Current Affairs One - Liner : 30th & 31st March 2025

National:

• On March 26, 2025, NITI Frontier Technologies Hub (NITI FTH), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched Digital Transformation Enabler for Growth and Empowerment (Dx-EDGE) to empower MSMEs. The initiative focuses on setting up Digital Transformation Facilitation Centres and using AI to boost innovation and global competitiveness under the vision of Viksit Bharat.

• NITI Aayog launched the 2nd edition of Trade Watch Quarterly for Q2 of FY25 on March 28, 2025. The report highlights a 5.67% growth in India's trade during April-September 2024 compared to 2023. It provides insights into sectoral performance and global trade dynamics. This initiative aims to strengthen India's trade position internationally.
• Chaitra Navratri 2025 started on March 30 and ends on April 7, honoring the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The first day, Ghatasthapana, focused on worshiping Maa Shailputri. Devotees observe fasting and rituals during this spiritual festival.
• March 31, 2025, marks Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrating the conclusion of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer. Families unite for festive meals, charity, and prayers, embracing gratitude and togetherness. This occasion symbolizes joy, unity, and spiritual reflection.

Banking:

• On March 28, 2025, SEBI granted in-principle approval to ASK Group to enter the mutual fund business. This expansion complements their existing services like portfolio and wealth management. ASK plans to launch research-driven mutual fund products, catering to India's growing investor base.
• MobiKwik has launched MobiKwik Securities Broking Pvt Ltd (MSBPL) as a wholly owned subsidiary for stock broking. Approved on March 3, 2025, MSBPL will trade shares, securities, derivatives, and more. With ₹2 crore funding planned, MobiKwik aims to challenge major players like Zerodha and Groww.
• On March 28, 2025, Authum Investment and Infrastructure Ltd received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire a 79.28% stake in India SME Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (ISARC), a SIDBI-sponsored ARC. The ₹260 crore deal involves both primary and secondary transactions, with Authum injecting ₹170 crore to boost ISARC's net worth to ₹300 crore.

Science & Technology:

• On March 28, 2025, ISRO successfully tested its semi-cryogenic engine SE2000, enhancing the LVM3 rocket's payload capacity to 5 tonnes in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). On March 27, 2025, ISRO also completed a 1,000-hour life test of its 300mN Electric Propulsion Thruster, enabling mass savings and boosting satellite efficiency with xenon propulsion.

Sports:

• The Indian Open 2025 Squash Tournament concluded on March 28, 2025, at the Bombay Gymkhana, Mumbai. In this prestigious PSA Copper event, Anahat Singh won the women's singles title, defeating Helen Tang of Hong Kong, while Kareem El Torkey from Egypt claimed the men's singles title, overcoming India's Abhay Singh.

Defence:

• The Indian Army successfully tested its Kamikaze FPV drones with anti-tank munitions on March 28, 2025. Developed with TBRL, Chandigarh, these cost-effective drones have dual-safety mechanisms and live feedback relays. They underwent rigorous trials to ensure precision and reliability.
• BEML has unveiled its indigenous 12×12 High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) for defense operations on March 28, 2025. Built at BEML’s Palakkad complex, it features a BSIII engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, and a GVW of 65 tons. Designed for extreme terrains, it enhances mobility for armed forces and aligns with the AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative.
• On March 28, 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth ₹62,700 crore with HAL to supply 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), Prachand, to the Indian Armed Forces. The helicopters will be delivered over five years, starting in 2027. The LCH is India's first indigenously designed combat helicopter with advanced features for high-altitude and stealth missions.

Important Days:

• March 30 is celebrated as Rajasthan Day, marking the formation of the state of Rajasthan in 1949. On this day, the princely states of Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner merged to form Greater Rajasthan, symbolizing unity and cultural heritage.
• March 31 is celebrated as Eiffel Tower Day, marking the completion of the Eiffel Tower's construction on this day in 1889. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the iconic structure was built for the 1889 World Fair in Paris. It stands as a symbol of engineering marvel and remains one of the most recognized landmarks globally.

Appointments:

• Indian-American scientist Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has been confirmed as the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by the U.S. Senate on March 25, 2025. A professor of health policy and economics at Stanford University, Dr. Bhattacharya is known for his research on public health and his critical views on COVID-19 lockdowns.
• IFS officer Nidhi Tiwari (2014 batch) has been appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Approved on March 29, 2025, by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, she will serve at Level 12 of the pay matrix.
• Ambuj Chandna was appointed as MD & Head of Consumer Banking Group at DBS Bank India on March 27, 2025. With over 20 years of retail banking experience, he previously held a leadership role at Kotak Mahindra Bank. He succeeds Prashant Joshi and will focus on consumer banking and digital transformation efforts.
• On March 27, 2025, SRMB Steel announced the appointment of Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team captain, as its brand ambassador. He joins an elite group of ambassadors, including MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, to represent the brand. This collaboration aims to enhance SRMB Steel's visibility and connect with a broader audience through Rohit's massive fan following.

Obituaries:

• Legendary actor Richard Chamberlain, known for iconic roles in Dr. Kildare, Shogun, and The Thorn Birds, passed away on March 29, 2025, in Waimanalo, Hawaii, at the age of 90. His death was due to complications from a stroke.

Questions:

Q.1 Who won the women's singles title in the Indian Open 2025 Squash Tournament?
a) Joshna Chinappa
b) Helen Tang
c) Anahat Singh
d) Dipika Pallikal

Answer: c) Anahat Singh emerged victorious in the women’s singles category, defeating Helen Tang of Hong Kong at the prestigious PSA Copper event in Mumbai.

Q.2 What was the percentage growth in India's trade during April-September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, as highlighted in NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly for Q2 of FY25?
a) 6.75%
b) 4.32%
c) 5.67%
d) 7.12%

Answer: c) The report launched by NITI Aayog on March 28, 2025, highlighted a 5.67% growth in India's trade.