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March 05, 2026 March 05, 2026 - Current affairs for all the Exams: India Daily Current Affairs – March 5, 2025: Navratna Status for Railway PSUs and National River Dolphin Survey Results

Key highlights from the last 24 hours include the elevation of IRCTC and IRFC to 'Navratna' status, the release of India's first comprehensive river dolphin population survey, and the Union Cabinet's approval of major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand to enhance pilgrimage connectivity.

In a significant series of developments for India’s economy, infrastructure, and conservation efforts, several major announcements were made on March 5, 2025. These updates are crucial for students preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, and Banking.

1. IRCTC and IRFC Granted ‘Navratna’ Status

The Government of India has officially upgraded the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) to the prestigious status of Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).

  • With this elevation, IRCTC and IRFC become the 25th and 26th Navratnas in India, respectively.

  • Benefits: This status grants these companies greater financial autonomy, allowing them to invest up to ₹1,000 crore in a single project without requiring prior government approval.

  • Background: IRFC (founded in 1986) is the dedicated funding arm of the Indian Railways, while IRCTC (founded in 1999) handles catering, tourism, and online ticketing operations.

2. India’s First Comprehensive River Dolphin Survey

The results of India’s first-ever nationwide population survey of river dolphins (conducted between 2021-2023) were announced. The survey recorded a total of 6,327 river dolphins across the country.

  • Breakdown: The count includes 6,324 Gangetic dolphins and 3 Indus river dolphins (found in the Beas river).

  • Significance: The survey covered over 8,400 km of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basins. This data will be vital for 'Project Dolphin', aimed at conserving the National Aquatic Animal of India and its habitat.

3. Cabinet Approves Major Ropeway Projects in Uttarakhand

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two high-altitude ropeway projects to improve connectivity to holy shrines in Uttarakhand:

  • Sonprayag to Kedarnath: A 12.9 km ropeway to be built at a cost of approximately ₹4,081 crore. It will significantly reduce the travel time for pilgrims to the Kedarnath temple.

  • Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib: A 12.4 km ropeway connecting Govindghat to the revered Sikh shrine of Hemkund Sahib.

  • Both projects will be developed on the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode.

4. Launch of 'Cities Coalition for Circularity' (C-3)

India launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) during the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur.

  • Objective: To promote sustainable urban development through city-to-city collaboration, focusing on the 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).

  • This initiative aligns with India’s Pro-Planet People (P-3) approach and aims to generate significant market value and green jobs by 2050.

5. Supreme Court Ruling on Disability Rights

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the right against disability-based discrimination is a fundamental right. The court emphasized that authorities must provide "reasonable accommodation" and directed that visually impaired candidates be allowed to participate in judicial service recruitments.

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