Current Affairs - March 25, 2025 Current Affairs

The "Hack the Future" hackathon, a 36-hour event hosted by NSO India and IIT Gandhinagar, saw participation from 18 teams from top institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs. The hackathon involved tackling innovative challenges, and Plaksha University emerged as the winner in two categories. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology won in the third category, while IIT Jammu, VIT Vellore, and NIT Goa secured second place. The event was successfully concluded at IIT Gandhinagar, further promoting innovation and collaboration among the brightest minds from leading educational institutions.

Ajay Seth has been appointed as the new Finance Secretary of India, succeeding Tuhin Kanta Pandey. Seth has been serving as the Economic Affairs Secretary since 2021 and has played a crucial role in shaping financial policies and infrastructure financing. With over 30 years of experience in public finance and taxation, his leadership is expected to guide India’s economic growth while maintaining fiscal discipline. Seth has also been instrumental in Karnataka's tax reforms and has significantly contributed to the nation’s economic reforms.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set the interest rate for the Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2033 (GOI FRB 2033) at 8.34% per annum for the six-month period from March 22, 2024, to September 21, 2024. This rate is determined using a floating rate mechanism based on the Weighted Average Yield (WAY) of the last three auctions of 182-day Treasury Bills, with a fixed spread of 1.22%. The rate is revised semi-annually to reflect current market conditions, making it suitable for investors seeking periodic interest adjustments.

R.K. Shriramkumar, a celebrated violinist, has been selected for the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi Award for 2025, to be presented by the Music Academy. This recognition is for his significant contributions to Carnatic music, particularly in the field of violin accompaniment. He has collaborated with several legendary and contemporary artists and is an authority on Muthuswami Dikshitar’s compositions. The award will be presented during the Music Academy’s 99th annual conference, scheduled from December 15, 2025, to January 1, 2026.

The successful export of 15,000 kg of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands highlights the unique identity and quality of this chilli, which is tied to its geographical origin. The GI tag ensures the authenticity of the product and its special characteristics. The export, organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has not only helped boost international trade but also increased farmer incomes in Sikkim, promoting the region’s agricultural products globally.

The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed every year on March 25. This day honours the millions of men, women, and children who suffered under the transatlantic slave trade. The observance aims to educate future generations about the history of slavery, its lasting effects, and to promote racial justice and equality. The choice of March 25 commemorates the date in 1807 when the United Kingdom passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, which made the slave trade illegal in British territories.

Kerala became the first state in India to establish a Senior Citizens Commission with the passing of the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill, 2025. This initiative aims to safeguard the rights, welfare, and protection of senior citizens while ensuring their rehabilitation and empowerment. The commission also serves as an advisory body for policies related to elderly welfare and addresses issues such as neglect, abuse, and exploitation. By creating this statutory body, Kerala has taken a significant step toward ensuring dignity and inclusivity for its elderly population.

Dr. P.T. Usha inaugurated the National Maritime Games 2025 in Navi Mumbai, where she delivered a motivational message focusing on sportsmanship, unity, and integrity. The event, which featured over 20 sports, was designed to promote fitness and sportsmanship. Key figures from both the maritime and sports sectors were present, and Dr Usha also inaugurated the Swimming and Table Tennis events at Thakur International Sports Complex, showcasing her active involvement in promoting sports at the national level.

The BAANKNET portal is designed to enhance the transparency and effectiveness of e-auctions for bank-owned assets, particularly focusing on the disposal of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). The platform streamlines the listing and auctioning of assets, ensuring secure transactions and maximizing the realized sale value of bank-owned properties.

Tata Motors has appointed Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal as the brand ambassador for its Passenger and Electric Vehicle range. This collaboration is launched with the "Take the Curvv" campaign, promoting the upcoming Tata Curvv SUV during IPL 2025. Tata Motors aims to enhance its brand identity, focusing on innovation, excellence, and the "Make in India" initiative. The campaign will include commercials across various platforms, aligning Vicky Kaushal’s values of authenticity and disruption with the brand’s image.

Parminder Chopra has taken on the additional role of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) at REC Limited for a three-month tenure while continuing her existing role as CMD of Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC). With over 35 years of experience in the power and financial sectors, Chopra has been instrumental in financial restructuring and renewable energy financing. Her appointment to this role highlights her leadership in the energy sector, alongside her notable achievements at PFC, including leading the company to record-high profits and pioneering its transition into renewable energy financing.