International Day of Forests (IDF) is celebrated on 21 March 2025 . The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012.

• The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests.
• On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
• The theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. The theme for 2025 is "Forests and Food".
• Millions of people around the world have used it as an opportunity to celebrate all types of forests, recognize the importance of trees and forests, and take action to protect them.
• From cleaning the air we breathe to reducing urban heat, growing nutritious food for wildlife (and people!), reducing stress and more, trees provide many benefits!

Renowned sculptor Ram Sutar has been conferred with the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan award. The announcement was made by CM Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday( 20 March) in the state Legislative Assembly.

• A committee, headed by Fadnavis, to select the name for the award on March 12, unanimously decided on Sutar’s name for the award.
• Sutar designed the Statue of Unity the world’s tallest statue in Gujarat.
• He has also been assigned by the Maharashtra government to make a statue of Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar to be installed at Chaityabhoomi.
• Sutar, who turned 100 last month, hails from the Dhule district of Maharashtra.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports will host the third Central Asian Youth Delegation to India from March 22 to 28, as part of the International Youth Exchange Programme (IYEP). 

• This initiative aims to foster youth collaboration, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and the five Central Asian nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
• The delegation, consisting of 100 members, will engage in a variety of activities that include exploring India’s rich historical, educational, and cultural landmarks. T
• he participants will also have opportunities to interact with local youth leaders and key stakeholders, further building bridges between the nations.
• During their visit, the delegation will be immersed in India’s cultural and heritage legacy with visits to iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and various heritage landmarks in Goa. 
• These experiences will provide them with a deeper understanding of India’s architectural grandeur and historical significance.
• The delegation will also engage in academic and economic exchanges, interacting with students and faculty at IIT Delhi, one of India’s premier institutions, and visiting the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) and the Goa Institute of Management.
• These interactions are aimed at showcasing India’s advancements in technology, research, and entrepreneurship, providing delegates with valuable insights into India’s growing role in the global economy.

The Ministry of Ayush launched the first batch of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme, aiming to build a more accountable, compassionate, and citizen-centric workforce, according to an official statement.

• Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, inaugurated the program, which is part of the broader Capacity Building Commission initiative designed to transform the mindset of Central Government employees toward public service.
• The Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha inaugurated the first batch of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme on 18th March 2025.
• This programme is launched and anchored by Capacity Building Commission - an initiative aimed at transforming the approach of Central Government employees towards public service.
• The Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme serves as a powerful reminder of the larger mission of governance—to bring meaningful change to people’s lives.
• The programme is designed to strengthen the spirit of service, or ‘Seva Bhav’, fostering a workforce that is more accountable.

Kirsty Coventry was elected president of the International Olympic Committee on Thursday and became the first woman and first African to get perhaps the biggest job in world sports.

• It was a stunning first-round win for Coventry in the seven-candidate contest after voting by 97 IOC members.
• The 41-year-old Coventry gets an eight-year mandate into 2033 with a likely early test in meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump about the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
• Coventry’s win also was a victory for outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach, who has long been seen as promoting her as his successor. He did not use his right to vote.

Megastar Chiranjeevi expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm upon receiving the UK's Lifetime Achievement Award, stating that the recognition motivates him to continue his work with even greater vigor.

•  Chiranjeevi made history as the first Indian celebrity to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the British government.
• The award was presented to him at a special ceremony held at the UK Parliament in London on March 19. Chiranjeevi's brother,
• Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, extended his heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment.
• The event, which took place at the House of Commons, was graced by notable dignitaries, including Members of Parliament from the ruling Labour Party, such as Navendu Mishra (Stockport), Sojan Joseph, and Bob Blackman.