06th March 2025 Current Affairs | Daily GK Update & Top News for Exams

National News

First Population Estimation of Riverine Dolphins in India: Key Findings and Significance

India’s first-ever population estimation of riverine dolphins under Project Dolphin recorded 6,327 dolphins across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river systems. This study provides crucial insights into the conservation of these endangered freshwater species, particularly the Ganges river dolphin, which is found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Known for its near-total blindness and echolocation ability, the species serves as a vital indicator of freshwater ecosystem health, emphasizing the need for strengthened conservation efforts.

Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji Ropeway Project: A Major Connectivity Boost

The Government of India has approved a 12.4 km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand under the Parvatmala Pariyojana to improve all-weather connectivity and enhance tourism. The ₹2,730.13 crore project will be developed under the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model in a public-private partnership (PPP). This initiative will significantly ease the current 21 km steep uphill trek, benefiting pilgrims and boosting local employment opportunities.

Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway Project: Transforming Pilgrimage Connectivity

The Government of India has approved a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath under the Parvatmala Pariyojana to enhance all-weather connectivity and boost tourism. The ₹4,081.28 crore project will be developed under the PPP model (DBFOT mode) using Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology. Designed to transport 1,800 passengers per hour, the ropeway will reduce travel time from 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes, significantly benefiting pilgrims and local businesses.

PM Modi Announces Asiatic Lion Population Estimation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the seventh NBWL meeting in Sasan, Junagadh, Gujarat, focusing on wildlife conservation. Key discussions included the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation in May 2024, which will assess population growth and habitat conditions. PM Modi highlighted the steady rise in Asiatic lions, crediting tribal communities and women for their conservation efforts.

Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav Inaugurated By President

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the second edition of Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 5, 2025. This edition celebrates the cultural heritage of Southern India, featuring Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. The festival provides a platform for artisans, performers, writers, and culinary experts to showcase South India’s traditions, handicrafts, literature, and cuisine.

State News

Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Unified Pension Scheme and New Excise Policy for 2025

The Uttarakhand Cabinet, led by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved key policy decisions, including the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), aimed at enhancing governance, pension benefits, and excise reforms. The UPS, aligned with the Central Government’s initiative, offers government employees under the NPS an option for a stable post-retirement pension, ensuring financial security. Set to be implemented from April 1, 2025, this move reflects the state’s commitment to economic stability, public welfare, and administrative efficiency.

Appointments News

Ajay Bhadoo Appointed CEO of Government e Marketplace (GeM)

The Government of India has appointed Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, as the CEO of Government e Marketplace (GeM), effective March 3, 2025. He will continue his existing responsibilities while leading GeM’s transformation into a next-generation digital marketplace, powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). A 1999-batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, Bhadoo has vast experience in governance, urban infrastructure development, and policy implementation.

Banking News

RBI Appoints Dr. Ajit Ratnakar Joshi as Executive Director

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Dr. Ajit Ratnakar Joshi as its new Executive Director (ED), effective March 3, 2025. He will oversee the Department of Statistics and Information Management and the Financial Stability Department. With over 30 years of experience in statistics, information technology, and cyber risk management, Dr. Joshi brings extensive expertise to his new role.

Defense News

DRDO Conducts High-Altitude Trial of Integrated Life Support System for Tejas Aircraft

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-altitude trial of an indigenous Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Developed by Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL) in Bengaluru, the On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based ILSS eliminates the need for liquid oxygen cylinders by generating and managing breathable oxygen in real time. The trial, conducted at altitudes up to 50,000 feet, validated its capability under extreme conditions, paving the way for its integration into other aircraft like the MiG-29K.

Sports News

Sharath Kamal to Retire from Table Tennis

Achanta Sharath Kamal, India’s legendary table tennis player, has announced his retirement from professional play, with his farewell tournament at the WTT Star Contender event in Chennai (March 25-30, 2025). A 10-time National Champion and five-time Olympian, the 42-year-old has had a stellar career, excelling at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Olympics. Despite challenges like injuries and administrative hurdles, his resilience made him a revered figure in Indian sports. Post-retirement, he plans to contribute through coaching, administration, and athlete development.

Khelo India Para Games 2025: A Grand Sporting Event for Para Athletes

The Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025 will be held in New Delhi from March 20-27, featuring 1,230 para athletes, including top performers from the 2024 Paris Paralympics and 2022 Asian Para Games. Announced by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, this second edition of KIPG aims to boost para sports development in India. The event will feature six major disciplines—Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, and Para Table Tennis—hosted at premier venues across the capital.

Summits & Conferences News

Union Minister Scindia Unveils India’s Telecom Progress at MWC 2025

Union Minister for Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia represented India at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, engaging with industry leaders, addressing key sessions, and witnessing tech innovations. India’s participation highlighted its rapid 5G expansion, lowest data tariffs, indigenous telecom infrastructure, and robust cybersecurity framework. Shri Scindia emphasized tech governance, balancing innovation with regulation, and fostering global partnerships. The event also featured the unveiling of India Mobile Congress 2025 and the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion, showcasing India’s telecom capabilities.

Awards News

Dr. Suborno Bose Honored for Revolutionizing Hospitality Education

Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), received the ‘Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality and Education Through Technology’ award from Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat at the Vibrant Bharat Global Summit 2025. The award honors his contributions to AI-driven hospitality education and tourism innovation. His book, Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism & Hospitality, was launched at the event. IIHM’s AI initiatives, including NamAIste IIHM HospitalityGPT, highlight its commitment to shaping the future of hospitality education through technology.

Miscellaneous News

Expanding Cheetah Reintroduction in India, New Habitats Identified in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh

India’s Cheetah Reintroduction Project is expanding beyond Kuno National Park to Banni Grasslands (Gujarat) and Gandhisagar Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh), as announced by PM Narendra Modi at the seventh NBWL meeting. Launched in 2022, the project aims to restore cheetah populations and enhance biodiversity conservation. Cheetahs, declared extinct in India in 1952, are being reintroduced through the world’s first intercontinental translocation, marking a significant step in wildlife conservation.