Current affairs 18 February 2025

Govt Launches "AI for Entrepreneurship" to Train 1 Lakh Youth.

• MSDE, NSDC, and Intel India launched the AI for Entrepreneurship module to simplify AI concepts for young innovators.
• The program aims to train 1 lakh youth by 2025, promoting entrepreneurial thinking with practical AI applications.
• The initiative supports digital inclusivity, offering accessible content for both urban and rural learners across India.

PM-AASHA Scheme Extended with 100% Pulse Procurement.

• Government approves Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme till 2025-26 during the 15th Finance Commission cycle.
• Government to procure 100% of State's Tur, Urad, and Masur Production for Next Four Years.
• The procurement of Tur in AP, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, MP, Maharashtra, Telangana and UP under Price Support Scheme for the Kharif 2024-25 Season.

India Sends First-Ever Sea Shipment of Pomegranates to Australia.

• APEDA facilitated the first commercial sea shipment of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia, boosting market access.
• The shipment, 5.7 MT from Maharashtra’s Solapur region, arrived in Sydney in January 2025.
• Positive market response and India’s ANARNET traceability system enhanced export credibility, with fresh fruit exports up 29% year-on-year.

FM Sitharaman Launches MSME Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme.

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a scheme in Mumbai to provide collateral-free loans up to ₹100 crore to MSMEs for machinery and equipment.
• The initiative builds on MSME focus from the past three budgets to boost growth.
• She noted India's strong investment returns and Maharashtra's rise as a defence manufacturing hub.

SC Appoints FRI to Enhance Delhi's Green Cover.

• The Supreme Court appointed Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, to prepare a plan for improving Delhi's green cover.
• The plan will include a large-scale tree plantation drive, with FRI given one month to file an affidavit.
• The affidavit will detail timelines and fund requirements, to be submitted to the amicus curiae in the case.