Current Affairs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Government Exams

As Indian students prepare for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams, staying updated with the latest current affairs is crucial. This article provides a detailed and engaging analysis of the most significant events from 23rd February 2025, covering Politics & Governance, Economy & Finance, Science & Technology, International Relations, Environment & Climate Change, Defense & Security, and Sports & Awards. Each section is enriched with historical context, past policies, and exam-relevant facts to ensure a deeper understanding.

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Politics & Governance

Supreme Court Rulings and New Bills

The Supreme Court of India made headlines on 23rd February 2025 with a landmark judgment urging the government to incorporate gender equality, moral values, and respectful behavior toward women into school curriculums. This decision builds on past judicial interventions like the Vishaka Guidelines (1997) and the Justice Verma Committee (2013), which shaped the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013. For UPSC aspirants, this is a critical topic for essays and ethics papers.

In addition, the Parliament introduced the Digital Platforms Regulation Bill, 2025, aimed at regulating social media and OTT platforms to curb misinformation and harmful content. This bill is an extension of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021, making it a key topic for questions on digital governance and free speech.

Policy Updates

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj extended its flagship Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) from 2023 to 2025-26, with a significant budget boost. This scheme, launched in 2018, focuses on training elected village representatives to enhance grassroots governance. For UPSC aspirants, this connects to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment and the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957), which first proposed the three-tier Panchayati Raj system.

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Economy & Finance

RBI’s Monetary Policy

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slashed the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% on 6th February 2025, marking its first rate cut in nearly five years. Announced by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, this move aims to stimulate economic growth as inflation trends downward toward the 4% target. For Banking aspirants, understanding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and its role under the RBI Act, 1934, is crucial.

Inflation and Growth Trends

India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation stood at 4.2% in January 2025, within the RBI’s target range of 2-6%. The decline is attributed to stable food prices and global oil dips. The Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled on 31st January 2025, projected India’s GDP growth at 6.8%, driven by consumption and fiscal discipline. For UPSC and SSC aspirants, linking inflation trends to fiscal policies and global economic conditions is essential.

Union Budget Highlights

The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹2.5 lakh crore for infrastructure development, with a focus on green energy projects and smart cities. A new tax slab for individuals earning between ₹10-20 lakh was introduced, reducing the tax rate to 15% to boost disposable income and consumption. This aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and is a key topic for Banking and SSC exams.

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Science & Technology

ISRO’s Ambitious Missions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the Chandrayaan-4 mission, slated for 2027, which aims to return lunar samples from the Moon’s south pole. This builds on the success of Chandrayaan-3 (2023) and aligns with the Indian Space Vision 2047, which envisions a space station by 2035. For UPSC, this is a critical topic for science and technology, while SSC aspirants should note the budget allocation of ₹13,000 crore for space research.

AI and Quantum Computing

India’s tech sector saw significant advancements with Promise AI, an Indian startup, acquiring Curious Refuge, a US-based AI film school, on 24th February 2025. This merger aims to pioneer AI-driven filmmaking, reflecting India’s growing prowess in AI. Additionally, researchers at IIT Delhi made a breakthrough in quantum computing, reducing processor size by 30%. These developments align with the National AI Strategy (2018) and the National Quantum Mission (2023), making them key topics for Banking and UPSC exams.

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International Relations

Bilateral Trade Agreements

India signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Kingdom on 23rd February 2025, focusing on boosting trade in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. This agreement builds on India’s Act East Policy and its efforts to strengthen ties with the Indo-Pacific region through forums like QUAD.

Global Leadership

India played a pivotal role in the G20 Summit 2025, advocating for sustainable development and climate finance. The summit saw the adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2.0, emphasizing green energy transitions and digital inclusivity. India’s leadership in multilateral forums like BRICS and its push for climate finance reforms at the UN are key topics for UPSC aspirants.

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Environment & Climate Change

Wildlife Conservation

The Ministry of Environment launched a wildlife conservation drive in Assam on 23rd February 2025, targeting the one-horned rhino. This initiative builds on the success of Project Tiger, which celebrated its 50th anniversary with the announcement of five new tiger reserves. For UPSC, these efforts connect to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Climate Commitments

India ratified the Global Methane Pledge, aiming to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. This aligns with India’s Net Zero by 2070 target, announced at COP26 (2021). However, challenges like Delhi’s AQI spiking to 350 this week highlight the ongoing struggle to balance development with environmental sustainability, a key topic for SSC and UPSC exams.

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Defense & Security

Indigenous Defense Deals

India finalized a $2 billion deal for indigenous Tejas jets on 23rd February 2025, boosting the Make in India campaign. This move reduces reliance on imports and strengthens India’s defense capabilities, a topic of historical significance since the Kargil War (1999). For UPSC, this connects to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Cybersecurity Developments

The National Cyber Command thwarted a major ransomware attack on banks this week, showcasing India’s growing cybersecurity capabilities. The Data Protection Act, 2023, and the National Cyber Security Strategy 2025 are key topics for Banking and UPSC aspirants.

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Sports & Awards

Recent Achievements

Indian athletes excelled at the Asian Games 2025, winning a record 150 medals, including 50 golds. Neeraj Chopra continued his legacy with a gold in javelin throw, while the Indian women’s hockey team clinched its first-ever gold. These achievements are tied to the Khelo India scheme (2018), a key topic for SSC exams.

Major Recognitions

The Bharat Ratna was awarded to Dr. R. A. Mashelkar for his contributions to science and technology, and Lata Mangeshkar (posthumously) for her unparalleled legacy in Indian music. These awards highlight India’s cultural and scientific achievements, making them relevant for UPSC and SSC aspirants.

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Conclusion

The events of 23rd February 2025 underscore India’s dynamic progress across various sectors. For aspirants of UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams, understanding these developments in the context of past policies and global trends is essential. This comprehensive overview not only highlights the latest news but also provides the historical and analytical depth needed to excel in competitive exams. Stay informed, stay ahead!

current affairs quiz questions

Here are the 20 multiple-choice current affairs quiz questions rewritten in the requested format:

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Question 1: What is the primary objective of the Digital Platforms Regulation Bill, 2025 introduced in Parliament?
Option 1: To promote free speech on social media
Option 2: To regulate misinformation and harmful content on digital platforms
Option 3: To ban all OTT platforms in India
Option 4: To increase government surveillance on citizens
Option 5: To privatize digital platforms
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Digital Platforms Regulation Bill, 2025 aims to regulate social media and OTT platforms by enforcing accountability for misinformation and harmful content. It builds on the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021, which already provide oversight for digital spaces. This bill is significant for UPSC and SSC aspirants as it ties into themes of digital governance and free speech versus regulation.

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Question 2: Which constitutional amendment introduced the 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in educational institutions and government jobs?
Option 1: 101st Amendment
Option 2: 102nd Amendment
Option 3: 103rd Amendment
Option 4: 104th Amendment
Option 5: 105th Amendment
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act introduced the 10% EWS quota in 2019. The Supreme Court upheld its validity in 2025, emphasizing that it does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. This is a key topic for UPSC aspirants, as it connects to social justice and constitutional provisions.

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Question 3: What was the repo rate set by the RBI after the 25 basis points cut in February 2025?
Option 1: 5.75%
Option 2: 6.00%
Option 3: 6.25%
Option 4: 6.50%
Option 5: 6.75%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The RBI reduced the repo rate to 6.25% in February 2025, its first cut in nearly five years. This move aimed to stimulate economic growth amid controlled inflation. For Banking aspirants, understanding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and its role in setting interest rates is crucial.

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Question 4: What was India’s GDP growth projection for 2024-25, as per the Economic Survey 2024-25?
Option 1: 5.5%
Option 2: 6.0%
Option 3: 6.5%
Option 4: 6.8%
Option 5: 7.2%
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Economic Survey 2024-25 projected India’s GDP growth at 6.8%, driven by consumption and fiscal discipline. This is a key economic indicator for UPSC and SSC aspirants, as it reflects the country’s economic health and policy effectiveness.

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Question 5: What is the primary goal of the Chandrayaan-4 mission planned by ISRO?
Option 1: To land on Mars
Option 2: To establish a space station
Option 3: To return lunar samples from the Moon’s south pole
Option 4: To study the Sun’s corona
Option 5: To launch a manned mission to the Moon
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Chandrayaan-4, slated for 2027, aims to return lunar samples from the Moon’s south pole, building on the success of Chandrayaan-3 (2023). This aligns with ISRO’s Indian Space Vision 2047, making it a key topic for UPSC and SSC aspirants.

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Question 6: Which Indian startup acquired Curious Refuge, a US-based AI film school, in February 2025?
Option 1: Zoho
Option 2: Infosys
Option 3: Promise AI
Option 4: Flipkart
Option 5: Byju’s
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Promise AI, an Indian startup, acquired Curious Refuge to pioneer AI-driven filmmaking. This reflects India’s growing AI capabilities under the National AI Strategy (2018), a key topic for Banking and UPSC exams.

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Question 7: Which country did India sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with in February 2025?
Option 1: USA
Option 2: Germany
Option 3: United Kingdom
Option 4: France
Option 5: Japan
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India signed a CEPA with the United Kingdom to boost trade in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. This agreement is part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen economic ties globally, a key topic for UPSC and Banking exams.

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Question 8: What was the focus of the Delhi Declaration 2.0 adopted at the G20 Summit 2025?
Option 1: Space exploration
Option 2: Green energy transitions and digital inclusivity
Option 3: Military alliances
Option 4: Cultural exchanges
Option 5: Nuclear disarmament
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Delhi Declaration 2.0 emphasized green energy transitions and digital inclusivity, reflecting India’s leadership in global forums. This is a key topic for UPSC aspirants, as it ties into India’s G20 Presidency and its role in sustainable development.

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Question 9: What is the target year for India to achieve carbon neutrality, as per its commitment at COP26?
Option 1: 2050
Option 2: 2060
Option 3: 2070
Option 4: 2080
Option 5: 2090
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070 at COP26 (2021). This commitment is part of global climate efforts and is a key topic for UPSC and SSC exams.

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Question 10: Which wildlife conservation initiative celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025?
Option 1: Project Elephant
Option 2: Project Tiger
Option 3: Project Rhino
Option 4: Project Lion
Option 5: Project Dolphin
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Project Tiger celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, with the announcement of five new tiger reserves. This reflects India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, a key topic for UPSC and SSC aspirants.

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Question 11: What is the value of the defense deal signed by India for indigenous Tejas jets in February 2025?
Option 1: $1 billion
Option 2: $2 billion
Option 3: $3 billion
Option 4: $4 billion
Option 5: $5 billion
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India finalized a $2 billion deal for indigenous Tejas jets, boosting the Make in India campaign. This is a key topic for UPSC aspirants, as it connects to India’s defense self-reliance.

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Question 12: Which act governs India’s cybersecurity framework as of 2025?
Option 1: IT Act, 2000
Option 2: Data Protection Act, 2023
Option 3: National Cyber Security Strategy, 2025
Option 4: Cybersecurity Act, 2020
Option 5: Digital India Act, 2025
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Data Protection Act, 2023, governs India’s cybersecurity framework, focusing on data privacy and protection. This is a key topic for Banking and UPSC exams.

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Question 13: How many medals did India win at the Asian Games 2025?
Option 1: 100
Option 2: 120
Option 3: 130
Option 4: 140
Option 5: 150
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: India won a record 150 medals at the Asian Games 2025, including 50 golds. This achievement is tied to the Khelo India scheme, a key topic for SSC exams.

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Question 14: Who was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2025 for contributions to science and technology?
Option 1: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
Option 2: Dr. R. A. Mashelkar
Option 3: Dr. Homi Bhabha
Option 4: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
Option 5: Dr. C. V. Raman
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Dr. R. A. Mashelkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his contributions to science and technology, a key topic for UPSC and SSC aspirants.

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Question 15: Which committee first proposed the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in India?
Option 1: Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Option 2: Ashok Mehta Committee
Option 3: G.V.K. Rao Committee
Option 4: L.M. Singhvi Committee
Option 5: Sarkaria Commission
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) first proposed the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, a key topic for UPSC aspirants.

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Question 16: What is the target of the Global Methane Pledge ratified by India in 2025?
Option 1: Reduce methane emissions by 20% by 2030
Option 2: Reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030
Option 3: Reduce methane emissions by 40% by 2030
Option 4: Reduce methane emissions by 50% by 2030
Option 5: Eliminate methane emissions by 2030
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India ratified the Global Methane Pledge, aiming to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, a key topic for UPSC and SSC exams.

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Question 17: Which Indian athlete won gold in javelin throw at the Asian Games 2025?
Option 1: Neeraj Chopra
Option 2: Hima Das
Option 3: Dutee Chand
Option 4: PV Sindhu
Option 5: Bajrang Punia
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Neeraj Chopra won gold in javelin throw at the Asian Games 2025, continuing his legacy from the Tokyo Olympics 2020, a key topic for SSC exams.

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Question 18: What is the budget allocation for infrastructure development in the Union Budget 2025-26?
Option 1: ₹1.5 lakh crore
Option 2: ₹2.0 lakh crore
Option 3: ₹2.5 lakh crore
Option 4: ₹3.0 lakh crore
Option 5: ₹3.5 lakh crore
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹2.5 lakh crore for infrastructure development, focusing on green energy projects and smart cities, a key topic for Banking and UPSC exams.

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Question 19: Which Indian state launched a wildlife conservation drive for the one-horned rhino in 2025?
Option 1: Assam
Option 2: West Bengal
Option 3: Odisha
Option 4: Karnataka
Option 5: Rajasthan
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Ministry of Environment launched a wildlife conservation drive in Assam to protect the one-horned rhino, a key topic for UPSC and SSC aspirants.

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Question 20: What is the focus of the Skill India Mission 2.0 launched in 2025?
Option 1: Promoting higher education
Option 2: Vocational training and skill development
Option 3: Digital literacy
Option 4: Healthcare training
Option 5: Agricultural development
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Skill India Mission 2.0 focuses on vocational training and skill development, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a key topic for UPSC and SSC exams.

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These questions are designed to test both factual knowledge and analytical understanding, making them ideal for competitive exam preparation.