IMPORTANT DAYS
Zero Discrimination Day 2025 observed on 1st March
• Zero Discrimination Day observed globally on 1st March to promote equality, inclusivity, and tolerance.
• The 2025 theme is "We Stand Together."
• First celebrated on March 1, 2014, Initiated by UNAIDS to fight discrimination, especially related to HIV/AIDS.
• The Zero Discrimination Campaign was launched on World AIDS Day in December 2013.
World Civil Defence Day 2025 observed on 1st March
• World Civil Defence Day observed annually on 1st March to spread awareness about civil defence.
• The 2025 theme is "Civil Defence, Guarantee of Security for the Population."
• Aims to educate people on protection strategies during emergencies.
• Focuses on safeguarding lives and property from disasters, accidents, and crises.
• Recognized as World Civil Defence Day in 1990 by the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO).
NATIONAL NEWS
Centre Amends Passport Rules for Date of Birth Proof
• The Central Government has amended the Passport Rules, 1980.
• For individuals born on or after 1st October 2023, only a birth certificate will be accepted as proof of date of birth.
• The certificate must be issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, Municipal Corporation, or other authorized bodies under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
• Applicants born before 1st October 2023 can submit alternative documents like driving licence, PAN card, voter ID, or school leaving certificate.
STATE NEWS
UP CM Announces Five New Spiritual Corridors After Maha Kumbh 2025
• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the development of five new spiritual corridors in the state.
• The announcement came after the Maha Kumbh 2025 concluded in Prayagraj on 26 February.
• The once-in-144-years Maha Kumbh was held from 13 January to 26 February 2025, witnessing over 60 crore devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam.
• The new corridors aim to enhance connectivity to major religious destinations and boost spiritual tourism along with the local economy.
• Five newly developed spiritual corridors connecting Prayagraj:
✓ Prayagraj–Vindhyachal–Kashi Corridor
✓ Prayagraj–Ayodhya–Gorakhpur Route
✓ Prayagraj–Lucknow–Naimisharanya Route
✓ Prayagraj–Rajapur–Chitrakoot Corridor
✓ Prayagraj–Mathura–Vrindavan–Shuk Teerth Corridor
Bihar’s Economy Sees Significant Growth
• Bihar’s economy tripled from ₹2.47 lakh crore in 2011-12 to ₹8.54 lakh crore in 2023-24.
• The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 2023-24 stands at ₹8,54,429 crore (current prices) and ₹4,64,540 crore (constant prices).
• State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) received 3,752 proposals worth ₹75,293 crore.
• The tax revenue share in total receipts grew from 75.3% in 2019-20 to 83.8% in 2023-24.
• The government invested ₹200.47 crore to support 40,099 entrepreneurs and provided ₹15 crore seed money to 1,706 startups.
• Life expectancy rose from 65.8 years (2006-10) to 69.5 years (2016-20).
• Milk production surged by 27.3%, while egg production saw an 85% increase (2018-19 to 2022-23).
• Bihar’s transport and communication sector recorded the third-highest growth (7.6%) among major states, behind Uttar Pradesh (10.1%) and Karnataka (7.7%).
BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE
Growth in Eight Core Industries – January 2025
• The Index of Eight Core Industries recorded a 4.6% growth in January 2025.
• Coal production rose by 4.6%.
• Petroleum refinery output saw a significant 8.3% increase.
• Crude oil production dropped by 1.1%, while natural gas output declined by 1.5%.
• Fertiliser production grew by 3%.
• Steel production witnessed a 3.7% rise.
• Cement output showed the highest surge, growing 14.5%.
• Electricity generation increased by 1.3%.
• These eight core industries hold a 40.27% share in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
India’s Economic Growth – Q3 FY 2024-25
• India’s GDP grew by 6.2% in Q3 (October-December) of FY 2024-25, as per NSO data.
• The GDP growth rate in Q2 was 5.6%.
• Real GDP for FY 2024-25 is estimated to expand by 6.5%, slightly higher than the previous 6.4% estimate.
• The GDP growth for 2023-24 has been revised to 9.2% from the earlier 8.2%.
• The fiscal deficit stood at Rs 11.69 lakh crore (74.5% of the full-year target) by the end of January 2025.
• The construction sector is projected to grow at 8.6%, followed by Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services.
• Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) is expected to rise by 7.6% in 2024-25.
• The central government’s net tax revenue reached Rs 19.03 lakh crore (74.4% of the revised estimate for 2024-25).
• Total government expenditure stood at Rs 35.7 lakh crore (75.7% of the revised estimate).
