🇮🇳 National News
Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, reiterated India’s aim to become a global leader in green hydrogen.
The statement came during the launch of India’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered truck trials in New Delhi. He highlighted the role of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) in supporting energy independence and cutting carbon emissions.
- Green hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy
- NGHM: Focus on production + use of green hydrogen
- Signals policy push to scale clean fuels into heavy transport and industry
India launched Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) on March 3, 2025. It is a multi-national coalition to promote sustainable urban development.
Key objectives:
- Strengthening city-to-city collaboration
- Enabling knowledge-sharing on circular economy practices
- Encouraging private sector partnerships to improve waste management and resource efficiency
Circular economy: Focuses on reducing waste, reusing materials, and improving resource efficiency. C-3: Remember the 3 thrust areas—collaboration, knowledge, partnerships. Builds a framework for cities to scale sustainability practices beyond borders.
The West Bengal government plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Kanyashree scheme. Kanyashree is a flagship initiative aimed at reducing school dropouts among girls.
AI use-cases mentioned:
- Tracking beneficiaries
- Monitoring educational progress
- Strengthening implementation effectiveness
- AI in governance: Typically used for monitoring, targeting, and service delivery efficiency
- Kanyashree: Remember its core aim—reduce girls’ school dropouts
- Shows tech-based monitoring being applied to a major social sector programme
India’s first comprehensive river dolphin survey covered 2021-2023. Total dolphins recorded: 6,327.
Rivers covered: Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Beas
Conducted by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) with state forest departments and non-profits. Findings were unveiled by PM Narendra Modi at the 7th National Board for Wildlife meeting at Gir National Park.
- Survey period: 2021-2023
- Total count: 6,327 dolphins
- Rivers: Ganga, Brahmaputra, Beas
- Conducted by: Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- Unveiled by: PM Modi at Gir National Park
Why it matters: Establishes a baseline for conservation planning and monitoring.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the second edition of Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Theme focus: Cultural heritage of Southern India
Regions highlighted: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
It provides a platform for artisans, performers, writers, and culinary experts showcasing traditions, handicrafts, literature, and cuisine.
Useful for culture-based questions: match the event with venue + focus region list. Promotes cultural diversity and crafts/heritage visibility at the national level.
INS Kuthar, a frontline ship of the Eastern Fleet, visited Colombo, Sri Lanka. The visit is part of India’s Indian Ocean Region (IOR) mission deployment.
Commanding Officer: Commander Nitin Sharma
He met Rear Admiral MHCJ Silva, Commander of Western Naval Area, Sri Lanka Navy.
Engagements include:
- Professional exchanges
- Joint training sessions to enhance operational coordination
Remember: ship name + port + purpose (IOR deployment) + key officials met. Reinforces maritime cooperation and interoperability in the region.
DRDO completed high-altitude trials of an Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for LCA Tejas. Developed by DEBEL, Bengaluru (Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory).
ILSS includes OBOGS (On-Board Oxygen Generating System), removing the need for liquid oxygen cylinders. Trials conducted up to 50,000 feet.
ILSS is expected to be integrated into other aircraft, including MiG-29K.
- System: Integrated Life Support System (ILSS)
- Developer: DEBEL, Bengaluru
- Key component: OBOGS (On-Board Oxygen Generating System)
- Platform: LCA Tejas
- Trial altitude: 50,000 feet
- Future integration: MiG-29K
Why it matters: Enhances pilot endurance and self-sufficiency at high altitudes.
Indian table tennis star Achanta Sharath Kamal announced retirement. Farewell tournament: WTT Star Contender, Chennai, March 25-30, 2025.
Career highlights:
- 10-time National Champion
- Five-time Olympian
- Represented India at Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Olympics
Post-retirement plan: Contribute via coaching, administration, and athlete development.
- Farewell event: WTT Star Contender Chennai
- Dates: March 25-30, 2025
- Achievements: 10-time National Champion, 5-time Olympian
Indian Grandmaster Pa Iniyan won the Cannes International Open Chess Tournament 2025. He defeated V Pranesh in the final round.
Venue: Cannes, France
- Winner: GM Pa Iniyan
- Final-round opponent: V Pranesh
- Location: Cannes, France
- Indian chess successes are frequently asked in objective exams
🌐 International News
Nepal’s Parliament approved the Electronic Commerce Bill. Purpose: Create a legal framework for e-commerce regulation.
Focus areas:
- Consumer protection
- Regulation of online business operations
Penalties include:
- Fines: NPR 3 lakh to NPR 5 lakh
- Imprisonment up to 3 years (severity-based)
Remember penalty range + jail term cap—often asked in “match the following”. Strengthens consumer safeguards and accountability in online markets.
💼 Business & Economy
Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) acquired SBI’s entire stake in Jio Payments Bank Limited (JPBL).
Deal value: ₹104 crore
Result: JPBL becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of JFSL
- Buyer: Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL)
- Seller: State Bank of India (SBI)
- Target: Jio Payments Bank Limited (JPBL)
- Deal value: ₹104 crore
- New status: JPBL wholly owned by JFSL
Why it matters: Reflects consolidation moves in digital banking/fintech structure.
Paytm (One 97 Communications) launched UPI Trading Blocks. The feature allows brokerage platforms to block funds in users’ bank accounts.
Intended benefits: Improved security and smoother stock investment transactions
- Company: Paytm (One 97 Communications)
- Feature: UPI Trading Blocks
- Function: Allows brokerages to block funds directly in bank accounts
- Purpose: Smoother stock trading transactions
Why it matters: Pushes UPI-linked convenience into investing workflows.
👔 Appointments
Tyre manufacturer MRF appointed cricketer Shubman Gill as brand ambassador.
Gill is India’s Vice Captain in the ICC Champions Cup. He recently achieved No. 1 ODI ranking in the ICC Men’s Player rankings.
The association will continue through multiple future cricket tournaments.
- Brand: MRF
- Ambassador: Shubman Gill
- Position: India’s ICC Champions Cup Vice Captain
- Achievement: No. 1 ODI ranking (ICC Men’s Player rankings)
Why it matters: High-visibility sports endorsements often show up in static GK sections.
Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of IIHM, received the Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality and Education Through Technology Award.
Award venue: Vibrant Bharat Global Summit 2025
Presented by: Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat
His book “Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism & Hospitality” was launched at the event.
- Recipient: Dr. Suborno Bose (Chairman, IIHM)
- Award: Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality and Education Through Technology
- Event: Vibrant Bharat Global Summit 2025
- Presented by: Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat
- Book launched: “Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism & Hospitality”
Why it matters: Recognitions tied to technology in education and tourism often feature in GK.
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