Daily Current Affairs- 16th February 2025

Daily Current Affairs 16^th February 2025

NATIONAL

President Droupadi Murmu to inaugurate Aadi Mahotsav 2025 

• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Aadi Mahotsav 2025 at the Major Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday (February 16) The event aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, crafts, culture, cuisine, and commerce of tribal communities. 

Navika Sagar Parikrama II: Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa Script History

• Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Rupa A of the Indian Navy have achieved a historic milestone by sailing INSV Tarini past Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America, during the third phase of the ‘Sagar Parikrama II’ expedition. 

Nature and Bird Festival 2025 inaugurated at Mahakumbh with Indian skimmer as the mascot

• The Nature and Bird Festival- 2025 was inaugurated today (February 16) at the Mahakumbh on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj. Akashvani correspondent reports that the Indian skimmer has been chosen as the mascot for the Festival, symbolizing the confluence of faith and conservation. 

SPORTS

Delhi Open: Unseeded Japanese pair of Imamura-Noguchi secure men’s doubles title

• In tennis, the Unseeded Japanese duo of Masamichi Imamura and Rio Noguchi clinched the Delhi Open Doubles title with a 6-4, 6-3 win over India’s Niki Poonacha and Courtney Lock of Zimbabwe at the DLTA Complex. 

OBITUARY

Padma Shri Awardee Sukri Bommagowda Passed Away

• Renowned folk singer and Padma Shri awardee Sukri Bommagowda, also known as Sukrajji, passed away on February 13, 2025, at the age of 88. She had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Manipal, Karnataka, before her demise. Sukri Bommagowda was a revered figure in Karnataka’s Halakki Vokkaliga community, known for her efforts to preserve folk traditions through music. 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

ICAI Appoints New President and Vice-President for 2025-26

• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced the appointment of CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda is its 73rd President and CA. Prasanna Kumar D is the Vice-President for the term 2025-26. Their leadership tenure begins on February 12, 2025. ICAI, which plays a crucial role in regulating the accounting profession in India, has entrusted it with the responsibility of guiding the institution in maintaining high professional standards. 

RANKING

Sportico's 100 Top Highest-Paid Athletes

• 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.
• The rankings of the world’s richest athletes for 2025 include stars from football, basketball, golf, and American football. Here are the top earners:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $285 million
2. Jon Rahm – $218 million
3. Lionel Messi – $135 million
4. LeBron James – $128.7 million
5. Neymar – $110 million
6. Stephen Curry – $105.8 million
7. Karim Benzema – $104 million
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $93.8 million
9. Kylian Mbappé – $90 million
10. Jared Goff – $85.6 million 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Bank of Maharashtra gets RBI nod for opening GIFT City branch

• State-owned Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India to set up an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit at GIFT City.