Current affairs 25 March 2025

ISRO Targets Moon Mission by 2040, Space Station by 2035.

• ISRO aims to land an Indian on the Moon by 2040 and launch the Bharatiya Antriksh Station by 2035, as per ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan’s announcement.
• Chandrayaan-5, co-developed with Japan, is a key mission towards achieving future human spaceflight goals.
• These steps mark major progress in India’s space innovation and global collaboration.

SEBI Proposes ESOP Continuity for Startup Founders Post-IPO.

• SEBI has proposed allowing startup founders to retain Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) even after being classified as promoters during IPO filings.
• This aims to support founders who took equity in lieu of salaries, ensuring they don’t lose vested/unvested stock benefits.
• The rule will still bar fresh ESOPs to promoters but ensures fairness for pre-IPO granted options.

India Hosts 3rd Central Asian Youth Delegation.

• From March 22–28, India is hosting the 3rd Central Asian Youth Delegation under the International Youth Exchange Program to boost cultural & diplomatic ties.
• Delegates from 5 Central Asian nations visited heritage sites and interacted with youth leaders and institutions like IIT Delhi and GCCI.
• The initiative aligns with PM Modi’s 2022 summit vision for stronger regional youth cooperation.

PT Usha Inaugurates National Maritime Games 2025 in Navi Mumbai.

• Dr. P.T. Usha inaugurated the National Maritime Games 2025, inspiring athletes with her message on sportsmanship, unity, and integrity.
• The event, featuring over 20 sports, aims to promote fitness and sportsmanship.
• Key figures from maritime and sports sectors attended the grand ceremony, with Dr. Usha also inaugurating Swimming and Table Tennis events at Thakur International Sports Complex.

Public Sector Banks’ Dividends Soar by 33% in FY24.

• PSBs in India reported a 33% increase in dividends for FY24, totaling Rs 27,830 crore, driven by strong financial performance.
• SBI leads with Rs 13.70 per share, contributing 39% of the total dividends, followed by Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank with significant payouts.
• The surge reflects improved profitability, asset quality, and the stability of India's banking sector.