• Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd successfully completed Contractor Sea Trials (CSTs) for Himgiri (Advanced Frigate, Project 17A) and Androth (ASW Shallow Water Craft), marking a key milestone in India’s naval shipbuilding.

About the Vessels

• Himgiri: First of three Advanced Frigates under Project 17A, enhancing stealth & combat capabilities.
• Androth: Second of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare vessels, improving India’s coastal defence.

Significance of Project 17A

• Boosts India’s maritime strength with modern, indigenously designed ships.
• 80% indigenous materials, supporting 2000+ Indian firms & MSMEs, promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• First gas turbine propulsion vessels at GRSE, featuring stealth & advanced weapon systems.

• The 23rd edition of the India-France naval exercise VARUNA will take place from March 19–22, 2025, in the Arabian Sea, strengthening naval cooperation between the two nations.
• Established in 2001, VARUNA enhances maritime interoperability and operational synergy between the two nations.

About VARUNA 2025

• Participants: Indian & French Navies
• Key Assets:
  • INS Vikrant (India) & Charles de Gaulle (France) – Aircraft carriers
  • MiG-29K (India) & Rafale-M (France) – Fighter aircraft
  • Destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine
• Focus Areas: Air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, maritime patrol, and replenishment-at-sea

Significance

• Strengthens naval cooperation and Indo-Pacific security.
• Promotes a rules-based maritime order.

• Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first grand temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi, Thane.

About the Temple

• Designed by architect Vijaykumar Patil, covering 2,500 sq. ft. with a 5,000 sq. ft. fort-like boundary.
• Features a 6.5-foot statue of Shivaji Maharaj by Arun Yogiraj (sculptor of the Ram temple idol in Ayodhya).
• Fort elements include a 42-foot entrance, bastions, and surveillance pathways.
• 36 sections inside the boundary depict key moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s life.

About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

• Born in 1627 at Shivneri, he was the founder of the Maratha Empire.
• Advocated Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule) and national independence.
• Established the Astapradhan council for efficient administration.
• Ensured peasant welfare by abolishing hereditary offices and regulating middlemen.
• Known for religious tolerance, patriotism, and strong governance.

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and local governments are launching a programme to promote sustainable livelihoods around Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake.

Location & Geographical Features

• Situated in northern Kenya, extending into Ethiopia.
• Lies in the Eastern Rift Valley.
• Three rivers (Omo, Turkwel, and Kerio) feed the lake, with Omo River providing 90% of the inflow.
• Africa’s fourth-largest lake and the largest permanent desert lake globally.

Ecological & Cultural Significance

• UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
• Supports local communities despite its hot, arid, and remote environment.
• Requires sustainable resource management for long-term ecological and economic stability.

• Atul Kumar Goel appointed as Chief Executive of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
• Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) is an apex body representing banks in India, established in 1946.

• Mayank Sharma took charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA).
• Service Background: A 1989-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS).

• World Oral Health Day is observed annually on March 20 to promote good oral hygiene practices and encourage regular dental check-ups.
• Organized by the FDI World Dental Federation, it involves government, educational, and healthcare organizations conducting awareness events and free dental check-ups.
• Theme for 2025: “A Happy Mouth is A Happy Mind,” emphasizing the link between oral health and overall well-being.

• World Sparrow Day is observed annually on March 20 to raise awareness about the declining sparrow population and their conservation.
• Theme for 2025: “A Tribute to Nature’s Tiny Messengers,” highlighting sparrows’ ecological significance and the urgent need for their protection.
• Initiated in 2010 by the Nature Forever Society, it aims to address threats like urbanization, pollution, and habitat loss.

• International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20 to promote global happiness, well-being, and a more inclusive world.
• It is organized by the United Nations in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)

• India emerged as the dominant force at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in New Delhi, securing the top position in the medal tally with a total of 134 medals – 45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze.
• This marked India’s first time hosting an international para-athletics event, which will now be an annual event until 2028.

Notable Indian Performances

• Preethi Pal won bronze in the women’s 200m T35–T38 event.
• Bhavani Munniyandi secured bronze in women’s long jump T38, T44, T61 category.
• Vinay (silver) & Abhishek Jadhav (bronze) in men’s 200m T35.
• Sagar, Janka Singh & Balaji Rajendran completed an Indian clean sweep in men’s shot put F11–F20.
• Bhuvi Agarwal won bronze in women’s long jump T20–T37.
• Pranav Prashant (silver) & Naresh (bronze) in men’s 200m T61–T64.
• Fatima, Suman Bala & Asha Jalandar secured an Indian podium sweep in women’s discus throw F56–F57.
• Sharath, Saurabh & Ankur completed another clean sweep in men’s 5000m T11–T12.