National News

India-EU Fourth Maritime Security Dialogue

• The fourth maritime security dialogue between India and the European Union (EU) was held on March 21, 2025, in New Delhi.
• The objective of this dialogue was to strengthen maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region and ensure regional stability.

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Purple Fest Event

• A one-day 'Purple Fest' was organized at Amrit Udyan in Rashtrapati Bhavan, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.
• The fest was held to celebrate the talents, achievements, and aspirations of Divyangjans (persons with disabilities).

Major initiatives related to Divyaangjans:

Annual Standardization Programme 2025-26

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will soon launch the Annual Standardisation Programme (APS) 2025-26.
• BIS has developed over 23,000 standards so far. APS 2025-26 aims to increase the rate of adoption of these standards.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):

State Special

Asia's Largest Tulip Garden

• The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Asia's largest tulip garden, will open to the public on March 26, marking the beginning of the Kashmir Valley tourism season.
• This year, the garden will showcase around 1.5 million tulips of 74 different varieties.

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'Adopted Vehicle' Registered in India

• The government informed the Parliament that over 96,000 vehicles have been registered as 'Adopted Vehicles' since 2020, specifically designed for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities).
• An Adopted Vehicle refers to a motor vehicle that is specially designed or modified for use by individuals with physical disabilities.

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International News

World's Largest Natural Hydrogen Reserve

• The world's largest natural hydrogen reserve (46 million tonnes) has been discovered beneath the soil of Folschviller in the Moselle region of France.
• The estimated value of this reserve is $92 trillion.

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UN Children's Welfare Agency Warning

• According to the United Nations Children's Welfare Agency, due to funding shortages caused by foreign aid cuts under the Trump administration, life-saving food supplies for treating severely malnourished children in Ethiopia and Nigeria will run out in the next two months.

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Decision to Revoke Temporary Legal Status

• The Trump administration has decided to revoke the temporary legal status (parole status) of approximately 530,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela in the United States, according to a notice published in the Federal Register.

United States of America (USA) :

EU Commission's Climate Target Proposal Postponed

• The European Commission has postponed the 2040 climate target proposal until after the first quarter.
• This proposal is a mid-term measure mandated by the EU Climate Law, aiming for a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, compared to 1990 levels.

Sudanese Army Regains Control of Presidential Palace

• After nearly two years of conflict, the Sudanese army has reclaimed control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.
• The conflict began in April 2023 as a power struggle between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Sudan:

Economy and Banking

One Billion Ton Coal Production

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the historic achievement of one billion tons of coal production in the country.

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East Coast Railway (ECoR)

• The East Coast Railway (ECoR) became the first railway zone in India to achieve 250 million tons (MT) of originating freight loading in the financial year 2024-25.
• This remarkable milestone was achieved 11 days ahead of schedule, on March 21, before the end of the fiscal year.

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Art and Culture

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Rajya Sabha that the central government, under the revamped 'Swadesh Darshan 2.0' scheme, has approved 34 projects with a total cost of ₹791.25 crore.

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Defense News

MoU Between AFMS and NIMHANS

• The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration in research and training.
• The agreement focuses on addressing mental health issues of personnel from all three armed forces, their families, and dependents.

Armed Forces:

Honours and Awards

Awarded 'Knights Cross of the Order of Dannebrog'

• Vijay Shankar, Chairman of Sanmar Group and Honorary Consul General of Denmark in South India, was conferred with the 'Knights Cross of the Order of Dannebrog' by the King of Denmark.
• The honor was formally presented by Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, the Ambassador of Denmark, during a ceremony in Chennai, along with an official citation.

Denmark :

Bengali drama "Nihsango Ishwar"

• The Bengali play "Nihsango Ishwar" delivered an outstanding performance at the 20th Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) 2025, winning in five categories.
• These include Best Original Script, Best Stage Design, and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male).

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Important Days

World Water Day

• World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness about water conservation and the sustainable use of water resources.
• The day aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.

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