As On March 16, 2025, India hosted New Zealand’s PM for bilateral talks while Virat Kohli dismissed retirement rumors. The International Masters League concluded, and a "frozen zoo" for wildlife conservation was launched. Maruti Suzuki announced a price hike, wheat production hit a record, and global focus remained on economic policies. 

This awareness is crucial for cracking the UPSC prelims, excelling in UPSC mains. It helps perform well in the UPSC personality test, thus becoming an informed and effective UPSC civil servant.

Below are the headlines of the day taken from The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau & All India Radio as required for UPSC preparation:

NASA’s Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore to return as SpaceX launches new crew to space station to replace them

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper 2

Key Pointers:

• NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to return to Earth.
• SpaceX launches a new crew to the International Space Station (ISS) for their replacement.
• Ongoing crew rotation as part of the ISS mission.

After Trump request, Putin says he will let Ukraine troops in Kursk live if they surrender

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper 2

Key Pointers:

• Putin agrees to spare Ukrainian troops in Kursk if they surrender, following a request from former President Trump.
• Conditional offer for the safety of Ukrainian soldiers.
• Diplomatic involvement of former U.S. President Trump in the Ukraine conflict.

Parliamentary panel asks Centre to spend more on agriculture, rename Ministry

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper 2

Key Pointers:

• Recommendation to rename the Union Agriculture Ministry.
• Proposal aims to recognize the significance of farm workers.
• Headed by former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi.

Railways to dig ponds under Mission Amrit Sarovar to fight water scarcity

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper 2

Key Pointers:

• Initiative under Mission Amrit Sarovar to dig ponds.
• Addressing water scarcity issues in India.
• Launched in April 2022 with goal of 75 ponds per district.

Jio ties up with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer Starlink’s broadband internet in India

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper 2

Key Pointers:

• Partnership between Bharti Airtel, Jio, and SpaceX’s Starlink.
• Offering high-speed internet broadband services.
• Significant enhancement in India's internet connectivity.

Tamil Nadu Budget 2025: Thangam Thennarasu to present State Budget

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper 2

Key Pointers:

• Thangam Thennarasu to present the Tamil Nadu State Budget 2025.
• Expectations from the State Budget presentation.
• Focus on financial planning and development.

Infosys settles lawsuits against U.S. unit over cyber incident for $17.5 million

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper 3

Key Pointers:

• Infosys resolves lawsuits related to a cyber incident involving its U.S. unit.
• Settlement amount agreed upon is $17.5 million.
• Legal resolution to ongoing litigation over cybersecurity issues.

Gold hits $3,000/oz for first time in historic safe-haven rally

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper 3

Key Pointers: 

• Gold reaches a historic high of $3,000 per ounce.
• Surge driven by increased demand for safe-haven assets.
• Reflects investor concerns and global economic uncertainty.