Current Affairs - March 30, 2025 Current Affairs

India’s automobile sector experienced record growth in the fiscal year 2023-24, with total vehicle production reaching 28 million units. This surge in production reflects India’s transformation into a global manufacturing hub, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) segment. The growth is attributed to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which has significantly boosted domestic manufacturing, foreign direct investments (FDI), and exports. This milestone underscores India’s strategic push to strengthen its automotive industry, contributing to economic growth and employment generation.

India’s ranking in the SDG index for 2024 has improved to 109th out of 166 countries. This reflects the country’s progress in achieving sustainable development through various initiatives and policy reforms. The SDG index measures progress across 17 interconnected goals, including poverty reduction, gender equality, and climate action. India’s improvement is driven by enhanced performance at both the national and state levels, with notable advancements in areas like health, education, and renewable energy. However, challenges remain in areas like inequality and strong institutions, which require continuous efforts.

India’s recent formalization of its membership in the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN), an initiative led by the United States to secure supply chains for critical minerals. This move highlights India’s strategic alignment with global efforts to enhance the stability and security of mineral resources essential for economic and technological development. The MSFN, building on the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) initiated in 2022, aims to mitigate supply chain risks associated with critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, which are vital for clean energy technologies and digital infrastructure.

Karnataka’s initiative to address the rising human-elephant conflict in the Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu districts through a “soft-release” strategy. This approach involves gradually rehabilitating captured elephants into the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS), where they will undergo acclimatization and health checks in a 20 sq. km enclosure before being released to designated sites. BWS, a Project Tiger reserve, supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and over 250 bird species, and is home to around 450 elephants with a capacity for 200 more. This strategy aims to balance conservation efforts with human-wildlife coexistence.

The International Day of Zero Waste is observed on March 30 each year, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly through a resolution adopted on December 14, 2022. This global initiative, led by Türkiye with support from 105 countries, aims to promote sustainable waste management practices and reduce environmental degradation. The focus of the day is to raise awareness about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, with the 2025 theme emphasizing zero waste in the fashion and textile industry.

India launched ‘Operation Brahma’ as an emergency relief mission to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake on March 29, 2025. This mission included disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and medical support. India quickly mobilized resources, with Indian Air Force aircraft carrying essential supplies and setting up a field hospital in the affected regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direct communication with Myanmar’s leadership underscored India’s commitment to being a first responder in times of crisis, reflecting strong bilateral ties and regional solidarity.

The Mao Nagas, an indigenous tribe residing primarily in the northern region of Manipur, near the southern border of Nagaland. The Mao Council, representing this tribe, has officially endorsed a judgment by the Tenyimia People’s Organisation (TPO) Presidential Council, resolving a traditional land dispute. This development reflects efforts towards regional harmony between Manipur and Nagaland. The Mao Nagas are known for their agricultural economy, patriarchal social structure, and strong community ties, with their language also named Mao, signifying their deep connection to their homeland.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to amend the Disaster Management Act, which was originally enacted in 2005. This act laid the foundation for disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation in India, including the establishment of key bodies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). The amendments are designed to enhance disaster governance, improve risk assessment strategies, and strengthen regulatory powers, ensuring a more effective and resilient response to natural and man-made disasters.

India’s proactive role in proposing regulations on fisheries subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO). This initiative has garnered support from several developing nations and least developed countries (LDCs), as it aims to address issues like overcapacity and overfishing. The focus is on promoting sustainable fishing practices through the second phase of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA), with special considerations for developing nations and LDCs under transitional provisions. This reflects India’s commitment to responsible global fishing practices and ecological sustainability.

India will host the 81st International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in June 2025. This event underscores India’s dynamic growth in the aviation sector, with projections to become the third-largest aviation market globally within this decade. India’s aviation industry is a significant contributor to employment and GDP, with an expanding network of airports and increasing passenger traffic. Hosting the IATA summit reflects India’s growing prominence in global aviation, showcasing its infrastructure developments and strategic importance in the international air transport industry.