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Current Affairs 19 March 2025
1. Prashant Sharma appointed as General Manager of FCI, Lucknow
Prashant Sharma has been appointed as the new General
Manager of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in Lucknow. With extensive experience in food distribution and supply chain management, Sharma is expected to play a key role in streamlining operations in the region. His appointment comes at a crucial time as FCI focuses on enhancing food security and improving storage and distribution networks in Uttar Pradesh. Sharma emphasized his commitment to ensuring efficient procurement and delivery of food grains to meet the needs of the public. Under his leadership, FCI Lucknow aims to strengthen coordination with state agencies and boost transparency in its operations.
Manager of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in Lucknow. With extensive experience in food distribution and supply chain management, Sharma is expected to play a key role in streamlining operations in the region. His appointment comes at a crucial time as FCI focuses on enhancing food security and improving storage and distribution networks in Uttar Pradesh. Sharma emphasized his commitment to ensuring efficient procurement and delivery of food grains to meet the needs of the public. Under his leadership, FCI Lucknow aims to strengthen coordination with state agencies and boost transparency in its operations.Foot notes:
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Appointment Details: Prashant Sharma, an IAS officer of the 2012 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as General Manager (Region) of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Lucknow.
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Tenure: His tenure is for three years on a deputation basis, starting from the date of taking charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
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Current Role: Prior to this appointment, Prashant Sharma was serving as Special Secretary to the Government of Uttar Pradesh's Energy Department.
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Central Staffing Scheme: This appointment is under the Central Staffing Scheme, which allows for the deputation of officers from the All India Services or Organized Services of the Government of India to various ministries and departments.
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Responsibilities: As General Manager (Region) of FCI, Lucknow, Prashant Sharma will oversee the regional operations of the Food Corporation of India, including food procurement, storage, and distribution.
2. Ayushmann Khurrana Named ‘Fit India Icon’ by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
Ayushmann Khurrana has been named the ‘Fit India Icon’ by
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The actor was recognized for his commitment to promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle through his personal choices and public influence. This honor aligns with the objectives of the Fit India Movement, which aims to encourage citizens to adopt healthier habits. Ayushmann expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of regular exercise and mental well-being. As the new Fit India Icon, he will actively participate in campaigns to inspire the youth and general public to prioritize fitness.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The actor was recognized for his commitment to promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle through his personal choices and public influence. This honor aligns with the objectives of the Fit India Movement, which aims to encourage citizens to adopt healthier habits. Ayushmann expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of regular exercise and mental well-being. As the new Fit India Icon, he will actively participate in campaigns to inspire the youth and general public to prioritize fitness.Foot notes:
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Appointment as Fit India Icon: Ayushmann Khurrana has been officially appointed as the 'Fit India Icon' by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Fit India Movement
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Ayushmann Khurrana's Role: As the Fit India Icon, Ayushmann Khurrana will lead by example, motivating Indians to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle.
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Inaugural Ceremony: The appointment was made during the inaugural ceremony of the Fit India Movement in New Delhi, where Ayushmann Khurrana was felicitated by the Union Minister.
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Ayushmann Khurrana's Response: The actor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasizing the importance of good health in overcoming life's challenges.
3. Stuart Young Sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
Stuart Young has been sworn in as the new Prime Minister
of Trinidad and Tobago. He succeeded Keith Rowley and pledged to focus on economic growth, national security, and social development. Young, who previously held key ministerial roles, brings years of political and legal experience to the position. During his swearing-in ceremony, he emphasized unity and sustainable progress for the nation. As Prime Minister, he aims to strengthen international relations and implement reforms to boost public welfare.
of Trinidad and Tobago. He succeeded Keith Rowley and pledged to focus on economic growth, national security, and social development. Young, who previously held key ministerial roles, brings years of political and legal experience to the position. During his swearing-in ceremony, he emphasized unity and sustainable progress for the nation. As Prime Minister, he aims to strengthen international relations and implement reforms to boost public welfare.Foot notes:
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Sworn-in Ceremony: Stuart Young has been officially sworn in as the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Inaugural Address: In his inaugural address, Young emphasized the importance of unity and diversity, highlighting the nation's rich cultural heritage as a powerful way forward.
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"New Chapter" for Trinidad and Tobago: Young spoke of a "New Chapter" for the nation, expressing his belief in the country and its people.
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Leadership Focus: As Prime Minister, Young is expected to focus on addressing the nation's challenges and leveraging its diversity to drive progress.
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Official Title: Stuart Young now holds the official title of The Honourable Stuart R. Young, SC, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
4. Piramal Finance Partners with Punjab & Sind Bank
Piramal Finance has partnered with Punjab & Sind Bank to
expand financial services and improve credit accessibility. The collaboration aims to offer co-lending solutions, combining Piramal’s reach in retail lending with the bank’s strong customer base. This partnership is expected to focus on underserved markets, providing loans to small businesses and individual borrowers. Both organizations plan to leverage technology and data-driven insights to streamline loan processing and disbursement. The initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing financial inclusion and supporting economic growth across key regions.
expand financial services and improve credit accessibility. The collaboration aims to offer co-lending solutions, combining Piramal’s reach in retail lending with the bank’s strong customer base. This partnership is expected to focus on underserved markets, providing loans to small businesses and individual borrowers. Both organizations plan to leverage technology and data-driven insights to streamline loan processing and disbursement. The initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing financial inclusion and supporting economic growth across key regions.Foot notes:
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Strategic Co-Lending Partnership: Piramal Finance and Punjab & Sind Bank have entered into a strategic co-lending partnership to enhance credit availability for middle- and low-income borrowers.
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Focus on Rural and Semi-Urban Regions: The partnership aims to bridge the credit gap in rural and semi-urban regions, with a focus on supporting financial inclusion and economic growth.
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Competitive Interest Rates and Customized Credit Solutions: The partnership will offer competitive interest rates and customized credit solutions, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
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Combining Strengths: The partnership brings together Punjab & Sind Bank's deep financial expertise and extensive network of 1575 branches with Piramal Finance's unique 'High Tech + High Touch' approach.
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Fourth Co-Lending Partnership for Piramal Finance: This partnership is Piramal Finance's fourth co-lending partnership, following similar collaborations with Axis Bank, Central Bank of India, and RBL Bank.
5. Navi UPI becomes Official UPI Partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Navi UPI has been announced as the Official UPI Partner of
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming cricket season. The partnership aims to boost Navi’s brand visibility and promote digital payments among cricket fans. As part of the collaboration, Navi UPI will engage with RCB supporters through exclusive campaigns, contests, and in-stadium activations. Both organizations are focused on encouraging the adoption of seamless and secure digital transactions. This alliance also reflects Navi’s commitment to supporting sports and fostering deeper connections with India’s cricket-loving audience.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming cricket season. The partnership aims to boost Navi’s brand visibility and promote digital payments among cricket fans. As part of the collaboration, Navi UPI will engage with RCB supporters through exclusive campaigns, contests, and in-stadium activations. Both organizations are focused on encouraging the adoption of seamless and secure digital transactions. This alliance also reflects Navi’s commitment to supporting sports and fostering deeper connections with India’s cricket-loving audience.Foot notes:
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Exclusive Ticket Access: As part of this partnership, Navi UPI users will get exclusive 24-hour early access to book tickets for RCB's home matches, allowing them to secure their spots before general sales begin.
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RCB's 2025 Season: RCB heads into the 2025 season with a refreshed squad led by Rajat Patidar, featuring key players like Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
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T20 Season 2025 Details: The 18th edition of the T20 will feature ten teams competing across 74 matches from March 22 to May 25 in 13 cities across India.
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Enhancing Fan Experience: Navi UPI aims to enhance the fan experience by bringing together the passion of cricket and the power of seamless digital payments.
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Priority Access Details: For the first four matches, early access for Navi UPI users started at 11 AM on March 18, while public sales opened at 11 AM on March 19.
6. India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant in Indore
India’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Green Waste
Processing Plant has been inaugurated in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The plant aims to convert green waste such as garden and horticulture waste into compost and bio-CNG. This initiative supports the city’s commitment to sustainable waste management and circular economy practices. The project is expected to reduce landfill pressure and promote eco-friendly alternatives for waste disposal. Indore, already recognized for its cleanliness, strengthens its position as a leader in urban waste management through this pioneering facility.
Processing Plant has been inaugurated in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The plant aims to convert green waste such as garden and horticulture waste into compost and bio-CNG. This initiative supports the city’s commitment to sustainable waste management and circular economy practices. The project is expected to reduce landfill pressure and promote eco-friendly alternatives for waste disposal. Indore, already recognized for its cleanliness, strengthens its position as a leader in urban waste management through this pioneering facility.Foot notes:
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Location and Size: The plant is located in Bicholi Hapsi, Indore, and spans 55,000 square feet.
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Processing Capacity: The facility will process 30 to 70 tons of green waste daily, including wood, branches, leaves, and flowers.
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Revenue Generation: The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) will earn approximately Rs 3,000 per tonne in royalty for supplying wood and branches.
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Eco-Friendly Products: The plant will recycle green waste into wooden pellets, serving as a sustainable alternative to coal and promoting energy conservation.
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Partnership Model: The project is developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with Astronomical Industries Private Limited partnering with the IMC to manage the plant's operations.
7. Dr. Lakshmi Venu Appointed as Vice Chairman of TAFE
Dr. Lakshmi Venu has been appointed as the Vice Chairman
of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE). She has played a crucial role in the company’s growth and innovation, especially in expanding its global footprint. As Vice Chairman, Dr. Venu will focus on driving TAFE’s strategic initiatives and strengthening its leadership in the agricultural machinery sector. Her appointment reflects the company’s vision of fostering innovation and sustainability in farm equipment manufacturing. Dr. Venu brings a wealth of experience and leadership that is expected to further enhance TAFE’s impact on the agricultural economy.
of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE). She has played a crucial role in the company’s growth and innovation, especially in expanding its global footprint. As Vice Chairman, Dr. Venu will focus on driving TAFE’s strategic initiatives and strengthening its leadership in the agricultural machinery sector. Her appointment reflects the company’s vision of fostering innovation and sustainability in farm equipment manufacturing. Dr. Venu brings a wealth of experience and leadership that is expected to further enhance TAFE’s impact on the agricultural economy.Foot notes:
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Leadership Expertise: Dr. Lakshmi Venu brings her expertise in farm mechanization, auto components, and strategic leadership to the role.
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Academic Background: She holds a degree from Yale University and a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Warwick, UK.
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Recognition and Awards: Dr. Lakshmi Venu has been recognized as one of Business Today's "Most Powerful Women in Business" in 2023.
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TAFE's Global Presence: As Vice Chairman, Dr. Lakshmi Venu will play a key role in strengthening TAFE's global presence, with the company exporting tractors to over 80 countries.
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Leadership Style: Her leadership style focuses on building for the future, leveraging TAFE's collaborative and value-based approach to achieve its vision of "Cultivating the World".
8. HerKey appoints Wasim Sayed as Vice President of Growth and Marketing
HerKey has appointed Wasim Sayed as the Vice President
of Growth and Marketing. In this role, Sayed will focus on accelerating the company’s expansion and strengthening its brand presence in the women’s career development space. He brings extensive experience in scaling businesses and leading successful marketing strategies across various industries. Sayed’s appointment aligns with HerKey’s mission to empower women through professional opportunities and community engagement. Under his leadership, the company aims to enhance user engagement and drive impactful growth initiatives.
of Growth and Marketing. In this role, Sayed will focus on accelerating the company’s expansion and strengthening its brand presence in the women’s career development space. He brings extensive experience in scaling businesses and leading successful marketing strategies across various industries. Sayed’s appointment aligns with HerKey’s mission to empower women through professional opportunities and community engagement. Under his leadership, the company aims to enhance user engagement and drive impactful growth initiatives.Foot notes:
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New Role: Wasim Sayed has been appointed as the Vice President of Growth and Marketing at HerKey, India's largest AI-powered platform for women professionals.
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Key Responsibilities: In his new role, Sayed will lead strategic initiatives focused on driving user growth, enhancing customer acquisition, and strengthening brand positioning.
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Experience and Expertise: Sayed brings over 17 years of experience in digital and product marketing, having worked across growth-stage startups, unicorns, and Fortune 500 companies.
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HerKey's Mission: HerKey aims to empower women professionals by providing them with opportunities for career advancement and growth, and Sayed's appointment is expected to further this mission.
9. Zeno India appoints Anmol Jalta as Digital and Creative Lead
Zeno India has appointed Anmol Jalta as the new Digital and
Creative Lead. In this role, Jalta will be responsible for driving digital strategy, creative campaigns, and brand storytelling across various platforms. With his extensive background in digital marketing and creative leadership, he is expected to strengthen Zeno India’s client offerings and enhance its digital footprint. The appointment reflects Zeno’s focus on blending creativity with data-driven insights to deliver impactful campaigns. Jalta will work closely with cross-functional teams to foster innovation and deliver value to clients across industries.
Creative Lead. In this role, Jalta will be responsible for driving digital strategy, creative campaigns, and brand storytelling across various platforms. With his extensive background in digital marketing and creative leadership, he is expected to strengthen Zeno India’s client offerings and enhance its digital footprint. The appointment reflects Zeno’s focus on blending creativity with data-driven insights to deliver impactful campaigns. Jalta will work closely with cross-functional teams to foster innovation and deliver value to clients across industries.Foot notes:
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New Role: Anmol Jalta has been appointed as the Digital and Creative Lead at Zeno India, a leading global integrated communications agency.
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Key Responsibilities: In her new role, Jalta will drive the agency's creative vision, digital strategy, and innovation, focusing on delivering insight-driven campaigns that connect brands with audiences.
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Expertise: Jalta brings extensive expertise in creative strategy, digital marketing, and brand storytelling, having worked on campaigns for prominent brands like Reckitt, Adobe, Mastercard, Motorola, and Intel.
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Previous Experience: Prior to joining Zeno, Jalta built the Content Marketing practice at B2B tech firm MathCo, leading impact-driven omni-channel marketing campaigns.
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Agency's Expectations: Zeno India expects Jalta's leadership to help craft innovative, culture-driven storytelling that delivers tangible value for brands, aligning with the agency's mission of driving audience-focused, business-impacting communications.
10. Dr. Senkalong Yaden, an esteemed Naga scientist and academician, passed away
Dr. Senkalong Yaden, an esteemed Naga scientist and
academician, has passed away. He was widely respected for his significant contributions to scientific research and education in Nagaland and beyond. Dr. Yaden played a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge and mentoring young scholars in the region. His work in promoting science and technology earned him recognition and admiration within academic and research circles. The scientific community and the people of Nagaland mourn the loss of a dedicated visionary and mentor.
academician, has passed away. He was widely respected for his significant contributions to scientific research and education in Nagaland and beyond. Dr. Yaden played a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge and mentoring young scholars in the region. His work in promoting science and technology earned him recognition and admiration within academic and research circles. The scientific community and the people of Nagaland mourn the loss of a dedicated visionary and mentor.Foot notes:
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Academic Achievements: He began his teaching career as a Biology Teaching Assistant at the University of Minnesota in 1961 and went on to hold prestigious positions in several academic institutions in the United States.
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Recognition and Honors: Dr. Yaden was recognized as the first Naga scientist and was listed in "American Men and Women of Science". He was also a member of the International Platform Association and was featured in "Who's Who in America" and "Who's Who Among America's Teachers".
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Contributions to Society: Dr. Yaden was actively involved in peace efforts, serving as a Peace Mission Volunteer at Peace Camp Chedema from 1966 to 1967.
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Legacy: The Ao Senden declared March 17, 2025, as a day of mourning to honor Dr. Yaden's extraordinary life and legacy. He will be remembered for his dedication to education, science, and his community.
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