NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Govt introduces third edition of PM-YUVA for aspiring writers: The Ministry of Education has launched the third edition of the Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0).The initiative aims to train young authors under the age of 30 to promote reading, writing, and book culture in India. The program provides mentorship and publishing opportunities to enhance Indian literature on a global platform.PM-YUVA 3.0 builds on the participation of young authors in 22 Indian languages and English in its previous editions. It focuses on three themes: the role of the Indian diaspora in nation-building, the Indian Knowledge System, and the makers of modern India from 1950 to 2025.The National Book Trust, India, will oversee the implementation of PM-YUVA 3.0. The selected manuscripts will be published and translated into multiple Indian languages to encourage literary exchange.
2. Jio Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India: Mukesh Ambani-led Jio Platforms Limited signed a deal with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s internet services to India, a day after rival Bharti Airtel inked a similar pact.This agreement, which is subject to SpaceX receiving its own authorisations to sell Starlink in India, enables Jio and SpaceX to explore how Starlink can extend Jio’s offerings and how Jio can complement SpaceX’s direct offerings to consumers and businesses.Under this partnership, Jio’s extensive presence as the world’s largest mobile operator by data traffic and Starlink’s leadership in low Earth orbit satellite technology will be utilized to provide reliable broadband connectivity across India, including its most remote and rural areas.
3. Water Contamination Crisis in India: Recently, a parliamentary committee raised alarms about water contamination across India. The Standing Committee on Water Resources reported that over 11,000 habitations in multiple states lack adequate measures to address pollutants like iron, nitrate, and heavy metals. This situation poses health risks to the affected populations. The report calls for immediate and long-term solutions to ensure safe drinking water. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation plans to shift from a department-based approach to a service delivery model. This model emphasises community participation, known as “Jan Bhagidhari.” The government aims to sign memorandums of understanding with states to ensure reliable water service delivery.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 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.
2. Taxonomic Revision of the Javan Rhino: Recent studies have brought into light findings regarding the Javan rhinoceros, a critically endangered species. Researchers suggest that this rhino should be placed in a new genus, Eurhinoceros, due to distinct morphological and ecological traits. This revision puts stress on the need for a deeper understanding of its evolutionary history and conservation status. The Javan and Indian rhinos diverged not due to geographical isolation but through niche partitioning. This concept refers to the way both species developed distinct ecological niches, minimising competition. The Javan rhino evolved as a browser, primarily consuming leaves and twigs. In contrast, the Indian rhino became a grazer, focusing on grasses. This divergence has led to notable differences in skull shape and dentition.
3. Chagos Archipelago: The Chagos Archipelago comprises over 60 islands, with Diego Garcia being the largest. Initially uninhabited, Chagos saw its first permanent settlements in the 18th century. The French claimed the islands in the 1700s, and later, British control was established after the Napoleonic Wars. The islands were used for plantations, relying on slave and indentured labour. In 1965, the UK created the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which included Chagos. This move was part of a broader strategy to maintain military presence in the Indian Ocean during the Cold War. The UK paid Mauritius £3 million for the detachment of Chagos.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Successfully test fires air-to-air Astra missile by Tejas fighter jet: 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.
2. India’s Role in Combating Terror Financing: Recently, India reaffirmed its commitment to combat terrorism at the 4th ‘No Money for Terror’ Conference. The nation emphasised the importance of global unity against terrorism. India brought into light the evolving complexities in terror financing due to advancements in digital technology. This has made tracking the flow of funds more challenging. Terror financing poses threats to global security. The emergence of new technologies has complicated the methods and channels for transferring funds. Cross-border linkages have increased, making it difficult for nations to combat terrorism effectively.
3. India-Bangladesh Naval Exercise Bongosagar 2025: The India-Bangladesh Naval Exercise Bongosagar 2025 took place in March 2025 in the Bay of Bengal. This event marked step in strengthening the bilateral military relationship between India and Bangladesh. The exercise aimed to enhance maritime security through collaborative operations and interoperability between the two navies. INS Ranvir, a destroyer from the Indian Navy, and BNS Abu Ubaidah, a frigate from the Bangladesh Navy, were the main vessels involved. The primary goal of Bongosagar 2025 was to improve joint operational capabilities. This included enhancing coordination for maritime security challenges. The exercise aimed to facilitate seamless operations between the Indian Navy and the Bangladesh Navy.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Space De-docking Mission: On January 16, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved milestone in space exploration by successfully docking two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02. Following this, on January 30, ISRO completed a complex de-docking process. This achievement marks India’s entry into an elite group of countries capable of such advanced space operations. De-docking is not just about unhooking. It involves careful disengagement of latches and hooks. This process must be executed remotely. The spacecraft may have a pressurised tunnel that needs careful decompression. Precise low-force separation is critical.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. FM Nirmala Sitharaman launched PM Internship Scheme app: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) app, a move which will make it easier for youngsters to apply for the programme.The FM also launched the first facilitation centre for the Internship Scheme being set up in Kolkata by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).The centre is meant to provide assistance and guidance to the youth regarding the scheme.The app has been developed by Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG), a national agency by the Gujarat government. BISAG is also managing the internship portal at present.The CII will also set facilitation desks at its 47 Model Career Centres across the country.
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.
3. RBI to issue ₹100 and ₹200 banknotes with new Governor’s signature: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon issue ₹100 and ₹200 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series bearing the signature of Shri Sanjay Malhotra, the newly appointed Governor.The design of these new banknotes will remain unchanged and will be identical to the existing ₹100 and ₹200 notes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series. The introduction of these banknotes is a routine process following the appointment of a new RBI Governor.The central bank has also confirmed that all previously issued ₹100 and ₹200 denomination banknotes will continue to be legal tender. There is no impact on the validity of older banknotes in circulation.
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