Current Affairs 2 April 2025

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

4th Edition of India-US Naval Exercise ‘Tiger Triumph’ Commenced in VisakhapatnamExercise Tiger Triumph-25, the 4th edition of bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise between India and the United States of America (USA), commenced on the Eastern Seaboard on April 01, 2025 and will continue till April 13, 2025.

• Also, the Harbour Phase of exercise commenced at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP) on April 1, 2025 and will last till April 07, 2025 during which an Opening Ceremony with a joint Flag Parade and Media interaction was organised onboard Indian Naval Ship (INS) Jalashwa.
• The closing ceremony of the exercise will held on board US Navy Ship Comstock at Vishakapatnam.

i.The exercise is aimed at developing  interoperability for conducting HADR operations and framing of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to set up a Combined Coordination Center (CCC) that would enable rapid and seamless coordination between Indian and USA Joint Task Forces (JTF) during exercises and crisis.
ii.Participants from both countries will engage in training visits, subject matter expert exchanges, sports events and social interactions.

• Under the Sea phase, the ships with troops embarked, will undertake maritime, amphibious and HADR operations off Kakinada.

About Indian Navy (IN):
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)- Admiral Dinesh Kumar (DK) Tripathi
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Founded- 1950
>> Read Full News

MoRD Raised MGNREGA Wage from Rs 349 to Rs 370 per day for FY26In March 2025, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) issued a notification regarding the revised wages under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26). This notification was issued under sub-section (1) of Section 6 of MNREGA, 2005.

• As per notification, the daily wage for workers under MGNREGA has been raised from existing Rs 349 to Rs 370 a person.
• The revised rates came into effect from the 1st day of FY26 i.e. from April 1, 2025.

i.The wages under MGNREGA has been hiked in the range of 2.33%-7.48% i.e. wages has witness an increase in the range of Rs 7 to Rs 26.
ii.As per MoRD, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) wages have been raised by Rs 7 in 5 states: Andhra Pradesh (AP), Arunachal Pradesh (AR), Assam, Nagaland, and Telangana.
iii.The wages under MGNREGA are fixed as per the changes in the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL), which shows the increase in inflation in rural areas.
About Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD):
Union Minister– Shivraj Singh Chauhan (Constituency- Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, MP)
Union Minister of State (MoS)- Chandra Shekhar Pemmasani (Constituency- Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, AP); and Kamlesh Paswan (Constituency- Bansgaon, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
>> Read Full News

Waaree Energies opens India’s largest solar cell plant in GujaratIn March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Clean energy player Waaree Energies Limited (WEL) has launched India’s largest solar cell manufacturing facility in Chikhli, Gujarat, with a 5.4 Gigawatt (GW) capacity and an investment of Rs 2,500 crore. The plant features advanced Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) technology, which is known for its high efficiency and improved energy conversion rates.

• The inauguration event was attended by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi , Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE) and Gujarat Chief Minister(CM) Bhupendra Patel along with other senior government officials.

About Solar cell manufacturing facility:
i.Spread across 150 acres, with a built-up area of 101 acres, the Chikhli facility underscores Waaree’s dedication to a sustainable energy future for India. The plant also manufactures Mono PERC solar power cells, with trial production commenced in January 2025.
ii.Waaree Energies has invested around USD 350 million (Rs.3,000 crore) in its Chikhli campus, demonstrating its commitment to advancing solar technology and strengthening its presence in the global renewable energy market.

• This facility is one of four manufacturing plants operated by the company in India, with the others located in Surat (Gujarat), Nandigram (West Bengal, WB), and Noida (Uttar Pradesh, UP).

iii.The facility can produce 20 solar cells per second with 25% efficiency, supporting India’s drive for energy independence and establishing the company as a leader in solar technology.
iv.The new facility’s TOPCon solar cells feature a thin oxide layer and a poly-crystalline silicon layer, forming a highly efficient passivated contact that enhances energy conversion rates.
Note: India’s solar power capacity has surged from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 104 GW in March 2025, marking an impressive growth of 3,580%.
About Waaree Energies Limited (WEL):
WEL is India’s largest manufacturer of solar PV (Photovoltaic) modules, with an installed capacity of 13.3 Gigawatt (GW).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Amit Paithankar
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Founded  – 1990
About Gujarat:
Chief Minister (CM)- Bhupendra Patel
Governor– Acharya Dev Vrat
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pania Wildlife Sanctuary
Zoological Park– Sardar Patel Zoological Park

Dr. Jitendra Singh Delivered the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Annual Memorial Lecture at IIPA’s 71st Foundation DayIn March 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science & Technology, (MoS&T), delivered the keynote at the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Annual Memorial Lecture during the 71st Foundation Day of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) in New Delhi (Delhi).

• The address, titled “Antyodaya Se Sarvodaya,” highlighted the government’s dedication to ensuring that governance reaches every citizen, embodying the true spirit of Antyodaya by uplifting those at the very bottom.
• IIPA and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), New Delhi (Delhi) signed an agreement to boost disaster resilience.
• Union MoS Jitendra Singh also launched the book ‘Antyodaya Se Sarvodaya: A Framework of Universal Fulfilment’.

Key initiatives:
i.Democratization of Civil Services: Dr. Singh highlighted a significant demographic shift with increased representation of women officers across government sectors, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. ​
ii.Life Certificate Campaign: Facial recognition technology has simplified pension verification for elderly pensioners, removing the requirement for physical visits to bank branches.
iii.Simplification of Processes: Reforms like a simplified single pension form, a unified fellowship application portal, a centralized platform for higher education applications, and the removal of over 1,600 outdated rules have significantly streamlined governance procedures.
iv.Multilingual Recruitment Exams: Government recruitment are now conducted in 13 regional languages, with plans to extend to all 22 scheduled languages of the Constitution.
v.Abolition of Interviews for Certain Posts: This measure aims to create a level playing field in recruitment processes. ​
vi.Rozgar Melas: These events serve as significant platforms facilitating employment opportunities for youth and boosting their aspirations.
vii.Advancements in Science & Technology: India now ranks 4th globally in patent filings, with 56% from resident Indians. As of December 2024, nearly 5,400 Indian scientists are among the top 2% best researchers worldwide.
About the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA): 
Chairman – Dr. Jitendra Singh
Director General (DG) – Surendra Nath Tripathi
Established – 1954
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi

Gujarat CM Inaugurates India’s Largest Chlorotoluene Plant at Dahej
In March 2025, Gujarat Chief Minister(CM) Bhupendra Patel virtually inaugurated India’s largest Chlorotoluene plant at Dahej(Gujarat), on the foundation day of Vadodara (Gujarat)-based Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL).

• Established with an investment of Rs 350 crore, the plant aims to produce value-added chlorine derivatives, reducing import dependency and boosting exports.

i.The newly inaugurated facility has an annual production capacity of 30,000 tonnes and will manufacture critical chemicals like Benzyl Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, and Benzaldehyde.
ii.These chemicals are widely used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes. The plant will utilize chlorine, a by-product of caustic soda manufacturing, ensuring efficient resource use.
iii.This aligns with India’s goal to enhance self-reliance in specialty chemicals and expand its global market share.
Note: Operational since 1973, GACL is a leading player in the chemical sector with three manufacturing units (two in Dahej, one in Vadodara). It produces over 35 products, including 8 lakh metric tonnes(MT) of caustic soda annually, and holds a monopoly in India for sodium chlorate and hydrazine hydrate.

PM Narendra Modi Announced ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ as theme for 2025 Yoga DayIn March 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi announced ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ as the theme for 2025 International Day of Yoga (IDY). The 1st ever IDY was observed on June 21, 2015, to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing Yoga, which is a 5,000-year-old ancient practice that originated from India.

• New Delhi(Delhi) based The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of AYUSH(Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), has been tasked with organizing large-scale celebrations for International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. As part of the preparations, the institute launched the 100-day countdown to IDY 2025 during the Yogamahotsav event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on March 13, 2025.

i.India proposed a resolution to declare IDY in United General Assembly (UNGA) which was endorsed by 175 member states.
ii.In December 2014, the UNGA adopted the resolution and proclaimed June 21 as IDY to be observed annually worldwide.
iii.In 2016, Indian Yoga was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
10 unique signature events to guide events to International Day of Yoga 2025
This year IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11th edition of the global event, which makes it the most expansive and inclusive:

• Yoga Sangama – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 10,000 locations, aiming for a world record.
• Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.
• Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.
• Yoga Samavesh – Special Yoga programs for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children, and marginalised groups.
• Yoga Prabhava – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.
• Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
• Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
• Yoga Unplugged– An event to attract young people to Yoga
• Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by PM Narendra Modi.
• Samyogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

UNESCO Published ‘Education & Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well’ ReportParis (France)-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) published its latest report titled ‘Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well’, which focuses on the quality of meal served at schools worldwide. The report was released on the occasion of the ‘Nutrition for Growth (N4G)’ event, hosted by France from March 27 to 28, 2025 in Paris.

• The report was prepared by the UNESCO in partnership with the Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition.
• The report urged governments to not only expand access to school meals but to also improve their nutritional quality.

i.The report revealed that nearly 50% of primary school pupils globally received school meals in 2024. Nearly a third (27%) of school meals across the world in 2022, were not developed in consultation with nutritionists.
ii.It showed school meals increased enrolment rates by 9% and attendance by 8% among pupils, and also improved learning.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO):
Director-General (DG)– Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
Established– 1945
>> Read Full News

IAF Participates in Multinational Air Exercise ‘INIOCHOS-25’ in GreeceIn March 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in the 12-day biennial multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25, held from March 31 to April 11, 2025 at Andravida Air Base of Greece. The exercise is hosted by Greece’s Hellenic Air Force, took place in the historic region of Elis.

• This biennial exercise provides an opportunity to train in planning and executing Combined Air operations, refine tactics in complex air warfare scenarios, and exchange operational best practices.

About INIOCHOS:
i.The Iniochos exercise, named after the ancient Greek word for “charioteer” or “rein-holder,” is an annual multinational air training event that brings air and ground assets from 15 nations, creating realistic combat situations to prepare for modern warfare challenges.
ii.Originating in the late 1980s as a small-scale tactical drill, it has evolved into one of Europe’s most competitive and realistic air combat training platforms.
iii.It helps air forces sharpen their skills, share tactical knowledge, and build stronger military partnerships.
Note: ​The previous edition of Exercise INIOCHOS was held from April 8 to April 18, 2024 in Greece.
About INIOCHOS-25:
i.The IAF’s participation in the exercise, with its Su-30 MKI fighter jets and IL-78 and C-17 combat support aircraft, enhanced its operational preparedness and strengthened India’s strategic ties with friendly nations.
ii.Apart from the Hellenic Air Force and the IAF, other countries taking part include: France (M-2000), Israel (G-550), Italy (Tornado), Montenegro (B-412), Poland (F-16), Qatar (F-15), Slovenia (PC-9), Spain (F-18), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (M-2000/9), the United States of America (USA) (F-16, KC-46, KC-135).
iii.This edition of the exercise has the largest number of fighter jets and helicopters from participating nations and is divided into three phases:

• Phase 1 (March 24-30, 2025): Deployment of forces.
• Phase 2 (March 31-April 11, 2025): Main exercise phase, where various air operations will be carried out.
• Phase 3 (April 11-13, 2025): Redeployment of forces.

iv.During the main phase, the participating air forces will engage in different air operations such as Offensive and Defensive Counter Air Operations, Strategic Air Operations, Air Support for land and maritime missions, Reconnaissance, Combat Search and Rescue, Time-Sensitive Targeting, and protection of high-value airborne assets.
About Greece:
Prime Minister(PM) – Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Capital – Athens
Currency – Euro (EUR)

BANKING & FINANCE

India’s external debt rises to USD 717.9 bn by December 2024At the end of December 2024, India’s external debt rose to USD 717.9 billion (bn), marking a 10.7% increase from USD 648.7 billion in December 2023 as per according to ‘India’s Quarterly External Debt Report’ released by the Ministry of Finance(MoF).

• The external debt increased by 0.7% on a quarterly basis, reaching USD 712.7 billion in September 2024. By December 2024, the external debt-to- Gross Domestic Product(GDP) ratio was 19.1%, slightly up from 19% in the previous quarter.

i.The valuation effect due to the appreciation of the US dollar vis-a-vis the rupee and other major currencies, such as the yen, the euro and Special Drawing Rights (SDR), amounted to USD 12.7 bn during the quarter ended December 2024.
ii.The central government’s external debt saw a decline, the non-government sector experienced an increase.

• Among the non-government sectors, non-financial corporations held the largest share at 36.5%, followed by deposit-taking corporations (excluding the central bank) at 27.8%. The central government accounted for 22.1%, and other financial corporations held 8.7%.

About Ministry of Finance(MoF):
Union Minister– Nirmala Sitharaman (Rajya Sabha- Karnataka)
Minister of State(MoS) – Pankaj Chaudhary (Constituency- Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
>> Read Full News

NABARD & SBI Sign MoU to Drive Sustainable Growth in Rural Assam
In March 2025, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), headquartered in Mumbai (Maharashtra), and State Bank of India (SBI), based in Mumbai , signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen rural development in Assam.

• The partnership aims to enhance livelihoods and the credit ecosystem through targeted financial interventions.

i.The strategic partnership between NABARD and SBI focuses on promoting economic growth in rural areas, enhancing rural livelihoods, and strengthening the credit ecosystem.
ii.As part of this collaboration, the two institutions have set a target of financing Rs. 500 crores in the Financial Year 2025-26(FY26) , with an ambitious aim to scale it to Rs. 1,000 crores annually thereafter.
iii.The initiative will focus on providing financial support to the agricultural and rural sectors, ensuring that these areas benefit from improved access to credit, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities. This partnership is seen as a critical step towards empowering rural Assam and contributing to its long-term economic sustainability.
Note: The NABARD also signed a MoU with Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under Department of Telecommunications (DoT),Ministry of Communications(MoC) for Digital Rural Empowerment for rural areas across the country.

IndusInd Bank Transfers Rs 10,000 Crore Loans to ICICI, Federal Bank via IBPC 
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based IndusInd Bank Limited has transferred corporate loans worth over Rs 10,000 crore to ICICI Bank Limited(Mumbai-based) and Federal Bank Limited (Kochi, Kerala-based) through Inter-Bank Participation Certificates (IBPC) to bolster liquidity amid concerns over potential deposit outflows linked to an ongoing accounting probe.

• The IBPC is a money market instrument used by banks to share loans and meet year-end lending targets. In these transactions, the selling bank receives 40% of the loan amount, which helps in managing liquidity and retiring deposits.

Key Details of the Transaction:
i.Mechanism: Loans were transferred via the IBPC market, a short-term instrument (typically 6 months) allowing banks to borrow/lend against loan collateral.
ii.Interest Rate: Acquired loans carry an interest rate of 7.5–8%.
iii.Purpose: IndusInd Bank aims to secure liquidity to offset risks from a Rs 2,000 crore net worth erosion linked to accounting irregularities.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Shirley Botchwey becomes 1st African woman to be appointed Commonwealth Secretary-GeneralOn April 1 2025, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, from Ghana, assumed office as the 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. With this, she has become the first woman from Africa to hold this office. Also, she is the second woman to take on the position.

• She succeeds Baroness Patricia Janet Scotland of Dominica who was appointed as the 6th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations in November 2015, becoming the first woman to hold this position.
• She was appointed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government during their biennial meeting in Apia, Samoa, in 2024.

i.The Secretary-General is nominated by Commonwealth leaders and can serve up to two terms, each lasting four years.
ii.The role involves promoting and protecting the Commonwealth’s values, representing the Commonwealth in public, and overseeing the management of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
About The Commonwealth (Commonwealth of Nations): 
Head –  Charles III
Headquarters – London, the United Kingdom (UK)
Founded – 1931
>> Read Full News

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

GoI to Acquire 48.99% Stake in Vodafone Idea via Rs 36,950 Crore Equity Conversion
In March 2025, the Government of India (GoI) has approved a proposal to raise its stake in Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) to 48.99% by converting outstanding spectrum auction dues worth Rs 36,950 crore into equity.

• This move, part of the September 2021 Reforms and Support Package for Telecom Sector, aims to alleviate financial stress on the debt-laden telecom operator.

i.Under Section 62(4) of the Companies Act, 2013, VIL will issue 3,695 crore equity shares (face value: Rs 10 each) to the GoI. The shares will be issued within 30 days after securing approvals from regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
ii.Post-conversion, the GoI will become the single-largest shareholder, surpassing current promoters Aditya Birla Group (14.76%) and Vodafone Group (22.56%).
iii.The conversion addresses VIL’s deferred spectrum liabilities, including dues for the Financial Year 2025-26(FY26) amounting to Rs 32,723.5 crore (covering 2015 spectrum auction shortfalls and adjusted gross revenue (AGR) obligations).
iv.The GoI’s enhanced stake reflects its commitment to sustaining competition in India’s telecom sector.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SpaceX Launched ‘Fram2’ Mission, 1st Human Spaceflight over Earth’s Polar RegionsOn April 1 2025, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) successfully launched ‘Fram2’ mission, which marks the 1st human spaceflight over Earth’s polar regions. The mission was lifted off aboard a Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule ‘Resilience’, from Launch Complex-39A at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States of America (USA).

• The mission is named after Norwegian ‘Fram’ Ship which explored both poles in the early 20th Century.

i.The privately funded mission carried 4 astronauts on 3-5 days orbital journey.
ii.During their 5-day journey in orbit, the crew will conduct 22 research studies, which will largely focused on how spaceflight and zero gravity affect the human body.
About Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX):
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Elon Musk
Headquarters- California, the United States of America (USA)
Founded- 2002
>> Read Full News

Russia Unveils ‘Zircon’ Hypersonic Missile to Strengthen Naval DominanceIn March 2025, Russia unveiled the ‘Zircon’ Hypersonic Missile, a cutting-edge weapon capable of reaching speeds of Mach 9 (over 10,000 kilometers per hour, km/h) at altitudes of 20 km. Zircon is described as a “strategic asset” representing a significant leap in military technology, capable of striking land, sea, and airborne targets with unmatched precision and speed.

• The Zircon, also called the 3M22 Zircon, is a Supersonic Combustion Ramjet, or Scramjet-powered, nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile.
• It utilises the 3S-14 launch platforms on frigates and submarines, and the missile was first used during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2024.

About Zircon Hypersonic Missile:
i.The Zircon hypersonic missile was initially developed as an anti-ship missile, but it is versatile enough to strike ground targets as well.
ii.Its maximum strike distance is estimated to be around 1,500 km (932 miles), allowing long-range strikes, significantly extending Russia’s long-range strike potential.
iii.In March 2025, Russia officially launched “Perm“, a 4th-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine and the first Russian submarine designed to carry and launch hypersonic Zircon missiles.
About Russia:
President– Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
Prime Minister (PM)- Mikhail Mishustin
Capital– Moscow
Currency– Russian Ruble (RUB)
>> Read Full News

ENVIRONMENT

New Snakehead Fish Species ‘Channa nachi’ Discovered in Meghalaya
In March 2025, a newly discovered species of snakehead fish, “Channa nachi” has been identified in a remote stream in South Garo Hills, Meghalaya, a biodiversity hotspot in Northeast India.

• It was first collected in 2021 by local fish enthusiast Farham Sangma from a shallow, slow-flowing tributary of the Simsang River system. The species was officially recognized and described in the scientific journal Zootaxa.

i.The species is named “nachi” in honor of Farham Sangma, acknowledging his contribution to the discovery.

• The term “nachi” is derived from the Garo language, reflecting the indigenous culture’s connection to local biodiversity.

ii.Channa nachi is a newly identified species of snakehead fish, distinguished by its slender body and striking bicolor appearance.
iii.Its coloration transitions from a creamish-yellow front to a deep blue back, complemented by 10–12 pale brown saddles on its dorsal half and pale-blue marbling along its sides.

SPORTS

Indian Chess GM Nihal Sarin Clinched 2025 Tashkent Open Agzamov Memorial Title
In March 2025, a 20-year-old Indian Chess Grandmaster (GM) Nihal Sarin, triumphed at the 18th edition of the 2025 Tashkent Open Agzamov Memorial in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He clinched the title with an unbeaten score of 8 out of 10, finishing half a point ahead of the second-place finisher, Russian GM Sanan Sjugirov.

• ‘Nihal Sarin’ was awarded a prize of USD 20,000 (approximately Rs.17 lakh), with a total prize fund of USD 75,000 and gained 7.1 Elo rating points, bringing his live rating to 2694, nearing the prestigious 2700 mark.

About Nihal Sarin:
i.This achievement marks Nihal’s first classical rating tournament win in 2025, following his major classical victory at the 2024 President Cup.
ii.Nihal Sarin, who was ranked World No. 2 in Rapid Chess in 2022, continues to demonstrate exceptional skill and consistency.
Notable Performances:
i.Indian GM Abhimanyu Puranik claimed third place after tie-breaks, while Indian GM Aditya Mittal showcased impressive skills with a top-ten finish.
ii.Women FIDE Master (WFM) Shubhi Gupta (India) emerged as the top female performer, securing 44th place overall with a score of 6/10.

Rajgir (Bihar) to Host Men’s Asia Cup Hockey 2025
In March 2025, the historic city of Rajgir in Bihar was designated as the host city for the Hero Asia Cup 2025. This decision follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between New Delhi(Delhi) based Hockey India(HI) and the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) in Patna, Bihar. ​

• The MoU was signed by the Secretary General of HI, Bholanath Singh and the Additional Chief Secretary(CS) of the Bihar Sports Department, B. Rajender in the presence of Dilip Tirkey, President of HI and Harmanpreet Singh, Indian Men’s Hockey India team captain.
• The tournament is scheduled from August 29 to September 7, 2025, and will take place at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Rajgir.

i.The Hero Asia Cup 2025 is the 12th edition of the men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament. It will feature eight teams, including India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, China, and Malaysia, with the remaining two teams qualifying through the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup.
ii.This tournament is crucial as it serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIH (International Hockey Federation) Men’s World Cup, to be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The winner will secure a direct spot in the World Cup, making it a high-stakes competition.

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