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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

India Overseas Bank Partners with Confederation of Indian Industry Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)

• The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) signed an MoU to offer accessible financing for IGBC-certified green buildings.
• The MoU was signed by Koustuv Majumder (GM & CRO, IOB), S. Venkatagiri (Executive Director, IGBC), Mahesh Anand (Co-chairman, IGBC Chennai), and Joydeep Dutta Roy & Dhanaraj T (Executive Directors, IOB).
• Under this partnership, developers constructing IGBC-rated green buildings will receive preferential financing options, while homebuyers purchasing homes in IGBC-certified projects will get tailored financial assistance.
• The collaboration aims to promote energy-efficient construction, water conservation, and the use of renewable materials.
• IOB will explore new financing models for IGBC Green Affordable Housing, IGBC NEST, and NESTPLUS, focusing on Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Lower Income Groups (LIG) to ensure that green housing is accessible to all segments of society.
• To spread awareness about the benefits of green buildings, IGBC and IOB will launch a public communication campaign, developing informative materials like brochures, flyers, and digital content.
• This partnership will mainstream sustainability in India's construction sector by providing financial incentives to encourage developers and homebuyers to adopt eco-friendly housing solutions.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) became a signatory of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), committing to measure and disclose the greenhouse gas emissions from its financed activities.

About Indian Overseas Bank:

• Founded: 1937
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• MD & CEO: Ajay Kumar Srivastava
• Tagline: "A friend you can bank upon"

City Union Bank (CUB)-Chennai Super Kings (CSK) co-branded credit card launched with sports and lifestyle perks

• City Union Bank (CUB), ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, has partnered with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to introduce a co-branded credit card designed for cricket enthusiasts.
• The initiative offers CSK fans a unique financial product that blends banking benefits with exclusive perks linked to their favourite IPL franchise.
• During the launch, CUB Executive Director Vijay Anandh described the offering as a “passion credit card”, tailored to fill a gap in the existing credit card space.
• The card is available in three variants — Mass, Platinum, and Signature.
• Each card features a distinct CSK-themed design, showcasing the team’s iconic yellow colour and lion logo.
• Holders of the card can enjoy a host of benefits, including:
• Bonus reward points on CSK-related merchandise, match tickets, and experiences
• Exclusive access to team events, fan meet-ups, and special occasions
• Discounts and offers on official CSK merchandise
• Enhanced security and digital convenience for seamless transactions
• CUB is not just targeting its existing customers but also new-to-bank customers with a fully digital onboarding process.

Recent News:

• In January 2025, City Union Bank secured seven awards at the 19th IBA Banking Technology Conference 2023 for the second consecutive year.

About City Union Bank (CUB):

• Founded Year: 1904
• Headquarters: Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India
• MD & CEO: Dr. N. Kamakodi
• Slogan: "Trust and Excellence Since 1904"

Reserve Bank of India keeps window open for Rs 2,000 notes exchange; 98.18% returned to banking system

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the window open for the exchange and deposit of ₹2,000 notes, with an impressive 98.18% of the total value already returned to the banking system.
• As of now, only ₹6,471 crore worth of these notes remain in circulation since their withdrawal announcement on May 19, 2023.
• Initially, the facility for deposit and exchange at banks was available until October 7, 2023.
• However, from October 9 onward, RBI offices have continued accepting ₹2,000 notes for deposit into bank accounts.
• Individuals can either send these notes to RBI offices via India Post or deposit them directly at RBI offices in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Belapur, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Jammu & Kashmir, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Patna, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, Muthoot Finance received RBI approval to open 115 new branches across India, strengthening its presence in the gold loan market.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

India Launches ‘One Nation: One Port Process’ to Modernize Maritime Sector

• In a significant step towards enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has introduced transformative initiatives aimed at modernizing ports, boosting global trade, and promoting sustainability.
• The ‘One Nation: One Port Process’ (ONOP) was launched to standardize and streamline port operations across India.
• These initiatives, unveiled by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, align with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and a Developed India by 2047, strengthening India’s position as a global maritime powerhouse.

One Nation: One Port Process (ONOP) – Standardizing Port Operations

The ONOP initiative seeks to eliminate inconsistencies in documentation and operational procedures across major Indian ports, enhancing efficiency, cost reduction, and trade facilitation.

Key Objectives of ONOP

• Standardized Port Procedures: Uniform operational processes across all major ports.
• Cost Reduction: Minimizing logistics expenses by eliminating redundant documentation.
• Operational Efficiency: Faster clearance procedures and improved accuracy.
• Boost to Global Trade: Strengthening India’s role in international maritime commerce.
• Transparency & Digitalization: Implementation of paperless processes for seamless operations.

Sagar Ankalan – Launch of Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) 2023-24

Alongside ONOP, the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) 2023-24 was launched under Sagar Ankalan, serving as a benchmarking tool for assessing port efficiency, competitiveness, and logistics performance.

Key Highlights of LPPI

• Port Performance Evaluation: Identifies top-performing and underperforming ports.
• Global Competitiveness: Enhances India’s ranking in global logistics.
• Efficiency Improvement: Focuses on reducing turnaround time and logistics costs.
• Sustainability Metrics: Monitors carbon footprint and adoption of green port practices.

Bharat Global Ports Consortium – Strengthening India’s Global Maritime Presence

• To expand India’s footprint in global maritime trade, the government launched the Bharat Global Ports Consortium, fostering international collaborations and bilateral trade relations.

Key Benefits of Bharat Global Ports Consortium

• Enhanced Maritime Connectivity: Strengthening ties with leading global ports.
• Increased Trade & Investment: Encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in port infrastructure.
• Collaboration with Global Players: Establishing partnerships with major international port authorities.
• Infrastructure Development: Promoting world-class smart, green, and digital ports.

Future Roadmap: Key Focus Areas

1. Smart Ports

• Implementation of AI, blockchain, and automation in port operations.

2. Green Energy Adoption

• Transition towards renewable energy sources for sustainable port functioning.

3. Maritime Security Enhancement

• Strengthening coastal surveillance and cybersecurity

4. Digitalization & Paperless Operations

• Introduction of electronic bills of lading and AI-powered tracking systems.

Union Government Releases ₹699 Crore XV Finance Commission Grants to West Bengal for Rural Development

• The Union Government has released funds under the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in West Bengal for the Financial Year 2024–25.
  The disbursed amount includes:
• ₹694.44 crore as the 2nd installment of Untied Grants
• ₹4.93 crore as the withheld portion of the 1st installment of Untied Grants

These funds are allocated for the development of:

• 21 District Panchayats
• 326 Block Panchayats
• 3220 Gram Panchayats

Purpose of the XV FC Untied Grants

• The Untied Grants are intended to meet location-specific needs as identified by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). These grants can be used under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, with the exception of: Salaries, Establishment Costs

Tied Grants Usage

In addition to Untied Grants, the Tied Grants are allocated for basic services, including:

(a) Sanitation and ODF (Open Defecation Free) Maintenance:

• Household waste management
• Human excreta treatment
• Fecal sludge management

(b) Drinking Water and Water Management:

• Clean drinking water supply
• Rainwater harvesting
• Water recycling initiatives

National Human Rights Commission and Ministry of External Affairs Organize Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Capacity Building Programme on Human Rights for Global South National Human Rights Institutions

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is conducting a six-day Executive Capacity Building Programme under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative.
• This programme is scheduled from 3rd to 8th March 2025 in New Delhi and is designed for senior-level functionaries of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from 14 countries of the Global South.

Participating Countries

• Madagascar
• Uganda
• Samoa
• Timor Leste
• DR Congo
• Togo
• Mali
• Nigeria
• Egypt
• Tanzania
• Mauritius
• Burundi
• Turkmenistan
• Qatar

This programme has been developed based on the specific needs of participating NHRIs, incorporating feedback from earlier capacity-building initiatives.

Programme Objectives

• Provide insights into various dimensions of human rights and international best practices.
• Share NHRC, India’s experience of over three decades in human rights protection.
• Strengthen South–South cooperation in the field of human rights.
• Enhance collaboration and networking among participating NHRIs.
• Build capacity of senior NHRI officials through expert-led sessions and interactive discussions.

Inauguration and Resource Persons

• The programme will be inaugurated by Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson, NHRC, India.
• Eminent human rights experts, academicians, and practitioners will serve as resource persons throughout the programme.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Chhattisgarh government presents ₹1.65 lakh crore budget for FY26, hikes funds for welfare schemes

• The Chhattisgarh government presented a ₹1,65,000 crore budget for the fiscal 2025-26, proposing substantial funding for welfare schemes related to women, food security, while allocating ₹10,000 crore for boosting farm prosperity.

Major Allocations & Schemes

1. Dearness Allowance Hike
2. The Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees has been increased to 53%.
3. The revised DA will be paid in April with March's wages.
4. Women Welfare
   1. Mahtari Vandan Yojana: Increased allocation to ₹5,500 crore for financial assistance to women.
5. Agriculture & Rural Development
   1. Krishak Unnati Yojana: ₹10,000 crore to boost agricultural prosperity.
   2. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin): ₹8,500 crore for rural housing.
   3. Mukhyamantri Khadyann Sahayata Yojana: ₹4,500 crore for food security.
   4. Free Electricity for Farmers: ₹3,500 crore allocated for free electricity to agricultural pumps up to 5 HP.
6. Infrastructure Development
   1. New Road Construction: ₹2,000 crore under the Public Works Department.
   2. Rural Connectivity:
      1. PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana): ₹845 crore for rural roads.
      2. PM-JANMAN Sadak Nirman Yojana: ₹500 crore to connect Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) habitations.
   3. Metro Rail Project
      1. ₹5 crore allocated for a survey of the Metro Rail line between Raipur and Durg.

Vision for the Future

• The budget aligns with Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and aims to achieve developmental milestones for 2030.
• Last year's budget theme was "GYAN" (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata, Nari), while this year’s theme builds upon it with "GATI" to accelerate progress.

About Chhattisgarh:

• Chief Minister: Vishnu Deo Sai
• Governor: Ramen Deka
• Capital: Raipur
• National Parks: Indravati National Park, Kanger Valley National Park, Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary, Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

GST Collections Surge by 9.1% to ₹1.84 Lakh Crore in February 2025

• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for February 2025 recorded a 9.1% year-on-year (YoY) growth, reaching approximately ₹1.84 lakh crore.
• This significant increase reflects strong domestic economic activity and improved tax compliance measures, indicating the stability and resilience of the Indian economy.

Breakdown of Gross GST Revenue (February 2025)

Growth in Domestic and Import Revenues

• Domestic GST Revenue: ₹1.42 lakh crore (↑ 10.2% YoY)
• GST from Imports: ₹41,702 crore (↑ 5.4% YoY)

Net GST Collections (After Refunds)

• Net GST Collection: ₹1.63 lakh crore (↑ 8.1% YoY)
• Refunds Issued: ₹20,889 crore (↑ 17.3% YoY)

Comparison: February 2024 vs. February 2025

GST Collection Trends and Future Outlook

• Consistent monthly GST collections above ₹1.75 lakh crore, showing a positive trend.
• The government is on track to meet its FY 2024-25 revenue targets.
• Expected future growth due to:
  • Wider adoption of digital compliance tools like e-invoicing and AI-based monitoring.
  • Increased government spending on infrastructure and manufacturing.
  • Broadening of the GST tax base.

Exam-Oriented Key Points

• Total GST Collection (Feb 2025): ₹1.84 lakh crore (↑ 9.1% YoY).
• Net GST Collection: ₹1.63 lakh crore (↑ 8.1% YoY).
• Domestic Revenue Growth: 10.2%.
• Import Revenue Growth: 5.4%.
• Refunds Processed: ₹20,889 crore (↑ 17.3%).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

97th Academy Awards (Oscars 2025) – Complete Winners List

• The 97th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles, hosted by Conan O’Brien, celebrating the best of global cinema.

Key Highlights

• Best Picture: Anora
• Most Nominated Film: Emilia Pérez (13 nominations – record for a non-English film)
• Big Winner: Anora – Multiple wins including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Editing

Major Awards and Winners

Noteworthy Facts

• Emilia Pérez made history with 13 nominations, setting a new milestone for non-English films.
• Anora dominated the night with multiple top awards.
• Dune: Part Two excelled in technical categories, winning Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
• El Mal from Emilia Pérez won Best Original Song.
• I’m Still Here brought Brazil its first International Feature Film win.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Ajay Seth Takes Additional Charge as Revenue Secretary as Tuhin Kanta Pandey Moves to Securities and Exchange Board of India

• Ajay Seth, DEA Secretary, has been given additional charge as Revenue Secretary following Tuhin Kanta Pandey’s appointment as Securities and Exchange Board of India’s Chairperson.
• Seth will hold the position until a regular appointment is made or until further orders, as per the ACC order.
• Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, has been DEA Secretary since 2021, focusing on economic growth, fiscal management, infrastructure financing, and digital payments.
• His additional charge comes at a time when the government is emphasizing tax reforms, revenue mobilisation, and simplifying compliance frameworks.
• The government aims to ensure policy continuity while finalising a full-time Revenue Secretary.
• Tuhin Kanta Pandey, former Finance Secretary, has been appointed as Securities and Exchange Board of India Chairperson for a three-year tenure.

Manan Kumar Mishra Re-elected as Bar Council of India Chairman for Record 7th Term

• Manan Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and Rajya Sabha MP, has been re-elected unopposed as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI) for a historic 7th consecutive term.
• He won the Bihar State Bar Council elections for the 7th consecutive time and was re-elected unopposed as a BCI member from Bihar for the 3rd term last year.
• Mishra expressed gratitude to the legal fraternity and reiterated his commitment to advocate welfare.
• He announced that the Advocates Amendment Bill would be introduced with provisions for advocates' well-being, ensuring no contentious elements are included.
• The BCI Vice-Chairman election will take place on March 4, 2025, with Prabhakaran (Tamil Nadu & Puducherry) and Ved Prakash Sharma (Delhi) contesting.
• A national meeting of advocate representatives and State Bar Councils will be held on May 17 in New Delhi to discuss advocate welfare, the Advocate Protection Act, and other legal policy matters.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Blue Ghost Spacecraft Successfully Lands on the Moon in Firefly's First Lunar Mission

• Firefly Aerospace, a US-based private space company, successfully landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the moon for a two-week research mission.
• The touchdown occurred at 3:35 AM US East Coast time (08:35 GMT) in the Mare Crisium region, a visible lunar basin from Earth.
• Firefly becomes the second private firm to land on the moon, after Intuitive Machines, whose Odysseus lander had a damaged landing last year.

Key Highlights:

• Firefly claims Blue Ghost is the first fully successful soft landing by a private company.
• The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme, which leverages private industry for lunar exploration.
• Blue Ghost carried 10 scientific and technological payloads, including NASA instruments to study lunar dust, radiation, and surface materials.
• Key instruments include those for measuring the moon’s internal heat flow, preventing lunar dust accumulation, and laser-ranging experiments.
• The spacecraft was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center on January 15.
• Firefly plans two more Blue Ghost missions in 2026 and 2028, aiming to deliver scientific payloads and support NASA’s long-term lunar objectives.
• The success highlights the increasing role of private companies in space exploration.
• Other countries, including China, are advancing lunar missions, with China planning to send astronauts to the moon by 2030.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Magma General Insurance Partners with Hyundai India Insurance Broking for Motor Coverage

• Magma General Insurance Limited has partnered with Hyundai India Insurance Broking Private Limited (HIIB) to distribute motor insurance products.
• Coverage & Distribution: The agreement enables Magma’s insurance solutions to be offered at over 600 Hyundai dealerships across India.
• Customer Benefits: Policies will cover risks such as accidents, theft, natural disasters, and third-party liabilities.
• Strategic Goals:
• HIIB aims to improve insurance penetration by offering reliable solutions.
• Magma seeks to strengthen its passenger car portfolio and expand its market presence.
• Industry Impact: The partnership aims to enhance customer convenience and financial security in India's competitive automobile insurance sector.

About both Company Background:

• Magma General Insurance, formerly Magma HDI, is 72.49% owned by Sanoti Properties LLP (Adar Poonawalla and Rising Sun Holdings).
• HIIB is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor India and has been a registered general insurance broker since 2022.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

NASA and Nokia to launch the first cellular network in Space

• NASA's IM-2 mission, launched February 26, 2025, is a 10-day lunar expedition targeting the south pole’s Mons Mouton to mine water ice and rare minerals.
• It will deploy Nokia’s 4G/LTE network for real-time communication, paving the way for sustainable lunar bases and future Martian missions.

Key Highlights:

• Its primary goal is to mine for water ice and rare minerals critical for future lunar bases.
• The mission also aims to deploy Nokia’s 4G/LTE cellular network, a partnership with NASA to boost high-speed, real-time communication for future lunar operations.
• The IM-2 mission uses Intuitive Machines’ Athena lander, which detached from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is set to land near the lunar south pole on March 6, 2025.
• Athena carries two NASA instruments designed to drill 3 feet into the lunar surface to search for water and carbon dioxide.
• A secondary objective of the IM-2 mission is to deploy the first lunar cellular network, developed by Nokia in partnership with NASA and Intuitive Machines.
• The 4G network is expected to function for only a few days due to lunar night temperatures (−200°C), which will deactivate the system.
• The Texas-based Intuitive Machines became the first private company to complete a successful moon landing last February, carrying six NASA payloads, including one at the moon’s south pole.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discusses defence ties with Princess Astrid of Belgium

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed the possibility of defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific with Princess Astrid of Belgium and Defence Minister Theo Francken.
• Both sides also interacted on ways to enhance defence industrial cooperation, a statement stated.

Key Highlights:

• Welcoming investment in the defence sector, Rajnath Singh suggested that Belgian companies could expand their footprint in India and integrate Indian vendors into their supply chains.
• The two countries also agreed to explore an institutionalised defence cooperation mechanism.
• Princess Astrid is leading a delegation visiting India from March 1-8 to boost trade and diplomatic ties.
• The delegation includes representatives from 36 Brussels-based companies, with 61 participants, 30% of whom are women.
• On March 5, the India-Belgium Tech Forum will focus on strengthening technological partnerships.
• The visit prioritises industries like pharmaceuticals, logistics, aerospace, and renewable energy, according to an official statement.
• India ranks 18th among Belgium’s export destinations, with around 200 Belgian companies operating in India.
• Apart from defence, the construction sector is also a priority.
• A seminar was held to examine future market trends, business opportunities, contemporary practices, and challenges.
• Belgian and Indian companies exchanged best practices and discussed existing technologies and innovations.
• The delegation also participated in a seminar on water and waste management, bringing together Belgian and Indian partners around cleantech.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY

Veteran Sculptor And Painter Himmat Shah passed away

• Renowned artist Himmat Shah died at Jaipur's Shalby Hospital after suffering a heart attack on March 2^nd,
• Born into a Jain mercantile family in Lothal, Gujarat, an Indus Valley Civilization port town.
• Inspired by archaeologists, historians, theatre troupes, and potters.
• Ran away from home as a pre-teen, traveled to Junagadh and Ahmedabad.

About Himmat Shah:

• Studied at CN Kalaniketan, Ahmedabad, under Rasiklal Parikh.
• Joined Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai, and later Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, learning under NS Bendre, Sankho Chaudhuri, and KG Subramanyan.
• Moved to Delhi in 1962 and became a core member of Group 1890, alongside J Swaminathan and Jeram Patel.
• Awarded a French government scholarship (1966) to study at Atelier 17, Paris, under SW Hayter and Krishna Reddy.
• Returned to India and developed a distinctive artistic vocabulary, experimenting with brick and cement relief murals at Xavier’s School, Ahmedabad.
• Innovative slip-casting technique for terracotta and ceramic sculptures.
• Developed ‘silver paintings’, using plaster of Paris, sand, silver paint, and silver leaf (warq).
• Created stylized bronze heads, inspired by childhood memories of playing in a pond.
• His Jaipur studio was a creative lab, where he worked with found objects like bottles, wires, and ropes.
• Lived a life fully immersed in art, prioritizing creation over commercial success.
• Advocated fearlessness in creativity, believing that art should be free from societal constraints.
• His 2016 retrospective, "Hammer of the Square," at Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) showcased his life’s work.
• Described by peers as “The Sculptor”, who constantly pushed artistic boundaries.
• Passed away on March 2, 2024, at age 92.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Virat Kohli Reaches 300 ODI Matches – A Historic Milestone

• During the ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Dubai, Virat Kohli became the seventh Indian and 22nd player in the world to play 300 One Day Internationals (ODIs).

Kohli Joins Elite Club of Indian ODI Legends

• Kohli is the seventh Indian cricketer to reach 300 ODIs.
• Sachin Tendulkar holds the Indian record with 463 ODIs, followed by MS Dhoni (347 matches).

Top Indian Players with Most ODI Matches

Kohli’s Global Ranking in ODI Appearances

• Kohli ranks 22nd on the all-time list.
• If he plays in the Champions Trophy semifinals and final, he will surpass Chris Gayle (301 matches) and move up to 21st place.

Players with Most ODI Appearances Worldwide

Key Takeaways

• Kohli joins an elite group of Indian cricket legends with 300+ ODIs.
• Ranks 22nd globally, set to overtake Chris Gayle (301 matches)
• One of the most consistent ODI players, boasting a 2 average and 51 centuries.
• Continues to be a pillar of Indian cricket, with more records in sight.

RECENT NEWS

• In Feb 2025, In a historic yet unfortunate incident, Bangladesh’s Shohely Akhter has become the first woman cricketer to be banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for corruption charges
• In Feb 2025, The International Cricket Council (ICC) named Jomel Warrican (West Indies) and Beth Mooney (Australia) as the Players of the Month for January 2025 in recognition of their exceptional performances.

Jay Shah Receives Icon of Excellence Award at Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025

• Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has been awarded the prestigious Icon of Excellence Award at the 14th Edition of the Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2025 for his outstanding contributions to cricket administration and global expansion of the sport.

Major Achievements of Jay Shah:

Youngest ICC Chairman:

• Became ICC Chairman at 36 years old, the youngest in history.
• Focused on globalizing cricket, ensuring financial stability, and enhancing the game's competitiveness.

Journey from BCCI to ICC:

As BCCI Secretary, he led key reforms such as:

• Launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) – boosting women’s cricket.
• Pay Parity Policy – equal match fees for male and female cricketers.
• Improvement of Domestic Cricket Infrastructure in India.
• Modernization of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) – creating a Centre of Excellence for player development.

Event Details:

• Occasion: Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2025.
• Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
• Presented by:
  • Harsh Mariwala (Chairman, Marico Ltd.)
  • KVS Manian (MD & CEO, Federal Bank)

Significance of the Award:

• Recognizes innovative leadership in cricket.
• Honors his work to make the sport fairer, more inclusive, and globally competitive.
• Highlights his vision for the future of cricket, benefiting players and fans worldwide.

Exam Takeaway Points:

• Award: Icon of Excellence (FILA 2025)
• Recipient: Jay Shah (ICC Chairman)
• Key Contributions: Pay parity, WPL launch, infrastructure modernization, pension reforms.
• Impact: Promoting gender equality, global cricket expansion, and player welfare.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Safety Day: 4th March

• National Safety Day 2025 is celebrated on March 4th, 2025.
• The National Safety Day 2025 Theme is "Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat"
• In 1965, a decision was taken to set up national and state-level Safety Councils by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Standing Labour Committee’s session approved this in February 1966.
• On March 4, 1966, the National Safety Council of India (NSC) was registered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Then the council was registered under the Society Registration Act of 1860 and the idea behind this council was to create the SHE campaign.
• The SHE campaign stands for the safety, health, and environmental movement.
• The foundation day of the National Safety Council was decided to observe as National Safety Day in 1972.
• It was also decided to celebrate it as a National Safety Week (NSW) Campaign that will last for one week.

Daily CA One- Liner: March 4^th

• In a significant step towards enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has introduced transformative initiatives aimed at modernizing ports, boosting global trade, and promoting sustainability.
• The Union Government has released funds under the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in West Bengal for the Financial Year 2024–25
• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is conducting a six-day Executive Capacity Building Programme under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative
• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for February 2025 recorded a 9.1% year-on-year (YoY) growth, reaching approximately ₹1.84 lakh crore
• The 97th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles, hosted by Conan O’Brien, celebrating the best of global cinema.
• During the ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Dubai, Virat Kohli became the seventh Indian and 22nd player in the world to play 300 One Day Internationals (ODIs).
• Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has been awarded the prestigious Icon of Excellence Award at the 14th Edition of the Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2025 for his outstanding contributions to cricket administration and global expansion of the sport
• The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) signed an MoU to offer accessible financing for IGBC-certified green buildings.
• City Union Bank (CUB), ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, has partnered with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to introduce a co-branded credit card designed for cricket enthusiasts.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the window open for the exchange and deposit of ₹2,000 notes, with an impressive 98.18% of the total value already returned to the banking system.
• Ajay Seth, DEA Secretary, has been given additional charge as Revenue Secretary following Tuhin Kanta Pandey’s appointment as Securities and Exchange Board of India’s Chairperson.
• Manan Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and Rajya Sabha MP, has been re-elected unopposed as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI) for a historic 7th consecutive term.
• Firefly Aerospace, a US-based private space company, successfully landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the moon for a two-week research mission.
• Renowned artist Himmat Shah died at Jaipur's Shalby Hospital after suffering a heart attack on March 2^nd,
• NASA's IM-2 mission, launched February 26, 2025, is a 10-day lunar expedition targeting the south pole’s Mons Mouton to mine water ice and rare minerals.
• The Chhattisgarh government presented a ₹1,65,000 crore budget for the fiscal 2025-26, proposing substantial funding for welfare schemes related to women, food security, while allocating ₹10,000 crore for boosting farm prosperity.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed the possibility of defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific with Princess Astrid of Belgium and Defence Minister Theo Francken.
• Magma General Insurance Limited has partnered with Hyundai India Insurance Broking Private Limited (HIIB) to distribute motor insurance products.
• National Safety Day 2025 is celebrated on March 4th, 2025