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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

Regional Rural Banks achieve a record ₹7,571 crore profit in FY 2023-24: Ministry of Finance Report

• The Government is reviewing the financial performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) at national and regional levels.
• The agenda items for review meetings include:
  • Financial performance and technology upgradation of RRBs.
  • Focus on the MSME portfolio.
  • Loan diversification towards Agri-allied, MSME, and Retail Sectors.
• The financial health of RRBs has improved, with record net profit of ₹7,571 crore in FY 2023-24.

Key Highlights :

• Key financial parameters have shown consistent improvement:
  • Total Balance Sheet Size increased from ₹7,04,556 crore (FY 2021-22) to ₹8,40,080 crore (FY 2023-24).
  • Net NPA declined from 4.7% (FY 2021-22) to 2.4% (FY 2023-24).
  • Credit to Deposit (CD) Ratio increased from 64.5% to 71.4% between FY 2021-22 and FY 2023-24.
• The Government also reviewed RRBs’ progress in deepening financial inclusion in rural and remote areas, focusing on:
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
  • Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
  • Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
  • Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
• This information was provided by Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

About Ministry of Finance:

• Cabinet Minister: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State (MoS): Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad

Government withdraws gold monetisation scheme, short-term deposits to continue

• The Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) was announced on 15^thSeptember, 2015 with the objective to reduce country’s reliance on the import of gold in the long run and mobilise gold held by households and institutions in the country to facilitate its use for productive purposes.
• The GMS comprised 3 components:

1. Short-Term Bank Deposit (STBD) (1-3 years).
2. Medium-Term Government Deposit (MTGD) (5-7 years).
3. Long-Term Government Deposit (LTGD) (12-15 years).

Discontinuation of MTGD & LTGD:

• Effective from March 26, 2025, the Medium-Term (MTGD) and Long-Term (LTGD) deposits will be
• Gold deposits at Collection and Purity Testing Centres (CPTC), GMS Mobilisation Agents (GMCTA), or designated bank branches will not be accepted after this date.
• Existing deposits under MTGD & LTGD will continue till redemption as per RBI’s Master Direction No. DBR.IBD.No.45/23.67.003/2015-16 dated October 22, 2015
• Short-Term Bank Deposits (STBD) will remain operational at the discretion of individual banks, based on their commercial viability.

About Gold Monetization Scheme:

• The Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) is a financial initiative by the Indian government that encourages individuals and institutions to deposit their idle gold holdings into the banking system, allowing them to earn interest and potentially reduce the country's reliance on gold imports.

State Bank of India Raises $1 Billion in syndicated dollar loan

• State Bank of India (SBI) has raised $1 billion through the largest dollar-denominated syndicated loan from India this year.
• The bank opted not to exercise a $250 million greenshoe option that could have expanded the five-year loan facility.
• Foreign-currency loans by Indian issuers have declined by 30% in 2025, amounting to $3.2 billion, a four-year low (IndexBox).
• Reliance Industries Ltd. is currently seeking a loan of up to $3 billion, which may reverse this trend.
• Shadow banks (NBFCs) are increasingly turning to dollar-denominated loans due to tighter domestic regulations.
• Shriram Finance Ltd. is in talks to secure $250 million through a three-year loan.
• The firm has already raised a record $2 billion in offshore borrowings for FY 2024-25.
• Bank of Baroda secured a $750 million term facility from eight lenders earlier this month.
• Bank of Indiahas raised $400 million via a dollar syndicated loan, according to people familiar with the matter, marking its first such deal since 2012 that expands a list of the country’s borrowers tapping global credit markets.

About State Bank of India (SBI):

• Founded Year: 1955
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Chairman: Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
• Slogan: "The Banker to Every Indian"

NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) introduced BHIM 3.0, the newest version of the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) app

• NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NPCI, has announced the launch of BHIM 3.0, the latest version of the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM)
• This upgrade will be fully rolled out by April 2025, introducing new features to enhance digital transactions and financial management.
• BHIM 3.0 will support more than 15 Indian languages, making digital payments accessible to a wider audience.
• It is optimized to function smoothly even on weak or unstable internet connections.
• The new version will allow users to track, manage, and split expenses, with features like spend analytics for better budgeting and a split expenses option to share costs with friends or family.
• A new Family Mode will enable users to add multiple family members to a single account, assign payments, and monitor household expenses.
• BHIM 3.0 will also include ‘Action Needed’ alerts for pending bills, UPI Lite activation, and low balance reminders.
• For businesses, BHIM Vega will allow merchants to accept payments directly within the app without requiring third-party applications.
• The rollout will happen in phases and will be available to all users by April 2025, making digital payments easier, safer, and more efficient.

About BHIM:

• BHIM, which stands for Bharat Interface for Money, is a mobile payment app developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) that uses the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for quick and secure digital transactions.
• Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2016

Reserve Bank of India Releases “India: Financial Sector Assessment Program, 2024 

• The Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP), a joint initiative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), conducts a comprehensive analysis of a country’s financial sector.
• Since September 2010, the assessment has been mandatory for 32 jurisdictions, including India, every five years.
• The last FSAP for India was conducted in 2017, and the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) report was published on December 21, 2017.
• The IMF released the latest India-FSSA report on February 28, 2025, based on the assessment carried out in 2024, while the WB’s Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) report is yet to be published.
• India welcomes the IMF-World Bank assessment, which conforms to international standards.

Key Highlights :

• The FSSA report highlights that India’s financial system has become more resilient and diverse since 2017, driven by rapid economic growth.
• It acknowledges that the financial sector has recovered from past distress episodes and has withstood the pandemic well.
• The Non-Banking Financial Intermediaries (NBFI) sector has grown more interconnected, while banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have sufficient capital to support lending, even under severe macrofinancial stress.
• The IMF recognized India’s systematic approach to NBFC regulations, including the scale-based regulatory framework and the introduction of a bank-like Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) for large NBFCs.
• For the banking sector, the IMF suggested strengthening credit risk management through IFSR 9 adoption and enhancing supervision over loans, collateral valuation, large exposures, and related-party transactions.
• The IMF acknowledged improvements in securities market regulation, highlighting measures such as the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF), swing pricing, and liquidity requirements for bond mutual funds.
• Regulatory oversight has expanded to sustainability and investor protection for the equity derivatives market.
• The report praised India’s public digital infrastructure for enhancing financial inclusion.
• It suggested strengthening legal, tax, and informational infrastructure to improve credit access for financially underserved sectors through asset-based and digital lending.
• India’s insurance sector has been assessed as strong and growing, with a stable regulatory framework and digital innovations.
• The IMF recommended transitioning to a risk-based solvency and supervision framework, reinforcing India’s commitment to global best practices.
• Key emerging risks identified include cybersecurity, climate change, and system-wide contagion risks.
• While climate change risks appear manageable, they require careful monitoring.
• The report emphasized expanding data coverage for better climate risk mapping.
• The IMF evaluated cybersecurity resilience, finding that Indian authorities have advanced risk oversight, especially in banking and financial markets.
• It recommended expanding cybersecurity crisis simulations and stress tests for cross-sectoral and market-wide events.
• The FSAP recommendations focus on strengthening India’s financial structure, aligning with the developmental plans of Indian regulators.
• India remains committed to adopting international standards and best practices in a phased manner, tailored to domestic economic conditions.

About RBI :

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

Bank of Baroda launches the Baroda mDigiNext Mobile App for Baroda Cash Management Services customers

• Bank of Baroda, a top-tier public sector bank in India, has introduced its latest innovation—the Baroda mDigiNext mobile application.
• This specialized app is designed exclusively for corporate clients utilizing the bank’s Baroda Cash Management Services (BCMS), making Bank of Baroda one of the few banks in India to offer a dedicated cash management solution for businesses.
• Seamless, Anytime-Anywhere Financial Control
• The Baroda mDigiNext app leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline cash management workflows for businesses.
• It provides 24/7 access to powerful financial tools, enabling quick, data-driven decision-making on the move.

Key Features of Baroda mDigiNext:

• Single & Bulk Transaction Handling – Approve or reject payments in bulk
• Real-Time Tracking – Monitor transaction status instantly
• Unified Dashboard – View consolidated reports for all group entities
• Account Management – Access summaries and mini-statements
• Robust Security – OTP verification and 3-Factor Authentication for secure transactions

About Bank of Baroda (BoB):

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Over 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras opened nationwide under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has expanded to 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) across India as of February 28, 2025.
• The initiative provides affordable generic medicines, ensuring lower-cost healthcare for the public.
• Supply Chain Efficiency:
  • One central warehouse in Gurugram and four regional warehouses in Bengaluru, Guwahati, Chennai, and Surat.
  • 36 distributors across the country to maintain a steady medicine supply.
• Stock Monitoring:
  • 400 fast-moving products are closely tracked to keep JAKs well-stocked.
  • 200 essential medicines have a minimum stocking mandate, including the top 100 best-selling and 100 fast-selling medicines.
  • Incentives are provided to entrepreneurs managing JAKs for maintaining adequate supplies.
• Strict Quality Control:
  • Medicines are procured only from WHO-GMP certified suppliers.
  • Each batch undergoes testing in NABL-accredited labs before dispatch.
  • Regular quality audits of vendor facilities are conducted by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
• Top States with JAKs:
  • Uttar Pradesh – 2,658 outlets
  • Kerala – 1,528 outlets
  • Karnataka – 1,425 outlets
  • Tamil Nadu – 1,363 outlets
• The initiative continues to expand nationwide, ensuring more people have access to affordable medicines.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Indonesia to join New Development Bank of BRICS: President Mr Prabowo Subianto

• Indonesia’s president Mr Prabowo Subianto announced that his country will join the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral bank developed by member nations of the economic bloc BRICS.
• The NDB is a multilateral development bank established in 2014 by BRICS, a grouping founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with Indonesia joining this January 2025.
• The BRICS group also includes Brazil, Russia, South Africa, China, India, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
• The bank is headquartered in Shanghai with regional centers in Africa.
• The bank has an initial capital of $100 billion, funded by the founding countries.
• Currently, BRICS accounts for 40% of the world's population and 35% of global GDP, making it a significant player on the geopolitical stage.
• Its membership continues to grow, with 13 nations recently joining as partner countries.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS & HONOURS

Indian-origin British author Rana Dasgupta wins literary award for 2014 book on 21st century Delhi

• Indian-origin British author Rana Dasgupta won the 2025 Windham-Campbell Prize in the non-fiction
• The award will be presented during an international literary festival at Yale later this year.
• Awarded for his 2014 book "Capital: A Portrait of Twenty-First Century Delhi".
• Prize Amount: $175,000, administered by Yale University.

• About the Book:
  • Capital explores Delhi’s transformation amid globalisation and economic liberalisation.
  • It captures perspectives of bureaucrats, elites, slum dwellers, and street vendors, offering an in-depth portrayal of the megacity.
• Rana Dasgupta’s Background:
  • Born in 1971 in Canterbury, England.
  • Moved to India in 2000, living in Delhi for 17 years.
  • Education:
    • Balliol College, University of Oxford.
    • University of Wisconsin-Madison.
  • Literary Works:
    • Tokyo Cancelled (2005).
    • Solo (2009) – Won the 2010 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.
    • Upcoming novel After Nations (2025) explores crises in nation-states.

Other 2025 Windham-Campbell Prize Recipients:

• Sigrid Nunez (USA).
• Anne Enright (Ireland).
• Patricia J Williams (USA).
• Roy Williams (United Kingdom).
• Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini (United Kingdom).
• Anthony V Capildeo (Scotland/Trinidad & Tobago).
• Tongo Eisen-Martin (USA).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUs & AGREEMENTS

Vodafone Idea partners with West Bengal's export body to boost MSME digital transformation

• Vodafone Idea (Vi) signed an MoU with the West Bengal State Export Promotion Society (WBSEPS) to support MSMEs in their digital journey.
• Objective: Accelerate digital adoption among MSMEs in West Bengal, benefiting over 10 million people employed in the sector.
• This collaboration is expected to enhance MSME competitiveness, drive economic growth, and improve digital literacy in the state.
• Scope:
  • Vi will provide localized digital tools and training modules in Bengali.
  • Conduct webinars to enhance tech adoption among MSMEs.
  • Leverage Vi’s digital assessment and advisory initiative, which has evaluated 9 lakh MSMEs nationwide since 2022.

India, Singapore Sign Letter of Intent (Loi) On Green Shipping & Digital Corridor Collaboration

• India and Singapore signed a letter of intent (LoI) for a green and digital shipping corridor (GDSC) during the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) in Delhi.
• Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal led key discussions and bilateral meetings in Singapore to enhance maritime cooperation.
• The LoI was signed by Lakshmanan (MOPSW, India) and Teo Eng Dih (Maritime and Port Authority, Singapore) to collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation.
• This partnership aims to accelerate low-emission technologies and digital innovations in the shipping sector, promoting sustainability and efficiency.
• Sonowal held bilateral talks with Brigit Gijsbers (Netherlands) to explore inland waterway enhancements, especially for the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, leveraging Dutch expertise in river engineering.
• At Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), Sonowal inaugurated the India Pavilion and the IRClass Pavilion, showcasing India’s maritime sustainability and digital progress.
• He visited the Singapore Cruise Centre to assess infrastructure for potential replication in Goa, Mumbai, and Chennai to boost cruise tourism.
• Sonowal also met with Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) officials and the Netherlands' maritime sector representatives for future collaborations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Gujarat Becomes Second State to Implement Uniform Civil Code 

• Gujarat is set to become the second state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) after Uttarakhand.
• State Law Minister Rushikesh Patelmade this announcement in the state assembly, marking a significant legal reform aimed at ensuring equal justice for all citizens.
• The decision to introduce the UCC aligns with the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’and reflects the state’s commitment to uniformity in civil laws.
• To facilitate the process, the Gujarat government has established a high-level committee chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai.
• The committee has been tasked with evaluating and drafting a comprehensive Uniform Civil Code for the state.
• It aims to ensure a balanced approach that respects constitutional principles and public sentiments.
• As part of its consultative approach, the committee has invited suggestions from residents, socio-political organizations, and legal experts.
• The deadline for submitting suggestions has been extended until April 15, 2025, to encourage greater public participation in the law-making process.
• This extension allows for a broader dialogue, ensuring that the perspectives of various stakeholders are taken into account.
• The implementation of UCC in Gujarat follows Uttarakhand’s recent enactment of similar legislation.
• The committee will focus on key aspects such as gender equality, uniformity in civil matters, and safeguarding fundamental rights while drafting the code.
• The move has garnered both support and opposition from different quarters, with proponents emphasizing its role in fostering legal uniformity and opponents raising concerns about its impact on religious and cultural practices.

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

BRICS New Development Bank’s head Dilma Rousseff confirms her re-election

• Brazilian ex-President Dilma Rousseff has been re-elected to serve another term as the head of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), a position she first assumed in March 2023.
• Her new term is set to last for five years.
• Rousseff, who served as Brazil's president from 2011 to 2016, has continued her leadership role in the international financial institution, focusing on development projects in BRICS nations and beyond.
• The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) was established in 2014 by the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—as a multilateral development bank aimed at supporting infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.
• The bank's primary goal is to mobilize resources for development projects in BRICS countries and other developing nations, with a focus on reducing poverty, promoting economic growth, and fostering cooperation among member states.

Vikram Sahu to take over as the new Bank of America India Head, to replace Kaku Nakhate

• Vikram Sahu, who is currently heading global equity research for Bank of America in New York, is set to succeed Kaku Nakhate as the US-based bank's India country executive.
• Nakhate has been leading the bank's India operations as country executive and CEO for the past 15 years.
• Nakhate will continue as the CEO of Bank of America NA and will focus on the development of senior current and future client relationships across India.
• He is set to superannuate in 2026.
• Sahu’s appointment as CEO of Bank of America NA will be subject to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval.
• As India country executive, Sahu will lead the India team of Bank of America NA, deliver strategic growth plans, regulatory engagement, and governance.
• Sahu will report to Jin Su, President of Asia Pacific of the bank.
• Sahu has over 25 years of experience in the field and holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Stephens College, Delhi, and attained a master’s degree in the US.
• Nakhate joined Bank of America NA in June 2010.
• Prior to joining the bank, she was with JP Morgan.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: ACQUISITION & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India Approves Cube Highways’ Strategic Infrastructure Acquisitions

• The Competition Commission of India has approved acquisition of Athaang Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited, Athaang Jammu Udhampur Highway Private Limited and Quazigund Expressway Private Limited by Cube Highways Trust and Cube Highways and Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd.
• The Proposed Combination envisages:

1. acquisition of 100% shareholding of Athaang Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited (ADTPL) by Cube Highways and Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd. (Cube V); and
2. acquisition of 100% shareholding of (i) Athaang Jammu Udhampur Highway Private Limited (AJUHPL), and (ii) Quazigund Expressway Private Limited (QEPL) by Cube Highways Trust (Cube Trust).

(Hereinafter ADTPL, AJUHPL and QEPL are collectively referred to as the ‘Targets’)

• The Cube Trust is an infrastructure investment trust registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014 (as amended).
• The road assets/ SPVs of Cube Trust are engaged, inter alia, in the operation and maintenance (O&M) of various road and highway projects in India.
• Cube V is registered as a foreign portfolio investor with the SEBI and acquires, operates and manages road assets in India.
• The Targets have been incorporated in India as special purpose vehicles and are engaged in the business of operating (through governmental concessions) roads and highways in India.

About CCI:

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairsand is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act of 2002.
• Founded: October 14, 2003
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Chairperson: Ravneet Kaur

Competition Commission of India (CCI) Clears Proposed Combination Involving Maple Infrastructure & 360 ONE PE 

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved a proposed combination involving Maple Infrastructure Trust (MIT), CDPQ Infrastructures Asia III Inc. (CDPQ Asia), Maple Highways Pte. Ltd., 360 ONE Private Equity Fund, and certain road assets of the Ashoka Buildcon group.
• The combination involves MIT acquiring Ashoka Dhankuni Kharagpur Tollway Limited (ADKTL), Ashoka Sambalpur Baragarh Tollway Limited (ASBTL), Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad Tollway Limited (ABDTL), Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited (AHBL), and Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited (AHDL), along with interconnected transactions.
• MIT is a private trust registered as an infrastructure investment trust under SEBI regulations and is engaged in owning and operating road assets in India.
• Maple Infra Invit Investment Manager Private Limited (Maple IM) is the investment manager of MIT.
• CDPQ Asia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec (CDPQ), a global investment group managing pension and insurance funds from Québec.
• Maple Sponsor acts as the sponsor of MIT under SEBI’s Infrastructure Investment Trusts Regulations, 2014.
• 360 ONE Private Equity Fund is a SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Fund, managed by 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited, investing in various sectors in India and globally.
• ADKTL, ASBTL, ABDTL, AHBL, and AHDL provide infrastructure concession services under agreements with the National Highway Authority of India Limited (NHAI).

Major Road Asset Deal: Competition Commission of India Clears Epic Concesiones 2’s Acquisition of Ashoka special purpose vehicles (SPVs)

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 100% equity shareholding in 11 road special purpose vehicles (SPVs) owned by Ashoka Concessions Limited (ACL) and Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL) by Epic Concesiones 2 Private Limited (EC2PL).
• The Proposed Combination involves EC2PL acquiring full equity shareholding in the 11 road SPVs from ACL and ABL (Proposed Equity Transaction).
• EC2PL is a private limited company engaged in owning and operating infrastructure projects.
• EC2PL is owned by Infrastructure Yield Plus II (IYP II) and Infrastructure Yield Plus IIA (IYP IIA), which are schemes of the Infrastructure Yield Trust, an irrevocable and determinate contributory investment trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
• IYP II and IYP IIA are registered with SEBI as Category I – Infrastructure Alternative Investment Funds under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.
• The investment manager of IYP II and IYP IIA is EAAA India Alternatives Limited (EIAL), which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of EFSL, the parent entity of EC2PL.
• The Target SPVs are 11 road SPVs incorporated in India, engaged in operating roads and highways through governmental concessions.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS & AUTHOR

MS Dhoni, Michael Hussey unveil CSK’s new book at grand event in Chennai

• PS Raman’s book ‘Leo — The Untold Story of CSK’ was launched at a city hotel, with MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming, and Mike Hussey attending the event.
• CD Gopinath, the oldest surviving Test cricketer in India, unveiled the book and presented the first copy to Anirudh Ravichander.
• Former cricketers K Srikkanth, Brijesh Patel, WV Raman, and S Badrinath were also present.
• Gopinath spoke about the evolution of cricket from its English origins and praised Dhoni for his leadership and impact on and off the field.
• Raman’s book chronicles CSK’s journey, including the challenging two-year suspension, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and never-before-seen photos from CSK’s archives.
• PS Raman, who had earlier written his father VP Raman’s biography, stated he started preparing notes for this book five to six years ago.
• He also acknowledged his association with N Srinivasan, the driving force behind CSK’s formation.
• R Ashwin, recently retired as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, was felicitated at the event.
• He recalled how Dhoni’s confidence in him during the 2011 IPL final helped shape his career, especially when he was asked to bowl the first over to Chris Gayle, dismissing the West Indian star.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS

Asian Wrestling Championships 2025: Grappler Sunil Kumar opens India’s account with bronze

• Sunil Kumar secured India’s first medal at the 2025 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship in Amman, Jordan, by winning bronze in the 87kg Greco-Roman category.
• He defeated China’s Jiaxin Huang 3-1 in the bronze medal match.
• Sunil began his campaign with a dominant 10-1 win over Tajikistan’s Sukhrob AbdulKhaev but lost 3-1 to Iran’s Yasin Ali Yazdi in the semifinals.
• This marks his fifth senior medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships, having won silver (2019), gold (2020), and bronze (2022, 2023).
• He also won India’s first Greco-Roman medal at the Asian Games since 2010, securing bronze at Hangzhou 2023.
• Other Indian Greco-Roman wrestlers—Nitin (55kg), Umesh (63kg), Sagar Thakran (77kg), and Prem (130kg)—failed to reach the medal rounds.

Kerala Blasters FC appoints Spanish tactician David Catala as head coach

• David Català, a former Spanish footballer, has been appointed as Kerala Blasters FC's head coach until 2026.
• The Spanish tactician, known for his modern football approach and extensive European experience, will assume his responsibilities immediately.
• Catala has managed E.K. Larnaca and Apollon Limassol in Cyprus, NK Istra 1961 in Croatia, and CE Sabadell in Spain.
• As a former central defender, he played over 500 professional matches in Spain and Cyprus before transitioning into management.
• Kerala Blasters FC finished eighth in the ISL this season and has faced criticism for poor performances.
• The club aims to improve its tactical structure and team mentality under Catala’s leadership, with a focus on rebuilding squad strength ahead of the Super Cup.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Theatre Day 2025: March 27

• World Theatre Day 2025 is celebrated on 27th March worldwide, marking its 60th anniversary since its initiation in 1962 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI).
• This day highlights the importance of theatre arts in entertainment, education, and cultural impact.
• Theme: While ITI does not officially designate a theme each year, the anticipated theme for 2025 is "Theatre and a Culture of Peace."

Significance of World Theatre Day

• Promotes theatre in all its forms and its value to society.
• Encourages governments, institutions, and stakeholders to recognize theatre’s potential for economic growth.
• Celebrates the role of theatre in fostering peace, creativity, and cultural development.
• Brings together theatre professionals, enthusiasts, and academies to honor the ancient craft of drama and performance.

History of Theatre and Key Milestones

• 534 B.C. – Thespis, the first recorded actor, performs in Athens.
• 55 B.C. – Rome’s first permanent stone theatre was built by Pompey the Great.
• 1585 – Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, Italy, the oldest surviving theatre, is inaugurated with a performance of Sophocles’ “Oedipus the King.”
• 1962 – First World Theatre Day is celebrated by ITI members and theatre professionals worldwide.

Daily CA One-Liner: March 27

• The Government is reviewing the financial performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) at national and regional levels.
• The Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) was announced on 15^thSeptember, 2015 with the objective to reduce country’s reliance on the import of gold in the long run and mobilise gold held by households and institutions in the country to facilitate its use for productive purposes.
• State Bank of India (SBI) has raised $1 billion through the largest dollar-denominated syndicated loan from India this year.
• NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NPCI, has announced the launch of BHIM 3.0, the latest version of the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) app.
• The Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP), a joint initiative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), conducts a comprehensive analysis of a country’s financial sector.
• Bank of Baroda, a top-tier public sector bank in India, has introduced its latest innovation—the Baroda mDigiNext mobile application.
• Indonesia’s president announced that his country will join the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral bank developed by member nations of the economic bloc BRICS.
• Gujarat is set to become the second state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)after Uttarakhand. 
• Brazilian ex-President Dilma Rousseff has been re-elected to serve another term as the head of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), a position she first assumed in March 2023.
• Vikram Sahu, who is currently heading global equity research for Bank of America in New York, is set to succeed Kaku Nakhate as the US-based bank's India country executive.
• The Competition Commission of India has approved acquisition of Athaang Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited, Athaang Jammu Udhampur Highway Private Limited and Quazigund Expressway Private Limited by Cube Highways Trust and Cube Highways and Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved a proposed combination involving Maple Infrastructure Trust (MIT), CDPQ Infrastructures Asia III Inc. (CDPQ Asia), Maple Highways Pte. Ltd., 360 ONE Private Equity Fund, and certain road assets of the Ashoka Buildcon group.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 100% equity shareholding in 11 road special purpose vehicles (SPVs) owned by Ashoka Concessions Limited (ACL) and Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL) by Epic Concesiones 2 Private Limited (EC2PL).
• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has expanded to 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) across India as of February 28, 2025.
• Indian-origin British author Rana Dasgupta won the 2025 Windham-Campbell Prize in the non-fiction category.
• Vodafone Idea (Vi) signed an MoU with the West Bengal State Export Promotion Society (WBSEPS) to support MSMEs in their digital journey.
• India and Singapore signed a letter of intent (LoI) for a green and digital shipping corridor (GDSC) during the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) in Delhi.
• PS Raman’s book ‘Leo — The Untold Story of CSK’ was launched at a city hotel, with MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming, and Mike Hussey attending the event.
• Sunil Kumar secured India’s first medal at the 2025 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship in Amman, Jordan, by winning bronze in the 87kg Greco-Roman category.
• David Català, a former Spanish footballer, has been appointed as Kerala Blasters FC's head coach until 2026.
• World Theatre Day 2025 is celebrated on 27th March worldwide, marking its 60th anniversary since its initiation in 1962 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI).