Current Affairs - March 28, 2025 Current Affairs

World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27. This international observance was initiated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1961 to recognize the importance of theatre as an art form. The date marks the opening of the “Theatre of Nations” season in Paris, which highlighted the global significance of theatre. The day serves to promote theatre’s role in storytelling, cultural exchange, social transformation, and artistic expression, while also encouraging support from governments, institutions, and the public for the growth of the theatrical arts.

The information highlights that South Korea is experiencing its most severe wildfires, affecting over 33,000 hectares and resulting in at least 26 fatalities. The fires originated in Uiseong and spread quickly due to dry conditions and strong winds, making them difficult to control. Experts also point to climate change as a key factor behind the increasing frequency and intensity of such deadly wildfires.

The fourth 25T Bollard Pull Tug Yuvan was inducted at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This tug, part of a contract with M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd, is indigenously designed to support the berthing, un-berthing, and manoeuvring of Naval ships and submarines. It also assists in fire-fighting and limited Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. The induction ceremony was attended by senior naval officials, including Cmde Rajeev John, General Manager (Refit). Visakhapatnam's strategic naval dockyard location made it the ideal site for this important addition.

In 2024, India emerged as the world’s second-largest tea exporter, surpassing Sri Lanka and following Kenya, which remained the top exporter. India exported 254 million kilograms of tea, marking a significant growth from the previous year. This achievement reflects the success of favourable government policies, increased production of orthodox tea, and robust industry support. The Indian tea industry aims to reach an export target of 300 million kilograms by 2030, driven by strategic initiatives to expand market reach and enhance the quality of tea exports globally.

The 8th State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) Meeting was held in Gangtok, Sikkim, organized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The meeting focused on critical financial security issues such as implementing the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes (BUDS) Act, addressing digital financial frauds, and promoting investor awareness. Chaired by Shri Ravindra Telang, Chief Secretary of Sikkim, and attended by officials from RBI, SEBI, and state departments, the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between central and state authorities to enhance financial stability and fraud prevention.

Exercise Prachand Prahar, a tri-service military drill involving the Army, Air Force, and Navy, was conducted in Arunachal Pradesh. The exercise focused on integrated operations, utilizing advanced surveillance assets and synchronized joint firepower to neutralize targets in an electronically contested environment. Senior officials reviewed the exercise, building on the success of the previous Exercise Poorvi Prahar held in November 2024. Arunachal Pradesh's strategic location made it an ideal site for this high-level military exercise.

In the Khelo India Para Games 2025, Haryana emerged as the top-performing state, securing 104 medals, including 34 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze. This marked Haryana’s continued dominance, as they also led the medal tally in the inaugural edition of KIPG 2023. The state showcased exceptional talent, with athletes like Manish Kumar and Manjeet contributing significantly to their success. Haryana’s performance highlighted its strong para-sports infrastructure and focus on nurturing athletes with disabilities, reinforcing its position as a leader in promoting sports excellence in India.

The US has imposed a 25% tariff on imported cars and auto components, a move aimed at protecting domestic industries and boosting local manufacturing. This policy is expected to have global repercussions, impacting markets like the EU, Canada, India, and China. While Indian automakers may face limited immediate challenges, auto component manufacturers and tyre companies exporting to the US could experience significant revenue impacts. The tariff aligns with broader trade strategies to encourage US-based production, potentially leading to price hikes for American consumers and shifts in global trade dynamics.

Yusuf Pachmariwala has been appointed as the Managing Director & CEO of Hitachi Cash Management Services (CMS), a subsidiary of Hitachi Payment Services, starting April 1, 2025. He succeeded Anup Neogi, who retired after a successful tenure. Pachmariwala’s extensive background in cash business operations and digital payments, coupled with his leadership role in scaling cash services, makes him well-suited for this position. His appointment is expected to strengthen Hitachi CMS’s growth strategy, operational efficiency, and innovation in cash management and digital payment solutions.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) partnered with IIIT-Hyderabad to launch a global biometric challenge aimed at enhancing the accuracy of fingerprint authentication in children. The focus is on addressing age-related changes to ensure long-term reliability in Aadhaar authentication. This large-scale Biometric SDK Benchmarking Challenge targets 1:1 fingerprint matching algorithms for children aged 5-10 years and their biometric updates over time. The initiative encourages global participation, with opportunities for collaboration with UIDAI for top performers, highlighting IIIT-Hyderabad’s role in advancing biometric technology research.

India’s first Nano Electronics Roadshow was inaugurated at IISc Bengaluru by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The event aimed to advance India’s semiconductor ecosystem, promoting industry-academia collaboration, indigenous research, and the startup ecosystem. The roadshow featured over 100 intellectual properties, 50+ technologies, and 35+ startups showcasing innovations supported by nanoelectronics centres. The event also highlighted India’s push for self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with IISc Bengaluru playing a pivotal role in hosting and facilitating this significant event.

The Ministry of Rural Development has partnered with UNICEF YuWaah to create livelihood opportunities for 35 lakh rural women. This collaboration focuses on skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship programs. Key initiatives include “Computer Didi Centers” and “Didi ki Dukan” in five states, with plans to expand nationwide. Additionally, a “Youth Hub” has been introduced to promote women entrepreneurs and enhance job opportunities. UNICEF’s involvement highlights its commitment to supporting youth and women’s empowerment globally.

The Lanka India Business Association (LIBA) was officially launched in Sri Lanka to strengthen economic collaboration between India and Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to foster trade, investment, and business networking, capitalizing on India’s growing economic influence as it moves towards becoming the world’s second-largest economy by 2075. Sri Lanka’s strategic location and historical trade ties with India make it an ideal partner for deeper economic integration. The formation of LIBA is expected to accelerate the already strong economic relations between the two nations.