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    Vinod Kumar Shukla Honored with Jnanpith Award

    Renowned Hindi poet and writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has been honored with the prestigious Jnanpith Award — India’s highest literary accolade!

    Hailing from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Mr. Shukla has enriched Hindi literature for over five decades. His thought-provoking works, including “Naukar Ki Kameez,” “Khilega To Dekhenge,” and “Deewar Mein Ek Khidki”, are cherished as some of the finest Hindi novels. His poetry and stories have touched hearts across generations.

    The announcement was made on 22nd March 2025 in New Delhi, bringing immense pride to Chhattisgarh and the literary world. Upon receiving the award, Mr. Shukla expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with this esteemed recognition.

    Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai extended his heartfelt congratulations, calling it a proud moment for the state.

    Q. Who has been selected for the Jnanpith Award in March 2025?

    A) Gulzar
    B) Vinod Kumar Shukla
    C) Javed Akhtar
    D) Ruskin Bond

    Answer: B) Vinod Kumar Shukla
    Renowned Hindi poet and writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has been honored with the prestigious Jnanpith Award on 22 March 2025.

    Indian Premier League 2025 Begins: What’s New in the 18th Edition?

    The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off on 22nd March 2025 with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens at 7:30 PM IST.

    The opening ceremony will feature dazzling performances by Disha Patani, Shreya Ghoshal, and Karan Aujla. With 10 teams competing in 74 matches until the final on 25th May, fans can expect non-stop cricketing action!

    📌 Key Updates for IPL 2025:

    • Saliva Ban Lifted: Bowlers can now shine the ball using saliva.
    • Ball Change Rule: Teams can request a ball change after the 10th over due to dew.
    • New Code of Conduct: A demerit points system with suspension risks will be enforced.
    • Expanded DRS: Height-based no-ball and wide-ball reviews are now available.

    Commonwealth Games 2030 in Ahmedabad : India Bids to Host

    India has officially submitted its expression of interest to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2030. This significant step marks India’s growing presence on the global sports stage.

    🌟 Why Ahmedabad?

    • The city has showcased its organizational capabilities through events like the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final and major concerts.
    • World-class infrastructure and vibrant local support make Ahmedabad a prime choice.

    👤 Led by PT Usha

    • Commonwealth Games Association of India President PT Usha confirmed the bid, which has been acknowledged by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

    📈 Strengthening India’s Sports Ambitions

    • Hosting the 2030 Games would bolster India’s position in global sports management.
    • The bid also complements India’s larger vision of securing the 2036 Olympic Games.

    🚀 With other potential hosts like Singapore and Malaysia stepping back, Ahmedabad is emerging as a strong contender.

    Kirsty Coventry Elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

    Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe has been elected as the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming the first woman and the first African to hold this esteemed position. 🥇

    🏊‍♀️ A celebrated Olympian with seven medals, Coventry’s remarkable leadership journey includes her role as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation and her tenure as Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission. She has consistently championed athlete welfare, grassroots sports development, and fair competition.

    📍 Elected at the 144th IOC Session in Greece, Coventry won a decisive 49 out of 97 votes in the first round. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized her commitment to fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and mental health support for athletes.

    💡 Coventry’s leadership comes at a critical time, as the IOC navigates challenges like gender equality, environmental sustainability, and global sports development. Her presidency is expected to bring a fresh perspective and drive positive change within the Olympic movement.

    International Day of Forests 2025: Theme – Forests and Food

    Observed annually on March 21, the International Day of Forests emphasizes the critical role forests play in sustaining ecosystems. This year’s theme, “Forests and Food,” highlights the connection between forests, food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

    🌱 Forest Protection Initiatives in India

    India has implemented various programs to safeguard forests while supporting livelihoods and biodiversity. Key initiatives include:

    1️⃣ National Agroforestry Policy (2014)

    • Promotes tree planting alongside crops for enhanced agricultural productivity.
    • Supports soil fertility and offers additional income for farmers.

    2️⃣ Green India Mission (GIM)

    • Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
    • Aims to expand and improve 10 million hectares of forest and non-forest land.
    • Focuses on biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and ecosystem restoration.

    3️⃣ Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme (FFPM)

    • Provides state support to prevent and manage forest fires.
    • Utilizes remote sensing, GPS, and GIS technologies for real-time fire detection.

    4️⃣ Van Dhan Yojana (2018)

    • Enhances tribal livelihoods through sustainable forest produce collection and value addition.
    • Establishes Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) for skill training, processing, and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFPs).

    Japan Secures Spot in 2026 FIFA World Cup!

    On March 20, 2025, Japan became the first non-host nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain. Goals by Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo sealed the win, marking Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance since 1998.

    With this win, Japan has claimed one of the two automatic qualification spots from Group C in the Asian qualifiers, with three matches still remaining. The expanded 48-team format will see the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) sending at least eight teams to the tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

    Other Teams to Watch

    • Australia is in a strong position in Group C.
    • Iran leads Group A, followed by Uzbekistan and the UAE.
    • South Korea tops Group B, with Iraq and Jordan trailing.

    🚀 The qualification process continues until June 2025, leading to a fourth round and an inter-confederation play-off offering one more Asian nation a final shot at qualifying.

    Parsi New Year, Navroz 2025 : Celebrated on March 20

    The Parsi New Year, also known as Navroz or Nowruz, is observed on March 20, coinciding with the spring equinox, a time when day and night are of equal length. This ancient festival has its roots in Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran).

    History and Significance

    Navroz, meaning “new day” in Persian, has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. It marks the beginning of the Persian calendar and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as well as the renewal of nature. The festival is named Jamshedi Navroz in honor of King Jamshed, who is credited with introducing the Parsi calendar.

    The Parsi community in India, which migrated from Persia during the Islamic invasion in the 7th century, has preserved this tradition with great fervor. Navroz is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.

    ISTAF Sepak Takraw 2025 World Cup in Patna: March 20–25

    Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar inaugurated ISTAF “Sepak Takraw 2025” World Cup in Patna on March 20, 2025. The tournament, organized by the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF), is taking place at the Pataliputra Sports Complex Indoor Stadium in Kankarbagh. This six-day event, running from March 20 to March 25, 2025, has brought together teams from 20 countries, including India, Thailand, Singapore, and others.

    Highlights of the Event

    • 150 Matches: The tournament features a total of 150 matches across various categories, including quad, regular, doubles, and mixed doubles.
    • India’s Performance: The Indian women’s team has already made a strong start, defeating China and Iran in the quad matches.
    • Global Participation: Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, and Brazil are showcasing their talent in this unique sport.

    About Sepak Takraw

    Sepak Takraw, often referred to as “kick volleyball,” is a dynamic sport with roots in Southeast Asia. Players use their feet, head, knees, and chest to hit a rattan or synthetic ball over a net. The game has gained international recognition, especially after being included in the Asian Games.

    Char Dham Yatra 2025: The Sacred Journey Begins on April 30

    The Char Dham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage in India, encompassing visits to four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These sites are nestled in the Himalayas and hold immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. The journey is believed to cleanse the soul and pave the way for salvation. The Yatra traditionally begins at Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and concludes at Badrinath.

    Registration for Char Dham Yatra

    To participate in the Yatra, registration is mandatory. Here’s how you can register:

    Online Registration:

    • Visit the official website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
    • Create an account and provide your personal details, including a valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.).
    • Select your preferred dates and complete the process by downloading your e-pass.

    Offline Registration:

    • Visit designated counters in cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.
    • Provide your documents and receive a QR code or registration letter.

    The Yatra begins with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams on April 30, followed by Kedarnath on May 2 and Badrinath on May 4.

    Government Approves Key Initiatives for Livestock, Dairy, and Digital Payments

    On March 19, 2025, the government announced major decisions to boost growth across multiple sectors. Here’s a quick overview of the key approvals:

    1️⃣ Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission: With an additional outlay of ₹1,000 crore, this mission aims to enhance milk production and productivity, directly benefiting farmers by increasing their incomes.

    2️⃣ National Program for Dairy Development: Focused on modernizing and expanding dairy infrastructure, the revised program will ensure the sector’s sustained growth and productivity.

    3️⃣ Incentive Scheme for BHIM-UPI Transactions: To promote low-value digital payments, small merchants will receive a 0.15% incentive per transaction (up to ₹2,000) at no extra cost, encouraging the adoption of UPI services.

    4️⃣ New Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Plant in Assam: A Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex will be established at Namrup, enhancing domestic urea production. This plant will meet the rising fertilizer demand in Northeast India, Bihar, West Bengal, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

    Bill Gates in India: March 2025 Visit Highlights

    Bill Gates visited India in March 2025, focusing on fostering innovation and partnerships in healthcare, agriculture, and AI. Key highlights of his visit include:

    March 18, 2025: Gates met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision and India’s progress in digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar and UPI. They explored the use of AI and technology for solving global challenges.

    March 19, 2025: He engaged with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, reviewing collaborative efforts in maternal health, immunization, and sanitation. They also discussed renewed healthcare partnerships.

    March 20, 2025: Gates met with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to explore advancements in climate-resilient crops, biofortification, and AI-powered farming.

    India and France Conduct 23rd Edition of Naval Exercise VARUNA, March 2025

    The Indian Navy and the French Navy conducted the 23rd edition of Exercise VARUNA from March 19 to 22, 2025, reinforcing their longstanding maritime partnership. Launched in 2001, this bilateral exercise has become a symbol of both nations’ commitment to regional and global maritime security.

    This year’s drills featured major naval assets, including INS Vikrant and FS Charles de Gaulle, accompanied by fighter jets like MiG-29K and Rafale-M, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine. The exercise involved air defense drills, mock air-to-air combat, and anti-submarine warfare to enhance operational coordination.

    Additional activities, such as surface warfare maneuvers, maritime patrols, and replenishment-at-sea exercises, further bolstered logistical and tactical interoperability.

    VARUNA 2025 stands as a testament to the strong defense ties between India and France, promoting a shared vision of a free, open, and secure maritime environment.

    World Sparrow Day: Protecting Our Feathered Friends

    Every year on March 20, we celebrate World Sparrow Day to raise awareness about the alarming decline of sparrows due to urbanization, pollution, and habitat loss. Sparrows play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling insect populations, aiding in pollination, and dispersing seeds.

    Founded in 2010 by the conservation group Nature Forever, World Sparrow Day is now recognized in over 50 countries, highlighting the urgent need for action. In India, where sparrows are lovingly known as Goraiya (Hindi), Kuruvi (Tamil), and Chirya (Urdu), their population has declined drastically.

    🚨 Why Are Sparrows Disappearing?

    • Loss of Nesting Spaces: Modern infrastructure lacks the small nooks and crevices sparrows prefer.
    • Toxic Compounds: Unleaded petrol and pesticides reduce insect populations, the primary food source for sparrows.
    • Urban Expansion: Green spaces are shrinking, leaving little room for sparrows to thrive.

    🌿 How Can We Help?

    • Plant native greenery to attract insects and provide food for sparrows.
    • Reduce the use of chemical pesticides.
    • Install nesting boxes in your garden or balcony.
    • Provide a small water source like a birdbath.

    💡 Inspiring Conservation Efforts

    • The Koodugal Trust in Chennai has installed over 10,000 nests since 2020, significantly increasing sparrow populations.
    • In Mysuru, the Early Bird Campaign educates children through birdwatching trips and community events.
    • Delhi declared the house sparrow its state bird in 2012, symbolizing its commitment to conservation.

    International Olympic Committee recommends inclusion of boxing in Los Angeles 2028 Games

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board has recommended the inclusion of boxing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, ending uncertainty over the sport’s Olympic future. The recommendation will be voted on at an IOC session in Greece this week, with approval expected.

    In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) was stripped of IOC recognition due to governance and financial issues, leading to the creation of World Boxing, which now has over 80 national federations. The IOC has stated that only athletes from federations affiliated with World Boxing by the start of the 2028 qualification events will be eligible to compete.

    The IOC had previously run boxing at Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 after suspending the IBA in 2019. The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) also remains banned due to its recognition of Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions. However, Russia may return to the Olympics if it complies with the Olympic Charter.

    Election Commission Initiates Voter ID-Aadhaar Linking Consultations

    On March 18, 2025, the Election Commission announced major steps to enhance electoral process!

    Voter ID & Aadhaar Linking: 🤝 The EC will soon begin technical consultations with UIDAI to explore linking Voter IDs with Aadhaar, ensuring a more robust and accurate voter database. This will be done in accordance with Article 326, the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Supreme Court judgments.

    Duplicate Voter IDs Resolved: 🔍 Say goodbye to duplicate voter ID issues! The EC is committed to resolving these problems within the next three months.

    Empowering Political Agents: 📚 Field-level political agents (booth, polling, counting, and election agents) will receive comprehensive training to better understand their vital roles.

    Shorter Polling Queues: ⏳ To reduce waiting times, future polling booths will be limited to a maximum of 1,200 electors.

    Trump and Putin Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire in Key Phone Call

    On March 18, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a crucial phone call to address the ongoing Ukraine war. The discussion aimed to convince Moscow to agree to a 30-day ceasefire and explore pathways toward a permanent peace deal.

    Key Highlights:

    • The call began at 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT) and was described as “going well” by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino.
    • Ukraine has already agreed to the U.S.-proposed ceasefire, marking a potential turning point in Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.
    • Russian President Putin expressed conditional support for the truce but emphasized the need to address several key issues before halting military operations.
    • President Trump also hinted at a longer-term peace plan, which could involve territorial concessions by Kyiv and discussions over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

    Broader Implications:

    • The Kremlin highlighted a “certain understanding” between the two leaders, building on their previous phone call on February 12, 2025, and subsequent high-level contacts.
    • Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy, praised the leadership of Trump and Putin, stating that their efforts have made the world a safer place.

    Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Return to Earth

    After an extended mission of 286 days in space, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore safely returned to Earth on March 18, 2025. Their journey back marked the conclusion of an extraordinary mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

    Key Highlights:

    • Mission Duration: Originally planned as an eight-day mission starting in June 2024, their stay was extended due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule.
    • Return Journey: The astronauts traveled aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, which successfully splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast.
    • Achievements: During their extended mission, the duo conducted critical scientific experiments, performed equipment repairs, and participated in spacewalks. Sunita Williams set a record for the most career spacewalking time by a female astronaut, logging 62 hours over nine excursions.

    Raisina Dialogue 2025: A Global Confluence of Ideas

    The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, took place from March 17 to March 19, 2025, in New Delhi. Organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, this flagship event brought together leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to address pressing global challenges.

    Key Highlights:

    • Theme: The 2025 edition was centered around the theme “Kālachakra – People, Peace, and Planet”, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity, sustainability, and global harmony.
    • Inauguration: The event was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as the chief guest, who delivered the keynote address.
    • Participation: Over 3,500 participants from 125 countries, including ministers, former heads of state, military commanders, industry leaders, academics, and youth, engaged in vibrant discussions.
    • Thematic Pillars: The dialogue revolved around six key areas:
    1. Politics Interrupted: Shifting political dynamics and rising global challenges.
    2. Resolving the Green Trilemma: Addressing environmental sustainability.
    3. Digital Planet: Governance in the digital age.
    4. Militant Mercantilism: Trade, supply chains, and economic resilience.
    5. The Tiger’s Tale: Reimagining development strategies.
    6. Investing in Peace: Leadership and institutions driving global peace.

    RBI Wins Prestigious Digital Transformation Award 2025

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been honored with the Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking, London, in recognition of its groundbreaking digital initiatives, Sarthi and Pravaah.

    Key Highlights:

    • Sarthi, launched in January 2023, revolutionized RBI’s internal workflows by digitizing document sharing, enhancing data analysis, and improving record management across its vast network.
    • Pravaah, introduced in May 2024, streamlined external regulatory applications, offering real-time tracking and analytics for over 70 regulatory processes.

    These initiatives have significantly reduced paper-based submissions, increased efficiency, and modernized RBI’s operations, making it one of the most digitally advanced central banks globally. The award reflects RBI’s commitment to innovation and its vision of a future-proof financial ecosystem.

    US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s Visit to India

    From March 16 to March 18, 2025, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard visited India, marking a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.

    Key highlights of the visit:

    • March 16, 2025: Gabbard arrived in New Delhi and held discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, focusing on intelligence-sharing, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism strategies.
    • March 17, 2025: Gabbard met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to explore ways to bolster defense and security ties. Later, she had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where they exchanged symbolic gifts—Gangajal and a Tulsi Mala—emphasizing cultural and diplomatic goodwill.
    • March 18, 2025: Gabbard participated in the Raisina Dialogue, delivering a keynote address on global security challenges and the importance of India-US collaboration.

    This visit underscored:

    • Strengthening intelligence cooperation and defense relations.
    • Addressing emerging threats in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
    • Enhancing the India-US strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

    New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon’s India Visit

    From March 16 to March 20, 2025, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon embarked on a significant five-day visit to India, marking a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

    Key highlights of the visit:

    • March 17, 2025: PM Luxon held wide-ranging discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, focusing on trade, economic ties, and regional security. He also attended the inaugural session of the prestigious Raisina Dialogue as the chief guest.
    • March 19-20, 2025: Luxon visited Mumbai, where he engaged with business leaders and promoted trade and investment opportunities.

    This visit emphasized:

    • Launching negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
    • Facilitating the mobility of professionals and skilled workers.
    • Strengthening collaboration in defense, education, and disaster resilience.
    • Addressing shared concerns about China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

    ISRO conducts flight acceptance hot test of Cryogenic Engine for LVM3 launch vehicle 

    ISRO has successfully completed the flight acceptance hot test of the cryogenic engine for the LVM3-M6 mission at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

    The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is a three-stage medium-lift launch vehicle, and each mission’s cryogenic engine undergoes hot testing before flight.

    ISRO stated that an innovative test method has reduced setup time and effort, enabling faster delivery of cryogenic stages.

    The CE20 engine performed as expected, meeting all test objectives. It will now be integrated into the Cryogenic Upper Stage of the LVM3-M6 mission, set for the second half of 2025.

    Mumbai Indians Win Their Second Women’s Premier League Title

    The Mumbai Indians have won their second Women’s Premier League title! In an exciting final, they beat the Delhi Capitals by 8 runs on 16 March 2025 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

    Key highlights:

    • Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a scintillating 66 off 44 balls, anchoring Mumbai’s innings to a competitive 149/7.
    • Nat Sciver-Brunt showcased her all-round brilliance, contributing 30 runs and taking 3 crucial wickets.
    • Despite a valiant effort by Marizanne Kapp (40 off 26 balls), the Delhi Capitals fell short, finishing at 141/9.

    Kabaddi World Cup 2025 begin on 17 March 2025 in England

    The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will begin on 17 March 2025 in England. The Indian Men’s team will start their campaign against Italy in Wolverhampton at 5:30 PM IST.

    The tournament will last seven days, featuring over 60 matches in Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton (West Midlands, UK).

    • The Men’s competition has 10 teams, divided into Group A and Group B. India is in Group B with Italy, Scotland, Wales, and China.
    • The Women’s competition has six teams, divided into Group D and Group E. India is in Group D with Wales and Poland.

    This is the second edition of the World Kabaddi-hosted Kabaddi World Cup. In the 2019 inaugural edition (Malaysia), India won both the men’s and women’s titles.

    This is also the first time the tournament is hosted outside Asia. Notably, this event is different from the IKF Kabaddi World Cup, which has always been held in India.

    World Consumer Rights Day 2025 : 15 March

    World Consumer Rights Day 2025 was observed on 15 March to highlight the importance of consumer rights and protection. The theme for 2025 is “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.”

    The Government of India has implemented several measures to protect consumer rights and ensure quick grievance redressal. The Jaago Grahak Jaago campaign raises consumer awareness, and the National Consumer Helpline collaborates with over 1,000 companies for faster complaint resolution.

    To tackle unfair trade practices in e-commerce, the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 outline responsibilities and liabilities for marketplace and inventory-based e-commerce platforms, ensuring proper grievance redressal mechanisms.

    ISRO completes SpaDEx Undocking Experiment

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completes the undocking experiment under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEx) mission. This marks a significant milestone in developing autonomous docking and undocking technologies, essential for future space stations, deep-space missions, and satellite servicing.

    Key Highlights of SpaDEx Mission:

    ✅ Satellites Involved: SDX-01 (Chaser) & SDX-02 (Target)
    ✅ Undocking Date: March 13, 2025
    ✅ Orbit Altitude: 460 km with 45° inclination
    ✅ Successful power transfer between satellites before undocking – a crucial step for long-term space operations

    This accomplishment places India alongside global space leaders like the United States, Russia, and China, proving ISRO’s technical excellence in orbital docking and separation.

    Future Missions Boosted by SpaDEx

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated ISRO, emphasizing that this achievement will pave the way for major upcoming missions, including:
    🚀 Bharatiya Antriksh Station (India’s future space station)
    🌕 Chandrayaan-4 (Next lunar mission)
    👨‍🚀 Gaganyaan (India’s first human spaceflight program)

    Holi 2025: India Drenched in Colors, Joy, and Unity!

    The festival of colors, Holi, was celebrated with immense enthusiasm across India on 14 March 2025. Streets were filled with vibrant hues, people danced to festive beats, and traditional sweets added to the joy of the occasion.

    🌸 Highlights from Across India:

    🔹 Uttar Pradesh: From Braj Mandal to Ayodhya Dham, Holi was celebrated with grandeur. CM Yogi Adityanath, while flagging off the Bhagwan Nrisinh Vishwa Yatra in Gorakhpur, emphasized that festivals should symbolize harmony, peace, and equality.

    🔹 Unity in Diversity: People from all communities—Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs—joined the celebrations, applying colors, dancing together, and sharing sweets, showcasing India’s cultural harmony.

    🔹 Security Forces Join the Festivities: The Army, BSF, and CRPF personnel celebrated Holi even at forward locations, adding warmth and joy to the occasion.

    SpaceX-NASA Crew-10 Mission Launched to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore

    SpaceX and NASA have launched the Crew-10 mission to bring back US astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months.

    🔹 Launch Date: 14 March 2025
    🔹 Rocket: Falcon 9
    🔹 Spacecraft: Dragon
    🔹 Mission: Crew-10

    This mission not only aims to rescue Williams and Wilmore but also delivers four new astronauts to the ISS:
    ✅ Anne McClain & Nichole Ayers (NASA)
    ✅ Takuya Onishi (JAXA – Japan)
    ✅ Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos – Russia)

    Why Were Williams & Wilmore Stranded?

    🛰️ They arrived at the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which was meant to be a short test flight.
    ⚠️ However, helium leaks & thruster failures led to months of investigation, delaying their return.

    NASA & Boeing’s Efforts

    After extensive analysis, NASA and Boeing, along with SpaceX, devised a solution to safely return the astronauts. The Crew-10 mission is a significant step in ensuring the success of future space operations.

    India Successfully Tests Astra BVRAAM from LCA AF MK1 Prototype

    India has achieved a major milestone in its defense capabilities with the successful test launch of the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype on 12 March 2025. The test was conducted off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha, marking a significant step toward the advancement of India’s indigenous defense technology.

    Astra Missile Test: A Remarkable Success

    The Astra missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully hit a flying target with pinpoint accuracy, demonstrating its advanced capabilities. All subsystems performed optimally, meeting the mission’s parameters and objectives.

    Key Features of Astra Missile:

    ✔ Beyond Visual Range (BVR): Engages targets over 100 km away.
    ✔ Advanced Guidance & Navigation: Ensures high precision and effectiveness.
    ✔ Enhances IAF’s Combat Readiness: Already inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

    A Step Toward LCA AF MK1A Induction

    This successful test is a crucial step toward the induction of the LCA AF MK1A variant, reinforcing India’s commitment to strengthening its indigenous defense systems. The achievement was made possible by the dedicated efforts of ADA, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), CEMILAC, DG-AQA, IAF, and the test range team.

    Leaders Applaud the Achievement

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams involved, while Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, praised the collaborative efforts of scientists, engineers, and technicians from multiple organizations and industries.

    Nine Indian Universities Among World’s Top 50 in QS Subject Rankings 2025

    India has made a remarkable achievement in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with nine prestigious universities securing positions among the world’s top 50 across various disciplines. According to the 15th edition of the QS rankings, announced on March 12, 2025, India celebrates 12 top 50 positions across different subjects and faculty areas.

    Top Indian Universities in QS Subject Rankings 2025

    Leading the way is the Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad, which ranks 20th globally in Engineering-Mineral and Mining, making it the highest-ranked subject area for India.

    Other notable rankings include:

    • IIT Bombay – 28th position in Engineering-Mineral and Mining
    • IIT Kharagpur – 45th position in Engineering-Mineral and Mining
    • IIT Delhi – 26th position in Engineering and Technology
    • IIT Bombay – 28th position in Engineering and Technology
    • IIM Ahmedabad – 27th position in Business and Management Studies
    • IIM Bangalore – 40th position in Business and Management Studies
    • IIT Madras – Featured in the top 50 for Petroleum Engineering
    • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) – Featured in the top 50 for Development Studies

    India’s Higher Education Growth Reflected in QS Rankings

    QS reports that a total of 79 Indian universities, 10 more than last year, have been featured 533 times across the 2025 QS subject rankings. This marks a 25.7% increase compared to the previous edition. India ranks 5th globally for the highest number of new entries, following China, the USA, the UK, and South Korea.

    This growth highlights India’s expanding higher education ecosystem, both in terms of size and quality. With an increasing number of Indian institutions making their mark globally, the country continues to establish itself as a hub for world-class education and research.

    Why These Rankings Matter?

    The QS World University Rankings by Subject are highly regarded worldwide and help students, researchers, and academic institutions assess global educational excellence. India’s strong performance reflects improving academic standards, enhanced research output, and growing global recognition of its institutions.

    MCQs on QS World University Rankings 2025

    Q: According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, how many Indian universities are among the world’s top 50?

    a) 5
    b) 7
    c) 9
    d) 12

    Answer: c) 9

    Q: Which Indian institution secured the highest rank in the QS Subject Rankings 2025?

    a) IIT Bombay
    b) IIT Delhi
    c) Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad
    d) IIM Ahmedabad

    Answer: c) Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad

    Q: Which two IITs ranked in the top 50 for Engineering and Technology?

    a) IIT Madras and IIT Delhi
    b) IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee
    c) IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay
    d) IIT Kanpur and IIT Guwahati

    Answer: c) IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay

    Q: Which Indian institutions ranked in the top 50 for Business and Management Studies?

    a) IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore
    b) IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay
    c) IIM Calcutta and IIM Indore
    d) IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur

    Answer: a) IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore

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