NATIONAL
NMCG Approves Action Plan 2025 for Urban River Rejuvenation under River Cities Alliance
• In a major move to advance sustainable urban river management, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved the Action Plan 2025 under the River Cities Alliance (RCA).
• This plan outlines a strategic framework for capacity-building, technical support, and collaborative urban governance with an aim to incorporate river-sensitive practices into city planning. The RCA, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, now consists of 145 cities committed to rejuvenating rivers through a comprehensive, integrated approach.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved the Action Plan 2025 for the River Cities Alliance (RCA), focusing on strengthening urban river rejuvenation efforts across India. The plan aims to integrate river-sensitive urban planning into the rapidly urbanizing cities of India, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of sustainable development.
Inter-Governmental Agreement inked with France for 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for Indian Navy
• The Governments of India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale Aircraft (22 Single-Seater and four Twin-Seater) for the Indian Navy. It includes Training, Simulator, Associated Equipment, Weapons and Performance-Based Logistics. It also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• In line with the Government's thrust on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement includes Transfer of Technology for integration of indigenous weapons in India. It also includes setting up of production facility for Rafale Fuselage as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities for aircraft engine, sensors and weapons in India. The deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs and revenue for a large number of MSMEs in setting up, production and running of these facilities.
• Manufactured by France's Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-borne combat-ready aircraft with proven operational capabilities in maritime environment. The delivery of these aircraft would be completed by 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India.
• Rafale-Marine has commonality with the Rafale being operated by IAF. Its procurement will substantially enhance joint operational capability, besides optimising training and logistics for the aircraft for both Indian Navy and IAF. The induction would lead to the addition of a potent force multiplier to the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, substantially boosting the nation’s air power at sea.
INTERNATIONAL
India’s Position in the Global Military Expenditure Race
• In 2024-25, the global military expenditure saw a remarkable rise, with nations allocating significant portions of their GDP to defense. Among the largest spenders, India secured its place as the fifth-highest military spender globally, reinforcing its growing strategic defense capabilities. This article delves into the military spending? of countries in 2024-25, highlighting India’s position and analyzing the trends in global defense expenditure.
• The rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and instability in the Middle East, have driven nations to increase their defense budgets. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report reveals that global military spending reached a staggering $2,718 billion in 2024, marking the steepest rise since the Cold War.
ECONOMY
India's Index of industrial production records growth of 3% in March 2025
• As per the revised calendar, the Quick Estimate of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) will now be released on 28th of every month, The index is compiled with data received from source agencies, which in turn receive the data from the producing factories/ establishments. These Quick Estimates will undergo revision in subsequent releases as per the revision policy of IIP.
Key Highlights:
• The IIP growth rate for the month of March 2025 is 3.0 percent which was 2.9 percent (Quick Estimate) in the month of February 2025.
• The growth rates of the three sectors, Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity for the month of March 2025 are 0.4 percent, 3.0 percent and 6.3 percent respectively.
• The Quick Estimates of IIP stands at 164.8 against 160.0 in March 2024. The Indices of Industrial Production for the Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity sectors for the month of March 2025 stand at 156.8, 160.9 and 217.1 respectively.
• Within the manufacturing sector, 13 out of 23 industry groups at NIC 2 digit-level have recorded a positive growth in March 2025 over March 2024. The top three positive contributors for the month of March 2025 are – “Manufacture of basic metals” (6.9%), “Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers” (10.3%) and “Manufacture of electrical equipment” (15.7%).
• In the industry group “Manufacture of basic metals”, item groups “Flat products of Alloy Steel “, “Pipes and tubes of Steel”, “Bars and Rods of Mild steel” have shown significant contribution in growth.
• In the industry group “Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers”, item groups “Auto components/ spares and accessories”, “Axle”, “Bodies of trucks, lorries and trailers” have shown significant contribution in growth.
• In the industry group “Manufacture of electrical equipment” item groups “Electric heaters”, “Transformers (Small)”, “End facing connector for optical fibres and cables” have shown significant contribution in growth.
• As per the use base classification, the indices stand at 168.2 for Primary Goods, 134.8 for Capital Goods, 173.1 for Intermediate Goods and 212.3 for Infrastructure/ Construction Goods for the month of March 2025. Further, the indices for Consumer durables and Consumer non-durables stand at 138.5 and 147.9 respectively.
• The corresponding growth rates of IIP as per Use-based classification in March 2025 over March 2024 are 3.1 percent in Primary goods, 2.4 percent in Capital goods, 2.3 percent in Intermediate goods, 8.8 percent in Infrastructure/ Construction Goods, 6.6 percent in Consumer durables and (-)4.7 percent in Consumer non-durables (Statement III). Based on use-based classification, top three positive contributors to the growth of IIP for the month of March 2025 are – Infrastructure/ construction goods, Primary goods, Consumer durables.
• Monthly Indices and Growth Rate (in %) of IIP for the last 13 months
SPORTS
India Clinches Record 83 Gold Medals at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship
• India has once again affirmed its global leadership in yogic sports with a historic performance at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship, clinching an astounding 83 gold medals. Held at the iconic KD Jadhav Arena in New Delhi, the championship brought together athletes from 21 nations, showcasing the growing appeal and competitive spirit of yogasana across Asia.
• India made history by winning 83 gold medals at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship, held at the KD Jadhav Arena, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi. The event concluded on April 27, 2025, and was a resounding success for India.
• India topped the medal tally, leaving other countries far behind in the race. The achievement reflects India’s dominance and deep-rooted connection with the practice of yogasana.
More Articles
Most Read
