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 2-3 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.

SEBI Launches ‘Bond Central’ – A Centralised Database for Corporate Bonds

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a centralized database portal called Bond Central to improve transparency and facilitate access to information related to corporate bonds. This initiative is designed to establish a single, reliable source of information on corporate bonds issued in India, which will be advantageous for investors and other market participants.

Development and Collaboration

The Bond Central portal was developed through a joint effort by the Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPP) Association and Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), including stock exchanges and depositories. This portal is meant to serve as a free information resource for the public.

Objectives of Bond Central

The primary goal of Bond Central is to provide a unified platform for corporate bond data, enabling investors to make informed decisions. The key objectives include:

• Enhancing transparency in the corporate bond market.
• Standardising bond-related data to reduce information asymmetry.
• Providing free and easy access to crucial financial data for the public.
• Facilitating investor comparison of corporate bonds with other financial instruments.

Key Features of Bond Central

SEBI has highlighted several critical features that make Bond Central a valuable resource:

1. Unified Data Repository

The platform provides a comprehensive and integrated view of corporate bonds across multiple stock exchanges and issuers. This ensures seamless access to data for investors and financial analysts.

2. Comparison with Government Securities (G-Secs) and Indices

Investors can compare corporate bond prices with Government Securities (G-Secs) and other fixed-income indices. This feature allows for better risk assessment and investment planning.

3. Risk Assessments and Disclosures

Bond Central provides detailed risk assessments, corporate bond documents, and issuer disclosures. This helps investors evaluate opportunities effectively and make well-informed investment choices.

4. Standardisation of Bond Data

The platform ensures uniformity in corporate bond-related data, reducing information discrepancies and fostering market trust. By streamlining data presentation, the portal enhances comparability and accessibility.

5. Free and Open Access

Unlike other financial databases that may require subscriptions or fees, Bond Central is accessible to the public free of cost. This democratizes access to essential financial information and encourages wider market participation.

Implementation and Future Enhancements

The first phase of Bond Central went live on Thursday, with SEBI confirming that additional features will be introduced progressively. Future updates will be based on stakeholder feedback, ensuring that the platform evolves to meet the changing needs of the market.

U.S.-Ukraine Relations Erupt in Acrimony: Trump and Vance Berate Zelensky in Explosive Oval Office Showdown

The United States’ ties with Ukraine hit a critical point on Friday when President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance openly scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a charged televised meeting in the Oval Office. What started as an effort to devise a peace strategy for Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia spiraled into an extraordinary public dispute, marking one of the most hostile interactions between an American president and a foreign leader in modern history.

Trump and Vance criticized Zelensky for not showing enough appreciation for the U.S. support in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, trying to push him into accepting a peace agreement based on U.S. terms. With his temper rising and voice elevated, Trump warned that he would completely withdraw support from Ukraine if Zelensky didn’t agree. The meeting ended abruptly, with Trump canceling the rest of Zelensky’s visit, which included a planned joint news conference and a signing ceremony for a deal regarding rare mineral rights. U.S. officials then instructed the Ukrainian delegation to leave the White House grounds.

A visibly shaken Zelensky exited the Oval Office, climbed into a waiting black SUV, and departed. Shortly afterward, Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, suggested that Zelensky should consider stepping down, stating, “He either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with or he needs to change.”

A Stunning Display of Resentment

Trump’s harsh words directed at Zelensky were a startling expression of frustration aimed at the leader of a country facing aggression from a more powerful nation determined to undermine its sovereignty. In recent times, no U.S. president has so publicly criticized a visiting foreign leader in such a harsh way, particularly one who is an ally. This event highlighted the significant transformation in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, who has shown favor towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and hostility towards Zelensky.

During the confrontation, Trump referred to Putin as if they were close allies, mentioning that the Russian leader had “been through a lot with me” in enduring the “Russia hoax,” a reference to investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This rhetoric further underscored Trump’s alignment with Putin and his willingness to undermine Ukraine’s position in the conflict.

A Boost for Putin and Russian Reactions

The confrontation was a major win for Vladimir Putin, who has been eager to drive a wedge between Ukraine and its primary ally, the United States. Russian officials took to social media to express their joy, with Dmitri Medvedev, a key ally of Putin, cheerfully declaring, “The insolent pig finally received a proper slap down in the Oval Office.”

The incident also highlighted the growing divide between the United States and its traditional European allies. Leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and other nations swiftly issued statements of support for Ukraine and its embattled president. This show of solidarity came just days after the U.S. sided with Russia in opposing a United Nations resolution condemning Russian aggression on the third anniversary of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Oscars Awards 2025: Full List of the Academy Awards Winners

The 97th Academy Awards are now underway at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The 97th Oscars hosted by Conan O’Brien with your own Oscars printable ballot. The 2025 Oscars gathered Hollywood’s biggest stars on March 2, including Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, who have become one of the most talked-about couples of the awards season. They’ve graced several red carpet events together over the past year, earning them a spot as a fan-favorite duo. However, a humorous blunder on social media had fans buzzing even more than their appearance on the red carpet.

Oscars Awards 2025: Full List of the 97th Academy Awards Winners

Here is the complete list of this year’s nominees

Best Actor

1. Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) – Winner
2. Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)
3. Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)
4. Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)
5. Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)

Best Actress

1. Mikey Madison (Anora) – Winner
2. Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
3. Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez)
4. Demi Moore (The Substance)
5. Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)

Best Supporting Actor

1. Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) – Winner
2. Yura Borisov (Anora)
3. Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown)
4. Guy Pearce (The Brutalist)
5. Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice)

Best Supporting Actress

1. Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) – Winner
2. Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown)
3. Ariana Grande (Wicked)
4. Felicity Jones (The Brutalist)
5. Isabella Rossellini (Conclave)

Best Director

1. Sean Baker (Anora) – Winner
2. Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
3. Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
4. Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)
5. James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)

Best Cinematography

1. The Brutalist – Winner
2. Dune: Part Two
3. Emilia Pérez
4. Maria
5. Nosferatu

Best International Feature Film

1. I’m Still Here (Brazil) – Winner
2. The Girl With the Needle (Denmark)
3. Emilia Pérez (France)
4. The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany)
5. Flow (Latvia)

Best Adapted Screenplay

1. Conclave – Winner
2. A Complete Unknown
3. Emilia Pérez
4. Nickel Boys
5. Sing Sing

Best Original Screenplay

1. Anora – Winner
2. The Brutalist
3. A Real Pain
4. September 5
5. The Substance

Best Live Action Short Film

1. I’m Not a Robot – Winner
2. A Lien
3. Anuja
4. The Last Ranger
5. The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent

Best Animated Short Film

1. In the Shadow of the Cypress – Winner
2. Beautiful Men
3. Magic Candies
4. Wander to Wonder
5. Yuck!

Best Animated Feature Film

1. Flow – Winner
2. Inside Out 2
3. Memoir of a Snail
4. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
5. The Wild Robot

Best Documentary Short

1. The Only Girl in the Orchestra – Winner
2. Death by Numbers
3. I Am Ready, Warden
4. Incident
5. Instruments of a Beating Heart

Best Documentary Feature Film

1. No Other Land – Winner
2. Black Box Diaries
3. Porcelain War
4. Soundtrack to a Coup D’état
5. Sugarcane

Best Original Song

1. El Mal (Emilia Pérez) – Winner
2. The Journey (The Six Triple Eight)
3. Like a Bird (Sing Sing)
4. Mi Camino (Emilia Pérez)
5. Never Too Late (Elton John: Never Too Late)

Best Original Score

1. The Brutalist – Winner
2. Conclave
3. Emilia Pérez
4. Wicked
5. The Wild Robot

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

1. The Substance – Winner
2. A Different Man
3. Emilia Pérez
4. Nosferatu
5. Wicked

Best Costume Design

1. Wicked – Winner
2. A Complete Unknown
3. Conclave
4. Gladiator II
5. Nosferatu

Best Editing

1. Anora – Winner
2. The Brutalist
3. Conclave
4. Emilia Pérez
5. Wicked

Best Sound

1. Dune: Part Two – Winner
2. A Complete Unknown
3. Emilia Pérez
4. Wicked
5. The Wild Robot

Best Production Design

1. Wicked – Winner
2. The Brutalist
3. Conclave
4. Dune: Part Two
5. Nosferatu

Best Visual Effects

1. Dune: Part Two – Winner
2. Alien: Romulus
3. Better Man
4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
5. Wicked

Paytm Partners With Startup Perplexity To Integrate AI-powered Search

In a major step to improve digital accessibility and support financial decision-making, Paytm has revealed its partnership with Perplexity, an AI-based answer engine. This collaboration seeks to incorporate AI-driven search features into the Paytm app, enabling users to pose questions, delve into different topics in their local languages, and make well-informed financial choices.

What is Perplexity?

Perplexity is a sophisticated AI-powered answer engine that delivers real-time responses along with in-line citations. Unlike conventional search engines, it is tailored to provide accurate and well-researched answers, making it a trustworthy resource for users looking for reliable information on various subjects, such as finance and market trends.

How the AI-Powered Search Will Benefit Paytm Users

The integration of AI-powered search in the Paytm app is expected to bring numerous benefits to users, particularly in the area of financial literacy and decision-making. Some of the key advantages include:

• Instant Access to Financial Insights: Users can get real-time information on financial planning, market trends, and investment options.
• Support for Local Languages: The AI feature will allow users to explore topics in their preferred regional languages, making financial education more accessible.
• Enhanced User Experience: By leveraging AI, Paytm aims to make the platform more interactive and informative.
• Reliable and Verified Information: With in-line citations, users can be assured of the authenticity of the information provided.
• Simplified Financial Decision-Making: The AI search engine will help users make well-informed choices by answering queries related to personal finance, budgeting, loans, and investments.

YES BANK Hosts Export Conclave 2025 in Collaboration with WTC Mumbai

YES BANK, the sixth-largest private sector bank in India, partnered with the World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai to organize the esteemed Export Conclave 2025 at YES BANK House. This event provided a vital platform for exporters, industry leaders, and government officials to engage in discussions about emerging trade trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global market.

With a strong focus on empowering MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and enhancing India’s export ecosystem, the conclave emphasized trade facilitation, financial support, and innovation in export services.

Key Highlights of Export Conclave 2025

Strategic Partnership Between YES BANK and WTC Mumbai

A significant highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between YES BANK and WTC Mumbai. This strategic partnership aims to:

• Enhance MSMEs’ access to credit.
• Provide trade facilitation services for smoother international transactions.
• Offer global market insights to help exporters navigate evolving trade environments.

By leveraging this partnership, YES BANK and WTC Mumbai seek to reinforce India’s position in global trade and provide exporters with essential tools and financial support to scale their businesses.

YES BANK’s Flagship Offerings for MSMEs and Women Entrepreneurs

As part of its commitment to fostering economic growth, YES BANK introduced two new initiatives under its YES Business suite:

1. YES Exports: A Comprehensive Export Financing Solution

Designed specifically to empower export-oriented businesses, YES Exports provides a robust financial ecosystem that facilitates pre-shipment and post-shipment finance. This initiative enables exporters to secure quick access to working capital and scale their businesses efficiently.

Key Features of YES Exports:

• Export finance up to ₹10 crore with minimal collateral requirements.
• Financing based on financial performance rather than traditional lending constraints.
• Expert trade advisory to guide businesses in international market expansion.
• A digital SME service desk for easy access to banking solutions.
• Seamless global transactions with competitive forex rates and efficient export bill processing.

This initiative is expected to boost the confidence of MSME exporters, ensuring faster access to funds and reducing financial bottlenecks in the export process.

2. YES PowherUp: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Recognizing the increasing role of women entrepreneurs in business and trade, YES BANK launched YES PowherUp, a financial initiative dedicated to supporting women-led enterprises.

Benefits of YES PowherUp:

• Access to customized business loans for expansion and operations.
• Financial planning and advisory services to help women entrepreneurs make informed decisions.
• Preferential forex exchange rates and export bill processing benefits.
• Networking opportunities with industry experts and global trade professionals.

This initiative aligns with YES BANK’s vision to promote financial inclusivity and enable women entrepreneurs to take their businesses to international markets.

World Wildlife Day 2025: Date, Theme, History and Significance

World Wildlife Day is a global celebration held annually to raise awareness and honor the wild animals and plants that inhabit our planet. In light of the escalating triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution—over one million species are at risk of extinction. This day is a crucial reminder of the immediate need for conservation efforts and sustainable practices to safeguard endangered species and their habitats.

World Wildlife Day is a chance for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to come together and promote policies that aid in wildlife conservation. This day focuses on education, advocacy, and action, inspiring people to make significant strides toward a sustainable future that is friendly to wildlife.

World Wildlife Day 2025: Date and Theme

World Wildlife Day is observed every year on March 3 to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. In 2025, the day falls on Monday, March 3, and will be celebrated under the theme:

“Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”

This theme underscores the importance of financial investments in conservation efforts, emphasizing that a sustainable future depends on securing and utilizing financial resources effectively. It highlights the need for collaboration between governments, private institutions, and global organizations to enhance the effectiveness of conservation funding.

Bank of Baroda Achieves ISO 22301:2019 Certification for Business Continuity Management

Bank of Baroda, a leading public sector bank in India, has earned the notable ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI). This recognition emphasizes the bank’s commitment to operational resilience, business continuity planning, and risk management, ensuring that banking services remain uninterrupted even in the event of unexpected disruptions.

Significance of ISO 22301:2019 Certification

The ISO 22301:2019 certification is an internationally recognized standard that establishes the criteria for effective business continuity management systems. It recognizes organizations that adopt strong strategies to reduce risks, limit operational interruptions, and facilitate quick recovery in times of crisis.

For Bank of Baroda, this certification highlights:

• Operational Resilience: The ability to maintain business functions and recover from disruptions effectively.
• Risk Management Capabilities: Strengthening the bank’s preparedness for financial, technological, and operational risks.
• Business Continuity Planning: Ensuring critical banking services remain uninterrupted during unforeseen events such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, or system failures.

Objective Behind Achieving This Certification

The primary goal of obtaining the ISO 22301:2019 certification is to establish a well-structured and proactive approach to business continuity. This involves:

• Minimizing Disruptions: Ensuring smooth banking operations even in emergencies.
• Swift Crisis Recovery: Implementing frameworks that allow quick restoration of services.
• Enhanced Risk Management: Strengthening internal processes to handle potential threats effectively.
• Stakeholder Confidence: Reassuring customers, investors, and regulatory bodies about the bank’s commitment to reliable and secure financial services.

Gharial Conservation, How Madhya Pradesh is Leading the Way

Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) are a unique type of long-snouted crocodilian that is critically endangered because of habitat destruction, pollution, and fishing practices. Madhya Pradesh (MP) has become a frontrunner in their conservation, hosting over 80% of India’s gharials. Recently, CM Mohan Yadav released 10 gharials into the Chambal River, demonstrating MP’s commitment to their protection.

What are Gharials?

• Gharials are fish-eating crocodilians with long, narrow snouts adapted for catching fish.
• The name ‘gharial’ comes from the Hindi word ghara, meaning pot, referring to the bulbous snout tip of adult males.
• Males grow 3–6 meters, while females range from 2.6–4.5 meters.
• They are culturally significant in Indian mythology, often associated with the goddess Ganga.
• Play a crucial role in river ecosystems by cleaning up carrion and maintaining ecological balance.

Madhya Pradesh’s Leadership in Gharial Conservation

• Chambal River as a Key Habitat
• Home to over 80% of India’s gharial population.
• National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) protects a 435-km stretch of one of India’s cleanest rivers.
• Also hosts over 290 bird species, including the endangered Indian Skimmer.

Champakam Dorairajan and the First Amendment: A Landmark Case in Constitutional History

Champakam Dorairajan, a Brahmin woman from Madras, significantly influenced India’s constitutional history by legally challenging caste-based reservations in educational institutions. Her case, State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951), resulted in the First Amendment of the Indian Constitution, which introduced Article 15(4) to permit affirmative action for socially and educationally backward classes. This landmark case was the first time the Supreme Court invalidated a law for infringing on fundamental rights, paving the way for ongoing discussions about merit, equality, and reservations in India.

Madhya Pradesh Now Home to India’s Highest Vulture Population

Madhya Pradesh has become the state with the largest vulture population in India, representing a significant achievement in wildlife conservation. The first phase of the 2025 vulture census reveals that the state’s vulture population has grown to 12,981, up from 10,845 in 2024 and 8,397 in 2019. This consistent increase underscores the success of the conservation efforts put in place over the years. Initiated in 2016, the vulture census is vital for monitoring population trends and ensuring the survival of these essential scavengers.

The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has been conducting systematic vulture censuses since 2016 to monitor the population closely. The 2025 census is divided into two phases, with the first conducted from February 17th to 19th and the second scheduled for April 29th. The survey covers 16 circles, 64 divisions, and 9 protected areas, including national parks, tiger reserves, and other wildlife sanctuaries across the state. These extensive efforts aim to provide an accurate count and help implement better conservation strategies.

Madhya Pradesh hosts seven of the nine vulture species that can be found in India. This includes four resident species: the Indian Long-billed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, and Red-headed Vulture, along with three migratory species: the Himalayan Griffon, Eurasian Griffon, and Cinereous Vulture. The census takes place in winter, a time when both resident and migratory vultures are more easily counted, leading to more accurate population estimates.