Daily Current Affairs- 27th February 2025

Daily Current Affairs 27th February 2025

INTERNATIONAL

Denmark’s New Climate Initiative

• Denmark has announced the launch of the Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI) to strengthen its collaboration with India on sustainable energy solutions. This initiative aims to accelerate both nations’ commitment to global carbon neutrality through business, research, and governmental cooperation. 

Friedrich Merz Ascends as Germany’s New Chancellor

• In a major political development, Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is set to take over as Germany’s next chancellor. His party, in alliance with the Christian Social Union (CSU), secured victory in the 2025 federal elections, marking a shift in Germany’s leadership after the tenure of Olaf Scholz. At 69, Merz will be the oldest person to assume the role since Konrad Adenauer in 1949. 

NATIONAL

Indian Army signs deal with L&T for 223 automatic chemical agent detection systems

• The Indian Army has signed a contract for the procurement of 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems with Larsen & Toubro Limited at a cost of over 80 crore rupees.
• The ACADA system is used to detect chemical warfare agents and program toxic industrial chemicals by sampling the air from the environment, The contract was signed with L&T Limited under the Buy Indian category. 

N Chandrasekaran Appointed as Chairman of Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation

• Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, has been appointed as the head of the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF). Established as a Section 8 entity by the late Ratan Tata, the Foundation focuses on philanthropy and technological research to contribute to Indian society. The appointment was made by Mehli Mistry, Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, and Darius Khambata. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World NGO Day

• World NGO Day was officially recognised in 2010 and was first celebrated on February 27, 2014. The day was suggested by Marcis Liors Skadmanis, a social entrepreneur from Latvia, to acknowledge the vital role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in global development.
• THEME: The official theme for World NGO Day 2025 is “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future". This theme highlights the importance of local NGOs in fostering sustainable development and making a lasting impact on society. 

World Protein Day

• World Protein Day, celebrated annually on February 27, aims to raise awareness about the importance of protein in human nutrition. It highlights the health benefits of adequate protein intake while addressing the challenges of protein deficiency. This observance also underscores the role of protein-rich foods in enhancing global nutritional security, ensuring better health and well-being for individuals worldwide. 

SUMMITS & MOUs

DPIIT signs MoU with Paytm to boost innovation

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed an MoU with Paytm to foster innovation and accelerate the growth of manufacturing and fintech startups in the country, The partnership aims to support fintech hardware startups through mentorship and innovation guidance, helping them develop and scale payment and financial technology solutions. 

HAL and BEML sign MoU for collaboration in learning and development

• To collaborate on leadership and technical training programmes aimed at skill development and professional excellence, Hindustan Aeronautical Limited and Bharat Earth Movers Limited signed an MoU, under this strategic collaboration, HMA will design and deliver induction training, middle and senior management training, specialized workshops, and certification programs in key areas such as Six Sigma, Quality, Reliability, Data Analytics, and Industry 4.0. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

SEBI Fines BSE’s ICCL ₹5 Crore for Regulatory Violations

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a penalty of ₹5.05 crore on the Indian Clearing Corporation Ltd. (ICCL), a subsidiary of BSE Ltd., for regulatory violations. The penalty follows an inspection that revealed non-compliance with SEBI’s cybersecurity framework, IT asset management, and disaster recovery protocols. 

PNB Partners with ITBP to Provide Exclusive Banking Benefits

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to provide specialized banking services and exclusive financial benefits to ITBP personnel, pensioners, and their families. The agreement, formalized on February 11, 2025, aims to enhance financial security for ITBP members by offering high insurance coverage and better banking services. 

HDFC Bank Launches Anmol Salary Account

• HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has launched India’s first Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Salary Account with a cyber fraud cover named ‘Anmol Savings Account’.
• According to the press release the bank offers a cyber fraud cover* up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs to senior citizens while the cyber fraud cover, varies from Rs. 25,000-50,000 for professionals. Similarly, the ‘Speciale Gold Women’ account gives a cancer cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs for women.