NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Centre bans Awami Action Committee, J&K Ittihadul Muslimeen for 5 years: The Awami Action Committee (AAC), headed by Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), led by Shia leader Masroor Abbas Ansari, were banned by the Centre for their alleged anti-national activities, supporting terrorism and fuelling secessionist activities.Union Home Ministry banned Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) as an unlawful association and banned both the organisations with immediate effect for a period of five years.
2. Department of Biotechnology and Assam Govt Sign Historic MoU for Centre-State Partnership: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Government of Assam signed a landmark MoU under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy.This Centre-State partnership is the first of its kind under the BioE3 framework and aims to accelerate high-performance biomanufacturing while fostering a sustainable biotechnology ecosystem in Assam.The MoU signing is a culmination of extensive consultations, high-level meetings, and collaborative efforts made by the DBT and the Government of Assam.The BioE3 Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet on 24th August 2024, envisages to establish India as a global leader in bio-based innovations, emphasizing sustainable biomanufacturing across various thematic areas including bio-based chemicals, APIs, biopolymers, enzymes, climate-resilient agriculture, functional foods, smart proteins, carbon capture& utilization, precision biotherapeutics (cell & gene therapy, mRNA therapeutics & monoclonal antibody), as well as futuristic marine and space research.
3. APEDA Showcases India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Excellence at the 39th Edition of AAHAR 2025: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) showcased India’s agricultural and processed food excellence at the 39th edition of AAHAR 2025, organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.The event marked a significant milestone in highlighting India’s prowess in the agriculture and food processing sector.APEDA facilitated the participation of 95 exhibitors, including Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), entrepreneurs, and manufacturing companies from 17 States, including Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Hyderabad, Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, as well as Union Territories such as Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
4. ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission,’ a visionary initiative aimed at expanding access to India’s vast repository of knowledge: The National Archives of India (NAI) celebrated its 135th Foundation Day on 11th March 2025 with an exhibition titled “Indian Heritage through Architecture.” Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has inaugurated the exhibition.The exhibition showcased India’s rich cultural heritage as reflected in its diverse architectural marvels, spanning thousands of years and encompassing a variety of styles, influences, and historical periods.From the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to medieval temples, Mughal monuments, and colonial-era structures, Indian architecture narrates the nation’s spiritual, cultural, and historical evolution.On this occasion, the National Archives of India also launched a book titled ‘Thumb Printed: Champaran, Indigo Peasants Speak to Gandhi Volume III.’ This volume contains 423 testimonies, including 143 principal testators, among whom five were women, 11 were minors, 76 signed the documents, and four had no signature or thumb impression.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 PriorityOrganized 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.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. 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
1. 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.
2. 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.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Thematic Hubs: Recently, the Government of India announced the establishment of four thematic hubs to advance quantum computing technology. This initiative is part of the National Quantum Mission (NQM). The hubs will facilitate research and development in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. Quantum computers operate on principles of quantum mechanics. They use ‘qubits’ instead of traditional bits to process information. This allows them to perform calculations at speeds unattainable by classical computers. The mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with increasing qubit capacities over the next eight years.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. 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.
2. 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.
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