Daily Current Affairs

22nd Feb 2025

 Daily Current Affairs
22nd Feb 2025

BANKING & FINANCE

Bank Credit Growth to Non Banking Financial Companies Hits Four-Year Low at 6.7%
in 2024: RBI data
• Bank lending to Non Banking Financial
Companies (NBFCs) grew at 6.7% in 2024,
compared to 15% in 2023, reaching ₹16.22 lakh
crore as of December 2024.
• In absolute terms, bank lending fell to ₹1 lakh
crore in 2024 from nearly ₹2 lakh crore in the
previous year, according to RBI data.
• The slowdown was driven by higher funding costs
after the RBI raised risk weights on such loans.
Key Highlights:
• In November 2023, RBI increased the risk weight on
bank credit to NBFCs by 25 basis points to 125%,
making lending costlier and leading banks to become
more selective.
• NBFCs are diversifying their funding sources,
turning to the domestic capital market (bonds) and
the overseas market (dollar bonds and syndicated
loans).
• External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) reached
a five-year high in 2024, with ₹3.64 lakh crore
raised.
• Shriram Finance raised $1.277 billion, while
Muthoot Finance raised $400 million through
secured notes.
• ECBs, while attractive, have a maximum limit of
$750 million per fiscal under the automatic route.
• The slowdown in bank credit to NBFCs also reflects a
decline in unsecured loan growth, aligning with RBI’s efforts to curb over-
reliance on banks and ensure financial stability.
About NBFC:
• A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company that offers financial
services and products, but is not a bank.
• NBFCs are registered under the Companies Act, 1956.
• it does not have a full banking license or is not supervised by a national or
international banking regulatory agency.
• NBFC facilitate bank-related financial services, such as investment, risk
pooling, contractual savings, and market brokering.
Recent News:
• In February 2025, The RBI launched RBIDATA, a mobile app providing seamless
access to 11,000+ macroeconomic and financial data series.
About RBI :
• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to Slow to 6.4% in 2025: Moody’s
Analytics

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22nd Feb 2025

• India's economic growth is projected to slow to 6.4%

in 2025, down from 6.6% in 2024, primarily due to
new U.S. tariffs and weakening global demand
impacting exports, according to a report by Moody's
Analytics.
• The report, titled 'Asia-Pacific Outlook: Chaos
Ahead,' highlights that the entire Asia-Pacific region is
expected to experience slower growth as trade
tensions, policy uncertainties, and uneven economic
recoveries affect the region's fortunes.
Key Highlights:
• Specifically, China's GDP growth is forecasted to
decline from 5% in 2024 to 4.2% in 2025 and 3.9% in
2026.
• For India, the anticipated slowdown is attributed to
external trade pressures and a moderation in domestic demand, despite the
country's position as one of the fastest-growing major economies.
• Moody's projects that India's GDP will remain in the low-6% range in the coming
years, with growth estimated at 6.4% for both 2025 and 2026.
• The report also notes that rising geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions,
and potential policy shifts will shape economic outcomes for Asia-Pacific nations.
• While India's domestic demand remains a key driver, export-dependent sectors may
face challenges due to global trade restrictions.
• In response to these challenges, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented
measures such as tax relief and a recent rate cut to boost the economy.
• The RBI predicts that urban demand will recover due to reduced inflation and higher
disposable incomes from the substantial income tax relief in the 2025-26 Union
Budget.
• Rural demand is expected to be bolstered by strong agricultural performance.
• Despite these efforts, the Indian equity markets have experienced declines, with the
Nifty 50 index dropping about 13% since its peak in late September 2024.
• This downturn is attributed to the slowdown in corporate earnings growth and the
exit of foreign investors amid a weakening economy.
• Overall, while India's domestic fundamentals remain relatively strong, external
challenges such as new U.S. tariffs and weakening global demand are expected
to impact the country's economic growth trajectory in the near term.
About Moody’s Ratings:
• Founded: 1909 by John Moody
• Headquarters: New York City, USA
• Operations: Moody's Ratings (Credit Ratings), Moody's Analytics (Financial Analysis)
• President & CEO: Rob Fauber

Reserve Bank of India’s Open Market Operation Purchase Auction Sees Bids Surge to
₹1.87 Trillion Against ₹40,000 Crore Offer
• Reserve Bank of India received bids worth ₹1.87 trillion against the notified
amount of ₹40,000 crore at the Open Market Operation auction.
• The cut-off price was set below the secondary market price due to high demand.
• PSU banks were major participants, driven by liquidity deficit.
Key Highlights:
• RBI has purchased ₹1 trillion in government securities via OMO auctions.

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 Daily Current Affairs
22nd Feb 2025

• RBI bought ₹58,875 crore worth of

securities in January through screen-
based OMOs.
• RBI acquired ₹39,000 crore worth of
bonds in the secondary market.
• The banking system faced a net liquidity
deficit of ₹1.77 trillion as of Wednesday.
• Market participants anticipate additional
OMO auctions for durable liquidity.
• RBI infused ₹1.33 trillion via an overnight
Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction.
• A 14-day VRR auction to infuse ₹75,000 crore is scheduled for On February 21,
2025.
• Corporate bond yields have hardened despite a
25 bps policy rate cut.
• Yield spread between corporate and
government bonds widened by 25 bps in
February.
• Short-term bond yields have risen more sharply
than long-term yields, causing an inverted yield
curve.
What Are Open Market Operations (OMOs)?
• Open market operation (OMO) is a term that
refers to the purchase and sale of securities in the
open market by the Federal Reserve (Fed).
• The Fed conducts open market operations to
regulate the supply of money that is on reserve in U.S. banks.
• The Fed purchases Treasury securities to increase the money supply and sells them
to reduce it.
• By using OMOs, the Fed can adjust the federal funds rate, which in turn influences
other short-term rates, long-term rates, and foreign exchange rates.
What is Variable Rate Repo?
• It is a mechanism where the RBI permits banks to borrow funds at rates determined
by the market, differing from the fixed Repo Rate at which banks borrow directly from
the RBI.
• Typically lasting up to 14 days, VRR serves as a means to inject short-term
liquidity into the banking system.
• Conversely, Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) is employed to absorb surplus
liquidity from the system.

India set to become high-income country by 2047 buoyed by services sector: Report
• India is projected to become a high-income country by 2047 with a GDP of USD
23-35 trillion.
• The services sector will contribute 60% of GDP, while manufacturing will account
for 32%.
• 200 million individuals expected to enter the workforce, creating opportunities for
high-value job creation.
• Sectoral technology roadmap and advances in AI-driven chip design, touchless
manufacturing, and backward integration to boost competitiveness and
innovation.

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 Daily Current Affairs
22nd Feb 2025

• The manufacturing sector’s export share could rise from

24% to 45%-50% by 2047, with GDP contribution increasing
from 3% to 8%-10%.
• Renewable energy share in total energy production could
increase from 24% (2023) to 70% (2047).
• Auto-component exports are expected to reach USD 200-
250 billion by 2047, driven by ICE market share capture
and transition to EVs.
• The projections and insights are based on a report by Bain
& Company and Nasscom.

NATIONAL NEWS
India Becomes 2nd Country to Launch Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for Flight
Crew
• India has made a significant advancement in
modernizing its aviation sector by launching the
Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for flight crew.
• With this initiative, India becomes the second
country in the world after China to implement
digital licensing for pilots.
• The EPL was introduced by Civil Aviation
Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and is expected to
enhance convenience, transparency, and
efficiency in the licensing process.
• This initiative aligns with India’s vision of digital
transformation and aviation safety, catering to the
increasing demand for pilots in the country’s rapidly
growing aviation industry.
Key Highlights of the EPL Initiative
Global Milestone
• India is the second country globally, after China, to introduce EPL for flight crew.
Launch Details
• Launched by: Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu
• Regulatory Body: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Objectives of EPL
• Streamline the licensing process for pilots.
• Enhance safety, security, and efficiency in civil aviation.
• Boost digital transformation in the aviation sector.
Aviation Sector Growth Projections
• India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.
• Projected demand for 20,000 additional pilots in the coming years.
• Expansion plans include 50 new airports in the next five years.
• 120 new domestic routes to be added over the next decade.

STATE NEWS
Uttar Pradesh government presents Rs 8.09 lakh crore budget, largest in state history

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22nd Feb 2025

• The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2025-26,

presented by State Finance Minister Suresh
Kumar Khanna on February 20, 2025, has a
total outlay of ₹8,08,736 crore.
• This reflects a 9.8% increase from the
₹7,36,437 crore budget of 2024-25.
Key Points from Uttar Pradesh Budget 2025-26:
1. Budget Overview
o Total Budget: ₹8,08,736 crore (₹8.08
lakh crore), a 9.8% increase from the
previous year's ₹7,36,437 crore.
o New Expenditure: ₹28,478 crore allocated for new initiatives.
2. Major Sector Allocations
o Infrastructure Development: ₹1,79,921 crore (22%) – roads, expressways,
smart cities.
o Education: ₹1,06,000 crore (13%) – smart classrooms, scholarships, digital
learning.
o Agriculture & Rural Development: ₹89,353 crore (11%) – farmer welfare,
irrigation, water conservation.
o Healthcare: ₹50,550 crore (6%) – free medical treatment, new medical
colleges, AIIMS expansions.
o Social Welfare & Women Empowerment: ₹7,980 crore – mass marriage
scheme, pension for widows.
3. Key Initiatives
o New Expressways & Smart Cities – Expansion of urban and transport
infrastructure.
o AI & Cybersecurity – Development of an AI City & Cybersecurity
Research Park.
o Free LPG (Ujjwala Scheme) – Two free LPG cylinders per family.
o Ambedkar Memorial – Construction of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar
Memorial in Lucknow.
4. Economic Growth Vision
o Target: Making Uttar Pradesh a $1 trillion economy.
o GDP Growth: Increased from ₹12.89 lakh crore (2017-18) to ₹27.51 lakh
crore (2024-25).
5. Strategic Development Focus
o Key areas: Trade, Tourism, Technology, Tradition, Talent to drive
economic transformation.
About Uttar Pradesh:
• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary,
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary),
Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife
Sanctuary, Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranipur Wildlife

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Institute of Economic Growth Announces Professor Sabyasachi Kar as Its New

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22nd Feb 2025

Director
• Professor Sabyasachi Kar has been appointed as the
Director of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG),
New Delhi, effective February 6, 2025.
• He succeeds Professor Chetan Ghate.
About Sabyasachi Kar:
• Kar currently serves as the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) Chair Professor at IEG.
• He is a member of the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation’s (MoSPI) Committee
on Regional Accounts.
• Previously, he has held roles such as co-editor of the Journal of South Asian
Development and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of
Manchester.
• He holds a PhD in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
• His research interests include macroeconomics, economic growth, development
economics, and political economy.
• He has published numerous academic articles in national and international
journals and edited volumes.
• Notable books authored by him:
o ‘Macroeconomic Reforms, Growth and Stability’
o ‘Economic Challenges for the Contemporary World’
o ‘The Political Economy of India’s Growth Episodes’
• He has collaborated with key policy institutions such as:
o The erstwhile Planning Commission and NITI Aayog, providing
macroeconomic projections and policy inputs.
o Global organisations like the World Bank, Global Development Network
(GDN), European Commission, and the UK’s Department for International
Development (DFID).
About Institute of Economic Growth:
• Location : New Delhi, India
• Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) is a premier research and training centre in
India.
• The Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), located in New Delhi, India, is a premier
research institution dedicated to the study of economic development, policy analysis,
and social change.
• The IEG has played a pivotal role in shaping economic thought and policy in India.
• IEG also provides induction training for Indian Economic Service officers.

Former Credit Suisse Executive V. Anantha Nageswaran extended Chief Economic

Adviser for 2 years
• The government has extended the tenure of Chief
Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran by
more than two years until March 31, 2027.
• This extension virtually rules him out as a contender for
the post of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor,
a role for which he was recently interviewed.
Key Highlights:
• Michael Patra, the former RBI Deputy Governor in charge
of monetary policy, retired in January, 2025.

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• Nageswaran has recently advocated for a change in the RBI’s inflation target to
exclude food prices.
• His first term as CEA was for three years until January 2025.
• The CEA's office is responsible for:
o Advising the government on various economic policies.
o Drafting the Economic Survey, which is presented in Parliament a day
before the Union Budget.
• Nageswaran’s background:
o Academic and former executive with Credit Suisse Group AG and Julius
Baer Group.
o Succeeded K V Subramanian as CEA.
• His extension follows the Economic Survey 2024-25, which projected India’s GDP
growth at 6.3-6.8% for the next financial year amid signs of economic moderation.

Kotak Mahindra Bank Announces Senior-Level Appointments in Leadership Overhaul

• Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced senior-level
appointments, with Vyomesh Kapasi moving to head
products in the consumer bank.
• Shahrukh Todiwala has been elevated to replace
Kapasi as the head of Kotak Mahindra Prime.
• Chinese Wok, India's largest quick service restaurant
chain specializing in Chinese cuisine, plans to add 25
outlets in East India as part of its expansion.
• The company aims to increase revenues to ₹1,000
crore after closing FY25’s March quarter with an
annual revenue of ₹650 crore.
• The expansion is part of Chinese Wok’s broader
strategy to strengthen its presence in India’s fast-
growing QSR market.

National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog Chief Executive Officer BVR
Subrahmanyam’s term extended beyond February 24, 2025
• The central government has extended NITI Aayog CEO
BVR Subrahmanyam’s term by a year, beyond
February 24, 2025, or until further orders.
• This announcement was made by the Secretariat of the
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet under the
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions.
About BVR Subrahmanyam:
• Subrahmanyam joined the CEO of NITI Aayog—the
government's top policy think-tank—on February 25,
2023.
• Subrahmanyam is a 1987-batch IAS officer
(Chhattisgarh cadre) and has held key positions in
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, and
the World Bank.
• He has served as Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Chief
Secretary of J&K, and Principal Secretary in Chhattisgarh, besides holding
positions in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
About NITI Aayog:

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• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) is a government agency
that advises the central and state governments of India.
• It was established on January 1, 2015.
• Functions of NITI Aayog – The organization focuses on national development
planning, innovation, policy evaluation, and addressing inter-sectoral issues, while
also ensuring national security interests in economic policies.
• Chairperson: Narendra Modi
• Vice chairperson: Suman Bery
• CEO: BVR Subrahmanyam

DEFENCE NEWS
Defence ministry inks ₹1,220 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited for Coast
Guard radios
• The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,220.12 crore
contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for
149 Software Defined Radios for the Indian Coast
Guard.
• The contract falls under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’
category, supporting domestic defence
manufacturing.
• The radios will enhance secure data sharing, high-
speed voice communication, and situational
awareness.
• The equipment will strengthen the Coast Guard’s maritime law enforcement,
search and rescue, fisheries protection, and marine environment protection
capabilities.
• These radios will improve interoperability for joint operations with the Indian
Navy.
• The deal aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, promoting indigenous
military-grade communication systems and creating employment
opportunities.
Previous MOUs Signed:
• Recently, the Ministry of Defence signed ₹10,147 crore worth of contracts with
Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), Munitions India Limited (MIL), and BEL for
PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) upgrades.
• EEL and MIL will supply Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) and High
Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets, while BEL will
upgrade the SHAKTI software.
• ADM Type-1 is designed to deploy multiple sub-munitions over a large area,
targeting mechanized forces and personnel.
• HEPF Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets provide extended range and precision for deep-
strike operations.
• In January 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,960 crore contract with
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles
(MRSAM) for the Indian Navy, expected to generate 3.5 lakh man-days of
employment.
• In December 2024, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) secured a ₹7,628.70 crore contract for
155mm/52 calibre K9 Vajra-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns, produced with
South Korea’s Hanwha Techwin technology transfer.
• The K9 Vajra-T guns will enhance the Indian Army’s operational readiness in
high-altitude regions like Ladakh.

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• In November 2024, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹13,500 crore contract with
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 12 Su-30MKI aircraft, incorporating
62.6% indigenous content.
• The aircraft will be produced at HAL’s Nasik division, reinforcing India’s defence
indigenisation efforts.
Recent News:
• In February 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that 250
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed for the establishment of
industrial units in the Defence Industrial Corridors of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
About Ministry of Defence:
• Cabinet Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State (MoS): Ajay Bhatt

Defence Ministry inks ₹697 crore contracts with Action Construction Equipment
Limited (ACE), JCB India for military equipment
• The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth
₹697.35 crore with ACE Limited and JCB India
Limited for procuring 1,868 Rough Terrain Fork Lift
Trucks (RTFLT) for the Indian Army, Indian Air
Force, and Indian Navy.
• The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence
Secretary R K Singh.
Key Highlights:
• RTFLT is a critical equipment that assists in combat
and logistics support by reducing manual handling
of stores and enhancing operational effectiveness.
• The procurement falls under the 'Buy (Indian)'
category, boosting domestic defence manufacturing
and generating employment, benefiting MSMEs.
• The Ministry also signed a ₹1,220.12 crore contract
with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for procuring 149 Software Defined Radios
(SDRs) for the Indian Coast Guard.
• The SDRs will enhance secure, high-speed data sharing, voice communication,
and situational awareness while improving interoperability with the Indian Navy.
• Earlier, the Ministry signed contracts worth ₹10,147 crore with Economic
Explosives Limited (EEL), Munitions India Limited (MIL), and BEL for advanced
rockets and software upgrades for the PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System
(MLRS).
• EEL and MIL will supply Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM) and High
Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets, while BEL will
upgrade the SHAKTI software.
• ADM Type-1 disperses multiple sub-munitions over a large area for targeting
mechanized forces, while HEPF Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets offer extended range
and improved precision for deep-strike operations.
• In January,2025 the Ministry signed a ₹2,960 crore deal with Bharat Dynamics
Limited (BDL) for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the
Indian Navy, expected to generate 3.5 lakh man-days of employment in the
defence sector.

APPS & PORTALS

Central Depository Services (India) (CDSL) and National Securities Depository (NSDL)

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jointly launch unified investor app

• Central Depository Services (India) (CDSL) and
National Securities Depository (NSDL) have
introduced new features in their investor apps:
o MyEasi (CDSL)
o SPEED-e (NSDL)
• The initiative is backed by SEBI to provide a
consolidated view of investor holdings across
Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs).
Key Features of MyEasi & SPEED-e Apps:
• Consolidated Securities View – Investors can see all holdings from CDSL and
NSDL on a single dashboard.
• Portfolio Management – Access transaction and holding statements in one place
for simplified tracking.
• Market Position Monitoring – Investors can track open positions and margin details
across stock exchanges and clearing corporations.
• Single-Login System – Provides seamless access to all services.
• Enhanced Security – Two-factor authentication ensures data protection.
• Multi-Platform Access – Available on Web, iOS, and Android for better
accessibility.
About CDSL :
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• MD & CEO : Nehal Vora
About NSDL :
• Founded : 1996
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO : Mr. Vijay Chandok

AWARDS AND HONOURS

Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) Wins SKOCH Award 2024
• The Nagaland Forest Management
Project (NFMP) has been recognized
with the prestigious SKOCH Award
2024, honoring its outstanding
contributions to national
development.
• The award was presented during the
100th SKOCH Summit at the India
Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
• Ango Konyak, Deputy Project Director of NFMP, and Wennyei Konyak, Resident
Commissioner of Nagaland House in New Delhi, accepted the award on behalf of the
Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (DEFCC), Government
of Nagaland (GoN).
• Supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project
focuses on forest ecosystem improvement, rehabilitation of jhum (shifting cultivation)
areas, and livelihood enhancement through sustainable practices.
Key Highlights of NFMP and SKOCH Award
1. Project Overview
• Objective: Improve forest ecosystems, support income generation, and rehabilitate
jhum areas.
• Implementing Agency: DEFCC, Government of Nagaland, with support from JICA.

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• Project Duration: 2017–2027.

2. Coverage & Impact
• Total Area Covered: 79,096 hectares under forest interventions.
• Villages Benefited: 185 villages across 11 districts and 22 forest ranges.
• Livelihood Support: Formation of 555 self-help groups for sustainable income
generation.
• Key Focus Areas:
o Sustainable forest management
o Environmental conservation
o Community-based livelihood improvements
3. SKOCH Award 2024 Recognition
• Event: 100th SKOCH Summit
• Location: India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
• Significance: The SKOCH Award is one of India’s highest independent honors,
recognizing excellence in governance, public service, and social development.

RANKING AND INDEX

Reliance Rises to 2nd Spot in FutureBrand Index 2024
• Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has made history
by securing the No. 2 position in the FutureBrand
Index 2024, surpassing Apple, Nike, and
Microsoft.
• This marks the first time an Indian company has
entered the top three of this global ranking, which
evaluates companies based on brand perception,
consumer trust, and strategic impact rather than
financial performance.
• Key Highlights

• First Indian Company to rank in the Top 3 of

FutureBrand Index
• Ranks Above Apple (#3), Microsoft (#4), and Nike
(#6)
• Massive Leap from #13 in 2023 to #2 in 2024
• Samsung Takes #1 Spot, Reliance Outperforms Global Giants
• Significant APAC & Middle East Rise, Reducing US Brand Dominance
• FutureBrand Index 2024 – Top 10 Rankings
• Rank • Company • Country

• 1st • Samsung • South Korea

• 2nd • Reliance • India

• 3rd • Apple • United States

• 4th • Microsoft • United States

• 5th • Walt Disney • United States

• 6th • Nike • United States

• 7th • Toyota • Japan

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• 8th • Netflix • United States

• 9th • Intel • United States

• 10th • Saudi Aramco • Saudi Arabia

How Did Reliance Achieve This Milestone?

• Rapid Growth & Expansion: Presence across energy, telecom, and retail
• Strong Consumer Trust & Market Influence
• Major Investments in green energy, digital services, and retail
• Global Brand Recognition backed by strategic innovation
• Diversification & Adaptability in a fast-evolving market
Global Shift in Brand Rankings
• US Brand Dominance Declining: Only 4 US brands in the top 10 (down from 7 in
2014)
• Rise of APAC & Middle Eastern Brands: Companies from India, South Korea,
Japan, and Saudi Arabia are now global leaders
• India’s Growing Corporate Influence: Reliance's success signals India’s
emergence as a global business powerhouse
Sector-Wise Performance in 2024
• Sector • Performance

• Finance • Strongest – 10/15 brands improved

• Healthcare • Struggled – 10/15 brands declined

• Consumer Staples • Balanced – 5 improved, 3 declined

• Information • Mixed – 9 improved, 11 declined

Technology
• Energy & • Declined – Big drops like Google (#57) & Meta
Communication (#52)

• Industrials • Stagnant – No major gains, Boeing dropped out

Recent news
• In Feb 2025, Reliance New Energy Battery Limited, a subsidiary of Reliance
Industries Limited, secured a 10 gigawatt-hour (GWh) capacity under the Production
Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage.
• In Feb 2025, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), the FMCG arm of Reliance
Industries, entered the sports hydration drink segment with its new brand, Spinner.

Top 10 Wealthiest Women in the World (2025):

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 Daily Current Affairs
22nd Feb 2025

• According to the Forbes Billionaire List

2024, women now constitute 13.3% of the
global billionaire population, with the top
10 wealthiest women collectively
amassing over $500 billion.
• From business moguls to industry
pioneers, these women are reshaping
financial power dynamics, proving that
wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about
innovation, leadership, and impact.
Top 10 Richest Women in the World (2025)
• R • Name • Net • Source of Wealth
a Worth
n (USD)
k
• 1 • Alice Walton • $112.5 • Walmart
billion
• 2 • Francoise Bettencourt • $74.4 • L’Oréal
Meyers & Family billion
• 3 • Julia Koch & Family • $74.2 • Koch Industries
billion
• 4 • Jacqueline Mars • $42.3 • Mars Inc
billion
• 5 • Rafaela Aponte-Diamant • $39.0 • Mediterranean Shipping
billion Company (MSC) Group

• 6 • Abigail Johnson • $36.0 • Fidelity Investments

billion
• 7 • Savitri Jindal & Family • $32.3 • JSW Group
billion
• 8 • MacKenzie Scott • $32.3 • Amazon
billion
• 9 • Miriam Adelson & Family • $31.5 • Las Vegas Sands
billion
• 1 • Marilyn Simons & Family • $31.0 • Hedge Funds
0 billion
Major Highlights
• Alice Walton Tops the List: Walmart heiress Alice Walton reclaims the No. 1
spot, surpassing L’Oréal’s Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, who had held the
position for four years.
• New Entrants: Marilyn Simons joins the list after inheriting wealth from her late
husband, hedge fund legend Jim Simons.
• India’s Richest Woman: Savitri Jindal & Family ranks 7th globally, making her
the wealthiest woman in India with a net worth of $32.3 billion.
• Legacy & Business Power: Many on the list are heiresses to family fortunes, but
several, like MacKenzie Scott and Abigail Johnson, have built strong business
and philanthropic legacies.

SPORTS NEWS
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami Creates History: Fastest Indian to 200 ODI Wickets &

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 Daily Current Affairs
22nd Feb 2025

More
• Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has
cemented his place in cricket history by
becoming the fastest Indian to reach 200
ODI wickets during the India vs
Bangladesh clash in the ICC Champions
Trophy 2025 in Dubai.
• He surpassed Ajit Agarkar’s record (133
matches) by achieving the feat in just 110
matches.
• On the global stage, Shami equaled
Pakistan’s Saqlain Mushtaq as the joint
second-fastest to reach this milestone, trailing only Mitchell Starc (102 matches).
• Additionally, he became India’s highest wicket-taker in ICC ODI tournaments with
60 wickets in 19 matches, surpassing Zaheer Khan’s 59 wickets.
Key Highlights of Shami’s Milestone
1. Fastest Indian to 200 ODI Wickets
• Achieved 200 ODI wickets in 110 matches, surpassing Ajit Agarkar’s record (133
matches).
• Became the eighth Indian bowler to reach this milestone.
• Joint second fastest globally, alongside Saqlain Mushtaq (110 matches).
• Only Mitchell Starc (102 matches) has reached the mark faster.
2. Record-Breaking Performance in ICC ODI Events
• Became India’s highest wicket-taker in ICC ODI tournaments with 60 wickets in 19
matches.
• Surpassed Zaheer Khan’s record (59 wickets in ICC ODI events).
• Holds the best strike rate (15.5) in ICC ODI tournaments among bowlers with at least
50 wickets.
• Took a five-wicket haul in the match against Bangladesh.

Rohit Sharma Becomes Second Fastest to 11,000 ODI Runs

• Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma achieved a
historic milestone by becoming the second fastest
batsman to reach 11,000 runs in One-Day
Internationals (ODIs).
• He accomplished this feat during India’s
Champions Trophy 2025 match against
Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, 2025.
• With this, Rohit became the fourth Indian and the
10th player overall in ODI history to reach this
landmark.
Key Highlights
1. Rohit Sharma’s 11,000-Run Milestone
• Achieved 11,000 ODI runs in just 261 innings and
270 matches.
• Became the second fastest to the milestone, only behind Virat Kohli (222
innings).
• Reached the milestone in the fourth over of India’s chase of 229 runs, with a
boundary off Mustafizur Rahman over mid-on.
• Fourth Indian cricketer to reach 11,000 runs, after Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav
Ganguly, and Virat Kohli.

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 Daily Current Affairs
22nd Feb 2025

• Rohit Sharma surpassed legends like Tendulkar, Ponting, and Ganguly in

terms of speed to 11,000 runs.
• 10th player overall in ODI cricket history to achieve this feat.
2. Comparison with Other ODI Batting Legends
• Player • Innings Taken to Reach 11,000 ODI
Runs

• Virat Kohli • 222

• Rohit • 261
Sharma
• Sachin • 276
Tendulkar
• Ricky • 286
Ponting
• Sourav • 288
Ganguly
3. Rohit Sharma’s ODI Career Stats (As of Feb 20, 2025)
• Total ODI Matches Played – 270
• Total ODI Runs Scored – 11,000+
• Batting Average – Nearly 50
• Total Centuries – 32
• Total Half-Centuries – 52
• Total Sixes Hit – 338 (Second highest in ODI history, behind Shahid Afridi’s 351)
4. Position in India’s All-Time ODI Run Scorers
• Player • Total ODI • R
Runs a
n
k

• Sachin • 18,426 • 1
Tendulkar s
t

• Virat Kohli • 13,985 • 2

n
d

• Sourav • 11,363 • 3
Ganguly r
d

• Rohit • 11,000+ • 4
Sharma t
h

• Rahul Dravid • 10,889 • 5

t
h

• MS Dhoni • 10,773 • 6

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 Daily Current Affairs
22nd Feb 2025

t
h

IMPORTANT DAYS
World Scout Day 2025: 22nd February
• World Scout Day is celebrated
every 22nd February.
• Each year on February 22nd, we honour
Robert Baden-birth Powell's anniversary
by celebrating World Scout Day.
History:
• The World Scout Day history. Baden-Powell maintained a testing center on
Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset, in 1907.
• He fetched concurrently 22 boys and positioned them in the base under his
supervision. Some of the boys were from working-class homes and some others
were from public schools.
• The whole world was awaiting the result of the base. In 1908, ‘Scouting for
Boys’ was published by Baden Powell for the first time.
• The book deal was excellent. Boys formed Scout Patrols for the first time by
themselves. The training camp paved the way for the formation of an organization.
The youth of the country were highly influenced by this act and started to train
themselves to serve society. ‘Scouting for Boys’ has since been deciphered into
many distinct vocabularies and lingoes.
• Following this, the boys started developing Scout Troops nationwide. In 1908, an
office was simultaneously set up to satisfy the queries related to the scout
movement.
• Scouting was spread throughout the British Commonwealth and to different
countries, and the youth training became famous. In 1920, the foremost global
Scout Jamboree abode spot was Olympia, London. Powell was lauded as Chief
Scout of the World unanimously. During the third World Scout Jamboree, in 1929, he
welcomed a car nicknamed Jam-Roll. He also obtained an Eccles Caravan.
• He played a great role in improving the education of the youth and facilizing the free
mind and mentality.
• He was the one who gave the cue to the Scouting movement. According to the
estimation, by 1939 3.3 million scouts are present in the world.

World Thinking Day: 22nd February

• World Thinking Day 2025 is
observed on 22nd February.
History
• In 1926, delegates from across the
world met at Camp Edith Macy, now
named the Edith Macy Conference
Center in New York for the 4th World Conference, and decided to create a day for
guides and Girl Scouts.
• They selected the joint birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout and
Guide movement, and his wife Olave as the Thinking Day.
• In 1999, during the Dubai Conference, the name of Thinking Day was changed to
‘World Thinking Day.’
Daily CA One- Liner: February 22

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 Daily Current Affairs
22nd Feb 2025

• India has made a significant advancement in modernizing its aviation sector by

launching the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for flight crew.
• The Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) has been recognized with the
prestigious SKOCH Award 2024, honoring its outstanding contributions to
national development
• Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has made history by securing the No. 2 position
in the FutureBrand Index 2024, surpassing Apple, Nike, and Microsoft
• According to the Forbes Billionaire List 2024, women now constitute 13.3% of the
global billionaire population, with the top 10 wealthiest women collectively
amassing over $500 billion
• Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has cemented his place in cricket history by
becoming the fastest Indian to reach 200 ODI wickets during the India vs
Bangladesh clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai
• Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma achieved a historic milestone by becoming the
second fastest batsman to reach 11,000 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
• Bank lending to NBFCs grew at 6.7% in 2024, compared to 15% in 2023, reaching
₹16.22 lakh crore as of December 2024, according to RBI data.
• India's economic growth is projected to slow to 6.4% in 2025, down from 6.6% in
2024, primarily due to new U.S. tariffs and weakening global demand impacting
exports, according to a report by Moody's Analytics.
• RBI received bids worth ₹1.87 trillion against the notified amount of ₹40,000 crore
at the OMO auction.
• India is projected to become a high-income country by 2047 with a GDP of USD
23-35 trillion, a report by Bain & Company and Nasscom.
• The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2025-26, presented by State Finance Minister Suresh
Kumar Khanna on February 20, 2025, has a total outlay of ₹8,08,736 crore.
• Professor Sabyasachi Kar has been appointed as the Director of the Institute of
Economic Growth (IEG), New Delhi, effective February 6, 2025.
• The government has extended the tenure of Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V
Anantha Nageswaran by more than two years until March 31, 2027.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced senior-level appointments, with Vyomesh
Kapasi moving to head products in the consumer bank.
• The central government has extended NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam’s
term by a year, beyond February 24, 2025, or until further orders.
• The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,220.12 crore contract with Bharat
Electronics Limited (BEL) for 149 Software Defined Radios for the Indian Coast
Guard.
• The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹697.35 crore with ACE Ltd and
JCB India Ltd for procuring 1,868 Rough Terrain Fork Lift Trucks (RTFLT) for the
Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy.
• Central Depository Services (India) (CDSL) and National Securities Depository
(NSDL) have introduced new features in their investor apps
• World Scout Day is celebrated every 22nd February.
• World Thinking Day 2025 is observed on 22nd February

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