NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India to host third Central Asian youth delegation under International Youth Exchange Programme: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports will host the third Central Asian Youth Delegation to India from March 22 to 28, as part of the International Youth Exchange Programme (IYEP).This initiative aims to foster youth collaboration, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and the five Central Asian nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.The youth exchange program is in line with the vision articulated during the India-Central Asia Summit in January 2022, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed an annual youth exchange initiative to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation among young leaders from the region.These meetings will emphasize the importance of youth diplomacy and underscore the need for strengthened international cooperation.
2. Comparing Kisan Aandolan 1.0 and 2.0: The Kisan Aandolan, or farmers’ movement, in India has seen two phases – Kisan Aandolan 1.0 and Kisan Aandolan 2.0. The first protest took place between November 2020 and December 2021, while the second unfolded from February 2024 to March 2025. Both protests aimed to address farmers’ grievances but differed vastly in their execution and outcomes.Kisan Aandolan 1.0 was marked by a large-scale sit-in by farmers at Delhi’s borders. Farmers demanded the repeal of three controversial farm laws. The protest lasted 380 days and saw public support. Over 750 farmers lost their lives during this period. The movement was led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a coalition of over 500 farmer unions. The government ultimately repealed the laws on November 19, 2021, following intense negotiations.
3. Maharashtra’s Grand Memorial for Shivaji Maharaj: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630. He emerged as a formidable leader during the era of Mughal dominance in India. His early life was shaped by his mother, Jijabai, who instilled in him a sense of duty and pride in his heritage.In 1666, Shivaji was invited to Agra by Aurangzeb. Sensing a trap, he attended in hopes of negotiation. However, he was placed under house arrest. Demonstrating remarkable cunning, Shivaji feigned illness and escaped by hiding in baskets of sweets. This daring escape enhanced his reputation as a master tactician and leader.
4. Aurangzeb’s Tomb: The tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, is currently under scrutiny. Recent protests have sparked violent clashes in Nagpur. The protests demand the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, which has been a symbol of historical grievances. The protests have ignited a debate about historical memory and identity in India. Political leaders have called for a measured response to the protests. The situation has brought into light the tensions between historical narratives and contemporary politics.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 21 March – World Day for Glaciers: World Day for Glaciers is observed annually on March 21 to highlight the critical role of glaciers in the global ecosystem.The day aims to raise awareness about glacier retreat due to climate change and its impact on freshwater supply, sea level rise, and ecosystems.Glaciers store nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater, making their preservation essential for sustaining life on Earth.The first World Day for Glaciers, declared by the UN in its resolution A/RES/77/158 along with the International Year of Glaciers 2025, encourage us all to act to preserve the vital role of glaciers in sustaining life on Earth for generations to come.
2. 21 March – International Day of Forests: International Day of Forests is observed annually on March 21 to promote awareness about the importance of forests and trees.The day highlights the crucial role of forests in sustaining biodiversity, providing livelihoods, and combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide.Theme 2025 – Forests and FoodThe International Day of Forests was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2012.
3. Dog-Faced Water Snake: Recently, the dog-faced water snake, scientifically known as Cerberus rynchops, was documented for the first time in Assam’s Nalbari district. This sighting is as it is located approximately 800 km from its known coastal habitats in Bangladesh. The presence of this species in inland areas raises questions about its adaptability and movement patterns.The sighting of the dog-faced water snake in Assam is unprecedented. It challenges the understanding of the species’ habitat preferences. This discovery could provide vital information about the species’ dispersal mechanisms and ecological adaptability. Further studies may reveal how this species can exploit habitats beyond its typical coastal range.
4. Migrant Deaths At Record High in 2024: In 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported a staggering 8,938 migrant deaths, marking the highest toll recorded in five consecutive years. This alarming trend marks the perilous journeys many undertake in search of safety or better opportunities. The data reveals that the actual number of fatalities is likely much higher, as many deaths remain unreported.Asia recorded the highest number of migrant deaths in 2024, with 2,788 fatalities. The Mediterranean Sea followed closely, accounting for 2,452 deaths. Africa reported 2,242 deaths, while the Americas saw at least 1,233 fatalities, including 341 in the Caribbean. Europe recorded 233 deaths, and the Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama reached a new high with 174 fatalities.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. What are Sonic Weapons?: Sonic weapons have emerged as contentious tools in crowd control. Recent protests in Serbia have brought into light their potential use. President Aleksandar Vucic denied allegations of using a banned sonic weapon against demonstrators. This raises questions about the legality and ethics of such devices. Sonic weapons can produce loud sounds designed to disperse crowds. They have been in use since the early 1990s, with military applications becoming prominent in the 2000s.Sonic weapons, also known as acoustic weapons, emit loud sounds over long distances. They can produce both audible and inaudible sound waves. These devices are capable of delivering voice messages or other sounds. The technology has evolved since its inception, focusing on crowd control and military applications.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Chandrayaan-4: Lunar samples provide invaluable data for scientific research. While robotic crafts can conduct in-situ studies, they are limited in the equipment they can carry. Returning samples to Earth allows for advanced analysis in sophisticated laboratories, leading to a deeper understanding of the Moon’s composition and history.The mission consists of five modules – the Ascender Module (AM), Descender Module (DM), Re-entry Module (RM), Transfer Module (TM), and Propulsion Module (PM). After launching, the crafts will dock in an elliptical Earth orbit to form an integrated craft. The DM and AM will then perform a powered descent to land on the Moon.
2. INCOIS Identifies Cyclone Formation and Intensification Factors: Recent advancements in cyclone research have emerged from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS). Scientists have successfully quantified the oceanic and atmospheric factors influencing cyclone formation and intensification. This research is crucial for enhancing cyclone prediction and improving contingency planning for coastal regions in India.The researchers developed a novel methodology to assess cyclone factors. They observed that prior to Tauktae’s development, humidity, ocean heat potential, moisture, and land temperatures were all above normal. This indicated the likelihood of intensified cyclone activity. The methodology was validated against other cyclones like Ockhi, Amphan, and Mocha, each exhibiting unique characteristics.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector: SBI Mutual Fund launches two new PSU bank-focused investment schemes named “SBI BSE PSU Bank Index Fund and SBI BSE PSU Bank ETF”Canara Bank becomes the first bank to introduce Online Digital Balance Confirmation Certificate through the PSB Alliance Pvt. Ltd portal.Avanse Financial Services Ltd. (Avanse) launched ‘SWALAKSH’, a specialised education loan tailored for female students aspiring to study abroad.RBIH Launches DesignShaala™ to Drive Financial Innovation Through Human-Centered Design (launched by Nandan Nilekani)SBI Life Insurance launched two new child insurance plans, “SBI Life – Smart Future Star” and “SBI Life – Smart Platina Young Achiever,” aimed at helping parents secure their children’s financial future.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Günter Blöschl Wins Stockholm Water Prize :Günter Blöschl, a renowned hydrologist, has been awarded the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize in 2025. This recognition marks his contributions to flood risk management and water resource engineering. His work has transformed the understanding of floods and their relationship with climate change. Blöschl’s innovative hydrological models and databases have reshaped flood risk management. He emphasises that floods are influenced by both climate and regional processes. His findings advocate for adaptive solutions to flood management, moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches. This perspective is crucial as floods are increasingly recognised as global phenomena.
2. Veteran Sculptor Ram Sutar Chosen for Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024: Veteran sculptor Ram Sutar the maker of the Statue of Unity, will be honoured by Maharashtra Bhushan 2024, the state’s highest civilian award.Ram Sutar is a Padma Bhushan awardee and designed the Statue of Unity which is the world’s tallest statue with a height of 182 metres.The award comprises 25 lakh rupees and a memento. Sutar is a centenarian but is still working on the Ambedkar statue at the Indu Mill Memorial project in Mumbai.Mr Sutar, who works with his son, has also been associated with many major projects like the 251-metre-tall statue of Lord Ram at Ayodhya, a 153-feet high statue of Lord Shiva in Bengaluru and a 100-feet tall statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at Moshi in Pune.
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