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 19 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.

Matsya-6000: India’s Deep-Ocean Submersible Completes Wet Testing

The Matsya-6000 is a cutting-edge, fourth-generation deep-ocean human submersible designed under the Government of India’s Deep Ocean Mission. This submersible is a key component of the Samudrayan Project, led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology. Its main goal is to boost India’s capabilities in deep-ocean exploration. The Matsya-6000 can carry three people and features state-of-the-art technologies, having successfully undergone both dry and wet testing to confirm its operational efficiency at depths of up to 500 meters.

Key Features of Matsya-6000

• Hull and Design: Compact 2.1-meter diameter spherical hull designed to house three humans.
• Subsystems: Includes main ballast system, thrusters for movement, battery bank, syntactic foam for buoyancy, power distribution, control hardware/software, and navigation devices.
• Communication Systems: Features acoustic modem, underwater telephone, VHF, GPS, and underwater acoustic positioning for communication and precise location tracking.
• Life Support and Sensors: Equipped with life-support systems, navigation joysticks, oceanographic sensors, underwater lighting, and cameras.

IRDAI’s ‘Bima Trinity’ Initiative: Transforming India’s Insurance Landscape

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has introduced an innovative initiative called Bima Trinity during the 9th Bima Manthan, which took place on February 13-14, 2025. This program aims to revolutionize India’s insurance sector by making insurance more accessible, affordable, and efficient. The initiative employs a three-pronged strategy to tackle significant gaps in insurance accessibility and coverage throughout the nation. The 9th Bima Manthan served as a crucial forum where IRDAI interacted with the CEOs of insurance companies to review the sector’s performance and discuss future strategies.

What is the Bima Trinity Plan?

The Bima Trinity plan is a strategic move by IRDAI to ensure more inclusive growth in India’s insurance sector. This initiative introduces three key components:

Bima Sugam

Bima Sugam is a comprehensive digital marketplace designed to make buying, servicing, and claiming insurance policies easier. This platform will unite various insurance companies in one online space, providing consumers with a smooth experience. By doing this, Bima Sugam will enhance the entire process, making insurance more accessible and efficient.

Bima Vistaar

Bima Vistaar is a composite insurance product that will provide coverage for a range of needs: life, accidents, property, and hospitalization. This product is designed to offer comprehensive protection under a single policy, reducing the complexity of managing multiple insurance plans. Consumers will find it easier to secure a wide range of benefits with just one plan, making it an attractive option for many.

Bima Vahaak

The third component of the Bima Trinity is Bima Vahaak, which is specifically designed to empower women in rural and semi-urban areas. This women-centric initiative aims to increase insurance penetration by involving women as local distributors of insurance products. By creating a localized distribution model, Bima Vahaak will not only provide greater access to insurance but also promote financial inclusion and gender equality in the sector.

What Are the Key Objectives of the Bima Trinity Plan?

IRDAI aims to achieve “Insurance for All by 2047” through its Bima Trinity initiative. This vision underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing insurance coverage throughout India, where current penetration rates are notably low compared to global benchmarks. The Bima Trinity plan focuses on improving product design, pricing, and distribution to address the existing shortcomings in India’s insurance industry.

With components like Bima Sugam, Bima Vistaar, and Bima Vahaak, IRDAI is working towards making insurance more accessible and affordable for everyone, from urban professionals to rural communities. These initiatives will help reach those who have historically been left out of the insurance ecosystem, thereby creating a more inclusive financial environment.

Indian Navy Launches Eighth MCA Barge, LSAM 11

On February 14, 2025, the Indian Navy reached a significant milestone by launching its eighth Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, LSAM 11 (Yard 79). This notable event took place in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra, at the launch site of M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam. The ceremony was officiated by Commodore N Gopinath, AGM (PL) at Naval Dockyard Mumbai. This new vessel will bolster the Indian Navy’s logistical support and operational capabilities.

What Is the Role of LSAM 11 in the Navy’s Operations?

The LSAM 11 is one of eight MCA Barges that are essential for meeting the operational requirements of the Navy. These barges mainly serve to transport, embark, and disembark ammunition and other vital supplies to Indian Navy platforms, particularly at outer harbors and jetties. This capability allows the Navy to ensure efficient and seamless logistical operations during maritime missions.

This launch follows the successful deployment of seven other MCA barges, further enhancing the Navy’s ability to manage and support naval operations across various fronts. The LSAM 11 ensures better mobility and supply management for India’s maritime forces, playing a vital role in strengthening national security.

How Was the LSAM 11 Designed and Built?

The MCA Barges, including LSAM 11, were built under a contract between the Ministry of Defence and M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, a small shipyard located in Visakhapatnam. The agreement to construct these eight barges was finalized on February 19, 2021. These barges were designed in India, in partnership with a local ship design firm and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

To ensure the sea-worthiness of these vessels, model testing was conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam. The use of domestic resources and expertise not only strengthens the Navy’s capabilities but also aligns with India’s goals of becoming more self-reliant in defense production.

PM-AASHA Scheme Extended to Support Farmers Until 2025-26

The Government of India has decided to extend the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme until the year 2025-26. This decision is intended to provide better income support to farmers by ensuring they receive fair prices for their crops. Additionally, PM-AASHA plays a role in stabilizing the prices of essential food items, which is advantageous for both farmers and consumers.

What are the Key Components of PM-AASHA?

The PM-AASHA scheme includes several important elements that provide direct benefits to farmers. A key aspect of this scheme is the Price Support Scheme (PSS). Under this initiative, the government purchases specified pulses, oilseeds, and copra at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) from farmers who have registered in advance, using designated agencies such as NAFED and NCCF. This guarantees that farmers receive a fair price for their produce, even during times when market prices are depressed.

Another significant component is the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF), which is designed to manage price volatility. The government uses this fund to maintain buffer stocks of pulses and onions, ensuring that these products remain affordable in the market.

The Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS) is also an essential feature of the program. It compensates farmers for any price difference between the MSP and the prevailing market price. This mechanism encourages the production of oilseeds and helps farmers maintain a stable income.

How is the Government Enhancing Financial Commitments to Farmers?

The government has notably enhanced its backing for the PM-AASHA scheme by increasing the procurement limit for pulses, oilseeds, and copra. It has pledged to procure up to 25% of the national production under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), with a full commitment for Tur, Urad, and Masur in the 2024-25 season. This move will significantly improve farmers’ incomes, particularly during the Kharif season.

In addition, the government has renewed and enhanced its financial guarantee to ₹45,000 crore to facilitate the procurement process. This financial support will enable smooth operations and better coverage of farmers under the scheme.

Faecal Bacteria in Ganga at Prayagraj: A Health Hazard

The Ganga River, one of India’s most revered rivers, holds deep religious significance for millions of devotees. Each year, particularly during the Maha Kumbh Mela, vast crowds flock to its banks to take a holy dip, believing it will wash away their sins. However, recent findings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have raised alarming concerns about the levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the waters at Prayagraj, especially during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. This contamination, largely caused by untreated sewage discharge, poses not only an environmental challenge but also a serious public health threat. This article explores the effects of faecal bacteria on human health and the measures being implemented to tackle this escalating issue.

What is Faecal Coliform?

Faecal coliform is a type of bacteria that is usually found in the intestines of humans and animals. When these bacteria are present in water bodies like rivers and lakes, it indicates that the water has been contaminated with animal or sewage waste. Although not every type of coliform bacteria poses a threat, their presence often suggests that other harmful pathogens, such as viruses, Salmonella, and E. coli, may also be present. These pathogens can cause various serious health issues, which is why finding them in the Ganga is especially concerning.

How Dangerous is the Contamination in Ganga at Prayagraj?

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the acceptable limit for faecal coliform bacteria in bathing water is 2,500 units per 100 millilitres. However, recent test results from various areas around Prayagraj, especially during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, show levels of faecal coliform far exceeding this limit. This indicates that the water in some areas of the Ganga is heavily contaminated, posing a significant risk to those who come into direct contact with it, including the millions of pilgrims who immerse themselves in its waters during the religious festival.

The contamination is made worse by untreated sewage from nearby settlements, which continues to flow into the river, further degrading the water quality. With millions of devotees entering the water during the festival, the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria and pathogens increases significantly. This is a particularly alarming situation, given the large number of people who are exposed to the water at once, as the bacteria can spread rapidly, leading to the potential for large-scale outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

DoT and ITU Partner to Revolutionize Infrastructure with AI Digital Twins

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have made a notable advancement in infrastructure planning by announcing their partnership. They have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to investigate the transformative possibilities of AI-driven digital twin technologies. This collaboration seeks to highlight cutting-edge innovations such as 5G, IoT, AI, and AR/VR, creating virtual models of physical assets. These digital replicas will facilitate real-time monitoring and simulations, leading to adaptive outcomes that could redefine the future of urban and infrastructure planning.

What is the Significance of AI-Driven Digital Twins in Infrastructure?

Digital twin technologies act as virtual representations that emulate physical assets, systems, or processes. By utilizing AI, these models can provide real-time insights, assisting in planning optimization, predicting maintenance requirements, and simulating different scenarios. The collaboration between DoT and ITU will support the integration of advanced technologies to create smarter, more responsive infrastructure. This change signals a future where cities, transportation networks, healthcare systems, and urban spaces are developed with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability.

How Will This Partnership Impact Global Standards and Best Practices?

One of the key focuses of this partnership is to foster global standards and best practices for digital twin technologies. Both the DoT and ITU recognize the importance of ensuring that these technologies work seamlessly across borders and industries. By collaborating, they aim to create guidelines that can help different sectors adopt these innovations effectively. As AI and digital twins evolve, these standards will play a crucial role in ensuring scalability and interoperability. This means that as countries and industries implement these technologies, they will be able to do so with confidence, knowing that they adhere to the highest global standards.

Union Minister Pabitra Margherita Inaugurates SILKTECH 2025

The International Conference – SILKTECH 2025 was officially opened by Shri Pabitra Margherita, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles & Foreign Affairs, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, as part of the larger Bharat Tex 2025 textile event. This conference, organized by the CSB-Central Tasar Research & Training Institute in Ranchi and the CSB-Central Silk Technological Research Institute (CSTRI) under the Ministry of Textiles, aimed to explore new technologies in the silk industry to improve quality, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

Key Highlights

Inauguration & Leadership Presence

• Shri Pabitra Margherita inaugurated the event, alongside Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles.
• Senior officials like Smt. Prajakta L. Verma (Joint Secretary, Fibres), Shri Ajay Gupta (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles), and Shri P. Sivakumar (Member Secretary, Central Silk Board) attended the event.

Minister’s Address

• Highlighted the exclusive Muga & Eri silks of the Northeast region.
• Stressed the importance of zero-waste technologies in the silk value chain.
• Quoted the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision to triple textile production & exports through quality research and collaborations.

Key Focus Areas

• Expanding silk applications beyond textiles into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.
• Developing sustainable technologies for enhancing silk quality and aligning with global market trends.
• Strengthening research and innovation in silk production to make India Atmanirbhar (self-reliant).

India’s First Open-Air Art Wall Museum Marks IMD’s 150-Year Journey

India has made a remarkable move by combining science and art with the launch of the nation’s first Open-Air Art Wall Museum at Mausam Bhawan in New Delhi. Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, inaugurated this creative initiative to celebrate the 150-year history of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

India has made a remarkable move by combining science and art with the launch of the nation’s first Open-Air Art Wall Museum at Mausam Bhawan in New Delhi. Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, inaugurated this creative initiative to celebrate the 150-year history of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

How Does the Open-Air Art Museum Celebrate 150 Years of IMD?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was founded in 1875 and has been essential in areas like weather forecasting, disaster management, aviation, and agriculture. The murals at Mausam Bhawan illustrate significant milestones in meteorology, highlighting technological advancements and IMD’s role in enhancing climate resilience.

Key elements of the murals include

• Historic weather events and the development of modern forecasting techniques.
• IMD’s role in disaster preparedness, such as cyclone warnings and monsoon predictions.
• Cultural references like Kalidasa’s “Meghaduta” and the legendary musician Tansen, emphasizing the deep connection between weather and Indian heritage.

The initiative is a first-of-its-kind effort to present meteorological science in an engaging, accessible format for the public.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Launch NAKSHA for Urban Land Survey

Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) pilot program on February 18th in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. This initiative, led by the Department of Land Resources, seeks to modernize urban land surveys in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 states and 3 Union Territories (UTs). The project, which has a budget of ₹194 crore and is fully funded by the central government, aims to enhance the accuracy of land records, facilitate urban planning, and minimize land disputes.

Key Highlights of the NAKSHA Program

Objective & Scope

• Aims to modernize urban land survey processes.
• Focuses on creating and updating land records for better urban planning.
• Expected to reduce land disputes and enhance transparency.
• Will be implemented in 152 ULBs across 26 states and 3 UTs.

Key Activities at the Inauguration

• Drone demonstration showcasing geospatial survey techniques.
• Release of Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) booklet.
• Launch of NAKSHA program video and flyer.
• Flagging of the Watershed Development Component (WDC) Yatra.
• Screening of WDC video and playing of the Watershed Anthem.

RSS Inaugurates New Headquarters ‘Keshav Kunj’ in New Delhi

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has officially opened its modern headquarters, ‘Keshav Kunj,’ located in Jhandewalan, New Delhi. This newly constructed complex spans an impressive five lakh square feet over four acres and is intended to accommodate the expanding activities of the organization.

The facility features three tall towers, auditoriums, a library, a hospital, a canteen, and a Hanuman temple. Designed with sustainability and modern infrastructure in mind, the headquarters is even larger than the BJP headquarters. This project, which had a budget of ₹150 crore, was fully financed through public donations, showcasing the strong support for the RSS.

A Grand Vision: Features of Keshav Kunj

1. Three Towers: Sadhana, Prerana, and Archana

The Keshav Kunj complex features three distinct towers, each serving a specific purpose:

• Sadhana Tower: Dedicated to the organization’s offices, ensuring seamless administrative operations.
• Prerana Tower: Designed for residential purposes, accommodating RSS functionaries.
• Archana Tower: Also a residential complex, providing living spaces for Sangh members.

Between Prerana and Archana, there is a large manicured lawn with a statue of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. This open area is designated for daily shakhas and organizational gatherings.

2. State-of-the-Art Auditoriums

The new RSS headquarters houses three large auditoriums, collectively offering a seating capacity of over 1,300 people. One of these is named after Ashok Singhal, the former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president, and features stadium seating and cushioned sofa chairs to enhance the audience experience.

These auditoriums will be utilized for major events, training programs, and key organizational meetings, strengthening the RSS’s outreach and engagement.

3. Comprehensive Facilities: Library, Hospital, and Canteen

• Keshav Pustakalaya (Library): Located on the 10th floor, this library serves as a research hub with extensive resources on the RSS and related ideologies.
• Five-Bed Hospital: A medical care unit ensuring healthcare support for RSS members and visitors.
• Mess and Canteen: Providing daily meals and refreshments to the functionaries residing and working in the headquarters.

4. Sustainable Architectural Design

The Keshav Kunj headquarters emphasizes sustainability in its design. The windows showcase facades that draw inspiration from the traditional architecture of Rajasthan and Gujarat, infusing a cultural element into the contemporary building. Additionally, 1,000 granite frames have been incorporated to minimize wood usage, enhancing the building’s eco-friendliness.

The complex also includes parking space for 135 cars, with the capacity to expand up to 270 vehicles, ensuring seamless accessibility for visitors and officials.

Funding and Construction: A Public Effort

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Keshav Kunj project is its entirely donation-based funding. An RSS functionary revealed that as many as 75,000 individuals contributed towards its construction. Donations ranged from ₹5 to several lakhs, demonstrating the widespread support and dedication of RSS workers and well-wishers.

Before shifting to Keshav Kunj, the RSS had been operating from Udaseen Ashram in Jhandewalan for the past eight years. Functionaries started moving into the new headquarters gradually from September 2024, and the transition is now complete. However, some interior work is still ongoing.

Bhupender Yadav Opens ‘Waste Recycling and Climate Change 2025’ Conclave

On February 18, 2025, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, launched the ‘Waste Recycling and Climate Change 2025’ conclave, organized by the Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India (REIAI). The focus of the event was on how waste recycling can aid in achieving environmental sustainability and fostering economic growth in India. The minister pointed out the significance of moving towards a circular economy, which can help reduce waste, increase resource efficiency, and create jobs.

Why is Waste Management a Critical Issue in India?

India produces around 62 million tonnes of waste each year, with increasing levels of plastic, electronic, and hazardous waste. The conventional ‘take, make, and dispose’ model is placing significant strain on landfills and leading to serious environmental harm. Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the importance of transitioning to a circular economy, where products are created with reuse and recycling in mind. This strategy can help preserve natural resources, minimize pollution, and generate economic opportunities.

The conclave emphasized that effective waste management is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. By integrating recycling into business models, industries can contribute to sustainable development while boosting the economy. The government, industries, and consumers must work together to build a stronger circular economy in India.

India-Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian 2025’ to be Held at Mount Fuji

The sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian will take place from February 25 to March 9, 2025, at Mount Fuji, Japan. This annual military exercise between India and Japan is an important move towards bolstering the strategic and defense ties between the two nations. The focus for this upcoming edition will be on urban warfare tactics and counter-terrorism operations under the auspices of the United Nations (UN).

Strengthening India-Japan Defence Ties

The Dharma Guardian exercise follows the successful visit of India’s Chief of the Army Staff to Japan in October 2024. This visit established a stronger military partnership, showcasing the dedication of both nations to regional stability and collective security. In light of the changing security landscape in the Indo-Pacific, these joint training initiatives are essential for tackling common challenges.

Objectives of Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025

The key objectives of Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025 include:

• Enhancing Operational Readiness: The primary goal is to improve the ability of both forces to operate together efficiently.
• Joint Urban Warfare & Counter-Terrorism Drills: The exercise will focus on military tactics used in urban combat zones, particularly in counter-terrorism operations.
• Tactical Manoeuvres for Security Challenges: Participants will engage in real-time combat simulations to counter a wide range of security threats.
• Refining Coordination Strategies: The drills will help both armies fine-tune their operational coordination, improving joint military responses in crisis situations.
• Building Mutual Trust: By working together in hostile environments, both forces will develop a stronger sense of trust and cooperation.