Today's Current Affairs 25th February 2023

INTERNATIONAL

World Bank announces $2.5 billion in additional Ukraine aid on war anniversary.

The World Bank announced $2.5 billion in additional grant financing from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID ) to support Ukraine’s budget and maintain essential services.

The latest financing under the World Bank’s Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance in Ukraine(PEACE) project lifts the total to $20.6 billion and will support salaries in core government functions and sectors such as healthcare and education while allowing Kyiv to pay pensions and support internally displaced people.

Pakistan receives $700 mln funds.

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said his country has received $700 million funds from the China Development Bank. The deposit comes as Pakistan has been struggling with its external debt and has barely enough dollars to cover less than three weeks’ worth of imports.

India-Germany Agreement to build 6 submarines  for $5.2 billion.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India on February 25–26 will focus on advancing a $5.2 billion agreement between Germany and India to jointly construct six conventional submarines in India. The naval project is a Western military manufacturing power’s most recent effort to wean New Delhi off of its reliance on Russian military hardware.

Earthquake Of 5.5 Magnitude Hits Central Turkiye, 37th Tremor In 66 Hours.

This is the 37th felt earthquake in Central Turkey in the last 66 hours, European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said.  According to news agency Reuters, the quake occurred at a depth of 10km. Saturday’s quake comes just weeks after the border areas of the country were devastated by by a larger earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

NATIONAL

Uttarakhand govt inks deal for ropeway at Yamunotri Dham.

The Uttarakhand government has signed a contract to construct a 3.38 km ropeway from Janki Chatti in Kharsali to Yamunotri Dham. To be built at a cost of Rs 166.82 crore, the ropeway will cut down the travel time from the current 2-3 hours to just 20 minutes. At present pilgrims have to trek for 5.5 km to reach Yamunotri Dham from Kharsali.

PM Narendra Modi Inaugurated Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava Festival.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava cultural festival at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi on 25th February 2023. Prime Minister Modi addressed the gathering on the occasion. ‘Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava’ cultural festival is being organized to celebrate Karnataka’s culture, traditions, and history..

SPORTS

ISL 2022-23: Chennaiyin End Season With Thrilling 4-3 Win Over NorthEast United.

Goals from skipper Anirudh Thapa, Rahim Ali Kwame Karikari and Sajal Bag powered Chennaiyin FC to an action-packed 4-3 victory against NorthEast United FC in their final league game of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday.

 MoU’s

MoU signed bertween CSC Academy and NIELIT.

CSC Academy, a subsidiary of Common Service Centre e-Governance Services India Limited, and NIELIT (National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance digital literacy and skill development in India. The MoU aims to establish a long-term partnership between the two organizations to jointly develop and implement initiatives that promote digital literacy and create employment opportunities for the youth of India.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

RRR wins Best International Film at HCA Awards.

RRR has made the country proud again. The SS Rajamouli-directed movie has won in multiple categories at the recently-held Hollywood Critics Association Awards.     

RRR hit screens in 2022.

RRR is directed by SS Rajamouli.

RRR stars Jr NTR and Ram Charan.

BUSINESS

Bill Gates Buys Stake in Heineken for $902 Million.

Bill Gates has acquired a minority stake in Heineken Holding NV, the controlling shareholder of the world’s second-largest brewer, for about $902 million. The Microsoft founder and philanthropist picked up 3.8% of Heineken Holding, according to a filing by the Dutch regulator AFM. He bought 6.65 million shares in Heineken Holding, in his individual capacity, and another 4.18 million shares through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Sword Swallowers Day.

The International Sword Swallowers Day, which takes place on the last Saturday in February, is the day for you. This year, it will be held on February 25. Sword swallowers, a.k.a. those guys who pass long, pointy, sharp instruments through their mouths into their stomachs, often don’t get the same level of fame and respect as other entertainers. This holiday was specially created to recognize and appreciate sword swallowers while educating people about their contribution to the world.