Daily Current Affairs March 21st 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

Securities and Exchange Board of India Partners with DigiLocker to Reduce Unclaimed Assets, Boost Investor Protection

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has partnered with DigiLocker to minimize unclaimed assets and enhance investor protection.
• Investors can store and access their demat and mutual fund holdings on DigiLocker.
• DigiLocker users can fetch and store their statement of holdings for shares, mutual funds, and CAS.
• Nominees can be added to investor accounts for easy access to financial documents after the investor’s demise.
• DigiLocker will update account status upon investor’s death using data from KRAs.
• Automatic notifications via SMS and email will be sent to nominees to facilitate asset transmission.
• SEBI has instructed AMCs, RTAs, and depositories to register with DigiLocker for seamless investor access.
• KRAs will provide death data to DigiLocker to streamline asset transfers.
• This move aims to reduce unclaimed assets caused by dormant accounts and outdated information.
• The circular will be effective from April 1, 2025.

Recent News:

• As of March 2025, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) experienced a 48% year-on-year rise in total income, reaching ₹2,075 crore in FY 2023-24, largely due to higher revenue from fees and subscriptions.

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Tuhin Kanta Pandey
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

National Payments Corporation of India International partners with HitPay to expand India’s UPI acceptance in Singapore

• HitPay has partnered with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International Payments Limited (NIPL) to integrate India’s UPI into its platform.
• The move allows Singapore merchants to accept UPI payments for in-store and eCommerce transactions.
• The integration provides access to 450 million UPI users, offering a cost-effective alternative to credit cards.
• India is among Singapore’s fastest-growing tourist markets, with 1.2 million Indian visitors in 2024.
• Merchants can accept payments from 50+ UPI-supported apps, including BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm.
• Transactions can be processed via Shopify, Wix, and WooCommerce through HitPay’s platform.
• HitPay’s cross-border network includes PayID (Australia), PromptPay (Thailand), QRIS (Indonesia), QR Ph (Philippines), VietQR (Vietnam), and WeChat Pay (China).
• HitPay plans to introduce DuitNow in Malaysia and other regional payment solutions in 2025.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, The National Payments Corporation of India recommended increasing ATM interchange fees to help banks and White Label ATM Operators manage rising operational expenses & the proposal suggests raising financial transaction fees from ₹15 to ₹17 and non-financial transaction fees from ₹5 to ₹6.

About NPCI:

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Founded: 2008
• CEO: Dilip Asbe
• Key Initiatives: Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), RuPay (domestic card payment network), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)

Reserve Bank of India, Bank of Mauritius sign Memorandum of Understanding to promote use of local currencies for cross-border transactions

• RBI and Bank of Mauritius (BOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote local currency transactions.
• The agreement facilitates cross-border trade using Indian Rupee (INR) and Mauritian Rupee (MUR).
• It covers current account transactions and permissible capital account transactions.
• Exporters and importers can invoice and settle in their domestic currencies, boosting INR-MUR market development.
• The use of local currencies reduces costs and settlement time for transactions.
• The MoU strengthens bilateral cooperation, trade ties, and financial integration between India and Mauritius.
• RBI highlighted the initiative’s role in deepening historical, cultural, and economic relations.

Recent News:

• In March 2025, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was awarded the Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking, London, UK.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

About Bank of Mauritius (BoM):

• Established: September 1967
• Headquarters: Port Louis, Mauritius
• Governor: Rama Krishna Sithanen
• Currency Issued: Mauritian Rupee (MUR)

Cabinet approves Incentive scheme for promotion of low-value BHIM-UPI transactions

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the ‘Incentive Scheme for promotion of low-value BHIM-UPI transactions Person to Merchant (P2M)’ for the financial year 2024-25 in the following manner:

• The incentive scheme for promotion of low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M) will be implemented at an estimated outlay of 1,500 crore, from 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2025.
• Only the UPI (P2M) transactions upto 2,000/- for Small Merchants are covered under the scheme.

Category	Small Merchant	Large Merchant
Up to Rs. 2k	Zero MDR / Incentive (@0.15%)	Zero MDR / No Incentive
Over Rs. 2k	Zero MDR / No Incentive	Zero MDR / No Incentive

• Incentive at the rate of 0.15% per transaction value will be provided for transactions upto Rs.2,000 pertaining to category of small merchants.
• For all the quarters of the scheme, 80% of the admitted claim amount by the acquiring banks will be disbursed without any conditions.
• The reimbursement of the remaining 20% of the admitted claim amount for each quarter will be contingent upon fulfilment of the following conditions:

a)    10% of the admitted claim will be provided only when the technical decline of the acquiring bank will be less than 0.75%; and

b)    The remaining 10% of the admitted claim will be provided only when the system uptime of the acquiring bank will be greater than 99.5%.

Objective:

• Promotion of indigenous BHIM-UPI platform. Achieving the target of 20,000 crore total transaction volume in FY 2024-25.
• Supporting the payment system participants in building a robust and secure digital payments infrastructure.
• Penetration of UPI in tier 3 to 6 cities, especially in rural & remote areas by promoting innovative products such as feature phone based (UPI 123PAY) & offline (UPI Lite/UPI LiteX) payment solutions.
• Maintain a high system uptime & minimize technical declines.

Background:

• Promotion of digital payments is an integral part of the Government’s strategy for financial inclusion and provide wide-ranging payment options to the common man.
• The expenditure incurred by the digital payment industry while providing services to its customers / merchant is recovered through the charge of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).
• As per RBI, MDR upto 0.90% of transaction value is applicable across all card networks. (for Debit cards).
• As per NPCI, MDR upto 0.30% of transaction value is applicable for UPI P2M transaction.
• Since January 2020, to promote digital transactions, MDR was made zero for RuPay Debit Cards and BHIM-UPI transactions through amendments in section 10A in the Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 and section 269SU of the Income-tax Act, 1961.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Government of Jammu and Kashmir Launches ‘Watan Ko Jano’ Programme to Promote National Integration Among Underprivileged Children

• The ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme, launched by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir with funding from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, aims to foster national integration by providing underprivileged children (under 18 years) from government-run homes exposure to India’s cultural, historical, and technological advancements.
• The initiative plays a crucial role in promoting unity, inclusivity, and patriotism among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

Objectives of the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ Programme

The programme seeks to strengthen national unity by providing Kashmiri youth with first-hand experiences of India’s diverse heritage.

1. Fostering National Integration – Encouraging young participants to understand and appreciate India’s cultural diversity.
2. Educational Exposure – Organizing visits to historical landmarks, premier educational institutions, and industrial hubs.
3. Technological Awareness – Introducing students to advancements in science, technology, and innovation.
4. Personality Development – Enhancing communication skills, leadership abilities, and self-confidence through interactive activities.
5. Promoting Social Harmony – Strengthening the spirit of unity and brotherhood across different regions.

Indian Government Establishes Inter-Ministerial-Industry Committee on Fintech (IMICF)

• To address regulatory concerns and develop a long-term strategy for the financial technology (fintech) sector, the Indian government has set up an Inter-Ministerial-Industry Committee on Fintech (IMICF).
• The committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), will evaluate fintech’s impact on the banking and financial services industry (BFSI), identify obstacles to growth, and study global best practices in regulation and governance.

Key Highlights of IMICF

1. Purpose of the Committee

• Established to address regulatory challenges and devise a long-term fintech strategy.
• Examines fintech’s role in BFSI, obstacles to growth, and global regulatory best practices.

2. Committee Composition

• Chaired by the DFS Secretary, with members from:
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
• Department of Economic Affairs
• NITI Aayog
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) representatives.

3. Industry Experts and Fintech Leaders on the Panel

• Ajay Kaushal (Co-founder, BillDesk)
• Jitendra Gupta (Founder, Jupiter)
• Varun Dua (CEO, Acko)
• Lalit Keshre (CEO, Groww)
• Vishnu Pillai (Partner & Head of FS Tech, KPMG)
• Ashish Garg (MD & Senior Partner, McKinsey)

India Expands Nuclear Energy Projects with Jaitapur and Gorakhpur Plants

• The Indian government is advancing its nuclear energy initiatives with two key projects:

1. Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant (Maharashtra)
2. Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project (Haryana) – North India’s first nuclear facility

• The Jaitapur plant will contribute 10% of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047, while the Gorakhpur project marks a strategic expansion into new regions.
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy, while also introducing private sector participation to accelerate nuclear energy expansion.

Key Highlights

1. Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project (Haryana)

• First nuclear project in North India, located in Fatehabad District, Haryana.
• Strengthens India’s nuclear infrastructure and regional expansion.
• Part of the broader vision to scale up nuclear power capacity.

2. Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant (Maharashtra)

• Largest nuclear power plant in India once completed.
• Six reactors of 1,730 MW each, totaling 10,380 MW capacity.
• Will contribute 10% of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy goal by 2047.

3. Nuclear Liability and Financial Safeguards

• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) framework ensures operator responsibility.
• Insurance pool of ₹1,500 crore set up for financial protection.
• India aligned with global compensation mechanisms for added security.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

International Seabed Authority (ISA)’s 30th Session Begins in Jamaica to Debate Deep-Sea Mining Rules

• The 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) commenced on March 17, 2025, in Jamaica.
• Nearly 170 member states and the European Union convened to discuss deep-sea mining regulations.
• This meeting comes amid increasing pressure from mining industries eager to exploit seabed resources.
• The ISA’s primary responsibilities include developing a mining code and protecting the marine environment from potential damage due to mining activities.

International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• The ISA is an independent organization formed in 1994.
• It was created when the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) became effective in 1982.
• Its main role is to manage mining and related activities on the international seabed (ocean floor beyond national borders).
• The ISA ensures that mining activities benefit all of humanity while protecting marine ecosystems.

About Deep-Sea Mining

• Deep-sea mining involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor at depths greater than 200 metres.
• Resources targeted include copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
• A November 2024 study identified over 30 critical concerns regarding the draft mining code.
• In 2021, Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. triggered the “two-year rule”, requiring the ISA to adopt regulations within two years of notification.
• As of January 2025, the ISA has granted 30 exploration contracts since 2001.
• India holds two contracts in the Indian Ocean and has applied for additional contracts.
• European nations and Norway are also actively involved in sponsoring mining contracts.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Andhra Pradesh government to install 58-foot statue of Potti Sriramulu in Amaravati

• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced on March 16, 2025, that a 58-foot statue of Potti Sriramulu will be installed in Amaravati, honoring his 58-day hunger strike for the creation of Andhra State.
• The announcement was made on Potti Sriramulu’s birth anniversary.
• The statue and a memorial will be completed before his next birth anniversary.
• His native house in Padamatipalli will be converted into a museum.
• A modern health centre and a high school building will also be constructed in Padamatipalli.
• The CM participated in birth anniversary celebrations at Undavalli, paying floral tributes to Potti Sriramulu’s statue.
• One significant event will be conducted each month, leading up to grand celebrations on March 16, 2026.

Potti Sriramulu’s Legacy:

• Born on March 16, 1901, in Madras, his family hailed from Nellore.
• Advocated for governance in one’s own language.
• Undertook a 58-day hunger strike, passing away on December 15, 1952.
• His sacrifice led to public outrage, prompting Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to announce a separate Andhra State on December 19, 1952.
• Andhra State was officially formed on October 1, 1953.
• Later, it merged with Telangana before bifurcation in 2014.

About Andhra Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu
• Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
• Capital: Amaravati
• National Parks: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards: President Murmu Highlights Press Freedom & Ethical Journalism

• President Droupadi Murmu presented the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards, honoring outstanding contributions to Indian journalism.
• She emphasized the importance of truth, integrity, and fearless reporting, while highlighting Ramnath Goenka’s legacy in defending press freedom, especially during the Emergency.

Key Highlights of President Murmu’s Speech

1. Tribute to Ramnath Goenka

• Recognized his contributions to press freedom.
• Recalled his fight against censorship during the Emergency.
• Highlighted his association with Mahatma Gandhi and support for social causes.

2. Importance of Ground Reporting & Research

• Urged newsrooms to invest in investigative journalism.
• Referred to APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision for newsroom research wings.
• Stressed that news gathering is the soul of journalism.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Former NITI Aayog CEO and G20 Sherpa appoints NIIT University as University Chancellor

• Amitabh Kant has been appointed as the Chairperson (Chancellor) of NIIT University (NU), succeeding renowned scientist Kasturirangan. His appointment will take effect on March 10, 2025.
• Amitabh Kant previously served as the CEO of NITI Aayog from 2016 to 2022.
• During his tenure, he led key initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission, the Aspirational Districts Programme, and the National Programme on Artificial Intelligence.
• He also played a pivotal role in government campaigns like Make in India, Startup India, and Ease of Doing Business
• In 2023, he was instrumental in India’s G20 Presidency, contributing to the nation’s global economic standing.
• His appointment at NIIT University is expected to strengthen industry-aligned education and foster skill-based learning in emerging fields.

Goibibo onboards Rishabh Pant as brand ambassador for a campaign featuring Sunil Gavaskar

• Goibibo has appointed Rishabh Pant as its brand ambassador, featuring Sunil Gavaskar in a new campaign.
• The campaign adds a playful twist to Gavaskar’s iconic ‘Stupid, Stupid, Stupid’ commentary phrase.
• The youth-centric campaign aims to attract travel-loving audiences with fun advertisements.
• Raj Rishi Singh, CMO of Goibibo, highlighted Pant’s youthful energy as a key reason for his selection.
• Goibibo offers flight, train, and bus ticketing, along with hotel bookings and car rentals via website and app.

VISION 2020 India Ropes in Krishnamachari Srikkanth as Goodwill Ambassador for Eye Care Awareness

• Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for VISION 2020 India.
• This initiative aims to combat avoidable blindness across the nation.
• Srikkanth’s involvement is expected to raise awareness and garner support for the program’s vital work in preventing and treating vision impairment.

Key Highlights:

• VISION 2020 India:A national initiative focused on eliminating avoidable blindness.
• Impact:Srikkanth’s popularity is anticipated to increase participation and funding.
• VISION 2020 India:A global initiative adapted for India, aiming to reduce avoidable blindness by providing quality eye care services.
• Goodwill Ambassador:A person who advocates for a specific cause or organization, utilizing their public recognition to promote awareness and support.
• Avoidable Blindness:Vision impairment that can be prevented or treated, including conditions like cataracts, refractive errors, and diabetic retinopathy.

Anuj Kumar Singh Takes Charge as Joint Secretary, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Anuj Kumar Singh, an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer from the 2009 batch, has been selected for central deputation and appointed as the Joint Secretary (Director level) in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Delhi.
• The Ministry of Railways recommended his appointment for a five-year term.
• An official order from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), issued on March 18, 2025, confirmed Singh’s new role.
• Under the central staffing scheme, he will serve for five years from the date he assumes charge or until further orders.
• With extensive experience in Indian Railways, Singh will contribute his expertise to the UPSC, which is responsible for recruiting candidates for civil services positions across India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Andhra Pradesh to Sign MoU with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for AI-Driven Development

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in New Delhi.
• This agreement marks a significant step toward integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and data-driven governance across key sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and employment.

Key Areas of Collaboration

1. AI-Powered Healthcare Transformation

The MoU aims to revolutionize healthcare through AI and data-driven solutions:

• AI-powered health data systems for better healthcare management.
• Telemedicine services to enhance remote diagnostics and patient care.
• Low-cost medical devices and diagnostics to make healthcare affordable.
• AI-driven predictive analytics to identify disease trends and improve healthcare outcomes.

2. AI-Driven Education and Digital Learning

Education reforms will integrate AI-based technologies:

• AI-powered EdTech tools to enhance student learning and performance tracking.
• Digital learning platforms for interactive and inclusive education.
• National education summit to shape the future of AI-assisted learning.

These initiatives will bridge the digital divide and provide students access to world-class education tools.

3. AI in Agriculture: Empowering Farmers

Agriculture, a key pillar of Andhra Pradesh’s economy, will benefit from AI-driven strategies:

• Precision farming using satellite data to aid informed decision-making.
• AI-assisted farmer advisory systems providing real-time guidance on crops, soil health, and weather conditions.
• Transparent subsidy distribution to ensure timely benefits for farmers.

This integration will help increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve food security.

4. AI-Driven Governance and Public Services

To improve governance and public service delivery, the MoU will introduce:

• Centralized data lake to integrate information across government departments.
• AI-powered public services for seamless citizen interactions with government agencies.
• Predictive analytics for policy-making in healthcare, education, and agriculture.

These tools will enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency, making Andhra Pradesh a model for digital governance.

5. AI for Employment and Economic Growth

AI and automation will be crucial for job creation and economic development:

• AI-based solutions for skill development and workforce training.
• Identification of high-growth industries where AI can create new job opportunities.
• AI-driven business models to support startups and entrepreneurs.

India-Australia Strengthen Defence Cooperation at 9th Defence Policy Talks

• India and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defence cooperation and interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains.
• The discussions took place during the 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks (DPT) in New Delhi.
• Both nations emphasized maritime domain awareness, reciprocal information sharing, and defence technology collaboration.
• The meeting also reviewed past defence dialogues and set priorities for the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Australia.

Key Highlights

1. Meeting Details

• Date & Location: March 17, 2025, New Delhi.
• Indian Delegation: Led by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence.
• Australian Delegation: Led by Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary, International Policy Division.

3. Review of Previous Defence Dialogues

• 2+2 Ministerial Foreign & Defence Dialogue (Nov 2023).
• Inter-sessional 2+2 Consultations (Oct 2024).
• Annual Leaders’ Summit (Nov 2024).

4. Defence Exercises and Agreements

• Recognized the increased complexity and frequency of joint military exercises.
• Finalizing key agreements to enhance defence trade.
• Participation in major defence trade expositions in both countries.

5. Future Defence Cooperation

• Preparations for the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Australia (2025).
• Exploring defence industry collaboration and scientific research partnerships.
• Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through defence initiatives.

6. Australian Delegation’s Visit to Mumbai

• Visit to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. for naval industry collaboration.
• Australian co-chair to meet India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Enhance Mental Health Support for Armed Forces

• In a major step towards improving the mental well-being of defense personnel, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative research and training in mental health care.

Key Highlights:

• Collaborative Research: Focus on neuropsychiatry, PTSD, anxiety, and depression affecting soldiers and their families.
• Training & Capacity Building: Specialized mental health training programs for medical personnel in the Armed Forces.
• Faculty Exchange & Academic Collaboration: Sharing expertise between AFMS and NIMHANS for advanced psychiatric care.
• Holistic Mental Health Support: Development of innovative programs to improve mental well-being among soldiers, sailors, airmen, and their dependents.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Indian Long-Distance Runner Archana Jadhav Banned for Doping

• Indian long-distance runner Archana Jadhav has been handed a four-year ban by World Athletics’ Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for the banned substance Oxandrolone.
• The suspension, effective January 7, 2025, comes after Jadhav failed to contest the doping charges despite multiple reminders.

Doping Violation and AIU Investigation

Positive Test Result at Pune Half-Marathon

• Archana Jadhav’s sample was collected during the Pune Half-Marathon in December 2024.
• The test detected Oxandrolone, a synthetic anabolic steroid used to enhance muscle growth and increase protein production.
• Following the test results, Jadhav was provisionally suspended from January 7, 2025.

Archana Jadhav’s Past Achievements

Before her suspension, Jadhav was considered a rising star in Indian distance running.

Notable Performances

• Delhi Half Marathon (October 2024) – Finished 4th in the elite Indian women’s race with a timing of 1:20:21.

Personal Bests

• 10,000m: 35:44.26
• Half Marathon: 1:20:21
• 3,000m: 10:28.82

Submission of Negative Drug Tests

• Jadhav had submitted negative test results from Agilus Diagnostics, but they were deemed insufficient to overturn the doping violation.

Board of Control for Cricket in India Announces ₹58 Crore Cash Reward for Team India After ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Victory

• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a cash reward of ₹58 crore for Team India, recognizing their remarkable triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
• The reward extends to players, coaching staff, support personnel, and the Men’s Selection Committee.

Key Highlights

1. Total Cash Prize

• ₹58 crore distributed among players, coaches, support staff, and selectors.

2. Tournament Performance

• Opening Match: Defeated Bangladesh by six wickets.
• Group Stage: Secured a six-wicket win against Pakistan.
• Super 8: Achieved a 44-run victory over New Zealand.
• Semi-Final: Overcame Australia by four wickets.
• Final: India defeated New Zealand in a thrilling contest.

3. Significance of the Victory

• India secured two ICC trophies in 2025, including the U19 Women’s World Cup.
• Strengthened India’s position as the top-ranked white-ball cricket team.
• Players exhibited mental resilience, skill, and strategic excellence.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Forestry Day: March 21

• On 21st March 2025, World Forest Day 2025 is celebrated all over the world.
• Purpose: It is an international event observed all over the world annually on March 21st every year to ring a bell among society about the importance of forests and the scores of benefits that are gained from them.

Theme

• The theme for World Forestry Day 2025 is ‘Forests and Food’.

History

• Previously, the 16th session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) voted to “World Forestry Day” in 1971.
• Then, from 2007 to 2012, the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) held six Forest Days.
• Partnering with Collaborative Partnership on Forest, 2011 was declared as the Year of Forests.
• On November 28, 2012, The United Nations General Assembly declared that March 21 shall be celebrated as World Forest Day.

World Down Syndrome Day: March 21

• World Down Syndrome Day 2025 is observed all over the world on March 21st, 2025.
• It is a global event celebrated all over the world annually on March 21st every year.
• Purpose : The 21st day of March was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

Theme

• The United Nations (UN) yearly sets the theme for commemoration of  World Down Syndrome Day, Theme of  WDSD 2025 is “Improve Our Support Systems”.

History

• In 2005, the UN’s general assembly decided that in fulfilling the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal no one should be left behind and the persons with disabilities must also come forward to help the UN in its targets of Agenda 2030.
• WHO, which is the United Nations’ leading organization/department in terms of mental and physical health has been active and has further diversified its activities for better and unique health facilities for the tenants of planet earth.
• The convention was then opened for signatures on 30 March 2007.
• There were 82 signatories to the Convention, 44 signatories to the Optional Protocol, and 1 ratification of the Convention.
• This is the highest number of signatories in history to a UN Convention on its opening day.
• It is the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century and is the first human rights convention to be open for signature by regional integration organizations. The Convention entered into force on 3 May 2008.

World Poetry Day: March 21

• On 21st March 2025, the World Poetry Day 2025 is observed all over the world.
• It is a global event celebrated on March 21st every year all over the world in order to honor the poets to continue to instill the tradition in newer generations.

History

• The earliest poetry is believed to have surfaced with the “Epic of Gilgamesh” sometime during 2000 B.C., but it is likely that poetry existed even before the spread of literacy.
• In the 14th Century, Sonnets were Created and Francesco Petrarca’s writings are some of the most famous early ‘sonnets.’
• The day was proposed and adopted by UNESCO in 1999, on the occasion of its 30th General Conference held in Paris to “give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movements.”
• On March 21st,2000 the first World Poetry day was celebrated

Daily CA One- Liner: March 21

• The ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme, launched by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir with funding from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, aims to foster national integration by providing underprivileged children (under 18 years) from government-run homes exposure to India’s cultural, historical, and technological advancements.
• To address regulatory concerns and develop a long-term strategy for the financial technology (fintech) sector, the Indian government has set up an Inter-Ministerial-Industry Committee on Fintech (IMICF).
• The Indian government is advancing its nuclear energy initiatives with two key projects:

1. Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant (Maharashtra)
2. Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project (Haryana) – North India’s first nuclear facility

• President Droupadi Murmu presented the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards, honoring outstanding contributions to Indian journalism.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has partnered with DigiLocker to minimize unclaimed assets and enhance investor protection.
• HitPay has partnered with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International Payments Limited (NIPL) to integrate India’s UPI into its platform.
• RBI and Bank of Mauritius (BOM) have signed an MoU to promote local currency transactions.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the ‘Incentive Scheme for promotion of low-value BHIM-UPI transactions Person to Merchant (P2M)’ for the financial year 2024-25.
• The 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) commenced on March 17, 2025, in Jamaica.
• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced on March 16, 2025, that a 58-foot statue of Potti Sriramulu will be installed in Amaravati, honoring his 58-day hunger strike for the creation of Andhra State.
• Amitabh Kant has been appointed as the Chairperson (Chancellor) of NIIT University (NU), succeeding renowned scientist Kasturirangan. His appointment will take effect on March 10, 2025.
• Goibibo has appointed Rishabh Pant as its brand ambassador, featuring Sunil Gavaskar in a new campaign.
• Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for VISION 2020 India.
• Anuj Kumar Singh, an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer from the 2009 batch, has been selected for central deputation and appointed as the Joint Secretary (Director level) in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Delhi.
• In a major step towards improving the mental well-being of defense personnel, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative research and training in mental health care.
• The Government of Andhra Pradesh is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in New Delhi.
• India and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defence cooperation and interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains.
• Indian long-distance runner Archana Jadhav has been handed a four-year ban by World Athletics’ Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for the banned substance Oxandrolone
• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a cash reward of ₹58 crore for Team India, recognizing their remarkable triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
• On 21st March 2025, World Forest Day 2025 is celebrated all over the world.
• World Down Syndrome Day 2025 is observed all over the world on March 21st, 2025.
• On 21st March 2025, the World Poetry Day 2025 is observed all over the world.