24th March 2025 Current Affairs | Daily GK Update & Top News for Exams

National News

Project PARI: Revitalizing Public Spaces Through Art

The Ministry of Culture, through Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA) and National Gallery of Modern Arts (NGMA), is preserving public art under the Public Art of India (PARI) project. LKA’s preservation strategy ensures sustainability of installations through regular maintenance, environmental protection, and expert restoration. The initiative transforms Delhi’s public spaces into artistic landmarks, showcasing regional art forms like Phad, Thangka, Gond, and Warli, with contributions from 200+ artists, promoting India’s cultural heritage globally.

Certification for Eri Silk: A Global Milestone

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) has secured Oeko-Tex certification from Germany for eri silk, ensuring it is chemical-free, eco-friendly, and globally marketable. This certification enhances consumer confidence, supports sustainability, and boosts India’s presence in high-end textile markets. The government promotes the eri silk industry through R&D at the Central Muga & Eri Research Institute (Assam) and quality silkworm seed production, modernizing techniques for improved output.

Remembering Ram Manohar Lohia on His Birth Anniversary

Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, a prominent freedom fighter, socialist thinker, and advocate of social justice, played a key role in India’s independence and post-independence politics. He championed women’s education, caste-based reservations, and economic equality. On his birth anniversary 23rd March, PM Narendra Modi and other leaders paid tribute, recognizing his efforts in empowering the underprivileged and strengthening the nation.

Samarthya: National Competition on Corporate Rescue Strategies 2025

Samarthya 2025, organized by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) on March 22-23, 2025, at its Manesar campus, is a national competition focused on corporate rescue strategies. It offers students hands-on experience in financial analysis, strategy development, and industry engagement. The event features expert mentorship, panel discussions, and networking, with winning solutions gaining industry recognition.

Banking News

SBI Mutual Fund Launches Two New PSU Bank-Focused Schemes

SBI Mutual Fund launched SBI BSE PSU Bank Index Fund and SBI BSE PSU Bank ETF to provide exposure to India’s PSU banking sector. Both track the BSE PSU Bank Index, with 95% allocation to index securities. The NFO runs from March 17-20, 2025, with a ₹5,000 minimum investment. Fund Manager: Viral Chhadva.

RRBs Get Five More Years to Amortize Additional Pension Liabilities

The RBI has granted Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) an additional five years (from FY25) to amortize pension liabilities under the Employee Pension Scheme 2018, retroactive to November 1, 1993. RRBs must allocate 20% annually, ensure full recognition in financial statements, and disclose unamortized expenditure while Tier-I Capital remains unaffected.

Public Sector Banks Witness a 33% Surge in Dividend Payouts in FY24, Reflecting Strong Financial Growth

Economy News

U.S., U.K. Replace Gulf Nations as Top Source of Remittances into India: RBI Bulletin

The RBI report on India’s remittances highlights a shift in sources, with developed nations like the U.S. and U.K. surpassing Gulf countries as top contributors. In FY24, remittances from the U.S. and U.K. accounted for 40% of total inflows, up from 26% in FY17, driven by Indian professionals and students. The U.K.’s share rose from 3% to 10.8%, while the U.S. remained the top source at 28%. Other advanced economies like Canada, Australia, and Singapore also saw increased remittance contributions.

Government Notifies Revisions to MSME Investment and Turnover Criteria: Effective April 1, 2025

The Government of India has revised MSME classification criteria, effective April 1, 2025, to enhance business opportunities and financial flexibility. Investment limits increased by 2.5 times and turnover limits doubled, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Union Budget 2025. The new limits are: Micro Enterprises (₹2.5 Cr investment, ₹10 Cr turnover), Small Enterprises (₹25 Cr investment, ₹100 Cr turnover), and Medium Enterprises (₹125 Cr investment, ₹500 Cr turnover). This move expands MSME eligibility, improves access to credit, and boosts economic growth.

First-Ever Export of Anthurium Flowers from Mizoram to Singapore

India’s floriculture sector achieved a milestone with APEDA facilitating the first-ever export of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore. The 1,024-cut flower consignment (70 kg) was exported via Kolkata by IVC Agrovet Pvt. Ltd. and imported by Veg Pro Singapore Pte. Ltd.. The initiative boosts Mizoram’s floriculture, farmer income (especially women), and agricultural exports. The flag-off ceremony on Feb 26, 2025, was attended by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev.

India Imposes Anti-Dumping Duty on Five Chinese Products

India has imposed anti-dumping duties on five Chinese products—Soft Ferrite Cores, vacuum insulated flasks, aluminium foil, Trichloro Isocyanuric Acid, and PVC Paste Resin—to protect domestic industries from unfairly priced imports. Recommended by the DGTR, the duties will be in place for up to five years, ensuring fair trade practices. The duty rates vary, with Soft Ferrite Cores facing up to 35% duty, while other products have specific per-tonne tariffs.

Appointment News

Edelweiss ARC Appoints Mythili Balasubramanian as Interim MD & CEO

Edelweiss ARC appoints Mythili Balasubramanian as Interim MD & CEO until September 30, 2025. With 40+ years of experience in banking, NPA resolution, and IBC, she strengthens the firm’s distressed asset strategy. A Search Committee & Korn Ferry will oversee the CEO selection process, ensuring transparency.

Justice Harish Tandon Appointed as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court

Justice Harish Tandon appointed as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court, succeeding Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh. The Supreme Court Collegium, led by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, recommended his appointment on March 6, 2024. Justice Arindam Sinha (acting CJ) transferred to Allahabad High Court.

IRDAI Appoints Five New Members to Insurance Advisory Committee

IRDAI has reconstituted the Insurance Advisory Committee, appointing five new members under Section 25 of the IRDA Act, 1999. New appointees include MR Kumar (ex-LIC, Bank of India Chairman), Dinesh Kumar Khara (ex-SBI Chairman), Visakha Mule (Aditya Birla Capital CEO), Nilesh Shah (Kotak AMC MD), and Kotak Ellis G Vaidyan (ex-GIC Re, Air India & Tata AIA Director).

Sports News

Oscar Piastri Triumphs at the Chinese Grand Prix as McLaren Secures One-Two Finish

Important Days

World TB Day 2025: Theme, Significance, and Key Facts

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, observed on March 24, raises awareness about TB’s global impact. The 2025 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”, highlights the need for stronger commitment, increased investment, and effective TB control. It commemorates Dr. Robert Koch’s 1882 discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a breakthrough in TB diagnosis and treatment.

International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

The International Day for the Right to the Truth (March 24) highlights the right to know the truth in cases of human rights violations like executions, enforced disappearances, and torture. It honors Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, assassinated in 1980 for opposing abuses in El Salvador. The day promotes justice, accountability, and victim dignity.

Current Affairs Today | 23-24 March Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam