Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs March 2025 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs March 12th 2025, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs March 12th 2025 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of March 12th 2025

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

Bank of Baroda introduces the bob Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account for Women NRIs

• Bank of Baroda has launched the BoB Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account, an exclusive banking product for women NRIs.
• This initiative is designed to cater to global aspirations and unique banking needs of women NRIs.
• The bank has also revamped its BoB Premium NRE & NRO Savings Account, enhancing its features.

Key Features:

• Customised debit card with nil issuance charges and concessions on annual renewal fees.
• Complimentary airport lounge access (domestic & international).
• Concessional interest rates on home and auto loans, with reduced processing charges.
• 100% concession on locker rent for secure storage.
• Free Air Accident Insurance of ₹50,00,000 and Personal Accidental Insurance of ₹5,00,000.
• Auto sweep facility to earn higher interest.
• Quarterly Average Balance (QAB) requirement: ₹1,00,000 in CASA or ₹10,00,000 in CASA + Term Deposits.

Enhancements in BoB Premium NRE & NRO Savings Account:

• Customised debit card with higher transaction limits.
• Complimentary lounge access (domestic & international).
• Free safe deposit locker for security.
• Concessional home and auto loan interest rates with lower processing charges.
• Free Personal and Air Accident Insurance coverage.
• These strategic steps position Bank of Baroda as a leading NRI banking partner, offering innovative solutions tailored to their financial needs.

Recent News:

• In March 2025, Bank of Baroda, one of India's leading public sector banks, has been awarded the prestigious ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) certification by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

About Bank of Baroda (BoB):

• Founded: 1908
• Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Debadatta Chand
• Tagline: "India’s International Bank"

IIFL Finance rebrands 7 existing branches into All Women Staffed 'Shakti' Branches on Women's Day

• IIFL Finance has rebranded seven branches into all-women staffed 'Shakti' branches on Women's Day.
• The seven branches are located across the Delhi NCR and Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
• This initiative highlights IIFL Finance’s commitment to empowering women in financial services.
• ‘Shakti’ branches celebrate the strength and resilience of women driving social and economic change.
• These branches will cater to all borrowers while offering financial literacy programs for female entrepreneurs.
• Staffed entirely by women, these branches will create employment opportunities for female professionals.
• Beyond financial services, they will provide skill development programs to support women entrepreneurs.
• Women business owners form a significant segment of IIFL Finance’s customer base.
• The initiative reinforces IIFL Finance’s focus on financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• IIFL Finance serves millions of customers, primarily from underserved communities across India.

About IIFL Finance:

• Founded: 1995
• Headquarters: Mumbai, India
• Parent Company: IIFL Group
• Chairman: Nirmal Jain

Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) Launches DesignShaala: A Platform to Drive Financial Inclusion Through Design Thinking

• Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) has launched DesignShaala, an initiative promoting financial innovation through Human-Centered Design (HCD).
• The program was launched by Nandan Nilekani, Chairman & Co-Founder of Infosys, at the ‘Building for Billions’ event in Bengaluru.
• DesignShaala™ focuses on developing financial solutions centered around real user needs, behaviors, and experiences.
• Aims to make finance more intuitive, inclusive, and impactful by fostering a people-first approach.
• Key objectives include:
  • Improving financial accessibility and usability.
  • Enhancing financial literacy.
  • Driving digital financial inclusion.
• As a flagship initiative of RBIH, it will equip fintech startups, financial institutions, and stakeholders with tools to design financial solutions with empathy and precision.
• Reinforces RBIH’s commitment to redefining financial services to align with human aspirations.

Recent News:

• In January 2025, Reserve Bank Innovation Hub & IIMA Ventures Launched ‘Swanari TechSprint 3.0’ to Promote Women-Centric Fintech Startups

About Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)

• Established: 2021
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, India
• Parent Organization: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Chairman: Kris Gopalakrishnan (Co-founder, Infosys)
• CEO: Rajesh Bansal

Reserve Bank of India’s Digital Payments Awareness Week: A Step Towards a Secure Financial Future

• Addressing the Inauguration of Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) March 10-16, 2025, Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced continued efforts to promote innovations in payment systems with soft-touch regulations and regulatory guardrails.
• UPI expansion will focus on efficient cross-border payments by linking it with fast payment systems of other countries.
• Three focus areas:
• Soft-touch regulations to promote innovation while ensuring security.
• Awareness generation to increase adoption of digital payments.
• Enhancing cross-border payments for efficiency, lower costs, and transparency.
• India leads in global real-time payments, with UPI accounting for 48.5% of transactions worldwide.
• The World Bank estimates India received $130 billion in remittances in 2024.
• RBI to engage in Project Nexus, a multilateral initiative for instant cross-border retail payments.
• Over 20 billion digital payments worth ₹250 trillion were made in January 2025.
• Surveys indicate 40% of India's adult population still does not use digital payments, citing lack of awareness.
• 5th Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) 2025 is observed from March 10-16, under the mission 'Har Payment Digital', with the theme 'India Pays Digitally'.

Recent News:

• In March 2025, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) convened the 29th Meeting of the Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) in Ahmedabad to evaluate and improve credit accessibility for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

About RBI :

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

e-Shram Portal Facilitates Social Security Access for 30.68 Crore Unorganised Workers

• The e-Shram portal, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on August 26, 2021, aims to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
• It provides unorganised workers with a Universal Account Number (UAN) and links them to various social security and welfare schemes.
• As of March 3, 2025, over 30.68 crore unorganised workers have registered, with women comprising 53.68% of the total registrations.
• The portal has introduced multilingual support, a mobile application, and integration with multiple welfare schemes to improve accessibility.
• Additionally, the "e-Shram – One-Stop-Solution", launched on October 21, 2024, integrates multiple welfare programs to provide a single access point for workers.

Key Features of e-Shram Portal

• Launch Date: August 26, 2021
• Developed By: Ministry of Labour and Employment
• Purpose: Create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) linked with Aadhaar
• Registration Type: Self-declaration basis
• Document Required: Aadhaar Card
• Unique ID Provided: Universal Account Number (UAN)
• Language Support: 22 Indian languages (via Bhashini platform)
• Mobile App Launched: February 24, 2025
• One-Stop-Solution Launched: October 21, 2024

Registration Statistics (as of March 3, 2025)

• Total Workers Registered: 30.68 crore (30,68,74,094)
• Women Workers: 53.68% (16.47 crore)
• Men Workers: 14.21 crore
• Other Gender: 7,355 workers

Integration with Social Welfare Schemes

• The e-Shram portal has been integrated with 13 central government schemes to ensure unorganised workers receive social security benefits. Some of these schemes include:

1. PM-SVANidhi – Financial support for street vendors
2. PMSBY – Accidental insurance
3. PMJJBY – Life insurance scheme
4. MGNREGA – Employment guarantee scheme
5. PMAY-G & PMAY-U – Housing schemes (rural & urban)
6. AB-PMJAY – Health insurance for low-income groups
7. PM-KMY – Pension for farmers
8. PMMSY – Fisheries development scheme
9. PMSYM – Pension scheme for unorganised workers
10. Skill India Digital Portal – Skill development programs

State-Wise Registration on e-Shram

Top 5 States with Highest Registrations

1. Uttar Pradesh – 8.38 crore
2. Bihar – 2.97 crore
3. West Bengal – 2.64 crore
4. Madhya Pradesh – 1.86 crore
5. Odisha – 1.35 crore

Bottom 5 States/UTs with Lowest Registrations

1. Lakshadweep – 2,818
2. Ladakh – 33,896
3. Andaman & Nicobar Islands – 32,984
4. Sikkim – 42,833
5. Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu – 74,771

Top 5 Occupation Sectors Registered

1. Agriculture – 15.99 crore workers
2. Construction – 2.77 crore workers
3. Domestic & Household Workers – 2.89 crore workers
4. Apparel Industry – 2 crore workers
5. Retail Sector – 23.41 lakh workers

Government Enhances Gas-Based Power Generation for Better Efficiency

• Gas-based power plants in India are currently operating at a low Plant Load Factor (PLF), affecting efficiency and power output.
• To improve the availability of natural gas for power generation, the Government of India has placed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) under the Open General License (OGL) category, allowing power plants to import LNG as per their requirements under mutually agreed commercial terms.
• In FY 2024-25 (April to January), power plants imported approximately 9.58 MMSCMD of gas to meet the rising electricity demand.
• Additionally, the government has introduced competitive procurement schemes to ensure the optimal use of gas-based power plants during peak demand periods.

Government Initiatives to Increase Natural Gas Share in Energy Mix

1. Expansion of National Gas Infrastructure

• Expansion of the National Gas Grid Pipeline to enhance gas supply across the country.
• Growth of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network, increasing gas accessibility in urban and rural areas.
• Development of new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals to improve import and storage capacity.

2. Priority Allocation of Domestic Gas

• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for households are given priority in domestic gas allocation.

3. Competitive Gas-Based Power Procurement

• Government-backed bidding schemes ensure power plants utilize gas efficiently during peak demand periods.

4. Marketing & Pricing Freedom for Gas Producers

• High-pressure, high-temperature, deep water, and ultra-deep water gas fields, along with coal seam gas, are granted marketing and pricing freedom with a ceiling price to prevent excessive cost fluctuations.

5. Promotion of Bio-CNG through SATAT Initiative

• The Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative promotes Bio-CNG as a clean energy alternative, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: Strengthening India’s Border Security

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 during the ongoing Budget session of Parliament.
• This comprehensive legislation aims to modernize India’s immigration laws, replacing outdated pre-Independence acts with stricter regulations, enhanced security measures, and streamlined foreigner management.

Existing Laws to Be Replaced

The bill seeks to repeal four outdated laws to remove legal ambiguities and improve enforcement:

1. The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
2. The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
3. The Foreigners Act, 1946
4. The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

By consolidating and updating these laws, the government aims to create a clear, structured, and efficient immigration system.

Key Features of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

1. Stricter Penalties for Immigration Violations

The bill introduces heavier fines and stricter enforcement mechanisms for immigration law violations:

• Unauthorized entry into India – Fine up to ₹5 lakh.
• Use of forged passports – Fine up to ₹10 lakh.

These penalties aim to deter illegal immigration, visa fraud, and document forgery, ensuring better compliance with entry and exit rules.

2. Clearer Regulations for Educational and Medical Institutions

To improve monitoring of foreigners in India, the bill makes universities, hospitals, and medical institutions accountable for foreign nationals they admit:

• Educational institutions must register foreign students and report their details to authorities.
• Hospitals and medical institutions admitting foreign nationals must maintain official records.

This provision will enhance tracking of foreigners and prevent misuse of student and medical visas.

3. Revised Visa and Passport Rules

The bill strengthens visa regulations, passport requirements, and foreigner registration, granting the Central Government more control over:

• Visa issuance and renewal procedures.
• Scrutiny of foreigners residing in India.
• Improved tracking of visitors and long-term foreign residents.

This will tighten border security and ensure foreign nationals comply with Indian laws.

4. More Power to Immigration Officers

Under the new law, immigration officers will have expanded authority, including:

• Detaining, investigating, and deporting illegal immigrants.
• Restricting movement of certain foreigners based on security concerns.
• Denying entry to individuals deemed a security risk.

This will help strengthen border control and internal security monitoring.

5. Liability of Transport Carriers

Transport operators, including airlines, shipping companies, and other transport agencies, will be held accountable for verifying passenger documents:

• Carriers must ensure passengers have valid visas and passports before boarding.
• Violations will lead to heavy penalties, including fines.

Need for the New Law

India’s existing immigration laws date back to 1920-1946, framed during wartime to manage temporary movements. However, modern security threats, evolving migration patterns, and technological advancements necessitate a comprehensive and updated immigration framework.

Key reasons for introducing the new law:

• Outdated Provisions – Existing laws were designed for wartime conditions, not modern security challenges.
• Increased Global Migration – India now sees higher foreign inflows for education, business, and medical tourism.
• Technological Advancements – A centralized immigration system with real-time monitoring is essential for national security.

India Signs $248 Million Deal with Russia to Upgrade T-72 Tank Fleet

• India has finalized a $248 million agreement with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to procure 1,000 horsepower (HP) engines for its T-72 battle tanks.
• This strategic upgrade will enhance the maneuverability and combat effectiveness of the Indian Army.
• The deal also includes technology transfer to India's Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (AVNL) for licensed production of these engines, boosting India's defense manufacturing capabilities.

Key Highlights of the Deal

1. Agreement Details

• India signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport.
• The deal is focused on modernizing the Indian Army’s aging T-72 battle tank fleet.

2. Upgradation of T-72 Tanks

• T-72 tanks have been in service with the Indian Army since the 1970s and remain a critical component of India’s armored forces.
• The Indian Army currently operates 2,500 T-72 tanks, each equipped with 780 HP engines.
• The new 1,000 HP engines will replace the older engines, significantly improving speed, maneuverability, and battlefield performance.

3. Transfer of Technology (ToT) & Indigenous Production

• Russia’s Rosoboronexport will transfer technology to India’s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (AVNL).
• AVNL will manufacture these engines under a licensed production agreement in India.
• This move aligns with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, strengthening India's defense production sector.

4. India-Russia Defense Cooperation

• Russia has historically been India’s largest defense supplier, providing tanks, aircraft, and missile systems.
• The Russia- Ukraine war has affected Russia’s defense exports, pushing India to explore Western defense suppliers like the US, France, and Israel.
• However, Russia remains a key defense partner, particularly in tank and aircraft technology.

RECENT NEWS

• Russian Lawmaker Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of the State Duma of Russia, arrived in India on February 3, 2025, for a crucial official visit.
• On January 17, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 20-year “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty” in Moscow, aiming to bolster bilateral relations across various sectors.
• Effective January 1, 2025, Russia introduced a new tourist tax, replacing the earlier resort fee. This initiative, implemented through amendments to the Russian Tax Code, aims to strengthen regional tourism infrastructure.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Kotak Mahindra Bank appoints Neeraj Naidu as Chief Information Security Officer

• Kotak Mahindra Bank has appointed Neeraj Naidu as its Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
• Brings over 20 years of expertise in cybersecurity and IT infrastructure.
• Served as CISO at IDFC First Bank, where he strengthened the bank’s security framework.
• Held leadership roles as Vice President & Head of IT Infrastructure at Capital First Ltd., Program Manager at NSEIT Ltd., and Project Manager at Nayamode USA, Inc.
• Responsible for overseeing information security strategies, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, and mitigating emerging cyber threats at Kotak Mahindra Bank.
• His appointment underscores Kotak Mahindra Bank’s commitment to cybersecurity and digital protection.
• Comes at a time of rising cyber threats in the banking industry.
• Expected to strengthen the bank’s security posture and drive innovation in risk management.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank:

• Founded: 2003
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Ashok Vaswani
• Tagline: Let’s Make Money Simple
• Merger: ING Vysya Bank merged with Kotak Mahindra Bank in 2015

ICICI Bank appoints Kamal Wali as Head of Security Operations

• ICICI Bank Limited has appointed Kamal Wali as the Head of its Security Operations Center, bringing over 18 years of cybersecurity and IT operations expertise to the institution.
• Responsible for overseeing security operations, risk mitigation, and enhancing digital resilience.
• Previously held leadership roles at Jio Platforms Limited, Wipro, IBM, Intex Technologies, and Spanco Telesystems.
• Experienced in managing security frameworks, implementing complex projects, and developing operational security strategies.
• His appointment highlights ICICI Bank’s commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure.
• Expected to bolster efforts in safeguarding customer data and ensuring secure banking operations.
• Aims to enhance cybersecurity measures, protect against emerging threats, and maintain customer trust.

About ICICI Bank:

• Founded: 1994
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi
• Tagline: "Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka"

Central government clears appointment of Justice Joymalya Bagchi to Supreme Court

• Justice Soumen Sen, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, and Justice Sandeep Mehta have been appointed as judges of the Supreme Court.
• Justice Bagchi is set to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in 2031.
• The appointments were approved by the Central Government following the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium.
• With these appointments, the Supreme Court has reached its full strength of 34 judges.
• Justice Bagchi, currently serving as Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court, will have a tenure of nearly seven years in the apex court before assuming the role of CJI.
• His selection follows the seniority-based process for CJI appointments.
• Born in 1964, Justice Bagchi has held key judicial positions in the Gauhati High Court and Telangana High Court.
• His tenure as CJI is expected to last over a year and focus on significant judicial reforms.
• The appointments come amid concerns over judicial delays and case backlogs.
• Justice Bagchi’s leadership is expected to shape key constitutional and legal developments in India.

About Supreme Court of India:

• Established: January 28, 1950
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Chief Justice of India: Sanjiv Khanna
• Total Judges: 34 (including the CJI)
• Motto: "Yato Dharmastato Jayah"

Honda appoints Takashi Nakajima as new President & CEO of Honda Cars India

• Honda Motor Company has appointed Takashi Nakajima as the new President and CEO of Honda Cars India (HCIL), effective April 1, 2025.
• Nakajima succeeds Takuya Tsumura, who is returning to Honda’s headquarters in Japan after a three-year tenure in India.
• Nakajima joined Honda in 1994 and has 30 years of experience in the automotive industry.
• Previously served as President of Honda Motor Russia (since 2021) and worked in Japan, China, Spain, and the Czech Republic in roles related to business planning, product planning, marketing, and sales promotion.
• Tsumura’s tenure in India focused on:
  • Enhancing Honda’s premium brand image.
  • Strengthening customer-focused initiatives.
  • Driving profitable growth.
  • Leading the launch of premium models like Honda City e:HEV (India’s first mainstream hybrid), Honda Elevate (global SUV), and third-generation Amaze.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy’s INS Imphal to Enhance Bilateral Ties at Mauritius National Day 2025

• Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, for its maiden port call ahead of Mauritius’ 57th National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025.
• Continues the tradition of Indian naval participation in Mauritius’ National Day events, reinforcing strong maritime ties.
• Will contribute a marching contingent, a naval band, and a helicopter for the National Day Parade flypast at Champs de Mars.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the event as Chief Guest.
• The warship’s visit from March 10-14 includes bilateral engagements, such as cross-training, friendly sports fixtures, and community outreach programs.
• A joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance and exercise with the Mauritius Coast Guard is planned to strengthen regional security.
• Aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, first articulated by PM Modi in Mauritius in 2015.
• Mauritius remains a key partner in India’s efforts to ensure a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• INS Imphal, commissioned in December 2023, is the third of four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) destroyers.
• Equipped with advanced weaponry, sensors, and machinery, making it one of the most sophisticated warships

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Commonwealth Games Federation Rebrands as ‘Commonwealth Sport’ on Commonwealth Day 2025

• In a major rebranding initiative, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has officially changed its public identity to Commonwealth Sport, marking a shift from a sports federation to a global sports movement.
• This announcement was made on March 10, 2025, in celebration of Commonwealth Day.
• While the legal entity will still be known as the Commonwealth Games Federation, the public-facing identity and branding will now operate under Commonwealth Sport to enhance global recognition and emphasize unity, development, and inclusion through sports.

Why the Name Change?

• The governing body of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games stated in an official media release that the rebranding aligns with a broader vision to position the organization beyond just sporting events.
• The goal is to strengthen its global identity as a catalyst for social development and community engagement through sports.

King Charles III and the Commonwealth Sport King’s Baton Relay

• A key highlight of the rebranding was the launch of the inaugural Commonwealth Sport King’s Baton Relay for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
• This historic moment was led by King Charles III, who serves as the Patron of Commonwealth Sport.
• On Commonwealth Day 2025, King Charles III placed a personal message to the Commonwealth inside the first baton, which was then received by Sir Chris Hoy, marking the start of the 500-day countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony.

Longest Baton Relay in Commonwealth Games History

• The Commonwealth Sport King’s Baton Relay for Glasgow 2026 is set to be the longest relay in the Commonwealth Games history, covering 74 nations and territories.
• Each country will host events and celebrations for up to six days, reinforcing the Commonwealth's global unity.

England’s Harry Brook Withdraws from IPL 2025; Faces Possible Two-Year Ban

• In a significant development ahead of IPL 2025, England batter Harry Brook has withdrawn from the tournament for the second consecutive year.
• Brook was signed by Delhi Capitals (DC) for ₹6.25 crores in the previous year’s auction but has opted out before the season.
• His withdrawal could trigger a two-year ban from IPL, as per new regulations introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Brook’s Withdrawal and Official Communication

• As per ESPNCricinfo, Brook’s withdrawal was officially communicated by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to BCCI, which then informed Delhi Capitals (DC).
• The exact reason remains undisclosed, but workload management is being speculated, given his all-format commitments for England.
• Brook still has 18 months left on his England central contract and could be prioritizing international duties.

IPL’s Two-Year Ban Rule

• IPL’s governing body introduced a rule before the 2025 Mega Auction to curb frequent overseas player withdrawals.
• Players withdrawing without valid medical reasons could face a two-year ban from IPL.
• The only exception applies to injuries or medical conditions confirmed by the home board.

Possible Reasons Behind Brook’s Withdrawal

1. England Captaincy Aspirations – Brook is seen as a potential successor to Jos Buttler for England’s white-ball captaincy.
2. Workload Management – As an all-format player, he may be prioritizing international fixtures over IPL.
3. Personal Reasons – In 2024, Brook pulled out of IPL after the demise of his grandmother.

IPL 2025 Start Date

• The IPL 2025 season kicks off on March 24, 2025.
• Delhi Capitals will face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the opening match

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY

Veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Minister Ananta Das passed away 

• Veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Minister Ananta Das passed away in Bhubaneswar at the age of 85.
• Represented Bhograi constituency in Balasore district for four consecutive terms (2004-2019) as a BJD MLA.
• Held ministerial portfolios for Higher Education and Industries (2017-2019).
• Served as Chief Whip in the Odisha Assembly (2014-2017).
• Former Orissa Administrative Service (OAS) officer, held key positions including:
• Consolidation Officer, BDO, Tahasildar
• Executive Officer, Balasore Municipality
• District Development Officer, Cuttack
• Deputy Secretary, State Election Commission
• Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Nabakalebar Puri & Bhadrak
• Deputy Secretary, Revenue & Panchayati Raj Department

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

India Observes 54th National Safety Week from March 4-10, 2025

• India is marking the 54th National Safety Week from March 4 to March 10, 2025, with a focus on promoting workplace safety, accident prevention, and employee well-being.
• The event is spearheaded by the National Safety Council (NSC) of India, which has been leading safety awareness initiatives for over five decades.
• This year’s theme, ‘Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat’, highlights the importance of safety standards in building a developed and progressive India.

Key Highlights of National Safety Week 2025

• Observance Period: March 4 – March 10, 2025
• National Safety Day: March 4, 2025 (marks the beginning of the campaign)
• Theme: ‘Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat’

Origin and Significance of National Safety Week

Foundation of National Safety Council (NSC)

• Established on March 4, 1966, as a non-profit, self-financing organization.
• Aims to promote safety, health, and environmental protection in workplaces across India.

Inception of National Safety Day & Week

• First observed on March 4, 1972, to commemorate the foundation of NSC.
• Later expanded into National Safety Week to create a stronger culture of safety across industries, construction sites, and workplaces.

National No Smoking Day: 12th March

• National No Smoking Day 2025 is observed on 12th March 2025 (the Second Wednesday of March)

National No Smoking Day History

• The first National No Smoking Day was in 1984, and it now takes place on the second Wednesday of March to encourage people all over the world to quit smoking.
• According to the researchers, this effort has proven very effective, and was observed that at least one in ten people gave up smoking on National No Smoking Day.

Daily CA One-Liner: March 12

• The e-Shram portal, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on August 26, 2021, aims to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
• Gas-based power plants in India are currently operating at a low Plant Load Factor (PLF), affecting efficiency and power output
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 during the ongoing Budget session of Parliament
• India has finalized a $248 million agreement with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to procure 1,000 horsepower (HP) engines for its T-72 battle tanks
• In a major rebranding initiative, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has officially changed its public identity to Commonwealth Sport, marking a shift from a sports federation to a global sports movement
• In a significant development ahead of IPL 2025, England batter Harry Brook has withdrawn from the tournament for the second consecutive year.
• India is marking the 54th National Safety Week from March 4 to March 10, 2025, with a focus on promoting workplace safety, accident prevention, and employee well-being.
• Bank of Baroda has launched the BoB Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account, an exclusive banking product for women NRIs.
• IIFL Finance has rebranded seven branches into all-women staffed 'Shakti' branches on Women's Day.
• Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) has launched DesignShaala, an initiative promoting financial innovation through Human-Centered Design (HCD).
• Addressing the Inauguration of Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) 2025, Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced continued efforts to promote innovations in payment systems with soft-touch regulations and regulatory guardrails.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank has appointed Neeraj Naidu as its Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
• ICICI Bank Limited has appointed Kamal Wali as the Head of its Security Operations Center, bringing over 18 years of cybersecurity and IT operations expertise to the institution.
• Justice Soumen Sen, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, and Justice Sandeep Mehta have been appointed as judges of the Supreme Court.
• Honda Motor Company has appointed Takashi Nakajima as the new President and CEO of Honda Cars India (HCIL), effective April 1, 2025.
• INS Imphal arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, for its maiden port call ahead of Mauritius’ 57th National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025.
• Veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Minister Ananta Das passed away in Bhubaneswar at the age of 85.
• National No Smoking Day 2025 is observed on 12th March 2025 (the Second Wednesday of March)