International News
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) launched the iClimateAction Project
- On March 1, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order making English the official language of the U.S. for the first time in history. This allows government agencies to limit multilingual services, reversing earlier mandates for language assistance.
- The U.S. will impose reciprocal tariffs on India and China from April 2, 2025, targeting unfair tariff practices. Key industries like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT services are likely to be affected. This move aims to address trade imbalances and safeguard AmerMark Carney was elected as the leader of Canada's Liberal Party on March 9, 2025, and is set to become the next Prime Minister. He succeeds Justin Trudeau, winning the leadership race with 85.9% of the vote.ican industries. It underscores a tougher stance on global trade policies.
- Mark Carney was elected as the leader of Canada's Liberal Party on March 9, 2025, and is set to become the next Prime Minister. He succeeds Justin Trudeau, winning the leadership race with 85.9% of the vote.
- On March 10, 2025, Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed an agreement in Damascus to merge the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the national army. This deal integrates the SDF's military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state framework, granting them roles in managing borders, oil fields, and airports.
- The ‘UN80 Initiative’ was announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on March 12, 2025, to improve the efficiency of UN operations as it marks 80 years. The initiative focuses on financial restructuring, operational improvements, and program alignment with global priorities.
- On March 13, 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan finalized a peace treaty, ending nearly four decades of conflict. The agreement resolves disputes over the Nagorno-Karabakh region and includes steps to normalize diplomatic and economic ties.
- 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.
- 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.
- On March 26, 2025, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang proposed a ₹16,196 crore budget for 2025–26. It prioritizes youth empowerment, farmer welfare, and infrastructure development, with ₹11,028 crore for revenue expenditure and ₹5,168 crore for capital outlay. The budget emphasizes inclusive growth, economic stability, and sustainable development for Sikkim.
National News
GoI Elevated Railways CPSE’s IRCTC and IRFC to Navratna Status
- This recognition grants them greater financial autonomy, allowing investments of up to ₹1,000 crore without prior government approval.
- Both entities achieved this milestone due to their strong financial performance, with IRCTC reporting a net profit of ₹1,111 crore and IRFC recording ₹6,412 crore in FY 2023-24.
- This upgrade enhances their operational efficiency and global competitiveness.
Vantara has been inaugurated by PM Modi on 4 March 2025
- Located within the Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery complex and spanning over 3,000 acres, Vantara is an initiative led by Anant Ambani, aimed at providing a sanctuary for rescued and endangered animals.
- The facility, established by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, houses over 2,000 species and more than 1.5 lakh animals, offering advanced medical care through a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital equipped with MRI, CT scans, and ICUs.
Banking
Paytm Partners with RBL Bank to Strengthen Digital Payment
- This collaboration introduces Paytm's Soundbox and card machines to RBL Bank's merchant network, enabling real-time transaction monitoring and instant settlements through the Paytm for Business Dashboard.
- The payment solutions support multiple methods, including UPI, RuPay credit card on UPI, UPI Lite, debit/credit cards, and EMI options.
- The initiative aims to simplify payments, boost efficiency, and promote digital transformation for businesses.
- It also includes innovative features like NFC-enabled Tap and Pay and multilingual audio alerts in 11 languages.
12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific
- It aimed to promote sustainable waste management and the transition to a circular economy across the region, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality targets.
- Theme: "Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific."
- Launch of C-3: Introduction of the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) to boost city-level collaboration for sustainability.
- Adoption of Jaipur Declaration: This serves as a framework for regional cooperation in transitioning to a circular economy.
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