A Comprehensive Guide for Competitive Exam Aspirants

As India continues to evolve on the global stage, staying updated with the latest developments is crucial for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. This article delves into the most significant events of 24th February 2025, providing context, analysis, and connections to past policies and trends to help aspirants gain a competitive edge. Understanding these topics in-depth not only aids in exams but also helps in developing a well-rounded perspective on national and international affairs.

Politics & Governance: New Bills, Judicial Rulings, and Policy Initiatives

On 24th February 2025, the Indian Parliament passed the National Health Security Bill, a transformative legislation aimed at universalizing access to quality healthcare. The bill introduces a Right to Health framework, guaranteeing free treatment for critical illnesses at both public and empaneled private hospitals. This builds on the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, launched in 2018, which provided health coverage to 50 crore beneficiaries. The new bill also establishes a National Health Authority to oversee implementation, addressing gaps in healthcare delivery highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, state governments are being encouraged to align their health schemes with this national framework to ensure uniformity in healthcare services.

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court ruled that privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21, reaffirming its 2017 verdict in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case. The court struck down a controversial provision in the Digital Surveillance Act 2024, which allowed unchecked government access to personal data. This ruling is significant for exams, as it ties into debates on individual rights vs. state security, a recurring theme in Indian polity. Legal experts have hailed this as a win for civil liberties, while government agencies argue it may pose challenges in counterterrorism efforts.

Additionally, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the implementation of Blockchain-based Voting for the 2029 general elections, following successful pilot projects in 2023. This move aims to enhance voter turnout and transparency, addressing concerns raised during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Blockchain voting is expected to make the electoral process more secure and reduce instances of electoral fraud, thereby strengthening India’s democratic framework.

Economy & Finance: RBI Policies, Inflation, and Budget Highlights

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its Monetary Policy Report on 24th February, maintaining the repo rate at 6.5% to balance inflation control and economic growth. Retail inflation stood at 4.7%, down from 2024’s peak of 6.2%, driven by stable food prices and a strong rabi harvest. However, core inflation (excluding food and fuel) remained sticky at 5.8%, reflecting rising service costs. Experts predict that if inflation continues to remain within target levels, the RBI may consider rate cuts later in the year to further stimulate economic growth.

Key highlights from the Interim Budget 2025-26 include:

• A ₹2.5 lakh crore allocation for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), targeting 3 crore affordable houses by 2030.
• ₹1.8 lakh crore for the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), focusing on green energy and digital infrastructure.
• Introduction of a Carbon Tax on high-emission industries, aligning with India’s Net-Zero by 2070 commitment.
• Enhanced tax benefits for start-ups and MSMEs to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy.

The BSE Sensex crossed 90,000 points, driven by robust foreign investments in renewable energy and technology sectors. The Rupee strengthened to ₹78 against the US Dollar, its highest level since 2022, reflecting India’s growing economic resilience. Additionally, the finance ministry announced new regulations for cryptocurrency trading, bringing it under tighter oversight to prevent fraud and illicit transactions.

Science & Technology: ISRO’s Milestones and AI Advancements

ISRO achieved a major milestone with the successful launch of Gaganyaan-2, India’s second manned space mission. The mission, carrying three astronauts, will conduct experiments in microgravity and test technologies for future lunar missions. This follows the success of Chandrayaan-4 in 2024, which confirmed the presence of water ice on the Moon’s south pole. The data collected from these missions will be instrumental in planning India’s long-term space exploration strategy.

In the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), India launched its first Indigenous AI Supercomputer, PARAM BRAHMA, with a capacity of 100 petaflops. Developed by C-DAC, this supercomputer will support research in climate modeling, drug discovery, and defense applications. The government also unveiled the National AI Mission 2025, focusing on ethical AI development and skilling 1 crore youth in AI technologies by 2030. Additionally, partnerships with private companies are being explored to accelerate AI-driven innovations across industries.

International Relations: Bilateral Agreements and Global Leadership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Kingdom, aiming to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. This agreement includes provisions for easier mobility of professionals, addressing concerns raised during post-Brexit negotiations. It also enhances cooperation in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology, providing a major boost to economic ties between the two nations.

At the G20 Summit in South Africa, India proposed a Global Digital Health Initiative, leveraging its success with the CoWIN platform. The initiative aims to create a unified framework for digital health records, building on the WHO’s Global Digital Health Certification Network. Several countries have shown interest in adopting India’s model to streamline their healthcare systems.

India also assumed the presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), focusing on counterterrorism and energy security. This marks a significant step in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, especially in light of tensions with China over border disputes. India is expected to play a key role in mediating regional conflicts and promoting stability in South Asia.

Conclusion: Connecting the Dots for Exams

From the National Health Security Bill to ISRO’s Gaganyaan-2 mission, these developments reflect India’s progress across sectors. Aspirants should focus on linking current events to historical policies (e.g., Ayushman Bharat to National Health Security Bill) and global trends (e.g., Paris Agreement to India’s BUR). Regular updates from PIB, PRS Legislative, and The Hindu will ensure a competitive edge, turning this knowledge into exam success!

current affairs quiz questions

Question 1: What is the primary objective of the National Health Security Bill passed by the Indian Parliament on 24th February 2025?
Option 1: To provide free education to all citizens
Option 2: To universalize access to quality healthcare
Option 3: To increase the number of private hospitals
Option 4: To reduce the cost of medical equipment
Option 5: To promote traditional medicine systems
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The National Health Security Bill aims to universalize access to quality healthcare by introducing a Right to Health framework. It guarantees free treatment for critical illnesses at both public and empaneled private hospitals. This builds on the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, launched in 2018, which provided health coverage to 50 crore beneficiaries. The bill also establishes a National Health Authority to oversee implementation, addressing gaps in healthcare delivery highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 2: Which article of the Indian Constitution was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in its landmark judgment on 24th February 2025, regarding privacy as a fundamental right?
Option 1: Article 14
Option 2: Article 19
Option 3: Article 21
Option 4: Article 32
Option 5: Article 44
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Supreme Court reaffirmed that privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. This judgment struck down a controversial provision in the Digital Surveillance Act 2024, which allowed unchecked government access to personal data. The ruling builds on the 2017 Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case, which first recognized privacy as a fundamental right.

Question 3: What technology is the Election Commission of India (ECI) planning to implement for the 2029 general elections?
Option 1: Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
Option 2: Blockchain-based Voting
Option 3: Postal Ballots
Option 4: Mobile Voting Apps
Option 5: Paper Ballots
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The ECI announced the implementation of Blockchain-based Voting for the 2029 general elections, following successful pilot projects in 2023. This move aims to enhance voter turnout and transparency, addressing concerns raised during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Blockchain voting is expected to make the electoral process more secure and reduce instances of electoral fraud.

Question 4: What was the repo rate maintained by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its Monetary Policy Report released on 24th February 2025?
Option 1: 5.5%
Option 2: 6.0%
Option 3: 6.5%
Option 4: 7.0%
Option 5: 7.5%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The RBI maintained the repo rate at 6.5% to balance inflation control and economic growth. Retail inflation stood at 4.7%, down from 2024’s peak of 6.2%, driven by stable food prices and a strong rabi harvest. Core inflation, however, remained sticky at 5.8%.

Question 5: Which of the following sectors received the highest allocation in the Interim Budget 2025-26?
Option 1: Defense
Option 2: Education
Option 3: Healthcare
Option 4: Infrastructure
Option 5: Agriculture
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Interim Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹1.8 lakh crore for the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), focusing on green energy and digital infrastructure. This was the highest allocation among the sectors mentioned.

Question 6: What milestone did ISRO achieve with the launch of Gaganyaan-2?
Option 1: First mission to Mars
Option 2: Second manned space mission
Option 3: First lunar landing
Option 4: First satellite launch
Option 5: First space station
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: ISRO achieved a major milestone with the successful launch of Gaganyaan-2, India’s second manned space mission. The mission carried three astronauts and conducted experiments in microgravity, testing technologies for future lunar missions.

Question 7: What is the capacity of India’s first Indigenous AI Supercomputer, PARAM BRAHMA?
Option 1: 50 petaflops
Option 2: 75 petaflops
Option 3: 100 petaflops
Option 4: 125 petaflops
Option 5: 150 petaflops
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: PARAM BRAHMA, India’s first Indigenous AI Supercomputer, has a capacity of 100 petaflops. It was developed by C-DAC and supports research in climate modeling, drug discovery, and defense applications.

Question 8: Which country signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India on 24th February 2025?
Option 1: United States
Option 2: United Kingdom
Option 3: Japan
Option 4: Germany
Option 5: Australia
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a CEPA with the United Kingdom, aiming to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. The agreement includes provisions for easier mobility of professionals and enhances cooperation in finance, healthcare, and technology.

Question 9: What initiative did India propose at the G20 Summit in South Africa?
Option 1: Global Digital Health Initiative
Option 2: Global Climate Fund
Option 3: Global Education Program
Option 4: Global Trade Alliance
Option 5: Global Space Collaboration
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: India proposed the Global Digital Health Initiative at the G20 Summit, leveraging its success with the CoWIN platform. The initiative aims to create a unified framework for digital health records, building on the WHO’s Global Digital Health Certification Network.

Question 10: Which organization did India assume the presidency of on 24th February 2025?
Option 1: United Nations
Option 2: G20
Option 3: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Option 4: BRICS
Option 5: ASEAN
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India assumed the presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), focusing on counterterrorism and energy security. This marks a significant step in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, especially in light of tensions with China over border disputes.

Question 11: What was the retail inflation rate reported by the RBI on 24th February 2025?
Option 1: 3.5%
Option 2: 4.0%
Option 3: 4.7%
Option 4: 5.2%
Option 5: 6.0%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The RBI reported a retail inflation rate of 4.7%, down from 2024’s peak of 6.2%. This decline was driven by stable food prices and a strong rabi harvest.

Question 12: What is the target of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) as per the Interim Budget 2025-26?
Option 1: 1 crore houses by 2025
Option 2: 2 crore houses by 2027
Option 3: 3 crore houses by 2030
Option 4: 4 crore houses by 2035
Option 5: 5 crore houses by 2040
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Interim Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹2.5 lakh crore for PMAY, targeting 3 crore affordable houses by 2030.

Question 13: What was the BSE Sensex level on 24th February 2025?
Option 1: 80,000 points
Option 2: 85,000 points
Option 3: 90,000 points
Option 4: 95,000 points
Option 5: 100,000 points
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The BSE Sensex crossed 90,000 points on 24th February 2025, driven by robust foreign investments in renewable energy and technology sectors.

Question 14: What is the focus of the National AI Mission 2025?
Option 1: Space exploration
Option 2: Ethical AI development
Option 3: Military applications
Option 4: Agricultural automation
Option 5: Healthcare innovation
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The National AI Mission 2025 focuses on ethical AI development and aims to skill 1 crore youth in AI technologies by 2030.

Question 15: Which sector received enhanced tax benefits in the Interim Budget 2025-26?
Option 1: Large corporations
Option 2: Start-ups and MSMEs
Option 3: Real estate
Option 4: Automobile industry
Option 5: Textile industry
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Interim Budget 2025-26 introduced enhanced tax benefits for start-ups and MSMEs to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the economy.

Question 16: What was the exchange rate of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar on 24th February 2025?
Option 1: ₹75
Option 2: ₹78
Option 3: ₹80
Option 4: ₹82
Option 5: ₹85
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Rupee strengthened to ₹78 against the US Dollar, its highest level since 2022, reflecting India’s growing economic resilience.

Question 17: What was the core inflation rate reported by the RBI on 24th February 2025?
Option 1: 4.5%
Option 2: 5.0%
Option 3: 5.8%
Option 4: 6.2%
Option 5: 6.5%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Core inflation, excluding food and fuel, remained sticky at 5.8%, reflecting rising service costs.

Question 18: What is the primary focus of India’s presidency of the SCO?
Option 1: Climate change
Option 2: Counterterrorism and energy security
Option 3: Trade agreements
Option 4: Cultural exchange
Option 5: Space collaboration
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India’s presidency of the SCO focuses on counterterrorism and energy security, marking a significant step in its Neighbourhood First Policy.

Question 19: What is the target of the National Health Security Bill?
Option 1: Universal healthcare access
Option 2: Reducing healthcare costs
Option 3: Increasing private hospital numbers
Option 4: Promoting medical tourism
Option 5: Enhancing medical education
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The National Health Security Bill aims to universalize access to quality healthcare by introducing a Right to Health framework.

Question 20: What is the significance of the Supreme Court’s judgment on 24th February 2025 regarding the Digital Surveillance Act 2024?
Option 1: It upheld the Act in its entirety
Option 2: It struck down a controversial provision
Option 3: It introduced new surveillance measures
Option 4: It mandated stricter data protection laws
Option 5: It allowed unchecked government access to data
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Supreme Court struck down a controversial provision in the Digital Surveillance Act 2024, which allowed unchecked government access to personal data, reaffirming privacy as a fundamental right.