IMPORTANT DAYS

World Theatre Day 2025 observed on March 27

• World Theatre Day is observed annually on March 27 to honour the significance of theatre as an art form.

• The 2025 theme is "Theatre and a Culture of Peace."

• Established in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI).

• ITI founder Arvi Kivima proposed the idea at its 9th global congress in Helsinki, Finland.

• The proposal was unanimously accepted, and the first celebration took place on March 27, 1962.

• Since then, ITI Centres and the global theatre community have marked this occasion yearly.

• French playwright Jean Cocteau wrote the first World Theatre Day message in 1962.

• The first ITI conference was in Helsinki, Finland, followed by the second in Vienna, Austria.

LEGAL NEWS

Parliament Passes Boilers Bill, 2024 for Boiler Regulation and Safety

• The Lok Sabha has passed the Boilers Bill, 2024 to regulate boilers and ensure the safety of life and property from steam-boiler explosions.

• This new bill repeals the century-old Boilers Act, 1923, aiming for updated regulations.

• The bill, passed by the Rajya Sabha in December 2024, includes provisions to enhance the safety of workers and facilitate easier business operations.

• It defines the roles and responsibilities of the central and state governments, along with the Central Boilers Board, for clear governance.

• The new legislation is expected to benefit all boiler users, especially those in the MSME sector, by promoting a smoother business environment.

• The Boilers Act, 1923 was last amended in 2007 through the Indian Boilers (Amendment) Act.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Russia and Ukraine Agree on Naval Ceasefire in the Black Sea

• After three days of talks in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Ukraine have reached a naval ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea.

• The agreements, made separately with the US, ensure safe navigation and no attacks on each other's energy systems.

• Russia stated that the ceasefire will only take effect once sanctions on its food and fertiliser exports are lifted.

• Both Russia and Ukraine, major grain exporters, have seen grain prices soar since the start of the war.

• Details on when or how the Black Sea maritime security agreements will be implemented remain unclear.

• This deal is seen as a significant step in US President Trump's efforts to help resolve the conflict.

DEFENCE

Indian Armed Forces Conduct Tri-Service Exercise Prachand Prahar

• Prachand Prahar was a tri-service integrated multi-domain exercise by the Indian Armed Forces.

• Conducted from March 25 to 27, focusing on coordinated operations between the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

• Began with the deployment of advanced surveillance assets from all three services.

• Space-based resources and Indian Army Special Forces were mobilized for domain awareness and target detection.

• Reviewed by Lt. Gen. Ram Chander Tiwari, Air Marshal Surat Singh, and Commodore Ajay Yadav.

• Followed Exercise Poorvi Prahar, which was held in November 2024.

• Validated integrated planning, command, control, surveillance, and firepower coordination across all services.

NATIONAL NEWS

Centre Releases National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management on March 27.

• Aims to improve medical oxygen infrastructure and standardize best practices.

• Covers procurement, storage, and administration with a focus on patient safety, capacity building, and emergency preparedness.

• Launched at a workshop at AIIMS Delhi.

• National Capacity Building Program on Oxygen Management was also introduced at the event.

• Led by AIIMS Delhi's Department of Hospital Administration.

• Initiative of Disaster Management Cell, MoHFW, in collaboration with AIIMS Delhi.

• Targets training 200 master trainers across India.

Coal Ministry Launches 12th Tranche of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions

• 12th round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions launched by the Ministry of Coal on March 27.

• Builds on India’s first-ever Commercial Coal Mine Auctions initiated by PM Narendra Modi on June 18, 2020.

• Aims to boost domestic coal production, reduce imports, and ensure energy security.

• 25 coal mines offered: 7 under CMSP Act, 2015 and 18 under MMDR Act, 1957.

• Includes 2 lignite mines to support energy needs.

• 13 mines fully explored, 12 partially explored, creating opportunities for immediate and future growth.

• Seeks to attract domestic and international investors, promoting self-reliance in energy and industrial growth.

Government to Launch ‘Sahkar’ Taxi for Cab Drivers’ Benefit

• Union Home & Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced the ‘Sahkar’ taxi service on March 26.

• A cooperatively run ride-hailing platform similar to Uber and Ola.

• Aligns with PM’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).

• Profits will go directly to drivers, not businessmen.

• Will include two-wheeler taxis, autorickshaws, and four-wheelers.

• National Tourism & Transport Cooperative Federation had announced a similar plan in June 2022.

• Comes amid criticism of ride-hailing platforms over pricing issues and driver protests.

• Hyderabad cab drivers recently launched a ‘No AC’ protest against low fares by Ola, Uber, and Rapido.

Inauguration of India's First Vertical Lift Pamban Rail Bridge

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge on April 6.

• The Pamban Rail Bridge is India’s first vertical lift bridge.

• This 2.5 km bridge will enable trains to cross the sea between mainland India and Rameswaram in under 5 minutes, compared to the current 25-30 minutes.

• The new bridge will replace the old Colonial-era structure built in 1914.

• Constructed at ₹535 crore, the bridge was built with the collaboration of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).

• The bridge will operate using an electromechanical system for maritime movement.

• On the same day, the Prime Minister will also launch a new train service between Tambaram and Rameswaram.

STATE NEWS

Himachal Pradesh Government Signs MoU with UNESCO for Education Enhancement

• Himachal Pradesh Government has signed an MoU with UNESCO to improve the state's education quality.

• UNESCO will assist in modernizing Himachal Pradesh's education system.

• The MoU focuses on incorporating environmental awareness and sustainable development into school curricula under the ‘Greening Education’ initiative.

• It will promote value-based education through sports.

• Students will be provided with essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.

APPOINTMENTS

Appointments to Key Economic and Advisory Roles in India

• Sanjay Kumar Mishra, former head of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has been appointed as a full-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).

• The government has also appointed Rajiv Gauba, former Cabinet Secretary, as a full-time member of NITI Aayog.

• Rajiv Gauba is a retired 1982-batch IAS officer from the Jharkhand cadre, having served as Cabinet Secretary from 2019 to 2024.

• Sanjay Kumar Mishra is a 1984-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer from Uttar Pradesh and led the ED until September 2023.

• The EAC-PM is an independent body formed to provide advice on economic matters to the government.