- Nowruz, or Persian New Year, is celebrated on March 19 or 20, marking the first day of spring and the Persian calendar's new year. It has been observed for over 3,000 years in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
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- India's first industry-driven Digital Detox Initiative, called Beyond Screens, was launched by Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge on March 18, 2025. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and powered by Kahamind Healthcare Private Limited, aims to address digital addiction and promote responsible technology use.
- On March 17, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) partnered with WhatsApp to launch the "Scam Se Bacho" campaign. This initiative aims to combat digital frauds and cyber threats by educating users to identify and report scams. It integrates with the Sanchar Saathi initiative and provides multilingual safety materials for broad accessibility.
- WAVEX 2025, launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) on March 18, 2025, aims to support media and entertainment startups in sectors like gaming, animation, XR, metaverse, and generative AI. Scheduled from May 1 to May 4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
- NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, landing in the Gulf of Mexico via a SpaceX Crew Dragon after over nine months on the ISS. Launched June 5, 2024, for a short Starliner test, they stayed 286 days due to spacecraft issues, returning with Crew-9 members Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov.
- On March 15, 2025, SEBI announced the reduction of the rights issue timeline to 23 days, effective from April 7, 2025. The subscription period will now range from 7 to 30 days, with streamlined processes for validation and approval through stock exchanges. Draft offers no longer need SEBI filing, enhancing efficiency. This move aims to simplify corporate fundraising and improve ease of business.
- The OECD has revised India's GDP growth forecast to 6.4% for FY 2024-25, as per its latest update on March 17, 2025. This projection reflects a slight improvement from earlier estimates, driven by factors like strong domestic demand and public infrastructure investments.
- The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) surpassed ₹5 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) on March 17, 2025, achieving this milestone over 18 days before the financial year-end.
- On March 17, 2025, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the ₹58,514 crore budget for FY 2025-26. Key focuses included tourism, rural development, green energy, and social welfare. Highlights include higher MSP for crops, eco-tourism site development, and Shimla Ropeway Project.
- On March 19, 2025, Indian Railways signed an MoU with IIT Madras in Chennai to advance Hyperloop technology. The project, with ₹20.89 crore funding, aims to develop a sub-scale Hyperloop pod, test track, and vacuum tube facility. This initiative focuses on creating a sustainable and futuristic mode of transportation. The partnership positions India as a key player in global transportation innovation.
- On March 16, 2025, Pravaig Dynamics unveiled the world’s first Electric Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (E-TATV), called VEER, designed for defense operations. It features stealth capabilities, durability, and field repairability. The company also received the prestigious iDEX Award for innovation in defense technology.
- Global Recycling Day 2025, celebrated on March 18, emphasizes the critical role of recycling in conserving resources and combating climate change. Established by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), it promotes recyclables as the "Seventh Resource" essential for sustainability.
- Actor Ayushmann Khurrana was named the ‘Fit India Icon’ by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on March 17, 2025, during the launch of the Fit India Movement in New Delhi.
- On March 18, 2025, Bajaj Auto reappointed Rajiv Bajaj as its Managing Director and CEO for another five years, effective April 1, 2025, pending shareholder approval. The company also announced a ₹1,500 crore investment in Bajaj Auto Credit Ltd (BACL) to boost its financial arm's growth.
- On March 18, 2025, Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former Indian cricket captain, was appointed Goodwill Ambassador of VISION 2020 India by Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai. The initiative aims to eliminate avoidable blindness, affecting millions in India, through awareness and accessible eye care.
- On March 17, 2025, Stuart Richard Young became the 8th Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, succeeding Dr. Keith Rowley. His leadership agenda emphasizes integrity, inclusion, and accountability.
- On March 16, 2025, Skechers named Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah as its brand ambassador. He will represent the brand’s cricket footwear line and feature in upcoming campaigns.
- The book "Leo — The Untold Story", authored by P.S. Raman, was launched on March 16, 2025, in Chennai. It explores Chennai Super Kings' iconic journey, from triumphs to challenges. Cricket legends like M.S. Dhoni and R. Ashwin graced the event.
- The book "Thumb Printed: Champaran, Indigo Peasants Speak to Gandhi Volume III" was launched on March 11, 2025, during the 135th Foundation Day of the National Archives of India. Edited by Shahid Amin, Tridip Suhrud, and Megha Todi, it compiles 423 testimonies from the Champaran Satyagraha.
Questions:
Q.1 What is the revised GDP growth forecast for India for FY 2024-25 as per OECD’s update on March 17, 2025?a) 5.8%
b) 6.2%
c) 6.4%
d) 7.0%
Answer: c) The OECD revised India's GDP growth forecast to 6.4%, attributing the improvement to strong domestic demand and public infrastructure investments.
Q.2 What is the name of the Electric Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (E-TATV) unveiled by Pravaig Dynamics for defense operations?
a) SHAKTI
b) VEER
c) AGNI
d) RAKSHAK
a) SHAKTI
b) VEER
c) AGNI
d) RAKSHAK
Answer: b) On March 16, 2025, Pravaig Dynamics unveiled ‘VEER’, the world’s first Electric Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle, featuring stealth capabilities and field repairability.
