National

DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile was launched from an Indian Naval Seaking Helicopter and demonstrated its capability against ship targets.

The missile, equipped with an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker, achieved a direct hit in sea-skimming mode. It also demonstrated a high-bandwidth two-way datalink for live image transmission and advanced mid-course guidance systems, including a Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS, Radio Altimeter, and Electro-Mechanical actuators.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed a draft policy to conduct two board exams for Class 10 starting from the 2025-26 academic session. According to the proposal:

Exams will be held in two phases: February-March (first phase) and May (second phase).

Class 10 and 12 exams will begin on the first Tuesday after February 15.

The policy aligns with NEP 2020 recommendations, allowing students to take board exams twice a year, with one main attempt and an optional improvement attempt.

Stakeholders have been asked to submit their feedback by the 9th of next month.

Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi began his four-day official visit to France on 23 Feb 2025 to strengthen India-France defence cooperation. He will receive a Guard of Honour and meet French Army Chief General Pierre Schill in Paris.

On 24 Feb, he will visit Marseille to discuss the French Army’s 3rd Division, bilateral exercise SHAKTI, and modernisation programme (Scorpion). On 25 Feb, he will visit the Neuve Chapelle Indian War Memorial to honor Indian soldiers of World War I and deliver a talk at Ecole de Guerre on modern warfare and India’s strategic vision.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

On February 10, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu visited Prayagraj to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela, where she took a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam. She was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Before the holy dip, she fed migratory birds, emphasizing her reverence for nature. She then visited the Akshayavat tree, a sacred symbol in Hinduism, and offered prayers at the Bade Hanuman Temple.

President Murmu also explored the Digital Maha Kumbh Experience Centre, which provides a virtual experience of the Kumbh Mela. Her visit was historic, following the legacy of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, who had also taken a holy dip at a previous Kumbh.

After an eight-hour visit, she returned to New Delhi by 5:45 P.M., marking a significant moment in the spiritual and cultural history of the Maha Kumbh.

The India Energy Week 2025 (IEW’25) is set to take place from February 11 to 14, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka in New Delhi. This flagship event, organized by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is one of the largest energy events globally, attracting over 700 exhibitors and 70,000 delegates.

IEW’25 will feature 10 country-specific pavilions and 8 thematic zones, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations in the energy sector. Key highlights include the participation of 20+ Foreign Energy Ministers, 90 CEOs from Fortune 500 energy companies, and 250 speakers from across the international energy value chain.

The event will focus on energy security, affordability, and sustainability, with special emphasis on green hydrogen technologies, solar innovations, and advanced exploration techniques. A dedicated Sustainable Mobility Pavilion will display 15 cutting-edge vehicle models from 10 manufacturers, promoting a “People-Centric Mobility Ecosystem”.

IEW’25 will also host a Clean Cooking Ministerial on the sidelines, aiming to accelerate the global adoption of clean cooking solutions. The event is expected to foster international collaboration, drive policy discussions, and facilitate technology sharing to ensure clean, affordable, and accessible cooking energy for households worldwide.

With its comprehensive agenda and unparalleled global participation, IEW’25 is poised to be a pivotal platform for shaping the future of the global energy landscape.

The Aero India Show 2025, a biennial air show and aviation exhibition, is being held in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14, 2025. Inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the event highlights India’s defence capabilities, aerospace innovations, and global collaborations.

Key Highlights:

Theme: “Runway to a Billion Opportunities”, emphasizing Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Exhibitors: 900 exhibitors spread across 42,000 square meters.

International Participation: Defence ministers from 30 countries, Air Chiefs and Defence Secretaries from 43 countries attending.

Aircraft Displays:

• Foreign aircraft: Russian Su-57, American F-35 Lightning II.
• Indigenous aircraft: Tejas (LCA), Prachand (LCH), Advanced Light Helicopter, and C-295 transport aircraft.
• New Prototype: ADA showcased a fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Defence Ministers’ Conclave: A strategic discussion platform for global defence cooperation.

Aerospace Startups & MSMEs: Opportunities for joint ventures and collaborations with international manufacturers.

The largest aerospace event in Asia, Aero India 2025, is a landmark platform for advancing India’s aerospace sector and strengthening global defence ties.

The third edition of the India-Egypt joint military exercise “Cyclone 2025” commenced on 10 February 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. The 14-day exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation, share professional skills, and improve special forces interoperability in desert environments.

Key Highlights:

• Focus Areas: Counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, raids, sniping, combat free fall, surveillance, and target designation.
• Indian Contingent: Personnel from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
• Egyptian Contingent: Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.
• Strengthened military cooperation between India and Egypt, emphasizing security collaboration.

India has surpassed 100 Giga Watt (GW) of installed solar power capacity, marking a historic milestone and reinforcing its position as a global leader in renewable energy. This achievement aligns with the nation’s commitment to a cleaner future and the ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted India’s inspiring energy journey over the past decade, noting the transformative impact of solar panels, solar parks, and rooftop solar projects. India has also seen a significant increase in solar manufacturing capacity, growing from 2 GW in 2014 to 60 GW in 2024.

This progress emphasizes India’s strides toward self-reliance and leadership in green energy, setting an example for the world.

On 5 February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a holy dip in Triveni Sangam at Mahakumbh, Prayagraj. He described the experience as a divine connection and prayed for peace, wisdom, and good health for all. UP CM Yogi Adityanath accompanied him on a boat ride to the site, where PM Modi performed Aarti and Puja.

The Mahakumbh 2025, which began on 13 January (Paush Purnima), is the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering and will continue until 26 February (Mahashivratri). So far, over 39 crore devotees have participated.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also took a holy dip and urged people to follow Mela guidelines, emphasizing that Mahakumbh happens once in 144 years and should remain above politics.

On February 5, 2025, a US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed at the Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar. The C-17 aircraft departed from San Antonio, Texas, and arrived in Amritsar after a long journey. The deportees, primarily from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, were handed over to local authorities upon arrival.

The deportees included 25 women, 12 minors, and 79 men. Many of them had entered the US through illegal means and were subsequently caught and deported. The Punjab government has set up counters at the airport to assist the returnees and ensure their smooth transition back to their home state.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring the situation and working alongside law enforcement agencies to determine the next steps. The state government has also announced plans to provide assistance to the deportees and help them reintegrate into society.

The 13th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force began on February 2, 2025, in the Maldives.

This bilateral annual exercise, named ‘Ekuverin’ which means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language, is conducted alternately in India and the Maldives. The 2023 edition took place in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from June 11 to 24.