Current Affairs 25 March 2025

1. Canara Bank appoints S. K. Majumdar as Executive Director
Canara Bank has appointed S. K. Majumdar as its new Executive
Director. With extensive experience in the banking sector, he is expected to play a key role in driving the bank’s strategic growth and operational efficiency. His leadership will focus on enhancing financial performance, digital transformation, and customer service. This appointment aligns with Canara Bank’s vision of strengthening its position in the Indian banking industry.

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Background and Qualifications: Majumdar, 56, is a seasoned banking professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He holds distinguished qualifications as a Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant.
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Previous Role: Prior to his elevation, Majumdar served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Canara Bank.
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Experience and Expertise: Majumdar has been associated with Canara Bank since January 2000 and has served in various capacities across branches and administrative offices. He brings strong leadership, financial expertise, and a commitment to organizational excellence.
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Significance of Appointment: Majumdar's appointment reflects Canara Bank's commitment to strengthening its leadership and governance structures, ensuring sustained growth and operational excellence.
2. Delhivery appoints Milind Sharma as head of rapid commerce
Delhivery has appointed Milind Sharma as the Head of Rapid
Commerce, strengthening its focus on fast-paced e-commerce logistics. Sharma brings extensive experience in supply chain and logistics, having worked with leading firms in the sector. His role will involve optimizing Delhivery’s rapid commerce operations to meet the growing demand for quick and efficient deliveries. This appointment aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance last-mile delivery solutions and expand its market presence. With Sharma at the helm, Delhivery aims to drive innovation and operational excellence in the rapid commerce segment.

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Leadership Role: Milind Sharma has been appointed as the Head of Rapid Commerce and D2C Brands at Delhivery, a leading logistics services provider in India.
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Background and Experience: Sharma is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience in e-commerce and quick commerce. He was a founding member of Delhivery in 2012 and later co-founded PepperTap and Nuvo Logistics.
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Responsibilities: In his new role, Sharma will lead Delhivery's Rapid Commerce expansion, oversee the direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand segment, and enhance same-day and next-day delivery offerings.
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Previous Achievements: Sharma has a proven track record of success, having scaled PepperTap to $200M+ ARR and Nuvo Logistics to $10M+ revenue across 75+ cities.
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Company Growth: Delhivery aims to strengthen its position in the rapid commerce and D2C markets with Sharma's leadership, leveraging his entrepreneurial mindset and deep experience in consumer businesses.
3. Kerala Became First State To Establishes Senior Citizens Commission
Kerala has become the first state in India to establish a Senior
Citizens Commission, aiming to safeguard the rights and welfare of the elderly. The commission will address issues related to senior citizens, including financial security, healthcare, and social protection. This initiative reflects Kerala’s commitment to supporting its aging population through policy measures and legal frameworks. The move sets a precedent for other states to enhance elderly care and support systems.

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- First-of-its-kind commission: Kerala's Senior Citizens Commission is the first state-level commission in India dedicated to elderly welfare.
- Protecting elderly rights: The commission will focus on protecting the rights, welfare, and rehabilitation of senior citizens, ensuring their active participation in society.
- Addressing elderly challenges: The commission will tackle issues like neglect, exploitation, and loneliness faced by the elderly, providing policy guidelines for their protection.
- Empowering senior citizens: The commission aims to empower senior citizens, recognizing their potential to contribute to society through their experience, innovative ideas, and problem-solving abilities.
- Inclusive representation: The commission will comprise a Chairperson and at least four members, including representatives from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes and women, ensuring diverse perspectives.
4. Parminder Chopra Assumes Additional Charge as Chairman & MD of REC Ltd
Parminder Chopra has assumed the additional charge as Chairman
and Managing Director of REC Ltd, a leading power sector financing company. She currently serves as the full-time Director (Finance) of REC Ltd and has played a key role in strengthening the company's financial position. With extensive experience in the power and finance sectors, she has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and growth. Her leadership is expected to further enhance REC Ltd’s contribution to India’s energy sector and infrastructure development.

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New Role: Parminder Chopra has taken on the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director (MD) of REC Ltd.
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Leadership Experience: As a seasoned professional, Chopra brings valuable leadership experience to his new role, which will help shape REC Ltd's future growth and strategy.
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Additional Responsibilities: In addition to his existing responsibilities, Chopra will now oversee the overall direction and management of REC Ltd, driving business growth and expansion.
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REC Ltd's Focus: As a leading infrastructure finance company, REC Ltd focuses on financing power sector projects, making Chopra's leadership crucial in driving the company's mission and objectives.
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Future Outlook: Under Chopra's leadership, REC Ltd is expected to continue playing a vital role in supporting India's power sector growth and development, aligning with the country's energy transition goals.
5. Edelweiss ARC Appoints Mythili Balasubramanian as Interim MD & CEO
Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) has appointed
Mythili Balasubramanian as its Interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. She takes over the role with extensive experience in the financial sector, particularly in asset reconstruction and distressed asset management. Her leadership is expected to drive the company’s strategic initiatives and strengthen its position in the industry. This appointment comes as Edelweiss ARC continues to focus on resolving non-performing assets and enhancing financial recovery mechanisms.

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Experience and Expertise: Balasubramanian brings over four decades of experience in banking, non-performing asset (NPA) resolution, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) processes.
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Leadership and Stability: Her leadership is expected to drive stability and strategic growth as the company navigates the evolving distressed asset landscape.
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Selection Process for Next CEO: A Search Committee has been set up by the Board of Directors, and Korn Ferry, a global executive search firm, has been appointed to assist in selecting the next MD & CEO.
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Company's Business Focus: Edelweiss ARC will continue to focus on strengthening its service-based income portfolio, emphasizing platform-driven deals, fee-based income, and collaborating with banks and financial institutions for acquiring stressed assets .
6. REA India appoints Amit Chand as Chief Financial Officer
REA India has appointed Amit Chand as its Chief Financial Officer
(CFO), strengthening its leadership team. With extensive experience in finance and strategic planning, he is expected to play a key role in driving the company’s financial growth and operational efficiency. His appointment aligns with REA India's focus on expanding its presence in the real estate technology sector. Chand's leadership will be instrumental in optimizing financial performance and supporting the company’s long-term vision.

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New Role: Amit Chand has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of REA India, the parent company of (link unavailable), (link unavailable), and (link unavailable).
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Experience and Expertise: Chand brings over two decades of experience in financial strategy, risk management, and business expansion. He will oversee key functions including finance, risk assurance, legal and compliance, and procurement.
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Previous Role: Previously, Chand served as CFO at TCNS Clothing, where he led Finance, Accounts, Treasury, Enterprise Risk Management, and ESG initiatives, driving revenue growth and improving EBITDA.
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Leadership Expectations: Dhruv Agarwala, Group CEO, (link unavailable) & (link unavailable), expects Chand's proven financial acumen and track record of scaling businesses to drive growth and create value for customers and stakeholders
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Future Outlook: With Chand at the financial helm, REA India is poised for accelerated growth, enhanced operational efficiency, and stronger market leadership in the digital real estate ecosystem.
7. Bharati Airtel’s Gopal Vittal Elected as GSMA Chairman
Bharti Airtel’s CEO, Gopal Vittal, has been elected as the Chairman
of the GSMA, the global association representing mobile network operators. His appointment highlights India’s growing influence in the global telecom sector and reinforces Airtel’s leadership in mobile technology. Vittal is expected to play a key role in shaping global telecom policies, driving innovation, and enhancing digital connectivity. Under his leadership, GSMA will focus on advancing mobile industry initiatives, including 5G expansion and digital inclusion.

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New Leadership Role: Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO of Bharti Airtel, has been elected as the Chairman of the GSMA Board until the end of 2026.
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Second Indian to Hold the Position: Vittal is the second Indian to be elected as GSMA Chairman, after Sunil Bharti Mittal, who held the position in 2016.
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Extensive Experience: Vittal brings over a decade of experience with GSMA, having served as Deputy Chair for three years and as a key board member during the 2019-2020 term.
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Strategic Focus: As Chairman, Vittal will oversee the strategic direction of GSMA, focusing on innovation, artificial intelligence, and 5G expansion.
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Industry Representation: GSMA represents over 1,100 companies from the global telecommunications industry, including telecom operators, device manufacturers, and software developers.
8. Parle Products appoints Ananya Panday as brand ambassador for Hide & Seek
Parle Products has appointed Bollywood actress Ananya Panday as
the brand ambassador for its popular biscuit brand, Hide & Seek. With her youthful charm and strong connect with the younger audience, she is expected to enhance the brand’s appeal. This collaboration aligns with Parle’s strategy to strengthen its market presence and engage with the youth segment. Ananya’s association with Hide & Seek aims to bring fresh energy to the brand’s campaigns and marketing initiatives.

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Brand Ambassador: Ananya Panday has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Parle Products' premium sweet cookies portfolio, Hide & Seek.
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New Campaign: To mark this collaboration, Parle Products has launched a new campaign called "Start Your Story" featuring Ananya Panday and Lakshya, showcasing playful moments between the two stars, with Hide & Seek Cookies playing a central role.
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Target Audience: The campaign aims to engage with young consumers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, by highlighting the brand's role in enabling first-time conversations and sparking connections.
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Marketing Strategy: The campaign will be rolled out across multiple platforms, including digital, television, and on-ground activations, with a focus on establishing Hide & Seek as a catalyst for special moments.
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Brand Identity: Parle Products aims to strengthen Hide & Seek's brand identity as an enabler of innocent love and first-time conversations, resonating with young audiences and creating top-of-mind recall among consumers.
9. International Day of Solidarity with Detained Staff Members observed on 25th March
The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff
Members is observed on March 25 each year. This day is dedicated to recognizing United Nations personnel and associated staff who have been arrested, detained, or gone missing while carrying out their duties. It serves as a reminder of the risks faced by humanitarian and media workers in conflict zones and areas of crisis. The day also calls for global efforts to ensure the safety, protection, and release of detained staff members.

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Background: The day commemorates the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett, a journalist who was kidnapped in 1985 while on assignment for the United Nations.
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Purpose: The day aims to raise awareness about the risks faced by United Nations staff members and other humanitarian workers who are detained or missing while serving in various parts of the world.
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Solidarity and Support: The day is an opportunity for the international community to express solidarity and support for detained and missing staff members and their families, and to advocate for their safe release and return.
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United Nations Efforts: The United Nations continues to work towards the safe release of its detained staff members and to support the families of those who are missing, while also advocating for the protection of humanitarian workers worldwide.
10. Sanghamitra Tai Gaikwad Honored with Popular Civilian Excellence Award
Sanghamitra Tai Gaikwad has been honored with the Popular Civilian
Excellence Award for her outstanding contributions to society. She has been recognized for her impactful work in social welfare, community development, and humanitarian efforts. Her dedication to empowering underprivileged communities and promoting social change has earned widespread appreciation. This award highlights her commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact on society.

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Award Recognition: Sanghamitra Tai Gaikwad has been honored with the Popular Civilian Excellence Award for her immense contribution to society and selfless service.
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Social Service Contributions: Gaikwad has been selflessly working in the field of social service for 25 years, providing free education to children in six adopted villages in Kolhapur, and running a nursing school for training healthcare professionals.
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Leadership Role: She serves as the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and has been associated with the Republican Party of India (Athawale faction) for 25 years, working under the leadership of Union Minister Ramdas Athawale.
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COVID-19 Pandemic Efforts: During the pandemic, Gaikwad arranged food, clothing, and medicines for the needy, bringing relief to hundreds of people and showcasing her deep commitment to social service.
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Women Empowerment Advocacy: Gaikwad is a strong advocate for women's rights and safety, raising crucial issues that have led to justice for women while ensuring their dignity and self-respect remain intact.
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