INTERNATIONAL NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• US President Donald Trump signed an executive order making English the official language of the United States.

• This move aims to unify communication and uphold national values.

• Government agencies and federally funded organizations can now decide whether to provide services in other languages.

• For the first time, the US has officially recognized a national language at the federal level.

• Around 68 million people in the US speak languages other than English.

• The country is home to over 160 Native American languages.

• Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic are the most spoken languages after English.

• More than 30 US states have already designated English as their official language.

• Globally, about 180 countries have an official national language.

NATIONAL NEWS

PM Modi Inaugurates Vantara Wildlife Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat

• On March 4, 2025, PM Modi inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation and rehabilitation project in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

• Vantara serves as a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of animals.

• The initiative emphasizes ecological sustainability and the well-being of wildlife.

• During his visit, PM Modi encountered an elephant, a victim of an acid attack, highlighting the sanctuary’s commitment to animal welfare.

• PM Modi commended industrialist Anant Ambani for his significant contributions to the project.

• Vantara is a 3,000-acre sanctuary developed by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation.

India’s First World Peace Centre Unveiled in Gurugram

• Gurugram’s Sector 39 is now home to India’s first World Peace Centre.

• Established under the guidance of Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni and the efforts of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti.

• Former President Ram Nath Kovind and other distinguished guests attended the inauguration.

• The centre aims to be a hub for spirituality, peace education, and social unity.

• Focus areas include environmental conservation, equality, and institutional peace-building.

• It will promote awareness, social responsibility, and sustainable development.

• Strengthens global peace efforts by creating institutional networks.

• Peace ambassadors worldwide will step in to mediate conflicts and foster harmony.

India Becomes the World’s 3rd Largest Biofuel Producer

• India has secured the third position globally in biofuel production.

• As of January 2025, ethanol blending in petrol has reached 19.6%.

• Marks a major milestone in the transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources.

• 20% ethanol blending is set to be achieved much earlier than the original 2030 target.

• Over the past decade, ethanol initiatives have boosted farmers' incomes significantly.

• Has also cut down CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 1.75 crore trees.

• To support ethanol production, oil marketing companies have partnered with 131 ethanol plants.

• These plants are expected to generate 745 crore litres of ethanol annually.

RANKING AND REPORTS

India’s First-Ever Riverine Dolphin Estimation Report Released

• PM Modi unveiled the first riverine dolphin estimation report.

• Released during the 7th National Board for Wildlife meeting at Sasan Gir, Junagadh.

• India’s dolphin population is estimated at 6,327 based on the survey.

• The study covered 28 rivers across 8 states, involving 3,150 man-days and 8,500 km of river stretch.

• Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest dolphin numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

• The Ganges River Dolphin, India’s National Aquatic Animal, is nearly blind and depends on echolocation.

• 90% of the global population of this species resides in India.

• Found mainly in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli river systems.

APPOINTMENTS

Dr. Mayank Sharma Assumes Charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts

• Dr. Mayank Sharma has been appointed as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA).

• A senior officer from the 1989 batch of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS).

• Has served in various key roles within the Defence Accounts Department and other government sectors.

• Represented India internationally at the International Anti-Corruption Academy and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.

• As CGDA, he will be responsible for supervising financial operations within the Defence Accounts Department.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

"Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyaan"

• "Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyaan" Launched to Empower Women in Local Governance.

• Abhiyaan launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj at vigyan bhawan, new delhi.

• Introduced during a national workshop for women elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

• Aims to enhance leadership skills and decision-making abilities of women in grassroots governance.

• Strengthens the role of women in rural governance by building their capacity for active participation.

• Recognizing their crucial contribution, the ministry has developed a strategic approach to empower women leaders.

• Over 1,200 women Panchayat leaders from diverse backgrounds attended the event.

• The workshop included panel discussions on key topics like “Women’s Participation and Leadership in PRIs: Changing the Dynamics in Local Self-Governance.”

SPORTS

Krishna Jayasankar Becomes First Indian Woman to Cross 16m in Indoor Shot Put

• Krishna Jayasankar created history as the first Indian woman to surpass 16 meters in indoor shot put.

• She achieved a record-breaking throw of 16.03m at the 2025 Mountain West Indoor Track and Field Championships.

• This surpassed the previous Indian indoor record of 15.54m, set by Poornarao Rane in 2023.

• Ranked fourth until the penultimate round, her final throw secured the bronze medal.

• Mya Lesnar and Gabby Morns of the USA won gold and silver, respectively.

• Her previous best indoor throw was 15.03m.

• The overall Indian women’s shot put record stands at 18.41m, set by Abha Khatua at the 2024 Federation Cup.

DEFENCE

India Set to Induct Stealth Frigate ‘Tamal’ into Navy

• Tamal, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, is expected to join the Indian Navy by June 2025.

• Built in Russia at the Yantar Shipyard, it is designed for advanced naval operations.

• Armed with BrahMos missiles, it enhances India’s maritime strike capabilities.

• Part of the 2016 Indo-Russian deal for four Talwar-class stealth frigates.

• As per the agreement, two frigates were built in Russia, while two were constructed in India.

• INS Tushil, the first Russian-built frigate, was commissioned on December 9, 2024, during Rajnath Singh’s Russia visit.

• Tamal is currently undergoing trials in Russia before its official induction.

• Specifications:

•  Speed: Up to 30 knots (55 km/h)
•  Weight: 3,900 tons
•  Range: 3,000 km per mission
•  Equipped with advanced anti-submarine rockets, torpedoes, and stealth features to evade radar.
•  Can carry and deploy a multi-role helicopter for enhanced operational flexibility.

• INS Tushil and Tamal belong to the third batch of Talwar-class frigates.

• Tamal will be the last imported warship before India shifts to indigenous warship production.