Current Affairs 19 February, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
19 February, 2025

International Affairs

1. India Qatar Strategic Partnership Agreement

Context:

An agreement between Qatar and India to raise the status of their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership was signed. This strengthens cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, energy, and security so as to enhance India’s presence in the Gulf region.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Discussion

• Current Status
  • The consideration of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement is currently in process between India and Qatar.
• Additional Context
  • This is coordinated with India’s ongoing talk about an FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Bilateral Trade Expansion

• Trade Target
  • The target is to double bilateral trade to $28 billion.
• Participation From Qatari Businesses
  • Discussions included 38 Qatari entities from retail, finance, and energy sectors.

Security and Taxation Agreements

• Security Element
  • There is a security element in the strategic partnership with no timeline set for its initiation.
• Taxation Agreement
  • A treaty on avoidance of double taxation was signed to facilitate economic cooperation.

Indian Diaspora and Pardons in Qatar

• Largest Workforce Abroad
  • Indians form the largest working community in Qatar.
• Indians in Qatari Jails
  • 600 Indians, some having completed their terms in a repatriation driven request by the Indian embassy, stand imprisoned, but 85 were given pardon by Qatar under Qatar’s legal provisions in 2024.

West Asia Talks: The Israeli Conflict Today

• Official Talks
  • Qatar compared and shared opinions with India on the Israel Hamas issue, but nothing much came out of this.
• India’s Take
  • Two state solution is supported by India to the Israel Palestine conflict.
  • India did not express any view on Trump’s conflictual suggestion of relocating Palestinian refugees to Egypt and Jordan and the terming of these operations as ethnic cleansing.

Visit by the Emir of Qatar & Business Engagements

• Timing of Visit
  • It comes just before the Arab five state summit in Riyadh, believed to have new American initiatives for Palestine.
• Business Forum
  • Featured leading business personalities from India and Qatar, emphasizing growing economic links.

A Diplomatic Challenge

• Issue
  • Former Indian Navy commander Purnendu Tiwary remains in Qatari custody, but seven other detainees, linked to the same 2022 case, were repatriated.
• Effect
  • The situation continues to be a very sensitive subject pressing bilateral relations.

The India Qatar strategic partnership signifies the deepening of relations, with potential economic and security benefits. Although on trade and investment, much strengthening is underway, diplomatic challenges, such as that of the detention of an Indian citizen, remain major concerns.

2. Russia and U.S. Ending War in Ukraine

Context:

The USA and Russia approved steps to resolve the Ukraine war and work toward the improvement of diplomatic and economic relations. This represents a massive shift in American foreign policy under President Donald Trump, signaling the end of a chilly relationship between the two powers.

The Three Main Goals Were Given

• Embassy Staff Reinstatement
  • Both countries will deal with getting their full diplomatic missions back in Washington and Moscow.
• High-Level Team for Peace Negotiations on Ukraine
  • A team will be installed working on negotiations.
• Economic Cooperation
  • Both sides will focus on enhancing economic relations.

Exclusion of Ukraine and European Concerns

• Ukraine’s Position
  • President Zelenskyy said Kyiv would not accept any outcome not inclusive of Ukraine.
• European Responses
  • Some European allies are cautious about being excluded from a diplomatic endeavor to settle the conflict.
• Putin’s Position
  • According to Russia, the officials claim that the United States has started to have a better understanding of Moscow’s position, which it refers to in articles and speeches made by Putin in the past.

Possible Trump Putin Summit

• Planning to Summit
  • The talks were meant to pave the way for the meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump with Russia President Vladimir Putin.
• Haven’t Set a Date for the Summit Yet
  • Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said although discussions continue, the summit will not be held next week.

Outlook & Blockages

• Geopolitical Outcomes
  • An “acceptable end” to the conflict could promote further north-south cooperation between the U.S. and Russia.
• Doubts & Blockages: The absence of Ukraine and the skepticism of almost all Europeans have begun to complicate it further.

If Ukraine’s exclusion and European apprehension could pose some grave hurdles, then on the very start of their talks regarding Ukraine and bilateral relations, the U.S. and Russia have found themselves in a state of alarm.

National Affairs

1. Tamil Nadu Samagra Shiksha Funds

Why in News?

National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020)The center has withheld Tamil Nadu’s share of Samagra Shiksha amounting to ₹2,152 crore for not implementing the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
Duties: This is called coercive States into agreeing to national policies which do not sit well with cooperative federalism.

About

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan serves as an all-encompassing school education program offering assistance to the States from preschool to senior secondary education. In India, this scheme has been launched through the Ministry of Human Resource Development, with the Department of School Education and Literacy being responsible for the administration.

The thrust is to improve the quality of education in schools. This scheme represents a paradigm shift in the conceptual frame of reference for school education treating ‘school’ holistically for all levels from preschool, primary, and upper primary, and right up to the senior secondary levels. It is envisioned that the larger objective of actualizing better school effectiveness in terms of equal opportunities for schooling and equitable outcomes of learning will govern its drawing-up processes.

Effects on the Education System of Tamil Nadu

• Affects
  • Almost 40 lakh students and 32,000 staff members will suffer due to this funding loss.
• Straining Education Infrastructure
  • Schools are faced with enormous financial strains, perhaps jeopardizing the access to quality education itself.

Language Policy Controversy

• Three Language Imposition
  • Union Education Minister now urging Tamil Nadu to adopt the three languages formula (Tamil, English and a third language).
• Tamil Nadu’s Opposition
  • Historically, this state has opposed such a system since 1937, following a two language policy (Tamil and English) since 1968.

Political Fallout & Constitutional Debate

• Centre Accusation
  • The Union Minister accused the Tamil Nadu leadership of being politically motivated and not abiding with the “rule of law.”

Proposed Solutions & Issues on Federalism

• A Decentralized Approach Needed
  • Policies need to be framed flexibly to coordinate with the regional diversity as provided in the Concurrent List.
• The Funds Should Be Delinked from NEP
  • Such a realistic measure would be tying funds to performance indicators, not policy adoption.
• Alternative in State Education Policy
  • Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu must hasten the rollout of its very own State Education Policy, thus making its educational framework stable in time.

2. Biannual Transparency Report (BTR)

Context:

India’s first ever BTR will account for its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory, sectoral contributions, energy efficiency improvements, and transition to renewable sources of energy.
Unlike the earlier National Communications and Biannual Update Reports (BURs), the BTR will be reviewed by independent, UNFCCC accredited experts.

Historical Background

• In the earlier times, only developed countries were obligated to submit BTRs.
• 2015 Paris Agreement (COP-21)
  • The agreement was done among all signatory countries for more increased transparency through these reports.
  • Formal BTR submission by countries occur on the 2024 COP (Baku).
• India and many others delayed submission even after the missed deadlines to submit their reports by December 2024.

Significant Characteristics of India BTR

• Inclusions of Newest Data
  • BTR will cover emissions data up to 2022.
  • The previous BUR indicated data only until 2020.
• Trends in Emissions Anticipated
  • According to COVID-19 lockdowns, India’s GHG emissions fell by 7.93% (compared to 2019) in 2020. The upcoming BTR is expected to show an increase in emissions, in line with global trends.
• India’s Share in the World
  • Approximately 4% to 5% of total global emissions.
  • Per capita emissions remain less than one third of the global average.

India’s first BTR indicates a significant step forward toward international climate transparency. Although delayed, the document will provide updated emissions data and be subject to external examination. It reaffirms India’s view on an equitable climate responsibility by indicating that its per capita emissions are still much lower than global averages.

3. Saturn’s Rings

Context:

Saturn’s rings are composed of billions of ice and rock fragments that range in size from the grain of salt to houses. Four spacecraft studied the rings; namely, the Pioneer 11, Voyager 1 & 2, and Cassini. Cassini provided the best insight from the 2004-2017 mission.

The Cleanliness Conundrum

• Cassini Observations
  • The rings are very clean! That is to say, there is very little dust present, despite constant bombardment by natural meteoroids.
• Past Hypothesis
  • The rings must be young (~100 million years old), as they haven’t accumulated dust.
• Problem
  • Scientists can’t explain how the rings could have possibly formed so recently in the history of a stable Solar System.

New Findings: Rings Might Be Ancient

• Evaporation Model
  • A recent study conducted by the Institute of Science Tokyo and the Paris Institute of Planetary Physics suggests that dust evaporates upon impact and forms tiny fragments that either fall into Saturn or escape.
• Implication
  • The rings remain clean not because they are young but because they eject dust with great efficiency.
• Conclusion
  • Any old ring system based on the Sun’s age (~4 billion years) could be top candidates.

Scientific Debate Continues

• Challenge
  • There is no definitive proof that the water ice composition of the rings has remained unchanged since their birth.
• Issues with Dating
  • Rings are not cratered like planetary surfaces, which makes tracing their history very difficult.
• Enceladus Connection
  • Enceladus plumes of water, ice, and volatile compounds interact with the rings.
  • The evolution of the rings may yield significant insight into the habitability of Enceladus.
• Gas Giant Ring Systems
  • This work may shed light on the divergent features of the ring systems around Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune.

Future Exploration

• Possible Saturn Mission
  • A because the atmospheric composition is suspected to be far from being unchanged, scientists would like to consider sending a new spacecraft to Saturn’s rings.
• Clipper Mission to Europa
  • NASA’s 2024 mission to Europa may also provide important information concerning ringed planets that harbor subsurface oceans.

This finding provides fresh evidence that may help to unravel the long standing theories and possible linkages between planetary rings, moons, and habitability throughout our Solar System.

4. Bharat’s First Private Built PSLV ISRO’s NGLV Development

Context:

First consortia in India to manufacture HAL L&T consortium for first ever private made PSLV under ISRO guidance. This celebration of the mission will mark an important date, Q3 2025, for India’s private space sector participation.
The satellite will carry the Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS-1), which demonstrates up to 35 new indigenous technologies.

TDS-1 Key Technologies

• 300 milli Newton (mN) electric propulsion thruster (designed by ISRO‘s LPSC)
  • For improved maneuverability and longevity of satellites.
  • Earlier, ISRO had tested a 75 mN thruster on GSAT 9, but this will be the first fully indigenous electric propulsion system.
• Indigenous atomic clock & quantum payloads to improve precision in space applications.
• Additional chemical propulsion (in addition to electric propulsion).

Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

• Powerful new rocket, NGLV, with which ISRO is developing capability for launching larger payloads.
• It is understood that “NGLV will reduce the lift off mass to nearly 1,000 tonnes and become about 93m tall” which is comparable to a “30-35 storey building“.

Propulsion System of NGLV

• Three core stages & two strap on boosters.
• Nine LOX Methane engines (110 tonnes thrust each) in the core stage.
• Two LOX Methane engines in the second stage (128 tonnes propellant).
• LOX Hydrogen Cryogenic upper stage (C 32 engine, 32 tonnes propellant).

Present Status & Industry Collaboration

• The design for 11 LOX methane engines is finalized.
• ISRO is working on developing the subsystems in conjunction with industry partners for manufacturing activities.
• Test facilities developed in parallel.

It is progressing well with private sector collaboration in PSLV manufacturing towards the development of NGLV for heavier payloads within India’s space program. Such developments signify a new era of self reliance and competitiveness worldwide for ISRO.

Banking/Finance

1. A Stable Banking System

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed withdrawal restrictions on New India Cooperative Bank, Mumbai and therefore drawing attention to the broader issue of inefficiencies and mismanagement in banks. It has raised the topic for sufficient discussion on what utility these cooperative banks serve in the Indian banking set-up, with demands for greater regulation.

Issues Banks Are Struggling & Depositors with

• Trust is of Essence for Banks
  • Banks are to hold deposits in the short-term and advance loans on a long-term basis. This leads to asset liability mismatch for banks.
  • Customers may move around their funds through digital means of transactions posing ever greater systemic risks.
• Mere rumors are enough to send some banks into a panic-notably, the 2023 Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) crisis in the U.S.

Current Deposit Insurance Contributors

• The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) grants insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh to every account holder.
• However, only 43.1% of accessible deposits are effectively covered, thus raising serious concerns regarding the depositors’ safety.
• This limit is being looked at by the government for enhancement because it would further safeguard the financial security of citizens.

Suggestions to Improve for Greater Stability

• Increase Deposit Insurance Coverage
  • Extending coverage to all individual accounts will instill confidence among depositors and thus avert any run on the bank.
  • The depositor should not have to over analyze health of the bank on a continuing basis, that is up to the regulators to ensure.
• Cost Sharing for Stability
  • The upgraded insurance coverage should be a shared cost between the depositors, banks, and the government.
  • This will make sure economic stability is achieved without unduly burdening any one of the parties.
• Strengthened Regulatory Oversight
  • Higher insurance coverage must be matched by rigorous monitoring by regulators to avoid undisciplined banking.
• Lessons from SVB
  • U.S. extended deposit insurance to all SVB deposits, thus averting a larger banking crisis.
  • Similarity will give equal footing to public and private commercial banks in India.
• Preventing Moral Hazard
  • A guaranteed safety net could lure banks into utmost risk.
  • Stringent regulations ought to be established to prevent mismanagement and to hold bank management accountable.

A secure banking system is of utmost importance to having a stable economy. Enriching the coverage of deposit insurance coupled with a stronger regulatory microphone will provide adequate protection to depositors and stave off monetary crises. However, these protective measures should also guard against moral hazard and promote responsible banking behavior.

2. Rupee Stability and RBI’s Intervention Amidst Forex Volatility

Context:

From the beginning of sharp depreciation in December 2024 and January 2025, the rupee began stabilizing after repo rate cut by RBI on February 7. After 85 to 87 rupees a dollar in a month it took 478 days to go from 84 to 85. FPIs withdrew ₹2 trillion from Indian equities after Donald Trump was re elected and his administration began to implement protectionist policies that put more pressure on the rupee.

RBI Interventions to Support the Rupee

• With speculation that the rupee would breach 88 due to an anticipated rate cut, the RBI intervened aggressively to avoid further slipping.
• February 10-11 saw state run banks sell approximately $12 billion on behalf of the RBI, actually bringing the rupee back down below 87.
• The rupee firmed to 86.50 on February 14, showing its largest weekly gain in 19 months.
• The traders have become reluctant to bet against the rupee, which helped reduce volatility.

Liquidity Problems & The RBI Response

• Depending on RBI’s dollar sales, rupee liquidity is squeezed and will affect money market conditions.
• In January, liquidity shortages were more than ₹3 trillion, prompting RBI to inject liquidity to manage the market:
• By open market operations (OMO), the RBI injected ₹60,000 crore in three instalments.
• By auction of the variable rate repo prolonged for 56 days, the RBI injected ₹50,000 crore.
• A six month forex swap of $5 billion.
• Subsequently, doubled the last two OMO tranches to alleviate some liquidity stress.

Risks That May Arise in the Future and Future Projections

• Key Concerns
  • Persistent equity outflows could pose a threat to the current account deficit of India.
  • A depreciating yuan would act as an extra cushion for the rupee.
  • The RBI’s forward book deficit has risen to $80-85 billion, reducing the possible scope for future intervention.
• Market Projections
  • Barclays sees the rupee at 87.5 by end March.
  • IFA Global expects of fluctuating rupee trade between 86.00 and 87.50 in the forthcoming months.
• According to RBI
  • The likely game plan would be to manage liquidity using OMOs and forex swaps and not draw down reserves.

While the RBI’s intervention has stabilized the rupee, threats exist due to any persistent equity outflows and currency movements worldwide. Stability in the future will largely depend on RBI liquidity management, trends in foreign investment, and market conditions.

3. SEBI Encourages More Security in Online Trading

Context:

Occurrences of hacking, identity theft, and unauthorized access are increasing with rising online trading and mobile transactions. SEBI’s intent is to increase security in preventing frauds, unauthorized access, and SIM card spoofing.

Online Trading

“Online trading” refers to the act of buying and selling financial instruments like stocks, bonds, and commodities through an internet-based platform, allowing investors to execute trades directly from their devices, accessing real-time market data and managing their portfolios without needing a traditional broker to physically place orders for them, essentially, it’s trading on the stock market using an online platform. 

Key Proposals

• SIM Binding for Trading Accounts
  • Like UPI security, the account for trading shall now be linked to the mobile number and device.
  • Only registered devices shall have access through a hard bound SIM.
• Mandatory Biometric Authentication
  • Login will require either fingerprint or facial recognition.
  • Only authorized users can access the accounts.
• Proximity based & QR Code Authentication
  • The user can log in to multiple devices, but one active session at a time.
  • QR code based authentic time out authentication will be needed to log in to the accounts from secondary devices, such as laptops.
• Investor Account Control Features
  • Account functions available to investors will include:
    • Temporarily lock their accounts.
    • Monitor active sessions.
    • Set trading parameters (e.g. volume and price band limits).
• Family Control for Accounts
  • Multiple Unique Client Codes (UCCs) can be accepted under one mobile device with adequate permission.

Implementation & Next Steps

• Phased rollout iteration starting with the top 10 Qualified Stockbrokers (QSBs).
• SEBI has invited public feedback on the proposals till March 11.

SEBI’s proposed measures enhance security and protection of the investor by reducing fraud risk in online trading. While the framework improves authentication, the challenges of compatibility and adaptation for the user shall arise for the implementation.

Economy

1. India’s Customs Duty

Context:

India’s customs duty ranks among the highest in the world. In 2023, India’s average import duty was found around 17 percent, this is still on the higher side in comparison to U.S. imports (3.3%) and those of other BRICS.
For Reference, Brazil stands with India at 11 percent, second to that higher than 7 percent of China and South Africa respectively. Lower aiming European Union tariffs are indexed at 5 percent and Russia at 6.6 percent.

Agricultural Tariffs increase averages

• Agriculture Protection
  • India levied exceedingly high tariffs (most years greater than 38 percent) on agricultural products to protect its farmers.
• Non Agriculture
  • For almost all product groups, the period from 2018 to 2023 has been below 15%.
• Justification
  • Tariff protection is, because of its inefficient nature due primarily to poor agricultural investment (i.e. 6% of total investment), a compelling necessity in India.

Tariff Movement on Product wise Basis

• High Tariffs Bracket
  • Agricultural working in excess of 30% is the duty; including dairy products, beverages, and tobacco.
• Tariff Reductions
  • Transport equipment, cotton, and textiles have reduced tariffs since 2018.
• Tariff Increases
  • Higher tariffs were imposed on electrical machinery, leather/footwear, and industrial goods.

U.S. pressure and trade disputes.

• Trump Tariff Warning
  • “Reciprocal tariffs” are threatens by U.S. on countries that impose major import duties.
• Tariff Reduction by India
  • Recently reduced the tariffs from 150% to 100%. Criticism by U.S. on tariffs on Bourbon whiskey.
• Trade Surplus or Imbalance
  • The trade surplus has increased with Indian exports to the U.S. exceeding $53 billion during FY25 (April November).

Implications for India U.S. Trade Relations

• Reciprocal Tariffs Threat
  • Could pressure India to lower agricultural tariffs which it has flatly refused to negotiate under FTAs.
• Bilateral Trade Negotiations
  • The U.S. would most likely still insist on a wider opening for U.S. agricultural products in future rounds.
• India’s Stance
  • Is unwilling to concede on sensitive items like cereals, but may have to in any bilateral negotiations.

India has been applying very high rates on imports to agriculture in particular to protect domestic producers, and these India tariffs were thus brought under U.S. scrutiny. Conversely, India is inclined to hold on to its tariffs. Enough compromises may come through trade talks with the U.S., which might well see some serious demands for market access.

2. Unemployment Rates in India

Context:

For the fourth quarter of the year 2024, the urban unemployment rate in India is likely to remain stabilized at around 6.4%.

General Unemployment Trends

• Urban unemployment rate (for aged 15 years to above)
  • 6.4% (Oct Dec 2024), same as the previous quarter.
• Comparison from 2023
  • A slight decline from 6.5% for this same period last year.
• Gender-wise figures
  • Male unemployment rate: 5.8%
  • Female unemployment rate: 8.1% (down from 8.6% in 2023).

State-wise Unemployment

• Highest unemployment rate from: Himachal Pradesh (overall 10.4%, women with 24%).
• Lowest unemployment rate from: Gujarat (with overall 3%), Delhi (with 1.3% female unemployment rate).

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

• Overall LFPR (all ages): 39.6%, compared to 39.2% in 2023.
• Female LFPR: 20% (a slightly increase from 19.9% in 2023 but lower than the last quarter’s 20.3%).
• Least LFPR: Bihar (Overall: 30.7%, Female: 9.9%).

Worker Population Ratio (WPR)

• WPR for 15+ age group: from 46.6% (2023) to 47.2% (2024).
• Male WPR: 69.8% (2023): 70.9% (2024).

Employment Distribution

• 39.9% self employed
• 49.4% regular wage/salaried employees
• 10.6% casual labourers.

Sectoral Distribution

• Agriculture: 5.5%
• Secondary Sector: 31.8%
• Tertiary Sector: 62.7%

Urban unemployment rate is consistent at 6.4%, with marginal improvement in female workforce participation. Yet states still vary widely such as the high unemployment observed in Himachal Pradesh especially in female populations. Employment is dominated by the tertiary sector as characteristic of the Indian service economy.

Agriculture

1. Government’s Credit Guarantee Scheme

Context:

Credit Guarantee Scheme of ₹1,000 crores for pledge financing against e-NWRs(electronic-Negotiable Warehouse Receipts) intends to enhance the adoption of electronic warehouse receipts in agricultural markets.
e KUN Program: e Kisan Upaj Nidhi (e KUN) program gives low interest loans through e NWRs to deter farmers from distress selling under the Digital India Mission.

Role of NeRL with Expansion of Warehouses

• The NeRL Effect
  • The National e Repository Limited expects more warehouses to register under WDRA with 88% market share.
• Warehouses Registration
  • There are around 1 lakh warehouses in India, of which 40,000 are public.
  • 5,000 warehouses were registered by WDRA but only 2,500 of them are connected to e NWR issuance through NeRL or its competitor, Countrywide Commodity Repository.

RBI Support & Financing Ramp Up

• PSL Limits
  • RBI has increased the PSL limits for e NWRs from ₹50 lakh to ₹75 lakh.
  • NeRL has requested a further increase of ₹2 crore for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and ₹4 crore for traders.
• Loan Facilitation & Growth
  • Loans worth ₹10,000 crore were facilitated by banks via e NWRs.
  • Low NPAs suggest secure lending under the system.
• Expected lending through NeRL e-NWRs is projected to increase by 33% this fiscal to ₹4,000 crore (₹3,000 crore last year).
• Getaways
  • The government envisages that the lending via e NWR pledge finance will touch ₹1 lakh crore within 10 years.

Expansion and Market Share

• Geographical Presence
  • NeRL is strongest in Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, AP, and Telengana with plans for further expansion.
• Shareholding Changes
  • NCDEX has reduced its shareholding in NeRL to 51% for regulatory reasons; the remainder includes NABARD, ICICI, and SBI.
• Revenue and Transaction Trends
  • 40% of NeRL’s revenue comes from NCDEX Exchange Depositors, with just 1.5 lakh tonnes of handling.
  • From non NCDEX clients, 8.5 lakh tonnes were handled in the first 9 months of FY25.

Expectedly, the credit guarantee scheme and e KUN program worth ₹1,000 crore will change warehouse based financing, lessening the burden of traditional loans. While NeRL’s growth, increased PSL limits, and low NPAs constitute its growth potential. The lending ecosystem based on e NWR, therefore, is expected to grow enormously within the next decade, giving a hand to farmers, traders, and the financial infrastructure.

Facts To Remember

1. SEBI Action: The registration was canceled of 19 foreign venture capital institutions.

Reason: Violations of capital market regulations.
Notable Entities: Other among those affected were Blackstone Capital (Singapore) and Axis Capital (Mauritius).
Findings: The companies were defunct, no longer registered under their respective jurisdiction.

2. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Emphasizes IORA’s Role in Regional Stability

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath has highlighted the importance of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) towards promoting peace, stability and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region.

3. India Strengthens Media Ties with UAE Ahead of Global Entertainment Summit

A high-level Indian delegation, led by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju and Prasar Bharati CEO Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, arrived in the UAE this week to bolster media partnerships ahead of the inaugural World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), set to take place in Mumbai this May.

4. Nation pays tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary

The 395th birth anniversary of the great Maratha Warrior-King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is being observed today. Born on this day in 1630 at the Shivneri Fort  in Pune district in Maharashtra, Chhatrapati Shivaji laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire and challenged the Mughal rule.

5. 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup table tennis tournament begins in China

The 34th edition of the ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup table tennis tournament begins in Shenzhen, China, this morning.

6. PM Modi lauds inauguration of Inland Waterways Terminal in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the inauguration of the Inland Waterways Transport, IWT Terminal on the Brahmaputra, National Waterway-2 at Jogighopa in Assam.