Daily GK One Liners: March 2, 2025

🗞 Daily GK One Liners: March 2, 2025

Your quick summary of the day’s important events across National, International, Business, Books & Authors, and Obituary.

Sarbananda Sonowal Introduces ‘One Nation-One Port’ Initiative to Boost Maritime Efficiency: Unveiled by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, these key reforms aim to modernize India’s port infrastructure, increase operational efficiency, and expand shipbuilding capabilities in line with the Union Budget’s focus on enhancing the maritime sector.
Government Achieves Target of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations Under Flagship Scheme: Launched on February 29, 2020, with a budget of ₹6,865 crore, this Central Sector Scheme strengthens small and marginal farmers through collective bargaining and improved market access. The recent milestone of establishing the 10,000th FPO in Khagaria, Bihar, underscores the scheme’s success, having integrated around 30 lakh farmers—nearly 40% of them women.

India Extends $1 Million Grant to Lao PDR for Rice Fortification Project: Under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, this grant supports a large-scale rice fortification initiative to combat micronutrient deficiencies and enhance long-term nutrition in Lao PDR.
India and Japan Renew $75 Billion Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement: The Reserve Bank of India and the Bank of Japan reaffirmed a swap facility of up to $75 billion, enabling both nations to exchange local currencies for US Dollars when required, thus promoting financial stability and reinforcing economic cooperation.

Paytm Collaborates with Perplexity AI to Enhance AI-Based Search and Assistance: Users can now access AI-driven queries and financial guidance within the Paytm app, furthering Paytm’s vision of increasing digital accessibility and providing localized, real-time financial insights.

Kailash Satyarthi’s Autobiography ‘Diyaslai’ Discussed at IGNCA Literary Event: Organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, this session highlighted Satyarthi’s dedication to child rights, social justice, and global compassion, as presented in his autobiography, Diyaslai.

Ron Draper, Oldest Living Test Cricketer, Passes Away at 98: Draper, a former South African top-order batsman and part-time wicketkeeper, played two Test matches against Australia in 1950. Renowned for scoring a century on his first-class debut at 19, he remained a significant figure in cricket history.

For a detailed explanation of all the news highlights for March 2, 2025, check out our complete post here.

📚 Daily Current Affairs March 2, 2025 – Explore the full article and stay updated.

Centralized Bond Information: Bond Central consolidates corporate bond data from multiple sources, making it easier for retail and institutional investors to access key metrics like coupon rates, maturity timelines, and credit ratings.
Enhanced Transparency: The platform provides real-time updates and uniform data presentation, helping investors make more informed decisions and promoting a level playing field.
Comparison with G-Secs and Indices: Users can directly compare corporate bonds to government securities and market indices, enabling better risk assessment and portfolio diversification.
Collaborative Approach: Developed jointly by SEBI, Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPP), and Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), Bond Central aligns with SEBI’s commitment to improving India’s debt market efficiency.
Future Upgrades: Planned enhancements include AI-driven analytics, mobile accessibility, and advanced risk assessment tools—further simplifying bond investments for all segments of investors.

In-Depth Insights: Learn how Bond Central’s user-friendly interface is lowering barriers to bond investment, especially for retail participants.
Practical Guidance: Discover how comparison tools, real-time updates, and risk metrics can help diversify your investment portfolio.
Regulatory and Market Impact: Understand SEBI’s broader vision for India’s debt market and how centralized data benefits regulators, analysts, and investors alike.

Interest Rate Remains at 8.25%: The Central Board of Trustees decided to retain the EPF interest rate at 8.25% for FY 2024–25, citing economic conditions and fund stability.
Trade Union Concerns: Unions demanded a higher rate to address inflation, but the government emphasized maintaining a secure and sustainable fund.
Comparison with Other Investments: Despite no increase, EPF often outperforms other fixed-income options like fixed deposits and NSCs, especially with its tax-free status (up to certain limits).
EDLI Scheme Reforms: New insurance benefits cover short-term employees, allow two-month breaks between jobs as continuous service, and extend coverage if a member dies within six months of their last deposit.
Higher Pension Applications: Around 72% of applications for higher pensions have been processed, reflecting EPFO’s move toward improved responsiveness.

Practical Insights: Discover how retaining the 8.25% rate affects your retirement savings and why the government chose to prioritize long-term stability.
Enhanced EDLI Benefits: Learn about new coverage rules that protect employees’ families in unforeseen circumstances.
Future Reforms: Stay updated on potential pension adjustments, minimum pension hikes, and how these changes may influence your financial security.