Daily Current Affairs: March 13, 2025 – Daily GK Update for Competitive Exams
Introduced in Lok Sabha, replacing four colonial-era laws: Foreigners Act of 1946, Passport Entry into India Act of 1920, Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939, and Immigration Careers Liability Act of 2000
Aims to modernize immigration processes while strengthening national security measures
Introduces stricter penalties including 5 years imprisonment or ₹5 lakh fine for entering India without valid documents
Empowers immigration officers with final and binding decision-making authority on entry denials
Mandates tracking of foreigners by requiring educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes to report foreign nationals
Celebrated its 135th Foundation Day on March 11, 2025
Launched the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ to expand public access to India’s knowledge repository
Inaugurated exhibition “Indian Heritage through Architecture” featuring rare historical records
Currently implementing the world’s largest digitization program to preserve millions of historical documents
Government of India has advanced ₹7,000 crore for implementing the Unified Pension Scheme
The scheme aims to replace existing pension frameworks with a more structured approach
Concluded two-day state visit (March 11-12, 2025) strengthening bilateral ties
Received Mauritius’ highest civilian honor: The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean
Presented OCI cards to Mauritian leaders
Inaugurated over 20 India-funded development projects
Reaffirmed India’s support for Mauritius’ sovereignty claim over the Chagos Archipelago
Conducting the 6th CORPAT and 4th ‘BONGOSAGAR’ exercise in the Bay of Bengal (March 10-12, 2025)
Supervised by Commander Flotilla West
Focused on enhancing maritime security, strengthening bilateral cooperation, and combating illegal activities in shared maritime borders
Presented by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
Addresses severe financial constraints with record debt of ₹9.3 lakh crore
Reports revenue deficit of ₹45,891 crore
Avoids introducing new big-ticket schemes
Prioritizes continuation of existing initiatives following Mahayuti government’s electoral victory
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reports significant growth in Indian IP filings
Patent applications doubled over the past decade
Trademark registrations increased 2.5-fold
Design filings grew more than threefold
Indicates strengthening innovation ecosystem and intellectual property awareness
Airtel signed first-of-its-kind agreement with SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services in India
Partnership subject to regulatory approvals for SpaceX’s operations in India
Expected to enhance internet connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas
Represents significant development in India’s satellite communication infrastructure
Launched in Tamil Nadu focusing on women’s preventive healthcare
Organizing over 40 health camps providing subsidized screenings for thyroid, hemoglobin, blood sugar, blood pressure, and bone mineral density
Conducting webinars on work-life balance and women’s health in the AI era
Aiming to encourage women to become insurance agents, promoting financial independence
Atul Kumar Goel appointed as new Chief Executive of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)
Brings over three decades of banking experience as a Chartered Accountant
Has previously led major public sector banks
Specializes in corporate governance, risk management, financial planning, and strategic banking operations
Appointment comes during a transformative period for India’s banking sector
Deforestation threat to Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary
Plans indicate clearing of approximately 360 acres of protected forest area
Environmentalists raising concerns about habitat loss for endangered species
Highlights ongoing tension between development projects and wildlife conservation efforts
