh Kumar was officially appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India by the Law Ministry. This appointment is significant as he is the first CEC to be selected under the new law that governs the selection of Election Commission (EC) members. His term will extend until January 26, 2029, placing him in a key role at the Election Commission of India (ECI) during important electoral events, including the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Selection and Appointment Process

Gyanesh Kumar was appointed after a meeting of a three-member committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. His appointment was confirmed just two days before he officially took office on February 19, 2025. Notably, his selection comes at a time when the Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge against the new law regulating appointments to the Election Commission.

Before his promotion to CEC, Gyanesh Kumar was the senior-most Election Commissioner after CEC Rajiv Kumar. His vast experience in administrative and governance roles made him a suitable candidate for leading the Election Commission.

Profile of Gyanesh Kumar

Educational Background

Gyanesh Kumar has an impressive academic record. His educational qualifications include:

• B.Tech in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur.
• Business Finance studies at ICFAI, India.
• Environmental Economics at the Harvard Institute for International Development (HIID), Harvard University, USA.

Administrative and Government Career

Gyanesh Kumar is a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Kerala cadre. Throughout his career, he has held numerous key positions at both the state and central government levels:

Roles in the Kerala Government

• Assistant Collector of Ernakulam
• Sub-Collector of Adoor
• Managing Director of the Kerala State Development Corporation for SC/ST
• Municipal Commissioner of the Corporation of Cochin
• Secretary to the Kerala Government, handling departments like finance resources, fast-track projects, and the public works department

Elon Musk Unveils Grok 3 AI: The Smartest AI on Earth

Elon Musk and his AI company xAI have introduced Grok 3, a cutting-edge AI chatbot that aims to be the most intelligent AI ever created. The launch event drew nearly 100,000 viewers and highlighted Grok 3’s impressive capabilities, its development journey, and how it surpasses other leading AI models.

Massive Computing Power Behind Grok 3

The development of Grok 3 required immense computing resources. xAI executives detailed the massive scale of the infrastructure they built to support the AI:

• 100,000 GPUs were set up in just 122 days, a monumental effort in AI research and development.
• To further enhance computing capacity, xAI doubled the size of the H100 cluster in just 92 days, accelerating the training and refinement of Grok 3.

This computing power has allowed xAI to continuously improve Grok 3’s speed, accuracy, and reasoning abilities, making it one of the most sophisticated AI systems in existence.

The Future of AI with Grok 3

The unveiling of Grok 3 marks a significant milestone in AI evolution. As xAI continues to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence, the launch of Grok 3 is expected to reshape industries that rely on AI-driven solutions, including:

• Education (AI-powered tutoring and content generation)
• Healthcare (advanced diagnostics and medical research)
• Finance (market predictions and risk analysis)
• Software Development (automated coding and debugging)

With Grok 3’s superior intelligence and deep understanding capabilities, xAI is setting the stage for a new era of human-AI collaboration.

Madhya Pradesh Unveils India’s First GCC Policy

Madhya Pradesh has made a significant move in India’s economic framework by unveiling the nation’s first dedicated Global Capability Centers (GCC) Policy 2025. This initiative seeks to attract multinational companies by developing a strong ecosystem for global innovation and collaboration, particularly in Tier-2 cities like Indore, Bhopal, and Jabalpur. With a focus on creating a business-friendly environment, providing financial incentives, and enhancing infrastructure, the state intends to become a preferred hub for GCCs.

How Will Madhya Pradesh’s GCC Policy Benefit Tier-2 Cities?

The new GCC policy aims to redirect attention from major metropolitan areas to up-and-coming urban centers, facilitating the transformation of Tier-2 cities into global operational hubs. Indore, Bhopal, and Jabalpur are expected to benefit significantly, as they will receive Tier-1 level infrastructure to attract multinational corporations. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has assured investors that the state will provide top-notch facilities to make these cities appealing for business expansion.

What Incentives Does the Madhya Pradesh GCC Policy Offer?

To encourage investment, the policy provides multiple benefits, including:

• Financial Support: Companies setting up GCCs in Madhya Pradesh can avail up to 40% capital subsidy, with a maximum cap of ₹30 crore. Additional support includes rent assistance and payroll subsidies.
• Innovation and R&D Support: The state has allocated additional funding for upskilling, marketing, patent filing, and research and development activities, ensuring that businesses can innovate and compete globally.
• Ease of Doing Business: To simplify investments, the state has introduced a “No Query Portal”, a single-window clearance system that ensures a smooth and hassle-free process for businesses.

Saudi Arabia to Host Inaugural Olympic Esports Games 2027

In July 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made a historic decision to launch the Olympic Esports Games, a major step towards connecting esports with traditional sports. Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2027. The IOC is partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) to make this vision a reality, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has been designated as the Founding Partner of the event. This collaboration is focused on innovating esports, expanding opportunities for players around the world, and creating a lasting influence on the gaming industry.

Key Points of the Development

Lauch of Olympic Esports Games

• The IOC officially created the Olympic Esports Games in July 2023.

Host Country & Partners

• Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027.
• The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) is named as the Founding Partner for the event.

Goals & Saudi’s Role

• The partnership aims to strengthen the relationship between esports and traditional sports, improve tournament structures, enhance competitive integrity, and establish qualification pathways for players.
• Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in the planning, and HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, President of the SOPC, confirmed the timeline starting in 2025.

Committee Formation

• A joint committee between the IOC and SOPC has been established to steer the event’s development, co-chaired by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng and HRH Prince Abdulaziz.

Saudi’s Growth in Sports

• Saudi Arabia has seen an explosion in sports participation and has hosted over 100 international events since 2015, including esports and major traditional sports events like football, motorsports, and tennis.

BJP Emerges as India’s Richest Political Party in 2023-24 with Over ₹4,300 Crore Income

The latest report from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has become the richest political party in India for the financial year 2023-24, with an astonishing income of ₹4,340.47 crore. The Indian National Congress (INC) ranks second with an income of ₹1,225.11 crore. Other national parties, such as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and National People’s Party (NPEP), have also revealed their financial details.

The ADR report provides a comprehensive analysis of the income and expenditure of national parties, highlighting the growing financial influence of political organizations in India.

BJP Tops the List with ₹4,340.47 Crore Income

As per the ADR report, the BJP’s total income for FY 2023-24 stood at ₹4,340.47 crore, accounting for 74.56% of the total income of all six national parties combined. However, the ruling party spent only 50.96% of its earnings, which amounts to ₹2,211.69 crore, leaving it with a significant surplus.

The Congress, which ranked second, declared an income of ₹1,225.11 crore. Unlike the BJP, the INC spent ₹1,025.24 crore, which is 83.69% of its total income, indicating a higher expenditure-to-income ratio compared to the ruling party.