Daily Current Affairs- 17th February 2025

Daily Current Affairs 17^th February 2025

INTERNATIONAL

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

• India is making strides in its defence 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 defence market and strengthens ties with the Philippines. 

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. 

NATIONAL

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. 

SPORTS

Nerveless Niemann overhauls Ancer to win LIV Golf Adelaide title

• Joaquin Niemann hit a stunning seven-under par final round of 65 to claim the LIV Golf Adelaide title on Sunday, finishing on 13-under par to win by three shots as Sergio Garcia's Fireballs quartet claimed victory in the team event. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Tourism Resilience Day

• World Tourism Resilience Day, celebrated on February 17, emphasizes the importance of sustainable and resilient tourism development. Tourism contributes to economic growth, poverty reduction, and environmental protection. It is a major source of income for many developing countries.
• The United Nations proclaimed World Tourism Resilience Day on February 17, 2023, to encourage resilient tourism development. The day was first celebrated on February 17, 2023. 

International Childhood Cancer Day

• International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), observed on February 15 each year, is a global movement focused on raising awareness about childhood cancer and advocating for improved treatments and support for young cancer patients and their families.
• Established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International (CCI), ICCD emphasizes the need for early detection, better healthcare accessibility, and continuous medical research. The day highlights the challenges faced by children battling cancer and promotes community participation in addressing these issues. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2025 Sportstar Aces Awards

• Indian hockey legend P.R. Sreejesh and ace shooter Manu Bhaker hogged the limelight in the 2025 Sportstar Aces Awards held at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai on Friday (February 14, 2024). 

Conclave, named best film at BAFTAs, ‘The Brutalist’ also honoured

• Conclave, named best film at BAFTAs, ‘The Brutalist’ also honoured Papal selection thriller “Conclave” and period drama “The Brutalist” were the big winners at the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, winning four prizes each.
• “Conclave”, which had led nominations with 12 nods, won the night’s most coveted award, best film, as well as an outstanding British film, best-adapted screenplay and best editing. 

Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani was awarded the Gold Seal of Approval by the Joint Commission International

• Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani is thrilled to announce that it has received the esteemed Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, the World’s First Hospital to earn the distinguished Gold Seal of Approval for its firm resolve towards patient safety, quality healthcare, and continuous improvement in medical practices. This accreditation recognizes the hospital’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of care and operational excellence, setting it apart as one of the leading healthcare providers in the region.