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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25, which began today, March 31, 2025, at Andravida Air Base in Greece. Hosted by Greece’s Hellenic Air Force, the 12-day exercise will run until April 11. The IAF contingent includes Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-78, and C-17 aircraft.

INIOCHOS-25 aims to enhance international cooperation, interoperability, and combat readiness through combined air operations and tactical training in complex scenarios. With participation from 15 countries, the exercise promotes mutual learning and strengthens military ties.

The Indian government is set to introduce a new cooperative-based taxi service called ‘Sahkar Taxi.‘ This initiative, announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament on March 27, 2025, aims to provide an alternative to private ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber. The service will include bike, cab, and auto rides, ensuring that profits go directly to the drivers instead of large corporations.

The ‘Sahkar Taxi’ service aligns with the vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation). Drivers will be able to register their vehicles—two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and four-wheelers—through cooperative societies. This model eliminates middlemen, allowing drivers to retain their full earnings and achieve better financial security.

Additionally, the government plans to establish a cooperative insurance company to support this initiative. This company will provide financial protection to drivers and others in the cooperative sector. The rollout of the ‘Sahkar Taxi’ service is expected in the coming months, offering affordable transport for passengers and fairer opportunities for drivers.

This move reflects the government’s commitment to promoting cooperative models and addressing concerns about high commission fees charged by private platforms. It is a step toward creating a more equitable and transparent transportation system in India.

On March 27, 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts with Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, Force Motors Ltd, and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd to procure the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Tracked version and 5,000 light vehicles for the Armed Forces, totaling Rs 2,500 crore.

The NAMIS (Tr) contract, worth Rs 1,801.34 crore, was developed by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory. It is an advanced fire-and-forget anti-tank weapon system designed to enhance the Indian Army’s mechanised operations and combat capabilities.

The light vehicles feature modern technology, offering enhanced engine power and an 800 kg payload capacity. They will improve mobility for the Armed Forces across various terrains and operational environments.

These procurements will boost indigenous defence manufacturing, generating employment opportunities in the MSME sector. This step reinforces the country’s defence capabilities and supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

From March 25 to 27, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces conducted a tri-service integrated exercise called Prachand Prahar in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh. The Army, Air Force, and Navy collaborated to test their coordinated operational capabilities.

The exercise involved the deployment of advanced surveillance assets like long-range aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and space-based resources. Special Forces were also used to detect and track simulated targets.

Once targets were identified, they were neutralized using joint firepower from fighter aircraft, rocket systems, artillery, drones, and loitering munitions. Operations were conducted in a contested electronic environment to ensure precise strikes.

The exercise was reviewed by Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, Eastern Air Commander Air Marshal Surat Singh, and Navy Commodore Ajay Yadav. They praised the forces for their professionalism and operational skills.

Prachand Prahar demonstrated the Armed Forces’ capability to conduct integrated operations across multiple domains, reaffirming India’s readiness to counter emerging threats along its borders.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), World Social Security Report 2024-26, India’s coverage has jumped from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024.

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted this progress during the webinar on ‘Investing in People’. Key achievements include:

• 17.1 crore jobs created between 2014 and 2024, with 4.6 crore added in the past year alone.
• Unemployment rate dropped from 6% (2017-18) to 3.2% (2023-24).
• Female workforce participation surged from 22% to 40.3%.

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the government’s focus on empowering youth through skill development and its commitment to fostering global economic contributions. 💼

The Supreme Court Collegium has proposed the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, back to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court. This decision, taken during meetings on March 20 and March 24.

However, the transfer has sparked controversy, with the Allahabad High Court Bar Association raising objections. Justice Varma is currently under scrutiny following allegations of a large stash of cash being discovered at his Delhi residence after a fire broke out on March 14. Reports suggest that firefighters found the cash while extinguishing the flames, though Justice Varma was not present at the time.

In response to the allegations, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee includes:

• Justice Sheel Nagu (Chief Justice, Punjab & Haryana High Court)
• Justice G.S. Sandhawalia (Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court)
• Justice Anu Sivaraman (Judge, Karnataka High Court)

Meanwhile, Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya has been directed not to assign any judicial work to Justice Varma until further notice.

Justice Varma has strongly denied the allegations, claiming that this is a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation. He clarified that the room where the cash was allegedly found is an outhouse, separate from his main residence.

The Supreme Court has emphasized that the transfer decision is unrelated to the ongoing controversy, aiming to maintain transparency and fairness.

“Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, commemorated its Raising Day on March 24, 2025, with profound pride and solemnity. This day marked the 190th Raising day, and celebrated the rich history and unwavering dedication of the “Sentinels of the Northeast.”

Here’s a glimpse into the significance of Assam Rifles Raising Day:

A Legacy of Service:

• Established in 1835 as the ‘Cachar Levy,’ the Assam Rifles has evolved through numerous historical events, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the northeastern region.
• Their contributions span from maintaining law and order to counter-insurgency operations and border security.
• They also perform vital humanitarian aid during natural disasters.

Guardians of the Northeast:

• The Assam Rifles are deeply integrated with the local communities, fostering trust and cooperation.
• Their presence ensures stability and security in a region known for its diverse cultures and challenging terrain.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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