Current Affairs

Current Affairs is the most important part of every competitive exam in India. At gknow.in, we provide accurate, exam-focused, and easy-to-read current affairs to help aspirants prepare confidently for SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, State PCS, and other government exams.

This parent category covers all major current affairs topics, including:

  • National Current Affairs ā€“ Government updates, policies, bills, and major developments

  • International Affairs ā€“ Global events, agreements, and geopolitical updates

  • Awards & Honours ā€“ National and international recognitions

  • Culture & Heritage ā€“ Festivals, traditions, and notable cultural events

  • Science & Technology ā€“ ISRO, DRDO, space missions, innovations, discoveries

  • Polity & Governance ā€“ Constitutional amendments, committees, judicial updates

  • Important Days & Themes ā€“ Monthly observances and exam-relevant themes

  • Government Schemes ā€“ New initiatives, updates, launches, and budgets

Our content is:
āœ… Daily updated
āœ… Exam-oriented
āœ… Available in simple language

Rajiv Gauba Appointed Full-Time Member of NITI Aayog

Former Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has been appointed as a full-time member of the NITI Aayog, effective 25 March 2025. A distinguished 1982-batch IAS officer from the Jharkhand cadre, Mr. Gauba served as Indiaā€™s top bureaucrat from 2019 to August 2024. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping Indiaā€™s COVID-19 response and driving economic recovery strategies.

With an illustrious career that includes serving as Union Home Secretary, Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development, and Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, Mr. Gaubaā€™s appointment has been approved by the Prime Minister. He will continue to contribute to Indiaā€™s growth and development under the same terms as other full-time members of the NITI Aayog, further solidifying his legacy in the nationā€™s administrative framework.

Centre Approves Salary and Allowance Hike for MPs, Effective April 2023

The Centre has officially announced a significant revision in the salaries, allowances, and pensions of Members of Parliament (MPs), effective from April 1, 2023. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs issued a gazette notification on March 24, 2025, confirming the changes.

Key highlights of the revision:

  • Monthly Salary: Increased from ā‚¹1 lakh to ā‚¹1.24 lakh.
  • Daily Allowance: Raised from ā‚¹2,000 to ā‚¹2,500.
  • Pensions for Former MPs: Revised from ā‚¹25,000 to ā‚¹31,000 per month, with additional pensions for extended service increasing from ā‚¹2,000 to ā‚¹2,500 per year of service beyond five years.

This comprehensive adjustment ensures MPs’ compensation keeps pace with inflation and supports their legislative duties effectively. MPs also receive enhanced allowances for constituency-related work, office maintenance, and other perks such as free flights, train travel, and accommodations.

The last revision took place in 2018, making this a timely update to address rising living costs and economic shifts.

Ajay Seth Appointed as New Finance Secretary of India

The Government of India has designated Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, as the new Finance Secretary on March 24, 2025. This appointment follows the elevation of Tuhin Kanta Pandey to the position of SEBI Chairperson.

Ajay Seth, who previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, brings over three decades of expertise in public finance, taxation, and governance. Known for his pivotal role in shaping India’s economic policies, he has been instrumental in managing infrastructure investments, coordinating with global financial institutions, and steering macroeconomic strategies.

With a strong academic foundation, including a Masterā€™s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, Seth has also held key positions at the state level, such as Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by critical contributions to Union Budgets and economic recovery initiatives.

Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma

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.

World Tuberculosis Day : 24th March

Observed on 24th March every year, World Tuberculosis Day aims to raise awareness about the severe health, social, and economic impact of Tuberculosis (TB) and to mobilize efforts to eliminate this global epidemic. The date commemorates the historic discovery of the TB bacteria by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882, paving the way for understanding and treating the disease.

This yearā€™s theme, ā€œYes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliverā€, inspires deeper commitment to ending TB worldwide. It emphasizes combating drug-resistant TB and strengthening efforts at local, national, and international levels to save lives.

In India, the central government has launched several initiatives to eradicate TB:

  • Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana: Providing ā‚¹1,000 per month as nutritional support to TB patients.
  • Free drugs and diagnostics: Ensuring accessible treatment for all.
  • 100-day TB Elimination Campaign: Prioritizing districts to find and treat missing cases, reduce deaths, and prevent new infections.

According to the WHOā€™s Global TB Report 2024, India has made significant progress with a 17.7% decline in TB incidence rates from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh population in 2023.

March 24th: Assam Rifles Commemorates 190th Raising Day

“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.

India Triumphs at Kabaddi World Cup 2025

On March 23, 2025, India made history by winning both the Menā€™s and Womenā€™s Kabaddi World Cup titles at Wolverhampton, England.

  • The Indian Menā€™s Team secured a thrilling victory against England with a score of 44-41.
  • The Indian Womenā€™s Team dominated England with a commanding 57-34 win.

This tournament was special as it was the first Kabaddi World Cup held outside Asia, with matches across cities like Birmingham, Coventry, and Walsall.

With this remarkable double victory, India has once again showcased its kabaddi supremacy, following its previous wins in the 2019 World Cup in Malaysia.

Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day) on March 23

Shaheed Diwas, also known as Martyrs’ Day, is observed on March 23rd every year in India to pay tribute to the brave freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru. On this day in 1931, these three revolutionary heroes were executed by the British Government in the Lahore Central Jail. Their sacrifice remains a symbol of India’s fight for independence.

Significance of Shaheed Diwas

The day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by countless patriots who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were part of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization that fought against British colonial rule. Their courage and unwavering commitment to the nation continue to inspire generations.

Key Events Leading to Their Martyrdom

  • 1928: Bhagat Singh and his associates protested against the Simon Commission, which did not include any Indian representation. During a protest, Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally assaulted by the police under the supervision of James A. Scott.
  • 1929: Seeking justice, Bhagat Singh and Rajguru assassinated J.P. Saunders, mistaking him for Scott, to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death.
  • 1929: Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly to protest oppressive laws and willingly courted arrest.
  • 1931: After a controversial trial, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were sentenced to death. Despite numerous appeals, they were executed on March 23rd.

World Water Day 2025: Focusing on Glacier Preservation

World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable water management. This year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” emphasizes the vital role of glaciers in maintaining global freshwater supplies and calls for urgent conservation efforts amid climate change.

Established by the United Nations in 1992 during the Rio de Janeiro Conference, World Water Day was first celebrated in 1993. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing global water crisis, with 2.2 billion people lacking access to clean drinking water.

Vinod Kumar Shukla Honored with Jnanpith Award

Renowned Hindi poet and writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has been honored with the prestigious Jnanpith Award ā€” Indiaā€™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.

Indian Premier League 2025 Begins: Whatā€™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!

šŸ“Œ 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 Indiaā€™s growing presence on the global sports stage.

šŸŒŸ Why Ahmedabad?

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

šŸ‘¤ 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).

šŸ“ˆ Strengthening Indiaā€™s Sports Ambitions

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

šŸš€ 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. šŸ„‡

šŸŠā€ā™€ļø A celebrated Olympian with seven medals, Coventryā€™s remarkable leadership journey includes her role as Zimbabweā€™s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation and her tenure as Chair of the IOC Athletesā€™ Commission. She has consistently championed athlete welfare, grassroots sports development, and fair competition.

šŸ“ 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.

šŸ’” Coventryā€™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 yearā€™s theme, “Forests and Food,” highlights the connection between forests, food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

šŸŒ± Forest Protection Initiatives in India

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

1ļøāƒ£ National Agroforestry Policy (2014)

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

2ļøāƒ£ 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.

3ļøāƒ£ 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.

4ļøāƒ£ 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.

šŸš€ 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 20ā€“25

Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar inaugurated ISTAF ā€œSepak Takraw 2025ā€ 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. Hereā€™s a quick overview of the key approvals:

1ļøāƒ£ Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission: With an additional outlay of ā‚¹1,000 crore, this mission aims to enhance milk production and productivity, directly benefiting farmers by increasing their incomes.

2ļøāƒ£ National Program for Dairy Development: Focused on modernizing and expanding dairy infrastructure, the revised program will ensure the sectorā€™s sustained growth and productivity.

3ļøāƒ£ Incentive Scheme for BHIM-UPI Transactions: To promote low-value digital payments, small merchants will receive a 0.15% incentive per transaction (up to ā‚¹2,000) at no extra cost, encouraging the adoption of UPI services.

4ļøāƒ£ 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 yearā€™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.

šŸšØ 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.

šŸŒæ 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.

šŸ’” 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 sportā€™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: šŸ¤ 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: šŸ” Say goodbye to duplicate voter ID issues! The EC is committed to resolving these problems within the next three months.

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

Shorter Polling Queues: ā³ 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 ā€œgoing wellā€ 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 Europeā€™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 ā€œcertain understandingā€ between the two leaders, building on their previous phone call on February 12, 2025, and subsequent high-level contacts.
  • Kirill Dmitriev, Putinā€™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 ā€“ 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 Tigerā€™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 giftsā€”Gangajal and a Tulsi Malaā€”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.

Scroll to Top