Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 23rd March 2025

 National News 

1. India to host third Central Asian youth delegation under International Youth Exchange Programme 

•  The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports will host the third Central Asian Youth Delegation to India from March 22 to 28, as part of the International Youth Exchange Programme (IYEP). 
• This initiative aims to foster youth collaboration, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and the five Central Asian nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
• .The youth exchange program is in line with the vision articulated during the India-Central Asia Summit in January 2022, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed an annual youth exchange initiative to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation among young leaders from the region. 
• These meetings will emphasize the importance of youth diplomacy and underscore the need for strengthened international cooperation. 

State News 

2. Meghalaya ramps up TB detection with 126% surge in examinations

•  Battling a tuberculosis (TB) death rate that has not indicated a significant fall, Meghalaya has now ramped up its TB detection leading to a 126% surge in presumptive TB examinations as per the latest data released by the State government. 
•  Data released indicate that testing has been increased from 845 people per lakh in 2015 to 1,911 per lakh in 2025. "This effort is aimed at breaking the last stage diagnosis cycle and preventable deaths. We want to offer treatment as a first line of defence," said Abhilash Baranwal, deputy commissioner, Ri Bhoi district.
•   He added that the State is part of the Centre's on-going 100-day intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan campaign to accelerate efforts in finding missing TB cases, reducing deaths, and preventing new infections, particularly in high-burden districts, through community involvement 
•  and targeted interventions. Meghalaya has brought in cutting-edge technology to detect and treat the disease faster, including Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) machines and portable X-rays. 
•  It also introduced free transport for patients and one attendant between home and health facility. "We are giving nutritional support of ₹2,000 per month to boost immunity and ensure faster recovery for patients, and are also providing skill development to those who have recovered. Health is a community subject and the idea is to ensure that pa-tients recover fast and well, so that the disease doesn't push them into an economic crisis," said Ramkumar S., secretary and MD, National Health Mission, Shillong.

 Defence News

3. Tavasya, the fourth Krivak-class Stealth frigate, launched into water 

• The last of the four follow-on Krivak-class stealth frigates contracted from Russia and the second one under construction at Goa. Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) with technology transfer, Taw sya, was launched into the water on Saturday by Ms. Neeta Seth in the presence of Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. 
• "This launch is a defining moment in India's naval history, showcasing our technological capabilities and unwavering commitment to self-reliance," Mr. Seth said speaking at the launch. 
•  "The launch of Tavasya is not just a step forward for the Navy but a giant leap for India's strategic defence ambitions," he stated, referring to the successful localisation of various systems onboard. 
• The first of the two frigates, Triput, was launched in July last year. As per schedule, GSL is set to deliver the first ship to the Navy in 2026 and the second six months later. 
• In October 2016, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for four additional follow-on stealth frigates, under which two were to be directly imported and two manufactured by GSL under technology transfer. 
• A $t billion deal was signed for the two frigates under direct purchase. In Novem-ber 2018, GSL signed a $500 million deal with Ro-soboronexport of Russia for material, design, and specialist assistance to locally manufacture two frigates. In January 2019, the contract was signed bet-ween the Indian Defence Ministry and GSL. All ships are powered by engines. from Zorya-Mashproekt corporation of Ukraine. 
•  The first of the two ships manufactured in Russia, INS Tushil, was commissioned on December 9, 2024, at Kaliningrad. It has since reached its home port in Karwar on February 14. The second frigate, Tamal, is in advanced trials and is expected to be commissioned in June.

 Important day News 

4. 20 March – French Language Day 

•  French Language Day, observed on March 20, is an annual celebration established by the United Nations to promote the French language and its cultural significance worldwide. 
•  The day coincides with the International Day of La Francophonie, recognizing the global community of French-speaking nations. 
• The UN created Language Days to highlight multilingualism and cultural diversity, assigning March 20 to French in 2010. 
•  The date marks the foundation of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) in 1970, which promotes cooperation among French-speaking countries. 
•  French is an official language in 29 countries and one of the six official languages of the UN. 

5. 21 March – World Down Syndrome Day 

•  World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed annually on March 21 to raise awareness about Down Syndrome and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with the condition. 
•  Theme 2025 – Improve Our Support Systems 
•  The day promotes early intervention, education, and healthcare access to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down Syndrome. 
•  In December 2011, the General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (A/RES/66/149). The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year.

 6. 21 March – World Day for Glaciers 

•  World Day for Glaciers is observed annually on March 21 to highlight the critical role of glaciers in the global ecosystem. 
•  The day aims to raise awareness about glacier retreat due to climate change and its impact on freshwater supply, sea level rise, and ecosystems. 
•  Glaciers store nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater, making their preservation essential for sustaining life on Earth. 
•  The first World Day for Glaciers, declared by the UN in its resolution A/RES/77/158 along with the International Year of Glaciers 2025, encourage us all to act to preserve the vital role of glaciers in sustaining life on Earth for generations to come. 

7. 21 March – International Day of Forests 

•  International Day of Forests is observed annually on March 21 to promote awareness about the importance of forests and trees. 
•  The day highlights the crucial role of forests in sustaining biodiversity, providing livelihoods, and combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. 
•  Theme 2025 – Forests and Food 
•  The International Day of Forests was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2012. 

Award News

 8. Sustainable Eri Silk from Northeast India Secures Global Recognition with Oeko-Tex Certification from Germany

•  The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) secured the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification from Germany for Eri silk. 
• The certification ensures international buyers that eri silk meets international safety and quality standards, boosting consumer confidence and facilitating its acceptance in high-end markets. 
• Known as the world’s only vegan silk, Eri silk from Northeast India, particularly Assam, is produced ethically without harming silkworms, aligning with global demands for chemical-free, environmentally responsible fabrics.