Legal Bites February 2025: Monthly Legal Updates

Welcome to the Legal Bites Monthly Legal Updates for February 2025! This edition offers a comprehensive overview of the latest judgments, regulations, and key legal developments in India, along with a few significant international updates. Stay informed and up-to-date with the most significant legal changes of the month.

February 2025: Key Legal, National, and International Highlights

1. New Delhi World Book Fair 2025:
   The New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, held from February 1 to 9 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, celebrated India's 75 years as a republic with the theme Republic@75. Inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, the event drew massive crowds, with long queues extending to the metro station on the opening day. (February 1, 2025)
2. SwaRail App: A Unified Platform for Railway Services: Indian Railways has launched the SwaRail app, integrating multiple services into a single platform. Currently in beta testing, it allows users to book tickets (reserved and unreserved), track trains in real time, check PNR status, book platforms and parcels, order food onboard, and access assistance via RailMadad.
   (February 1, 2025)
3. Mana Mitra: Andhra Pradesh's Digital Governance Initiative: The Andhra Pradesh government has launched Mana Mitra, a WhatsApp-based platform for easy access to public services. Inaugurated by IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh, it currently offers 161 services across 36 departments, with plans to expand to 360 services soon. (February 1, 2025)
4. India Wins Second Consecutive U-19 Women's T20 World Cup:
   At Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, India’s U-19 women's cricket team clinched their second straight ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup title with a nine-wicket win over South Africa. Restricting South Africa to 82 runs, Gongadi Trisha led India's bowling attack with 3/15. (February 2, 2025)
5. Bart De Wever Appointed as Belgium's New Prime Minister: Bart De Wever, leader of the N-VA party, was sworn in as Belgium’s Prime Minister, making history as the first Flemish nationalist to hold the position. His appointment followed nearly eight months of coalition negotiations after the June 2024 elections.
   (February 3, 2025)
6. India’s First White Tiger Breeding Center Approved in Madhya Pradesh: The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) approved India's first white tiger breeding center in Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh. The facility will be set up in Govindgarh, near the Mukundpur White Tiger Safari. (February 6, 2025)
7. NITI Aayog Hosts ‘Towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ Conclave: NITI Aayog organized the Towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047 conclave at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The event featured key policymakers, including NITI Aayog’s leadership, the Chief Economic Advisor, and the Defence Secretary, focusing on economic growth, national security, and global partnerships.
   (February 6, 2025)
8. Government Extends Skill India Programme Till 2026: The Union Cabinet approved the extension and restructuring of the Skill India Programme until 2026, with an allocation of ₹8,800 crore. The initiative focuses on creating a future-ready workforce through demand-driven, technology-enabled, and industry-aligned training nationwide. (February 7, 2025)
9. World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025:
   World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) is an annual event observed during the first week of February to promote interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among people of different religions. Established by the United Nations in 2010, this initiative underscores the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in a world often divided by religious differences. The theme for World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025 was 'Uniting for Peace'.
   (February 7, 2025)
10. Manipur CM N. Biren Singh Resigns Amid Ongoing Ethnic Violence: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The conflict, which began in May 2023, has led to over 250 deaths and displaced around 60,000 people. (February 9, 2025)
11. A Legal Examination of Caste Certificate Claims: The Bombay High Court, in Swanubhuti Jeevraj Jain v. State of Maharashtra & Ors. (2025)
    , addressed the petitioner’s claim for caste recognition based on her mother’s lineage. The case raised key constitutional issues on caste identification and eligibility for reservation benefits under social justice policies, with potential implications for affirmative action and equality laws in India. (February 10, 2025)
12. Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025: The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 202
    5, is a landmark legislation that enhances India’s credibility in international aviation finance. By implementing the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol, the Bill ensures that financial interests in aircraft objects are protected and that international creditors have enforceable rights in India. (February 10, 2025)
13. Reliance Launches 'Spinner' Sports Drink: Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has launched 'Spinner', a sports hydration drink co-created with Sri Lankan cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan. Priced at ₹10 for 150 ml, it comes in Lemon, Orange, and Nitro Blue flavours.
    (February 10, 2025)
14. Pankaj Advani Wins 36th National Snooker Title: Pankaj Advani, India's most celebrated cueist, clinched his 36th national title and 10th men's snooker championship at the Yashwant Club in Indore. Displaying exceptional skill and resilience, he triumphed over Brijesh Damani in the final, avenging his earlier group-stage defeat with a commanding performance. (February 12, 2025)
15. Shikhar Dhawan Named 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Ambassador:
    Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as an official ambassador for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be held from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and Dubai. He joins Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shane Watson, and Tim Southee in the ambassadorial role. (February 12, 2025)
16. India Drops to 96th in 2024 Corruption Index: India ranks 96th out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) with a score of 38, slipping from 93rd place in 2023 (score: 39)
    (February 13, 2025)
17. Haryana Launches ‘Har Khet-Swasth Khet’ for Soil Health: The Haryana government has introduced the ‘Har Khet-Swasth Khet’ campaign to improve soil health and promote sustainable farming. Under this initiative, 70 lakh soil samples have been collected, with 55 lakh tested, and 86 lakh Soil Health Cards distributed to farmers. The government plans to test all farmland over the next 3-4 years, providing scientific data to enhance crop productivity.
    (February 13, 2025)
18. President's Rule in Manipur: Following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, 2025, President's Rule was imposed in Manipur. The decision comes amid ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. (February 13)
19. 12th World Government Summit Held in Dubai: The 12th edition of the World Government Summit (WGS) was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from February 11 to 13, 2025, under the theme "Shaping Future Governments." The event saw unprecedented participation, with over 30 heads of state and government, more than 400 ministers, and delegations from 140 governments.
    (February 13)
20. PM Modi Concludes Two-Day Visit to the US: In February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to the United States, his first since President Donald Trump began his second term. The visit aimed at bolstering bilateral relations, with major discussions centered on trade, defense, and technology cooperation. (February 13)
21. 38th National Games 2025 Concluded, Meghalaya to Host Next:
    38th National Games of India concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony on February 14, 2025, at the International Sports Stadium in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The event, which commenced on January 28, 2025, witnessed participation from over 16,000 athletes competing across 35 disciplines, highlighting the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence. (February 14, 2025)
22. King Edward Memorial in Ajmer Renamed to Honour Maharishi Dayanand:
    The Rajasthan government has renamed the King Edward Memorial in Ajmer to Maharishi Dayanand Vishrant Grih in tribute to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, who spent his final days in the city. (February 14, 2025)
23. 9th Asian Winter Games Conclude in Harbin: The 9th Asian Winter Games wrapped up on February 14, 2025, in Harbin, China, featuring remarkable performances from athletes across Asia. China topped the medal tally with 32 golds, followed by South Korea and Japan. Notably, the Philippines secured its first-ever gold in men's curling, and Thailand earned a historic bronze in freestyle skiing.
    (February 14, 2025)
24. Tata Chairman N. Chandrasekaran Receives UK Knighthood: Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group, has been awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) by King Charles III for his contributions to UK-India business relations. Under his leadership, Tata Group has expanded its UK presence across multiple sectors, employing over 70,000 people. (February 14, 2025)
25. National Tribal Festival, ‘Aadi Mahotsav: The National Tribal Festival, ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, is a prestigious annual event organized to celebrate the rich culture, heritage, traditions, and crafts of India’s tribal communities. Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav 2025 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. Organized by TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the festival, from February 16 to 24, showcases the rich heritage, arts, crafts, cuisine, and commerce of India’s tribal communities.
    (February 16, 2025)
26. (PM-AASHA) Scheme: The Government of India has extended the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme until March 31, 2026, ensuring price support to farmers and stabilizing essential commodity prices. (February 18, 2025)
27. Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as 26th Chief Election Commissioner: Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, succeeding Rajiv Kumar. He assumed office on February 19, 2025, and will oversee 20 Assembly elections and the Presidential polls during his tenure.
    (February 19, 2025)
28. Manu Bhaker Wins BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2024: Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been awarded the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2024, following a public vote. She made history at the Paris Olympics 2024, winning two bronze medals—one in the women's 10m air pistol and another in the mixed 10m air pistol event. (February 19, 2025)
29. Ajmer Hosted First All India Transgender Conference:
    Ajmer hosted the first-ever All India Kinnar Mahasammelan, a 10-day national transgender conference, in Vaishali Nagar. Organized in memory of Anita Bai, the event has gathered over 2,000 transgender participants from across India. (February 19, 2025)
30. 2nd All India State Water Ministers' Conference Held in Udaipur: The 2nd All India State Water Ministers' Conference took place on February 18-19, 2025, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, under the theme "
    India@2047 – A Water Secure Nation." The event focused on water governance, supply management, irrigation, and efficiency to ensure sustainable water resources for the future. (February 19, 2025)
31. Rekha Gupta Becomes Delhi’s New Chief Minister: Rekha Gupta has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi, marking the BJP’s return to power after 27 years. A former Delhi University Students’ Union president and ex-SDMC mayor, she won the Shalimar Bagh constituency in the 2025 elections.
    (February 19, 2025)
32. Supreme Court's Stand on Filing a Second FIR: The Supreme Court, in State of Rajasthan v. Surendra Singh Rathore (2025), recently reaffirmed the legal principles governing the permissibility of second FIRs. The ruling clarified the conditions under which a second FIR can be registered and its distinction from a mere supplementary investigation. (February 19, 2025)
33. Green Shipping Conclave 2025 Held in Mumbai:
    The Green Shipping Conclave 2025 was held in Mumbai, focusing on sustainable maritime practices. Key discussions included green shipping initiatives, alternative fuels, and emission reduction strategies, with industry leaders reaffirming India's commitment to net-zero maritime emissions by 2050. (February 20, 2025)
34. India and Argentina Sign MoU for Lithium Exploration: India and Argentina have signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in lithium exploration and mining. The agreement, involving India's MECL and Argentina’s Catamarca province, aims to secure a stable lithium supply for India’s EV and renewable energy sectors. (February 20, 2025)
35. RBI Launches ‘RBIDATA’ App for Easy Access to Economic Data: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched the 'RBIDATA' app, providing users with access to over 11,000 economic and financial data series. (February 21, 2025)
36. Kash Patel Appointed as FBI Director: Kash Patel was sworn in as the ninth Director of the FBI, making him the first Indian American to hold the position. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense and played key roles in intelligence and national security. (February 21, 2025)
37. Antecedents and Allegations in Court: The role of antecedents and allegations in judicial proceedings is pivotal in determining bail applications, sentencing, and the overall perception of an accused person’s credibility. The Kerala High Court’s decision in P.C. George v. State of Kerala & Anr. (B.A. No. 1874 of 2025), sheds light on the importance of criminal antecedents and the gravity of allegations in deciding whether an accused is entitled to anticipatory bail. (February 21, 2025)
38. India’s First Wildlife Biobank Established at Darjeeling Zoo: India’s first wildlife biobank has been set up at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling. Operational since July 2024, it preserves genetic materials such as DNA, tissues, and reproductive samples of endangered species under cryogenic conditions at -196°C. (February 22, 2025)
39. Khajuraho Dance Festival Enters Guinness World Records: The 51st Khajuraho Dance Festival set a Guinness World Record for the longest classical dance marathon, with 139 artists performing non-stop for 24 hours, 9 minutes, and 26 seconds. The event showcased traditional Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, celebrating the nation’s rich cultural heritage. (February 22, 2025)
40. PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone for Cancer Hospital: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Madhya Pradesh. The ₹218 crore cancer hospital aims to provide free treatment for underprivileged patients and will be completed within 36 months. (February 23, 2025)
41. Pension Rights and Procedural Fairness: The Supreme Court of India in Jaya Bhattacharya v. State of West Bengal & Ors. (2025) addressed a long-standing dispute concerning the denial of pensionary benefits to the appellant, Jaya Bhattacharya. The case revolved around allegations of unauthorized absence, non-conduct of a departmental inquiry, and the government’s refusal to grant pension benefits despite regularization of service. (February 25, 2025)
42. First UN Conference on Women Peacekeepers Held in New Delhi: On February 24-25, 2025, India hosted the maiden UN Conference on Women Peacekeepers in New Delhi, focusing on gender inclusivity in peacekeeping. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Defence, the event gathered representatives from 35 troop-contributing nations. (February 25, 2025)
43. DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Test Naval Anti-Ship Missile: On February 25, 2025, DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully tested the indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR) at Odisha’s Integrated Test Range. Launched from a Sea King Mk.42B helicopter, the missile accurately struck a sea target, showcasing its precision. (February 25, 2025)
44. Soliga Tribe Praised for Tiger Conservation Efforts: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, praised the Soliga tribe for their crucial role in increasing the tiger population at Karnataka’s BRT Tiger Reserve. The Soligas, the first Indian tribe to secure forest rights within a tiger reserve, have long practiced sustainable conservation. (February 26, 2025)
45. Namita Gokhale Releases ‘Life on Mars: Collected Stories’: Author Namita Gokhale has released Life on Mars: Collected Stories, a collection of 15 short stories exploring themes of love, fate, and mythology. Blending new and revisited narratives, the book highlights her storytelling depth and emotional complexity. (February 27, 2025)
46. Australia and New Zealand Report Highest Global Breast Cancer Rates: A 2025 study highlights Australia and New Zealand as having the world's highest breast cancer incidence rates, with 100.3 cases per 100,000 individuals. (February 27, 2025)
47. Chess Legend Boris Spassky Passes Away at 88: Former World Chess Champion Boris Spassky passed away, at the age of 88 in Moscow. A Soviet grandmaster, he held the world title from 1969 to 1972 before his famous loss to Bobby Fischer in the Cold War-era championship. (February 27, 2025)
48. Udaan Yatri Café Opens at Chennai Airport: Chennai Airport has launched the Udaan Yatri Café, offering affordable food options like tea for ₹10, coffee for ₹20, and samosas for ₹20. Inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the initiative aims to make airport dining more budget-friendly. (February 28, 2025)
49. 9th National Summit on Good & Replicable Practices: The 9th National Summit on Good & Replicable Practices in Public Healthcare took place on February 28, 2025, in Puri, Odisha. Organized by the Union Health Ministry, the event brought together policymakers and health officials to discuss innovative healthcare solutions. (February 28, 2025)
50. Government Launches Aadhaar Good Governance Portal: The Ministry of Electronics and IT launched the Aadhaar Good Governance portal to streamline Aadhaar authentication approvals for public and private entities. The portal simplifies the application process, provides SOPs for authentication, and expands Aadhaar’s role in sectors like healthcare, education, and e-commerce. (February 28, 2025)
51. Tuhin Kanta Pandey Appointed as SEBI Chairman: Tuhin Kanta Pandey, former Finance Secretary, has been appointed as the new SEBI Chairman for a three-year term starting March 1, 2025. A 1987-batch IAS officer, he played a key role in Air India’s privatization and major financial policies. (February 28, 2025)