- Waaree Energies inaugurated India's largest solar cell manufacturing plant on March 29, 2025, in Chikhli, Gujarat. With a capacity of 5.4 GW, the facility uses advanced TOPCon technology, achieving a 25% conversion efficiency. Spanning 150 acres, it supports India's clean energy goals and creates over 9,500 jobs. This milestone aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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- On March 29, 2025, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel virtually inaugurated India's largest Chlorotoluene plant at Dahej, established by Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL). The plant, built at a cost of ₹350 crore, has an annual production capacity of 30,000 tonnes and will manufacture value-added chlorine-based products like Benzyl Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, and Benzaldehyde.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the theme for 2025 International Yoga Day as "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" during his Mann Ki Baat address on March 30, 2025. The theme highlights yoga's role in fostering physical, mental, and environmental well-being.
- The Ministry of Heavy Industries announced the achievement of one million EV sales for the 2024-25 financial year on March 31, 2025. This reflects a 21% growth in electric two-wheelers and a 57% rise in electric three-wheelers compared to last year.
- Russia unveiled the Zircon hypersonic missile on April 1, 2025, emphasizing its capability of reaching speeds up to Mach 9. Designed for precision strikes, it can target naval and land assets, making interception nearly impossible. Integrated into platforms like Yasen-M submarines, it boosts Russia's naval dominance.
- On March 31, 2025, IndusInd Bank transferred ₹10,000 crore corporate loans to ICICI Bank and Federal Bank via the Inter-Bank Participation Certificate (IBPC) market. This move aimed to enhance liquidity amidst derivative-related challenges. The loans were acquired at an interest rate of 7.5% to 8%. This transaction provided IndusInd Bank with a temporary liquidity buffer.
- India's defence exports hit a record ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, growing 12.04% from the previous year. The announcement was made on April 1, 2025. Exports spanned 80 countries, with private firms contributing ₹15,233 crore and DPSUs adding ₹8,389 crore. This growth aligns with India's goal to achieve ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029.
- Vandana Katariya retired from international hockey on April 1, 2025, concluding a stellar 15-year career. She holds 320 international caps, scored 158 goals, and is the first Indian woman to score an Olympic hat-trick. Her achievements include landmark contributions in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and multiple international tournaments.
- The Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 was held on March 31, 2025, at the Army Polo & Riding Centre, New Delhi. The Rajnigandha Achievers won the tournament by showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork. This event celebrated polo and honored Shri Aditya Vikram Birla's legacy.
- Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin clinched the 2025 Tashkent Open Agzamov Memorial Title in chess on March 29, 2025, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He achieved an unbeaten score of 8/10, outperforming a strong field of international players, including eight rated above 2600.
- INSV Tarini reached Cape Town, South Africa on April 1, 2025, completing the fourth leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition. Led by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, the eight-month circumnavigation promotes women empowerment and supports marine research.
- Odisha Day, or Utkal Divas, is celebrated on April 1st, marking the state’s formation in 1936. In 2025, it celebrated its 89th year with cultural events and fireworks. The day honors Odisha’s heritage, history, and identity as a distinct state. It pays tribute to leaders like Madhusudan Das who shaped its legacy.
- World Autism Awareness Day, observed on April 2, promotes understanding and support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The 2025 theme, "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)", highlights inclusivity and equitable opportunities for neurodiverse communities.
- International Fact-Checking Day 2025 is celebrated every year on April 2nd to emphasize the importance of combating misinformation and promoting accurate reporting. Coordinated by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), the day encourages critical thinking and verification of information before sharing it.
- Salila Pande became the MD & CEO of SBI Card effective April 1, 2025, bringing nearly three decades of expertise at SBI. Her leadership roles included Chief General Manager of Mumbai Metro Circle and President & CEO of SBI California.
- Swaminathan S. Iyer was appointed as the Whole-Time Member (Life) of IRDAI on March 25, 2025. He brings over 34 years of expertise in the life insurance sector, with roles at Tata AIA Life Insurance and HDFC Standard Life Insurance. His term will last for five years, or until he turns 62, whichever is earlier.
- Poonam Gupta was appointed RBI Deputy Governor on April 1, 2025, replacing Michael Patra ahead of the April 7-9 MPC meeting. An experienced economist and the first woman in the role since 2011, she joins from National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) to influence monetary policy.
- Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey became the first African woman to be appointed Commonwealth Secretary-General on April 1, 2025, succeeding Patricia Scotland. With over 20 years of diplomatic experience, she aims to promote democracy, peace, and human rights.
Questions:
Q.1 Where was India's largest solar cell manufacturing plant inaugurated on March 29, 2025?a) Pune, Maharashtra
b) Chikhli, Gujarat
c) Hyderabad, Telangana
d) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Answer: b) Waaree Energies inaugurated India's largest solar cell manufacturing plant in Chikhli, Gujarat, with a capacity of 5.4 GW, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Q.2 Who won the 2025 Tashkent Open Agzamov Memorial Chess Title?
a) Nihal Sarin
b) R Praggnanandhaa
c) Arjun Erigaisi
d) Vidit Gujrathi
a) Nihal Sarin
b) R Praggnanandhaa
c) Arjun Erigaisi
d) Vidit Gujrathi
Answer: a) Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin won the 2025 Tashkent Open Agzamov Memorial Title with an unbeaten score of 8/10.
