LEGAL NEWS
Lok Sabha Passes the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024
• The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 has been passed by the Lok Sabha, replacing the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
• The bill aims to modernize the regulations governing the responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities of sea carriers.
• It will consolidate laws related to ports and promote integrated development in the port sector.
• The bill seeks to improve ease of doing business and maximize the use of India’s coastline by establishing State Maritime Boards.
• A Maritime State Development Council will be created to ensure structured growth in the port sector.
• The central government is empowered to amend rules regarding bills of lading under the new law.
• The bill applies to ships transporting goods between Indian ports and from Indian ports to foreign ports.
SPORTS
Manisha Bhanwala Wins India’s First Gold at Asian Wrestling Championship 2025
• Manisha Bhanwala secured India’s first gold medal at the 2025 Asian Wrestling Championship, held in Amman, Jordan.
• This gold marked India’s return to the top spot since the 2021 edition, where Vinesh Phogat and Sarita Mor also claimed gold in their categories.
• Manisha triumphed in the women’s 62 kg category, defeating Korea’s Ok J Kim 8-7 in a thrilling final.
• Antim Panghal added to India’s success by winning a bronze medal at the event.
• Antim Panghal added to India’s success by winning a bronze medal at the event.
• Manisha had previously earned three consecutive bronze medals at the Asian Championships from 2022 to 2024.
• The 2025 Asian Wrestling Championships were held in Amman, Jordan, from March 25 to March 30.
Haryana Tops the Khelo India Para Games 2025 Medal Tally
• The Khelo India Para Games 2025 concluded at JLN Stadium, New Delhi, with over 550 medals won by para-athletes.
• Haryana emerged as the top performer, securing 34 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze medals.
• Tamil Nadu finished in second place with 28 gold, 19 silver, and 27 bronze medals.
• Uttar Pradesh ranked third, winning 23 gold, 21 silver, and 20 bronze medals.
• The event saw more than 1,300 para-athletes competing across six sports: Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, and Para Table Tennis.
DEFENCE
14th Edition of Indo-Russia Bilateral Naval Exercise ‘Indra’ Begins
• The 14th edition of the Indo-Russia bilateral naval exercise ‘Indra’ kicked off on March 28, 2025, and will run until April 2, 2025, in Chennai.
• This annual exercise symbolizes the growing maritime cooperation between India and Russia.
• The exercise will be conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase (March 28-30) in Chennai and the Sea Phase (March 31-April 2) in the Bay of Bengal.
• The participating forces include Russian naval ships Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov, alongside Indian naval ships Rana and Kuthar, and maritime patrol aircraft P8l.
• The Harbour Phase will feature an opening ceremony, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), reciprocal visits, and sports activities.
• The Sea Phase will involve advanced naval drills, including tactical maneuvers, live weapon firings, and anti-air operations.
• The exercises aim to boost maritime cooperation, strengthen bilateral ties, and foster the exchange of operational best practices.
RANKING AND INDEX
GIFT City Improves Its Ranking in Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 37)
• Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has made significant strides in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 37).
• GIFT City secured the top spot in the 'Reputational Advantage' category.
• The city's FinTech ranking improved from 45th to 40th.
• GIFT City’s overall rank advanced from 52nd to 46th in the global financial hub standings.
• It remains among the top 15 financial centres in the Asia-Pacific region.
• The GFCI, produced by Z/Yen Group, evaluates financial hubs based on 140 factors from organizations like the World Bank and OECD.
• Key evaluation areas include business environment, infrastructure, human capital, financial development, and competitiveness.
• The GFCI 37 report analyzed 133 financial centres, with 119 featured in the main index.
STATE NEWS
Government Approves Key Infrastructure Projects in Bihar: Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor & Kosi-Mechi Link
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved two significant infrastructure projects in Bihar: the Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor and the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project.
• The Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor will be a 120.10 km, 4-lane access-controlled highway, developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a cost of Rs. 3,712.40 crore.
• This project will involve both greenfield and brownfield developments and is expected to generate 48 lakh man-days of employment, boosting regional socio-economic growth.
• The Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project will receive central support of Rs. 3,652.56 crore and is set for completion by March 2029.
• The project’s primary goal is to divert surplus water from the Kosi River for irrigation in the Mahananda basin, enhancing irrigation across 2.10 lakh hectares in four districts: Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India Becomes the World’s Largest Milk Producer
• India has emerged as the world’s largest milk producer, with a total production of 239 million metric tons (MMT).
• The country has set an ambitious target to increase milk production to 300 MMT within the next five years.
• Approximately 10 crore people in India are involved in milk production.
• The average milk consumption per person in India is 471 grams per day.
• The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is executing the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, aimed at the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds.
• Launched in 2014, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission focuses on genetic improvement, enhancing milk production, and ensuring sustainable growth.
• The mission also aims to increase artificial insemination coverage by strengthening the national breeding network.
