Current Affairs - March 8, 2025 Current Affairs

Uttar Pradesh introduced the 'Rapid Immunisation Skill Enhancement' (RISE) app to enhance its immunization program. The app is designed for health workers such as nurses and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) to efficiently monitor and manage routine child vaccinations. It aims to improve vaccination coverage, monitor vaccine safety, and reduce vaccine hesitancy by offering real-time updates and digital training for healthcare professionals. The RISE app was initially tested in 181 districts across India and has now been implemented in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step towards improving child immunization.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a joint credit camp in Gorakhpur and Basti to support youth entrepreneurship under the Mukhya Mantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan. The scheme, initiated in January 2025, aims to empower young entrepreneurs. It has already received 2.5 lakh applications, with ₹931 crores in loans approved for 24,000 applicants. Additionally, ₹400 crores have been distributed to 10,500 entrepreneurs, helping boost the state's youth-driven entrepreneurial initiatives.

'Project Hifazat' was launched by the Punjab government to ensure the safety and dignity of women. It aims to strengthen the response mechanism for victims of violence by offering 24×7 support through a Women and Child Helpline. The initiative seeks to eliminate fear among women regarding reporting abuse and streamline coordination between police and agencies involved in assisting victims.

Amitava Mukherjee has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director of National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), effective from March 6, 2025. Prior to this role, he was holding the additional charge of CMD. His tenure will continue until 2028. NMDC is an Indian public sector undertaking focused on mineral exploration, and its headquarters are located in Hyderabad.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to lay the foundation for Microsoft’s five-acre campus in Noida Sector 145. This project is part of a larger initiative that includes other major IT developments by companies like MAQ and Sify. In addition to this, Adityanath will also inaugurate important public infrastructure projects, such as two underpasses on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the Ganga Water project. This initiative reflects the government's push for technological growth and infrastructure development in the region.

The Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise began off the Guam coast in the western Pacific Ocean. This multilateral anti-submarine warfare exercise is designed to enhance coordination in maritime security operations among participating countries. The exercise is hosted by the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet and involves the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The primary aim of the exercise is to improve anti-submarine tactics, ensuring better defence preparedness and collaboration among the participating nations.

Vidya Balan has been appointed as Federal Bank's first-ever brand ambassador, marking an important step in the bank's brand evolution. This partnership aims to connect with a wide range of demographics, including various geographies, genders, and generations, as part of the bank's strategy to transform its market presence. Federal Bank, headquartered in Aluva, Kerala, is a well-established Indian private-sector bank, and this collaboration with Vidya Balan will likely help enhance the bank's image and appeal to a broader audience.

IndiGo Airlines achieved the milestone of becoming the world’s second-fastest-growing airline in terms of seat capacity, with a 10.1% year-on-year growth, reaching a total of 134.9 million seats in 2024. This growth placed IndiGo just behind Qatar Airways, which registered a slightly higher growth of 10.4%. IndiGo's expansion reflects its aggressive growth strategy, increasing both domestic and international demand. The airline has also experienced significant growth in flight frequency and received a large number of new Airbus aircraft to support future expansion plans.

Eyal Zamir has been appointed as Israel's new Chief of Staff at a critical moment in the country's military history. He succeeds Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who resigned following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Zamir, a former tank commander with extensive experience in military leadership, is expected to lead Israel's military efforts against Hamas and Iran. His previous roles include serving as the head of Southern Command and as Deputy Chief of Staff. Zamir is known for his tough, mission-oriented leadership style and his focus on ensuring Israel's security.

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to honour the achievements and contributions of women in various fields. It is a day to recognize gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment. In 2025, International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Saturday, March 8. The day emphasizes the need for gender equality and advocates for women’s rights and opportunities globally. It also serves as a reminder to accelerate progress toward achieving equal opportunities for women across the world.