Current Affairs - March 6, 2025 Current Affairs

Tata Power has collaborated with Schneider Electric to introduce SF6-Free Ring Main Units in Mumbai and Delhi, utilizing Schneider's AirSeT technology. This initiative aims to minimize carbon footprint by 75% and provide 50% cost savings throughout the units' lifespan. The partnership supports India's goals for sustainable and efficient power distribution, reducing the environmental impact of SF6 gas.

The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme for state employees, which will be operational from April 1, 2025. Additionally, a new Excise Policy 2025 was introduced, banning liquor sales near religious places and enforcing stricter controls on alcohol pricing. Furthermore, CM Dhami announced that financial assistance would be provided to 45 writers in the state this year. These initiatives reflect the government's focus on both employee welfare and regulation of the alcohol industry.

Cyclone Alfred, a Category 2 tropical cyclone, has impacted Australia’s southeast coast, with the cyclone originating in the Coral Sea. It is forecasted to make landfall north of Brisbane, causing heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and significant flooding. This cyclone is particularly notable as it is the first one to directly affect Brisbane since Cyclone Nancy in 1990. The cyclone's fluctuation between different categories adds to the potential threat to the region, especially due to the heavy rainfall and strong winds expected.

According to a Lancet study, India could have over 440 million overweight and obese people by 2050. This estimate includes 218 million men and 231 million women. The number of overweight and obese adults in India is projected to be the second highest in the world, following China. The study, which is part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, involved researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research and highlighted the growing health challenges facing the country.

The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. This forum marked the conclusion with the unanimous adoption of the Jaipur Declaration by member countries. The event focused on promoting circular economy practices in Asia and the Pacific, with India playing a pivotal role in proposing the creation of the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3). Jaipur, known for its historical significance and as a major cultural hub, was chosen to host this important gathering, emphasizing India's leadership in driving sustainable initiatives.

India secured a Global Rank 3 in start-ups over the past decade, a significant achievement driven by various government initiatives. This growth was supported by a ₹20,000 crore allocation for R&D and innovation in the Union Budget 2025-26, aimed at boosting deep-tech sectors. Additionally, patent grants have increased by 17 times since 2014, and India made a remarkable improvement in its Global Innovation Index ranking, rising from 81st to 39th.

Ajit Ratnakar Joshi has been appointed as Executive Director (ED) at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), where he will oversee the Statistics, Information Management, and Financial Stability departments. Prior to this role, Joshi served as the Principal Adviser in the same department. With over three decades of experience, he brings expertise in statistics, information technology, and cyber risk management, which will be valuable in his new role at RBI.

The Advanced Cybersecurity Operations Centre (SOC) was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan. This centre, developed by C-DOT, aims to enhance the security of police systems and critical infrastructure in the state. The TRINETRA platform, an AI-powered cybersecurity solution, will assist in cyber threat monitoring, vulnerability detection, and data protection for Kerala Police. The 24/7 SOC will play a key role in safeguarding the state's cyber infrastructure, reflecting Kerala's commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities.

Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), was honoured with the 'Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality and Education Through Technology' award at the Vibrant Bharat Global Summit 2025 by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat. Dr. Bose was recognized for his groundbreaking work in integrating AI with hospitality education. He also launched his latest book, Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism & Hospitality, which explores AI's impact on guest satisfaction, sustainability, and operational efficiency, further highlighting his contributions to the field.

The 24th edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 was organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and commenced in New Delhi. This summit focuses on partnerships for accelerating sustainable development and climate solutions, gathering global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to collaborate on tackling climate challenges.