National News
IndiaAI Mission Partners with Gates Foundation
The India AI Mission has joined hands with the Gates Foundation to develop AI solutions for various sectors.
The collaboration aims to enhance AI implementation across healthcare, agriculture, and education sectors.
Quad Defence Leaders Express Concerns on Indo-Pacific
The Quad alliance has raised concerns over China’s increasing military activities in the Indo-Pacific region.
India, along with other Quad members, emphasized the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
India Submits Bid for 2030 Commonwealth Games
India has officially submitted its bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
If successful, this would be India’s second time hosting the Commonwealth Games after the 2010 Delhi Games.
States Likely to Miss Capital Expenditure Targets
Most major Indian states, except Karnataka, are not expected to achieve their FY25 capital expenditure targets.
States have planned substantial increases in capital spending for FY26, which will take effect from April 1, 2025.
The central government has reduced the 50-year interest-free loan under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment from ₹1.5 lakh crore to ₹1.25 lakh crore.
CUET UG 2025 Registration Deadline Extended
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate programs has extended its registration deadline.
Students now have additional time to register for this centralized admission test.
International News
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon
Israel has struck dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command center in southern Lebanon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel) ordered the Israel Defense Forces to act forcefully against terror targets after rockets were fired into Israel for the first time since November’s ceasefire.
First Woman President Sworn in Namibia
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, has been sworn in as the first woman president of Namibia (Capital: Windhoek).
She took over from outgoing 83-year-old President Nangolo Mbumba in a ceremonial handover of power.
Attack on Mosque in Niger Kills 44
At least 44 civilians were killed and 13 others injured in an attack on a mosque in southwest Niger (Capital: Niamey).
The government blamed the attack on the EIGS group, an Islamic State affiliate, which occurred during prayers in the village of Fombita.
Trump Revokes Security Clearances of Former Officials
US President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearances of former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and several former White House and national security officials.
Japan, China, and South Korea Foreign Ministers Meet
Foreign Ministers from Japan, China, and South Korea held a meeting in Tokyo to discuss common issues.
The talks focused on addressing low birth rates, natural disasters, and cultural exchanges despite growing regional tensions.
PM Modi’s Call with Netherlands Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands (Capital: Amsterdam) on March 23, 2025.
The leaders discussed support for Ukraine and agreed on the importance of closer cooperation on defense capabilities to address mounting security threats in Europe.
Pope Francis to Be Discharged After Treatment
Pope Francis (Head of Vatican City State) is expected to be discharged soon after receiving medical treatment.
The nature of his treatment has not been specified in detail.
Sudanese Army Recaptures Presidential Palace
The Sudanese army has recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum (Capital of Sudan).
This represents a symbolic battlefield victory over the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country’s ongoing civil war.
Diplomatic Relations
India Pushes for SFJ Ban Internationally
The Indian government has reiterated its demand for a ban on the separatist Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the United States and New Zealand.
During talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, PM Modi raised concerns over “illegal activities by anti-India elements.”
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh urged US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to designate SFJ as a terror organization.
Turkish Authorities Detain Protesters
Turkish authorities have detained over 300 people during overnight protests in more than a dozen cities.
The protests were against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Economy & Business
US-India Trade Talks Set for Key Developments
US-India trade negotiations are expected to reach significant milestones in 2025.
The talks aim to strengthen economic ties between the world’s largest and fifth-largest economies.
Sports News
IPL 2025 Season Begins
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has commenced with Royal Challengers Bangalore defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 wickets in the opening match.
Delhi Capitals are set to face Lucknow Super Giants in an upcoming fixture.
The BCCI has introduced new rules for this season, including lifting the saliva ban for ball shining.
Important Days
World Meteorological Day: March 23
World Meteorological Day was observed on March 23, 2025.
The day highlights the crucial role of meteorological and hydrological services in weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
World Water Day: March 22
World Water Day was celebrated on March 22, 2025.
The day marked the launch of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain—2025 campaign in India.
Appointments & Resignations
AAP Leadership Reshuffle
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has undergone a leadership reshuffle with Saurabh Bhardwaj replacing Gopal Rai as Delhi Convenor.
Education Developments
Germany Hosts 50,000 Indian Students
Germany now hosts approximately 50,000 Indian students, marking a significant increase in educational ties between the two countries.
RSMSSB Opens Registration for Group D Vacancies
The Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Services Selection Board (RSMSSB) has opened registrations for 53,749 Group D vacancies.
This represents one of the largest recruitment drives in the state.
