Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 1 March, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
1 March, 2025

International Affairs

1. The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement

Context:

India and the EU plan to conclude the long standing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations by the end of 2025. Simultaneously, discussions about a new strategic security and defense partnership to succeed the existing Strategic Roadmap (2020-2025) continue.
Next Summit: The subsequent EU India Summit is anticipated in 2025 to formalize key agreements.

Key Areas Under Discussion

• Trade and Investment
• Technology and Innovation
• Green Growth
• Security and Mobility

EU’s Demand for Lower Tariffs on Key Sectors

• The EU needs import lower duty on cars, wines, and spirits or otherwise they term them as non negotiable.
• Agriculture market access involves processed European products, especially from France & Italy.

India’s Concerns Regarding EU Sustainability Norms

• Both Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and other deforestation rules will become non tariff barrier dealing in limiting India’s export gains.
• India welcomed the lenient CBAM compliance norms; however, concerns remain.

Government Procurement & Trade Barriers

• India has to deal with sensitive issue demands for greater access to public procurement sector possessed by the EU in India.

Trade Dynamics Between India-EU

• EU is India’s largest trading partner (12.2% share in total trade) followed by the US (10.8%) and China (10.5%).
• India is the 9th largest trading partner to the EU, accounting for 2.2% of the total trade in the EU 2023.
• Trade Volume in 2023-24
  • India’s Exports to EU: $75.9 billion (contributes to 17.4% of total exports).
  • India’s Imports from EU: $61.5 billion (9% of total imports).

Challenges and the History of Negotiations

• Long standing Negotiations
  • Negotiations were first started in 2007 and later were re launched in 2022. Rather than any progress, the negotiations have faced delays due to differences on tariffs, intellectual property, and labor standards.
• Political Pushes
  • The newer deadline is supposed to kick start the negotiations, which will now see the next round of talks in Brussels between March 10 and 14.

A successful FTA could ensure increased trade, investment flow, and economic cooperation between India and the EU. Challenges still remain on significant issues concerning market access, sustainability standards, and regulatory alignment.

Source: The Hindu

2. Trump, Zelenskyy and Vance’s Heated Argument in the Oval Office

Context:

An access found heated Oval Office exchange of U.S. President Donald Trump with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about how deeply divided conditions remain regarding U.S. support for Ukraine.

Key Highlights:

• U.S. Conditions for Support
  • Trump would ask for a deal granting America preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral resources as the quid pro quo for the continued American backing.
• Ramping Pressure on Kyiv
  • Increasing acceptance of diplomacy with Russia by the U.S. has met resistance from Ukraine against their signatures on pre mature peace agreements.
• European Intervention
  • France and Britain leaders had to negotiate with the U.S. to convince them to not pull back support from Kyiv.
• Uncertain Security
  • The ambiguity remains with Trump not providing security guarantees for Ukraine regarding future commitments by the U.S.

Geopolitical Significance

• Is U.S. Strategy Changing?
  • Trump essentially sealing a quid pro quo would mean a leaving of the U.S. with earthly irregularities in their diplomacy toward Ukraine.
  • There will be less unconditional military and financial assistance in future.
• Concern for Ukraine’s War Efforts
  • Increased uncertainty about U.S. support emboldened Russia.
  • More pressure for Kyiv to negotiate with Moscow on less favorable terms may follow.
• Europe in Response
  • An increasing pressure of sorts from France and Britain for even stronger European military and financial support to fill the gap that any potential U.S. disengagement would leave.
• Global Markets & Energy Security
  • Implicit in U.S. attention to Ukraine’s mineral wealth will be the strategic targeting of rare earth sources and their supply chains into and from the global economy.

The Oval Office face off is the landmark moment marking the evolution in U.S. Ukraine relations. Trump’s insistence on resource based concessions to cover support and wavering on security commitments could well change the equation in the ongoing tussle. Kyiv now has to negotiate a fine diplomatic line as it weaves its dependence on Western support while still not giving in to pressure to settle with Moscow.

Source: Business Standard

3. China’s Retaliation After Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Chinese Imports

Context:

President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on Chinese imports due to take effect on March 4.
The linkage justified the move as being to do with drug flows from the North American neighbors into the territory of China.

Key Highlights:

• Response from China
  • “All necessary measures” will be taken by the Ministry of Commerce against the legitimate rights and interests.
  • It would take a tougher posture in responding, which means a greater risk of full-scale trade war.
  • There was no advance discussion before the US announcement by the two countries.

Market Impact

• Chinese Stocks Tumble
  • Hong Kong-listed Chinese shares plummeted to as low as 3.9% today, marking the biggest and most recent biggest single-day fall reaching this month as analysts blamed it on the trade dispute.
  • The stocks on the onshore CSI 300 Index keep slides down 1.9%, the first weekly loss that has been recorded in a month.

Political & Economic Implications

• Timing & Strategic Considerations
  • Tariffs are timed just prior to China’s National People’s Congress, at which time President Xi Jinping’s team would announce the details of the 2025 economic blueprint.
  • Xi’s Politburo pledged to support domestic consumption and stabilize the housing and stock markets.
  • There are tensions but both sides apparently do not agree a complete break in diplomatic relations.

High Level Diplomatic Engagements

• Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng had met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the second occasion since Trump took office.
• The Defense Ministry of China confirmed it will hold consultation with the military of the United States.

With the US-China trade war hovering near rebound, market volatility is at its highest, and the channels of diplomatic engagement are at their narrowest. If at all Beijing were to shift its hitherto constraining approach to adroitness in counteraction, it would have deep ramifications, both at a global supply chain and perception economic levels.

Source: Business Standard

National Affairs

1. Aditya L1 Captures Photo of first Solar Flare Kernel

Context:

A solar flare “kernel” has been photographed by Aditya L1’s SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope) for the first time in photosphere and chromosphere. Flare Class is X6.3 class solar flare (among the most intense classes).

Scientific Importance

• Unprecedented Resolution
  • The first ever observation of solar flare brightening in the Near Ultraviolet (NUV) range (200-400 nm).
• Energy Distribution
  • Confirms how flare energy spreads through different layers of the Sun’s atmosphere.
• Temperature Linkage
  • Directly related to an increase in plasma temperature in the solar corona with regard to the localized brightening in the lower solar atmosphere.

Implications for Solar Physics

• Validates existing theories on solar flare energy deposition and temperature evolution.
• Anew Data for Refined Understanding of Solar Eruptions and Space Weather.
• Enhancement in the forecasting of solar storms that affect Earth satellites and communications.

Mission Overview

• Launch Date: September 2, 2023
• Positioning Orbital: Aditya L1 was really placed in a halo orbit around the Earth Sun Lagrange Point L1 on January 6, 2024.

Source: The Hindu

2. Wetlands Conservation in India

What Are Wetlands?

• Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water either permanently or seasonally.
• Wetland areas include both fresh water and marine and coastal ecosystems, they support various plant and animal species and render quite a few benefits to humans.

Types of Wetlands

• Coastal Wetlands
  • Occur between land and the open sea, excluded from influences like rivers.
  • Incorporate shorelines, beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs.
  • For example, mangrove swamps in sheltered tropical coastal environments.
• Shallow Lakes and Ponds
  • Areas of permanent or semi-permanent water with little flow.
  • Include vernal ponds, spring pools, salt lakes, and volcanic crater lakes.
• Marshes
  • Soaked, flooded, or pooled by water periodically.
  • Dominated by herbaceous (non woody) vegetation.
  • Types
    • Tidal Marshes – Affected by ocean tides.
    • Non Tidal Marshes – Occupy inland areas.
• Swamps
  • Grounded surfaces water inputs; a forest of trees and shrubs covers them.
  • Freshwater floodplains or saltwater floodplains.
• Bogs
  • Waterlogged peatlands in old lake basins or depressions in the landscape.
  • Water here is derived mainly from rain.
• Estuaries
  • The mixing point of rivers and the ocean, thus fresh and salt waters mixed.
  • Deltas, tidal mudflats, and salt marshes are included.
  • It is rich in nutrients and hence possesses immense biodiversity.

Benefits of Wetlands

• Water Quality: They function as natural filters, improving water quality.
• Flood Control: They reduce flooding and erosion.
• Wildlife Habitat: They are home to diverse animals, including fish, birds, and mammals.
• Combating Climate Change: They sequester carbon and thus help in curbing greenhouse gases.
• Tourism & Education: They serve as a facility for tourism, research, and environmental education.

Threats to Wetlands

• Loss of Natural Water Filtration
  • Results in bigger bucks for the cities on water treatment.
• Increased Flood Risks
  • Wetlands siphon off the water, and it’s their absence that makes the floods more extreme.
• Climate Change Threats
  • Rising sea levels and storm surges are especially detrimental to wetland ecosystems.
• Global Decline
  • 50% of wetlands lost since 1900.
  • 35% loss of wetland surface area (1970 2015).
  • 81% decline of inland wetland species and 36% of coastal/marine species.
• Major Causes
  • Urbanization & Industrialization
  • Conversions of land use to facilitate agriculture & infrastructures

High Court Intervention in Meghalaya

• Suo Motu PIL
  • Meghalaya High Court to take initiative in monitoring wetland conservation.
• Focus on Wetlands
  • Attention is drawn back to the importance of wetland ecosystems.

Much of the World is Wetlands

• World Wetlands Day: Observed annually on February 2 since 1971, when the Ramsar Convention was opened for signature.
• Global Coverage: Wetlands cover 12.1 million km² (~6% of Earth’s surface).
• Ecosystem Services: Contributes among the total 40.6% of global ecosystem services to water filtration, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and many others.

Conservation Efforts

• Ramsar COP14 (2022)
  • Integrated wetland conservation into Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Biodiversity Targets and Climate Change frameworks.
  • Stress the requirement for wetland protection beyond stand alone initiatives.

Wetlands in India

• Ramsar Sites
  • 75 designated wetlands (~1.33 million ha, 8% of India total wetland area).
• National Wetland Trends
  • 66.6% natural wetlands (43.9% inland, 22.7% coastal).
• Loss of wetlands in urban regions
  • Mumbai: 71% loss (1970 2014).
  • Kolkata East: 36% loss (1991 2021).
  • Chennai: 85% lost.
• Total natural wetland loss in last four decades: 30%.

Economic & Environmental Impact

• Ecosystem Services Lost
  • Cali, Colombia: $76,827/ha per year in urban areas and $30,354/ha in peri urban areas.
• Climate Change Role
  • Wetlands are sinks and sources of carbon, requiring very good monitoring.

Way Forward

• Beyond Ecological Focus: Managing wetlands requires physical, social and economic considerations.
• Ecosystem Based Approach: Aligns wetland conservation in planning for development.
• Strengthening Governance: Integration of wetland protection is into climate policies, urban planning, and sustainable water management.

3. India’s Warmer March Prediction

Context:

India will have above-average temperatures in March 2025 across most regions following a warmer February, the weather office forecast, conditions that could threaten winter-sown crops such as wheat, chickpea and rapeseed.

Warmer March

• Above be predicted from usual to high temperatures in March following February warmest period.
• Severe heatwaves are showing distress in central India, northern regions of southern India, and a few parts of the northeast and east.
• In fact, winter sown crops are included: wheat, chickpea, and rapeseed are at risk.

Implications for Wheat Production and Policy

• Indicate that wheat harvest in India would be of great importance by 2025 after three consecutive years of poor harvests.
• Rising temperatures would be likely to produce conditions that lead to lower yields for the fourth consecutive year, raising concerns regarding supply.
• Possible policy shift
  • Reduce import duty or remove the 40 percent import tax and thus allow private traders to import wheat as domestic production does not suffice.
  • Banning wheat exports since 2022 may continue into the next fiscal year.

Wheat prices soared to record heights in February as a result of tight supplies and sell exports have mixed performance over the past three months.

Reservoir Storage and Water Crisis

• Total storage across 155 reservoirs (CWC monitored)
  • 180.85 BCM (70.15 percent of total capacity).
• Storage levels improved
  • 119 percent of last year and 115 percent of normal levels.
• But regional disparities
  • water in most of the northern states (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan).

Harsh weather threats will jeopardize food security and may affect inflation and trade policies.
Wheat import changes in policy will also be expected, as heat waves could potentially reduce domestic production.

Source: BS

Banking/Finance

1. SEBI Launches Bond Central

Context:

SEBI has launched ‘Bond Central‘, a centralized database for corporate bonds. Developed by the Online Bond Platform Providers Association with Market Infrastructure Institutions.

Objectives

• To provide a single and authentic source of information on corporate bonds.
• To increase transparency in the bond market.
• To assist investors and market participants to make informed decisions.

Expected Impact

• Better Access: Investors can have access to all bond-related data together.
• Market Efficiency: Thus the information flow from here might improve liquidity and pricing.
• Regulation: It also helps in the monitoring and compliance of the corporate bond world.

Source: The Hindu

2. Tuhin Kanta Pandey Takes Charge as the SEBI Chief

Context:

Tuhin Kanta Pandey appointed as the SEBI Chairman for three years, taking the reins from Madhabi Puri Buch.
Previously:
DIPAM Secretary (2019 2024), responsible for India’s overall disinvestment strategy. Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance prior to SEBI. Holds a Master’s in Economics from Panjab University and an MBA from the University of Birmingham.

The Big Challenges for SEBI’s 11th Chief

• Continuity in Regulation vs. Moderation
  • Choose between either continuing aggressive reforms that the previous incumbent had set in motion or adopting a more measured approach.
  • Striking a balance between investor protection and ensuring stability in the market.
• Revival of the Market and IPOs
  • Confidence boosters will be key as sell offs increase in the markets.
  • Support IPO‘s and near capital market fundraising.
• Rise in Motivation of SEBI Employees
  • Dealing with internal grievances for career growth, remuneration, and a touted “toxic work culture.”
• Stakeholder Management
  • SEBI has been targeting a lot for overregulation ship demands for the right policy balance.
    Formulating coordination with RBI, IRDAI, and market participants.
• Regulatory Consistency
  • Conducting impact study of the past policy changes to ensure long term effectiveness.
• Handling Corporate Rivalries & Conflicts
  • Mediate between National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange.
  • Track corporate governance feuds and regulatory arbitral.
• Transparency & Conflict of Interest Management
  • Disclosing personal investments to avoid any chance of perceived bias.
• Closure on the Adani Debate
  • A situation where the credibility of SEBI is ensured through an investigation that is transparent and restores market trust.
• Innovation Balance & Market Growth
  • Encourage new financial vehicles such as small REITs, corporate bonds, and alternative assets.
• Market Manipulation Crackdown
  • Stringent regulation of Finfluencers and unauthorized stock advisory services.
• Industry Friendly Regulations
  • Implement pro business policies, that would not interfere with existing market framework.

According to Pandey, a more pragmatic and rule driven approach could lead to handing SEBI more stability and predictability in its regulatory approach. His experience in finance, disinvestment, and economic policy makes him very well suited to balancing investor protection with market growth.

3. RBI’s Auction on Dollar Rupee Swap of $10 Billion

Context:

RBI conducted a buy sell swap auction of $10 billion USD/INR with a three year tenure.
Strong demand: Received bids amounting to $16.23 billion, accepted bids amounting to $10.06 billion from 161 out of 244 bids.
Cutoff premium: Not fixed with ₹6.55 as compared to lower than market expectations (₹6.62).
Average premium: ₹6.73.

Market Reaction and Liquidity Deficit

• Patterned on Banking system liquidity deficit: ₹1.81 trillion (now 11th consecutive week).
• Rupee depreciation: Closed at ₹87.51/$ compared with ₹87.20 at the previous session.
• Intervention by RBI: Selling dollars through PSU banks to try and curb the volatility.
• Dollar Index: Surged to 107.37 from 106.62, making a mark on the currencies across the globe.
• Forex Reserves: Increased by $4.7 billion to $640 billion, mainly due by foreign currency asset gains ($4.2 billion).

Market Participants’ Learnings

• Corporate sector demand was strong, banks however wanted much higher premiums.
• Banks viewed RBI as a safer counterparty, therefore they did not take into consideration capital charge considerations.
• Forward premiums declined after the auction results.
• Key resistance levels: Downward supports for rupee are at ₹86.6 and resistance is at ₹87.5.

In efforts to moderate rupee volatility while continuing to address liquidity constraints, RBI now resorts to swap auctions. As global trade tensions continue to escalate and U.S. tariff policies change, it is suspected that in the future RBI’s interventions will continue to be closely watched.

4. IRDAI Permits Insurers to Use Derivatives in Equities for Hedging Purposes.

Context:

In order to hedge against market volatility, the IRDAI has allowed insurers to use equity derivatives. The predominant aim of this is to hedge against the erosion of the market value of equity investments, as well as mitigating the portfolio risks primarily emerging from greater participation of insurers in equity markets.

Regulatory Guidelines and Conditions Prescribed

• Instruments allowed
  • Regulatory stock and index futures and options on shares will be specifically for hedging any currently existing equity exposures.
• Prohibited
  • All OTC (Over the Counter) exposures to equity derivatives are prohibited.
• Corporate Governance
  • A Hedging Policy is thus mandated for approval by the Board. Risk Management Policy Framework, IT Infrastructure, and Conduct of Periodic Audits among the foremost. Contracts will protect the interest of policyholders.
• Reporting Requirements
  • Details regarding any derivative contracts will have to be in the ULIP sales brochures. They are to submit quarterly reports regarding turnover, unwinding of contracts, or profit loss.

Impacts on the Insurers

• Increased advantage for life insurers because the larger exposure to equity markets (ULIPs primarily).
• A process to be put in place but which may take months due to the need for board approval and upgrading of internal systems.
• Already dealing with fixed income derivatives (FRAs, Interest Rate Swaps, Credit Default Swaps as Protection Buyers).

A Look at Strengthening Risk Management in Insurance Investments

• This step allows insurers to wield heavier instruments to modulate high volatility, hitherto increased holding stability in insurance investments with sanity on governance. This is a very big leap forward towards risk management for the Indian insurance business.

Source: BS

Economy

1. GDP Growth in India

Growth Performance

Q3 FY25 GDP Growth: 6.2% (an increase from the 5.6% growth rate in Q2).
In Comparison to Q3 FY24: A much slower rate than last year’s 9.5%.
RBI Estimate: Short by 0.2 percentage points.

Key Drivers of Growth

• Government Consumption: Up by 8.3% (2.3% last year).
• Private Consumption: Grew by 6.9% (5.7% in Q3 FY24).
• Export: A whopping 10.4% growth (compared to just 3% last year).
• Macroeconomic Indicators
  • Increased GST Collections
  • Increased Public Spending
  • Increase in Electricity Generation
  • Recovery in Exports

Weaknesses & Challenges

• Investment Slowdown: Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) growth at 5.7%, down from 9.3% in Q3 FY24.
• Import Declines: Fell 1.1%, partly due to rupee depreciation.

Growth momentum is likely to sustain on the backs of consumption and exports. Investment recovery is still a matter of concern. Global uncertainty and currency volatility may interrupt future performance.

2. Digital Economy of India

Global Ranking

• India’s entire economy: 3rd largest in the world.
• India’s ‘user’ digital economy: Ranked 28, globally.
• Overall Digital Economy Rank, combining both metrics: 8th place.
• Digital Growth vs. User Experience
  • Though there is high aggregate digitalisation, the average individual in India has a very modest use of digital technologies.
  • Internet connectivity is relatively wide, yet user spending in the digital economy is lower when compared to its size.

Growth of Digital Economy

• Growing at twice the rate of the economy as a whole.
• Expected to form 20% of India’s GDP by 2029.
• Investment Opportunities
  • Potentially enhance penetration through expanding digital infrastructure.
  • AI readiness & access quality, which come under the aegis of the CHIPS framework, are the key focus areas.

Source: The Hindu

3. Core Sector Growth in India

Context:

Core Sector Growth: The 4.6% drop in January 2025 was slowly creeping down from the 4.8% in December 2024.

Sector wise Performance:

• Cement: Fastest growth at 14.5%.
• Electricity: The growth slowed to 1.3% (from 6.2% in December).
• Crude Oil & Natural Gas: Declined by 1.1% and 1.5%, respectively.
• All Other Sectors: managed to grow with a significant magnitude.

Broader Effects

• Contribution to IIP: The eight core industries weigh in at about 40.27% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which serves as a primary gauge of industrial growth.
• Factors in Growth Moderation
  • Base effects were the main cause as stated by Bank of Baroda Chief Economist Madan Sabnavis.
  • A slow sector, particularly energy based industries, impeded the overall momentum.

Core Sector in India

In India, the “core sector” refers to eight key industries considered crucial to the overall health of the economy, including: coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement, and electricity. 

Key points about the core sector in India

• Eight industries: These eight industries are considered the core sectors in India. 
• Economic indicator: The growth rate of the core sector is used as a significant indicator of the overall health of the Indian economy. 
• Index of Industrial Production (IIP): The performance of these core industries is often measured through the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). 

4. World Bank’s Growth Roadmap for India

Growth Imperatives

Average GDP Growth Rate Required: India must sustain an average GDP growth of 7.8% for the next 22 years to attain high income status by 2047 as per World Bank.

Current Growth Path

For the 2000-2024 time period, India’s economy grew at an average annual growth rate of 6.3%.
The last three years’ growth was at 7.2%, demonstrating a strong momentum forward.

Pillars of Economic Transformation

• Infrastructure Development Investments Capital Investment
  • This will require an investment to GDP ratio increasing from 33.5% to 40% by 2035 to sustain economic growth.
  • Infrastructure Development: Transport, power, and digital connectivity improvements meant to improve efficiency and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
  • Supply Chains and Manufacturing: Strengthen India’s position in the global value chain through initiatives such as “Make in India” and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
• Enhancing Labour Force and Human Capital Labour Participation
  • Raise workforce participation all the way from 56.4% to 65%+.
  • Increase female participation in the labour force from 35.6% to 50% by 2030.
• Education and Skill Development
  • Strengthening vocational education and training and upskilling the workforce for Industry 4.0 and AI based economies.
  • Greater access to higher education, STEM, and digital literacy.
• Innovation, Technology, and Digital Economy Technology Utilization
  • Promote widespread adoption of AI, blockchain, and automation across various industries.
  • Startup Ecosystem: Foster creation of start up companies through policy incentives and access to venture capital.
    Digital Economy: Make digital goods and services cheaper so as to minimize the difference from India’s apparently macro digital economy (3rd largest in the world) to user economy (28th in the world).
• Global Trade and Economic Integration Export Base Expansion
  • Work towards strengthening trade agreements and FTAs with the EU, ASEAN, and African markets.
  • Ease of Doing Business: Rules and regulations for promoting foreign direct investment need to be given a pass.
  • Promote Domestic Consumption: Allow income distribution to improve internal demand.
• Regional Growth and Imbalance Decentralized Growth Strategy
  • States should be encouraged to evolve and use state based economic policies.
  • Urban Rural Balance: Forge an equilibrium between agricultural productivity and urban infrastructure development.

Source: The Hindu

Facts To Remember

1. Starmer to host Ukraine summit tomorrow; NATO leaders to attend

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host a Sunday summit with over 45 European leaders to bolster support for Ukraine and discuss security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend, alongside NATO and EU leaders. 

2. F1 Academy signs the 10-year-old Atiqa for its driver programme

Atiqa Mir, the 10-year-old karting sensation, became the first Indian and Asian to be signed by Formula 1 Academy for its driver programme, a testament to her rapid growth in the world of motorsports.

3. Apple launches ´ age assurance´ tech

Apple said it will introducea way for parents to share the age ofa child with app developers without revealing sensitive information such as birthdays or government identificationn numbers.

4. Fiscal deficit hits ₹11.7 tn in April-Jan period of FY25

India’s fiscal deficit for the April-January (FY25) period stood at₹11.70 trillion, 74.5% of the estimate for 2024-25, according to the data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

5. PM Modi says India is becoming new factory of the world by transforming itself from Work force to World force

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the world is keenly looking towards 21st-century India. Addressing the NXT conclave 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today, Mr Modi said that people from across the world want to come to India to know this country.

6. Union Ministers J P Nadda, Anupriya Patel flag off chariot, 10 other vehicles of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

Union Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Chemical and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda along with Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare, Chemical and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel today flagged off the chariot and ten other vehicles of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana in New Delhi.

7. IMF approves and completes 3rd review of Sri Lanka’s 48-month Extended Fund Facility

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved and completed the third review of Sri Lanka’s 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF), enabling an immediate disbursement of approximately 334 million US dollars.

8. Centre amends Passport Rules, making birth certificates only proof of date of birth for applicants born on or after 1st of October, 2023

The Centre has amended the Passport Rules, making birth certificates issued by appropriate authorities the only proof of date of birth for passport applicants born on or after 1st October 2023. An official notification has been issued in this regard effecting the amendment to the Passport Rules of 1980.