Current Affairs - March 12, 2025 Current Affairs

The 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England in 2027 will be held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This historic one-off day-night Test commemorates the first-ever Test match that was played at the MCG in 1877. The match will not only celebrate the rich history of Test cricket but also introduce the modern-day pink-ball format at this famous venue. The MCG holds special significance in cricket history, having previously hosted the Centenary Test in 1977, marking 100 years since the first-ever Test.

Star Health Insurance launched the 'SheTARA' campaign in Tamil Nadu to mark International Women’s Day. This initiative aims to promote preventive healthcare among women and encourage more women to join as insurance agents. The campaign includes organizing over 40 health camps across Tamil Nadu, offering subsidized health screenings and a special webinar on work-life balance and women’s health in the age of AI. The initiative highlights Star Health Insurance’s commitment to enhancing women’s health and empowering women in the workforce.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released the ‘Handbook on Indian Insurance Statistics 2023-24’ in March 2025. This report provides valuable insights into the Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) of various insurers, which helps consumers and stakeholders assess the efficiency and reliability of insurance companies in India. The report is vital in understanding the performance of private and public insurers in settling claims, offering a detailed breakdown of CSR metrics across different life insurance companies.

Mumbai led the growth in warehousing demand in India in 2024, with 10.3 million square feet of warehousing transactions. India's overall warehousing transactions rose by 12% year-on-year to 56.4 million square feet, driven by the expansion of manufacturing and third-party logistics (3PL). Other cities like Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai also saw significant growth in demand, but Mumbai took the lead. Additionally, private equity investments surged, reflecting the growth of e-commerce and the supply chain sector.

No Smoking Day is observed on the second Wednesday of March every year, and in 2025, it falls on March 12. This annual health awareness event aims to encourage smokers to quit and educate the public about the risks associated with tobacco consumption. It highlights the harmful effects of smoking on health, including respiratory issues, skin problems, and cardiovascular diseases. The day also supports global efforts to reduce tobacco use and raise awareness about secondhand smoke’s impact on non-smokers.

Indian pharmaceutical exports ranked 11th globally in terms of value in 2023, according to a secondary market research analysis published by Bain and Company in 2025. The country's pharmaceutical exports accounted for 3% of the total global pharmaceutical exports. This recognition highlights India's growing significance in the global pharmaceutical industry, alongside its efforts to improve product quality through regulatory measures like the amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act in 2008.

The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) is located in New Delhi. Recently, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Adamas University, Kolkata, to foster academic and research collaboration in the field of Homoeopathy. This partnership is expected to advance scientific research in Homoeopathy by encouraging knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives, marking a significant milestone in the field.

Bangladesh is participating with India in the 6th edition of the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) and the 4th edition of the bilateral exercise 'BONGOSAGAR' in 2025. These exercises, held in the Bay of Bengal, aim to enhance maritime security, improve cooperation, and combat criminal activities at sea. The exercises have been a part of the ongoing naval collaboration between India and Bangladesh since 2018, focusing on intelligence exchange, maritime patrols, and operational interoperability between the two nations' naval forces.

Airtel has entered into an agreement with SpaceX to provide Starlink's high-speed internet services to its customers in India. This agreement is subject to SpaceX receiving the necessary authorizations to sell Starlink in India. The partnership aims to explore how Starlink can complement and expand Airtel's existing offerings, enhancing its customers' internet experience. This move marks a significant development in India's internet services market.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian to receive the highest civilian award of Mauritius, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. This prestigious honour adds to PM Modi's growing list of international accolades, marking it as his 21st such recognition. The award highlights his significant contributions to strengthening India's relations with Mauritius and enhancing international diplomacy.