🌐 International News
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched the Frontier Seed program for the Pacific region, aimed at supporting local businesses, strengthening capital markets, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
- Initial investment: $4 million
- Technical assistance agreements: $200,000
Technical assistance agreements worth $200,000 were signed with:
- SeaPAC Pte Ltd – prawn production
- Kahuto Pacific – aerial mapping solutions
The program is backed by the ORCA Trust Fund, Nordic Development Fund, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The initiative aims to attract investors, create jobs, and improve the economic resilience of Pacific nations.
Remember: $4 million initial investment, $200,000 technical assistance. Entity mapping: ADB ↔ Frontier Seed ↔ SeaPAC/Kahuto Pacific ↔ ORCA/Nordic/UK FCDO.
Former US President Donald Trump is considering a new travel ban in 2025 affecting 43 countries, based on security and immigration concerns.
Countries are grouped into three tiers:
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Complete visa suspension | Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela |
| Tier 2 | Strict visa restrictions | Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Russia |
| Tier 3 | 60-day window to address US security concerns | Angola, Cameroon, Zimbabwe |
The proposal expands earlier bans and has drawn criticism for possible diplomatic impact.
Remember: 43 countries, three-tier structure. Examples from each tier often appear in statement-based questions.
Stuart Young is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, succeeding Dr. Keith Rowley, who stepped down.
Young is currently the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries. This is part of a planned leadership transition.
Quick Link: Stuart Young ↔ Trinidad and Tobago. Succeeded Dr. Keith Rowley.
🇮🇳 National News
Union Minister of Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for NECTAR’s permanent campus at Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.
NECTAR (North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach) is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
Purpose: Leverage technology for socio-economic development in the Northeast.
Remember: NECTAR under DST, location: Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the state’s first temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Bhiwandi, Thane.
The inauguration took place on Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary. The temple’s architecture is inspired by Maratha forts, and the government plans to recognize it as a pilgrimage site.
Key Detail: First temple in Maharashtra dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj, located in Bhiwandi, Thane.
The Chhattisgarh government, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, is preparing a more stringent anti-conversion law.
Despite the existing Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968, the state plans new legislation. Home Minister Vijay Sharma stated it will target coercive conversions, inducements, and so-called faith-healing events.
BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar raised concerns about foreign-funded NGOs allegedly involved. The government assured strict legal action against unlawful conversions.
Note: Existing act year: 1968. Key names: Vishnu Deo Sai (CM), Vijay Sharma (Home Minister), Ajay Chandrakar (MLA).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam.
Named after Ahom general Lachit Barphukan, the academy was built with a Phase 1 investment of ₹167 crore, with a total ₹1,050 crore planned for future expansion.
- Phase 1 cost: ₹167 crore
- Total planned investment: ₹1,050 crore
- Personnel trained: 2,000 from Goa and Manipur
The inauguration was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
Remember: Dergaon, Assam. ₹167 crore (Phase 1), ₹1,050 crore (total), 2,000 personnel trained.
The 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks took place in New Delhi on March 17, 2025.
Indian delegation: Led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad
Australian delegation: Led by Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary (International Policy Division), Australian Department of Defence
Discussions focused on deepening interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains.
Remember: 9th edition, March 17, 2025, New Delhi. Delegation heads: Amitabh Prasad (India), Bernard Philip (Australia).
💼 Business & Economy
State Bank of India (SBI) is setting up a dedicated project finance unit focusing on AI, fintech, and e-commerce sectors.
This expands SBI’s focus beyond traditional infrastructure financing to emerging digital sectors. The completion timeline is within a year.
SBI plans to recruit experts and has appointed an external consultant for the initiative.
Remember: SBI initiative for AI/fintech/e-commerce, timeline: within a year.
Morgan Stanley projected India’s GDP to reach $5.7 trillion by 2028, stating India could become the third-largest economy, surpassing Germany and Japan.
| Milestone | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Overtake Japan | 2026 | Become 4th largest economy |
| GDP Target | 2028 | $5.7 trillion |
| Global GDP Share | 2023 | 3.5% |
| Global GDP Share | 2029 | 4.5% |
| Optimistic Scenario | 2035 | $10.3 trillion |
Key Figures: $5.7T (2028), $10.3T (2035 optimistic), 3.5%→4.5% global share. Overtake Japan by 2026.
👔 Appointments
Dr. Lakshmi Venu was appointed Vice Chairman of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE).
She brings experience in farm mechanization and auto components. Dr. Venu is an alumna of Yale University and holds a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Warwick (UK).
Quick Link: Lakshmi Venu ↔ Vice Chairman ↔ TAFE
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman was appointed CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, succeeding Professor Abhay Karandikar.
His role focuses on R&D, innovation, and industry collaborations.
Succession: Shivkumar Kalyanaraman replaced Abhay Karandikar
Lip-Bu Tan became CEO of Intel Corporation, effective March 18, 2025.
He succeeds interim Co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus.
Date-based: March 18, 2025. Succeeded Zinsner & Johnston Holthaus.
🇮🇳 State Schemes
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam’, a scheme to promote self-employment among youth from SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities.
- Budget: ₹6,000 crore
- Target: Empower five lakh youth
- Focus: Financial support for self-employment
Remember: Rajiv Yuva Vikasam ↔ Telangana ↔ A. Revanth Reddy. ₹6,000 crore, five lakh youth.
🔬 Science & Technology
A case of HKU1 coronavirus was detected in Kolkata. HKU1 was first identified in 2005 and typically causes mild respiratory illness similar to the common cold.
- First identified: 2005
- Symptoms: Mild respiratory illness (common cold-like)
- Current status: Patient stable, no pandemic threat
Remember: HKU1, Kolkata, identified in 2005
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