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Daily Current Affairs 14th, 15th and 16th March 2025 Daily GK Update
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National News
Govt introduces third edition of PM-YUVA for aspiring writers
- The Ministry of Education has launched the third edition of the Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0).
- The initiative aims to train young authors under the age of 30 to promote reading, writing, and book culture in India. The program provides mentorship and publishing opportunities to enhance Indian literature on a global platform.
- PM-YUVA 3.0 builds on the participation of young authors in 22 Indian languages and English in its previous editions. It focuses on three themes: the role of the Indian diaspora in nation-building, the Indian Knowledge System, and the makers of modern India from 1950 to 2025.
- The National Book Trust, India, will oversee the implementation of PM-YUVA 3.0. The selected manuscripts will be published and translated into multiple Indian languages to encourage literary exchange.
- PM-YUVA 3.0 will begin with an all-India contest conducted via MyGov from March 11 to April 10. Fifty young authors will be selected—10 for the Indian diaspora theme, 20 for the Indian Knowledge System, and 20 for makers of modern India. The selected candidates will be announced between May and June 2025 and will receive mentorship from June 30 to December 30, 2025. A national camp for the authors will take place at the New Delhi World Book Fair in 2026., Managing Director of Bridgestone India, is the new Vice Chairman of ATMA.
India signs MoU with Armenia for cooperation in field of medical products regulation
- India has signed an MoU with Armenia for cooperation in the field of medical products regulation.
- The MoU was signed in the presence of External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan in Delhi.
- The two ministers agreed to explore cooperation in digital technologies and pharmaceuticals. They also reviewed the whole range of growing India-Armenia bilateral cooperation including in the areas of political exchanges, trade, economics, connectivity, education, culture, and people-to-people contacts.
- The two nations also signed an MoU on Cooperation between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and the Diplomatic School of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.
Recently India signed MoUs with others countries
- India and Nepal Sign MoU to Strengthen Cooperation in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Sector
- India and Spain have signed two MoUs on cooperation in sports and sustainable urban development.
- India and Kuwait signed an MoU to establish a Joint Commission for Cooperation at the Foreign Minister level to strengthen bilateral ties.
- India UK sign agreement on Electric Propulsion System for Indian Navy
- India, Algeria sign MoU on bilateral defence cooperation
Jio Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India
- Mukesh Ambani-led Jio Platforms Limited signed a deal with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s internet services to India, a day after rival Bharti Airtel inked a similar pact.
- This agreement, which is subject to SpaceX receiving its own authorisations to sell Starlink in India, enables Jio and SpaceX to explore how Starlink can extend Jio’s offerings and how Jio can complement SpaceX’s direct offerings to consumers and businesses.
- Under this partnership, Jio’s extensive presence as the world’s largest mobile operator by data traffic and Starlink’s leadership in low Earth orbit satellite technology will be utilized to provide reliable broadband connectivity across India, including its most remote and rural areas.
Bharti Airtel transfers 69.94% stake in Airtel Payments bank to Airtel
- Bharti Airtel has transferred its entire 69.94 per cent stake in Airtel Payments Bank to wholly-owned subsidiary Airtel Limited.
- The shareholding of 69.94 per cent, held by Bharti Airtel Limited in Airtel Payments Bank Limited, is being transferred to the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary (i.e. Airtel Limited), post receiving requisite regulatory and corporate approvals.
Ayushman Bharat scheme expands to Delhi, millions to get Rs 5 lakh cover
- The Delhi government has signed an MoU with the National Health Authority (NHA) to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
- With this move, Delhi became the 35th state/UT to adopt the flagship healthcare scheme. West Bengal is the only state yet to implement AB-PMJAY.
What is AB-PMJAY?
- The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme.
- It provides Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospital care to nearly 550 million beneficiaries from 123.7 million economically weaker families, covering the bottom 40 per cent of India’s population.
International News
ICC takes custody of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in crimes against humanity case
- Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was turned over to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC), following his arrest on a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity over deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he oversaw while in office.
- The 79-year-old former president arrived in the Netherlands on a flight from Manila, where he was arrested on an ICC request.
About Philippines
- Capital – Manila
- Currency – Peso
- President – Bongbong Marcos
UN chief launched ‘UN80 Initiative’ to improve efficiencies amid shrinking resources, uncertainty
- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres launched the ‘UN80 Initiative’ to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness within the 80-year-old organization, addressing concerns over dwindling resources and a liquidity crisis in an uncertain global environment.
- The initiative will focus on identifying quick efficiency improvements, reviewing the growing number of mandates from member states, and conducting a strategic assessment of structural changes and program realignment across the UN system.
- Guterres has appointed a dedicated internal task force led by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder and composed of principals representing the entire UN system.
- The UN General Assembly approved a USD 3.72 billion budget for the United Nations for 2025. The US is the single largest financial contributor to the UN, paying 22% of the regular budget and 27% of the peacekeeping budget.
- The approved budget for UN Peacekeeping operations for the fiscal year 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025 is USD 5.6 billion and at 26.95%, the US is the largest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
About United Nations (UN)
- Founded – 24 October 1945
- Headquarters – New York, US
- Official languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian & Spanish
- Membership – 193 members (193rd – South Sudan)
- 1st Secretary General – Trygve Halvdan Lie (Norway)
- 9th Secretary‑General – António Guterres (Portugal)
Banking and Financial
Finance Ministry notifies 10-year Zero Coupon Bond of Power Finance Corporation
- The Finance Ministry has notified Zero Coupon Bond (ZCB) for Power Finance Corporation. The company can raise up to ₹10,000 crore.
- ZCB is an instrument that doesn’t pay interest during its term but instead is sold at a discount to its face value. When the bond matures, the investor receives the full-face value. There will be no periodic payment of interest.
- The bond will be issued with a discount of ₹49,546 for a face value of ₹1 lakh. In other words, the investor will pay ₹50,454 at the time of issuance, while get ₹1 lakh at maturity. These bonds will have the maturity value of 121 months or 10 years and one month.
- The notification has capped the number of bonds to be issued at 10 lakhs.
Retail inflation at 7-month low of 3.6%
- India’s retail inflation dipped to a seven-month low of 3.6% as food prices eased in February 2025, led by vegetables, pulses, and eggs. The annual change in consumer prices was 4.26% in January 2025.
- The increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures retail prices, has slowed for the fourth consecutive month and is now lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) target inflation of 4%, increasing the likelihood of another 0.25% rate cut by the central bank next month.
Previous Months CPI-based Retail inflation
- November 2024 – 5.48 %
- December 2024 – 5.22%
- January 2025 – 4.26%
- February 2025 – 3.6%
RBI to issue ₹100 and ₹200 banknotes with new Governor’s signature
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon issue ₹100 and ₹200 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series bearing the signature of Shri Sanjay Malhotra, the newly appointed Governor.
- The design of these new banknotes will remain unchanged and will be identical to the existing ₹100 and ₹200 notes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series. The introduction of these banknotes is a routine process following the appointment of a new RBI Governor.
- The central bank has also confirmed that all previously issued ₹100 and ₹200 denomination banknotes will continue to be legal tender. There is no impact on the validity of older banknotes in circulation.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman launched PM Internship Scheme app
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) app, a move which will make it easier for youngsters to apply for the programme.
- The FM also launched the first facilitation centre for the Internship Scheme being set up in Kolkata by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
- The centre is meant to provide assistance and guidance to the youth regarding the scheme.
- The app has been developed by Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG), a national agency by the Gujarat government. BISAG is also managing the internship portal at present.
- The CII will also set facilitation desks at its 47 Model Career Centres across the country.
Appointment
Arun Mammen elected as new ATMA chairman
- Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of MRF Ltd, has been elected as the new Chairman of Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), the national industry body for the automotive tyre sector in India.
- Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director of Bridgestone India, is the new Vice Chairman of ATMA.
- Founded in 1975, ATMA represents India’s ₹90,000 crore (approximately US$11 billion) automotive tyre industry.
- Its members include six leading tyre manufacturers—Apollo, Bridgestone India, Ceat, Goodyear India, JK Tyre, and MRF—who collectively account for over 90% of the country’s tyre production.
N G Subramaniam appointed as chairman of Tata Communications board
- Tata Communications has appointed N Ganapathy Subramaniam as the chairman of the board of directors of the company.
- NGS has been part of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the IT major, for 40 years. He stepped down from TCS in May 2024 as the chief operating officer and executive director.
Recent Appointments
- Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) – Hiroshi Yoshizane
- President & CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd – Takashi Nakajima (replace Takuya Tsumura) South Korea brand
- Judge of Supreme Court – Justice Joymalya Bagchi (set to become CJI in May 2031)
- CMD of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) – Vikas Kaushal (for five years)
- Controller General of Defence Accounts – Dr Mayank Sharma
Defence
Tejas fighter jet successfully test fires air-to-air Astra missile
- The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has successfully conducted the test launch of India’s homegrown Astra, a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype. The test was carried out off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha.
- Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra missile is designed to engage targets over 100 kilometers away.
Sports
Shubman Gill and Alana King Shine named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2025
- The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month Awards for February 2025.
- India’s Shubman Gill won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, while Australia’s Alana King claimed the ICC Women’s Player of the Month title.
- Alana became the third consecutive Australian cricketer to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award.
ICC Men’s Player of the Month
- October 2024 – Noman Ali (Pakistan)
- November 2024 – Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
- December 2024 – Jasprit Bumrah (India)
- January 2025 – Jomel Warrican (West Indies)
ICC Women’s Player of the Month
- October 2024 – Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)
- November 2024 – Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England)
- December 2024 – Annabel Sutherland (Australia)
- January 2025 – Beth Mooney (Australia)
Mumbai Indians clinch second Women’s Premier League title
- In the Women’s Premier League cricket summit clash, Mumbai Indians clinched their second title as Delhi Capitals choked for the third time in succession.
- In the summit clash played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, Harmanpreet Kaur’s scintillating 44-ball 66 powered Mumbai Indians to a fighting 149 for the loss of 7 wickets.
- In reply, Delhi Capitals batters put undue pressure on themselves to finish at 141 for 9 despite late surge from Marizanne Kapp and teenager Niki Prasad.
- Harmanpreet Kaur was awarded player of the match for her knock. Nat Sciver-Brunt was chosen as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. She also won the Orange Cap for her 523 runs this season.
- Amelia Kerr won the Purple Cap for her 18 wickets this season while Amanjot Kaur won the Emerging Player of the Season award. This match was a rematch of the inaugural WPL final in 2023, where Mumbai Indians emerged victorious by seven wickets.
Important day
14 March – Pi Day
- Pi Day is celebrated annually on March 14, honours the mathematical constant Pi, which is approximately 3.14.
- The date, when written as 3/14, mirrors the first three digits of Pi, making it a fitting day for mathematicians and numerophiles to celebrate this important number.
- In 1988, physicist Larry Shaw first recognized Pi Day. In 2009, the United States House of Representatives officially designated March 14 as Pi Day.
- Later, in 2019, UNESCO declared Pi Day as the “International Day of Mathematics” during its general conference.
- Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist behind the “General Theory of Relativity,” was born on Pi Day in 1879. The value of Pi was first calculated by the ancient mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse.
- It was widely accepted after Leonhard Euler used the symbol Pi in 1737. Physicist Shaw linked Pi’s digits with March 14, organizing a special event for the staff at San Francisco’s Exploratorium.
14 March – World Sleep Day
- World Sleep Day is observed annually on March 14 to promote healthy sleep habits, raise awareness about sleep disorders, and highlight the importance of quality rest.
- Theme 2025 – Make Sleep Health a Priority
- Organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Sleep Society, this global initiative sheds light on the negative impact of sleep disorders on overall health while advocating for their prevention and treatment.
15 March – World Consumer Rights Day
- World Consumer Rights Day is observed annually on March 15 to raise awareness about consumer rights and protection.
- Theme 2025 – A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles
- It was inspired by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s speech on consumer rights in 1962, where he outlined four fundamental rights: the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard.
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