National News
Union Finance Minister Launches PM Internship Scheme Mobile App to Boost Youth Employment
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) mobile app in New Delhi to streamline internship registrations and applications. The app offers a user-friendly interface, Aadhaar-based registration, real-time updates, and enhanced accessibility, aligning with the government’s focus on employment, skilling, and youth opportunities.
International News
What is Truth Social?
Donald Trump’s Truth Social is set to begin trading on NASDAQ, pending a merger vote with Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC). This move could reshape Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). Truth Social was launched in February 2022 as a free speech alternative after Trump’s bans from major platforms post-January 6 Capitol attack.
ADB Launches “Frontier Seed” to Boost Private Sector Growth and Ocean Impact in the Pacific
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has introduced the Frontier Seed (Pacific) program to support local businesses, strengthen capital markets, and promote sustainable economic growth in the Pacific region. With an initial $4 million commitment, the program has signed $200,000 technical assistance agreements with SeaPAC Pte Ltd (prawn production) and Kahuto Pacific (aerial mapping). Backed by international partners like the ORCA Trust Fund, Nordic Development Fund, and the UK FCDO, the initiative aims to attract investors, create jobs, and boost economic resilience.
India-New Zealand Bilateral Relations: Key Outcomes of PM Christopher Luxon’s Visit
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon visited India, engaging in bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi, attending the 10th Raisina Dialogue as Chief Guest, and meeting President Droupadi Murmu. Key outcomes included launching FTA negotiations, signing the India-New Zealand MoU on Defence Cooperation, strengthening trade, maritime security, and education ties, and New Zealand joining India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) & CDRI. Both nations emphasized a stable Indo-Pacific, climate action, mobility partnerships, and cultural exchanges, with New Zealand endorsing India’s UNSC bid and supporting counterterrorism efforts. (Click here to read article)
US Travel Ban 2025: Impact on 43 Countries
Donald Trump is considering a new travel ban in 2025, targeting citizens from 43 countries, categorized into Red (11 countries – full visa suspension, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela), Orange (10 countries – strict visa restrictions, including Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Russia), and Yellow (22 countries – 60-day window to resolve U.S. concerns, including Angola, Cameroon, Zimbabwe). The ban expands previous restrictions and focuses on national security and immigration control, though critics warn of diplomatic strain and global backlash.
Stuart Young Sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
Stuart Young will be sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, succeeding Dr. Keith Rowley, who has stepped down. Young, currently serving as Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, was appointed as part of a planned leadership transition.
State News
Maharashtra Inaugurates First-Ever Temple Dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the state’s first-ever Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple in Bhiwandi, Thane, on Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary. The temple, designed to reflect Maratha forts, symbolizes his heroism, valour, and strategic genius. Fadnavis announced plans to designate it as a pilgrimage site, highlighting Shivaji Maharaj’s cultural and spiritual legacy in shaping Hindu identity.
Chhattisgarh Set to Introduce a More Stringent Anti-Conversion Law
The Chhattisgarh government, led by CM Vishnu Deo Sai, is set to introduce a stricter anti-conversion law to curb illegal religious conversions. Despite the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968, Home Minister Vijay Sharma announced new legislation to prevent conversions through coercion, inducements, or “faith healing” gatherings. BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar raised concerns over NGOs receiving foreign funds for conversions. While the opposition blames lax control, Sharma assured strict legal action against illegal conversions.
Lachit Barphukan Police Academy Inaugurated in Assam by Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam, on March 15, 2025, aiming to enhance policing in the Northeast. Named after the Ahom general Lachit Barphukan, the academy features state-of-the-art facilities and has trained 2,000 personnel from Goa and Manipur. Built at ₹167 crore (Phase 1), with a total ₹1050 crore planned, it will become India’s top police academy within five years. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were also present at the event.
Himachal Pradesh Budget 2025-26: A Focus on Tourism, Rural Development, and Green Energy
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented a ₹58,514 crore budget for FY 2025-26, focusing on tourism, rural development, and green energy, while tackling financial challenges like reduced Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and withdrawal of GST compensation. The state’s debt liability stands at ₹1,04,729 crore, with ₹29,046 crore borrowed under the current government, of which 70% was used for loan repayments and only ₹8,093 crore for development.
Banking News
SBI to Launch Project Finance Unit for AI, Fintech, and E-Commerce
The State Bank of India (SBI) is setting up a specialized unit to finance new-age industries like AI, e-commerce, and fintech, expanding beyond traditional infrastructure sectors. The initiative aims to be completed within a year, with SBI recruiting specialized professionals and appointing an external consultant for execution.
Economy News
India’s GDP to Reach $5.7 Trillion, Becoming Third Largest by 2028: Morgan Stanley
According to Morgan Stanley, India’s GDP is set to reach $5.7 trillion by 2028, making it the third-largest economy, surpassing Germany and Japan. Currently the fifth-largest, India will overtake Japan by 2026 to become fourth-largest. Its global GDP share will rise from 3.5% (2023) to 4.5% (2029), driven by strong policies, infrastructure, and a growing market. In a bullish scenario, GDP could hit $10.3 trillion by 2035.
Appointments News
Dr. Lakshmi Venu Appointed as Vice Chairman of TAFE
Dr. Lakshmi Venu has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), reinforcing the company’s leadership and global expansion efforts. With extensive experience in farm mechanization and the auto component sectors, she has played a key role in the industry. An alumnus of Yale University, she also holds a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Warwick, UK.
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman Appointed as CEO of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman has been appointed as the CEO of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), succeeding Professor Abhay Karandikar. ANRF focuses on promoting R&D, innovation, and scientific research across India’s universities, research institutions, and industries. As CEO, Dr. Shivkumar will drive strategic initiatives, industrial collaborations, and technological advancements to strengthen India’s research ecosystem.
Intel Appoints Lip-Bu Tan as CEO: A New Era for Semiconductor Leadership
Lip-Bu Tan has been appointed as the CEO of Intel Corporation, effective March 18, 2025, succeeding Interim Co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle (MJ) Johnston Holthaus. A veteran in the semiconductor industry, Tan’s leadership aims to strengthen Intel’s market position and innovation. He will also rejoin Intel’s board of directors after stepping down in August 2024.
Schemes News
Telangana Government Launches ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam’ Scheme to Boost Self-Employment
Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy launched the ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam’ Scheme to promote self-employment among unemployed youth from SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities. With a ₹6,000 crore budget, the scheme aims to empower five lakh youth by providing financial assistance to start businesses, fostering economic growth and social upliftment.
Science & Technology News
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan Launches Thermal Research Centre at IIT Madras
ISRO has inaugurated the Shri S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research at IIT Madras to advance space technology. Opened by Chairman V Narayanan, the center will tackle thermal challenges in satellites and launch vehicles, develop advanced cooling solutions, and promote industry-academia collaborations. Named after S Ramakrishnan, a distinguished aerospace engineer, this initiative will enhance India’s self-reliance in space research and support future deep-space missions.
Human Coronavirus HKU1 Detected in Kolkata Woman: All You Need to Know
A case of HKU1 coronavirus has been reported in Kolkata, but experts clarify that it is not a new virus and was first identified in 2005. Unlike Covid-19, HKU1 causes mild respiratory illnesses and does not pose a pandemic threat. It spreads through respiratory droplets and surface contact, with symptoms similar to the common cold, including cough, sore throat, and fatigue. While usually self-limiting, elderly, children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals should take precautions. The infected patient is stable.
Obituaries News
Dr. Senkalong (Senka) Yaden: The Legacy of a Naga Scientist
Dr. Senkalong (Senka) Yaden, a renowned Naga scientist and academician, passed away at 89 in Tyler, Texas, on March 14, 2025. A native of Merangkong village, Mokokchung, he was known as the “Man of Science of the USA” for his significant contributions to science and education. Despite his global career, he remained deeply connected to his Naga heritage. In his honor, Ao Senden declared March 17, 2025, a day of mourning to pay tribute to his achievements.
Current Affairs Today | 18 March Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam
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