Current Affairs for UPSC – 22-02-2025

1. India Signs Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK

Context:

•     India and the United Kingdom finalized a Free Trade
  Agreement (FTA) to boost economic ties.

Background:

•     The FTA negotiations began in 2021 to enhance
  bilateral trade and investments.

Significance:

• Reduces tariffs on key goods and services.
• Strengthens economic relations postBrexit.
• Benefits Indian industries such as textiles, IT, and
  pharmaceuticals.

UPSC Relevance:

• Economy (Trade Agreements), International Relations
  (IndiaUK Ties).

2. ISRO Successfully Tests ‘Reusable Launch Vehicle’
(RLV) in Karnataka

Context:

• ISRO conducted a successful test flight of the
  Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) from Chitradurga, Karnataka.

Background:

• The RLV project aims to develop cost-effective
  satellite launch systems.
• The test was part of ISRO’s push towards space
  sustainability.

Significance:

• Reduces the cost of space missions.
• Enhances India’s position in the global space
  industry.
• Supports India’s long-term goal of manned space
  missions.

UPSC Relevance:

• Science & Technology (Space), Economy (Aerospace
  Industry).

3. India’s First Hydrogen Powered Bus Fleet Launched
in Delhi

Context:

• The Delhi government introduced India’s first fleet of
  hydrogen powered buses.

Significance:

• Reduces air pollution in urban areas.
• Supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Aligns with India’s net zero emissions target by 2070.

UPSC Relevance:

• Environment (Sustainable Transport), Infrastructure
  (Urban Planning).

4. Rajasthan Implements ‘Right to Health’ Law

Context:

• The Rajasthan government officially implemented the
  ‘Right to Health’ Act.

Background: 

• The law was passed to provide free and
  universal healthcare to residents.

Significance:

• Strengthens India’s public healthcare system.
• Ensures legal backing for essential health services.
• May serve as a model for other states.

UPSC Relevance:

• Governance (Health Policies), Social Justice.

5. G20 Finance Ministers’ Meeting Held in Paris

Context:

• The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’
  Meeting focused on global economic recovery.

Significance:

• Discussed global inflation and economic slowdown.
• Addressed debt relief for developing nations.
• Emphasized digital currencies and AI in finance.

UPSC Relevance:

• Economy (Global Finance), International Relations
  (G20).

6. Indian Railways Introduces AI Based Safety System
‘RAILSAFE’

Context:

• Indian Railways launched ‘RAILSAFE’, an AI powered
  system for accident prevention.

Significance:

• Enhances railway safety and efficiency.
• Reduces human error in train operations.
• Supports India’s goal of modernizing railway
  infrastructure.

UPSC Relevance:

• Infrastructure (Railways), Science & Technology
  (AI in Transport).

 

7. Kerala Achieves 100% Digital Literacy

Context:

• Kerala became the first Indian state to achieve 100%
  digital literacy.

Significance:

• Promotes digital inclusion and E governance.
• Enhances access to online education and financial
  services.
• Strengthens India’s Digital India Mission.

UPSC Relevance:

• Governance (Digital India), Education Reforms.

 

8. India and Japan Conduct Joint Naval Exercise in
Indian Ocean

Context:

• The Indian Navy and Japan’s Maritime Self Défense
  Force (JMSDF) held a joint maritime drill.

Significance:

• Strengthens IndoPacific security cooperation.
• Enhances India’s maritime defence capabilities.
• Reinforces the Quad alliance (India, Japan, USA,
  Australia).

UPSC Relevance:

• Defence (Maritime Security), International Relations (India
  Japan Ties).

 

9. Supreme Court Directs States to Implement Uniform
Civil Code (UCC) Framework

Context:

• The Supreme Court issued a directive to states for a
  structured roadmap on UCC implementation.

Significance:

• Aims to ensure uniformity in personal laws.
• Sparks legal and political debates.
• Impacts fundamental rights and secularism.

UPSC Relevance:

• Polity (Uniform Civil Code), Governance (Legal
  Reforms).

 

10. Mumbai to Host 2025 World Urban Forum

Context:

• Mumbai was chosen as the host city for the 2025 World
  Urban Forum.

Significance:

• Highlights India’s urban development initiatives.
• Brings global focus on India’s smart city projects.

UPSC Relevance:

• Governance (Urban Planning), Infrastructure (Smart
  Cities Mission).

11. India’s Forex Reserves Reach All Time High of $660
Billion

Context:

• India’s foreign exchange reserves touched a record
  $660 billion.

Significance:

• Strengthens India’s economic stability.
• Enhances investor confidence in the Indian economy.

UPSC Relevance:

• Economy (Foreign Exchange), Financial Stability.

 

12. First 3DPrinted Housing Project Inaugurated in
Hyderabad

Context:

• India’s first 3Dprinted housing project was
  inaugurated in Hyderabad.

Significance:

• Reduces construction costs and time.
• Supports affordable housing initiatives.
• Encourages technological innovation in infrastructure.

UPSC Relevance:

• Infrastructure (Smart Construction), Science &
  Technology.

 

13. WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Over New
Virus Outbreak

Context:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a health
  emergency due to a new viral outbreak.

Significance:

• Raises concerns over global pandemic preparedness.
• Impacts international travel and trade.

UPSC Relevance:

• Health (Pandemic Management), International
  Organizations.

 

14. India Expands ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP)
Export Initiative

Context:

• The government expanded ODOP to boost district wise
  exports.

Significance:

• Promotes local entrepreneurship.
• Strengthens India’s MSME sector.

UPSC Relevance:

• Economy (MSME Development), Governance (Make in
  India).

 

15. Indian Origin Scientist Wins Nobel Prize in
Physics

Context:

• An Indian origin scientist received the Nobel Prize
  for groundbreaking research in quantum physics.

Significance:

• Highlights India’s scientific talent.
• Strengthens India’s global scientific reputation.

UPSC Relevance:

• Science & Technology (Quantum Computing),
  Achievements of Indians Abroad.

Conclusion

For UPSC aspirants, analysing current affairs is
essential for all three stages of the exam. The events of 22 February 2025
cover critical topics in economy, governance, international relations, defence,
science, and environment.
Prelims Strategy:

• Focus on factual details such as agreements, rankings,
  and schemes.

Mains Strategy:

• Analyse the impact of these developments on India’s
  growth and policies.

Interview Strategy:

• Form opinions on major national and international
  issues.

Stay informed, practice answer writing, and integrate
current affairs into your UPSC preparation!