Current Affairs 24 March 2025

1. India Triumphs at Kabaddi World Cup 2025
India clinched the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 title with a dominant
performance, defeating Iran in a thrilling final. The Indian team displayed exceptional skill, strategy, and teamwork throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten. Led by their captain, India showcased their defensive prowess and swift raids that left their opponents struggling. The victory marks India’s seventh Kabaddi World Cup title, further solidifying their supremacy in the sport. Fans across the country celebrated the win, hailing it as a proud moment for Indian kabaddi.

Foot notes:
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Men's Team Victory: The Indian men's team defeated England 44-41 in the final match to secure the title.
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Women's Team Dominance: The Indian women's team dominated England with a score of 57-34 in the final match, winning the women's title.
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Defending Champions: India successfully defended their titles, having won both the men's and women's crowns at the previous edition in Malaysia in 2019.
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First Kabaddi World Cup Outside Asia: This tournament marked the first time the Kabaddi World Cup was held outside Asia, with England hosting the event.
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India's Kabaddi Supremacy: India's victory reinforces their supremacy in kabaddi, having won multiple titles in the sport.
2. HIL Limited rebrands to BirlaNu
HIL Limited has officially rebranded itself as BirlaNu. The company
announced that the new name reflects its evolving identity and future growth strategy under the CK Birla Group. BirlaNu aims to strengthen its presence in the building materials and construction solutions sector with a renewed focus on innovation and sustainability. The rebranding is part of the company’s vision to align more closely with global standards and customer expectations. The leadership believes that BirlaNu will symbolize a fresh and dynamic approach while continuing the legacy of trust and quality established by HIL Limited.

Foot notes:
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New Identity: The rebranding reflects the company's ambitious growth strategy and commitment to delivering world-class products and services across the building products space.
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Commitment to Innovation: BirlaNu remains committed to innovation through dynamic R&D facilities in India and Germany, focusing on sustainable and environmentally viable products.
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Expanded Product Portfolio: The company has introduced Organic Based Stabilizers (OBS) in UPVC pipe manufacturing, eliminated heavy metals, and expanded its AAC block capacity in Chennai.
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Global Reach: BirlaNu has a widespread reach through an extensive sales and distribution network spread across India and 80+ countries globally.
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Leadership: Avanti Birla, president, BirlaNu, emphasized the company's focus on quality, innovation, and customer centricity, while Akshat Seth, MD and CEO, highlighted the company's commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable building materials.
3. Justice Harish Tandon Appointed as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court
Justice Harish Tandon has been appointed as the new Chief Justice
of the Orissa High Court. He succeeds Justice Subhasis Talapatra, who recently retired from the position. Justice Tandon, previously serving as a senior judge at the Calcutta High Court, is known for his expertise in constitutional and civil matters. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and strengthen the judiciary in Odisha. The legal community has welcomed the decision, expressing confidence in his leadership and commitment to justice.

Foot notes:
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Background and Experience: Justice Tandon was appointed as a Judge of the Calcutta High Court on April 13, 2010, and has been functioning there since then. He ranks 7th in the All-India Seniority of High Court Judges, including Chief Justices.
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Predecessor: Justice Tandon's appointment comes after the retirement of Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh on January 19, 2024. Until now, Justice Arindam Sinha had been serving as the acting Chief Justice.
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Presidential Approval: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, affirmed Justice Tandon's appointment, making it official.
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New Role: As the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, Justice Tandon will lead the court and oversee its administration, ensuring the delivery of justice to the people of Odisha.
4. Kotak Mahindra Bank appoints Bhavnish Lathia as CTO
Kotak Mahindra Bank has appointed Bhavnish Lathia as its new
Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Lathia brings extensive experience in technology and digital transformation, having held leadership roles in global financial and tech organizations. In his new role, he will focus on driving the bank’s technology strategy, innovation, and customer-centric digital initiatives. The appointment aligns with Kotak Mahindra Bank’s vision to enhance its digital capabilities and strengthen its position in the fintech space. The bank’s leadership has expressed confidence that Lathia’s expertise will play a key role in advancing their technology-driven growth.

Foot notes:
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Previous Role: Before becoming CTO, Lathia served as the Chief of Customer Experience and Head of Technology for Consumer Bank at Kotak Mahindra Bank, a position he held since August 2022.
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Resignation of Predecessor: Lathia's appointment follows the resignation of Milind Nagnur, who served as both CTO and Chief Operating Officer (COO) until February 15, 2025, citing personal reasons.
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Focus on Technological Transformation: Kotak Mahindra Bank aims to strengthen its leadership and advance its technology-driven transformation, with Lathia playing a key role in driving this agenda.
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Bank's Growth Strategy: The appointment is part of the bank's broader strategy to transform for scale, with technology being a key driver of this growth strategy.
5. Sumedha Pathak clinched gold in Air Pistol Women in Khelo India Para Games
Sumedha Pathak clinched the gold medal in the Air Pistol Women’s
event at the Khelo India Para Games. She delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing precision and composure under pressure. Sumedha’s victory highlights her dedication and skill in the para shooting discipline. Her win has been widely celebrated, inspiring many young athletes in the para-sports community. The achievement also contributes to India’s growing success in para-sports at national and international levels.

Foot notes:
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Upset Victory: Pathak caused a major upset by defeating Rubina Francis, the 2024 Paralympics medallist and tournament favourite, to claim the top spot on the podium.
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Category Dominance: Pathak's victory showcased her exceptional skill and dominance in the SH1 category, which is designed for athletes with impairments affecting their arms or hands.
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Inspiring Performance: Her win is an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, anything is possible, even in the face of adversity.
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Medal Tally Impact: Pathak's gold medal contributed to Uttar Pradesh's overall medal tally, helping the state secure its position in the rankings.
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Emergence of New Talent: Pathak's victory highlights the emergence of new talent in Indian para-shooting, offering a promising future for the sport in the country.
6. M Baazar onboards Rakul Preet Singh as brand ambassador
M Baazar has onboarded Rakul Preet Singh as its new brand
ambassador. The popular actress will represent the brand across various campaigns and promotional activities. Known for her vibrant personality and style, Rakul Preet Singh aligns well with M Baazar’s focus on trendy and affordable fashion. The collaboration aims to enhance the brand’s visibility and connect with a wider audience, especially among the youth. M Baazar’s leadership expressed excitement, stating that Rakul’s association will strengthen the brand’s image in the competitive retail market.

Foot notes:
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Partnership Aims: The collaboration aims to redefine the fashion landscape in India, setting new standards for style and inspiring the contemporary generation.
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Brand Expansion: With this partnership, M Baazar aims to strengthen its presence in the fashion retail market and expand its customer base.
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Rakul's Previous Endorsements: Rakul has previously endorsed several brands, including AccessHer, Leap7X by Liberty Shoes, Lux, Enamor, and Well-being Nutrition.
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M Baazar's Growth Strategy: The partnership with Rakul is part of M Baazar's growth strategy to establish itself as a leading fashion retailer in India, offering a wide range of products catering to diverse customer preferences.
7. Ashok Singh Thakur Elected Chairman of INTACH
Ashok Singh Thakur has been elected as the new Chairman of the
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). A respected figure in the field of heritage conservation and public administration, Thakur brings decades of experience to the role. His appointment is expected to boost INTACH’s mission of preserving India’s rich cultural and architectural legacy. Under his leadership, the organization aims to expand its outreach and conservation initiatives across the country. The heritage community has welcomed his election, anticipating impactful contributions to India’s cultural preservation efforts.

Foot notes:
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Election Process: Thakur was elected as the Chairman during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of INTACH, held on March 22, 2025, in New Delhi.
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INTACH's Mission: As the premier heritage conservation organization in India, INTACH aims to preserve and conserve the country's cultural and natural heritage.
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Organization's History: INTACH was formally constituted on January 27, 1984, and is registered under the Societies Registration Act (1860).
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Thakur's Term: Ashok Singh Thakur will serve as the Chairman of INTACH for a period of three years, effective immediately.
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INTACH's Future Plans: The organization is currently working on revising its Charter to make it interdisciplinary, encompassing all aspects of heritage from tangible and intangible to natural and cultural dimensions.
8. Vinod Kumar Shukla Wins Jnanpith Award for Hindi Literature
Renowned Hindi author Vinod Kumar Shukla has been honored with
the prestigious Jnanpith Award for his outstanding contribution to Hindi literature. Known for his unique narrative style and profound storytelling, Shukla’s works have left a lasting impact on contemporary Indian literature. His acclaimed novels and poetry often explore themes of simplicity, human emotions, and rural life. The award recognizes his lifelong dedication to enriching Hindi literature and inspiring generations of readers and writers. The literary community has widely celebrated the recognition, calling it a well-deserved honor for Shukla’s literary legacy.

Foot notes:
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First from Chhattisgarh: Shukla is the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive this honor, making it a landmark moment for the state.
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Unique Writing Style: He is celebrated for his distinctive language use and emotional depth, which sets him apart in the world of Hindi literature.
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Notable Works: Some of his notable works include "Naukar ki Kameez", "Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi", and "Sab Kuch Hona Bacha Rahega".
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Previous Awards: Shukla has previously received several prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the PEN/Nabokov Award.
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Jnanpith Award Significance: The Jnanpith Award is India's highest literary honor, recognizing outstanding contributions to Indian literature across languages.
9. Amitabh Kant appointed as Chairperson of NIIT University
Amitabh Kant has been appointed as the Chairperson of NIIT
University. A seasoned bureaucrat and former CEO of NITI Aayog, Kant brings a wealth of experience in policy-making, innovation, and leadership. His appointment is expected to strengthen the university’s vision of fostering cutting-edge education and research. Kant’s leadership is likely to enhance industry-academia collaboration and drive initiatives in emerging fields like technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The university community has welcomed his appointment, expressing optimism about the institution’s future growth and impact.

Foot notes:
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Leadership Background: Kant brings extensive experience in policy-making, economic transformation, and innovation-led growth, having served as CEO of NITI Aayog from 2016 to 2022.
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Previous Roles: He played a pivotal role in launching initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission, Aspirational Districts Programme, and National Programme on Artificial Intelligence, and was also instrumental in flagship programs like Make in India and Startup India.
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Vision for NIIT University: Kant aims to strengthen the university's focus on industry-aligned education, skilling, and global collaborations, leveraging his expertise to nurture future-ready talent.
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Industry Partnerships: NIIT University has established partnerships with over 700 industry entities, including IBM, Tata Consultancy Services, Morgan Stanley, and Deloitte, ensuring 100% placement for its students.
10. World Tuberculosis Day observed on 24th March
World Tuberculosis Day is observed globally on 24th March to raise
awareness about tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease. The day marks the discovery of the TB-causing bacterium by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882. Various health organizations, governments, and communities come together to promote prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TB. The theme for the day often focuses on uniting efforts to end the global TB epidemic. Awareness campaigns, health screenings, and educational programs are organized worldwide to highlight the importance of combating this infectious disease.

Foot notes:
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History: World TB Day commemorates the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB, by Dr. Robert Koch on March 24, 1882.
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Global Impact: TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, with over 10 million people falling ill with TB each year, and 1.5 million dying from the disease.
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Elimination Goals: The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to end the TB epidemic by 2035, with targets to reduce TB incidence by 80% and TB deaths by 90% by 2035 compared to 2015 levels.
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Awareness and Action: World TB Day serves as a reminder to governments, healthcare providers, and communities to take action to prevent and control TB, and to support those affected by the disease.
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