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 26 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.

Sanjay Singh Elected UWW-Asia Bureau Member

In a significant achievement for Indian wrestling, Sanjay Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has been elected as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia. This election took place during the UWW-Asia General Assembly in Amman on March 24, 2025. Sanjay Singh received 22 out of 38 votes, demonstrating strong support from the Asian wrestling community. His election is a huge milestone for Indian wrestling, boosting its international presence and paving the way for the sport’s further development in Asia.

Key Points:

• Sanjay Singh was elected as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia.
• The election took place during the UWW-Asia General Assembly in Amman, Jordan on March 24, 2025.
• Singh secured 22 votes out of 38, reflecting strong backing from the Asian wrestling community.
• Sanjay Singh called this a “testament to the growth and recognition of Indian wrestling”.
• WFI emphasized that this marks a “significant milestone for Indian wrestling on the global stage.”

Supreme Court sets up task force over students mental health concerns

With the troubling rise in student suicides across higher education, the Supreme Court has taken a significant step by forming a National Task Force (NTF) to tackle mental health issues among students. The court stressed the necessity for a comprehensive and effective approach to address the factors leading to these incidents. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of two IIT Delhi students in 2023, which has prompted urgent calls for action against academic pressure, caste discrimination, and other systemic issues. The NTF, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, will investigate the causes, review current regulations, and propose solutions to enhance mental health support in educational institutions.

Objectives of the NTF

• Identify key causes of student suicides.
• Assess the effectiveness of existing legal and institutional frameworks.
• Provide recommendations to strengthen protections and prevent student suicides.

Timeline for Reports

• Interim report: Within four months.
• Final report: Within eight months.
• Court’s Directives to Law Enforcement:
• Delhi Police must register an FIR regarding the deaths of two IIT Delhi students in 2023.
• Investigations must be conducted by an officer of ACP rank or higher.

Legal Aspects

• The court emphasized the police’s duty under Section 174 and Section 154 of the CrPC to investigate unnatural deaths and register FIRs accordingly.

Expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras Under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

As of February 28, 2025, there are now 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) operating across India, thanks to the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). This was shared by Smt. Anupriya Patel, the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, in a written statement to the Rajya Sabha. The scheme is all about providing access to affordable and quality generic medicines for everyone in the country.

Overview of PMBJP:

The PMBJP scheme was introduced to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, affordable generic medicines via Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs). These pharmacies provide medications at significantly lower prices than their branded counterparts, making healthcare more accessible, particularly for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Current Status of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in India

As of the latest updates, there are 15,057 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) operating in different states and union territories (UTs). Looking at the numbers, Uttar Pradesh is leading the pack with 2,658 kendras, while Kerala has 1,528, Karnataka has 1,425, and Tamil Nadu rounds it out with 1,363.

State and UT-Wise Distribution of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (As of February 28, 2025)

Bellatrix Aerospace Partners with Astroscale Japan for Space Debris Removal

Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space mobility company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astroscale Japan to collaborate on active debris removal, satellite servicing, and sustainable in-orbit mobility. This partnership aims to enhance space sustainability and ensure a cleaner orbital environment.

Key Points: 

• The partnership is all about tackling space debris, servicing satellites, and creating sustainable solutions for mobility in orbit.
• There’s this up-and-coming Indian space company that’s making waves with its cutting-edge propulsion technologies and innovative space mobility solutions.
• They’re really leading the charge in space debris management, offering scalable services like extending satellite life, providing in-situ space situational awareness, and handling end-of-life disposal.
• Astroscale has shown what they can do with their ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions, teaming up with JAXA, ESA, the U.S. Space Force, the UK Space Agency, and Eutelsat OneWeb.
• Over the past year, they’ve successfully wrapped up three space missions, proving their Green Propulsion and Hall-Effect Thruster technology.
• Plus, this collaboration opens the door for Bellatrix Aerospace to make its mark in the Japanese space industry.

Lok Sabha Passes Finance Bill 2025: Key Highlights and Implications

On March 25, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2025, which included 35 amendments proposed by the government. One of the most notable changes is the elimination of the six percent digital tax on online advertisements. This marks the end of the Budgetary approval process in the Lower House. Next, the bill will be sent to the Rajya Sabha for additional consideration, and once that’s done, the Budget process for FY 2025-26 will be officially completed.

Finance Bill 2025 and Budgetary Overview

In the Union Budget for 2025-26, the total expenditure is set at ₹50.65 lakh crore, showing a 7.4 percent increase from FY 2024-25. The government has earmarked ₹11.22 lakh crore for capital expenditure, which, when you consider effective capital spending, rises to ₹15.48 lakh crore. The expected gross tax revenue is projected to be ₹42.70 lakh crore, with gross borrowing estimated at ₹14.01 lakh crore.

Key Announcements in Finance Bill 2025

According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Bill 2025 is designed to support India’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047 and to ensure clarity in taxation. She highlighted a few important goals:

– Simplifying tax regulations to improve the business environment.

– Offering unprecedented tax relief for individuals and companies.

– A strong commitment to increasing tax revenue from individuals with assets abroad.

As per the budget documents, the allocation for Centrally Sponsored Schemes in FY 2025-26 stands at ₹5,41,850.21 crore, marking a notable rise from ₹4,15,356.25 crore in FY 2024-25. Likewise, Central Sector Schemes are set to receive ₹16.29 lakh crore, compared to ₹15.13 lakh crore in the previous year.

State Allocations and Fiscal Deficit

For the Budget of 2025-26, the total resource transfer to states—including state share devolution, grants, loans, and Centrally Sponsored Schemes—totals ₹25,01,284 crore. This represents an increase of ₹4,91,668 crore compared to the actual figures from 2023-24.

The fiscal deficit for FY 2025-26 is anticipated to be 4.4 percent of GDP, a decrease from the current fiscal’s 4.8 percent. Furthermore, the GDP for FY 2025-26 is estimated at ₹3,56,97,923 crore, reflecting a 10.1 percent growth over the Revised Estimates for FY 2024-25 (which were ₹3,24,11,406 crore) as released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

Indian Navy Launches Frigate ‘Tavasya’ Under Project 1135.6

The Indian Navy has launched its second frigate under Project 1135.6, known as ‘Tavasya’, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). This warship is engineered for multi-role combat, excelling in air, surface, and underwater operations. This event marks a crucial step towards India’s self-reliance in warship construction, in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Highlights:

• ‘Tavasya’ launched at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
• Measures 124.8m in length, 15.2m in width, and 4.5m draught.
• Speed: Can reach up to 28 knots.
• Displacement: Over 3,800 tonnes.

Project 1135.6 & Indo-Russian Collaboration

• India and Russia signed a 2016 agreement for four additional stealth frigates.
• Two ships were to be built in Russia, and two at GSL under technology transfer.
• ‘Tavasya’ is the final vessel in this series and the second constructed at GSL.
• The first vessel, ‘Triput’, was launched on July 23, 2024.

Strategic Significance

• Advances India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
• Aligns with Rs 500 billion ($5.85 billion) defence export goal by 2029.
• Strengthens India’s shipbuilding ecosystem and naval power.

Centre Notifies 24% Hike in Salaries and Pensions for MPs

The Central Government announced on March 24, 2025, a 24% salary increase for Members of Parliament (MPs), which will take effect on April 1, 2023. This marks the first pay revision since April 2018 and is being carried out under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, aligned with the Cost Inflation Index mentioned in the Income Tax Act of 1961.

Key Highlights of the Salary Hike

Revised Salaries for Sitting MPs

• The monthly salary of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs has been increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.24 lakh, a 24% hike.
• The daily allowance has been raised from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500.

Pension Hike for Former MPs

• The pension for former MPs has been increased from ₹25,000 to ₹31,000 per month.
• The additional pension for each year of service beyond five years has been raised from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per month.

Government Justification for the Salary Hike

According to the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, the increase is aligned with the Cost Inflation Index (CII), ensuring that MPs’ pay keeps up with inflation. This revision is meant to help counteract the rising cost of living and provide financial security for both current MPs and those who have served in the past.

Delhi Budget 2025-26: Rekha Gupta Introduces a ₹1 Lakh Crore Budget Emphasizing Infrastructure Development, Welfare Initiatives, and Economic Advancement

Delhi’s Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Rekha Gupta, recently unveiled the Delhi Budget for 2025-26, featuring a historic allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore. This budget focuses on key areas like infrastructure development, social welfare, healthcare, education, and boosting the economy. With a notable 31.5% increase compared to last year’s budget, it aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accelerate development in the capital.

Introduction:

Rekha Gupta called this a “historic Budget,” aiming to fast-track Delhi’s transformation through a boost in capital spending and public welfare initiatives. She didn’t hold back in criticizing the former administration for its corruption and mismanagement, pledging to execute projects with greater efficiency.

The budget includes a major increase in capital expenditure, with Rs 28,000 crore allocated—double what was spent last year—focusing on improving roads, water supply, and sewer systems.

Delhi Budget 2025-26 Key Points:

• This is the first budget presented by Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her BJP government in the national capital.
• The capital expenditure in this budget has been increased to ₹28,000.
• CM Rekha Gupta announced in the Delhi assembly that ₹2,144 crore has been allocated for the PM Jan Arogya Yojna.
• An impressive ₹5,100 crore has also been set aside for the ‘Mahila Samridhi Yojana’, which will provide ₹2,500 each month to eligible women, according to CM Gupta.
• To enhance connectivity in Delhi and the surrounding national capital region (Delhi-NCR), the state government has allocated ₹1,000 crore. CM Gupta mentioned that ₹3,843 crore is dedicated to road and bridge infrastructure.
• To create a safer environment for women, the BJP-led government plans to install 50,000 CCTV cameras throughout Delhi.
• CM Gupta also revealed that ₹100 crore from this year’s budget will go towards establishing 100 Atal Canteens across the national capital.
• A budget of ₹696 crore has been designated for the development of slum clusters and JJ colonies in Delhi, as stated by CM Rekha Gupta.
• In the Delhi budget for 2025, a substantial ₹9,000 crore has been allocated for clean drinking water and sanitation initiatives.
• CM Rekha Gupta announced that the budget includes ₹500 crore for the repair and upgrade of sewer treatment plants (STPs) and ₹250 crore for replacing old sewer lines.
• The cleaning of the Yamuna, a major topic during the Delhi election campaigns, has received a budget of ₹500 crore, with CM Gupta stating that only treated water will flow into the river through the decentralization of 40 STPs.
• A budget of ₹100 crore has been set aside for launching new ‘CM Shri schools’, inspired by the PM Shri schools, in Delhi. Additionally, the state government will provide free laptops to 1,200 students who pass class 10, with a budget of ₹750 crore allocated for this initiative.
• Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the hosting of the International Film Festival, with a budget allocation of ₹30 crore for 2025-26.
• A pilot project to remove overhead electrical lines and relocate high-tension power lines has been allocated ₹100 crore.
• To combat pollution, the Delhi government has set aside ₹300 crore, along with ₹506 crore for the environment and forest department.
• The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been allocated a budget of ₹6,897 crore for the year.
• A new jail will be established on the outskirts of the city to facilitate the relocation of Tihar Jail.