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 24 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.

Bathouism Recognized as an Official Religion in Assam’s BTR

The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government in Assam has made a significant move by including Bathouism as an official religion option in various application forms. This decision has received acclaim from experts in Bodo culture and traditional faith. Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted this initiative at the 13th Triennial Conference of the All Bathou Mahasabha. In addition, the government has announced a state holiday for the Bathou Puja festival, showcasing its commitment to preserving nature-centric beliefs.

About Bathouism

Bathouism is the traditional religion of the Bodos, Assam’s largest plains tribe. The Bodos inhabit areas along the north bank of the Brahmaputra River. Bathouism is deeply rooted in ancestral beliefs, though the Bodo community has experienced reform movements. Today, many Bodos also identify as Christians.

Core Beliefs and Practices

The faith revolves around the worship of Bathoubwrai, the supreme god of the Bodos. The term ‘Bathou’ translates to ‘five deep philosophical thoughts’. These thoughts are represented by five elements – Air, Sun, Earth, Fire, and Sky. This concept is akin to the Panchatatva in Hinduism, emphasising the connection between nature and spirituality.

Symbolism of Bathouism

In Bathouism, the number five is of great importance. Each element stands for a fundamental aspect of existence. Followers see Bathoubwrai as the supreme soul, endowed with omnipotence and omniscience. This deity is considered the source of all knowledge and life, rising above physical limitations.

Cultural Significance and Revival

The recognition of Bathouism by the government is seen as a revival of Bodo culture. Scholars like Faguna Barmahalia have noted the growing interest in traditional practices among the Bodos. This revival is crucial for maintaining cultural identity in a rapidly modernising world.

Haryana Witness Protection Scheme 2025

The Haryana Witness Protection Scheme 2025 has been recently launched by the BJP government under Nayab Singh Saini. This initiative aims to improve the safety and security of witnesses as the state rolls out new criminal laws.

Categories of Witnesses

• The scheme categorises witnesses based on their threat perception.
• There are three distinct categories. Category A includes witnesses facing life-threatening situations.
• Category B pertains to threats to the safety, reputation, or property of the witness and their family.
• Category C involves moderate threats like harassment or intimidation.

Applicability of the Scheme

The scheme is designed for witnesses of crimes that carry severe penalties, such as the death penalty, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for seven years or longer. It includes offenses outlined in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

Witness Protection Measures

The scheme includes various protective measures designed to ensure that witnesses do not come into contact with the accused during investigations or trials. Other protections consist of monitoring communications and providing close protection services.

Identity Change and Relocation

Witnesses can request a change of identity if they feel threatened. This may involve a new name, profession, or parentage. The competent authority assesses these requests based on threat analysis. Relocation to a safe area is also an option, with costs covered by the witness protection fund or the witness themselves.

Temporary Residence and Court Escort

Witnesses may temporarily change their residence to a relative’s home or a nearby town. They will also receive escorts to and from court, with government-funded transport provided on hearing days. In-camera trials may be held to ensure privacy.

Duration of Protection

The protection measures will be proportional to the threat level. They are provided for a specific duration, which cannot exceed three months at a time.

Establishment of Witness Protection Cells

A witness protection cell will be set up in each district. This cell will be led by the deputy commissioner of police or superintendent of police. Their primary role is to implement witness protection orders issued by the competent authority.

TRAI’s New Framework for Broadcasting Services in India

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled a new framework for broadcasting services as part of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. This framework is designed to modernize the broadcasting sector by making authorization processes easier and reducing regulatory challenges. The recommendations were released to the public on February 21, 2025.

Key Recommendations of TRAI

TRAI has proposed the removal of the ₹100 crore net worth requirement for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that offer Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). This change will align IPTV services with the existing regulations for internet service authorization. The recommendations also suggest making the terms for radio broadcasting services technology agnostic, which will help in adopting digital technologies in radio broadcasting.

Service Authorisation Structure

The new framework distinguishes between two sets of rules – The Broadcasting (Grant of Service Authorisations) Rules and The Broadcasting (Television Channel Broadcasting, Television Channel Distribution, and Radio Broadcasting) Services Rules. Authorisations will be granted under Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act. The framework harmonises terms for similar services, covering eligibility criteria and application processes.

Migration and Validity Period

Existing licensees can migrate to the new authorisation regime voluntarily. This migration will not incur processing or entry fees. The validity of new authorisations will commence from the effective migration date, regardless of existing licence durations.

Financial Adjustments

TRAI has suggested lowering the authorisation fees and bank guarantees for specific broadcasting services. For Direct-To-Home (DTH) services, the fee will be cut to 3% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), with a plan to eliminate it completely by the end of FY27. Additionally, the bank guarantee for Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) services will drop from ₹40 crore to ₹5 crore for the entire duration of its validity.

New Service Categories

TRAI has proposed the introduction of new services, including Ground-based Broadcasting of a Television Channel and Low Power Small Range Radio Service. These additions aim to diversify broadcasting options and enhance service delivery.

Interoperability and Infrastructure Sharing

To improve consumer choice, TRAI encourages the adoption of interoperable set-top boxes (STBs). This will allow consumers to switch service providers without changing their STB. Additionally, voluntary infrastructure sharing among broadcasting and telecom service providers is encouraged, where technically and commercially feasible.

Future Considerations

The framework also suggests a separate consultation process regarding the inclusion of over-the-top (OTT) platforms in the authorisation framework. Stakeholders have expressed interest in ensuring parity between OTT services and traditional broadcasting services.

Regulatory Oversight

TRAI has emphasised that any amendments to service authorisation terms must receive its recommendations, except in matters of national security. This oversight aims to protect the interests of service providers and maintain regulatory stability in the broadcasting sector.

NITI Aayog’s Vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047

NITI Aayog, India’s policy think tank, is spearheading an initiative to shape the future of several states through the development of state-specific vision documents aimed at achieving a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. The annual report for 2024-25 presents this visioning exercise, which includes states like Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. NITI Aayog has set up dedicated teams to assist these states in formulating thorough strategies that are consistent with national goals.

Background of the Initiative

The initiative gained momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of Viksit States in a governing council meeting. His call to action underscored the need for the aspirations of a developed India to resonate at the grassroots level. This vision seeks to ensure that every state plays a vital role in the country’s socio-economic advancement.

Objectives of the Visioning Exercise

• The primary goal is to help states formulate strategies for holistic growth.
• This includes economic development, governance improvements, and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
• The initiative is designed to create a cohesive framework that aligns state and national policies, promoting cooperative federalism.

State Support Mission

• The State Support Mission (SSM) is an overarching initiative under which this visioning exercise operates.
• Announced in the Union Budget for 2023-24, SSM aims to encourage structured engagement between NITI Aayog and states.
• It provides a platform for states to develop roadmaps that align with national priorities while focusing on their unique strengths.

Establishment of State Institutions for Transformation

As part of the SSM, NITI Aayog is promoting the establishment of State Institutions for Transformation (SIT) in various states. These institutions act as multidisciplinary resources to help shape development strategies. So far, 26 SITs have been established, boosting state capabilities for better governance and development.

Gujarat FM Unveils Budget 2025-26 on NeVA

Shri Kanu Desai, the Finance Minister of Gujarat, presented the Budget for 2025-26 through the National eVidhan Application (NeVA) at the State Assembly. This step is in line with the overarching goal of Digital India, which encourages paperless governance and boosts transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in legislative activities. NeVA is an important project designed to digitize all state legislatures, turning them into ‘Digital Houses’ and improving legislative processes.

Key Highlights of Gujarat Budget 2025-26 Presentation

• Digital Mode: First time Gujarat’s Budget was presented fully digitally using NeVA.
• Paperless Governance: Strengthens e-Governance by reducing paperwork and enhancing efficiency.
• Transparency & Accessibility: Legislators and the public can access budget details instantly through the NeVA platform.
• Alignment with Digital India: Supports the broader objective of digitizing legislative processes across India.
• Sustainable Initiative: Reduces the environmental impact by minimizing paper usage.

What is National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)? 

• Full Form: National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)
• Launched Under: Digital India Programme
• Category: Mission Mode Project (MMP)
• Objective: Transform all State Legislatures into fully digital and paperless legislatures.

New Bat Coronavirus HKU5-CoV-2 Discovered in China

Chinese researchers have discovered a new bat coronavirus called HKU5-CoV-2, which can infect human cells. This virus utilizes the ACE2 receptor, the same entry point that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, uses to invade human cells. This finding has sparked concerns about possible zoonotic transmission, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring of viruses carried by bats.

What Is HKU5-CoV-2 and How Was It Found?

Researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, under the leadership of virologist Shi Zhengli, identified HKU5-CoV-2 in bat populations. This virus is part of the merbecovirus subgenus, which also encompasses the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus. As reported by Reuters, laboratory tests showed that the virus can bind to the ACE2 receptor, a key factor for its entry into human cells.

Scientists have observed that, despite its similarities to SARS-CoV-2, HKU5-CoV-2 binds to human cells less efficiently, which could limit its ability to spread widely. Nevertheless, the existence of a furin cleavage site—a crucial factor that boosts viral infectivity—suggests that this virus might still present a risk.

First Astronaut with Disability Cleared for ISS Mission

In a groundbreaking development, the European Space Agency (ESA) has medically cleared British astronaut John McFall, a former Paralympian with a prosthetic leg, for long-duration missions to the International Space Station (ISS). This historic decision marks a significant milestone in making space exploration more inclusive.

Who is John McFall?

John McFall, 43, is from Cardiff, UK. At the age of 19, he lost his right leg above the knee in a motorcycle accident. Showing incredible resilience, McFall took up athletics and won a bronze medal in the 100m sprint at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. He later shifted his focus to medicine, becoming a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon. In 2022, McFall was chosen by ESA for a feasibility study to explore the possibility of astronauts with physical disabilities taking part in space missions.

What Did the Feasibility Study Involve?

The ESA’s “Fly! Feasibility” study, initiated in 2022, explored over 80 potential challenges that an astronaut with a disability might face during space missions. This thorough evaluation looked into medical assessments, the performance of prosthetic limbs in microgravity, and emergency evacuation protocols from the ISS. The findings indicated that a lower limb amputee could effectively train for, take part in, and return from long-duration missions as a fully integrated member of the crew.

When Will McFall Embark on His Mission?

Although McFall has received medical certification for spaceflight, he has not been assigned to a specific mission yet. He is still part of ESA’s astronaut reserve, prepared for any future assignments that may arise. With the ISS expected to be decommissioned around 2030, McFall has a chance to take part in a mission before that time. There are also ongoing discussions about his potential involvement in private space missions, including those organized by Axiom Space.

This landmark decision not only exemplifies human resilience and adaptability but also signifies a transformative moment in space exploration, promoting inclusivity and challenging preconceived notions about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Mising Tribe Celebrates Ali Ai Ligang Festival

The Mising tribe, one of the largest indigenous communities in Assam, recently celebrated the Ali Ai Ligang festival, an important cultural and agricultural event. This festival takes place on the first Wednesday of the Assamese month of Fagun and signifies the start of the sowing season. It holds deep ties to the agricultural traditions of the Mising people, who rely heavily on farming for their livelihood.

Ali Ai Ligang is a significant festival for the Mising community, marking the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. The name itself conveys its essence—“Ali Ai” signifies seeds, while “Ligang” translates to sowing. This festival highlights the deep connection between the Mising people and their land, emphasizing their reliance on agriculture for sustenance. Beyond being a farming ritual, it is a time for social cohesion, where the community gathers to celebrate, pray for a bountiful harvest, and pass on traditions to the younger generation.

How is Ali Ai Ligang Celebrated?

The festival begins with a special flag hoisting ceremony called Laitom Tomchar, followed by rituals dedicated to agricultural deities, particularly Donyi Polo, the Sun and Moon gods. The Mising community presents traditional foods like Apong (a rice beer), dried fish, and meat to invoke blessings for a bountiful harvest. During this time, specific farming activities such as plowing and tree cutting are strictly prohibited, as they are thought to disturb the sacred essence of the festival.

Cultural performances are a central part of the celebration. The Gumrag dance is the highlight of the event, performed by men and women in rhythmic movements that symbolize joy, unity, and prosperity. Traditional songs accompany the dance, narrating daily life, emotions, and ancestral stories. Instruments such as the dhul, taal, gong, and gagana add to the festive atmosphere.

Kerala Unveils Nayanamritham 2.0: AI-Driven Eye Screening

The Kerala government has launched Nayanamritham 2.0, an innovative AI-based eye screening initiative designed for the early detection of chronic eye diseases. This program, developed in collaboration with health-tech company Remidio, is the first of its kind globally, being a government-led AI-assisted screening effort for conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By enhancing access to quality eye care, Kerala is further incorporating artificial intelligence into its public health framework, ensuring that advanced eye screening services are available to a larger population throughout the state.

The first version of Nayanamritham, launched earlier, focused primarily on diabetic retinopathy screenings conducted at Family Health Centers (FHCs). Patients who were found to have potential problems were referred to secondary and tertiary care centers, where ophthalmologists conducted further evaluations. This initiative established a basis for incorporating AI-driven eye screening into Kerala’s public healthcare system.

With Nayanamritham 2.0, the scope of screening has expanded. The AI-powered fundus cameras by Remidio can now detect glaucoma and AMD, in addition to diabetic retinopathy. These cameras quickly determine whether cases are referable or non-referable, ensuring quicker diagnoses and prompt interventions. Furthermore, the screening program has expanded from FHCs to include Community Health Centers, Taluk Hospitals, and District Hospitals, improving access to eye care services for a broader population.

With this initiative, Kerala has become the first government-led public health system globally to integrate AI for eye disease screening. By embedding Remidio’s AI technology into the existing workflow, the government aims to enhance efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in eye screenings. The goal is to reduce preventable blindness by identifying high-risk cases early and ensuring timely referrals to specialists.

Shaktikanta Das Appointed Principal Secretary-2 to PM Modi

The government has appointed retired IAS officer and former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das as Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Das is the first Principal Secretary with significant experience in both fiscal and monetary policy, making his role vital as the Indian economy grapples with issues like trade wars, rupee fluctuations, and a slowdown. His term will coincide with that of the Prime Minister or continue until further notice.

Key Points of Shaktikanta Das’s Appointment

Appointment Details

• Appointed as Principal Secretary-2 to PM Modi.
• Tenure will align with the Prime Minister’s term or until further orders.

Significance of His Appointment

Comes at a time when the Indian economy faces multiple challenges like,

• Trade wars sparked by US policies.
• Rupee volatility.
• Overall economic slowdown.
• His vast experience positions him to balance government’s growth objectives with inflation control.

Virat Kohli Breaks Tendulkar’s Record for Fastest 14,000 Run

Virat Kohli has made history once again by becoming the fastest player to score 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He accomplished this remarkable feat in only 287 innings, outpacing legends Sachin Tendulkar (350 innings) and Kumar Sangakkara (378 innings). Kohli reached this milestone during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan in Dubai, where he delivered a match-winning performance with an unbeaten century, marking his 51st ODI ton.

His impressive consistency and talent for chasing down targets have turned him into a record-breaking player in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Kohli has been the quickest to every 1,000-run milestone since reaching 8,000 runs in 2017, further establishing his dominance in the format.

Comparison with Milestone Achievers

Uttarakhand Unveils ₹1.01 Lakh Crore Budget, Prioritizing Infra and Welfare

The Uttarakhand government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has announced a budget of ₹1,01,175.33 crore for the financial year 2025-26. This budget was presented by Finance Minister Prem Chandra Aggarwal in the State Assembly in Dehradun and emphasizes infrastructure, welfare, and economic growth while maintaining fiscal stability. The financial plan is based on the ‘GYAN’ model (Gareeb, Yuva, Anndata, and Naari), specifically targeting the needs of the poor, youth, farmers, and women. Significant funding is allocated to key sectors such as agriculture, industry, energy, roads, connectivity, tourism, Ayush, and social security, all aimed at enhancing development throughout the state.

Key Points of Uttarakhand Budget 2025-26

1. Budget Allocation & Revenue Projections

• Total Budget: ₹1,01,175.33 crore
• Total Receipts: ₹1,01,034.75 crore
• Revenue Receipts: ₹62,540.54 crore
• Capital Receipts: ₹38,494.21 crore
• Tax Revenue Projection: ₹39,917.74 crore
• Non-Tax Revenue Projection: ₹22,622.80 crore

2. Focus Areas of the Budget

• Infrastructure & Connectivity
• Agriculture & Rural Development
• Industry & Startups
• Tourism & Cultural Development
• Water Resources & Irrigation
• Environmental Sustainability
• Social Security & Welfare

3. Major Allocations in Key Sectors

A. Infrastructure Development

• New Road Construction: 220 km
• Reconstruction of Roads: 1,000 km
• Renovation of Existing Roads: 1,550 km
• Road Safety: ₹1,200 crore
• 37 New Bridges
• PMGSY Scheme: ₹1,065 crore
• Bus Stations Construction: ₹15 crore
• Civil Aviation Development: ₹36.88 crore

B. Industry & Startups

• MSME Development: ₹50 crore
• Mega Industry Policy: ₹35 crore
• Startup Promotion: ₹30 crore
• Mega Project Scheme: ₹500 crore

C. Water Resources & Irrigation

• Jamrani Dam: ₹625 crore
• Song Dam: ₹75 crore
• Lakhwad Project: ₹285 crore
• Jal Jeevan Mission: ₹1,843 crore
• Urban Water Supply: ₹100 crore
• Special Capital Assistance: ₹1,500 crore

D. Tourism & Cultural Development

• Tehri Lake Development: ₹100 crore
• Manskhanda Scheme: ₹25 crore
• Vibrant Village Scheme: ₹20 crore
• Char Dham Road Network: ₹10 crore
• New Tourist Destinations Development: ₹10 crore

E. Environment & Sustainability

• CAMPA Scheme: ₹395 crore
• Climate Change Mitigation: ₹60 crore
• Spring & River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA): ₹125 crore
• Public Forests Afforestation: ₹10 crore

F. Social Security & Welfare

• Total Social Security Allocation: ₹1,811.66 crore
• Subsidies on Welfare Schemes: ₹918.92 crore
• Food Security Scheme: ₹600 crore
• PM Awas Yojana (Rural): ₹207.18 crore
• PM Awas Yojana (Urban): ₹54.12 crore
• EWS Housing Grants: ₹25 crore
• Cooking Gas Subsidy: ₹55 crore
• Environmental Friend Insurance: ₹2 crore
• Free Travel for Low-Income Groups (State Buses): ₹40 crore
• State Food Grain Scheme: ₹10 crore
• Affordable Salt for Antyodaya Ration Holders: ₹34.36 crore