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 20 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’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant in Indore

Indore is about to achieve a significant milestone in sustainable waste management with the establishment of India’s first green waste processing plant, made possible through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This project, part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, aims to convert green waste into valuable resources, enhancing environmental sustainability and reducing pollution. The facility will process green waste, generate revenue for the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), and offer an alternative to coal by producing wooden pellets. This plant represents a crucial advancement in innovation, circular economy, and eco-friendly waste management.

Key Highlights of the Green Waste Processing Plant

1. Project Overview

• Location: Bicholi Hapsi, Indore
• Developed Under: Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban
• Execution Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
• Land Area: 55,000 square feet
• Private Partner: Astronomical Industries Private Limited
• Waste Processed: Wood, branches, leaves, and flowers

2. Green Waste Processing and Revenue Model

Indore produces about 30 tons of green waste every day, and that number jumps to around 60-70 tons in the autumn months.The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) makes Rs 3,000 for every tonne of wood and branches they supply. The facility will turn this wood waste into wooden pellets, providing a sustainable alternative to coal. Major institutions will send their green waste directly to the plant, all under a set fee arrangement.

3. Waste Transformation Process

• Large tree branches are directed to City Forest’s Green Waste Processing Plant.
• Green waste is dried for 3-4 months, reducing moisture content by 90%.
• Cutting-edge machines transform dried waste into fine sawdust.
• The sawdust is repurposed into multiple eco-friendly products.

4. Applications of Sawdust and Wooden Pellets

• Eco-friendly fuel: Cleaner alternative to traditional burning methods.
• Biodegradable packaging material: Reduces plastic usage.
• Furniture manufacturing: Used as a composite material for chairs and tables.
• Fertilizers: Enhances soil quality and crop production.
• Food industry: Transformed into disposable, biodegradable plates.

5. Role of IMC and Private Firms

IMC’s Responsibilities

• Provides land and transports green waste to the plant.

Private Firm’s Responsibilities

• Sets up sheds, electricity, and water facilities.
• Oversees complete installation and operation of the plant.

6. Additional Waste Processing Facilities

Meghdoot and Sub-Grade Plants

• Located in Sirpur, covering 10,000-15,000 square feet.
• Process garden waste like leaves and twigs from IMC.

Composting Pits in Municipal Gardens

• Used for converting green waste into compost.

7. Environmental and Economic Benefits

• Air Quality Improvement: Reduces pollution and controls Air Quality Index (AQI).
• Revenue Generation: IMC earns revenue from waste processing.
• Sustainable Energy Source: Wooden pellets serve as an alternative to coal in industries like NTPC.
• Pollution Control: Helps curb waste burning and promotes cleanliness.
• Circular Economy Promotion: Ensures effective waste utilization for environmental sustainability.

Delhi Police Launches ‘Shishtachar’ Squad to Combat Eve-Teasing

To improve women’s safety in public spaces, the Delhi Police has initiated ‘Shishtachar’ squads in every district. These anti-eve-teasing teams are committed to fighting harassment through active patrolling, surprise checks, and community engagement. Guided by senior officials, this initiative focuses on prevention, intervention, and helping victims, all aimed at ensuring a safer environment for women in the capital.

Key Features of ‘Shishtachar’ Squad

1. Formation & Supervision

• Each district will have at least two squads.
• Supervised by the ACP of the Crime Against Women (CAW) cell in the respective district.

2. Squad Composition

• 1 Inspector & 1 Sub-Inspector.
• 4 Female officers & 5 Male officers.
• 1 Technical personnel from the anti-auto theft squad for surveillance support.

3. Operations & Patrolling

• Each squad will be equipped with one four-wheeler and multiple two-wheelers for mobility.
• Daily patrols at high-risk locations, with at least two targeted operations per day.
• Plain-clothed female officers will be deployed to monitor and identify offenders.
• Surprise inspections in public transport, in coordination with Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) staff and passengers, to encourage incident reporting.

4. Identification of Vulnerable Areas

• District DCPs will identify and compile a list of hotspots where women’s safety is a concern.
• This list will be shared with the Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC) for further action.

5. Comparison with Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Anti-Romeo Squad’

The BJP promised to launch an ‘Anti-Romeo Squad’ in Delhi, similar to the one in Uttar Pradesh. Both initiatives are designed to prevent harassment, but the ‘Shishtachar’ squad takes a more comprehensive route, incorporating prevention, intervention, and support for victims.

RBI and Bank of Mauritius Sign MoU to Promote Trade in Local Currencies

In a significant effort to enhance trade and financial cooperation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank of Mauritius (BOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement will allow the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Mauritian Rupee (MUR) for cross-border transactions. By letting exporters and importers settle their transactions in their own currencies, it aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This initiative is expected to fortify the economic and financial connections between India and Mauritius.

Key Highlights of the MoU

1. Signing of the Agreement

• The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra and BOM Governor Rama Krishna Sithanen G.C.S.K.

• The exchange of documents took place on March 12, 2025, in Port Louis, Mauritius, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in attendance.

2. Objectives of the MoU

• Promote the use of INR and MUR in bilateral trade.
• Facilitate cross-border transactions by allowing payments in local currencies.
• Reduce dependence on third-party currencies, such as the US Dollar.

3. Scope of Transactions

• Covers all current account transactions.
• Includes permissible capital account transactions agreed upon by both countries.

4. Expected Benefits

• Optimized costs and faster settlement time for cross-border trade.
• Development of an INR-MUR market, boosting currency liquidity.
• Strengthened financial integration between India and Mauritius.
• Enhanced trade relations, leveraging historical and cultural ties.

5. Strategic Importance

• This initiative deepens economic cooperation between the two nations.
• Supports India’s broader vision of internationalizing the Rupee.
• Aligns with regional financial integration efforts in the Indian Ocean region.

Indian Long-Distance Runner Archana Jadhav Banned for Four Years Over Doping Violation

Indian long-distance runner Archana Jadhav has received a four-year ban from the World Athletics’ Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a prohibited substance, Oxandrolone. This decision, effective from January 7, 2025, comes after she did not challenge the doping charges, even after several reminders.

Doping Violation and AIU Investigation

Positive Test Result at Pune Half-Marathon

Archana Jadhav’s sample was taken during the Pune Half-Marathon in December 2024, and it later came back positive for Oxandrolone. This substance is a synthetic anabolic steroid often used to boost muscle growth and enhance protein production.

As a result of the test findings, she faced a provisional suspension starting January 7, 2025. Even after multiple notifications, she chose not to challenge the results, which the AIU interpreted as an admission of guilt.

Lack of Response to AIU and AFI Notices

• On February 25, 2025, Jadhav responded to the AIU’s violation charge with an email stating:
  “I am extremely sorry sir… I welcome your decision.”
• AIU took this as an indication that she did not wish to challenge the findings or request a formal hearing.
• She was given until March 3, 2025, to confirm whether she admitted to the Anti-Doping Rule Violation, but she did not respond further.

Consequences of the Ban

Disqualification and Loss of Achievements

• The four-year ban starts from January 7, 2025.
• All her results since December 15, 2024, have been disqualified.
• She must forfeit all medals, awards, points, prizes, and appearance money earned during the disqualified period.

Failure to Exercise Right to ‘B’ Sample Test

• Initially, Jadhav expressed a desire to test her ‘B’ sample but failed to follow through.
• She missed the January 17 deadline to confirm and pay the necessary fee.
• AIU extended the deadline to January 24, but she failed to respond.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth Named Goodwill Ambassador of VISION 2020 India to Combat Avoidable Blindness

Former Indian cricket captain and iconic batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for VISION 2020 India, a mission dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness in the country. This exciting news was shared during a special event at Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, which plays a crucial role in the Vision 2020: The Right to Sight-India program.

The initiative aims to raise awareness, deliver medical assistance, and ensure that eye care services are accessible to individuals suffering from preventable blindness and visual impairment.

The Growing Concern of Blindness in India

Magnitude of the Problem

Blindness is a pressing public health issue in India, impacting millions across different age groups. According to a recent press release, here are some key figures:

• India has approximately 4.8 million blind individuals, making it one of the highest rates in the world.

• More than 70 million people are affected by some form of visual impairment.

• Surprisingly, over 80% of these cases can be prevented or treated with early diagnosis and timely medical intervention.

Causes of Avoidable Blindness

The major causes of avoidable blindness in India include:

• Cataracts – The leading cause of blindness, especially among the elderly.
• Uncorrected refractive errors – Affecting millions who lack access to proper vision correction.
• Glaucoma – Often undiagnosed until it causes irreversible damage.
• Diabetic Retinopathy – A rising concern due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes.
• Vitamin A deficiency – Leading to childhood blindness.

This alarming situation necessitates urgent interventions in the form of preventive eye care, corrective treatments, and widespread awareness campaigns.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth’s Role as Goodwill Ambassador

Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns

As the Goodwill Ambassador, Srikkanth will:

• Raise awareness about avoidable blindness through media engagements, public events, and digital platforms.
• Encourage early eye check-ups to prevent vision loss.
• Support free eye care programs for underserved communities.
• Promote education on eye health, especially among children and senior citizens.

His active participation is expected to motivate individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to prioritize eye health.

‘Watan Ko Jano’ Programme: Promoting National Integration Among Kashmiri Youth

The ‘Watan Ko Jano’ program, put together by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir with support from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is all about bringing kids under 18 from government-run homes closer to the rich culture, history, and technological progress found in other parts of the country. This initiative has really made a difference in promoting unity among young people in India, helping to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Introduction to ‘Watan Ko Jano’ Programme

The ‘Watan Ko Jano’ initiative is a wonderful program aimed at giving underprivileged children from government-run homes in Jammu and Kashmir a chance to explore the rich cultural, historical, and technological diversity of India. Through various educational and cultural tours, this initiative strives to instill a sense of belonging, patriotism, and national pride in the youth.

Objectives of the Programme

1. Fostering National Integration – Encouraging Kashmiri youth to understand and appreciate India’s cultural diversity.
2. Educational Exposure – Providing opportunities to visit historical landmarks, educational institutions, and industries.
3. Technological Awareness – Familiarizing students with the latest advancements in science, technology, and innovation.
4. Personality Development – Enhancing communication skills, leadership qualities, and confidence through interactive experiences.
5. Promoting Harmony – Strengthening the spirit of unity and brotherhood across different regions of the country.

US Overtakes UAE as India’s Largest Source of Remittances, Says RBI Survey

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the findings from the sixth round of India’s Remittances Survey for 2023-24, and it points to a significant change in migration trends. More skilled professionals are heading abroad, resulting in a rise in remittances from advanced economies that now outstrip those coming from Gulf countries.

Introduction to India’s Changing Remittance Trends

According to the latest RBI survey, there’s been a notable change in the remittance landscape of India. Historically, a big share of remittances flowed in from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where Indian workers, mostly in blue-collar jobs, were the main contributors. But now, the survey indicates that remittances from advanced economies like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have actually surpassed those from the Gulf.

Key Findings of the RBI Remittances Survey (2023-24)

1. Leading Source Countries for Remittances

The United States has taken the lead as the biggest source of remittances, making up 27.7% of the total inflows to India for the 2023-24 period. The United Arab Emirates, which used to be the top contributor, has now slipped to second place with a 19.2% share. Other significant players in the remittance game include the UK, Singapore, Canada, and Australia, which together represent over half of the total remittances. Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain—now account for 37.9% of remittances, a decrease from 46.7% back in 2016-17.

2. Shift in Migration Patterns: Blue-Collar vs. White-Collar Jobs

• The UAE continues to be the top destination for Indian migrant workers, especially in fields like construction, healthcare, hospitality, and tourism.
• On the other hand, the US draws in a lot of highly skilled Indian professionals, with a whopping 78% working in lucrative jobs across management, business, science, and the arts.
• This is why we see remittances from the US surpassing those from the UAE, even though the Indian migrant community is smaller there.

3. State-Wise Remittance Distribution

• Maharashtra has overtaken Kerala as the top recipient of remittances, with 20.5% of the total share in 2023-24.
• Kerala, which held the top position in 2016-17 (19% share), is now in second place.
• Tamil Nadu has also increased its share from 8% (2016-17) to 10.4% (2023-24).

4. India’s Global Share in Remittances

• According to World Bank data, India’s share in global remittances has risen from 11% in 2001 to 14% in 2024.
• Remittance inflows are projected to increase to around $160 billion by 2029.
• Other major recipients of remittances include Mexico, China, the Philippines, France, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

5. Role of Digitalization in Remittance Transfers

• The cost of sending remittances to India has declined, thanks to advancements in digital payment methods.
• 73.5% of total remittances received in India in 2023-24 were through digital channels, including fintech platforms and money transfer operators.

RBI’s Net Short Position in Forward Market Swells to $77.5 Billion

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reported a significant increase in its net short position in the forward book, which surged to $77.5 billion by the end of January 2025, up from $67.9 billion in December 2024. This growth reflects the bank’s interventions in the forex market due to the depreciation of the rupee and the uncertainties in global trade. The details were released in the RBI’s March 2025 monthly bulletin.

RBI’s Net Short Position in Forward Market: An Overview

The RBI plays a crucial role in the foreign exchange market, impacting the stability of the rupee, liquidity conditions, and the overall forex reserves. When we talk about a net short position, it means the central bank is set to sell more foreign currency than it has bought in the forward market.

• In January 2025, the net short position stood at $77.5 billion, an increase from $67.9 billion in December 2024.

• For January 2024, there was a net forward purchase of $9.974 billion.

• In terms of spot market intervention, there was a net sale of $11.1 billion in January 2025, following a net sale of $15.1 billion in December 2024.

Total Forex Transactions in January 2025:

1. Purchases: $49.1 billion
2. Sales: $60.2 billion

This reflects heightened forex activity due to global economic fluctuations and India’s trade balance adjustments.

Reasons Behind the Increasing Net Short Position

Several factors contributed to RBI’s decision to increase its net short position in the forward market:

1. Depreciation of the Rupee

• In January 2025, the rupee took a hit, dropping by 1.16%, which led the RBI to step in and help stabilize its value.

• Traders observed that the rupee’s decline ahead of the US political transition on January 20 had a noticeable effect on the forex market dynamics.

2. Foreign Equity Outflows

• There were large outflows from the Indian equity market in January 2025, particularly in the first half.
• This led the RBI to intervene in the forex market to manage currency volatility.

3. Impact of US Economic Policies

• As of March 17, 2025, the US dollar lost all gains made since mid-November 2024 due to uncertainties in US trade policies and economic growth.
• This resulted in fluctuations in the USD-INR exchange rate, impacting India’s forex reserves.

4. Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) Moderation

• India’s REER (which indicates currency valuation against a basket of global currencies) declined:

1. February 2025: 102.37 (down from 104.84 in January 2025)
2. November 2024 Peak: 108.14, before moderating to 107.20 in December 2024.

• A fall in REER suggests that the rupee has become relatively undervalued, impacting trade competitiveness.

BCCI Honors Team India with ₹58 Crore After ICC Champions Trophy Win

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an impressive cash reward of INR 58 crore for Team India after their incredible win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This reward is a way to honor the dedication of the players, coaching staff, support crew, and the Men’s Selection Committee. Under the guidance of Captain Rohit Sharma, India dominated the tournament, racking up significant wins against Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Australia before triumphing in the final against New Zealand.

Key Highlights

• Total Cash Prize: INR 58 crore for players, coaching staff, support staff, and selectors.

Tournament Performance

• Defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in the opening match.
• Secured a six-wicket win against Pakistan.
• Achieved a 44-run victory over New Zealand.
• Overcame Australia by four wickets in the semi-final.
• Final Victory: India defeated New Zealand in a thrilling contest.

Significance of the Victory

• India won two ICC trophies in 2025, including the U19 Women’s World Cup.
• The triumph reinforced India’s top ranking in white-ball cricket.
• Players showcased mental resilience, skill, and strategic excellence.

Statements from BCCI Officials

• Roger Binny (President): Recognized the team’s dedication and excellence on the global stage.
• Devajit Saikia (Honorary Secretary): Highlighted India’s dominance in world cricket and its strong cricketing ecosystem.
• Rajeev Shukla (Vice-President): Praised the team’s composure under pressure and inspirational performance.
• Prabhtej Bhatia (Treasurer): Emphasized BCCI’s commitment to Indian cricket’s growth and world dominance.
• Rohan Gauns Dessai (Honorary Joint Secretary): Expressed pride in India’s resilient and consistent performance throughout the tournament.