Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana named Wisden’s leading cricketers of 2024
India duo Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana have been crowned the world’s leading cricketers in the latest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. Bumrah won the honour in the men’s section after a stellar 2024 when he excelled across formats and was named player of the tournament as India won the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.
Opener Mandhana won the women’s honour after a prolific 2024 that included five hundreds, four of them in one-day internationals. Mandhana also led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first Women’s Premier League title last year. West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran was named the ‘Leading T20 Player in the World’. England’s Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Sophie Ecclestone were named among Wisden’s five ‘Cricketers of the Year’, alongside Liam Dawson and Dan Worrall. The Almanack, often called “the Bible of cricket”, has been published every year since 1864.
Rafael Nadal, Armand Duplantis, Simone Biles emerge as winners at Laureus World Sports Awards 2025
Former tennis player Rafael Nadal and Paris 2024 Olympic champions Armand Duplantis, Simone Biles, and Rebeca Andrade were among the top winners at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards held in Madrid. The event marked the 25th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating the world’s most outstanding athletes. Eleven-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award, while Nadal was honoured with the Laureus Sporting Icon Award to a standing ovation from a hall filled with sporting legends.
Denmark has launched the Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI)
The Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI) was established by Denmark to strengthen cooperation with India on sustainable energy alternatives. It aims to accelerate India's and Denmark's goals to become carbon neutral countries, through collaboration between companies, academic institutions and governmental organizations. This initiative is an extension of the Green Strategic Partnership (GSP), which was formed in 2020 and supports the ambitious climate goals of both nations.
India Wins ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India won its third ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after beating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After winning the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, India has become the most successful team in the ICC Champions Trophy. They were joint-winners with hosts Sri Lanka in 2002 and beat England in Birmingham for their second title in 2013.
Rohit Sharma of India was awarded the Player of the Match of the ICC Champions Trophy Final. Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand was adjudged the Player of the Tournament of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He scored 263 runs in four innings at an average 68.75 and a strike rate of over 106. His highest score of 112 came against Bangladesh.
PM Modi inaugurates new Pamban bridge in Tamil Nadu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pamban sea bridge, providing a rail link between Rameswaram island and the mainland, and flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service here. The PM also flagged off a Coast Guard ship, which passed under the bridge. The bridge is all set to improve connectivity to this spiritual destination flocked by devotees throughout the year from across the country. Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, this is India’s first vertical sea-lift bridge.
14th edition of the Indian - Russia bilateral naval exercise INDRA
The 14th edition of the Indian - Russia bilateral naval exercise INDRA, a cornerstone of the enduring maritime partnership between India and Russia, is taking place off Chennai from 28 Mar to 02 Apr 25. Since its inception in 2003, Exercise INDRA has epitomised the long-term strategic relationship between the two Navies. The exercise has evolved into a symbol of maritime cooperation, showcasing the two nations' commitment to enhancing naval interoperability and operational synergy. The exercise is being conducted in two phases - Harbour phase from 28 to 30 Mar 25 at Chennai, and Sea phase from 31 Mar to 02 Apr 25 in the Bay of Bengal. The exercise will see participation of Russian Federation Naval Ships Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov, along with Indian Naval Ships Rana, Kuthar, and Maritime patrol aircraft P8l. The Harbour Phase will include an Opening ceremony, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), reciprocal visits, sports fixtures, and pre-sail briefings between personnel from both navies. The Sea Phase will witness advanced naval drills, including tactical manoeuvres, live weapon firings, anti-air operations, underway replenishment, helicopter cross-deck landings, and exchange of sea-riders. These exercises and interactions are intended to enhance maritime cooperation, strengthen bridges of friendship, exchange best operational practices, and bolster diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Lukashenko Sworn In for 7th Term as Belarus President
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko takes office for the seventh time in a low-key ceremony in Minsk. Despite past protests and Western criticism over election fraud claims, Lukashenko solidifies his grip on power. He remains a key ally of Russia, echoing Putin's stance on NATO and offering Belarusian territory for Russian weapons.
Shri Ashok Singh Thakur elected as Chairman of INTACH
The AGM of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was held on 22nd March 2025 at the Head Office in New Delhi. The Elections were held successfully for the post of Chairman and Governing Council members. After following due procedure the results were declared and Shri. Ashok Singh Thakur was elected as Chairman for a period of 3 years.
INTACH is India’s premier heritage conservation organisation formally constituted on 27th January, 1984. It is a national registered Society under the Societies Registration Act (1860). Our mandate is to preserve and conserve the environment, to revitalise intangible heritage and to foster awareness and appreciation of our immense heritage. It also acts as a cultural bank for providing financial and technical expertise towards the preservation of cultural, natural resources and heritage as also of cultural and innovative activities. The INTACH Charter was adopted in 2004 which serves as a foundation document guiding heritage conservation in India. Recognizing the evolving nature of heritage, we are currently working on revising the Charter to make it interdisciplinary, ensuring it encompasses all aspects of heritage from tangible and intangible to natural and cultural dimensions.
Anju Rathi Rana Appointed as the First Female Law Secretary
Dr. Anju Rathi Rana has become the first woman to be appointed as Secretary to the Department of Legal Affairs of the Union Ministry of Law and Justice. She has been appointed for an initial period of two years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders.
Vidarbha Wins Ranji Trophy 2024 - 25
The Vidarbha cricket team won the 2025 Ranji Trophy title by defeating Kerala on the basis of a first innings lead in the final at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Resuming the second innings on Day 5 at 249-4, Vidarbha batted 54 more overs on the day to extend its total to 375-9.
India's First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant in Indore
Indore, which has been ranked India's cleanest city for seven consecutive years, is set to take a major step towards environmental sustainability with the launch of country's first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model-based green waste processing plant under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U). To revolutionise the city's waste management system by converting green waste into valuable resources.
Diljit Dosanjh Appointed as the New Global Brand Ambassador of Levi's
Levi's, the American clothing brand has appointed Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, as its global ambassador, making him the first Punjabi artist to join the Levi's community of creative talent. This comes close on the heels of his succesful Dil-Luminati Tour and historic Coachella debut. This partnership will focus on showcasing Levi's expanding menswear range, including on-trend New Loose and Relaxed fits.
World Sparrow Day 2025
From the peaceful mornings in villages to the hustle and bustle of cities, sparrows once filled the air with their cheerful chirps. Flocks of these tiny birds, uninvited yet welcome, created unforgettable memories. But over time, these little friends have vanished from our lives. Once abundant, the house sparrow is now a rare sight and a mystery in many places. To raise awareness and protect these small creatures, World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on March 20th. World Sparrow Day was initiated by "Nature Forever," a bird conservation organization in 2010. The aim was to raise awareness about the declining sparrow population. The event has spread to over 50 countries. The goal is to protect sparrows and stop their decline. In 2012, the house sparrow became Delhi's state bird. Since then, the event has gained global attention. People everywhere celebrate sparrows and work to protect them.
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman Assumes Charge of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, former Microsoft executive, has been appointed CEO of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), India's top research funding body. He succeeded Abhay Karandikar, and his tenure will focus on fostering innovation and research across Indian universities. Dr. Shivkumar who earlier held the post of Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Energy Industry, Asia at Microsoft is a Distinguished Alumnus Awardee of IIT Madras & Ohio State University (2021). He is also a Fellow of the IEEE (2010), Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering (2015), ACM Distinguished Scientist (2010), Microsoft Gold Club (2024) and Tech-nology Review TR100 Young Innovator (1999). ANRF aims to seed, grow and promote research and development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India's universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories. It will act as
Prime Minister of New Zealand Visits India
Christopher Luxon, the incumbent Prime Minister of New Zealand, officially visited India from March 16 to 20, 2025. It was his first visit to India as a Prime Minister of New Zealand. During his visit, he delivered keynote address in the 10th Raisina Dialogue as a Chief Guest.
Chandrayaan-5 Mission Approved
The Centre approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission which would carry a 250 kg rover to study the Moon's surface. Chandrayaan-1, successfully launched in 2008, made chemical, mineralogical and photo-geologic maps of the Moon. The Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019 concluded when its lunar landed crashed on the moon's surface. The Chandrayaan-3 mission was a follow-on mission to Chandra¬yaan-2, to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. It was able to have the Vikram lander successfully soft-land on the moon's south pole region on August 23, 2023. The Chandrayaan-4 mission is expected to be launched in 2027. It will aim to collect samples of the lunar soil from the moon and bring the back to the earth for further study.
Mumbai Indians Wins the Women Premier League 2025
The Women's Premier League 2025 season officially concluded on March 15 with Mumbai Indians defeating Delhi Capitals by eight runs in the final at the CO Stadium to claim their second WPL title.
Five teams - Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), UP Warriorz (UPW), Gujarat Giants (GG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) - contested for the WPL 2025 title.The 2025 season also saw the first-ever Super Over in WPL history play out as UPW defeated RCB by four runs in the tiebreaker. The match was played on February 24, 2025.
India's first World Peace Centre was inaugurated in Gurugram
India's first World Peace Centre was inaugurated in Gurugram, Haryana, under the guidance of Jain Acharya Lokesh. The centre has been established by the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati to promote non-violence, spiritual awareness, human values, and universal brotherhood. The centre will emphasize core Indian values such as 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'- The Whole World is One Family.
World Consumer Rights Day 2025
World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on March 15, serves as an essential reminder of the need to uphold consumer rights and protection. The day is an opportunity to promote the basic rights of all consumers and encourage those rights to be respected and protected. World Consumer Rights Day was first observed in 1983. This date was chosen to commemorate President John F. Kennedy's address to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, where he became the first world leader to formally recognize consumer rights. The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2025 is, ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.’ This theme reflects the urgent need to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices available, accessible, and affordable for all consumers – while ensuring that these transitions uphold people’s basic rights and needs. This year’s campaign highlights the pathways needed to achieve sustainable lifestyles and call for stronger consumer protection and empowerment worldwide.
PM Surya Ghar: India’s Solar Revolution
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, has achieved a historic milestone with 10 lakh homes now solar-powered as of 10th March 2025. Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 13th February 2024, this transformative scheme is rapidly reshaping India’s energy landscape. With 47.3 lakh applications received, the initiative has already disbursed ?4,770 crore in subsidies to 6.13 lakh beneficiaries, making solar energy more accessible than ever. The scheme’s easy financing options, including collateral-free loans up to ?2 lakh at a 6.75% subsidized interest rate through 12 Public Sector Banks, have further accelerated adoption. So far, 3.10 lakh loan applications have been received, with 1.58 lakh sanctioned and 1.28 lakh disbursed, ensuring financial inclusion for all. With a seamless 15-day subsidy transfer process and zero electricity bills for many beneficiaries, the scheme is not just powering homes but also empowering people. Every solar installation under PMSGMBY offsets carbon emissions equal to planting 100 trees, driving India towards a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant future.
ISRO Undocks SpaDeX Satellites 2 Months After Docking Them in Space
ISRO has accomplished the important operation of undocking of SPADEX satellites in the very first attempt. SPADEX satellites were successfully docked on January 16, 2025.
The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 2024 Passed in Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha passed the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 2024, which seeks to amend the existing law governing exploration and production of oil and gas as well as delink petroleum operations from mining operations. It was passed by the Rajya Sabha in December 2024.
India Successfully Test-fires ASTRA Missile from Tejas LCA AF MK1 Prototype Fighter Jet
India successfully conducted a test launch of the indigenous ASTRA Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Tejas LCA AF MK1 fighter aircraft. The test took place at a test range in eastern India, off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. Designed by the Defence Research and Develop¬ment Organisation (DRDO), ASTRA enables Tejas MK1 and the newer MK1A variant to engage airborne targets at distances exceeding 100 km. The successful test represents another step in the weapon's integration with the Tejas fighter platform.ASTRA is set to become a key part of the standard armament for both Tejas and the Su-30MKI fighter air-craft. The missile's development began in the 1990s, and in May 2022, the Indian government signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd. for the production of over 350 units.
Mauritius announces highest award for PM Modi, a first for India
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.
Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha. It seeks to strengthen India's borders and streamline the law governing immigration and foreigners.
Exercise Khanjar XII
The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII took place in Kyrgyzstan from 10 March to 23 March 2025. The Indian contingent was represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), and the Kyrgyzstan contingent was represented by the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
The exercise aimed to exchange experiences and best practices in Counter Terrorism and Special Forces Operations in urban and mountainous high altitude terrain scenarios, and on developing advanced Special Forces skills of sniping, complex building intervention, and mountain craft. The exercise featured vibrant cultural exchanges, including the celebration of the Kyrgyz festival Nowruz and to cement the bond of friendship between the two nations.
Madhav National Park has been declared as the 58th Tiger Reserve in India
Madhav National Park, in Madhya Pradesh, was declared as the 58th Tiger Reserve of India. It is spread in Shivpuri district in Chambal region of the state. Three tigers, including two females, were introduced to the Madhav National Park in 2023 as part of the tiger reintroduction project in the State. As on March 2025, Madhya Pradesh has nine tiger reserves, and is known as the Tiger Capital of India.
Asian Women's Kabaddi Championship 2025
India won the Asian Women's Kabaddi Championship 2025 title in Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran, with a 32-25 victory over the hosts in the final. The sixth edition of the Asian Women's Kabaddi Championship was held from March 6 to 8, 2025.
Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025
Every year, March 7th is celebrated as 'Jan Aushadhi Diwas' to raise awareness about the scheme and promote the use of generic medicines. Week-long events are organized nationwide from March 1st to 7th to support this initiative.
This year, the celebration was flagged off on March 1 to disseminate information about PMBJP in the National Capital Region (NCR). The "Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)" was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings. The initiative aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the public through dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).
Cabinet approves development of ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji (12.4 km) in Uttarakhand
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.
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Headquarter: New Delhi Function and Objective of the Organization: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)has been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food-related issues in various Ministries →
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