IMPORTANT DAYS

National Vaccination Day 2025 observed on March 16

• National Vaccination Day Observed annually on March 16 to emphasize the importance of immunization.

• Commemorates the launch of the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme in 1995.

• Marks the administration of the first oral polio vaccine dose.

• Aimed at eradicating polio through mass vaccination efforts.

• India was officially declared polio-free by WHO in 2014.

• Reflects the nation’s dedication to preventing diseases through vaccines.

• The 2024 theme was "Vaccines Work for Everyone."

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 Begins in New Delhi

• PM Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.

• New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon attended as the chief guest at the inaugural session.

• The three-day event is scheduled from March 17 to 19, 2025.

• Theme for 2025: “Kālachakra – People, Peace, and Planet”.

• 125 countries are participating in the discussions.

• Over 3,500 attendees are present at the event.

• Key conversations will take place across six major pillars.

• Raisina Dialogue Annual conference since 2016, focusing on global issues.

• India’s premier platform on geopolitics and geoeconomics.

• Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

STATE NEWS

Lachit Barphukan Police Academy Inaugurated by Amit Shah

• Lachit Barphukan Police Academy Inaugurated by Amit shah in Dergaon, Assam.

• He stated that the academy would become India’s top police training institute in five years.

• Paid tribute to Lachit Barphukan, known for Assam’s victory over the Mughals.

• His biography has been translated into 23 languages.

• Phase 1 of the academy was completed at ₹167 crore; total cost ₹1,050 crore for all phases.

• The academy aims to be India’s best in police training.

• Assam’s Development Under PM Modi : Several peace agreements signed, including:

✓ Bodoland Agreement (2020)

✓ Karbi Anglong Agreement (2021)

✓ Tribal Peace Pact (2022)

✓ ULFA & Interstate Agreements (2023)

✓ Assam to get a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor project.

✓ Advantage Assam 2.0 secured investments worth ₹5.18 lakh crore.

✓ Grants to Assam increased 4x under Modi—from ₹1.27 lakh crore to ₹4.49 lakh crore.

• Major Infrastructure Projects

✓ Bharatmala highway expansion (200 km) at ₹10,000 crore.

✓ Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge under construction with ₹3,000 crore investment.

✓ Silchar-Churaibari corridor being upgraded to four lanes.

✓ Majuli Island roads being developed at ₹1,000 crore.

✓ NH-715K to connect Majuli & Jorhat.

✓ Gopinath Ji Airport expansion underway.

✓ AIIMS Assam being established.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

UN80 Initiative Announced to Enhance UN Efficiency

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the ‘UN80 Initiative’ to enhance the efficiency of UN operations.

• The initiative aims to identify and implement improvements in UN processes.

• It will also review the execution of mandates assigned by member states.

• The UN General Assembly approved a $3.72 billion budget for 2025.

• The United States remains the largest financial contributor to the UN.

• $5.6 billion has been allocated for UN peacekeeping operations (July 2024 – June 2025).

• India contributed $37.64 million to the UN Regular Budget for 2025.

NATIONAL NEWS

India Adds Six Sites to UNESCO's Tentative Heritage List

• UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre added six Indian properties to its tentative list on 7 March 2025.

• Newly added sites:

✓ Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)

✓ Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)

✓ Ashokan Edict Sites (Multiple States)

✓ Chausath Yogini Temples (MP, Odisha)

✓ Gupta Temples (Multiple States)

✓ Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (MP, UP)

• Inclusion in the tentative list is a prerequisite for future World Heritage status.

• With these additions, India now has 62 sites on the tentative list.

• Currently, 43 Indian properties are officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

✓ 35 Cultural Sites

✓ 7 Natural Sites

✓ 1 Mixed Site

• India hosted the World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time in 2024.

SPORTS

Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025

• India showcased an outstanding performance at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, held in Turin, Italy, by winning a total of 33 medals.

• Medal tally: 8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze.

• India secured 10 medals each in snowshoeing and alpine skiing.

• Other medals: 6 in snowboarding, 4 in short track speed skating, 2 in cross-country skiing, and 1 in floorball.

• The 12th edition of the Games took place from 8 to 15 March after an 8-year gap.

• Italy hosted the event for the first time in the Piedmont region.

• 1,500 athletes from 100+ countries competed in eight sports.

• Santiago, Chile will host the 2027 edition.

Mumbai Indians Win Second Women's Premier League Title

• Mumbai Indians secured their second WPL title, defeating Delhi Capitals by 8 runs in the final at Brabourne Stadium.

• This marked Delhi Capitals' third consecutive loss in a WPL final.

• The Women's Premier League (WPL) is an annual T20 cricket tournament for women in India.

• It is organized by the WPL Governing Council under the BCCI.

• The league began in 2023, featuring five teams competing for the title.

Fit India Carnival 2025 Kicks Off in New Delhi

• Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Fit India Carnival on 16 March 2025 in New Delhi.

• A three-day festival promoting fitness and wellness.

• Aims to inspire a healthy and active lifestyle.

• Featured sports activities like rope skipping, stationary cycling, arm wrestling, cricket bowling, squats, and push-ups.

• A booklet on the Fit India Cycle initiative was released during the event.

• Actor Ayushmann Khurrana was honored as a Fit India Icon.

• Wrestler Sangram Singh and other sports personalities attended.

• The event opened with Kalaripayattu, Gatka, and Mallakhamb performances, showcasing India’s martial arts heritage.

MISCELLANEOUS

India & New Zealand Begin FTA Negotiations

• India and New Zealand have started talks for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

• The move aims to strengthen trade ties and create new economic opportunities.

• The announcement came during a bilateral meeting between PM Narendra Modi and New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon.

• India’s exports to New Zealand in 2023-24 stood at $538 million, while imports were $335 million.

• In 2024-25 (until December 31), India’s exports grew by 21.49% to $496 million.

• Major imports from New Zealand: Wool, iron & steel, fruits, nuts, and aluminum.

• Key Indian exports: Pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, pearls, precious stones, and metals.

• The two nations share a strong partnership based on democratic values, economic ties, and cultural connections.