Current Affairs

Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2025 Held in New Delhi (22-24 February)

The Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2025 was inaugurated in New Delhi on 22nd February 2025 by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The three-day fair is themed “Unnat Krishi – Viksit Bharat” and will conclude on 24th February, with Ministers Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary as Chief Guests at the Valedictory Session.

Key attractions include live demonstrations of advanced agricultural technologies developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and exhibitions showcasing innovations from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Farmers’ Producer Organizations, entrepreneurs, and start-ups.

The event also features technical sessions and farmer-scientist interactions on topics such as climate-resilient agriculture, crop diversification, digital agriculture, and entrepreneurship development for youth and women. On-spot agro-advisory services will also be available for farmers.

RBI imposes monetary penalty on Citibank, Asirvad Micro Finance, and JM Financial

On 21st February 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on three financial institutions for regulatory non-compliance:

Citibank was fined ₹39 lakh for violating directions related to the Large Exposures Framework and Furnishing of Credit Information to Credit Information Companies.

Asirvad Micro Finance Limited was fined ₹6.2 lakh for failing to report borrowers’ household income, not providing factsheets to certain gold loan customers, and lacking an auto-escalation system for rejected complaints.

JM Financial Home Loans Limited was fined ₹1.5 lakh for not disclosing the approach for risk gradation and the rationale behind different interest rates for different borrower categories.

RBI clarified that these penalties are due to regulatory deficiencies and do not question the validity of transactions or agreements with customers.

Madhya Pradesh: Home to the Highest Number of Vultures

Madhya Pradesh has now become the state with the highest number of vultures in India. In a recent census conducted by the Forest Department, the vulture population reached 12,981. The census covered 16 circles, 64 divisions, and 9 protected areas in the state. Since the census began in 2016, the vulture population has steadily increased, from 8,397 in 2019 to 10,845 in 2024.

There are 7 species of vultures in Madhya Pradesh, with 4 being local and 3 migratory. The winter season is ideal for conducting the census as both local and migratory vultures can be easily counted.

Vultures are large birds of prey that primarily feed on carrion (dead animals). They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up animal remains, which helps prevent the spread of diseases. Vultures have sharp beaks, strong talons, and excellent eyesight to locate food from great distances.

Extension of Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran’s Term as Chief Economic Adviser

The tenure of Chief Economic Adviser Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran has been extended by two years, now set to continue until March 2027. This decision, announced on February 20, 2025, reflects the government’s confidence in his economic policies and vision. Dr. Nageswaran, who first took office in January 2022, has been instrumental in drafting the Economic Survey and advising on various economic policies.

Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran was born in 1963 and is an esteemed Indian economist. He holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Before his appointment as Chief Economic Adviser, he had a distinguished career in the private sector, including roles at Credit Suisse and Bank Julius Baer. He has also served as the Dean of the IFMR Graduate School of Business and a Visiting Professor of Economics at Krea University.

Pankaj Advani Clinches 14th Asian Snooker Gold in Doha

Indian cue sports legend Pankaj Advani has once again showcased his brilliance on the international stage by clinching his 14th gold medal at the Asian Snooker Championship on 20 February, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. This remarkable achievement comes just days after his triumph at the National Snooker Championship in Indore, further cementing his status as India’s premier cueist.

In the final match, Advani faced tough competition from Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh, a former champion. Despite Sarkhosh’s strong start, Advani demonstrated his renowned composure and tactical brilliance, delivering decisive breaks of 93 and 66 to take control of the match and secure the title with confidence.

Kash Patel: The First Indian-Origin Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Kash Patel has been elected as the 9th Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This historic appointment makes him the first Indian-origin Director of the FBI. The Senate confirmed his appointment with a narrow vote of 51-49 on February 20, 2025.

Patel, a longtime loyalist to former President Donald Trump, has had a rapid ascent in Washington, D.C.’s power circles. He previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense and Deputy Director of National Intelligence during Trump’s first term. His confirmation comes at a time of significant turmoil and turnover at the FBI, with Patel aiming to make the bureau more transparent and restructuring it to align with his vision.

Kash Patel was born to Gujarati parents in Garden City, New York, on February 25, 1980. His family’s journey began in the early 1970s when they left Uganda due to ethnic discrimination and settled in the United States.

Inauguration of the Inland Waterways Transport Terminal at Jogighopa in Assam on Brahmaputra

The Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) Terminal on the Brahmaputra (National Waterway-2) at Jogighopa in Assam was inaugurated on February 18, 2025. The terminal, inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Bhutan’s Minister of Finance, H.E. Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, is a state-of-the-art facility connected to the Multi-Modal Logistics Park.

This terminal is strategically located to serve as an international port of call for Bhutan and Bangladesh, enhancing logistics and cargo movement in Assam and the North East. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the inauguration, highlighting its role in improving infrastructure and promoting inland waterways for progress and prosperity.

The terminal is expected to handle a cargo of 1.1 million tonnes per annum by 2027, significantly boosting trilateral trade between India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The foundation stone for the terminal was laid by Prime Minister Modi in February 2021, and the project was implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) at a cost of Rs 82.03 crore.

Rekha Gupta Becomes Delhi’s New CM as BJP Returns to Power After 27 Years

Rekha Gupta has been announced as the new Chief Minister of Delhi after the BJP legislative party meeting on 19 Feb 2025. She won from Shalimar Bagh in the recent Delhi Assembly elections. Gupta began her political career with ABVP in 1992 at Daulat Ram College and later became the President of Delhi University Students’ Union. She has also served as General Secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha in Delhi.

She will take oath as CM tomorrow at Ramlila Maidan, with LG VK Saxena administering the oath at 12:35 PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and leaders from 20 states are expected to attend. Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory for the event.

The BJP, returning to power in Delhi after 27 years, secured 48 out of 70 seats, reducing AAP to 22.

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 from March 22 to May 25

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to take place from March 22 to May 25, 2025. This highly anticipated cricket tournament will feature ten teams competing in 74 matches across 13 venues. The tournament will kick off with a thrilling match between the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Key highlights of the IPL 2025 include:

  • Double-Headers: The tournament will include 12 double-headers, with afternoon games starting at 03:30 PM IST and evening games at 07:30 PM IST.
  • Playoff Venues: The playoffs will be held in Hyderabad and Kolkata, with Hyderabad hosting Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, and Kolkata hosting Qualifier 2.
  • Final Venue: The grand finale will take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 25, 2025.

The IPL continues to be a major sporting event in India, attracting top cricketing talent from around the world and providing fans with high-quality entertainment and thrilling matches.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025: Record Digital Engagement

The eighth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha achieved significant digital engagement, with over 30 crore views and 1.5 crore engagements on Instagram, along with 3 lakh posts on X. The event adopted a more intimate and conversational format, engaging fewer students, which proved to be a transformational success.

Held on February 10, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with 35 students at Sundar Nursery, discussing exam preparation, handling pressure, and leadership. This was followed by seven episodes featuring Deepika Padukone, MC Mary Kom, and Sadhguru, addressing various student concerns.

Aadi Mahotsav 2025 from February 16 to 25, 2025, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi

The Aadi Mahotsav 2025 is an annual tribal festival celebrating the vibrant and diverse culture of India’s indigenous communities. Held from February 16 to 25, 2025, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, the festival aims to showcase the rich heritage of tribal arts, crafts, cuisine, and traditions.

Inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, this year’s edition features over 1,000 tribal artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs from across the country. The festival provides a platform for them to display their unique products and talents, ranging from intricate handicrafts and handloom weaves to traditional music and dance performances.

Key highlights of Aadi Mahotsav 2025 include:

Art and Craft Stalls: Featuring exquisite tribal jewelry, pottery, textiles, and paintings, these stalls offer visitors the chance to purchase authentic tribal products directly from the artisans.

Cultural Performances: Tribal dance troupes and musical groups perform traditional folk dances and songs, bringing the vibrant rhythms and melodies of India’s tribal regions to life.

Gastronomic Delights: The food stalls serve a variety of traditional tribal dishes, providing visitors with a taste of the diverse and flavorful cuisine of India’s indigenous communities.

Workshops and Demonstrations: Hands-on workshops and live demonstrations by tribal artisans offer visitors an opportunity to learn about traditional crafting techniques and the stories behind the art.

Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, visited India from February 17 to 18, 2025

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, visited India from February 17 to 18, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit marks a significant moment in the diplomatic ties between the two nations, aiming to strengthen cooperation in various sectors including trade, investment, energy, and technology.

Upon his arrival, Sheikh Tamim received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi in attendance. The visit included high-level meetings with President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, as well as delegation-level talks aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.

Sheikh Tamim’s visit is his second to India, with his first visit occurring in 2015. The Emir’s visit underscores the deep-rooted historical ties of friendship, trust, and mutual respect between India and Qatar. The two nations have been working closely to expand their partnership beyond traditional sectors like oil and gas, focusing on new business opportunities and investments.

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as new Chief Election Commissioner

The Central government appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on February 17, 2025, replacing Rajiv Kumar, who will retire on February 18, 2025. Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, is the senior-most among the three-member Election Commission panel.

Along with this, Vivek Joshi was appointed as an Election Commissioner. He previously served as Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner.

The selection was made by a three-member committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Rahul Gandhi (Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha) and Amit Shah (Union Home Minister) as members. This is the first CEC appointment under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioner Act, 2023, which became effective in December 2023.

Rajiv Kumar, who served as CEC from May 15, 2022, oversaw Lok Sabha elections 2024, Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections 2022, and elections in 31 States/UTs during his tenure, ensuring smooth electoral management with minimal repolling and violence.

Matsya-6000: India’s Fourth-Generation Deep-Ocean Submersible Completes Wet Testing

India’s fourth-generation deep-ocean submersible, Matsya-6000, has successfully completed wet testing at the harbour, moving closer to shallow-water trials at 500 meters depth by late 2025.

Before wet testing, Matsya-6000 underwent integrated dry tests and was later transported to Kattupalli Port near Chennai for further trials.

Developed under the Samudrayan Project, the submersible is part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission, led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). It features a 2.1-meter spherical hull designed to accommodate three crew members, enhancing India’s deep-sea exploration capabilities.

Khelo India Winter Games 2025 Postponed Due to Lack of Snow in Gulmarg

The second and final leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for February 22, 2025 has been postponed due to insufficient snowfall. Events in alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding will be rescheduled once weather conditions improve.

The first leg took place in Ladakh (Jan 23-27) at NDS Sports Complex and Guphuk Pond, featuring ice hockey and ice skating. A total of 19 teams are competing across six disciplines, with Ladakh leading the medal tally (4 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze).

U.S.-Russia Peace Talks on Ukraine to Begin in Saudi Arabia

U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia to initiate talks aimed at ending the nearly three-year-long war in Ukraine. However, Ukraine has not been invited and will not engage with Russia without consulting its strategic partners.

The talks, facilitated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials, aim to set up a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Trump, who took office on January 20, has pledged to quickly end the war but has excluded European allies from the peace process.

Russia has insisted Ukraine cede territory and remain neutral, while Ukraine demands Russia withdraw from occupied regions and seeks NATO membership or similar security guarantees. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Ukraine are negotiating a deal granting U.S. companies significant stakes in Ukraine’s critical minerals, though Zelenskiy has raised concerns over security provisions in the draft agreement.

Joint Military Exercise Dharma Guardian between India and Japan at Mount Fuji, Japan, from February 25 to March 9, 2025

The sixth edition of Joint Military Exercise Dharma Guardian between India and Japan will be held at Mount Fuji, Japan, from February 25 to March 9, 2025.

The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate. It builds on the momentum of the Indian Army Chief’s visit to Japan in October 2024, further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Gulveer Singh Breaks 17-Year-Old National Record in Indoor 3000m

India’s Gulveer Singh set a new National Record in the Men’s Indoor 3000 meters at the David Hemery Invitational meet in Boston, clocking 7 minutes 38.26 seconds. He broke Surendra Singh’s 17-year-old record by 11 seconds and secured the silver medal. Romain Legendre won gold, while Morgan Beadlescomb took bronze.

Gulveer Singh now holds three National Records in the outdoor 5000m, outdoor 10000m, and indoor 3000m.

BRICS Summit 2025 to be Held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7

The next BRICS summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, featuring leaders from 20 member and associate countries. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira stated that the summit will focus on economic development, cooperation, and improving living conditions. Under Brazil’s leadership, BRICS aims to strengthen ties with developing nations and reform global institutions.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva emphasized promoting trade and investment among members using local currency transactions, though there are no plans to replace the US dollar. This comes amid threats from Donald Trump to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they undermine the dollar.

Originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS expanded in 2010 with South Africa and later added Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE in 2023. Saudi Arabia has been invited, and Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have applied for membership. Recently, Indonesia joined as a full member, and Nigeria became a partner country.

Mahakumbh in Prayagraj Sets World Record with Over 50 Crore Participants

The Mahakumbh in Prayagraj has made history by becoming the first event in the world where more than 50 crore (500 million) people have participated directly. This incredible milestone was achieved on 14 February 2025, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, which started on January 13, 2025, and will continue until February 26, 2025.

The Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, has seen an unprecedented number of devotees taking a holy dip. This figure surpasses the combined population of many countries, including the United States and Russia. The Uttar Pradesh government has highlighted this as the largest congregation in human history for any religious, cultural, or social event.

Despite challenges such as a deadly stampede on January 29, the fair has continued to attract millions of pilgrims from India and around the world daily. The event has not only showcased the deep-rooted faith of the devotees but also the remarkable organizational efforts of the authorities involved.

Services Team Tops Medal Tally as 38th National Games

The 38th National Games concluded with a grand ceremony held at the International Sports Stadium in Golapar, Haldwani, on February 14, 2025. The event was graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha officially declared the conclusion of the Games.

Top Teams: The Services team topped the medal tally with 68 gold, 26 silver, and 27 bronze medals. Maharashtra and Haryana followed with 54 gold and 48 gold medals respectively.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives: The Games implemented eco-friendly practices, including planting trees in honor of the athletes.

Future Host: The National Games torch will now pass to Meghalaya, where Chief Minister Conrad Sangma plans to promote sports across Northeast states.

Recognition: Uttarakhand’s sports infrastructure development was praised, and the state’s athletes were congratulated for their achievements.

Cristiano Ronaldo Ranked as the World’s Highest-Paid Athlete in 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list of the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2024 with a total income of $260 million, according to sports industry news site Sportico. He retained the top spot for the second consecutive year, earning $215 million in wages from Saudi club Al-Nassr and $45 million from endorsements.

The top five highest-paid athletes are:

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($260 million)
  2. Stephen Curry ($153.8 million)
  3. Tyson Fury ($147 million)
  4. Lionel Messi ($135 million)
  5. LeBron James ($133.2 million)

The top 100 athletes collectively earned $6.2 billion, with $4.8 billion from salaries/prizes and $1.4 billion from endorsements. However, no female athlete made the list.

The highest-earning female athlete, Coco Gauff, earned $30.4 million, falling short of the 100th-ranked athlete, NFL quarterback Daniel Jones ($37.5 million).

President’s Rule imposed in Manipur under Article 356 of the Constitution

On February 13, 2025, President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur under Article 356 of the Constitution, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 8. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification stating that the Governor’s report indicated the state government could no longer function as per the Constitution.

Under this proclamation, the President assumes all executive functions, while legislative powers shift to Parliament. Meanwhile, the BJP is engaged in discussions to select a new leader for the legislature party.

Manipur has been facing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities for the past two years, which contributed to the political crisis. The Opposition Congress had planned a no-confidence motion against the BJP government, but the Governor canceled the Assembly session after Biren Singh’s resignation.

President Trump Announces F-35 Stealth Fighter Deal with India

President Donald Trump announced a significant military deal with India on February 13, 2025, during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump revealed plans to increase military sales to India by billions of dollars, including the eventual provision of F-35 stealth fighter jets.

Key Points:

Enhanced Defence Ties: The deal marks a major step in strengthening the defence relationship between the United States and India.

F-35 Jets: The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, known for its stealth capabilities, advanced situational awareness, and networked combat capabilities.

Timeline Uncertain: While Trump’s announcement is a significant commitment, the timeline for delivering the F-35 jets remains unclear.

Strategic Partnership: The deal is part of a broader effort to bolster security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, with both nations aiming to counter security threats and ensure stability.

India’s Position 96th in 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index

The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released by Transparency International, provides a snapshot of the perceived levels of public sector corruption across 180 countries and territories. The CPI scores countries on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Key Findings:

Global Average: The global average score remains unchanged at 43, indicating that corruption is still a significant issue worldwide 2024 – Transparency.am](https://transparency.am/en/cpi).

Top Countries: Denmark tops the list as the least corrupt nation with a score of 90, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84).0

Bottom Countries: South Sudan ranks as the most corrupt country with a score of 8, followed by Somalia and Venezuela.

India’s Performance: India ranks 96th with a score of 38, a slight decline from 39 in 2023. This indicates a growing concern about corruption in the country.

Climate and Corruption: The report highlights that corruption is a major threat to climate action, as it hinders progress in reducing emissions and adapting to global heating.

RBI Lifts Business Restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted the business restrictions imposed on Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. These restrictions, which were imposed on April 24, 2024, barred the bank from onboarding new customers through its online and mobile banking channels and issuing fresh credit cards.

The RBI’s decision to lift these restrictions comes after Kotak Mahindra Bank implemented remedial measures to address the supervisory concerns raised by the central bank. The bank also commissioned an external audit, approved by the RBI, to validate the compliance.

With the restrictions lifted, Kotak Mahindra Bank can now resume its digital customer acquisition and credit card issuance. This move is expected to positively impact the bank’s net interest margin (NIM) and fee income growth.

PM Modi in Washington DC for bilateral talks with US President

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington DC on February 12, 2025, for a crucial two-day visit. His visit aims to strengthen India-US ties and hold key discussions with President Donald Trump on trade, immigration, and defense. Modi was warmly welcomed by members of the Indian-American community at Blair House, the US presidential guest house.

The visit comes amid concerns over the US’s “America First” trade policy and its immigration stance. Modi’s discussions with Trump are expected to address these issues and explore ways to enhance cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, technology, and defense.

Sachin Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) set a new National Games record (84.39m) to win gold in Javelin Throw

The 38th National Games in Uttarakhand (12 Feb 2025) saw record-breaking performances across multiple disciplines.

  • Javelin Throw: Sachin Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) set a new meet record (84.39m) to win gold.
  • 5000m Race: Uttarakhand’s Ankita Dhyani won gold in the women’s event.
  • Water Sports: Services dominated, winning gold in K-2 500m and C-2 500m.
  • High Jump: Pooja (Haryana) set a new National Games record (1.84m), qualifying for the Asian Championships.
  • 400m Hurdles: Ruchit Mori (Gujarat) won gold (50.97s); Vithya Ramraj (Tamil Nadu) won the women’s event but lost in the 4x400m relay due to a baton drop, allowing Kerala to win gold.
  • 5000m Race (Men): Sawan Barwal (Himachal Pradesh) set a new meet record (13:45.93s) and qualified for the Asian Championships.
  • Fencing: Haryana won gold in the men’s foil event.
  • Hockey: Haryana’s women’s team defeated Jharkhand 2-1 to enter the final against Madhya Pradesh.

With finals approaching, the competition remains intense, with athletes achieving remarkable feats.

India Clean-Sweep England 3-0 in Men’s Cricket ODI Series

India delivered a dominant performance to clean-sweep England 3-0 in the ODI series. The final match, held in Ahmedabad on February 12, 2025, saw India defeat England by 142 runs.

Shubman Gill was the star of the match, scoring a brilliant 112 off 104 balls, his seventh ODI century. Gill’s innings, along with Virat Kohli’s 52 and Shreyas Iyer’s 78, helped India post a formidable 356 runs in 50 overs.

England struggled in their chase, being bowled out for 214 in 34.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel were the standout bowlers, taking two wickets each. This victory marked India’s second-largest win in terms of runs in ODIs against England.

First-Ever Olympic Esports Games to be Held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The first Olympic Esports Games will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This event is part of a 12-year deal signed with Saudi Arabia in 2023.

The IOC has been exploring Esports for years, aiming to attract a younger audience as interest in traditional sports declines. After launching the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021 as a test, the IOC formalized its commitment by partnering with Saudi Arabia for the Olympic Esports Games.

IOC President Thomas Bach confirmed that there is now a clear roadmap for the Games, with preparations beginning in 2025. A six-member committee will decide which Esports titles will be included in the competition.

Saudi Arabia has made major investments in global sports, including football, Formula One, boxing, and golf. However, critics accuse the country of “sportswashing” to distract from human rights concerns, a claim that Saudi Arabia denies.

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