- Kerala became the first state in India to establish a Senior Citizens Commission by passing the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill, 2025 on 19th March 2025. This commission focuses on safeguarding elderly rights, addressing issues like neglect, and promoting their active participation in society. It aims to improve the welfare and rehabilitation of senior citizens.
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- The Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC), conducted by MeitY, concluded on March 20, 2025, under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Zoho Corporation won with its browser, Ulaa, emphasizing security, privacy, and multilingual support. This effort promotes India's digital sovereignty.
- India and Bolivia signed an agreement on Quick Impact Projects on March 20, 2025, strengthening bilateral ties. The deal focuses on development and cooperation between the two nations. It was signed after discussions between EAM S. Jaishankar and Bolivia's Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda.
- The East Coast Railway (ECoR) became India’s first railway zone to handle 250 million tons of freight in the 2024-25 financial year. This milestone was achieved on March 21, 2025, well before the fiscal year ended. It showcases ECoR's operational efficiency and contribution to India’s economy.
- On March 22, 2025, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain—2025 was launched in Panchkula, Haryana, on World Water Day. Inaugurated by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, the event aimed to promote rainwater harvesting and water conservation.
- On March 20, 2025, UK-based Prudential plc and India's HCL Group announced a joint venture to establish a standalone health insurance business in India. The partnership involves Prudential Group Holdings Limited holding a 70% stake, while Vama Sundari Investments, an HCL Group promoter company, holds the remaining 30% stake.
- On 20th March 2025, Bain Capital announced its acquisition of an 18% stake in Manappuram Finance for ₹4,385 crore through a preferential allotment at ₹236 per share. This deal, at a 30% premium, will trigger a mandatory open offer for an additional 26% stake. Post-transaction ownership could reach 41.7% on a fully diluted basis.
- Uniyala keralensis, a newly identified plant species, was discovered in Kerala's Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve on 17th March 2025. This dense shrub with light purple flowers belongs to the Asteraceae family and thrives at elevations of 700–1,400 meters
- Oscar Piastri triumphed at the Chinese Grand Prix on March 23, 2025, held at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China. The event was part of the Formula 1 racing series, and McLaren celebrated a dominant one-two finish with Lando Norris securing second place.
- The 14th Meeting of the ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was held in New Delhi from March 19-20, 2025, co-chaired by India and Malaysia. It aimed to devise a comprehensive strategy for regional cooperation against terrorism and extremism. Plans were made for exercises in Malaysia (2026) and India (2027).
- The 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit was held on March 20, 2025, in Paris, France, organized by Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO, Vital Strategies, and the City of Paris. Chaired by Michael R. Bloomberg, it focused on combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries. Córdoba, Fortaleza, and Greater Manchester were honored for outstanding public health initiatives.
- The Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII took place from March 10 to March 23, 2025, in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, between India's Parachute Regiment and Kyrgyzstan's Scorpion Brigade. It focused on counter-terrorism, high-altitude warfare, and specialized operations. Cultural exchanges, including the celebration of Nowruz, fostered stronger ties.
- March 23, 2025, was observed as Martyr's Day (Shaheed Diwas) in India to honor the sacrifices of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar. On this day in 1931, these three revolutionaries were executed by the British in Lahore for their role in India's independence movement.
- World Meteorological Day is celebrated annually on March 23 to commemorate the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950. The theme for 2025 is "Closing the Early Warning Gap Together", emphasizing global collaboration to enhance early warning systems for natural disasters.
- Justice Harish Tandon was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court on March 21, 2025. He previously served at the Calcutta High Court. This appointment follows the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation.
- Edelweiss ARC announced Mythili Balasubramanian's appointment as Interim MD & CEO on March 20, 2025. The interim tenure lasts until September 30, 2025, while the company searches for a permanent leader. Mythili brings over 40 years of expertise in banking, NPA resolution, and IBC processes.
- On 21st March 2025, Tunisian President Kais Saied appointed Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri as the new Prime Minister, replacing Kamel Madouri. This leadership change was announced in Tunis, marking a significant moment in Tunisia's political landscape.
- On 21st March 2025, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia's first female president during the country's 35th Independence Anniversary celebrations. A member of the SWAPO party, she succeeded Nangolo Mbumba and pledged to prioritize economic and social progress.
- Vinod Kumar Shukla, a celebrated Hindi writer, was selected for the 59th Jnanpith Award on March 22, 2025. At 88, he is the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive this honor, recognizing his literary contributions and distinctive style. This award is India's highest literary accolade.
Questions:
Q.1 Who was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court on March 21, 2025?a) Justice Harish Tandon
b) Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
c) Justice Ranjan Gogoi
d) Justice N.V. Ramana
Answer: a) Previously serving in the Calcutta High Court, Justice Harish Tandon was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court.
Q.2 Vinod Kumar Shukla won the 59th Jnanpith Award in 2025. Which literary language is he associated with?
a) Bengali
b) Hindi
c) Marathi
d) Tamil
a) Bengali
b) Hindi
c) Marathi
d) Tamil
Answer: b) At 88, he became the first writer from Chhattisgarh to win the prestigious Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honor.
