Current Affairs 26 February 2025

1. Savarkar's Poem Won First Prerna Geet Award
Veer Savarkar's poem has won the prestigious first Prerna
Geet Award for its powerful and inspiring message. The award recognizes the poem's contribution to motivating and inspiring individuals with its patriotic and thought-provoking content. Savarkar's work continues to resonate deeply, reflecting his commitment to India's independence struggle and national pride. The Prerna Geet Award is presented to works that inspire and encourage social and cultural change, and Savarkar's poem was chosen for its lasting impact. This recognition highlights the enduring relevance of his literary contributions to India's history and culture.

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The Winning Poem: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's poem "Anadi Mi, Anant Mi" has been awarded the first Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Rajya Prerna Geet Award.
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The Award: The Maharashtra government introduced this award to honor the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, recognizing powerful poetry that inspired the state during challenging times.
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The Inspiration Behind the Poem: Savarkar composed "Anadi Mi, Anant Mi" to strengthen his courage while in Marseille, after being captured by British forces.
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The Award Details: The award includes a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and a memento.
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The Significance: This award marks the first year of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Rajya Prerna Geet Award, which will be given annually to recognize inspiring poetry.
2. N Chandrasekaran Appointed as Chairman of Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation
N Chandrasekaran has been appointed as the Chairman of
the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation. As the Chairman, he will oversee the foundation's initiatives and contribute to its mission of supporting education, healthcare, and community welfare. Chandrasekaran, who is also the Chairman of Tata Sons, brings a wealth of experience in corporate leadership and strategic management. The Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation is dedicated to making a positive social impact, and under his leadership, it aims to expand its efforts. His appointment reflects the foundation’s commitment to continuing the philanthropic legacy of Ratan Tata.

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N Chandrasekaran has been appointed as the Chairman of the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation.
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Role: In this role, he will oversee the foundation's activities and contribute to its mission of supporting education and other charitable causes.
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Background: Chandrasekaran is the Chairman of Tata Sons and has extensive experience in the corporate world.
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Foundation's Purpose: The Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation focuses on promoting education, health, and community welfare.
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Significance: His appointment highlights the foundation’s continued commitment to fostering social impact through strategic leadership.
3. Harmohan Kaur Sandhu gets additional charge as PPSC chairperson
Harmohan Kaur Sandhu, a member of the Punjab Public
Service Commission (PPSC) since August 20, 2019, has been assigned the additional role of Chairperson. Her term as a member is set to conclude in August 2025. Notably, Sandhu is currently the sole member of the PPSC, following the retirement of Chairman Jatinder Singh Aulakh on January 3, 2025. The Punjab government has initiated the process to appoint a new Chairperson, with applications open until March 15, 2025.

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Role in PPSC: Harmohan Kaur Sandhu is a non-official member of the PPSC, a position she was sworn into alongside Lieutenant General (Retd.) Surinder Singh, who became the chairman.
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Chairman of PPSC: Lieutenant General (Retd.) Surinder Singh is the current chairman of the PPSC, not Harmohan Kaur Sandhu.
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Oath Ceremony: The oath ceremony was administered by Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore in the presence of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.
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Other Members: Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohali Shivinder Singh Mann was also sworn in as an official member of the PPSC.
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No Additional Charge: There is no information available about Harmohan Kaur Sandhu being given the additional charge as PPSC chairperson.
4. Men's ODI cricket history, 1st double century came after 39 years
The first double century in Men's ODI cricket history was
scored after 39 years of the format's inception. Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar achieved this historic feat on February 24, 2010, against South Africa in Gwalior. He remained unbeaten on 200 off 147 balls, showcasing his masterful stroke play. This milestone broke the long-standing barrier in ODI cricket, inspiring future generations. Since then, multiple players have crossed the 200-run mark, making it a celebrated achievement in the game.

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The First Double Century: The first double century in Men's ODI cricket history was scored by Sachin Tendulkar of India.
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The Date: Tendulkar achieved this milestone on February 24, 2010.
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The Opponent: He scored 200 not out against South Africa at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior.
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The Wait: It took 39 years for a batsman to score a double century in Men's ODI cricket, with the first ODI match being played in 1971.
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The Record-Breaker: Rohit Sharma currently holds the record for the highest individual score in Men's ODI cricket, with 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014, and is also the only player to have scored three double centuries in ODIs.
5. PNB Signed MoU with ITBP for Exclusive Benefits
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has recently signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to provide exclusive benefits to ITBP personnel, pensioners, and their families. Under this agreement, PNB offers a comprehensive Personal Accidental Insurance (PAI) coverage of 100 lakh and an Air Accidental Insurance (AAI) coverage of 150 lakh. Additionally, the PNB Rakshak Plus Scheme includes various other benefits such as zero balance salary/pension accounts, concessional loan rates, and educational benefits for dependent children. This collaboration aims to address the financial needs of ITBP members and their families, ensuring robust financial security and a range of banking services tailored to their requirements.

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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.
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High Insurance Coverage: The MoU aims to enhance financial security for ITBP members by offering high insurance coverage, including Personal Accidental Insurance (PAI) of 1 crore, Air Accidental Insurance (AAI) of 1.5 crore, and Permanent/Partial Disability Coverage of 1 crore.
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Better Banking Services: PNB will provide better banking services, including zero-balance salary and pension accounts, concessional loan rates, overdraft facilities, and comprehensive insurance benefits.
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Eligibility: The benefits will be extended to ITBP personnel, pensioners, and their families, including serving and retired personnel of the ITBP, as well as their spouses and dependent children.
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Part of PNB Rakshak Plus Scheme: The MoU is part of PNB's Rakshak Plus Scheme, which is designed to provide exclusive banking benefits to defense and paramilitary personnel.
6. C-DOT and IIT Bombay Collaborate to Develop Optical Transceiver Chipset
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has
partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to develop an "Optical Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G Wireless Links." The project focuses on creating chipsets for high-bandwidth free-space coherent optical links, essential for delivering high-speed connectivity in rural and remote areas where deploying optical fibers is challenging.

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Indigenous Development: The project focuses on indigenous development of the Optical Transceiver Chipset, which will reduce dependence on foreign technology and promote self-reliance.
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High-Bandwidth Capability: The chipset is designed to support high-bandwidth data transmission, making it an essential component for 6G wireless communication.
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Research and Development: The collaboration between C-DOT and IIT Bombay will facilitate research and development in the field of optical communication, driving innovation and growth.
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Enhanced Connectivity: The successful development of the Optical Transceiver Chipset will enable faster, more reliable, and widespread connectivity, transforming various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, and commerce.
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Future-Ready Technology: This project is a significant step towards developing future-ready technology that will cater to the increasing demand for high-speed data transmission and pave the way for the widespread adoption of 6G wireless communication.
7. Gautam appointed as TRN Managing Editor
Bishnu Prasad Gautam has been appointed as the acting
Managing Editor of The Rising Nepal, effective February 25, 2025. Hailing from Ilam, Gautam holds Master's degrees in English Literature and Nepalese History, Culture, and Archaeology from Tribhuvan University. He also earned a Diploma in Development Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in New Delhi. Gautam began his tenure at The Rising Nepal as an Assistant Editor in January 1997 and has served as Chief Reporter since August 2017.

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Experience: With a strong background in media and research, Gautam brings a wealth of experience to the role, which will contribute to shaping TRN's editorial direction and overall strategy.
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Key Responsibilities: As Managing Editor, Gautam will oversee the editorial team, ensuring that TRN maintains high-quality content and continues to lead in its field.
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Vision: Gautam aims to enhance TRN’s presence and reach by driving innovative ideas, fostering collaborations, and expanding its audience base.
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Leadership Impact: His leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and streamline operations, enabling TRN to strengthen its position in the industry.
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Contribution to Growth: Gautam’s appointment signifies TRN’s commitment to growth and excellence, aligning with its goals to provide cutting-edge research and insights.
8. Trang Le appointed as Country Head at JLL Vietnam
Trang Le has been appointed as the new Country Head of
JLL Vietnam, bringing extensive experience in real estate and leadership. In her new role, she will oversee JLL's operations and strategy in the country, helping to drive business growth and expand market presence. Trang Le has a proven track record of leadership in the real estate sector, having held several senior positions in the industry. Her appointment reflects JLL's commitment to strengthening its leadership team in Asia Pacific. With her expertise, Trang is expected to play a key role in advancing JLL's business and delivering exceptional services to clients in Vietnam.

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Responsibilities: Le will be responsible for driving JLL's growth strategy in Vietnam, supporting clients, and overseeing the firm's operations.
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Current Role: She will retain her current role as Head of Research and Consultancy, Vietnam, in addition to her new responsibilities.
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Experience: Le has extensive experience in Vietnam's real estate industry and has been an integral part of JLL since 2016.
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Market Insights: Le is widely recognized for her thought leadership in the Vietnam real estate sector, frequently contributing to key real estate discussions and market insights.
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Client Support: She will work closely with clients to provide strategic advice and support in navigating Vietnam's dynamic real estate landscape.
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Leadership Team: Le will also work closely with JLL's Southeast Asia leadership team to enhance cross-border collaboration and drive growth.
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Growth Strategy: Her appointment reinforces JLL's commitment to Vietnam as a key market within its broader Southeast Asia growth strategy.
9. Coffee concrete won national research award
Coffee concrete has won a national research award for its
innovative use of recycled coffee grounds in concrete production. This sustainable material is not only environmentally friendly but also helps reduce waste from coffee production. Researchers have found that adding coffee grounds to concrete can improve its strength and durability while also decreasing its carbon footprint. The project highlights the potential of repurposing everyday waste materials in construction. Winning the national research award underscores the growing importance of sustainable and eco-conscious innovations in the building industry.

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The Innovation: The coffee concrete is made by incorporating biochar derived from spent coffee grounds, which enhances concrete strength by 30% and provides a sustainable alternative to sand in concrete production.
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Environmental Benefits: This innovation helps divert organic waste from landfills, addressing the issue of 75,000 tonnes of ground coffee waste generated annually in Australia, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
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Real-World Applications: The coffee concrete has been used in Victoria's Big Build projects and a world-first footpath trial in Gisborne, demonstrating its potential for widespread adoption.
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International Recognition: The research has received international attention, with coverage in outlets such as The Washington Post, CNN, and Reuters, and has been showcased by the World Economic Forum on social media.
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Collaboration and Commercialization: The team is working with industry partners, including Ambiolock in Australia and C-Green in Sweden, to develop high-durability, low-carbon biochar-based materials, and is exploring commercialization opportunities.
10. Shri Anil Joshi, renowned Gujarati poet from Gujarat passed away
Shri Anil Joshi, a renowned Gujarati poet from Gujarat, has
passed away, leaving behind a legacy of profound literary contributions. Known for his unique style and deep emotional expressions, Joshi's poetry resonated with many and touched hearts across generations. His work often reflected themes of love, human emotions, and social issues, earning him respect and admiration in the literary community. Joshi's poems have been a source of inspiration for both readers and aspiring poets. His passing marks the end of an era in Gujarati literature, but his words will continue to inspire for years to come.

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Education: He completed his schooling in Gondal and Morbi, and later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from U.N. Mehta Arts College, Morbi, and H.K. Arts College, Ahmedabad.
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Literary Career: Joshi started his career as a teacher and later became a renowned poet, essayist, and writer, contributing significantly to Gujarati literature.
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Notable Works: Some of his notable works include "Kadach" (1970), "Barafna Pankhi" (1981), and "Pavan Ni Vyaspithe" (1988).
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Awards and Recognition: Joshi won the Sahitya Akademi Award for Gujarati in 1990 for his essay collection "Statue" (1988).
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Personal Life: He married Bharatiben on July 15, 1975, and had a son and daughter, Sanket and Rachna.
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Tributes: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over Joshi's passing, acknowledging his significant contributions to Gujarati literature.
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