Current affairs 26 March 2025

India's Defence Production Reaches Record Rs. 1.27 Lakh Crore.

• India’s defense production surged to Rs. 1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, a 174% increase since 2014-15, driven by the Make in India initiative.
• Defense exports hit Rs. 21,083 crore, a 30-fold increase in the last decade, with exports reaching over 100 countries.
• GoI's ambitious target is Rs. 3 lakh crore in production and Rs. 50,000 crore in exports by 2029.

WHO Adds Noma to List of Neglected Tropical Diseases.

• Noma, a severe gangrenous disease affecting the mouth & face, has been added to WHO’s list of neglected tropical diseases, with a 90% mortality rate.
• The disease is linked to extreme poverty, malnutrition, poor sanitation & lack of oral hygiene, primarily affecting children aged 2-6.
• Noma is common in sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated 140,000 cases annually, though reliable data is scarce

Kerala Launches First Senior Citizens Commission in India.

• Kerala becomes the first state in India to establish a Senior Citizens Commission to protect the rights, welfare, and rehabilitation of the elderly.
• The commission will focus on addressing elderly hardships like neglect, exploitation, and loneliness.
• Kerala, a leader in elderly welfare, aims to further strengthen senior citizens' well-being through this initiative.

MoSPI and IIMA Collaborated for Data-Driven Policy Innovation.

• MoSPI and IIM Ahmedabad joined forces to strengthen India's national data ecosystem & promote evidence-based policymaking through a workshop on public data & technology.
• The collaboration focuses on AI’s potential in policy formulation, addressing biases & enhancing decision-making.
• An MoU was signed between MoSPI and IIMA to foster data innovation & collaboration for policy development.

Gabba to Be Demolished Post-2032 Olympics, New Stadium Planned.

• Brisbane's Gabba stadium will be demolished after the 2032 Olympics, with a new 60,000-capacity venue planned at Victoria Park for cricket and other sports.
• The new stadium ensures a lasting future for cricket in Queensland and is backed by Cricket Australia and local sports bodies.
• The decision aligns with the region's broader infrastructure growth ahead of the 2032 Olympics.