- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced North India’s first nuclear power plant in Gorakhpur, Haryana, on March 19, 2025. This initiative marks a milestone in India's nuclear energy expansion and aims to meet growing energy demands sustainably. It aligns with India's clean energy goals and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
.png "Current Affairs One - liner : 21st March 2025")
- Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the anthem, mascot, and logo for the Khelo India Para Games 2025 on March 18, 2025, in New Delhi. The mascot, 'Ujjwala', symbolizes resilience, and the anthem, "Khelega khelega mera India, jeetega jeetega mera India", inspires inclusivity.
- The Ministry of Ayush launched the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme on March 18, 2025, under the Capacity Building Commission. It focuses on fostering 'Seva Bhav', accountability, and skill enhancement among Central Government employees.
- Punjab became the first state in India to introduce sign language in its Legislative Assembly on March 19, 2025, led by Social Security Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. Legislative sessions, including the Governor's Address and Budget discussions, will now be broadcast with sign language interpretation.
- On March 21, 2025, the Karnataka government approved a 100% salary hike for the Chief Minister, Ministers, and MLAs. The Chief Minister's salary rose from ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh/month, and MLAs' from ₹40,000 to ₹80,000/month. This decision has sparked debates over governance priorities amidst financial challenges.
- France announced the discovery of the world's largest white hydrogen deposit on March 12, 2025, in Moselle's Folschviller region. Estimated at 46 million tons and valued at $92 trillion, this natural and carbon-free energy source offers sustainable clean energy without CO₂ emissions.
- The Frontier Seed (Pacific) Program by ADB, with an initial funding of $4 million (shared by ADB and the ORCA Trust Fund), was launched on March 13, 2025, in Suva, Fiji. It supports innovative businesses in food security, environmental sustainability, and coastal mapping with risk capital and technical assistance. Initial recipients include SeaPAC Pte Ltd and Kahuto Pacific.
- UIDAI has partnered with Bengaluru-based Generative AI company Sarvam AI to enhance Aadhaar services. This collaboration, effective from March 18, 2025, introduces a voice-based AI platform supporting 10 Indian languages, with plans to expand further. Key features include real-time fraud detection, user feedback mechanisms, and multilingual support, all while ensuring data privacy within UIDAI's secure infrastructure.
- NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) partnered with Singapore's HitPay on March 20, 2025, to expand UPI payments in Singapore. Over 12,000 merchants, including restaurants and tourist attractions, will accept QR code-based UPI transactions. This initiative provides Indian travelers with seamless payment options and strengthens economic ties.
- IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL) has successfully completed the acquisition of Reliance Capital (RCAP) for ₹9,650 crore under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). The transaction, finalized on March 18, 2025, involved transferring the bid amount to lenders.
- Telangana's Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka presented a ₹3.04 lakh crore budget for FY26 on March 19, 2025. It allocates ₹2.26 lakh crore for revenue expenditure and ₹36,504 crore for capital expenditure, focusing on education, agriculture, and health. Major projects include the Musi Riverfront Development Project and Mega Master Plan 2050.
- The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) and HAPICO Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 20, 2025, at the CSIR-IIIM campus in Jammu. The aim of this collaboration is to develop novel biopesticides using indigenous microbial strains, addressing the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment.
- The Gujarat Government and Nayara Energy signed the MoU on March 18, 2025, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The aim is to restore and conserve the Khijadia Bird Sanctuary, focusing on wetland improvement, biodiversity enhancement, eco-tourism, and local stakeholder involvement. The project is allocated a budget of ₹12 crore over three years.
- The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and NIMHANS signed the MoU on March 20, 2025, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The aim of this collaboration is to enhance mental health support for military personnel and their families through research, training, and specialized care, addressing challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- March 21 is observed as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) to promote awareness and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. The 2025 theme, "Improve Our Support Systems", emphasizes strengthening education, workplace opportunities, and healthcare access. The "Lots of Socks" campaign supports global advocacy and empowerment efforts.
- March 21 is celebrated as World Poetry Day, established by UNESCO in 1999 to honor poetry's cultural significance. The 2025 theme, "Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion," emphasizes its role in fostering harmony, amplifying marginalized voices, and promoting understanding across cultures.
- March 20 marks the World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People, established by ASSITEJ in 2001 to emphasize the role of theatre in fostering creativity and cultural awareness among youth. The global campaign, "Take a Child to the Theatre Today," advocates for equal access to quality theatre experiences for children worldwide.
- UN French Language Day, observed on March 20, celebrates multilingualism and cultural diversity within the UN's six official languages. The date honors the founding of the Francophonie organization on March 20, 1970. The 2025 theme, "I educate myself, therefore I act", emphasizes equitable access to education.
- Kirsty Coventry was elected as the first woman and first African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on March 20, 2025, during the 144th IOC Session in Greece. A two-time Olympic gold medalist from Zimbabwe, she will assume office on June 23, 2025, succeeding Thomas Bach.
- Sculptor Ram Sutar, renowned for designing the Statue of Unity, has been selected for the Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024, Maharashtra's highest civilian honor. The announcement was made on March 20, 2025, by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
- Telugu actor Chiranjeevi was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK House of Commons on March 19, 2025. The award, presented by Bridge India, recognizes his contributions to cinema and public service.
- Vijay Sankar, Chairman of The Sanmar Group, was awarded Denmark’s Knight’s Cross of the Order of Dannebrog on March 18, 2025, for his outstanding consular services and strengthening Indo-Danish relations. The award was presented in Chennai by Denmark's Ambassador to India.
- Austrian hydrologist Günter Blöschl received the 2025 Stockholm Water Prize on March 20, 2025, for his pioneering work in flood risk reduction and water resource management. His research significantly advanced global understanding of climate change's impact on flooding.
- The book "To the Seventh Generation: The Journey of Christian Medical College Vellore", authored by former CMC director Dr. V.I. Mathan, was launched in Chennai on March 20, 2025. The first copy was presented to Dr. Vikram Mathew, the current director, and the second to Dr. V.V. Bashi, a senior cardiothoracic surgeon.
Questions:
Q.1 Where was North India’s first nuclear power plant announced on March 19, 2025?a) Haryana
b) Rajasthan
c) Punjab
d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: a) Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced North India’s first nuclear power plant in Gorakhpur, Haryana, marking a major step in India’s clean energy expansion.
Q.2 The Frontier Seed (Pacific) Program launched by ADB in March 2025 aims to support:
a) Renewable energy startups
b) Financial inclusion initiatives
c) Space technology research
d) Sustainable agriculture and coastal mapping
a) Renewable energy startups
b) Financial inclusion initiatives
c) Space technology research
d) Sustainable agriculture and coastal mapping
Answer: d) The program, launched in Suva, Fiji, focuses on food security, environmental sustainability, and coastal mapping risk assessment with an initial $4 million fund.
