18th March 2025

1. Veteran BJP Leader and Former Union Minister Dr. Debendra Pradhan Passes Away at 84
2. BEL Signs ₹2,906 Crore Deal with MoD for Indigenous LLTR (Ashwini) Radar
3. Armenia and Azerbaijan Finalize Peace Treaty to End 40-Year Conflict
4. Union Minister Lays Foundation Stone for NECTAR’s Permanent Campus in Shillong
5. Chandrayaan-5 Mission Approved by the Centre: A Major Leap in Lunar Exploration
6. Hockey Jharkhand Crowned 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Champion
7. DGCA Grants License to Amravati Airport in Maharashtra for Flight Operations
8. APCRDA & HUDCO Sign Rs 11,000 Crore Loan Agreement for Amaravati Development
9. REC Signed MoU Worth Rs 18,360 Cr with Kerala’s EMC for Pumped Storage Projects
10. RBI Wins UK’s Digital Transformation Award 2025 for Tech Initiatives
11. Mark Joseph Carney Sworn in as 24th PM of Canada
12. ISRO Conducted Flight Acceptance Hot Test of Cryogenic Engine for LVM3-M6 Mission
13. ISRO and SCL Develop 32-bit Microprocessors for Space Applications
14. Lando Norris Wins F1’s Season-opening Australian Grand 2025
15. India Masters Clinch Inaugural IML 2025 Title, Beat West Indies Masters by 6 Wickets
16. World Sleep Day 2025 – March 14
17. Ordnance Factories Day 2025 – March 18
18. India on track to reach $ 800 bn in combined exports of goods and services: Commerce Secy
19. Telangana Government Launches ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam’ Scheme to Boost Self-Employment
20. Senkalong (Senka) Yaden: The Legacy of a Naga Scientist
21. Human Coronavirus HKU1 Detected in Kolkata Woman: All You Need to Know
22. Maharashtra Inaugurates First-Ever Temple Dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi
23. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan Launches Thermal Research Centre at IIT Madras
24. Lachit Barphukan Police Academy Inaugurated in Assam by Amit Shah
25. Intel Appoints Lip-Bu Tan as CEO: A New Era for Semiconductor Leadership
26. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman Appointed as CEO of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

National News

1. Chandrayaan-5 Mission Approved: India-Japan Collaboration for Lunar Exploration

• What:
  • The Centre has approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission, which will feature a 350 kg rover in collaboration with Japan.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to develop a higher-capacity lander for future lunar missions, including human landings by 2040.
• Tell me more:
  • Chandrayaan-5 is part of India’s long-term lunar exploration roadmap and follows the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which focuses on sample collection and return.
  • Chandrayaan-5 will feature a significantly upgraded rover compared to Chandrayaan-3’s 25 kg Pragyan rover.
  • ISRO has been tasked with establishing the Bharatiya Antriksh Station (India’s Space Station) by 2035 and achieving an Indian Moon landing by 2040.
  • ISRO has launched 131 satellites, including 393 foreign satellites, between January 2015 and December 2024.
  • The Kulasekarapattinam spaceport in Tamil Nadu is under construction to support small satellite launches up to 500 kg.

Source: ET

State News

1. Foundation Stone Laid for NECTAR’s Permanent Campus in Shillong

• What:
  • Union Minister Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach’s (NECTAR) permanent campus in Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.
• Why:
  • To establish a dedicated facility for leveraging technology for socio-economic development in the northeast region.
• Tell me more:
  • NECTAR is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It was established in 2014.
  • The institute has expanded its reach across all eight northeastern states.
  • NECTAR launched Mission Saffron in 2021 to introduce saffron cultivation in the northeast.
  • A STEM Education Lab has been established in Shillong, collaborating with IISER Pune and Smart Village Movement.
  • The lab will empower students from 100 schools with technologies like electronics, robotics, and 3D printing.
  • NECTAR is involved in drone technology and flood vulnerability assessments using GIS and remote sensing.

Source: TOI

2. Amravati Airport Set to Begin Operations Under UDAN Scheme

• What:
  • Amravati Airport received its aerodrome license from DGCA, allowing it to operate flights under the UDAN scheme starting March 31.
• Why:
  • The airport aims to enhance regional air connectivity, boost economic growth, and support tourism in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region.
• Tell me more:
  • Amravati Airport, located at Belora, is the third commercial airport in Maharashtra under MADC after Shirdi and Nagpur International Airports.
  • Alliance Air will operate flights on the Amravati-Mumbai-Amravati route thrice a week initially.
  • Originally constructed in 1992 as a brownfield airport, it now features an upgraded runway, apron facilities, and a newly constructed terminal building with a capacity for 100 arriving and departing passengers.
  • The airport is equipped with a 26-meter-high Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower for operational safety.
  • An Air India Flight Training Organization (FTO) is under construction at the airport and will be the largest in South Asia upon completion by 2025.

Source: TOI

3. HUDCO Signs Rs 11,000 Crore Loan Agreement for Amaravati Development

• What:
  • The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) signed an agreement with Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) for Rs 11,000 crore loan to develop Amaravati.
• Why:
  • The loan aims to accelerate the development of Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh.
• Tell me more:
  • The first phase of Amaravati’s development is estimated to cost Rs 26,000 crore, while the total project cost is expected to reach Rs 50,000 crore.
  • The World Bank and Asian Development Bank have already committed Rs 15,000 crore for the project.
  • HUDCO has also sanctioned Rs 4,400 crore for housing projects in Andhra Pradesh.

Source: IE

4. Telangana Launches Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme

• What:
  • Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched the ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam’ scheme in Telangana to provide self-employment loans to youth from SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to create self-employment opportunities for five lakh unemployed youth across the state.
• Tell me more:
  • The government has allocated Rs 6,000 crore for this initiative, reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment.
  • Eligible beneficiaries can receive financial assistance of up to 3 lakh rupees to establish self-employment units.
  • Scrutiny of applications will begin next month, with selected beneficiaries receiving loan sanction documents on June 2nd, Telangana Formation Day.
  • Loans up to one lakh rupees will receive an 80% subsidy, loans up to two lakhs will get a 70% subsidy, and loans up to three lakhs will receive a 60% subsidy.

Source: NOA

5. Maharashtra Inaugurates Temple for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

• What:
  • Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi, Thane district.
• Why:
  • The temple honors the valour and legacy of the Maratha king on his birth anniversary on February 19.
• Tell me more:
  • The temple is designed to resemble forts and spans an area of 2,500 square feet, with a fort-like boundary wall covering an additional 5,000 square feet.
  • It features a 6.5-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sculpted by artist Arun Yogiraj.
  • Architect Vijaykumar Patil designed the temple’s structure.

Source: IE

6. Assam’s Lachit Barphukan Police Academy Inaugurated

• What:
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam.
• Why:
  • The academy aims to enhance police training in Assam, making it self-reliant and a leader in police education within five years.
• Tell me more:
  • The academy is named after the 17th-century Ahom general Lachit Barphukan, known for his victory against the Mughal army.
  • The project has an estimated investment of over Rs 1,000 crore.
  • During his visit, Shah also oversaw the relocation of the Assam Rifles battalion headquarters from Aizawl to Zokhawsang in Mizoram.

Source: TOI

International News

1. Armenia and Azerbaijan Finalise Peace Agreement Text

• What:
  • Armenian and Azerbaijani officials announced the finalisation of a peace agreement text to end nearly four decades of conflict.
• Why:
  • The treaty aims to resolve long-standing disputes, including territorial issues, and establish interstate relations between the two countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The conflict began in the late 1980s over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region in Azerbaijan with a mostly ethnic-Armenian population at the time.
  • Hostilities reignited in September 2023 when Azerbaijan retook Karabakh by force, leading to mass displacement of Armenians from the region.
  • Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called for a referendum to amend the country’s constitution.
  • Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev previously accused Armenia of posing a “fascist” threat in January, which Armenia refuted.

Source: RT

Banking and Economy

1. India’s Trade Deficit Hits Three-and-a-Half-Year Low as per Department of Commerce

• What:
  • India’s merchandise trade deficit fell to $14.05 billion in February 2025, the lowest in three and a half years.
• Why:
  • The decline is attributed to a sharp contraction in both exports and imports, influenced by softening global petroleum prices and economic uncertainty.
• Tell me more:
  • Exports decreased by 10.9% year-on-year to $36.91 billion, while imports fell 16.3% to $50.96 billion, marking the first drop in 11 months.
  • Oil imports dropped significantly by 29.6% to $11.9 billion, and gold imports decreased by 62% to $2.3 billion.
  • Despite challenges, India aims for $800 billion in combined goods and services exports this financial year.

Source: BS

Science and Technology

1. ISRO Conducts Successful Hot Testing of CE20 Engine

• What:
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot testing of the CE20 cryogenic engine for the LVM3-M6 launch vehicle.
• Why:
  • The hot testing is part of the flight acceptance process to ensure the engine’s readiness for upcoming missions.
• Tell me more:
  • The test took place at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri.
  • This was the first time the engine was fired for 100 seconds under non-vacuum conditions using a new Nozzle Protection System.
  • Previous tests were limited to 25 seconds in simulated vacuum conditions.

Source: IE

2. ISRO Develops New 32-bit Microprocessors for Space

• What:
  • The first production lots of the 32-bit microprocessors VIKRAM3201 and KALPANA3201 were handed over to Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, DOS/Chairman, ISRO.
• Why:
  • These microprocessors are developed for space applications to enhance the capabilities of launch vehicles.
• Tell me more:
  • The handover took place on March 5, 2025, at an event organized by the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in New Delhi.
  • VIKRAM3201 is India’s first fully “Make-in-India” microprocessor qualified for harsh conditions in launch vehicles.
  • The CE20 engine, which uses these processors, was previously validated in space during the PSLV-C60 mission.
  • An MoU was signed between SCL and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for developing miniaturized pressure sensors for wind tunnel applications.

Source: ISRO

3. ISRO Launches New Fluid and Thermal Research Centre at IIT Madras

• What:
  • V Narayanan, chairman of ISRO, launched the Shri S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research at IIT Madras.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to make India self-reliant in advanced space technologies and attract global talent and research funding.
• Tell me more:
  • The facility will focus on advancements in spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management.
  • It is named after S Ramakrishnan, a distinguished alumnus of IIT Madras and aerospace engineer.
  • The centre will address thermal challenges in space applications, including heat dissipation in satellites and efficient cooling solutions.

Source: IE

Awards

1. RBI Wins Digital Transformation Award 2025

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has won the Digital Transformation Award 2025 from Central Banking, London, for its digital initiatives.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes RBI’s efforts in rolling out digital systems like Pravaah and Sarthi, which have reduced paper-based submissions.
• Tell me more:
  • Sarthi, launched in January 2023, digitized all internal workflows, allowing secure document storage and improved record management.
  • Pravaah, introduced in May 2024, enables external users to submit regulatory applications digitally.
  • Both systems enhance data analysis and are integrated with centralized cybersecurity and digital tracking.

Source: ET

Important Dates

1. World Sleep Day – March 14

• Theme: Make Sleep Health a Priority

Source: WSD

2. Ordnance Factories Day Celebrated on March 18

• What:
  • Ordnance Factories Day is observed on March 18 every year in India to honor the contributions of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to the country’s defense.
• Why:
  • The day celebrates the OFB’s innovative spirit and technological advancements in defense manufacturing.
• Tell me more:
  • The date commemorates the founding of the Ordnance Factory in Cossipore, Kolkata, which was established during British colonial rule.
  • The first factory was set up in 1787, and after India’s independence in 1947, the government took control of the Ordnance Factories.

Source: N18

Sports

1. Hockey Jharkhand Wins 15th Senior Women National Championship

• What:
  • Hockey Jharkhand defeated defending champions Hockey Haryana in a 4-3 shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to win the 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • The championship was held in Panchkula, Haryana.
  • Hockey Mizoram claimed third place by defeating Hockey Maharashtra.
  • The tournament showcased strong performances by several players, including Rani (Haryana) and Albela Rani Toppo (Jharkhand).

Source: ANI

2. Australian Grand Prix 2025

• Lando Norris (British motorsports racing driver) won this F1 competition.

Source: SS

Memorandum of Understanding

1. REC Ltd Signs MoU for Pumped Storage Projects in Kerala

• What:
  • REC Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Energy Management Centre (EMC) of Kerala to collaborate on financing pumped storage projects (PSP) in the state.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to facilitate the financing of ₹18,360 crore for PSP projects in Kerala over the next five years.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed during the Global Green Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit 2025 held in Kochi.
  • The MoU was exchanged by Saurabh Rastogi, Executive Director of REC, and Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director of EMC.
  • The summit took place on March 12-13 and was supported by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and EMC.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Mark Carney Sworn in as Canada’s New Prime Minister

• Mark Carney has been sworn in as Canada’s new prime minister after winning the Liberal Party leadership.

Source: BBC

2. Intel Appoints Lip-Bu Tan as New CEO

• Intel Corporation announced the appointment of Lip-Bu Tan as its new chief executive officer, effective March 18, 2025.
• Tan received the Robert N. Noyce Award in 2022, the highest honor from the Semiconductor Industry Association.

Source: INTEL

3. Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman Appointed CEO of ANRF

• What:
  • Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
• Tell me more:
  • Dr. Kalyanaraman previously served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Energy Industry at Microsoft.
  • He is a Distinguished Alumnus Awardee of IIT Madras and Ohio State University.
  • The ANRF will provide strategic direction for scientific research in India, following recommendations from the National Education Policy (NEP).
  • Dr. Kalyanaraman has received multiple accolades, including being a Fellow of IEEE and the Indian National Academy of Engineering.

Source: DST

Miscellaneous

1. Former Union Minister Dr Debendra Pradhan Passes Away at 84

• Veteran BJP leader and former Union Minister Dr Debendra Pradhan passed away in New Delhi after a brief illness at the age of 84.
• He was one of the major pillars in building BJP organisation in Odisha.

Source: IE

2. Naga Scientist Dr. Senkalong Yaden Passes Away

• Dr. Senkalong (Senka) Yaden, a prominent Naga scientist, passed away at the age of 89 in Tyler, Texas, on March 14, 2025.
• Dr. Yaden was known as the “American Man of Science” and made notable contributions during his career in various academic institutions in the U.S.

Source: NP

3. Human Coronavirus HKU1

• What:
  • A 45-year-old woman from Kolkata has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1 and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
• Why:
  • This case has raised concerns as HKU1 is not widely known, although it is not the same as COVID-19.
• Tell me more:
  • Human coronavirus HKU1 affects the lungs and respiratory system and was first discovered in 2005.
  • Symptoms are similar to the common cold, including cough, runny nose, mild fever, and sore throat, but it can cause severe lung infections in vulnerable groups.
  • The virus spreads through coughs and sneezes, touching contaminated surfaces, and close contact with infected individuals.

Source: TOI

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