Current Affairs - March 27, 2025 Current Affairs

The Agri Stack system is designed to ensure the accuracy of crop production data collection and prioritizes the privacy and security of farmers' information, adhering to data protection laws. This system plays a vital role in the digital inclusion of farmers, especially those without mobile phones, through the use of FPOs, Krishi Sakhis, and CSCs.

The Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Mata Karma, a revered saint, social reformer, and devoted follower of Lord Krishna. The stamp was unveiled during a ceremony marking her 1009th birth anniversary in Raipur. Mata Karma is remembered for her deep spiritual journey, devotion to Lord Krishna, and significant social contributions, including advocating for social reform, women’s empowerment, and religious harmony. Her legacy continues to inspire people to fight against discrimination and promote unity.

Starting May 1, 2025, cash withdrawals from ATMs in India will become costlier as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved an increase in interchange fees. This fee applies when customers use an ATM from a different bank, and the additional cost will be passed on to them, especially when they exceed the free transaction limit. This decision is in response to rising operational costs faced by white-label ATM operators and is expected to impact customers, particularly those from smaller banks.

JSW Steel has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the world’s highest-valued steel manufacturer, surpassing US-based Nucor Corp. The company’s market capitalisation crossed the $30 billion mark, driven by strong stock performance and government support against low-cost steel imports. This milestone positions JSW Steel ahead of major global steel players like ArcelorMittal, Nippon Steel, and Baoshan Iron. The company’s performance has been fueled by increased domestic demand for steel and its ability to navigate challenges in the global steel market.

B Sumeeth Reddy, a key figure in India’s badminton doubles circuit, announced his retirement from professional badminton. His decision is to fully dedicate himself to coaching. Known for his successful career in both men’s and mixed doubles, Reddy was part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medal-winning squad and has had a distinguished career, including wins at international tournaments and participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics. His transition from playing to coaching marks the next chapter of his journey.

West Bengal Police launched a mobile app aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in police transfers. This app, integrated with the e-HRMS software, allows police personnel from constables to sub-inspectors to submit their transfer requests digitally. The initiative was introduced to eliminate corruption, such as bribery and favouritism, that had been associated with the transfer process. The app ensures a more transparent system and provides a way to handle transfer requests and medical exemptions efficiently.

S. K. Majumdar has been appointed as the Executive Director of Canara Bank, effective March 24, 2025. He brings over 25 years of experience in the banking sector, having previously served as the bank's Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Majumdar, a Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant, has been associated with Canara Bank since 2000 and has held various leadership roles. His appointment is expected to contribute significantly to the bank's growth and governance, further strengthening its leadership team.

AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) collaborated with SAMEER (Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research) to focus on advanced medical devices, particularly in MRI, NMR systems, and RF technologies. The collaboration aims to develop and clinically validate an indigenous 1.5 Tesla MRI system and incorporate AI/ML for image enhancement, supporting India's goal of self-reliance in MRI technology.

Sunil Kumar won the bronze medal in the 87kg Greco-Roman category at the 2025 Asian Wrestling Championships held in Amman, Jordan, defeating Jiaxin Huang from China. This achievement marks his fifth senior medal at the Asian Championships, adding to his previous silver in 2019 and a Greco-Roman gold in 2020. Sunil’s continued success further strengthens India’s presence in Greco-Roman wrestling at the international level.

The Haryana government launched the AI-driven chatbot ‘Sarathi’ to enhance public access to government documents and policies. This initiative, introduced by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, is aimed at modernizing governance by integrating artificial intelligence into administrative processes. ‘Sarathi’ allows citizens to easily access over 17,820 government documents, improving administrative efficiency, reducing delays, and promoting transparent governance by offering a user-friendly interface and 24/7 availability of important government information.

Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. was awarded the prestigious Superbrand 2025 title, marking a key achievement in its 138-year history. As the first gold loan NBFC to receive this title, it was recognized for its outstanding consumer trust, goodwill, and leadership. This award reflects the company’s strong brand equity, its solid relationships with customers, and its broad impact across both urban and rural markets, highlighting its leadership in the financial sector.

Rahul Bhave has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) for a term of three years. Prior to this role, he served as the Deputy Managing Director of IFCI. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by the Prime Minister. Bhave's leadership is expected to guide IFCI, which plays a key role in financing industrial and infrastructure projects in India.

The successful flight test of the Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) was conducted by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Navy. The test took place at the Integrated Test Range in Odisha, where the missile demonstrated its ability to engage and destroy a high-speed aerial target, highlighting DRDO’s expertise in developing advanced defence technologies. The test also validated several indigenous systems, enhancing India’s defence capabilities.