National News
37th Kathak Mahotsav 2025: A Grand Celebration of Dance & Literature
The 37th Kathak Mahotsav 2025, organized by Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, concluded successfully, featuring the world’s first-ever Kathak Literary Festival, along with seminars, exhibitions, and performances showcasing all major Kathak gharanas—Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras, and Raigarh. Key discussions focused on royal patronage, evolution of Kathak bols, and literary documentation. Notable attendees included Dr. Vinay Sahashrabuddhe, Maharaj Pusparaj Singh, Dr. Amarendra Khatua, and eminent Kathak artists like Pt. Ramlal Bareth, Saswati Sen, Vishal Krishna, and Dr. Shovana Narayan. Smt. Pranaame Bhagawati, Director of Kathak Kendra, led the festival with an innovative vision, ensuring an inclusive and enriching celebration of Kathak’s artistic and intellectual legacy.
MGNREGS Wage Hike for 2025-26: Detailed Analysis
The Government of India has increased wage rates under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) for FY 2025-26, with hikes ranging from 2.33% to 7.48% (Rs 7 to Rs 26 per day). Haryana recorded the highest wage at Rs 400 per day, while the lowest increase of Rs 7 was in states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Telangana. The new rates, effective April 1, 2025, are based on the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) to adjust for rural inflation. NREGS guarantees 100 days of wage employment per rural household, with provisions for additional 50 days in tribal areas and disaster-affected regions. In 2024-25, 5.66 crore households benefited from the scheme till March 19, 2025. (Click here to read article)
PM Modi Unveils Special Summer Vacation Calendar for Children
On March 30, 2025, PM Narendra Modi launched a summer vacation calendar under the MY-Bharat Initiative, encouraging children to develop new hobbies and skills. In his Mann Ki Baat address, he highlighted opportunities like tech camps, environmental courses, and leadership programs. The calendar includes study tours to Jan Aushadhi Kendras, visits to border villages (Vibrant Village Campaign), and cultural and sports activities. Modi also emphasized water conservation, textile waste reduction, and yoga, urging families to share experiences under #HolidayMemories and #MyHolidays.
State News
Punjab to Develop Nangal as a Tourist Hub & Jhajjar Bachauli as the First Leopard Safari
The Punjab Government, under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, has launched key initiatives to boost tourism and wildlife conservation. Nangal will be developed into a major tourist hub with an initial ₹10 crore budget, while Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary in Sri Anandpur Sahib will become Punjab’s first leopard safari. Part of the ‘Badalda Punjab’ Budget 2025-26, these projects aim to enhance tourism, preserve biodiversity, create jobs, and promote cultural heritage, including a special budget for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.
International News
Japan to Grant Crypto Assets Legal Status as Financial Products: Report
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) plans to revise the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act by 2026 to classify crypto assets as financial products, enhancing regulatory oversight and introducing insider trading restrictions. Japan, a pioneer in crypto regulation since legalizing Bitcoin in 2017, aims to strengthen investor protection and market stability following security breaches and money laundering concerns. The revision will enable crypto-based investment products and impose stricter laws on exchanges.
Banking News
Parliament Passes Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – Key Changes Introduced
Parliament passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on March 26, 2025, introducing key reforms such as allowing up to four nominees for bank accounts, redefining substantial interest by raising the limit from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore, extending cooperative bank directors’ tenure, and revising auditor remuneration and regulatory reporting dates. Emphasizing stringent action against wilful defaulters, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted efforts to reduce NPAs, with 112 fraud cases handled by the Enforcement Directorate. Public sector banks recorded their highest-ever profit of ₹1.41 lakh crore, with further growth expected.
Axis Bank, J.P. Morgan Roll Out Anytime Dollar Payments for Clients
Axis Bank, in partnership with J.P. Morgan and its blockchain unit Kinexys, has launched India’s first 24/7 US dollar payment service for commercial clients, operating from GIFT City. This real-time dollar clearing facility enhances liquidity management, reduces costs, and ensures full payment transfers without deductions. It also supports same-day settlements and benefits trade with Middle Eastern countries where Sundays are business days.
Appointments News
Nidhi Tiwari Appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
IFS officer Nidhi Tiwari has been appointed as Private Secretary to PM Narendra Modi, as confirmed by the DoPT on March 29, 2025. A seasoned diplomat, she previously served as Deputy Secretary at the PMO (2022-2025), handling high-level administrative and diplomatic affairs. She also worked in the MEA’s Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division, focusing on global security and diplomatic relations.
Indian-American Scientist Jay Bhattacharya Confirmed as NIH Director by U.S. Senate
On March 25, 2025, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, an Indian-American scientist, was confirmed as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by the U.S. Senate (53-47 vote) after being nominated by President Donald Trump in November 2024. A Stanford professor of Health Policy, he holds an MD and PhD in Economics and has contributed to economics, public health, medical research, and health policy. He is also known for co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration (2020), which opposed widespread lockdowns and advocated for focused protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Defense News
Indian Air Force to Participate in INIOCHOS-25: A Multi-Nation Air Exercise
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, a multi-national air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force at Andravida Air Base, Greece, from March 31 to April 11, 2025. The IAF will deploy Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-78 aerial refuelers, and C-17 transport aircraft alongside 15 nations to enhance combat interoperability, joint air operations, and tactical expertise. The biennial exercise features realistic combat scenarios, strengthening India’s defense cooperation and reinforcing strategic partnerships through mutual learning and operational planning.
Ranks & Reports News
UNESCO Releases ‘Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well’ Report
The ‘Nutrition for Growth’ event, hosted by France on March 27-28, 2025, highlighted concerns over the nutritional quality of school meals worldwide. According to a UNESCO report, while 47% of primary school pupils received meals in 2024, many lacked adequate nutrition, impacting child health and academic performance. Key findings include 27% of school meals lacking nutritionist input, only 93 out of 187 countries having school food legislation, and 65% setting food standards. The report warns of rising childhood obesity and persistent food insecurity, urging governments to prioritize fresh, locally sourced food over ultra-processed meals to improve student well-being.
Summits & Conferences News
President of India Inaugurates National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’ in New Delhi (March 29, 2025), emphasizing environmental protection as a daily responsibility and urging efforts toward sustainability for future generations. Organized by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the event discussed environmental challenges, best practices, and policy collaborations. The President highlighted India’s commitment to green initiatives, its success in meeting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of schedule, and the NGT’s role in environmental governance. She reaffirmed India’s goal of achieving global green leadership and sustainable development by 2047.
Schemes News
ADB-Funded SMILE Program to Enhance India’s Logistics Efficiency and Reduce Costs
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has funded the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) Program to enhance India’s logistics infrastructure, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Supporting the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and PM Gati Shakti, SMILE promotes multimodal transportation, warehousing standardization, and digital trade logistics. By optimizing supply chains, the program aims to boost global trade competitiveness and position India as a manufacturing and logistics hub.
Sagarmala Programme Completes 10 Years Since Implementation
The Sagarmala Programme, launched in March 2015 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, aims to transform India’s maritime sector through port modernization, enhanced connectivity, industrial growth, and coastal shipping. As a key pillar of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV), it supports economic expansion, sustainability, and innovation. The Sagarmala 2.0 and Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2) will further boost shipbuilding, infrastructure, and trade competitiveness, aligning with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047.
Sports News
Anahat Singh & Kareem El Torkey Win Indian Open 2025 Squash Titles
The Indian Open 2025 PSA Copper event, held at Bombay Gymkhana, Mumbai (March 24-28, 2025), saw Anahat Singh win her 11th PSA title, reaffirming her status as India’s top-ranked women’s squash player, while Kareem El Torkey (Egypt, World No. 64) triumphed in the men’s singles final against Abhay Singh (India). With $53,500 prize money, this was India’s highest-rated PSA event since 2018 and the first-ever PSA Copper event hosted in the country. The finals were played on a full-glass outdoor court, and the tournament highlighted squash’s debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Science & Technology News
Microsoft Celebrates 50 Years: A Legacy of Computing and the Future of AI
Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary on April 4, 2025, marking its evolution from a PC software pioneer to a global tech leader in cloud computing and AI. Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft revolutionized computing with MS-DOS, later dominating with Windows and productivity tools. Now, it is focusing on AI innovation to drive future growth, solidifying its position as a technology powerhouse.
Important Days
Rajasthan Day: History, Geography, Significance & Facts
Rajasthan Day is celebrated on March 30 to mark the state’s formation in 1949, when Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer merged with the United State of Rajasthan, creating Greater Rajasthan. Formerly known as Rajputana, Rajasthan has a rich history, from Mauryan rule to Rajput clans like the Pratiharas, Chalukyas, Parmars, and Chauhans, followed by Mughal and Maratha influences before British rule. Rajasthan’s integration occurred in seven stages (1948–1956), with Jaipur as its capital. The state, India’s largest by area, is renowned for its cultural heritage, forts, and architectural marvels.
PM Modi Announced Theme for 2025 International Day of Yoga
In his Mann Ki Baat address, PM Narendra Modi announced the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, emphasizing yoga’s role in global wellness. The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) is leading the celebrations, launching a 100-day countdown at Yogamahotsav. This marks 10 years since the UN recognized June 21 as IDY (2014). Modi urged people to adopt yoga and take pride in India’s traditional knowledge. The global impact of yoga and Ayurveda is growing, with initiatives like ‘Somos India’ promoting them in Spanish-speaking nations, engaging 9,000+ participants in 2024.
Obituaries News
Richard Chamberlain, Star of ‘Dr. Kildare’ and Miniseries Icon, Dies at 90
Richard Chamberlain, renowned as the “king of the miniseries”, passed away at 90 on March 30, 2024, in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to stroke complications. Born on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, he initially pursued painting before shifting to acting post-Korean War service. He rose to fame as Dr. James Kildare in NBC’s Dr. Kildare (1961-66), becoming a teen heartthrob and winning Most Popular Male Star (1963–65). His rendition of the show’s theme song also became a Top 40 hit.
Miscellaneous News
Tragic Sinking of the Sindbad Submarine
Sindbad submarine sank off Hurghada, Egypt’s Red Sea, killing six Russian tourists during a routine excursion with 45 tourists and five crew members. The vessel, designed for underwater exploration, likely struck a coral reef, causing pressure loss and flooding. This incident raises concerns for Egypt’s tourism industry, a major revenue source generating $14.1 billion in 2024, with key attractions like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts.
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