26 March 2025 Current Affairs: Key Updates for Judiciary, APO & JLO Exams

26 March 2025 current affairs bring critical updates for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants, covering the India-Africa AIKEYME naval exercise, Ajay Seth’s appointment as Finance Secretary, S&P GDP forecasts, and more. From CCI’s global collaborations to Kerala’s Senior Citizens Commission, this blog provides essential insights for 2025 exam preparation.

Introduction

Staying updated with 26 March 2025 current affairs is crucial for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants preparing for 2025 exams. From India’s strategic AIKEYME naval exercise with African nations to Ajay Seth’s appointment as Finance Secretary, today’s events span maritime security, economic policy, legal reforms, and cultural awards. This blog provides a detailed overview of these developments, including S&P’s GDP forecast, CCI’s global collaborations, and Kerala’s Senior Citizens Commission, offering key insights for prelims, mains, and interviews.

1. India-Africa Joint Naval Exercise ‘AIKEYME’ to Enhance Maritime Security

India is set to strengthen its maritime ties with Africa through the first-ever multilateral maritime exercise, Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), meaning “Unity” in Sanskrit. This exercise underscores India’s growing role as a security partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Details of AIKEYME

• Hosts: The exercise will be co-hosted by the Indian Navy and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, from April 13 to 18, 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the event, highlighting its strategic importance.
• Participants: Alongside India and Tanzania, eight other African nations will participate: Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa, making a total of 10 African nations.
• Phases of the Exercise:
  • Harbour Phase: Includes tabletop and command post exercises focusing on piracy, information sharing, seamanship training, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations.
  • Sea Phase: Involves seamanship evolutions, search and rescue (SAR) drills, VBSS exercises, small arms firing, and helicopter operations.
• Objective: The exercise aims to enhance maritime security by combating piracy, illegal trafficking, and unregulated fishing through improved information sharing and surveillance.

Strategic Initiatives

• SAGAR and MAHASAGAR: AIKEYME aligns with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision and the newly introduced Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region (MAHASAGAR) initiative, emphasizing collaborative security in the IOR.
• Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar Initiative: Under this initiative, INS Sunayna will be deployed in the southwestern Indian Ocean with a combined crew from India and nine Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). The ship will make port calls in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives, conducting joint surveillance of their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
• Training Component: FFC personnel will undergo a two-week training program at Kochi’s naval schools, including at-sea training and operational exercises, to enhance interoperability.

Relevance for Exams

• Prelims: Note the name (AIKEYME), hosts (India and Tanzania), location (Dar-es-Salaam), and participating countries.
• Mains: Discuss India’s role in maritime security and its SAGAR vision in the context of international relations.
• Interviews: Highlight how AIKEYME strengthens India’s position as a first responder in the IOR.

2. Ajay Seth Appointed as India’s New Finance Secretary

On March 25, 2025, Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Karnataka cadre, was appointed as India’s new Finance Secretary by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Career Highlights

• Previous Roles: Seth served as the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) and held additional charge as Revenue Secretary before this appointment.
• G20 Leadership: As the officer-in-charge of the finance track during India’s G20 presidency, Seth played a key role in shaping international financial dialogues.
• Green Bonds Initiative: He spearheaded India’s first sovereign green bond issuance, promoting sustainable financing and aligning with global environmental goals.
• Infrastructure Finance Secretariat: Seth was instrumental in establishing the Infrastructure Finance Secretariat, which has enhanced funding mechanisms for infrastructure projects.
• Academic Credentials: He holds a Bachelor of Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, and a Master of Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila University.
• Professional Recognition: In 2013, Seth received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for transforming Karnataka’s commercial tax administration.
• Succession: He succeeds Tuhin Kanta Pandey, who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• Convention: Traditionally, the senior-most secretary in the Union Finance Ministry is designated as the Finance Secretary.

Relevance for Exams

• Prelims: Know the appointee (Ajay Seth), his batch (1987 IAS, Karnataka cadre), and predecessor (Tuhin Kanta Pandey).
• Mains: Analyze the role of the Finance Secretary in shaping India’s economic policies, especially in areas like green financing and infrastructure development.
• Interviews: Discuss Seth’s contributions to sustainable financing and their implications for India’s economic growth.

3. S&P Global Ratings Forecasts India’s GDP Growth and Monetary Policy Adjustments for FY26

S&P Global Ratings has released its economic forecast for India for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026 (FY26), providing insights into GDP growth and monetary policy.

Key Projections

• GDP Growth: S&P forecasts India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow at 6.5% in FY26, assuming a normal monsoon season and stable commodity prices, particularly crude oil.
• Inflation Outlook: The agency anticipates that easing food inflation, tax benefits introduced in the Union Budget for FY26, and reduced borrowing costs will boost discretionary consumption.
• Monetary Policy Expectations: S&P projects that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may reduce interest rates by an additional 75 to 100 basis points (bps) in the current monetary policy cycle, aiming to bring headline inflation closer to the RBI’s target of 4% by the end of FY26.
• Trade Resilience: The report notes that economies like India, with a significant share of service exports, are likely to remain resilient amid global trade uncertainties, as tariffs primarily affect goods.

Relevance for Exams

• Prelims: Memorize the GDP growth rate (6.5%) and the RBI’s projected rate cut (75-100 bps).
• Mains: Discuss the factors influencing India’s economic growth, such as monsoon, inflation, and service exports, and their impact on monetary policy.
• Interviews: Highlight how India’s focus on service exports provides economic stability in a volatile global trade environment.

4. Competition Commission of India (CCI) Enhances Global Cooperation and Enforcement Measures

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has taken significant steps to strengthen competition law enforcement and promote fair market practices.

Key Developments

• International Collaborations: The CCI has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with competition authorities in Egypt, Mauritius, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Australia, the European Commission, and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). These agreements aim to facilitate information exchange and coordination in tackling anti-competitive practices across borders.
• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): India has incorporated competition-related provisions in 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), mandating measures against anti-competitive activities to promote fair trade and investment flows.
• Cartel Investigations: Over the past five years, the CCI has investigated 35 cartel cases across various sectors, reflecting its commitment to maintaining market fairness.
• Legislative Amendments: The Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, introduced the Lesser Penalty Plus (LPP) mechanism, encouraging whistleblowers to disclose undiscovered cartels, and the Hub & Spoke arrangement, expanding the scope of cartel investigations to include facilitators of anti-competitive agreements.
• Advocacy and Research: The CCI has conducted 1,446 advocacy programs over the past five years to raise awareness about competition laws among businesses and stakeholders.
• Government Endorsement: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the CCI’s role in curbing unfair practices by dominant companies, particularly to protect Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and foster innovation.

Relevance for Exams

• Prelims: Note the countries with MoUs (Egypt, Mauritius, etc.), the number of cartel cases (35), and advocacy programs (1,446).
• Mains: Analyze the CCI’s role in promoting fair competition and its impact on MSMEs and market transparency.
• Interviews: Discuss the significance of international cooperation in competition law enforcement in a globalized economy.

5. Samsung Electronics Co-CEO Han Jong-Hee Passes Away at 63

Samsung Electronics announced the sudden demise of its co-Chief Executive Officer, Han Jong-Hee, aged 63, due to cardiac arrest on March 25, 2025.

Career Highlights

• Tenure at Samsung: Han joined Samsung in 1988, dedicating most of his career to the television division, where he helped Samsung become the world’s leading TV manufacturer.
• Leadership Role: In 2022, he was appointed co-vice chairman and CEO, overseeing the consumer electronics and mobile devices divisions.
• Impact on Samsung: Han’s passing leaves Jun Young-Hyun, the newly-appointed co-CEO, as the sole CEO. Jun, who was promoted to lead the semiconductor division, now faces the challenge of revamping Samsung’s underperforming chip business amid global trade uncertainties.

Relevance for Exams

• Prelims: Know the name (Han Jong-Hee), his role (co-CEO), and cause of death (cardiac arrest).
• Mains: Discuss the impact of leadership changes on global corporations like Samsung, especially in the context of semiconductor industry challenges.
• Interviews: Highlight how Han’s contributions shaped Samsung’s global dominance in the TV market.

6. India and Singapore Sign Letter of Intent for Green and Digital Shipping Corridor

During the Singapore Maritime Week (March 24-28, 2025), India and Singapore signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

Details of the Initiative

• Signatories: The LoI was signed by Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). It was witnessed by Dr. Amy Khor, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, and Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• Objectives: The GDSC aims to:
  • Promote maritime digitalization and decarbonization.
  • Accelerate the adoption of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission technologies.
  • Enhance the use of digital solutions in the maritime sector.
• Significance: India’s expertise in information technology and potential as a green marine fuel producer, combined with Singapore’s role as a transshipment hub and its research ecosystem, make this collaboration a step toward sustainable maritime innovation.

Relevance for Exams

• Prelims: Note the countries (India and Singapore) and the focus (digitalization and decarbonization).
• Mains: Discuss the role of maritime sustainability in India’s international partnerships.
• Interviews: Highlight how the GDSC aligns with global efforts to combat climate change in the maritime sector.

7. Finance Ministry Launches BAANKNET and e-BKray to Enhance PSU Bank E-Auctions

The Finance Ministry has launched BAANKNET, a revamped e-auction portal, to improve the transparency and efficiency of public sector banks (PSBs) asset sales.

Key Features of BAANKNET

• Enhanced Transparency: Integrates automated KYC tools and secure payment gateways to ensure a seamless and secure auction process.
• Comprehensive Listings: Provides a centralized repository of e-auction properties from all 12 PSBs and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), covering residential, commercial, and industrial assets.
• User-Friendly Interface: Offers features like a dashboard for spend analytics and MIS reports for better user experience.
• Support Services: Includes a dedicated help desk and call center with a callback option for customer assistance.
• Background: BAANKNET builds on the e-BKray platform, launched in February 2019, and was revamped on January 3, 2025, to incorporate advanced technology for disposing of non-performing assets (NPAs).
• Additional Initiative: The Jan Samarth portal, a one-stop digital platform linking 15 government-sponsored loan and subsidy schemes, was introduced to promote financial inclusion through digital loan evaluations.

Relevance for Exams

• Prelims: Know the portal name (BAANKNET), its features (automated KYC, secure payment gateways), and the earlier platform (e-BKray).
• Mains: Analyze the role of technology in improving transparency in the financial sector and its impact on NPA recovery.
• Interviews: Discuss how initiatives like BAANKNET and Jan Samarth contribute to financial inclusion and economic resilience.

8. Kerala Becomes First Indian State to Establish Senior Citizens Commission

Kerala has set a precedent by becoming the first Indian state to establish a Senior Citizens Commission through the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill.

Details of the Commission

• Objective: The commission aims to protect the rights, welfare, and rehabilitation of the elderly, addressing issues like neglect, exploitation, and loneliness.
• Function: It will provide guidelines and implement initiatives for the security and empowerment of senior citizens, including utilizing their skills for societal benefit.
• Kerala Overview:
  • Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
  • Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan
  • Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
  • Formation: November 1, 1956 (Kerala Piravi Day)
  • Official Language: Malayalam
  • State Animal: Indian Elephant
  • State Bird: Great Hornbill
  • Festivals: Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram
  • Traditional Art Forms: Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam
  • Major Rivers: Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Pamba
  • Borders: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Arabian Sea

Relevance for Exams

• Prelims: Note the state (Kerala) and the commission’s purpose (protecting senior citizens’ rights).
• Mains: Discuss the significance of such commissions in addressing social welfare challenges in an aging population.
• Interviews: Highlight Kerala’s pioneering role in social justice initiatives.

9. Vivek Kumar Dewangan’s Tenure as REC CMD Ends; Parminder Chopra Takes Additional Charge

Vivek Kumar Dewangan’s tenure as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of REC Limited ended on March 20, 2025, after a seven-year stint at the Ministry of Power and REC.

Details of the Transition

• Additional Charge: Parminder Chopra, CMD of Power Finance Corporation (PFC), has been given additional charge of REC CMD for three months or until further orders, effective from March 21, 2025.
• Organizational Roles:
  • PFC: Nodal agency for the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPPs), and Bid Process Coordinator for Independent Transmission Projects (ITPs).
  • REC: A non-banking finance company (NBFC) focused on power sector financing in India.

Relevance for Exams

• Prelims: Know the names (Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Parminder Chopra) and their roles (REC CMD, PFC CMD).
• Mains: Analyze the role of NBFCs like REC in India’s power sector development.
• Interviews: Discuss the significance of leadership transitions in public sector enterprises.

10. Music Academy Announces 2025 Awards for Carnatic Music and Bharatanatyam

The Music Academy has announced its 2025 awards, recognizing excellence in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam.

Award Recipients

• Sangita Kalanidhi Award: Conferred on violinist RK Shriramkumar for his expertise in Muthuswami Dikshitar’s compositions, marking the composer’s 250th birth anniversary.
• Sangita Kala Acharya Award: Bestowed upon Shyamala Venkateswaran (vocalist) and Thanjavur R Govindarajan (Tavil artiste) for their contributions to training and preserving musical traditions.
• TTK Award: Given to Madambi Subramania Namboothiri (Kathakali music) and veena duo JT Jeyaraaj Krishnan & Jaysri Jeyaraaj Krishnan for their contributions to Carnatic music.
• Musicologist Award: Presented to Professor CA Sridhara for his scholarly contributions to Carnatic music research.
• Nritya Kalanidhi Award: Conferred on Bharatanatyam exponent Urmila Satyanarayana for her performances and dedication to training dancers.
• Event Role: The Sangita Kalanidhi awardee will preside over the 99th Annual Conference and Concerts from December 15, 2025, to January 1, 2026, while the Nritya Kalanidhi awardee will be honored at the 19th Annual Dance Festival on January 3, 2026.

Relevance for Exams

• Prelims: Memorize the Sangita Kalanidhi recipient (RK Shriramkumar) and the event dates (December 15, 2025 – January 1, 2026).
• Mains: Discuss the role of cultural awards in preserving traditional arts like Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam.
• Interviews: Highlight the significance of such awards in promoting cultural heritage.

Relevance for Judiciary, APO, and JLO Aspirants

• Prelims: Focus on factual details like names, dates, and numbers (e.g., AIKEYME, Ajay Seth, 6.5% GDP, 35 cartel cases).
• Mains: Analyze broader themes like maritime security (AIKEYME), economic policy (S&P forecast), competition law (CCI), and social welfare (Kerala’s commission).
• Interviews: Discuss the implications of these events on international relations, economic stability, legal reforms, and cultural preservation.

Conclusion

The 26 March 2025 current affairs provide a wealth of information for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants, covering strategic initiatives like the AIKEYME naval exercise, economic developments with Ajay Seth’s appointment and S&P’s GDP forecast, legal reforms by the CCI, and cultural recognitions by the Music Academy. Understanding these events not only prepares candidates for prelims and mains but also equips them to discuss contemporary issues in interviews, making them well-rounded legal professionals.

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FAQs

Who has been awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi by the Music Academy in 2025?
Violinist RK Shriramkumar has been awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi.

What is the name of the first-ever India-Africa multilateral maritime exercise?
The exercise is called AIKEYME, meaning “Unity” in Sanskrit.

Which two countries are co-hosting the AIKEYME naval exercise in 2025?
India and Tanzania are co-hosting the exercise.

How many African nations are participating in the AIKEYME naval exercise along with India?
A total of 10 African nations are participating, including Tanzania.

Where will the AIKEYME naval exercise be conducted in April 2025?
It will be conducted in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Who has been appointed as India’s new Finance Secretary in March 2025?
Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer, has been appointed.

What is S&P Global Ratings’ projected GDP growth rate for India in FY26?
S&P forecasts a 6.5% GDP growth rate for FY26.

According to S&P Global Ratings, by how many basis points might the RBI reduce interest rates?
The RBI may reduce rates by 75 to 100 basis points in the current cycle.

With which countries has the CCI signed MoUs to enhance competition law enforcement?
The CCI has signed MoUs with Egypt, Mauritius, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Australia, the European Commission, and the United States DOJ.

Which Indian state became the first to establish a Senior Citizens Commission?
Kerala became the first state to establish this commission.

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