Current affairs 28 February 2025

Mahakumbh 2025 Concludes with Record 660 Million Visitors.

• Mahakumbh 2025, held in Prayagraj from Jan 13 to Maha Shivratri, attracted over 660 million people, making it the world’s largest human gathering.
• Indian Railways operated 16,000+ trains, facilitating 4.5 crore passengers commuting in and out of Prayagraj.
• The 45-day spiritual event witnessed massive participation, showcasing India’s cultural & religious significance.

"Cali Fund" Launched to Boost Biodiversity Finance.

• The Cali Fund, launched at COP16 in Rome on February 25, 2025, collects contributions from businesses using Digital Sequence Information (DSI) like genetic data, aimed at supporting biodiversity conservation.
• At least 50% of the fund’s resources will be directed to indigenous peoples and local communities.
• Managed by UNDP and UNEP, the fund will support conservation projects.

DPIIT and Paytm Collaborate to Boost India's Startup Ecosystem.

• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and Paytm signed an MoU to drive innovation and support the growth of manufacturing & fintech startups in India.
• Paytm will offer mentorship, infrastructure, market access, funding opportunities & regulatory guidance to startups.
• The collaboration aims to support fintech hardware startups and foster development in payment technologies.

NASA Launches Lunar Trailblazer Satellite to Detect Moon’s Water.

• The Lunar Trailblazer satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 was launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, to map water on the Moon, especially in shadowed polar craters.
• Built by Lockheed Martin, the 440-pound satellite will identify water ice for future lunar exploration & astronaut bases.
• It will orbit at 60 miles altitude, capturing high-resolution images to study water distribution.

Anant Ambani’s Vantara Wins "Prani Mitra" National Award.

• Vantara, under Anant Ambani, won the Prani Mitra National Award, India’s highest honour in animal welfare, in the Corporate category.
• Organization Recognized: Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT) for its elephant rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
• Presented By: Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.