Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 18 March 2025, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

India Masters Clinch Historic IML 2025 Title

In a spectacular showdown, India Masters triumphed in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets. This grand finale was a nostalgic nod to cricket’s golden era, with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar leading the charge for India Masters. The atmosphere was electric, with nearly 50,000 fans cheering at the SVNS International Stadium.

This highly anticipated match featured a lineup of cricket legends, including Brian Lara leading the West Indies Masters, making it a true celebration of both skill and heritage. In addition to the prestigious title, India Masters also secured a generous prize of ₹1 crore for their victory.

The Grand Finale: India Masters vs West Indies Masters

The final match of IML 2025 was a thrilling encounter between two of the most formidable teams in the league. The West Indies Masters, batting first, managed to score 148/7 in 20 overs, setting up a competitive total. In response, India Masters displayed their batting dominance, chasing down the target with six wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare.

West Indies Masters Struggle Against Indian Bowling Attack

In their innings, the West Indies Masters faced a solid Indian bowling attack. The Indian bowlers were on point, keeping things tight and preventing the Caribbean side from gaining momentum.

• Vinay Kumar was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs.

• Shahbaz Nadeem was also impressive, finishing with 2 wickets for just 12 runs over 4 overs.

• Pawan Negi and Stuart Binny each added a wicket to their tally, ensuring the West Indies Masters couldn’t post a competitive score.

Even with a few decent performances, the West Indies could only reach 148/7 in 20 overs, which was not enough against the strong batting lineup of India Masters.

IML 2025 Awards and Prize Money

Apart from lifting the IML 2025 trophy, several players were recognized for their stellar performances throughout the tournament.

Match Awards:

• Bank of Baroda Masterstroke of the Match: Ambati Rayudu (9 fours) – ₹50,000
• Most Sixes in the Match: Ambati Rayudu (3 sixes) – ₹50,000
• Gamechanger of the Match: Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12 in 4 overs)
• Most Economical Bowler: Shahbaz Nadeem (Economy rate of 3.00)
• Player of the Match: Ambati Rayudu (74 runs off 50 balls) – ₹50,000

Season Awards:

• Most Fours in the Season: Kumar Sangakkara – 38 fours (₹5,00,000)
• Most Sixes in the Season: Shane Watson – 25 sixes (₹5,00,000)

IML 2025 Prize Money:

• Winners (India Masters): ₹1 crore (₹10,000,000)
• Runners-up (West Indies Masters): ₹50 lakh (₹5,000,000)

The Legacy of IML 2025

The International Masters League (IML) 2025 was all about nostalgia, skill, and an unwavering love for the game, as it brought cricketing legends back to the pitch. The final showdown between the India Masters and the West Indies Masters was the ultimate climax, with fans treated to an electrifying contest featuring some of the sport’s greatest players.

This tournament did a fantastic job of merging past glory with current excitement, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation for the next edition of the IML.

Chandrayaan-5 Mission Approved by the Centre: A Major Leap in Lunar Exploration

India’s space ambitions are hitting new milestones with the announcement of the Chandrayaan-5 mission, made by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on March 16, 2025. This mission will be carried out in partnership with Japan and aims to conduct a thorough examination of the Moon’s surface. In a departure from Chandrayaan-3, which included the 25 kg rover ‘Pragyan’, Chandrayaan-5 will deploy a more powerful 250 kg rover, taking India’s lunar exploration to the next level.

Key Highlights of Chandrayaan-5 Mission

General Information

• Approved: March 13, 2025
• Announced by: ISRO Chairman V Narayanan
• Collaboration: India (ISRO) and Japan (JAXA)
• Objective: Detailed study of the Moon’s surface
• Rover Weight: 250 kg (10 times heavier than Chandrayaan-3’s rover ‘Pragyan’)
• Focus Area: Advanced mineralogical and geological analysis

Objectives of Chandrayaan-5

• Dive deep into the mineral and geological makeup of the Moon’s surface.

• Send out a more robust rover (weighing 250 kg) for thorough exploration.

• Boost India’s lunar technology and scientific expertise.

• Foster stronger international partnerships with Japan.

Future Plans of ISRO

• Chandrayaan-4 (2027): To bring lunar soil samples to Earth.
• Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first manned mission to space.
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station: India’s own space station by 2035.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan Launches Thermal Research Centre at IIT Madras

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a big step forward in space technology with the launch of the Shri S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research at IIT Madras. Inaugurated by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, this new research hub is designed to tackle the complex thermal challenges that come with space applications. The centre will focus on managing heat dissipation in satellites and launch vehicles, creating advanced cooling solutions, and encouraging partnerships between industry and academia. This initiative is set to strengthen India’s independence in space technologies and boost research capabilities for future deep-space missions.

Key Highlights

About the Research Centre

• Named Shri S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research.
• Located at IIT Madras, Department of Mechanical Engineering.
• Aims to advance thermal and fluid science research for space applications.
• Named after S Ramakrishnan, an IIT Madras alumnus and distinguished aerospace engineer.

2. Objectives and Focus Areas

• Address heat dissipation challenges in satellites and launch vehicles.

Develop advanced cooling solutions, such as,

• Micro heat pipes
• Vapour chambers
• Spray cooling
• Two-phase heat transfer devices
• Create high-fidelity simulation and testing facilities.
• Improve thermal control systems to enhance satellite longevity and spacecraft safety.

3. ISRO-IIT Madras Collaboration

• ISRO scientists and engineers will collaborate with IIT Madras faculty.
• The research will support India’s lunar, Mars, and deep-space missions.
• Encouraging ISRO scientists to pursue advanced degrees at IIT Madras.
• Strengthening industry-academia partnerships for cutting-edge space research.

Union Minister Lays Foundation Stone for NECTAR’s Permanent Campus in Shillong

On March 13, 2025, Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, laid the foundation stone for the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in Mawdiangdiang, Shillong. NECTAR is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India, and it’s all about using technology to drive socio-economic progress in the Northeast. The Minister took the opportunity to showcase NECTAR’s accomplishments in saffron cultivation, drone technology, and STEM education, emphasizing its potential to turn the Northeast into India’s next saffron hub.

Key Highlights of the Event

About NECTAR

• Established in 2014 under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• Works towards technology-driven socio-economic development in the Northeast region.
• Permanent campus foundation stone laid at Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.

Union Minister’s Announcements

• NECTAR’s Mission Saffron was launched in 2021 to promote saffron farming in the Northeast.
• The STEM Education Lab, working alongside IISER Pune and the Smart Village Movement, is empowering 100 schools with innovative tools like robotics, 3D printing, and electronics technology.

• Drone technology applications for flood vulnerability assessments in Morigaon, Dhubri, and Majuli districts.
• Beekeeping and Honey Mission for enhancing rural livelihoods.
• NECTAR to play a key role in “Atmanirbhar Northeast” and “Viksit Bharat”, aligning with PM Modi’s vision for equitable regional growth.

NECTAR’s Key Focus Areas

• Saffron Cultivation
• Drone Technology
• STEM Education
• Flood Risk Mitigation
• Beekeeping and Honey Mission
• Bamboo Innovation

Armenia and Azerbaijan Finalize Peace Treaty to End 40-Year Conflict

In a historic breakthrough, Armenia and Azerbaijan have come to an agreement on the wording of a peace treaty, putting an end to nearly forty years of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This peace agreement was wrapped up on March 13, 2025, representing a major move toward fostering stability in the South Caucasus. However, Azerbaijan is insisting on a constitutional change in Armenia before the treaty can be signed, which has led to some uncertainty about when the official signing will actually take place.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

Background of the Conflict

• The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict started in the late 1980s, as the region, which had a majority of ethnic Armenians, sought independence from Azerbaijan with help from Armenia.
• This conflict escalated into two wars and caused mass displacements of ethnic groups on both sides.
• In September 2023, Azerbaijan regained control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region through military means, leading to the exodus of around 100,000 ethnic Armenians to Armenia.

The Peace Agreement

• Both Armenia and Azerbaijan finalized the text of the peace treaty on March 13, 2025.
• Armenia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the treaty is ready for signing and proposed consultations on the date and location for the signing ceremony.
• Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry also expressed satisfaction with the draft treaty.

Conditions for Signing

• Azerbaijan insists that Armenia must amend its constitution, claiming it makes implicit territorial claims on Azerbaijan.
• Armenia denies the allegations but Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has acknowledged the need to replace the constitution through a referendum, though no date has been set.

India’s GDP to Reach $5.7 Trillion, Becoming Third Largest by 2028: Morgan Stanley

According to a report from Morgan Stanley, India’s GDP is on track to grow to an impressive $5.7 trillion by the fiscal year 2028, which would make it the third-largest economy in the world, surpassing both Germany and Japan. Right now, India holds the title of the fifth-largest economy, but it’s expected to leapfrog Japan by 2026, claiming the fourth spot. The nation’s share of the global GDP is projected to increase from 3.5% in 2023 to 4.5% by 2029, thanks to robust macroeconomic policies, better infrastructure, and a booming consumer market. The report also discusses various growth scenarios, suggesting that in a best-case scenario, GDP could soar to $10.3 trillion by 2035.

Key Highlights

Projections

• India’s Current Position: The fifth-largest economy after the US, China, Germany, and Japan in 2023.
• Growth Projection: GDP is expected to rise from $3.5 trillion in 2023 to $4.7 trillion in 2026, overtaking Japan to become fourth-largest.
• By 2028: India will surpass Germany, reaching $5.7 trillion, making it the third-largest economy after the US and China.

Historical Position

• 1990 – 12th largest economy
• 2000 – 13th position
• 2020 – 9th position
• 2023 – 5th position

Global Share of GDP

• Expected to increase from 3.5% in 2023 to 4.5% in 2029.

Short-Term Growth

• FY 2025 GDP growth – Expected at 6.3%
• FY 2026 GDP growth – Expected at 6.5%

BEL Signs ₹2,906 Crore Deal with MoD for Indigenous LLTR (Ashwini) Radar

In a major move to bolster India’s air defence capabilities, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on Monday signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for supply of Low-Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) Ashwini. Developed indigenously by DRDO’s Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), the radar system is solid-state based and can track aerial targets like drones, helicopters and fighter jets. This deal is in consonance with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the government to promote indigenisation in defence production.

Key Highlights of the Deal

About the Ashwini LLTR Radar

• Active electronically scanned phased array radar designed by DRDO and BEL
• Levies on Sound State Technologies for yen base achievement
• Follow high-speed fighter jets as well as slow-moving drones and helicopters.
• It is armed with Integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system for 4D (range, azimuth, elevation and velocity) surveillance.
• Equipped with Electronic Counter Countermeasures (ECCM) to counter enemy jamming.
• Indigenously developed radars, in line with India’s Atmanirbhar in defence manufacturing.

Details of the BEL-MoD Deal

• ₹2,906 crore contract signed on March 14, 2025.
• The deal was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

This is BEL’s second major defence order in a week, following a ₹577 crore deal for,

• Airborne electronic warfare systems
• Underwater communication systems
• Doppler weather radars
• Train communication systems
• Radar upgrades and related services

Delhi to Sign MoU with Centre for PM-ABHIM Implementation on March 18, 2025

Delhi government to sign MoU with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on March 18, 2025, for implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) Under the scheme, 1,139 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (U-AAMs) will be established in Delhi to strengthen primary healthcare services and prepare to combat future pandemics and outbreaks. Additionally, the plan includes upgrading 553 existing mohalla clinics and creating 413 new U-AAMs. This development follows a lengthy legal struggle and a shift in Delhi’s political landscape.

Key Highlights of the Deal

About PM-ABHIM Scheme

• Central government scheme launched to strengthen public health infrastructure.
• Aims to respond effectively to future pandemics and health emergencies.
• Focuses on upgrading primary healthcare facilities across urban and rural areas.

Implementation Plan for Delhi

• 1,139 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (U-AAMs) to be established.
• 553 existing mohalla clinics to be upgraded to U-AAMs.
• 413 new U-AAMs to be opened.
• Scheme previously implemented only for diagnostic labs at Indira Gandhi Hospital on a pilot basis.

Political and Legal Background

• The scheme was refused earlier by Delhi’s AAP government.
• Despite the Model Code of Conduct, the Delhi High Court directed the government to sign the MoU by January 5, 2025.
• The Supreme Court stayed the High Court order on January 17, 2025.
• The new Delhi government, headed by the BJP, announced in February 2025 that it would implement the scheme.
• The MoU between the Delhi government and the Centre will be signed on March 18, 2025.

SBI to Launch Project Finance Unit for AI, Fintech, and E-Commerce

The State Bank of India (SBI), India’s biggest public sector bank, will set up a specialized unit to handle project financing in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce and fintech. This initiative is a part of SBI’s larger strategy to diversify its projects finance operations beyond conventional infrastructure sectors. This project will take one year to complete and the bank will hire specialized professionals and appoint an external consultant for it.

Key Highlights

Objective

• SBI is setting up a new unit for project financing solutions for ‘new-age industries’ such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and fintech.

Implementation Timeline

• Within a year, the bank intends to finalize the creation of this unit.

Recruitment & Expertise

• SBI will bring in specialist professionals to run the unit and is currently in the process of appointing an external consultant.

Expansion of Project Finance Scope

• The initiative aims to diversify SBI’s project finance and structuring unit, which has traditionally focused on infrastructure projects.

Growing Focus on New-Age Industries

• SBI is increasing its lending to sectors like AI, fintech, and renewable energy as part of its evolving financing strategy.

Government Spending Boost

• The initiative aligns with increased government spending on infrastructure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

Past Project Financing Success

• In FY 2024, SBI funded 48 large-scale projects through its project finance and structuring unit.

Center of Excellence

• The unit will be named the “Center of Excellence for Project Financing” and will also share insights with other financial institutions.

Lachit Barphukan Police Academy Inaugurated in Assam by Amit Shah

Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah performed the foundation laying of Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam on 15th March 2025. It is a major step towards strengthening policing across the whole Northeast and making the academy a premier institute. The academy, named after legendary Ahom general Lachit Barphukan, will offer modern facilities to train police personnel. Assam CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were also present at the event.

Key Highlights of the Inauguration

Significance of the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy

The first phase of the academy has been completed at a cost of ₹167 crore, with a total investment of ₹1050 crore planned for all three phases. This academy features state-of-the-art facilities and is set to become a premier police training center in India. Previously, Assam’s police had to travel to other states for training, but now, the academy has already trained 2,000 police personnel from Goa and Manipur. Amit Shah stressed that in the next five years, this academy will be recognized as the best among all police academies in India.

Development and Infrastructure in Assam

Peace Agreements Signed: Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, multiple peace agreements were signed,

• Bodoland Agreement (2020)
• Karbi Anglong Agreement (2021)
• Tribal Peace Agreement (2022)
• ULFA, Assam-Meghalaya, and Assam-Arunachal Agreements (2023)
• These agreements have led to 10,000+ militants surrendering and joining the mainstream.
• ₹27,000 crore semiconductor industry is being set up in Assam.
• Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit led to ₹5.18 lakh crore MoUs, with infrastructure projects worth ₹3 lakh crore.

Several key projects launched under PM Modi’s leadership, including

• Bharatmala Project – ₹10,000 crore (200+ km)
• Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge – ₹3,000 crore
• Silchar-Churaibari Corridor (Four-laning) – ₹3,400 crore
• Majuli Island embankment & road – ₹1,000 crore
• Six-lane bridge over Brahmaputra River
• NH 715-K (Majuli to Jorhat) – ₹382 crore
• Expansion of Gopinath Airport – ₹1,200 crore
• Railway sector projects – ₹9,000 crore
• AIIMS in Assam – ₹1,000 crore

Improved Law & Order and Conviction Rates

• Conviction rate in Assam increased from 5% to 25% under BJP rule.
• Assam Police, previously focused on counterterrorism, now prioritizes citizens’ rights and criminal justice reforms.
• The three new criminal laws introduced by PM Modi will be effectively implemented.

Welfare and Social Development Initiatives

• Tap water supply to 58 lakh homes for the first time.
• Free medical treatment (up to ₹5 lakh) for 1.8 crore people.
• 43 lakh households received toilets, improving sanitation.
• 2.32 crore poor people receive 5 kg free rice per person monthly.
• 51 lakh gas cylinders and 21 lakh houses provided under Modi government schemes.

Future Vision for Assam

• Amit Shah declared that Assam will witness unprecedented growth in coming years.
• ₹5 lakh crore in investments will create massive employment opportunities.
• Assam is transforming into a hub of peace, economic growth, and infrastructure development.