Current Affairs 2025

Mauritius announces highest award for PM Modi, a first for India [12 Mar 2025]

Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced the country's highest award 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi is the first Indian to receive the honour - making it the 21st international award bestowed upon him by a foreign country. This is an honour for the historical relations between India and Mauritius.

Cabinet approves development of ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji (12.4 km) in Uttarakhand [05 Mar 2025]

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.4 km ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 2,730.13 crore. Currently, the journey to the Hemkund Sahib Ji is a challenging 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat and is covered on foot or by ponies or palanquins. The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims visiting the Hemkund Sahib Ji and tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers. It will ensure all-weather last-mile connectivity between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib Ji. The ropeway is planned to be developed in public-private partnership and will be based on Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km), seamlessly integrated with the most advanced Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km) with a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 11,000 passengers per day. The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.

Cabinet approves development of Ropeway Project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km) in Uttarakhand [05 Mar 2025]

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km) in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 4,081.28 crore. The ropeway is planned to be developed in a  public-private partnership and will be based on the most advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology with a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 18,000 passengers per day. The ropeway project will be a boon to the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath as it would provide environment-friendly, comfortable and fast connectivity and reduce travel time in one direction from about 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes. The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.The development of ropeway project is a significant step towards fostering balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last - mile connectivity in hilly regions and fostering rapid economic growth.

Shri Ajay Bhadoo Appointed as CEO of Government e Marketplace [05 Mar 2025]

The Government of India has appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Shri Ajay Bhadoo, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace (GeM) with effect from March 3, 2025. He will assume this role in addition to his existing responsibilities in the Department of Commerce. His appointment as CEO of GeM, India’s largest e-marketplace for government procurement, comes at a pivotal time as the platform transitions to a next-generation digital marketplace powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Currently, GeM has recorded a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ?4.58 lakh crore, reflecting a 28.65% year-on-year growth. An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1999 batch from the Gujarat cadre, Shri Bhadoo brings over two decades of experience in policy formulation and implementation across diverse sectors, including urban infrastructure development.

Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 [05 Mar 2025]

Nithin Kamath, Founder and CEO of Zerodha, has been named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 for his role in reshaping India’s brokerage industry through a low-margin, high-volume strategy. Kamath will now represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo in June.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumes charge as 11th chairman of Sebi [01 Mar 2025]

Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumed charge as the 11th chairman of capital markets regulator SEBI. He replaces Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ended on 28th February 2025. Pandey, a career bureaucrat who was serving as the Finance Secretary till now, was appointed chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) by the government on 27th February 2025. His appointment comes at a crucial time for Sebi, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing India's securities and capital markets. As Sebi Chairman, Pandey will play a key role in strengthening market regulations, ensuring investor protection, and overseeing reforms in the capital markets. His extensive experience in finance and economic policy is expected to aid in the effective functioning of the regulatory body.

Inaugural Olympic Esports Games to be held in 2027 in Saudi Arabia [11 Feb 2025]

The first Olympic Esports Games will be held in two years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the International Olympic Committee said, as part of a 12-year deal with the country signed last year. The IOC has been looking into Esports for several years, forming a dedicated commission to find opportunities to tap into a younger generation involved with gaming. ith its traditional audience base gradually ageing, the governing body is trying to connect with a younger generation of potential Olympics fans.

Rajnath Singh inaugurates Aero India 2025 [10 Feb 2025]

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, in Bengaluru. Aero India 2025 is being held over 42,438 square metres, with participation from 30 defence ministers and 43 military chiefs from various countries. A total of 90 nations will be represented at the event. The exhibition will feature 70 fighter jets, cargo aircraft, and trainer aircraft, along with 30 helicopters, all performing aerial stunts. Russian and American fighter jets will be the key highlights of the exhibition. Additionally, over 900 manufacturers from different countries will showcase advancements in AI, drones, cybersecurity, global aerospace, and emerging technologies. Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) products will be prominently displayed in this edition of the show.

Paris AI Action Summit 2025 [10 Feb 2025]

France hosts the third edition of the AI Action Summit on February 10 and 11 in Paris, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss artificial intelligence. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chair the summit, providing an opportunity to discuss AI governance, technological collaboration, and strategic partnerships.

India reaches historic milestone of 100 GW solar power capacity [07 Feb 2025]

India has reached a major milestone by surpassing 100 GW of installed solar power capacity, signaling significant progress toward energy independence and a sustainable future. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for this achievement. This milestone strengthens India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and marks a crucial step toward the country’s goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, as highlighted in a press release from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Mauritius announces highest award for PM Modi, a first for India [12 Mar 2025]

Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced the country's highest award 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi is the first Indian to receive the honour - making it the 21st international award bestowed upon him by a foreign country. This is an honour for the historical relations between India and Mauritius.

Cabinet approves development of ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji (12.4 km) in Uttarakhand [05 Mar 2025]

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.4 km ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 2,730.13 crore. Currently, the journey to the Hemkund Sahib Ji is a challenging 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat and is covered on foot or by ponies or palanquins. The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims visiting the Hemkund Sahib Ji and tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers. It will ensure all-weather last-mile connectivity between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib Ji. The ropeway is planned to be developed in public-private partnership and will be based on Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km), seamlessly integrated with the most advanced Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km) with a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 11,000 passengers per day. The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.

Cabinet approves development of Ropeway Project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km) in Uttarakhand [05 Mar 2025]

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km) in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 4,081.28 crore. The ropeway is planned to be developed in a  public-private partnership and will be based on the most advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology with a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 18,000 passengers per day. The ropeway project will be a boon to the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath as it would provide environment-friendly, comfortable and fast connectivity and reduce travel time in one direction from about 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes. The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.The development of ropeway project is a significant step towards fostering balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last - mile connectivity in hilly regions and fostering rapid economic growth.

Shri Ajay Bhadoo Appointed as CEO of Government e Marketplace [05 Mar 2025]

The Government of India has appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Shri Ajay Bhadoo, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace (GeM) with effect from March 3, 2025. He will assume this role in addition to his existing responsibilities in the Department of Commerce. His appointment as CEO of GeM, India’s largest e-marketplace for government procurement, comes at a pivotal time as the platform transitions to a next-generation digital marketplace powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Currently, GeM has recorded a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ?4.58 lakh crore, reflecting a 28.65% year-on-year growth. An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1999 batch from the Gujarat cadre, Shri Bhadoo brings over two decades of experience in policy formulation and implementation across diverse sectors, including urban infrastructure development.

Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 [05 Mar 2025]

Nithin Kamath, Founder and CEO of Zerodha, has been named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 for his role in reshaping India’s brokerage industry through a low-margin, high-volume strategy. Kamath will now represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo in June.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumes charge as 11th chairman of Sebi [01 Mar 2025]

Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumed charge as the 11th chairman of capital markets regulator SEBI. He replaces Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ended on 28th February 2025. Pandey, a career bureaucrat who was serving as the Finance Secretary till now, was appointed chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) by the government on 27th February 2025. His appointment comes at a crucial time for Sebi, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing India's securities and capital markets. As Sebi Chairman, Pandey will play a key role in strengthening market regulations, ensuring investor protection, and overseeing reforms in the capital markets. His extensive experience in finance and economic policy is expected to aid in the effective functioning of the regulatory body.

Inaugural Olympic Esports Games to be held in 2027 in Saudi Arabia [11 Feb 2025]

The first Olympic Esports Games will be held in two years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the International Olympic Committee said, as part of a 12-year deal with the country signed last year. The IOC has been looking into Esports for several years, forming a dedicated commission to find opportunities to tap into a younger generation involved with gaming. ith its traditional audience base gradually ageing, the governing body is trying to connect with a younger generation of potential Olympics fans.

Rajnath Singh inaugurates Aero India 2025 [10 Feb 2025]

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, in Bengaluru. Aero India 2025 is being held over 42,438 square metres, with participation from 30 defence ministers and 43 military chiefs from various countries. A total of 90 nations will be represented at the event. The exhibition will feature 70 fighter jets, cargo aircraft, and trainer aircraft, along with 30 helicopters, all performing aerial stunts. Russian and American fighter jets will be the key highlights of the exhibition. Additionally, over 900 manufacturers from different countries will showcase advancements in AI, drones, cybersecurity, global aerospace, and emerging technologies. Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) products will be prominently displayed in this edition of the show.

Paris AI Action Summit 2025 [10 Feb 2025]

France hosts the third edition of the AI Action Summit on February 10 and 11 in Paris, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss artificial intelligence. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chair the summit, providing an opportunity to discuss AI governance, technological collaboration, and strategic partnerships.

India reaches historic milestone of 100 GW solar power capacity [07 Feb 2025]

India has reached a major milestone by surpassing 100 GW of installed solar power capacity, signaling significant progress toward energy independence and a sustainable future. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for this achievement. This milestone strengthens India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and marks a crucial step toward the country’s goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, as highlighted in a press release from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.