Current affairs 16 March 2025

Railways Joins Mission Amrit Sarovar for Water Conservation.

• Indian Railways will dig and rejuvenate ponds under Mission Amrit Sarovar to combat water scarcity near railway tracks.
• The initiative aligns with phase two of the mission, emphasizing climate resilience and community participation.
• Excavated material will be repurposed for railway embankments, with completion targeted by August 15, 2025.

China to Host Shanghai Corporation Organisation Defence Meet.

• SCO defence officials will meet in Qingdao, China, on March 26-27, 2025, to discuss future security cooperation among member states.
• China plans to host the SCO leaders' summit in Tianjin in autumn.
• For the 2025 SCO presidency, China has chosen the theme "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move," and has also declared 2025 as the "SCO Year of Sustainable Development".

India's Entry into Nuclear Energy (1956) & Other Nuclear Developments.

• India entered the nuclear age in 1956 with the Apsara reactor, initially using USA-supplied fuel.
• The first energy-producing nuclear plant was established in Tarapur with U.S. assistance, followed by Rajasthan's plant with Russian support.
• India's first fully indigenous nuclear power plant, the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS), began operations in 1983.

Amit Shah Inaugurates Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Assam.

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the state-of-the-art Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam, enhancing law enforcement training.
• The academy spans 340 acres, with Phase 1 completed at ₹167.4 crore, featuring smart classrooms, a weapon training simulator, and research labs.
• Facilities include a modern parade ground, a museum, seminar rooms, and administrative offices.

Mumbai Indians Win 2nd WPL Title, Beat Delhi Capitals by 8 Runs.

• Mumbai Indians secured their second Women’s Premier League title, defeating Delhi Capitals by 8 runs in the final at Brabourne Stadium.
• Harmanpreet Kaur's 66 and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s all-round performance, including three key wickets, led Mumbai to victory.
• Harmanpreet was named Player of the Match, while Sciver-Brunt won Player of the Tournament and the Orange Cap.