26th March 2025

1. Indonesia to Join New Development Bank: A Strategic Move Towards Economic Growth
2. Dilma Vana Rousseff Re-elected as President of NDB
3. ASI’s Discoveries: Megaliths in Kerala & Buddhist Finds in Odisha
4. Uttarakhand Government Plans Ganga and Sharda River Corridors to Boost Religious Tourism
5. Kerala Became First State To Establish Senior Citizens Commission
6. Bharati Airtel’s Gopal Vittal Elected as GSMA Chairman
7. Stumped: Syed Kirmani’s Autobiography Revisits Kapil Dev’s Iconic 175 and the 1983 World Cup Triumph
8. Parminder Chopra Assumes Additional Charge as Chairman & MD of REC Ltd
9. Tata Motors Welcomes Vicky Kaushal as Brand Ambassador
10. Violinist R.K. Shriramkumar Honored with Sangita Kalanidhi Award
11. Equitas Small Finance Bank Strengthens Ties with Chennai Super Kings & Gujarat Titans
12. NSDC & PayPal Formalised MoU to Provide Skill Development Opportunities to Youth in Fintech Sector
13. CIRL Partners with LIC to Enhance IR Services for Policyholders
14. Ashok Singh Thakur elected as Chairman of INTACH
15. WFI President Sanjay Kumar Singh Elected as a Bureau Member of UWW-Asia
16. Kabaddi World Cup 2025: India Clinches both Men’s and Women’s title in UK
17. Indian Gymnast Pranati Nayak Wins Bronze in Vault Final at FIG World Cup 2025 in Turkey
18. International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 2025 – March 25

State News

1. ASI Discovers Over 100 Megaliths Near Malampuzha Dam in Kerala

• What:
  • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered a cluster of over 100 megaliths near Malampuzha dam in Palakkad, Kerala during a recent exploration expedition.
• Why:
  • This discovery is expected to provide further insights into the early Iron Age society and belief systems in Kerala.
• Tell me more:
  • The megaliths are spread across 45 hectares of land on island-like mounds.
  • Most of the burials are of Cists variety, including single and multiple chambered structures.
  • Other types of structures found include Stone Circles, Urns, Dolmens, and Dolmenoid Cists.
  • The structures are primarily constructed with massive granite slabs and boulders, with some incorporating laterite stones.
  • Malampuzha dam is the largest water barrier and reservoir in Kerala.

Source: IE

2. Uttarakhand Plans Ganga and Sharda River Corridors to Boost Tourism

• What:
  • Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced plans to develop corridors along the Ganga and Sharda rivers to promote religious tourism in the state.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and make religious tourism more accessible while preserving the cultural and religious heritage of Uttarakhand.
• Tell me more:
  • The corridors will provide better facilities for pilgrims and reinforce Uttarakhand’s status as a major spiritual destination.
  • CM Dhami highlighted the importance of ancient Indian scriptures in shaping scientific and spiritual thought during the closing ceremony of the 62nd All India Shastraotsav in Haridwar.
  • He emphasized that Indian mathematicians developed concepts like zero and decimal, which form the basis of modern science.

Source: BS

International News

1. Indonesia Joins New Development Bank (NDB)

• What:
  • Indonesia joined the New Development Bank (NDB) to access funding for infrastructure projects and national development, as announced during a meeting between NDB President Dilma Rousseff and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on March 25, 2025.
• Why:
  • The move aims to support Indonesia’s infrastructure development and energy transition through loans without strict conditions or interference in domestic policies.
• Tell me more:
  • Indonesia became the 10th member of BRICS on January 6, 2025.
  • NDB plans to fund projects in Indonesia, including infrastructure, renewable energy, digital technology, and urban sustainability solutions.
  • Indonesia has 77 priority development project plans aligned with NDB’s objectives.
  • Rousseff praised Indonesia’s achievement in producing 40% biodiesel (B40), surpassing Brazil’s 17%.

Source: IBP

Banking and Economy

1. Equitas Small Finance Bank Renews Partnership with CSK and GT

• What:
  • Equitas Small Finance Bank renewed its partnership with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT) as their Official Banking Partner for six years and three years, respectively.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to promote the ‘Bank Behind Champions’ campaign, emphasizing excellence and community engagement while supporting champions and empowering individuals.
• Tell me more:
  • Equitas will feature on the lead helmet of CSK and the back of GT’s helmet during the Indian T20 League season, reflecting dedication, resilience, and excellence that resonate with both teams’ championship spirit.

Source: MB

2. NSDC Partners with PayPal for Skill Development in BFSI Sector

• What:
  • National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) partnered with PayPal to launch a skill development initiative targeting the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to economically empower youth, especially women from low-income families, through skill development and job-readiness training.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiative includes NSQF-aligned training courses spanning 420 to 480 hours in fintech domains like Bancassurance Relationship Associate, Customer Service Associate, Sales Associate, MIS Analyst, GST Assistant, and Account Assistant.
  • NSDC will implement the project in districts like Chennai, Patna, Hyderabad, Surat, Indore, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Ranchi.
  • At least 70% of candidates will participate in job fairs and interviews, with additional support for self-employment opportunities.

Source: DT

3. CDSL Insurance Repository Partners with LIC for Digital Policy Management

• What:
  • CDSL Insurance Repository Limited (CIRL) partnered with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to offer digital insurance repository services for LIC policyholders.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to enable LIC policyholders to manage their insurance policies electronically, ensuring secure and paperless management.
• Tell me more:
  • CIRL will facilitate the issuance and maintenance of e-Insurance Accounts (eIA) for LIC policies.
  • Policyholders can manage multiple policies, make renewal payments, update details, and access services through a single platform.
  • Benefits include consolidated policy views, seamless payouts to registered bank accounts, and reduced paperwork.

Source: BB

Awards

1. Music Academy Awards Sangita Kalanidhi to R K Shriramkumar

• What:
  • Violinist R K Shriramkumar was awarded the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi by the Music Academy for 2025.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes his contributions to Carnatic music and expertise in Muthuswami Dikshitar’s compositions, aligning with the 250th birth anniversary of Dikshitar.
• Tell me more:
  • Sangita Kala Acharya awards were conferred to Carnatic singer Shyamala Venkateswaran and tavil artist Thanjavur R Govindarajan.
  • TTK Award went to Kathakali musician Madambi Subramania Namboothiri and veena artists J T Jeyaraaj Krishnan and Jaysri Jeyaraaj Krishnan.
  • Musicologist Award was given to Prof C A Sridhara, while Nritya Kalanidhi Award went to Bharatanatyam exponent Urmila Satyanarayana.
  • Shriramkumar will preside over the 99th annual conference of The Music Academy from Dec 15, 2025, to Jan 1, 2026, and receive his award on Jan 1.

Source: TOI

Important Dates

1. International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade – March 25

• UN Focus: Acknowledge the past. Repair the present. Build a future of dignity and justice

Source: UN

Sports

1. Kapil Dev’s Legendary 175 in 1983 World Cup Against Zimbabwe

• What:
  • Kapil Dev scored an unbeaten 175 runs off 138 balls against Zimbabwe in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, rescuing India from a precarious position of 17/5.
• Why:
  • This innings was crucial in turning the game around for India, leading to a victory and inspiring the team’s journey to their first World Cup triumph.
• Tell me more:
  • Kapil’s innings included 16 fours and 6 sixes.
  • India posted a competitive total of 266/8 after Kapil’s heroics.
  • The match was played on June 18, 1983.
  • India won the match by 31 runs, bowling out Zimbabwe for 235.
  • Syed Kirmani, a teammate, shared a humorous anecdote about being caught off-guard in the dressing room during India’s collapse.

Source: TOI

2. India Wins Both Men’s and Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025

• What:
  • India secured victories in both the Men’s and Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 finals held in Wolverhampton, England, with the Men’s team defeating England 44-41 and the Women’s team winning 57-34.
• Why:
  • This marks a significant achievement for India in kabaddi, showcasing its dominance in the sport on an international stage.
• Tell me more:
  • The tournament was held outside Asia for the first time, with matches played across Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, and India had also won both titles in the inaugural edition hosted by Malaysia in 2019.

Source: NOA

3. Pranati Nayak Wins Bronze at FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup

• What:
  • Indian gymnast Pranati Nayak secured a bronze medal in the Vault Final at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus World Cup 2025 in Antalya, Turkey.
• Why:
  • This achievement boosts her confidence as she aims for medals at the Asian and World Championships this year.
• Tell me more:
  • Pranati previously won a bronze medal in the same event at the Cairo World Cup before the Paris Olympics last year.
  • She also won vault bronze medals at the Asian Championships in 2019 and 2022.
  • She is the third Indian gymnast to win an international vault medal, after Dipa Karmakar and Aruna Reddy.
  • Pranati has represented India in multiple international events, including the Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018), Asian Games (2014, 2018), and World Championships (2014, 2017, 2019).

Source: HT

Appointments

1. Gopal Vittal Elected Chairman of GSMA Board

• What:
  • Bharti Airtel Vice Chairman and Managing Director Gopal Vittal has been elected as the new chairman of GSMA’s board of directors until the end of 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • Vittal is currently acting as the chair of the GSMA board.
  • GSMA is a London-based global telecom industry body representing 1,000 companies, including telecom operators, handset manufacturers, software providers, and internet companies.
  • He is the second Indian after Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Mittal to hold this position.
  • The mobile industry contributed $6.5 trillion to the global economy in 2024.

Source: ET

2. Parminder Chopra Assigned Additional Charge as CMD of REC Ltd

• Parminder Chopra, CMD of Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC), has been assigned additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director of REC Ltd for three months or until further orders.

Source: ET

3. Tata Motors Collaborates with Vicky Kaushal for Passenger and Electric Vehicles

• What:
  • Tata Motors announced its association with Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal for promoting its Passenger and Electric Vehicle range, starting with the campaign for the all-new Tata Curvv during the IPL season.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to showcase Tata Curvv as a symbol of boldness, self-belief, and innovation while aligning Kaushal’s values with the brand’s focus on positive disruption.
• Tell me more:
  • The campaign, titled ‘Take the Curvv,’ features dynamic IPL commercials highlighting Kaushal’s unconventional career choices and fearless pursuit of excellence.
  • Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, emphasized the alignment of Kaushal’s authenticity with Tata Motors’ innovative approach.

Source: ET

4. Ashok Singh Thakur Elected as Chairman of INTACH

• What:
  • Ashok Singh Thakur was elected as Chairman of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for a three-year term.
• Tell me more:
  • The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of INTACH was held at its head office in New Delhi.
  • INTACH was formally constituted on January 27, 1984, under the Societies Registration Act (1860).
  • Its mandate includes preserving the environment, revitalizing intangible heritage, and fostering awareness about India’s heritage.
  • The INTACH Charter, adopted in 2004, serves as a guiding document for heritage conservation.
  • The organization is revising its charter to include interdisciplinary aspects of tangible, intangible, natural, and cultural heritage.

Source: ET

5. Sanjay Kumar Singh Elected as Bureau Member of UWW-Asia

• What:
  • Sanjay Kumar Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), was elected as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia during its General Assembly in Amman, Jordan.
• Tell me more:
  • The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports restored WFI’s recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF).
  • United World Wrestling banned WFI in August 2023 due to delayed elections following allegations against former president Brij Bhushan Singh.
  • The International Olympic Association (IOA) set up an ad-hoc committee to manage WFI’s affairs during the suspension period.
  • The Sports Ministry suspended WFI again after Sanjay Kumar Singh announced U-15 and U-20 national championships in December 2023.

Source: ANI

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