Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ‘One Nation-One Port’ to enhance efficiency with ease of doing business
• Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced key reforms to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure and strengthen its role in global trade. One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP): Standardizing Port Operations.
• Objective: Establish a unified operational framework for all major ports in India.
 Benefits:
• Reduces operational delays through standardized procedures.
• Lowers logistics costs by eliminating inefficiencies.
• Improves global competitiveness by aligning with international standards.

 

British-Era Foy Lake Renamed ‘Varun Sagar’ in Latest Update
• In a recent update of events and through the source Rajasthan Patrika, it has been announced that the name of Foy lake which is a 132 years old constructed by the British government has now changed and will be named Varun Sagar.
• This announcement was made by the cabinet minister on 12th of February, 2025.
About Rajasthan:
• Capital: Jaipur
• Governor: Haribhau Bagade
• Chief Minister: Bajan Lal Sharma
• National Parks: Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Desert National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Tuhin Kanta Pandey Becomes Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman, To Serve Until 2027
• Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a three-year term, following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
• He succeedsMadhabi Puri Buch, whose tenure began on March 2, 2022, and concludes on February 28, 2025.
• Buch made history as SEBI’s first woman chairperson, serving a full three-year term.
About Tuhin Kanta Pandey:
• Tuhin Kanta Pandey is a 1987 batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre.
About SEBI :
• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI

 

New Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda Assumes Office
• Masato Kanda assumed office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on February 24, 2025.
• He succeeded Masatsugu Asakawa, who retired after a five-year tenure.
• Kanda was unanimously selected by ADB's 69-member board.

 

Amazon unveils its first quantum computing chip Ocelot
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled Ocelot, the company’s first-generation quantum computing chip.
• The new chip can slash the costs of implementing quantum error correction by up to 90%, the company stated.
Key Highlights:
• Ocelot was developed by the AWS Center for Quantum Computing at the California Institute of Technology.
• Amajor challenge with quantum computers is that they’re very sensitive to the smallest changes, or ‘noise’ in their environment, such as vibrations, heat, and electromagnetic interference from cell phones and Wi-Fi networks, Amazon stated in a media release.

 

Top 10 Richest Countries by GDP Per Capita in 2025
• Theglobal economy is projected to grow at a steady 3.3% in 2025 and 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• A key measure of economic prosperity is GDP per capita, adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), which provides a more accurate comparison of living standards across nations.
• India, the fifth-largest economy in the world, faces a notable difference in GDP per capita, ranking in the bottom 100 countries (rank: 124th, as reported by Forbes) with a GDP per capita of $11.94 thousand in
2025.

 

Zero Discrimination Day 2025 – March 1
• Observed annually on March 1, Zero Discrimination Day promotes equality, dignity, and inclusion for all individuals.
• Initiated by UNAIDS in 2014, the day addresses stigma and discrimination, particularly against marginalized communities.
2025 Theme: "We Stand Together"

 


World Civil Defence Day: 1st March
• World Civil Defence Day 2025 is celebrated every year on March 1st,
• It is a day to celebrate the importance of civil defense and commemorate the people who have sacrificed their lives for it.

 


Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts Hosts Literary Discussion on Kailash Satyarthi’s Autobiography Diyaslai
• TheIndira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), under the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, organized a literary discussion on Diyaslai, the autobiography of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi.
• The event focused on the book’s exploration of social justice, child rights, and global compassion.
About the Book – Diyaslai
• A Story of Activism & Social Change
• Diyaslai is the autobiography of Kailash Satyarthi, a renowned child rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner (2014).
• The book narrates his life struggles, activism, and relentless fight against child labor.

 


Oldest Test Cricketer Ron Draper Passed Away at 98
• Ron Draper, a top-order batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, played two Test matches for South Africa against Australia in 1950.
• Born on December 24, 1926, he made a century on his first-class debut for Eastern Province against Orange Free State on his 19th birthday.
• Draper played first-class cricket until 1959/60, finishing with a batting average of 41.64.
Oldest Living Test Cricketer Now
• With Draper’s passing, Neil Harvey (96), a former Australian cricketer, becomes the oldest living Test player.

 


World Seagrass Day – March 1
• World Seagrass Day is observed annually on March 1 to highlight the ecological importance of seagrass and promote conservation efforts.
• Seagrass plays a crucial role in maintaining marine biodiversity, stabilizing coastlines, and acting as a major carbon sink.
World Wildlife Day: 3rd March
• World Wildlife Day 2025 is celebrated on March 3rd, 2025.
• World Wildlife Day 2025 theme is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”.

 

97th Academy Awards (Oscars 2025) – Complete Winners List
• The97th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles, hosted by Conan O’Brien, celebrating the best of global cinema.
Key Highlights
• Best Picture: Anora
• Most Nominated Film: Emilia Pérez (13 nominations – record for a non-English film)
• Big Winner: Anora– Multiple wins including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Editing

 

Blue Ghost Spacecraft Successfully Lands on the Moon in Firefly's First Lunar Mission
• Firefly Aerospace, a US-based private space company, successfully landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the moon for a two-week research mission.
• Thetouchdownoccurred at 3:35 AM US East Coast time (08:35 GMT) in the Mare Crisium region, a visible lunar basin from Earth.
• Firefly becomes the second private firm to land on the moon, after Intuitive Machines, whose Odysseus lander had a damaged landing last year.
• Firefly claims Blue Ghost is the first fully successful soft landing by a private company.
• The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme, which leverages private industry for lunar exploration.

 


Virat Kohli Reaches 300 ODI Matches – A Historic Milestone
• During the ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Dubai, Virat Kohli became the seventh Indian and 22nd player in the world to play 300 One Day Internationals (ODIs). Kohli Joins Elite Club of Indian ODI Legends
• Kohli is the seventh Indian cricketer to reach 300 ODIs.
• Sachin Tendulkar holds the Indian record with 463 ODIs, followed by MS Dhoni (347 matches).

 


Jay Shah Receives Icon of Excellence Award at Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025
• Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has been awarded the prestigious Icon of Excellence Award at the 14th Edition of the Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2025 for his outstanding contributions to cricket administration and global expansion of the sport.
Major Achievements of Jay Shah:
Youngest ICC Chairman:
• BecameICC Chairman at 36 years old, the youngest in history.
• Focused on globalizing cricket, ensuring financial stability, and enhancing the game's competitiveness Journey from BCCI to ICC:
As BCCI Secretary, he led key reforms such as:
• Launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL)– boosting women’s cricket.
• Pay Parity Policy– equal match fees for male and female cricketers.
• Improvement of Domestic Cricket Infrastructure in India.
• Modernization of the National Cricket Academy (NCA)– creating a Centre of Excellence for player development.

 

National Safety Day: 4th March
• National Safety Day 2025 is celebrated on March 4th, 2025.
• The National Safety Day 2025 Theme is "Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat“ India Inaugurates First World Peace Center in Gurugram, Haryana
• Indiahas taken a major step towards global peace and harmony with the inauguration of its first World Peace Center in Gurugram, Haryana.
• Established by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti under the guidance of Jain Acharya Lokesh, the center aims to promote non-violence, spiritual awareness, human values, and universal brotherhood. Grand Inauguration Ceremony
The event witnessed the presence of prominent leaders and spiritual figures, including:
• Former President Ram Nath Kovind
• Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria
• Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan
• Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini
• Spiritual leaders: Shri Shri Ravi Shankar, Morari Bapu, and Govinddev Giri
• Swami Ramdev(joined virtually)

 


Guinea Eliminates Human African
• Fever Trypanosomiasis as Public Health Problem
• TheWorld Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated Guinea for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) as a public health problem.
• This marks a significant achievement, especially as it is the first neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in the country. The announcement comes ahead of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day on 30 January.
Key highlights
• Human African trypanosomiasis(HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness, is a vector-borne
parasitic disease caused by infected tsetse flies. Symptoms include:
• Headaches
• Joint pain
Guinea joins seven other countries validated by WHO for eliminating the gambiense form of HAT:
• Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Côte d’Ivoire (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022), Ghana
(2023) and Chad (2024)
About WHO (World Health Organization):
• Founded:7 April 1948
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Parent Organization: United Nations (UN)
• Director-General:Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
About Guinea:
• Capital: Conakry
• Currency: Guinean Franc (GNF)

 

Uruguay’s new leftist President Yamandú Orsi takes office
• Yamandu Orsi was sworn in as Uruguay’s president on March 1, 2025, for a five-year term.
• He is from the left-wing coalition Broad Front and won the election by defeating center-right rival Alvaro Delgado in a closely contested race.
• Born in June 1967, Orsi previously worked as a school history teacher before becoming active in local politics.
• Carolina Cosse was sworn in as vice president
About Uruguay:
• Capital: Montevideo​
• Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)​
• President: Yamandú Orsi (since March 1, 2025)

 

Vidarbha Clinches Third Ranji Trophy Title with Dominant Performance
• Vidarbha secured their third Ranji Trophy title in seven seasons, emerging victorious in the 2024-25 final against Kerala in Nagpur.
• Led byAkshay Wadkar, the team won the championship on first-innings lead after the match ended in a draw at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on March 2, 2025.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Vantara: A Landmark Wildlife Conservation Center in Gujarat
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated Vantara, an advanced animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation center in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
• The event was attended by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, Anant Ambani, and Radhika Merchant.
• During his visit, PM Modi explored state-of-the-art facilities, interacted with rehabilitated animals, and observed medical procedures at the center’s wildlife hospital.
• His presence underscored India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species.
Key species protected at Vantara:
• Asiatic Lions
• Snow Leopards
• One-Horned Rhinoceroses

 

India's First Comprehensive River Dolphin Survey Records 6,327 Dolphins in Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Beas
• India’s first-ever comprehensive river dolphin population survey (2021–2023) has recorded a total of 6,327 river dolphins, covering the Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins and the Beas river.
• Conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with state forest departments and non-profit organizations, the findings were announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 7th National
Board for Wildlife meeting at Gir National Park.
Key Highlights
Survey Overview
• Total Dolphin Population: 6,327 (6,324 Gangetic dolphins + 3 Indus river dolphins).

 

Tyre major MRF announces Shubman Gill as brand ambassador
• Tyre major MRF has signed cricketer Shubman Gill, Team India's Vice Captain in the ICC Champions Cup, as its brand ambassador.
• Shubman Gill, who was recently announced as the No 1 ranked ODI batter in the ICC Men’s Player rankings, joins a group of elite cricketers who have been associated with the MRF name.
• Shubman Gill’s association was announced by MRF as a partnership that will extend across all future cricket tournaments.

 


Australian cricketing legend Steve Smith Announces Retirement from One-Day Internationals
• Australian cricketing legend Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs), ending an illustrious career in the 50-over format.
• Known for his unorthodox yet effective batting technique, Smith played a pivotal role in Australia’s ODI success, evolving from a leg spinning all-rounder to one of the most dependable middle-order
batters.
• With170 matches, 5800 runs, and two World Cup victories, Smith leaves behind an enduring legacy in Australian cricket.
• However, he remains committed to Test and T20 cricket, focusing on upcoming international assignments.

 

Indian Grandmaster Pa Iniyan Wins Cannes International Open 2025
• Indian Grandmaster Pa Iniyan clinched the Cannes International Open title, defeating compatriot V Pranesh in the ninth and final round in Cannes, France.
About the Tournament
• 38th edition of the Cannes International Open.
• 147 participants from 25 countries.
• Top Competitors: 6 Grandmasters and 21 International Masters.

 

International Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day: March 5
• Every year on March 5, the world observes International Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day to promote global awareness and understanding of disarmament issues, particularly among the youth.

 

United States President Trump announces reciprocal tariffs from April 2, 2025
• United States (US) President Donald Trump has announced the implementation of reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, reinforcing his administration’s stance on trade policy and criticizing the European Union, China, Brazil, India, and South Korea for imposing high tariffs on US goods.
• In his inaugural address to a joint session of Congress, Trump stated, “Whatever they tax us, we tax them.”
About USA:
• Capital: Washington, D.C.
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
• President: Donald Trump
• Vice President: JD Vance

 

Supreme Court Declares Right Against Disability Based Discrimination as Fundamental Right
• The Supreme Court has ruled that the right against disability-based discrimination must be considered a fundamental right, reinforcing the constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination.
• The judgment came in response to petitions challenging certain provisions of the Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Judicial Service Rules, which were found to be discriminatory.
Key Highlights :
• Eligibility of Visually Impaired Candidates: The Court ruled that visually impaired candidates are eligible to participate in judicial service selection processes.
• Striking Down Discriminatory Provisions: The Court struck down Rule 6A of the Madhya Pradesh Judicial Service Rules, 1994, which excluded visually.

 

Indian President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates ‘Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ in New Delhi
• OnMarch 5, 2025, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the second edition of Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
• This festival is dedicated to showcasing India’s diverse cultural heritage, with each edition highlighting a different region of the country.
Key Highlights
• The2025 edition of the festival spotlights the Southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, along with the Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
• The festival serves as a platform for artisans, performers, writers, and culinary experts to display their talent.

 

Former Tank Commander Appointed As Israel's New Military Chief
• Eyal Zamir becomes Israel's new armed forces chief.
• He replaced Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who resigned after acknowledging failures in preventing Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack.
• Takes charge at a critical moment in Israel's war with Hamas.
• Theceasefire that started on January 19 remains fragile.
• Oversees operations in the occupied West Bank, where tanks have been deployed for the first time in 20 years.
• Facesrising tensions with Iran.
• Supports Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s goal of "absolute victory" over Hamas.

 

Reserve Bank of India appoints Dr Ajit Ratnakar Joshi as new Executive Director
• Dr Ajit Ratnakar Joshi has been appointed as Executive Director (ED) of the RBI, effective March 3, 2025.
• He will oversee the Department of Statistics and Information Management and the Financial Stability Department.
• Previously served as Principal Adviser in the Department of Statistics and Information Management.
• Over30 years of experience in statistics, information technology, and cyber risk management.
Central Government Appoints IAS Ajay Bhadoo as Chief Executive Officer, Government e-Marketplace
• Shri Ajay Bhadoo has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace (GeM), effective March 3, 2025.
• He will continue his role as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce.
World’s largest iceberg stuck near Antarctic island after 40-year journey
• The world's largest iceberg, A23a, calved from the Antarctic ice shelf in 1986 and remained grounded for over 30 years before breaking free in 2020.
• Its recent journey north has been tracked via satellite, and as of March 1st, it is grounded 73km from South Georgia Island.

 

ICC ODI Rankings Update: Kohli Rises to No. 4, Rohit Drops to No. 5
• Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has moved up to the 4 spot in the ICC ODI rankings for batters after his match-winning knock against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai.
• His innings helped India secure a four-wicket victory, advancing them to the final, where they will face either South Africa or New Zealand.
Key Highlights:
• Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma has slipped two places to No. 5 in the ODI rankings.
• Despite aggressive starts for India, his overall performance in the tournament has been modest, scoring 104 runs in four matches, with a highest score of 41.
• India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill continues to dominate the ICC ODI run-scorers list, maintaining his 1 ranking. He is followed by Pakistan’s Babar Azam, who holds the second position.

 

HDFC Bank launches Project HAKK to support Indian Air Force (IAF) veterans
• HDFC Bank has introduced Project HAKK (Hawai Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra) to support Indian Air Force (IAF) pensioners, veterans, and their families by providing essential services and financial
empowerment.
• HDFC Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Air Force (IAF), represented by the Assistant Chief of Air Staff – Accounts & Air Veterans, and CSC Academy.
• 25 centres will be established across various Air Force units, including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Pune, Secunderabad, Guwahati, Jodhpur, and Chandigarh.

 

Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025: Promoting Affordable and Quality Medicines
• Every year, March 7th is observed as Jan Aushadhi Diwas to spread awareness about generic medicines and promote their accessibility across India.
• This initiative is a part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which aims to make quality medicines affordable.
• A week-long celebration is organized nationwide from March 1st to March 7th to commemorate this occasion, focusing on the benefits and availability of low-cost medicines.
• The2025 celebrations commenced with a flagship event in the National Capital Region (NCR), highlighting the impact of the scheme.
What is PMBJP?
• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings.

 


Federal Bank appoints Vidya Balan as its Brand Ambassador
• Federal Bank, a leading private sector bank, has appointed Bollywood actress Vidya Balan as its first-ever brand ambassador.
• The announcement was made during a special ceremony in Mumbai, where Vidya Balan was presented with a commemorative memento by K.V.S. Manian, Managing Director & CEO of Federal Bank.
• This partnership marks a strategic evolution for Federal Bank, aligning with its vision of brand transformation and enhanced market presence.

 

Saina Nehwal becomes Strategic Investor and Brand Ambassador for Naarica
• Naarica, a leading brand in menstrual hygiene, has announced a strategic partnership with badminton icon Saina Nehwal, who will join as both an investor and brand ambassador. Amul Ranked 3rd Most Valued Brand in YouGov India Value Rankings 2025
• Amul, India’s largest milk cooperative, has been ranked as the third most valued brand in the YouGov India Value Rankings 2025.
• Theonly FMCG brandin the top three, alongside Amazon and Flipkart.
• Recognition underscores Amul’s cooperative model, ensuring fair pricing for farmers and affordable dairy products for consumers.
Amul’s Market Standing
• Ranked No.1inTier-2 cities.
• Among the top three in Tier-1 and Tier-3 cities.
• Ranks third among male consumers and second among female consumers.

 

Bangladesh’s seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim Announces Retirement from ODIs
• Bangladesh’s seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, Mushfiqur Rahim, has officially announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following the conclusion of Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy campaign.
• The37-year-old veteran shared his decision on Instagram, marking the end of an illustrious 19-year career in ODI cricket.

 

National Dentist’s Day 2025: March 6th,2005
• March 6th is observed as National Dentist’s Day in India and worldwide.
• This day highlights the importance of oral health, encourages better dental care habits, and acknowledges the dedication of dentists in maintaining healthy smiles.

 


International Women’s Day: 8th March
• International Women’s Day 2025 is celebrated on 8th March 2025.
• Clara Zetkin proposes a Women's Day celebration, and International Women's Day is celebrated annually from this point forth, which is a day for Women in 1911.