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Daily Current Affairs of 25th March 2019

International Current Affairs

Today (25th March) is International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade.

This day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice in today's world.

Theme for the year 2019 : "Remember Slavery: The Power of the Arts for Justice"

President Ram Nath Kovind has left on a 3-nation visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile.

In the 1st leg of his visit, he will reach Zagreb (capital of Croatia) this evening and will meet his Croatian counterpart and Prime Minister of Croatia and discuss the issues of mutual interest.
There is a scope for further investment in diverse sectors in Croatia.
Note : It will be Mr Kovind's first visit to Croatia.
In Bolivia, the President will hold restricted and delegation level talks with his counterpart.
He will participate in India-Bolivia business forum meeting and interact with students.
On the last leg of his visit, Mr Kovind will reach Chile on 30th.
He will hold talks with Chile Counterpart and discuss issues of mutual interest.
Improving Trade and Economic relations will be on the agenda.
Aim of this visit : To further strengthen India's bilateral relations with the countries.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated the country's 1st Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system with the aim of easing the traffic congestion in the capital Jakarta.
India has moved up two places to rank 76th on WEF Global Energy Transition index 2019.

This annual list, compiled by Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF), has ranked 115 economies on how well they are able to balance energy security and access with environmental sustainability and affordability.
The report, released by the WEF today, said India is amongst the countries with high pollution levels and has a relatively high CO2 intensity in its energy system.
It added that despite this, India has made significant strides to improve energy access in recent years, and currently scores well in the area of regulation and political commitment towards energy transition.
Sweden remains on the top on this annual list and is followed by Switzerland and Norway in the top three.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) backed by the US has defeated the Daesh [ISIS] by capturing the final shred of the territory of Baghouz in Syria.

The forces have declared the end of the self-declared “caliphate” that once spanned a third of Iraq and Syria.

MOUs & Agreements

Oman has signed an agreement with the United States that allow American ships and warplanes to take advantage of it's ports and airports.

The framework agreement is aimed at bolstering Omani-American military relations.
The agreement will allow the US forces to take advantage from the facilities offered at some of the Sultanate's ports and airports during visits of the US military vessels and aircraft, particularly in the port of Duqm.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The Hinduja family has topped the Asian Rich List 2019 for the 6th successive year with £25.2 billion (over ₹2.3 lakh crore) wealth.

The list is the compilation of the 101 wealthiest Asians in Britain and highlights exceptional entrepreneurial achievement over the last 12 months.
Steel magnates Lakshmi Mittal and his son Aditya Mittal were ranked 2nd with £11.2 billion (over ₹1 lakh crore) wealth.
Petrochemicals billionaire S P Lohia was ranked 3rd with £5.8 billion (over ₹53,000 crore) wealth.
Note : This list was released by India’s High Commissioner to the UK Ruchi Ghanashyam.

A consortium of two Indian oil companies, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited have been awarded the exploration rights for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1.

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, today signed agreements awarding the exploration rights.
The award has been endorsed by Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Petroleum Council.

Recent Committees in News

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has appointed 5-member committee under the chairmanship of Nandan Nilekani to further deepen digital payments and enhance financial inclusion through Fintech.

The RBI has requested the committee to give recommendations in 3 months in this regard.

Science & Technology

Indian Air Force (IAF) today formally inducted the 4 heavy-lift Chinook helicopters.

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa announced the induction at a ceremony held at Air Force base in Chandigarh.
Chinook helicopters will be deployed at Chandigarh's Air Force Station 12 Wing.
These helicopters are capable of vertical lift and heavy lifting in hilly areas.
The vertical lift capability across a diversified terrain was required as India faces multiple security challenges.

Norway's capital Oslo will become the world's first city to install wireless induction-based fast-charging systems for electric taxis.

Charging plates will be installed in the ground where taxis are parked, which will connect with receivers in taxis and allow them to charge for up to 75 kilowatts.
Finland's Fortum is working on the project with America's Momentum Dynamics.

Deaths

Rafi Eitan (92), a Mossad spy who led the Israeli team that captured Holocaust mastermind Adolf Eichmann in Argentina, passed away.

Eichmann was taken to Israel where he was tried and found guilty of crimes against humanity and subsequently hanged.
Eitan was also involved in planning the attack on the Iraqi Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981.

Awards & Honors

Lalit Kala Akademi has announced 15 winners of the 60th Annual National Academy Awards.

Note : All the awardees will be honoured with a plaque, a shawl and prize money of Rs 1 lakh at the 60th National Exhibition of Art, scheduled from March 25 to April 8 at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and Sir JJ School of Art.