National News
PM-YUVA 3.0 Launched for Young Writers
Ministry of Education introduced PM-YUVA 3.0 to mentor aspiring writers under 30, promoting India’s literary culture globally.
Focus areas: Role of Indian diaspora, Indian Knowledge System, and makers of modern India (1950–2025).
Managed by National Book Trust, selected manuscripts will be translated into multiple Indian languages.
India-Armenia MoU on Medical Products Regulation
Signed in Delhi by EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan (Capital: Yerevan).
Aims to enhance cooperation in pharmaceuticals and digital technologies.
Jio-SpaceX Partnership for Satellite Internet
Jio Platforms partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s satellite internet in rural and remote areas.
Aims to complement Jio’s telecom infrastructure with low Earth orbit technology.
Ayushman Bharat Expanded to Delhi
Delhi became the 35th state/UT to implement AB-PMJAY, offering ₹5 lakh/year health cover per family.
West Bengal remains the only state yet to adopt the scheme.
International News
Ex-Philippines President Duterte in ICC Custody
Rodrigo Duterte (President: Bongbong Marcos, Capital: Manila) faces charges of crimes against humanity for anti-drug crackdowns (30,000+ deaths).
First Asian leader to be tried at the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands.
UN80 Initiative for Organizational Efficiency
UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched the initiative to streamline operations amid budget constraints.
Focus: Review mandates, improve cost-effectiveness, and align programs with global priorities.
Other Key Updates
UNESCO Adds 6 Indian Sites to Tentative List
Includes Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh), Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana), and Gupta Temples (multiple states).
India now has 62 sites on the tentative list for World Heritage status.
IRDAI Approves Valueattics Reinsurance
First company registered exclusively for reinsurance under revised regulations.
LIC, New India Assurance, and GIC designated as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs).
World Consumer Rights Day 2025
Observed on 15 March with the theme “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles”.
Emphasizes affordable and accessible sustainable choices for consumers.
