Daily Current Affairs 19th March 2025: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
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This post contains daily current affairs 19th March 2025. It includes all National, International, Business & Sports related current affairs 19th March 2025. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 19th March, 2025 Current affairs test.
International News
ADB Introduces “Frontier Seed” Initiative for Private Sector Growth and Ocean Impact in the Pacific
- The Asian Development Bank has launched the Frontier Seed program to support local businesses, enhance capital markets, and promote sustainable economic growth in the Pacific region.
- With an initial investment of $4 million, the program has already signed technical assistance agreements worth $200,000 with SeaPAC Pte Ltd (specializing in prawn production) and Kahuto Pacific (aerial mapping solutions).
- The initiative is backed by international organizations, including the ORCA Trust Fund, Nordic Development Fund, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office .
- The program aims to attract investors, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen the economic resilience of Pacific nations.
US Travel Ban 2025: New Restrictions for 43 Countries
- Former US President Donald Trump is considering implementing a new travel ban in 2025, impacting 43 countries based on security and immigration concerns.
- The affected countries are categorized into three groups:
- Complete visa suspension for nations like Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela.
- Strict visa restrictions for countries such as Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, and Russia.
- A 60-day window to address US security concerns; includes countries like Angola, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe.
- The proposed travel restrictions expand previous bans, aiming to enhance national security but face criticism for potential diplomatic tensions and international backlash.
Stuart Young Takes Oath as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
- Stuart Young is set to be sworn in as the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, succeeding Dr. Keith Rowley, who has stepped down.
- Young, currently serving as the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, has been appointed as part of a planned leadership transition within the government.
National News
Foundation Laid for North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach in Shillong
- Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach at Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.
- NECTAR is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
- The institute focuses on leveraging technology to drive socio-economic development in the Northeast region of India.
Maharashtra’s First-Ever Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple Inaugurated in Bhiwandi
- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the state’s first temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi, Thane, on his birth anniversary.
- The temple’s architecture is inspired by Maratha forts, symbolizing Shivaji’s heroism, strategic brilliance, and valor.
- The government plans to recognize it as a pilgrimage site, highlighting Shivaji Maharaj’s cultural and historical significance.
Chhattisgarh to Introduce Stricter Anti-Conversion Law
- The Chhattisgarh government, led by CM Vishnu Deo Sai, is preparing to introduce a more stringent anti-conversion law to curb illegal religious conversions.
- Despite the existing Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968, Home Minister Vijay Sharma stated that new legislation will specifically target coercive conversions, inducements, and so-called faith-healing events.
- BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar expressed concerns regarding foreign-funded NGOs allegedly involved in illegal conversions.
- The government has assured strict legal action against unlawful religious conversions.
Lachit Barphukan Police Academy Inaugurated in Assam
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam.
- Named after the Ahom general Lachit Barphukan, the academy aims to enhance law enforcement training in the Northeast region.
- Phase 1 of the project was built with a ₹167 crore investment, with a total ₹1050 crore planned for future expansion.
- The academy has already trained 2,000 police personnel from Goa and Manipur.
- The event was attended by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
Business News
SBI to Launch Specialized Project Finance Unit for AI, Fintech, and E-Commerce
- The State Bank of India is setting up a dedicated project finance unit to support AI, fintech, and e-commerce industries.
- This move expands SBI’s focus beyond traditional infrastructure financing to emerging digital sectors.
- The initiative is expected to be completed within a year, with recruitment of experts and an external consultant appointed for execution.
Defence News
India and Australia Strengthen Defence Cooperation
- The 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks took place in New Delhi on March 17, 2025.
- The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, while Australia’s delegation was headed by Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary of the International Policy Division, Australian Department of Defence.
- Discussions focused on deepening military interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains.
Economy News
India’s GDP to Reach $5.7 Trillion by 2028: Morgan Stanley
- Morgan Stanley forecasts that India’s GDP will reach $5.7 trillion by 2028, making it the third-largest economy, surpassing Germany and Japan.
- India is projected to overtake Japan by 2026, becoming the fourth-largest economy.
- The global GDP share of India is expected to rise from 3.5% (2023) to 4.5% (2029).
- In an optimistic scenario, India’s GDP could surpass $10.3 trillion by 2035.
Appointments News
Dr. Lakshmi Venu Appointed as Vice Chairman of TAFE
- Dr. Lakshmi Venu has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited.
- She has significant experience in the farm mechanization and auto components industry.
- She is an alumnus of Yale University and holds a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Warwick, UK.
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman Named CEO of Anusandhan National Research Foundation
- Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman has been appointed as the CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
- He succeeds Professor Abhay Karandikar and will oversee R&D, innovation, and industry collaborations.
Lip-Bu Tan Appointed as CEO of Intel Corporation
- Lip-Bu Tan has taken over as the CEO of Intel Corporation, effective March 18, 2025.
- He succeeds Interim Co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus.
Schemes News
Telangana Launches ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam’ Scheme for Youth Employment
- CM A. Revanth Reddy of Telangana launched the ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam’ Scheme to promote self-employment among youth from SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities.
- The scheme has a ₹6,000 crore budget, aiming to empower five lakh youth with financial support.
Science & Technology News
Human Coronavirus HKU1 Detected in Kolkata
- A case of the HKU1 coronavirus has been detected in Kolkata.
- HKU1 is not new, having been identified in 2005, and typically causes mild respiratory illnesses similar to the common cold.
- The infected patient is stable, and experts assure no pandemic threat from HKU1.
