Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 31st March 2025

 

National News

 1. 11 billion cubic metres of water saved in eight years, says PM 

•  In the 120th episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pitched for rainwater harvesting, wastewater management, and recycling of waste for a sustainable future.
•   Giving out details of the benefits of rainwater harvesting, Mr. Modi said over the past few years, unprecedented tasks related to water conservation had been undertaken in many parts of the country. 
•  "During the last seven to eight years, over 11 billion cubic metres of water has been conserved through newly built tanks, ponds and other water recharge structures," he said, adding that water accumulated in the Bhakra Nangal dam was not more than 9-10 billion cubic metres. 
•  "The countrymen, through their tiny efforts, have managed to conserve 11 billion cubic metres of water in different parts of the country isn't that a great effort?" he said. 
• On the efforts towards sustainable fashion, he said many items such as decorative pieces, handbags, stationery, and toys were being made from textile waste. "Many organisations are engaged in popularising the 'circular fashion brands' these days. New rental platforms are also coming up, where designer clothes are available on rent. Some organisations collect old clothes, make them reusable and distribute them to the poor," he said. He added that some cities were also carving a 
•  Indians through their tiny efforts have managed to conserve 11 billion cubic metres of water in the country... isn't that a great effort to create a new identity for themselves in dealing with textile waste. "Panipat in Haryana is emerging as a global hub for textile recycling. Bengaluru is also creating a distinct identity for itself with innovative tech solutions. More than half of the textile waste is collected here, which is an example for our other cities as well. Similarly, Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu is engaged in textile waste management through waste water treatment and renewable energy," he said. 
•  He announced "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" as the theme of this year's International Day of Yoga. 

Defence News

2. 14th edition of the Indian and Russia bilateral naval exercise ‘Indra’ commenced 

•  The 14th edition of the Indian and Russia bilateral naval exercise ‘Indra’ will take place from March 28 to April 2, 2025, in Chennai. 
• The exercise has evolved as a symbol of maritime cooperation.
•  The exercise will be conducted in two phases: the Harbour phase from 28 to 30 March 25 in Chennai and the Sea phase from 31 March to 02 April 25 in the Bay of Bengal.
•   The exercise will involve Russian Federation Naval Ships Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov, Indian Naval Ships Rana, and Kuthar, and maritime patrol aircraft P8l. 
•  The Harbour Phase will include an opening ceremony, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), reciprocal visits, sports fixtures, etc. 
•  The Sea Phase will witness advanced naval drills, including tactical manoeuvres, live weapon firings, anti-air operations, etc. 
•  These exercises and interactions will enhance maritime cooperation, strengthen bridges of friendship, and exchange best operational practices. 

Economy News 

3. Government of India plans to raise Rs 8 lakh crore from the market in the first half of FY26 

•  On March 27, the Finance Ministry announced that the Government of India plans to raise Rs 8 lakh crore through the issuance of dated securities during the first half (April-September) of the financial year 2025-26 to bridge the revenue gap. 
•  Of the total gross market borrowing of Rs 14.82 lakh crore estimated for FY26, about 54% will be raised in the first half, including Rs 10,000 crore through sovereign green bonds. 
•  The market borrowings will be spread across multiple tenures, including 3-year, 5-year, 7-year, 10-year, 15-year, 30-year, 40-year, and 50-year securities. 
• Notably, over 26% of the borrowing will be through 10-year government securities (G-Secs), making it a key component of the borrowing strategy. 
•  Further, the government also announced plans for switching and buyback operations of securities to smoothen the redemption profile and effectively manage future obligations. 
• The RBI has set the ways and means advances (WMA) limit for the first half of FY26 at ₹1.50 lakh crore to address temporary mismatches in government accounts. 

Awards News

 4. Masaki Kashiwara won the prestigious Abel Prize for Mathematics 

•  Japan's Masaki Kashiwara has received the honour for his fundamental contributions to algebraic analysis and representation theory. 
•  He is the first Japanese person to be awarded the most prestigious prize in mathematics. 
• He developed algebraic tools to solve tough problems such as differential equations. 
•  He is known for building bridges across seemingly distant branches of mathematics. 
• Masaki Kashiwara has also collaborated with Frenchman Pierre Schapira in the field of so-called microlocal analysis. 
•  This prize has been named for Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802-1829). The prize money is 7.5 million kroner ($714,000). 
•  The Abel Prize was started by Norway's government. 

Sports News

 5. India’s first gold medal in the Asian Wrestling Championship clinched by Manisha Bhanwala in Amman, Jordan 

•  On 28 March, Manisha Bhanwala won India’s first gold medal since the 2021 edition at the Asian Wrestling Championship 2025, whereas Antim Panghal earned a bronze. 
•  Vinesh Phogat and Sarita Mor had won the gold medal in their respective categories in the 2021 edition.
•   Manisha defeated Korea’s Ok J Kim by 8-7 in the women’s 62 kg category to clinch a historic victory in Amman, Jordan. 
•  Ankit Panghal defeated Meng H. Hsieh of Taipei by technical superiority without losing a single point in the bronze play-off of the 53kg category. 
• Manisha had won three consecutive bronze medals at the Asian Championships from 2022 to 2024. 
• The 2025 Asian Wrestling Championships took place in Amman, Jordan from 25 to 30 March 2025.