1. India Emerges as Global Leader in IPO Activity (2024)
According to the Indus Valley Annual Report 2025, India led the global market in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) during 2024. The country raised over $19.5 billion through 268 IPOs, representing approximately 23% of all public issues globally. This milestone was bolstered by the Hyundai Motor India IPO, which was the largest in Indian history and the second-largest globally in 2024. India surpassed major exchanges like the US Nasdaq ($16.5 billion) and the New York Stock Exchange ($15.9 billion) in terms of the number of listings.
2. Centre Opposes Lifetime Ban on Convicted Lawmakers
On February 26, 2025, the Central Government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court opposing a petition that sought a lifetime ban on convicted individuals from contesting elections. The government argued that the duration of disqualification is a policy matter falling within the exclusive purview of Parliament. Under the current Representation of the People Act, 1951, a person convicted and sentenced to two or more years is disqualified for the period of imprisonment and a further six years after release. The Centre maintained that penalties must remain proportionate and legislative decisions should not be challenged solely on their perceived effectiveness.
3. World Protein Day Observed (February 27)
India celebrated World Protein Day (also known as National Protein Day) on February 27, 2025. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of protein in the human diet and tackle the issue of protein deficiency. The theme for 2025 focuses on sustainable and accessible protein sources for all. The initiative was first launched in India in 2020 under the "Right to Protein" campaign.
4. Successful Trial of Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR)
The DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the indigenous Naval Anti-Ship Missile (Short Range) from a Sea King helicopter off the coast of Odisha. The missile features advanced Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker technology and "Man-in-Loop" capability, allowing for in-flight retargeting. This development is a significant step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense technology.
5. National Green Financing Institution (NGFI) Plans
The Indian government announced plans to establish a National Green Financing Institution to support the country's goal of reaching Net Zero emissions by 2070. The institution will focus on aggregating green capital, reducing the cost of financing for renewable energy projects, and bridging the investment gap required to meet India's 2030 climate targets (including 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity).
6. RBI Relief for New India Cooperative Bank Depositors
Effective February 27, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed withdrawal restrictions for depositors of the New India Cooperative Bank. Depositors can now withdraw up to ā¹25,000 from their accounts. This move is expected to benefit over 50% of the bank's depositors, who will now be able to withdraw their entire account balances.