Daily Current Affairs- 18th February 2025

Daily Current Affairs 18^th February 2025

NATIONAL

Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurated NAKSHA Land Survey Program

• Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories at Raisen, Madhya Pradesh today (February 18). 

Madhya Pradesh unveils India's first dedicated GCC policy

• Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to bring a dedicated Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy that looks to position the state as a leading hub for global innovation and collaboration. 

Gujarat Launches G-SAFAL to Uplift 50,000 Underprivileged Women

• The Gujarat government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has launched G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods), a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged families, especially women, and promoting economic self-sufficiency. 

SPORTS

Campa Cola Replaces Thums Up as IPL 2025 Co-Presenter

• Campa Cola, a beverage brand owned by Reliance Consumer Products, has secured the co-presenting rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The deal, valued at Rs 200 crore, marks a significant shift in India’s beverage market, traditionally dominated by global giants like Coca-Cola. 

Jacob Kiplimo Breaks Half-Marathon World Record in Barcelona

• Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo made history in Barcelona by shattering the world half-marathon record. The 24-year-old, who reclaimed the title he held in 2021, set a new record by finishing the 21.0975 km race in an astounding 56 minutes and 42 seconds. 

Indonesia Defeats China to Win Their First Asia Mixed Team Title

• Indonesia secured its first-ever Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championship title by defeating defending champions China with a commanding 3-1 win at the Conson Sports Centre in Qingdao, China. Cheered by an enthusiastic crowd, the Indonesian team displayed remarkable skill and determination, sealing their triumph with a dominant performance in the men’s doubles match. This victory marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s badminton legacy, breaking China’s stronghold in the tournament. 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Elon Musk Unveils Grok 3 AI: The Smartest AI on Earth

• Elon Musk and his artificial intelligence company xAI have launched Grok 3, an advanced AI chatbot that promises to be the most intelligent AI ever The launch event, which attracted nearly 100,000 viewers, showcased the remarkable capabilities of Grok 3, its development process, and how it outperforms leading AI models. 

OBITUARY

C Krishnaveni, Pioneer of Telugu Cinema, passes away

• C Krishnaveni, the veteran Telugu actor and producer, passed away at the age of 102 in Hyderabad on Sunday due to age-related issues. She is remembered for her significant contributions to the Telugu film industry, particularly for introducing legendary figures like NT Rama Rao (NTR) and Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao to the screen. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar appointed as Chief Election Commissioner

• Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), as the tenure of incumbent poll body Chief Rajiv Kumar ends, CEC Gyanesh Kumar is a former IAS officer from the 1988 batch of the Kerala cadre. He has served as secretary in the ministry of parliamentary affairs. 

SUMMITS & MOUs

The 8th Indian Ocean Conference took place in Oman

• The 8th Indian Ocean Conference took place in Muscat, Oman, from February 16–17, The India Foundation organized it in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, "Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership" was the theme of the conference.