Current Affairs - March 26, 2025 Current Affairs

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) partnered with IIM Ahmedabad to enhance India's national data ecosystem and promote evidence-based policymaking. This collaboration focuses on the use of AI in policy formulation, improving decision-making, and addressing biases. Through this partnership, the aim is to foster data innovation and collaboration for the development of effective public policies, thereby strengthening the role of data in shaping national governance.

India has emerged as the world’s largest milk producer, currently producing 239 million metric tons (MMT) of milk. The country contributes over 24% of the global milk production, a position it has maintained through significant growth in its dairy sector. India’s target is to increase its milk production to 300 MMT in the next five years. This remarkable growth has been largely driven by initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), which has been instrumental in improving both the quality and quantity of milk production.

Brisbane’s iconic Gabba stadium will be demolished following the 2032 Olympics, making way for a new 60,000-capacity venue at Victoria Park. This new stadium is designed to cater to cricket and other sports, ensuring the continued prominence of cricket in Queensland. The redevelopment is part of a broader infrastructure growth initiative ahead of the 2032 Olympics, supported by Cricket Australia and local sports bodies. The move reflects Brisbane’s commitment to enhancing its sports facilities for future events and long-term use.

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), led by Mukesh Ambani, acquired a 100% stake in Nauyaan Tradings Private Limited (NTPL) through its subsidiary Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited (RSBVL). This acquisition, valued at ₹1 lakh, is part of RIL's strategy to expand its shipyard operations and enhance its presence in key sectors such as naval, defence, and energy. The deal also involves further plans to acquire a 74% stake in Nauyaan Shipyard Private Limited (NSPL), strengthening Reliance's footprint in the shipbuilding industry.

Indonesia has decided to join the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral financial institution created by the BRICS nations. This strategic move, announced by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to boost Indonesia’s economic transformation by enhancing financial collaborations and investments in sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, and technological advancements. Joining NDB will provide Indonesia with access to crucial funding that aligns with its economic goals, supporting its long-term vision of a sustainable and technologically advanced economy.

International Unborn Child Day is celebrated every year on March 25. This day is significant for raising awareness about the rights and protection of unborn children. The date was chosen because it falls exactly nine months before Christmas and coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation, commemorating the moment when Jesus was conceived. The day emphasizes the value of unborn life and urges societies to recognize and uphold the rights of unborn children. It serves as a reminder of the importance of life from its earliest stages.

The OECD study highlights that accelerated climate action could result in a 0.2% increase in global GDP by 2040, compared to current policies. Well-designed climate policies, which focus on enhancing productivity and fostering innovation, have the potential to significantly drive economic growth. This boost in GDP is equivalent to the size of Sweden’s economy, illustrating the positive economic impact of addressing climate change. Conversely, unclear climate policies could have the opposite effect, potentially reducing GDP by 0.75% by 2030.

Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has announced the development of the Ganga and Sharda river corridors to enhance religious tourism and improve facilities for pilgrims. This initiative aims to reinforce Uttarakhand's position as a key spiritual destination while preserving its cultural heritage. The project will focus on improving infrastructure to make the region more accessible to devotees from both India and abroad.

Rajiv Gauba, the former Cabinet Secretary of India, has been appointed as a Full-Time Member of NITI Aayog, a position he assumed with immediate effect. Gauba, a 1982-batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, has had a distinguished administrative career, including serving as India’s top bureaucrat from 2019 to August 2024. His extensive experience in governance, policy-making, and administration will be instrumental in contributing to NITI Aayog’s role in formulating long-term strategies and promoting national development.

S&P Global has revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5%, down by 20 basis points from the earlier estimate of 6.7%. The revised forecast takes into account assumptions such as stable commodity prices and a normal monsoon. The report highlights key factors such as cooling food inflation, tax benefits from the FY26 Budget, and lower borrowing costs that are expected to support domestic consumption and economic activity. Despite global trade uncertainties, India's services exports to the US are anticipated to remain resilient.

India and Singapore have entered into a partnership focused on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation. The countries plan to create a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by adopting green marine fuels and digital solutions. This initiative underscores their commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability in the maritime industry.

Sanjay Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), was elected as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia during the UWW-Asia General Assembly held in Amman, Jordan, on March 24, 2025. Singh secured 22 out of 38 votes, reflecting strong support from the Asian wrestling community. His election is a significant achievement for Indian wrestling, enhancing India’s international presence and contributing to the development of the sport in Asia. This milestone highlights the global recognition and growth of Indian wrestling.