Stay updated Current Affairs Today Feb 20, 2025 on Indian Police Seize Hundreds, Delhi’s Chief Minister, and important updates!
1. Indian Police Seize Hundreds of Books in Kashmir Crackdown
Summary: Authorities in Kashmir have confiscated over 650 books from bookstores, targeting literature linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami organization.
Key Points:
- The seized books were primarily authored by Abul A’la Maududi, founder of Jamaat-e-Islami.
- Raids began in Srinagar and expanded throughout the region.
- Critics view the action as a violation of fundamental rights.
Short Description: In a series of raids, Indian police have targeted bookstores across Kashmir, confiscating literature associated with the outlawed Jamaat-e-Islami group. The move has sparked debates over censorship and human rights in the region.
2. BJP Appoints Rekha Gupta as Delhi’s Chief Minister :Current Affairs Today Feb 20
Summary: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Rekha Gupta as the Chief Minister of Delhi after a historic electoral victory.
Key Points:
- Gupta is the fourth woman to hold the Chief Minister position in Delhi.
- The BJP’s win ends a 27-year gap in governing the capital.
- Key focus areas include combating pollution and enhancing infrastructure.
Short Description: Rekha Gupta’s appointment marks a significant milestone, with the BJP securing leadership in Delhi after nearly three decades. Her administration aims to address pressing urban challenges.
3. India Postpones Winter Games in Kashmir Due to Lack of Snow
Summary: The national winter games in Gulmarg, Kashmir, have been postponed because of insufficient snowfall, reflecting unusual climatic conditions.
Key Points:
- The event was scheduled for February 22-25, 2025.
- Temperatures have been recorded at 12°C above normal.
- The postponement affects approximately 300 athletes.
Short Description: Unseasonably warm weather in Kashmir has led to the delay of the national winter games, raising concerns about climate change impacts on regional sports and agriculture.
4. India Considers Raising Bank Deposit Insurance Limit
Summary: The Indian government is evaluating an increase in the bank deposit insurance cap beyond the current ₹500,000, aiming to bolster depositor confidence.
Key Points:
- The current insurance limit was set five years ago.
- The move follows the suspension of withdrawals from New India Co-operative Bank.
- A decision will be announced after government deliberations.
Short Description: In response to recent banking restrictions, authorities are contemplating increasing the deposit insurance limit to protect depositors and maintain financial stability.
5. Apple Shifts More iPhone Production to India
Summary: Apple Inc. has expanded its manufacturing footprint in India, producing the iPhone 16 Pro domestically as part of its strategy to diversify supply chains.
Key Points:
- India now accounts for 15% of global iPhone production.
- The figure is projected to rise to 25% by 2027.
- Challenges include developing a robust local supply chain.
Short Description: Amid global trade tensions, Apple’s increased investment in Indian manufacturing signifies a strategic pivot to reduce reliance on Chinese production facilities.
6. Modi and Trump Discuss Trade and Defense in Washington
Summary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with U.S. President Donald Trump to outline plans for enhanced military and trade cooperation between India and the United States.
Key Points:
- Discussions included potential sales of F-35 jets to India.
- A goal was set to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
- Talks addressed India’s tariffs on American automobiles.
Short Description: The leaders’ dialogue focused on strengthening defense ties and reducing trade barriers, aiming for significant growth in economic exchanges over the next decade.
7. Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Claims 18 Lives
Summary: A tragic stampede at New Delhi railway station resulted in 18 fatalities, caused by overcrowding during the Maha Kumbh festival.
Key Points:
- Overbooking and train delays led to severe congestion.
- Victims included women and children, with the youngest being seven years old.
- Authorities have launched a high-level investigation into the incident.
Short Description: The overcrowding during a major religious festival led to a deadly stampede, prompting scrutiny of crowd management and railway safety protocols.
8. India Seizes Books in Kashmir Amid Crackdown on Dissent
Summary: Indian authorities have conducted raids in Kashmir, confiscating over 650 books linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami organization.
Key Points:
- The targeted literature was authored by Abul A’la Maududi.
- Raids were conducted across multiple bookstores in the region.
- The action has been criticized as a suppression of free expression.
Short Description: The government’s crackdown on controversial literature in Kashmir has raised concerns over press freedom and human rights in the region.
9. India to Reduce Tariffs on U.S. Bourbon and Motorcycles
Summary: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, India agreed to lower tariffs on American bourbon whiskey and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, aiming to ease trade tensions with the United States.
Key Points:
- The tariff reduction is part of broader trade negotiations between the two nations.
- Discussions also included potential increases in India’s imports of U.S. oil and gas.
- Specific details of the tariff cuts have yet to be publicly disclosed.
Short Description: In an effort to strengthen economic ties, India has agreed to lower import duties on select American goods, including bourbon whiskey and motorcycles, following high-level talks in Washington.
10. Reserve Bank of India to Infuse Liquidity Amid Tax Outflows
Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced plans to inject over $16 billion into the banking system next week to offset liquidity shortages caused by significant tax payments.
Key Points:
- The liquidity infusion will be conducted through the purchase of government securities.
- This move aims to address outflows estimated between ₹1.6 trillion to ₹2 trillion due to Goods and Services Tax payments.
- The RBI has previously infused approximately ₹2.68 trillion into the banking system through various measures.
Short Description: To manage the anticipated liquidity crunch from upcoming tax outflows, the RBI is set to enhance liquidity support, ensuring stability in the financial system.
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