Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 24th March 2025

 

National News 

1. Maharashtra to introduce Kumbh Mela Authority Law on the lines of Uttar Pradesh 

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday announced a 1,100-crore plan for the development of the Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik and the establishment of a Kumbh Mela Authority Law, modelled on the law in Uttar Pradesh. This law would provide a legal framework for Kumbh Mela-related projects and facilitate effective crowd management.
•   Mr. Fadnavis made these announcements during his visit to Nashik to review preparations for the Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2027. 
•  The law would provide a legal framework for Kumbh Mela-related projects 
• According to the Chief Minister's Office, the plan focuses on the utilisation of public transport and the integration of electric vehicles in Nashik and Trimba-keshwar, the arrangement of effective solid waste management and sanita-tion facilities, the initiation of sewage treatment projects for the purification of the Godavari river, and the enhancement of temple's infrastructure to accommodate the influx of devotees using technology. 
•  Mr. Fadnavis pointed out that the Mela will have entrepreneurial value. He acknowledged the delay in development plans and said, "We are behind schedule

International News 

2. A panel in Japan has proposed measures to prepare for a potential eruption of Mount Fuji

•  The report warns that a major eruption could deposit more than 10 centimetres of ash over areas such as Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture. 
•  The report is released by volcanologists and disaster-preparedness experts. 
•  As there is dense population around Mount Fuji, mass evacuations from Tokyo and nearby regions are not feasible. 
•  Residents in areas with less than 30 centimetres of ash have been advised to stay indoors.
•   In regions with over 30 centimetres of ash, evacuation has been advised. 
•  Professor Fujii Toshitsugu, who leads the government-appointed panel, stressed on the need for Japan to start preparations. 
•  Japan has not faced widespread ash distribution in the last century. 
•  Mount Fuji last erupted over 300 years ago. It last erupted from 1707 to 1708. 
•  Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano. It is located on Japanese island of Honshu. It is Japan’s highest mountain. 
•  Mount Fuji, Mount Tate and Mount Haku are Japan’s Three Holy Mountains. 

State News 

3. Ganga and Sharda River corridors announced by Uttarakhand CM Dhami to boost tourism 

•  Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stressed the religious and cultural significance of the Ganga and Sharda rivers and announced plans to develop corridors along these holy rivers to promote religious tourism in the state. 
• The aim of these proposed river corridors is to enhance infrastructure and provide better facilities for pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand, thereby strengthening the state's position as a major spiritual destination. 
•  This initiative is in line with the Government's comprehensive vision to promote tourism while preserving the cultural and religious heritage of Uttarakhand. 
• The rivers Ganga and Sharda are not only an integral part of our lives but also represent the faith of crores of countrymen. 
•  He said that the government is committed to developing corridors along these rivers to make religious tourism more accessible and convenient for devotees from India and abroad. 

4. Punjab Assembly 1st in India to broadcast proceeding in sign language

•   Punjab has become the first state in India to broadcast its state Legislative Assembly proceedings in Sign language. 
• The path-breaking initiative is likely to make the proceedings of the Punjab Legislative Assembly accessible to the person suffering from deafness disability and make them aware about government policies and legislative discussions. 
• The initiative to broadcast important parts of the legislative proceedings of the House was a brainchild of the Ministry of Social Security, Women and Child Development of the state government. 

About Punjab 

• Capital – Chandigarh 
• Chief Minister – Bhagwant Mann 
• Governor – Banwarilal Purohit Business News 

5. Goli Pop Soda, India's iconic Goli Soda flagged o by APEDA for global markets 

•  The global resurgence of the traditional Indian Goli Soda, rebranded as Goli Pop Soda, has been proudly announced by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. 
•  A remarkable comeback on the global stage is being made by this iconic beverage, once a household staple, driven by its innovative reinvention and strategic international expansion. 
• The product has already made strong inroads in the global markets, with successful trial launches in the US, UK, Europe and Gulf countries. 
• A strategic partnership with Fair Exports India has ensured regular deliveries to Lulu Hypermarket, one of the largest retail chains in the Gulf region. 
• Thousands of bottles are stocked in Lulu outlets and have received an overwhelmingly positive response from the people. 
• Combining nostalgia with modern packaging, Goli Pop Soda has successfully reintroduced this beloved beverage to contemporary consumers around the world. 
• Additionally, APEDA showcased Goli Pop Soda at the International Food & Beverage Event (IFE) London 2025, held from 17-19 March 2025. 

6. In a first, Muzaarnagar’s GI-tagged jaggery exported to neighboring Bangladesh 

•  GI-tagged jaggery from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, a region renowned for its high-quality sugarcane, was flagged off for export to 
•  A consignment of 30 metric tons (MT) has been exported to Bangladesh. 
•  This initiative marks the beginning of direct exports of jaggery from western Uttar Pradesh to Bangladesh through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs). 
• The superior quality of jaggery produced in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli, which is in high demand in international markets. 
• The Brijnandan Agro Farmer Producer Company (FPC), formed in 2023, has 545 members, including two women directors. The FPO is engaged in exporting jaggery, sugarcane products, Basmati rice, and pulses. With training and technical support from BEDF, its members are well-equipped to meet international production and export standards. 

7. Anthurium flowers from Mizoram go beyond borders, exported first time to Singapore 

• Mizoram exported its first consignment of Anthurium flowers to Singapore, marking a significant milestone in the state’s floriculture sector.
•   The shipment included 1,024 Anthurium cut flowers, weighing 70 kg, sourced from the Zo Anthurium Growers Cooperative Society in Aizawl and exported by IVC Agrovet Pvt. Ltd. 
•  Anthurium is one of the most important flowers cultivated in Mizoram, playing a vital role in driving local economic activity, particularly benefiting farmers, including women. 
•  The flower’s cultivation has been a source of livelihood and empowerment for local communities. Mizoram also organizes the annual “Anthurium Festival,” which promotes tourism and highlights the flower’s beauty and ornamental value. 

Economy News 

8. India imposes anti-dumping duty on Chinese goods for up to 5 years 

•  India has imposed an anti dumping duty on five Chinese goods to protect domestic players from cheap imports from the neighbouring country. 
•  These duties were imposed as these products-Soft Ferrite Cores, a certain thickness of vacuum insulated flask, aluminium foil, TrichloroIsocyanuric Acid, and Poly Vinyl Chloride Paste Resin were exported to India from China at below normal prices. In separate notifications, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Department of Revenue, said that the duty imposed "shall be levied for a period of five years" on imports of Soft Ferrite Cores, vacuum insulated flasks, and TrichloroIsocyanuric Acid. The anti-dumping duty of up to $873 per tonne was imposed provisionally on aluminium foil for six months.
•  The duties were imposed as products were exported from China at below normal prices. 
• The government has imposed a duty in the range of $276 per tonne to $986 per tonne on imports of the acid (a water treatment chemical) from China and Japan. 
•  On imports of Soft Ferrite Cores (used in electric vehicles, chargers, and telecom devices), up to 35% duty was imposed on CIF (cost, insurance freight) value.
•   Similarly, on a vacuum-insulated flask, $1,732 per tonne anti-dumping duty was levied. The levy, which ranges from $89 per tonne to $707 per tonne, on Poly Vinyl Chloride Paste Resin was slapped on the imports from China, Korea RP, Malaysia, Norway, Taiwan and Thailand for five years. 
•  These duties were imposed after recommendations for the same were made by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR).
•  Anti-dumping probes are conducted by countries to determine whether domestic industries have been hurt due to a surge in cheap imports. 

Schemes and Committees News 

9. On 22nd March 2025, the much-anticipated Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain—2025 was launched on World Water Day 

•  It was launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Government of Haryana at Panchkula, Haryana. 
•  The programme aims to emphasize water conservation and management through community participation and innovative strategies. 
• The campaign, with the theme “जल संचय जन भागीदार: जन जागकता क ओर” (Peoples' Action for Water Conservation—Towards Intensified Community Connect), highlights the importance of water security, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge. 
•  It emphasizes these issues in the wake of climate change and increasing water challenges. 
•  The initiative will focus on 148 districts across the country. 
•  This will promote greater synergy between government agencies, communities and stakeholders in ensuring sustainable management of water resources.
•   The Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2025 campaign aims to drive nationwide awareness and action for water conservation, making the vision of ‘हर बंदू अनमोल’ (Every Drop Counts) a reality. 

10. Jal Shakti Minister Launches ‘Catch the Rain 2025’ Campaign in Haryana 

•  On the occasion of World Water Day, Union Jal Shakti Minister R. Patil launched the country-wide Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2025 from Panchkula, Haryana. 
•  This campaign has been launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Government of Haryana. 
• The objective of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain programme is to emphasise water conservation and management through community participation and innovative strategies. 
• He also e-launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Jal Sanchay Yojana’ and the Water Resources Atlas for Haryana, which assists in scientific water resource management. 
•  Innovative water management projects, including community sanitation complexes, liquid waste management systems, the Gobar Dhan project and a solid waste management shed, were also unveiled in Haryana. 
• Apart from this, he also launched the ‘Jal-Jungle-Jan: Ek Prakritik Bandhan Abhiyan’, which strengthens the ecological relationship between rivers, springs and forests. 

Appointment News 

11.Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla won the 59th Jnanpith Award for 2024 

•  Famous Hindi poet and writer of Chhattisgarh, Vinod Kumar Shukla, has been selected for the Jnanpith Award. 
• This award, considered the country’s highest literary honour, was announced in New Delhi on 22 March.
•   Mr. Shukla, who lives in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, was born on January 1, 1947, in Rajnandgaon.
•  His first collection of poems, 'Labhaag Jai Hind,' was published in the year 1971.
•   His novels "Naukar ki Kameez," "Khilega to Dekhenge," and "Deewar Mein Ek Khidki" are considered to be the best novels in Hindi.
•   Earlier, Vinod Kumar Shukla received awards like the Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh Fellowship, the Raza Award, and the Sahitya Akademi Award.

 Important Day News 

12. 24 March – World Tuberculosis Day 

• World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24 to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. 
• Theme 2025 – Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver 
• According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease. 
• TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze or spit. Tuberculosis is preventable and curable. 

13. Martyrs’ Day: 23 March

•  Martyrs’ Day is celebrated annually on 23 March to pay tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. 
• Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar were executed at Central Jail in Lahore on this day in 1931. 
• They tried to assassinate British police officer J.P. Saunders on 17th December 1928 in Lahore. They were sentenced to death.
•   Bhagat Singh was the founder of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha. 
•  He joined the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association.
•   Sukhdev Thapar was an Indian revolutionary. 
•  He was a senior member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. 
•  Shivaram Rajguru is known for his involvement in the assassination of John Saunders. 
•  He was also a member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. 

14. World Meteorological Day: 23 March

•   Every year, 23 March is observed as the World Meteorological Day. 
•  World Meteorological Day is to commemorate the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization on 23 March 1950. 
•  The theme for World Meteorological Day 2025 is "Closing the early warning gap together". 
•  The themes chosen for World Meteorological Day show topical weather, climate or water-related issues. 
•  The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is responsible for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology and geophysics. 
•  WMO started its operations as an intergovernmental organization within the UN system. 

15.Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted Purple Fest 2025 on March 21

• The Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted the Purple Fest 2025 to promote inclusion and accessibility of persons with disabilities (PwDs) on March 21. 
•  It has been organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. 
•  23,500 participants attended the event. It will foster an inclusive society. 
•  It witnessed groundbreaking partnerships with Tata Power, American India Foundation (AIF), Hans India, Tech Mahindra Foundation, and other key stakeholders. 
•  Adaptive sports such as Blind Cricket, Boccia, Wheelchair Basketball etc. were organized at this event. 
•  ‘Meet the Director’ and ‘Author Sessions’ under the Literary Zone were also organized. 

Awards and Achievements News 

16. Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla won the 59th Jnanpith Award for 2024. 

•  Famous Hindi poet and writer of Chhattisgarh, Vinod Kumar Shukla, has been selected for the Jnanpith Award. 
•  This award, considered the country’s highest literary honour, was announced in New Delhi on 22 March. 
• Mr. Shukla, who lives in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, was born on January 1, 1947, in Rajnandgaon. 
• His first collection of poems, 'Labhaag Jai Hind,' was published in the year 1971. 
•  His novels "Naukar ki Kameez," "Khilega to Dekhenge," and "Deewar Mein Ek Khidki" are considered to be the best novels in Hindi.
•  Earlier, Vinod Kumar Shukla received awards like the Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh Fellowship, the Raza Award, and the Sahitya Akademi Award. 

Science and Technology News 

17.C-DOT Partners With IIT Delhi To Develop AI-Powered Chatbot For Disaster Communication 

• India’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has inked an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi). 
•  Under this partnership, IIT Delhi will collaborate with C-DOT to develop a cutting-edge chatbot that leverages generative AI for improved customer support in disaster early caution and emergency conditions. 
• This initiative aligns with India’s vision of strengthening disaster preparation, which aims to provide real-time, multilingual assistance to disaster managers, first responders, and affected communities. 
• The AI-operated chatbot will use Natural Language Processing (NLP), Text-To-Speech (TTS), Speech-to-Text (STT) and imaging technologies to facilitate comfortable communication during the crisis. 
• Central government launches BioSaarthi to support Biotech Startups
•  The government of India has launched the BioSaarthi initiative to support Indian Biotech startups to expand their domestic and global reach and business.
•  The BioSaarthi initiative was unveiled by the Union Minister for State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh in a function organised in New Delhi. 
• The function was organised to celebrate the 13th Foundation Day of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). 
• The Minister also released the “India Bioeconomy Report 2025” on the occasion. The “India Bioeconomy Report 2025” has been prepared by the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises – ABLE. 

 Some of the important highlights of the report are as follows: 

• The Indian Bioeconomy has increased from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024.
• The central government has set a target to achieve a $150 billion Bioeconomy by 2025. 
• The contribution of the Bioeconomy to the country’s GDP was 4.25%. 
• The Bioeconomy sector has shown a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9% over the last four years. 

Infrastructure and Energy News 

6. East Coast Railway has become India’s first railway zone, reaching 250 million tons of freight handling in 2024-25 financial year

•   East Coast Railway achieved the historic milestone 11 days ahead of the plan. 
•  The historic milestone was reached by March 21, 2024, well before the financial year concluded. 
• East Coast Railway has surpassed 250 million tons threshold in second consecutive year. 
• East Coast Railway surpassed 200 million tons in freight loading for sixth year in a row during 2024-25. 
•  East Coast Railway handled 228.3 million tons of freight in 2024-25. 
•  This is a growth of 2.6% from the previous year. 
•  Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) at Talcher and five important ports contributed to this achievement of East Coast Railway.
•   Paradeep, Dhamara, Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, and Gopalpur are five major ports under jurisdiction of East Coast Railway. 
• Iron ore mines in Bailadila (Chhattisgarh) and Keonjhar (Odisha) also contributed to the freight operations of East Coast Railway. 
•  East Coast Railway is headquartered at Bhubaneswar. It is one of the 19 railway zones of Indian Railways. It is operational since 1 April 2003. 

Sports News

7. ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 is being hosted by Bihar for first time 

• The venue for the tournament is Pataliputra Sports Complex Indoor Stadium in Kankarbagh, Patna.
•   ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 is a six-day event and 20 countries, including India, are competing in it. 
•  Thailand won over Singapore in the opening men’s quad match.
•   Indian women’s team won both matches in the quad category. 
•  The number of matches to be played during the World Cup is 150. These matches include quad, regular, and doubles formats. 
•  Mixed doubles matches will also be played in the competition. 
•  Sepak Takraw, originally from Southeast Asia, is becoming famous worldwide. This is because of its inclusion in the Asian Games. 
• Sepak Takraw is also called buka ball, kick volleyball or foot volleyball. Sepak Takraw is a team sport. 
• International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) is the international governing body. It was formed in 1988. It is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand.