Current affairs 29 March 2025

India Becomes Second-Largest Tea Exporter Globally.

• India surpassed Sri Lanka in 2024, becoming the second-largest tea exporter with 254 Mkg of tea, following Kenya's 500 Mkg exports.
• India's export value for 2024 reached Rs 7,112 crore, and the industry aims to hit 300 Mkg exports by 2030.
• Growth in orthodox tea exports, aided by government schemes, has fueled the rise in India's export figures.

Cabinet Approves Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme.

• Cabinet has approved the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme with Rs. 22919 crore funding to boost India's electronics supply chain & self-reliance.
• The scheme aims to attract Rs. 59350 crore in investment, generating Rs. 456500 crore in production & creating 91600 direct jobs.
• It focuses on increasing domestic value addition & integrating Indian companies with global supply chains.

India-Russia Naval Exercise INDRA 2025 Begins.

• The 14th edition of the India-Russia bilateral naval exercise, INDRA, took place from 28 Mar to 02 Apr 2025 off Chennai, strengthening maritime cooperation.
• The exercise includes two phases: Harbour phase with exchanges and sports, and Sea phase with advanced naval drills.
• Russian and Indian naval ships, including Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov, will participate.

Cabinet Approves Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project for Bihar.

• Cabinet has approved the Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project under PMKSY-AIBP, with a central support of Rs. 3,652.56 crore to complete the project by March 2029.
• The project aims to divert surplus Kosi river water for irrigation, covering 2,10,516 hectares in Bihar's Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj & Katihar districts.
• The initiative is part of PMKSY's broader goal to enhance irrigation access.

Telangana Passes Organ Transplantation Bill 2025.

• The Telangana Organ Transplantation Bill, 2025 was passed to align state regulations with the Central Act, aiming to curb illegal organ trade and enhance transparency.
• The bill increases penalties for organ trafficking, allows grandparents to donate organs to grandchildren, and expands brain death declaration criteria.
• It aims to promote medical tourism and improve organ transplant services.