Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 18th February 2025

Prime Minister’s Yoga Award:

The Ministry of Ayush announces the opening of nominations for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards for the 2025 edition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY2025).

• Prime Minister’s Yoga Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant and sustained contributions to the promotion and development of Yoga, both nationally and internationally.
• It was established to honor the profound impact of Yoga on society and aim to celebrate exemplary contributions to the field, reinforcing Yoga’s role in disease prevention, health promotion, and the management of lifestyle-related disorders.
• The awards will be conferred in the National Individual, National Organization, International Individual, and International Organization categories, with each winner receiving a Trophy, Certificate, and a Cash Award of Rs. 25 lakh.
• Individuals applying must be 40 years or older and should have at least 20 years of dedicated service in Yoga promotion.
• Entities can apply directly or be nominated by a prominent Yoga organization. Each applicant/nominee can apply for only one category (National or International) per year.
• A Screening Committee constituted by the Ministry of Ayush will review all applications and recommend a maximum of 50 names per award category to the Evaluation Jury.
• The Jury, comprising eminent personalities from various fields, will be the apex decision-making body.

Mount Etna : Erupted Once Again

Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, has erupted once again, sending lava flows and thick clouds of ash into the sky.

• Mount Etna Also known by its Latin name ‘Aetna,’ Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano situated in the Metropolitan City of Catania on the eastern coast of the Italian island of Sicily.
• It is located above the convergent plate boundary between the African and Eurasian Plates, and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
• It is one of Europe’s tallest active volcanoes and Italy’s highest peak, located south of the Alps.
• Etna covers an area of 1,190 sq km with a basal circumference of 140 km.
• Due to its recent volcanic activities and closeness to densely populated areas, the United Nations designated Mount Etna as a Decade Volcano.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

White-Winged Duck : Spotted

A pair of rare endangered white-winged ducks (Deo Hanh), which is the state bird of Assam, was spotted in Dihing Patkai National Park by conservationists and forest officials recently.

• The White-Winged Duck, also known as the White-Winged Wood Duck, is a large, rare, and endangered species of duck found in freshwater wetlands and dense tropical forests of South and Southeast Asia.
• Scientific Name: Asarcornis scutulata
• In Assamese, it is known as ‘Deo Hans’ or spirit duck because of its ghostly call.
• It is considered one of the most threatened waterfowl species in the world.
• In India, it is mostly found in the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and the wetlands of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• It has a black body, a white head that is thickly spotted with black, conspicuous white patches on the wings, and red or orange eyes.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

Colorectal Diseases:

Medical experts have raised alarms over the rising incidence of colorectal diseases in India.

• Colorectal disease is a general term used to describe many digestive conditions that affect the colon and rectum.
• These diseases can be inflammatory, infectious, functional, or cancerous.
• These conditions can range from mild to severe.
• Colorectal diseases include colon and rectal cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, among others.
• Colorectal diseases are very common.
• Some can cause recognizable symptoms such as abdominal pain or rectal bleeding. Others may progress silently, detectable only through screenings.
• Common symptoms of colorectal diseases include:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood in your stool
  • Diarrhea or constipation that doesn’t go away
  • Rectal or anal pain
• Prevention & Public Health Measures:
  • Dietary Changes: High-fiber diet (whole grains, fruits, vegetables), reduced red meat consumption.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Regular physical activity, adequate hydration, avoiding smoking, and alcohol.
  • Screening & Early Detection:
  • Colonoscopy for individuals > 45 years.
  • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for detecting hidden blood in stool.
  • Public Health Initiatives: Awareness programs on colorectal cancer screening and lifestyle modifications.

Gulf of Eilat: Study

A new study reveals that coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat experienced a surprising 3,000-year ‘shutdown’ in growth, from about 4,400 to 1,000 years ago, likely due to a temporary drop in sea level that could have been caused by global cooling.

• Gulf of Eilat is also known as Gulf of Aqaba which is the northeastern extension of the Red Sea.
• The northern portion of the Red Sea is divided by the Sinai Peninsula into the Gulf of Aqaba in the east and the Gulf of Suez in the west.
• It is located along the southeastern edge of the Sinai Peninsula and to the west of the Arabian Peninsula.
• It forms an integral part of the East African Rift System and was created by seismic activity along the Afro-Syrian Rift.
• The Tiran Strait connects the Gulf of Aqaba with the Red Sea. It also serves as a connecting point between the continents of Asia and Africa.
• It supports unique and diverse aquatic ecosystems and serves as a vital habitat for some of the world’s richest coral reefs.
• It is bordered by the countries of Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
• Some of the major cities that are situated on the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba include Taba (Egypt), Eilat (Israel), and Aqaba (Jordan).

DNA Nano Rafts:

A study published in Nature Materials has introduced a revolutionary technique using DNA Nanorafts to create Artificial Cells that can work like biological membranes.These programmable nanostructures can reshape membranes, form pathways, and react to surroundings, advancing medicine, biosensors, and artificial life research. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) nano-rafts are tiny, flat structures made from DNA strands which can be programmed to control the shape and permeability of cell membranes in response to specific chemical signals.

Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States 2024 Report:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has released a report titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking” highlighting the progress in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across India.

• It is also referred to as the Panchayat Devolution Index 2024 which evaluates the autonomy and empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by assessing the devolution of powers and resources across Indian states and Union Territories.
• It assesses Panchayats’ autonomy in decision-making and implementation, reflecting Article 243G of the Constitution.
• It assesses six critical dimensions i.e., Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability of the Panchayats.

Key Findings:

• The overall devolution to rural local bodies increased from 39.9% in 2013-14 to 43.9% in 2021-22.
• State Rankings: Top 5 States are Karnataka (1st), Kerala (2nd), Tamil Nadu (3rd), Maharashtra (4th) and Uttar Pradesh (5th) .
• Lowest-ranked states/UTs are Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (13.62), Puducherry (16.16), and Ladakh (16.18).
  Improvements in Infrastructure: Government efforts have strengthened PRIs through infrastructure, staffing, and digitalization, raising the functionaries index from 39.6% to 50.9%.
• The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA, 2018) boosted the capacity enhancement component of the Index from 44% to 54.6%.

Konda Veduru Bamboo in the Godavari Valley:

The Konda Veduru bamboo variety (Dendrocalamus strictus), often referred to as the ‘Green Gold’, plays a significant role in the cultural, nutritional, and economic practices of the Konda Reddi tribe.Konda Veduru Bamboo: Native to the Eastern Ghats, primarily found in the Godavari river valley (spreads across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Chhattisgarh). Konda Veduru bamboo shoots is a staple food for the Konda Reddi tribe. Known for its nutritional benefits, rich in proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and iron, with women traditionally harvesting the Bamboo shoots.

Forbes India 30 Under 30 2025:

The Forbes India 30 Under 30 list for 2025 features 42 young achievers across 19 categories, including the newly introduced AI sector. This edition recognizes entrepreneurs, professionals, and artists driving innovation and social impact.This year’s list introduces the Artificial Intelligence (AI) category for the first time, highlighting the growing impact of AI-driven innovations. The honorees include entrepreneurs, professionals, and artists who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields while also driving social change through sustainability and community-focused ventures.

Cristiano Ronaldo Tops 2025’s Highest-Paid Athletes List:

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again proven his dominance in the world of sports by securing the top spot on the 2025 list of highest-paid athletes. According to reports, the Portuguese football star earned a staggering $285 million, combining his $200 million annual salary from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and an additional $65 million from endorsements and business ventures.

Deregulation Commission to Reduce State’s Role in Governance:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a Deregulation Commission aimed at reducing the role of the state in governance. Speaking at the ET Now Global Business Summit, Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and promoting ease of doing business. This move aligns with the broader vision of transforming India into a more business-friendly and efficient economy.The Deregulation Commission will focus on eliminating unnecessary regulations and simplifying governance structures. Modi stated that the government has already removed hundreds of outdated compliances and, through the implementation of Jan Vishwas 2.0, aims to further reduce archaic rules that hinder businesses.

Bank of Maharashtra Receives RBI Approval to Establish Branch in GIFT City:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted permission to the Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) to set up a branch in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This strategic move aims to enhance BoM’s offshore banking operations from India, aligning with the bank’s expansion plans in the region.With the new branch in GIFT City, BoM is poised to significantly boost its business in Gujarat. The bank currently operates 101 branches in the state and has set an ambitious target to increase its business by 25%, aiming to surpass ₹15,000 crore by the second quarter of the financial year 2024-25.

Meta’s 50,000 km Cable to Boost India-US Digital Connectivity:

Meta has launched an ambitious project named Project Waterworth, which will lay down a 50,000-kilometer undersea cable to improve digital connectivity between India and the United States. This initiative is expected to offer faster and more reliable internet services across multiple regions, not just between India and the US, but also in South America and Africa.

BHARAT TEX 2025:

BHARAT TEX 2025, one of the largest global textiles events, is returning with its second edition from February 14 to 17, 2025. This prestigious event, backed by the Ministry of Textiles, aims to showcase India’s textile industry to the world by bringing together key stakeholders, including manufacturers, buyers, industry experts, and innovators.The event will be hosted across two major venues:Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi ,India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida

SEBI has launched a dedicated portal:

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a dedicated portal for Related Party Transactions (RPT). This move is aimed at streamlining the reporting and monitoring of RPTs, ensuring that listed entities adhere to stringent disclosure norms. The new RPT portal represents a significant effort in SEBI’s ongoing mission to create a more transparent and accountable market environment.

President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ in New Delhi:

The National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ was inaugurated by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in New Delhi on February 16, 2025. The festival, organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is a celebration of India’s rich tribal heritage, culture, and traditions. The event is being held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, from February 16 to 24, 2025.

Fitch Ratings predicts a 10 basis points decline in Indian banks’ net interest margins (NIMs) in FY26:

Indian banks are set to experience a decline in their net interest margins (NIMs) by an estimated 10 basis points in the financial year 2025-26, as per a report by Fitch Ratings. This forecast follows the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) decision to lower the key policy rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% in February 2025. The rate cut marks the first such move in nearly five years, signaling the beginning of an easing cycle aimed at boosting economic activity. However, it also brings challenges for banks as lower lending rates are expected to squeeze margins, especially in the short term

Philippines Set to Acquire $200 Million Akash Missile System from India:

India is making strides in its defense exports, with a potential $200 million deal on the table for the supply of its Akash missile system to the Philippines. This deal, which is expected to be finalized in the current fiscal year, highlights India’s growing presence in the global defense market and strengthens ties with the Philippines, a nation that is actively enhancing its military capabilities. The Akash missile system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has attracted international attention due to its advanced technology, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency.

JioHotstar Merger: Uniting JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar

Reliance Industries and Disney have joined forces to launch a game-changing streaming platform, JioHotstar, marking the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. This move is aimed at consolidating India’s streaming landscape, offering a more comprehensive and diverse experience to users. By combining the strengths of both platforms, JioHotstar brings together a massive library of content, including live sports, premium entertainment, and exclusive international content. The shift to JioHotstar will not only enhance user experience but also provide a more unified platform for millions of viewers across India.