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Current Affairs Weekly PDF – March 2025 – 2nd Week

(8 – 14)

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Finance Minister and MoS of Finance Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Launched
Launched New Credit Assessment Model AI Compute Portal, Dataset Platform
for MSMEs AIKosha and Other Key Initiatives
In March 2025, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, In March 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw,
Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Ministry of Corporate Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
Affairs (MoCA), along with Union Minister of State (MeitY) launched several key
(MoS) Pankaj Chaudhary, MoF, launched the New initiatives under IndiaAI mission during the celebration
Credit Assessment Model based on the scoring of of 1 year anniversary of IndiaAI mission held in New
digital footprints of Micro, Small and Medium Delhi, Delhi.
Enterprises (MSMEs) in post budget interaction held at ✓ The newly launched initiatives are the AI
Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP). Compute Portal, IKosha: IndiaAI Datasets
Platform, the AI Competency Framework for
IWAI Signed MoU with J&K to Enhance River Public Sector Officials, iGOT-AI Mission
Karmayogi, the IndiaAI Startups Global
Cruise Tourism
Acceleration Program with Station F, the
In March 2025, Noida (Uttar Pradesh (UP)) based
IndiaAI Application Development Initiative and
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the
IndiaAI FutureSkills all aimed at strengthening
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)
AI-driven research, innovation, and skill
has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
development.
with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), to
enhance river cruise tourism on three National
Waterways in J&K. NITI Aayog and India SME Forum Launch ‘A
✓ The three national waterways (NW) in the Million Women Arise’ Initiative for Women
Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurs
include River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum On March 6, 2025, New Delhi(Delhi) based National
(NW-49), and River Ravi (NW-84) out of the Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and
111 recognized national waterways in India. Mumbai(Maharashtra) based India Small, and Medium
Enterprise (SME) Forum jointly launched the ‘A Million
Coursera Report: India Leads in GenAI Women Arise initiative’ to empower women
Adoption; Women Lag at 29.6% entrepreneurs across India. The initiative aims to
In March 2025, the United States of America(USA) address challenges faced by women-led Micro, Small,
based Coursera Inc., a leading online learning platform, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
published its report titled “Closing the Gender Gap in ✓ India SME Forum formalized a partnership with
GenAI Skills” , offering a strategic roadmap to bridge IndiGo Airlines through a Memorandum of
the gender disparity in Generative Artificial Intelligence Understanding (MoU), offering MSMEs
(AI) (GenAI) enrollments. India has emerged as a global improved travel solutions for enhanced
leader in GenAI adoption, recording 1.3 business growth.
million enrollments in 2024.
✓ Gender Disparity: Globally, women account Union Minister Bhupender Yadav
for 32% of total GenAI enrollments, yet in Inaugurates WSDS 2025 in New Delhi
India, their participation is significantly lower Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of
at 29.6%, despite making up a larger Environment, Forest, and Climate Change(MoEFCC)
share (40%) of Coursera’s total learners. inaugurated the 24th edition of the World Sustainable
Development Summit (WSDS) 2025, held from March
5 to 7, 2025 in New Delhi, Delhi. The theme for WSDS

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2025 is “Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable ✓ An MoU was signed with Sanand(Gujarat)-
Development and Climate Solutions.” based Micron Technology on Environment,
✓ During WSDS 2025, the TERI presented Health & Safety (EHS) initiatives, Science,
the SDLA 2025 to Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
President of Guyana, and Marina Silva, (STEM) education, and skilled manpower
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, development.
Brazil. ✓ The IESA and the Japan External Trade
Organization (JETRO) signed a strategic MoU
India’s MoD Signs USD 248 Million Contract to strengthen global collaboration in the
semiconductor and electronics sectors. Click
with Russia’s RoE for Procurement of
here to read full News
Engines for T-72 Tanks for IA
On 7 March 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the
Government of India(GoI) signed a contract with Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to
Moscow (Russia) based Rosoboronexport (RoE), Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, and
Russian Federation, worth USD 248 million for Gujarat on March 7 -8, 2025
procurement of 1000 Horsepower(HP) Engines for T- The Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited the
72 Tanks. These engines will be delivered in fully Union Territory (UT) of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and
formed, completely knocked down, and semi-knocked Daman and Diu (DNHDD), and Gujarat from March 7-
down conditions. 8, 2025. During his visit, the PM inaugurated and laid
✓ The agreement includes Transfer of the foundation stones for multiple development
Technology (ToT) from RoE to Avadi (Chennai, projects for the UT worth over Rs 2580 crore.
Tamil Nadu, TN) based Armoured Vehicles ✓ Inauguration of NAMO Hospital: On March 7,
Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory) for 2025, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the
integration and eventual licensed Narendra Modi (NAMO) Hospital (Phase I) in
manufacturing of engines. Silvassa, DNHDD.
✓ Rozgar Mela: PM Narendra Modi also
CEA and TPDDL organised the 5th Edition of distributed appointment letters under the
‘Rozgar Mela’ which provides benefits to
Lineman Diwas in New Delhi
beneficiaries under various schemes, including
In March 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based Central
the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana –
Electricity Authority (CEA), a statutory body under the
Urban (PMAY-
Ministry of Power (MoP), in collaboration with Tata
U), Gir Adarsh Aajeevika Yojana(GAAY), and
Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) organized
the Sylvan Didi Scheme.
the 5th Edition of ‘Lineman Diwas’, in New Delhi,
✓ PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Gujarat: He
Delhi. Lineman Diwas is annually observed on March
launched 2 key initiatives: Gujarat Scheme for
4th across India.
Antyodaya Families for Augmenting
Livelihoods (G-SAFAL) and Gujarat
Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for
Inaugurated Gujarat SemiConnect Transforming Rural Income (G-MAITRI).
Conference 2025 & 19th IESA Vision
Summit in Gandhinagar Madhav National Park in MP Becomes
Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat India’s 58th Tiger Reserve
inaugurated the Gujarat SemiConnect Conference In March 2025, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav,
2025, a 3-day event with the theme “Gujarat Silicon Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Gujarat: Powering India’s Semiconductor Revolution”, (MoEFCC) announced the Madhav National Park in
held from March 5-7, 2025 at Mahatma Mandir Madhya Pradesh (MP) as 58th Tiger Reserve (TR) of
Convention and Exhibition Centre (MMCEC) India and marking it as the ninth TR in MP.
in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. ✓ Note: Tiger Reserves are notified by the State
✓ The Gujarat Government signed over 30 MoUs Governments as per provisions of Section 38V
amounting to over Rs. 1.04 lakh crore at the of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on advice
Gujarat Semiconnect Conference 2025 to of the National Tiger Conservation Authority
bolster semiconductor and electronics (NTCA).
manufacturing in Gujarat.

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First Rear Fuselage for LCA Mk1A Handed Platform (NFDP) mobile application (app).
Over to HAL by Indian Private Industry This mobile application is developed under the
In March 2025, the first rear fuselage for Light Combat Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samridhi Sah-
Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by Indian Private Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
Industry, Bengaluru (Karnataka)
based Alpha Tocol Engineering Services Private India & Armenia Sign MoU for Cooperation in
Limited, was handed over to Bengaluru based Medical Product Regulation
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the presence On March 10, 2025, India and the Republic of
of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence Armenia signed two Memoranda of Understanding
(MoD) at Aircraft Division in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (MoUs) during the visit of Ararat Mirzoyan, the Foreign
Minister (FM) of Armenia, to India from March 9 to 11,
MoA&FW Releases 2nd Advance Estimates 2025. The agreements aim to strengthen bilateral
of Production of Major Agricultural Crops cooperation in medical product regulation and
diplomatic training.
(Kharif & Rabi) for 2024-25
✓ MoU on Medical Product Regulation: Signed
On March 10, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and
between India’s Central Drugs Standard
Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) released the ‘Second
Control Organisation (CDSCO) in New Delhi
Advance Estimates for the production of major
and Armenia’s Center of Drug and Medical
agricultural crops (Kharif and Rabi) for 2024-25’,
Technology Expertise (CDMTE).
highlighting record outputs in key crops like rice, wheat,
maize, groundnut, and soybean.
✓ Union
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, MoA&FW,
approved the data, confirming that under the
leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra
Modi, the Government of India(GoI) aims to
develop the agricultural sector.
✓ Foodgrains Production for Kharif is estimated
at 1,663.91 Lakh Metric Tons (LMT),
while Rabi production (excluding summer
crops) is projected at 1,645.27 LMT.
✓ Rice: Kharif rice production is anticipated to
reach a record 1,206.79 LMT, an increase of
74.20 LMT compared to the 1,132.59 LMT
produced in 2023-24 and Rabi rice (excluding
summer) is estimated at 157.58 LMT.
✓ Wheat production is projected at a
record 1,154.30 LMT, showing an increase of
21.38 LMT compared to 2023-24 (1,132.92
LMT). Union Minister Amit Shah Releases 24
Maize: Kharif maize production is projected at Reprinted Sastu Sahitya Books, Rs 150 Coin
a record 248.11 LMT, with Rabi maize in Ahmedabad
(excluding summer) estimated at 124.38 LMT. In March 2025, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA) , Ministry of Cooperation
Fisheries Startup Conclave 2.0 held in released 24 reprinted books by Ahmedabad (Gujarat)-
based Sastu Sahitya Mudranalaya Trust during the
Hyderabad, Telangana; Launched NFDP app
Akhand Anandotsav event in Ahmedabad.
In March 2025, the Department of Fisheries (DoF),
✓ Union Minister Amit Shah also unveiled a Rs
under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and
150 commemorative coin in honor of the
Dairying (MoFAH&D) hosted the Fisheries Startup
150th birth anniversary of Acharya Bhagwant
Conclave 2.0 held in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Shri Buddhi Sagar Surishwar Maharaj.
✓ The event witnessed the launch of two key
initiatives: Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge
2.0 and National Fisheries Development

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NHLML, IWAI Sign MoU to Develop State-of- (30%), Northern (28%), Eastern (5.4%)
Art MMLP in Varanasi, UP , North Eastern States (0.68%).
On 11 March 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based National • Banks account for 81% whereas
Highways Logistics Management Housing Finance Companies (HFCs)
Limited (NHLML) under the Ministry of Road Transport account for 19% of housing loans.
and Highways (MoRTH) and Noida (Uttar Pradesh, UP)
based Inland Waterways Authority of India’s AI Revolution: A Roadmap
India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and to Viksit Bharat
Waterways (MoPSW) signed a Memorandum of India is undergoing a significant transformation in
Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi for developing a Artificial Intelligence (AI), driven by various initiatives
state-of-art Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in like: IndiaAI Mission and the establishment of Centres
Varanasi, UP. of Excellence (CoE) for AI are bolstering India’s AI
✓ IWAI, the nodal agency of MoPSW for National ecosystem.
Waterways (NW), signed MoU with multiple In 2024, the Government of India(GoI) approved the
agencies of Delhi government including IndiaAI Mission with an outlay of Rs 10,300 crore over
Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) department, five years to strengthen AI capabilities in India.
the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the ✓ The Mission is being implemented by the
Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Delhi Transport Ministry of Electronics and Information
Corporation (DTC) at Asita Park, Delhi. Technology (MeitY) through ‘IndiaAI’
Independent Business Division (IBD) under
IAF Conducts Combat Training at Umiam Digital India Corporation (DIC).
Lake in Meghalaya ✓ GoI announced a new CoE for AI in
In March 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted education (which will be 4th CoE in AI), in the
a combat operations training exercise at Umiam Union Budget for Financial Year 2025-26
Lake, located in Shillong, Meghalaya, to strengthen (FY26) with an outlay of Rs 500 crore.
interoperability with the Indian Army Special ✓ BHASHINI: BHASHa INterface for
Forces and the Indian Navy. India(BHASHINI) is an AI-led language
translation platform, designed to provide
smooth access to the internet and digital
NHB Released Report on Trends and services in Indian languages, which includes
Progress of Housing in India 2024 voice-based access, and support content
In March 2025, New Delhi (Delhi)-based National creation in Indian languages.
Housing Bank (NHB), apex financial institution for ✓ Sarvam-1 AI Model: It is a large language
housing, released the Report on Trends and Progress of model for optimization of Indian languages. It
Housing in India, 2024 in accordance to provisions consists of 2 billion parameters and
of Section 42 of NHB Act, 1987. supports 10 major Indian languages.
✓ Increase in individual housing loan: As on ✓ India Ranks 1st Globally in AI Skill
September 30 2024, individual housing loans Penetration: As per the Stanford AI Index
stood at Rs 33.53 lakh crore, reflecting growth 2024, India topped in AI skill penetration
of 14% during the same period of last year. globally, with a score of 2.8. It is followed by
✓ Distribution of housing loans among the United States of America (USA) (2.2) and
different income groups: Middle-Income Germany (1.9).
Group (MIG) accounted 44% of the total
housing loans, as on September 30, 2024.
DBT & GoAS Sign MoU Under BioE3 Policy to
• It is followed by Economically Weaker
Section & Lower Income Group (EWS Strengthen Centre-State Partnership
& LIG) and Higher Income On March 12, 2025, the Department of
Group (HIG), accounted 39% and 17 Biotechnology (DBT) under The Ministry of Science and
% of outstanding individual housing Technology (MoS&T), Government of India (GoI), and
loans, respectively. the Government of Assam (GoAS) formalized a
• Regional Distribution in Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a
Centre-State partnership under
Finance: Southern (35%), Western
the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment,
and Employment) Policy in New Delhi (Delhi).

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✓ It is the 1st Centre-State partnership under MoD Signs Rs 2,906 Crore Radar Contract
the BioE3 framework, aims to bolster high- with BEL for IAF
performance bio-manufacturing and cultivate a On 12 March 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD)
sustainable biotechnology ecosystem in signed a Rs 2,906 crore capital acquisition
Assam. contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (UP) (a leading defence
DoP Signs MoU with FSID, IISc Bengaluru for electronics manufacturing facility) for the procurement
Documentation of Digital Address DPI Tech of Low-level Transportable Radar (LLTR), known as
Architecture “Ashwini” for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
On March 11, 2025, the Department of Posts (DoP),
under the Ministry of Communications (MoC), signed a IN inducts 9th ACTCM Barge LSAM 23 to
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru strengthen maritime logistics
(Karnataka) based the Foundation for Science On 12 March 2025, the induction ceremony of
Innovation and Development (FSID), Indian Institute of the 9th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum
Science (IISc), Bengaluru at Dak Bhawan in New Delhi Missile (ACTCM) Barge, Landing Ship
(Delhi). Ammunition (LSAM) 23 (Yard 133), was held at the
✓ The MoU seeks to design the technology Naval Dockyard in Mumbai (Maharashtra). The Chief
architecture for the Digital Address Digital Guest for the event was Commodore Manish Vig,
Public Infrastructure (DPI) to create a secure, General Manager (Quality Assurance), Naval Dockyard
scalable, and interoperable addressing (Mumbai).
system. ✓ In 2021, the IN signed a contract with Thane
(Maharashtra)-based M/s Suryadipta
Projects Private Limited, a Micro, Small, and
Medium Enterprise (MSME) shipyard for the
construction and delivery of 11 ACTCM
Barges.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Mobile World Congress 2025 held in from March 4 to March 19, 2025. This high-intensity
Barcelona, Spain Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise is hosted by
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, a major the United States(US) Navy’s 7th Fleet and involves the
global event, was held from March 3 to 6, 2025, at Fira Indian Navy (IN), Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force
Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain, bringing together over (JMSDF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and the
101,000 attendees, more than 2,700 exhibitors, and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).
representatives from over 200 countries to showcase
advancements in technology. Union ITB Berlin 2025 held from March 4 to March
Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ministry of 6, 2025 in Berlin, Germany
Communication (MoC) represented India at the event. Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin
✓ Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia officially 2025), one of world’s largest travel fairs was held from
inaugurated the Bharat Pavilion at the MWC March 4 to 6, 2025 at Berlin Expo Center City at
2025 in Spain. He announced that Messedamm in Berlin, Germany. The motto of this
the 9th edition of the India Mobile year’s convention is ‘The Power of Transition Lives
Congress (IMC), Asia’s largest digital Here’.
technology forum is set to take place in New ✓ In March 2025, the 25th edition of the Pacific
Delhi(Delhi) from 8th – 11th October 2025. Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA),
World Tourism and Aviation Leaders Summit
Sea Dragon 2025 Naval Exercise was held at ITB Berlin 2025. This year’s
Commenced off the Guam Coast summit was hosted by PATWA in partnership
The Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise, a key multilateral with the Ministry of Tourism, Goa (India).
maritime warfare drill, commenced off the Guam coast ✓ The PATWA, an affiliate member of United
in the western Pacific Ocean and will be held Nations (UN) Tourism, announced the winners

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of prestigious ‘25th PATWA International Sujata, INS Shardul, and Indian Coast Guard Ship
Travel Awards’ during the ITB Berlin 2025. (ICGS) Veera, successfully concluded its visit to
✓ Indian state, Goa made a significant mark at Phuket Deep Sea Port in Thailand. The visit concluded
ITB Berlin 2025, as it has won two awards at on a high note with coordinated tactical maneuvers and
PATWA International Awards. This has an exchange of sea riders during a Passage Exercise
elevated the status of Goa as India’s premier (PASSEX) with His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Huahin,
tourism destination. a patrol gunboat of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).
• Goa was conferred with the ‘Destination
of the Year-India’ award under the WMO Launches iClimate Action Project to
Destinations category.
Boost Global Climate Intelligence
• In Addition to that, Rohan Khaunte, Tourism
In March 2025, the World Meteorological Organization
Minister of Goa, was bestowed with
(WMO), in collaboration with the Global Climate
the ‘Tourism Minister of the Year-
Observing System (GCOS), the Group on Earth
India’ award, in recognition of his
Observations (GEO), and the European Commission,
leadership and in promoting the state’s
launched
tourism sector.
the iClimateAction project in Geneva, Switzerland.
✓ The initiative is backed by the Horizon Europe
Glass-Ceiling Index: Top 10 Best Countries Work Programme 2023-2025, which aims to
for Working Women in 2025 address critical gaps in Earth observation and
London (the United Kingdom, UK)-based The enhance global climate resilience.
Economist Group, a media company released its
annual edition of ‘Glass-Ceiling Index (GCI)’ on the Overview of EAM Dr.Subrahmanyam
occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD) which is
Jaishankar’s visit to UK & Ireland from
celebrated annually on March 8 worldwide. As per the
index, Sweden secured 1st position globally, and has March 4-9, 2025
replaced Iceland which topped the index for the last External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India,
two consecutive years. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar embarked on a 6-
✓ Now, Iceland witnessed dropped in its ranking Day visit to the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland
by one place i.e. from 1st spot (in 2024) to from March 4 to 9, 2025 to reinforce India’s bilateral
2nd spot (in 2025). engagements with the UK and Ireland.
✓ Among top 10 best countries for working EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar Visit to UK:
women in 2025, 5 are Nordic countries: ✓ EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar visited the UK to
Sweden, Iceland, Finland (3rd), Norway (4th) reinforce the Great British Pound (GBP) 41
and Denmark (9th). billion (around USD 53 billion) bilateral trade
Top 5 best countries for working women in 2025: relationship.
✓ Economic Investments: The UK has
Rank Name of the Country Region welcomed over GBP 100 million (around USD
130 million) in new Indian investments,
expected to generate jobs and enhance
1 Sweden Europe
economic growth.
2 Iceland Europe EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar Visit to Ireland:
✓ EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to
3 Finland Europe Ireland from March 6 to 7, 2025, at the
invitation of Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister
4 Norway Europe (PM) and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade,
and Defence, His Excellency (HE) Simon
5 Portugal Europe Harris.
✓ Diplomatic Exchange of Officials: Both
nations signed a Memorandum of
Indian Navy’s 1st Training Squadron Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the annual
Completes Thailand Visit exchange of diplomats, enhancing bilateral
In March 2025, the Indian Navy’s (IN) First Training diplomatic relations.
Squadron (1TS), consisting of Indian Naval Ship (INS)

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India-Cambodia Held 3rd FOC to Strengthen Pakis

Bilateral Cooperation in Health and Digital Chin Netherl Turke
tan
5 a ands y
Tech (4.6
(81) (5.5) (3.8)
On March 10, 2025, India and Cambodia held the 3rd %)
Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Siem Reap,
Cambodia, to review and strengthen their bilateral
relations across various sectors with a focus on India-Kyrgyzstan Military Exercise ‘Khanjar-
exploring new cooperation opportunities in health and XII’ Commences in Kyrgyzstan
digital technologies. In March 2025, the 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan
Joint Military Exercise ‘Khanjar-XII’ commenced
SIPRI Report 2024: Ukraine Tops as World’s in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan.
Participating Forces: The IA contingent is represented
Largest Arms Importer; India Ranks 2nd by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special
According to the report titled ‘Trends in International
Forces), while the Kyrgyzstan Army contingent includes
Arms Transfers, 2024′ released by Swedish think tank,
soldiers from the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute (SIPRI), Ukraine emerged as the top world’s
leading importer of major arms between 2020 and India & Bangladesh begin 6th ‘CORPAT’ &
2024, with its imports skyrocketing nearly 100-fold 4th ‘BONGOSAGAR’ Exercise in Bay of
compared to the 2015–19 period. Bengal
Top 5 Importers & Their Main Suppliers (2020–24): On March 10, 2025, the 6th edition of the joint patrol
‘Coordinated Patrol’ (CORPAT) and the 4th bilateral
Impo Main Suppliers (Share of exercise ‘BONGOSAGAR’ were begin for the 6th time,
rter Importer’s Total Imports %) under the supervision of Commander Flotilla West, and
Ra (Glob was scheduled to conclude on March 12, 2025. These
nk al operations are taking place in the designated areas
Share 1st 2nd 3rd along the Bangladesh and Indian maritime borders in
%) the Bay of Bengal.
✓ The Bangladesh Navy (BN) is represented by
Ukrai the warship Bangladesh Naval Ship
Polan
ne USA German (BNS) Abu Ubaidah and a maritime patrol
1 d
(8.8 (45) y (12) aircraft, while the Indian Navy (IN) has
(11)
%) deployed the warship Indian Naval
Ship (INS) Ranvir and a helicopter for the
Rus patrol and exercise.
India
sia France Israe
2 (8.3
(36) (33) l (13)
%)

Unite
d
Qatar
USA Italy Kingd
3 (6.8
(48) (20) om
%)
(UK)
(15)

Saudi
Arabi Franc
USA Spain FAO Releases Reports on Global Grain
4 a e
(74) (10) Production & Food Situation 2025 : Predicts
(6.8 (6.2)
%) Wheat Production at 796 Mt
In March 2025, the United Nations (UN) Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) released two key

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reports: the ‘Cereal Supply and Demand Brief’ and the

3 Pakistan 73.7
‘Crop Prospects and Food Situation Report’.
✓ The report on global grain production predicts
4 Congo 58.2
that wheat production may reach 796 million
tonnes (Mt) in 2025, marking a 1% increase 5 India 50.6
from the previous year. This growth is driven by
expanded wheat planting in the European
Union, particularly France and Germany. ASCI & NSG Sign MoU to Boost Public
✓ FAO expects world grain reserves to shrink by Sector Governance and Capacity Building
1.9%, bringing the total to 869.3 Mt in 2025. In March 2025, the Administrative Staff College of India
While Russia and Ukraine may see an increase (ASCI) based in Hyderabad (Telangana) and
in stocks, other regions might experience a the National School of Government (NSG), based in
decline. South Africa signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration
India Chairs 68th Session of UN in capacity building, research, consultancy, and
Commission on Narcotic Drugs For the 1st knowledge sharing, aimed at improving governance
Time and public sector performance.
India has been elected to chair the 68th session of the
United Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic Drugs Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to
(CND). Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran, India’s Mauritius from March 11-12, 2025
Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi was on a
assumes the Chairmanship at the United Nations two-day official visit to the Republic of Mauritius from
Office in Vienna,Austria from March 10 to 14, 2025. March 11 to 12, 2025 to strengthen the long-standing
✓ This marks the first time India holds this relationship between India and the island nation, at the
position, underscoring its commitment to invitation of PM of Mauritius Navinchandra
global leadership in addressing international Ramgoolam.
drug policy issues. ✓ PM Narendra Modi received a warm
✓ Mr. Andranik Hovhannisyan, Ambassador and welcome from the Indian diaspora in
the Permanent Representative of the Republic Mauritius, with women honoring him through
of Armenia to the Vienna International Geet Gawai, a traditional Bihari Bhojpuri
Organization, was elected First Vice-Chairman musical performance.
at the 68th session of the UN Commission on ✓ On March 12 2025, PM Narendra Modi
Narcotic Drugs (CND). attended Mauritius’ 57th National Day
celebrations at Champ de Mars Racecourse in
IQAir World Air Quality Report 2024: Chad Port Louis(Mauritius), as the Chief Guest for
Tops, India Ranks 5th Globally the second time, following his first visit in
In March 2025, Switzerland based air quality 2015.
technology company IQAir released its 7th edition ✓ India’s Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and
of “World Air Quality Report 2024”, a comprehensive the Bank of Mauritius have signed
global survey of air quality, Chad tops the list in the an agreement to establish a framework that
most polluted countries with an average concentration facilitates cross-border transactions using
of 91.8 µg/m³(micrograms per cubic local currencies, the Indian Rupee (INR) and
meter). India ranks 5th after Chad, Bangladesh, the Mauritian Rupee (MUR).
Pakistan and Congo. ✓ The Government of Mauritius signed a credit
Top 5 most polluted countries in 2024: facility agreement with India’s State Bank of
India (SBI), allowing it to access financial
Average PM2.5 support as a borrower.
Rank Country ✓ The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium
(µg/m³)
Enterprises (MoMSME) of India and the SME
division of Mauritius’ Ministry of Industry,
1 Chad 91.8
SME, and Cooperatives signed a MoU to
enhance cooperation in the MSME sector.
2 Bangladesh 78.0
Click here to read full News

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QS World University Rankings by Subject ✓ The United States of America (USA) based
2025 : ISM Dhanbad Ranked as India’s Top universities dominated in 32 academic
disciplines, with Harvard
University For Engineering-Mineral and
University(USA) leading in 15 subjects and
Mining Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
On March 11, 2025, United Kingdom (UK) based MIT(USA) in 11.
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released the 15th edition ✓ The UK secured the top position in 18 subjects,
of the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Among with the University of Cambridge(UK) excelling
Indian institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology, in four. Click here to read full News
IIT(Indian School of Mines, ISM) Dhanbad, (Jharkhand)
achieved the highest global ranking, for the first
time securing the 20th position worldwide in the
Engineering – Mineral and Mining subject area.

BANKING & FINANCE

SBI Life Insurance Introduces 2 New Child Veterans, and New Delhi(Delhi) based CSC
Insurance Plans: ‘Smart Future Star’ & Academy (promoted by Common Service
Centre(CSC) E-Governance Limited).
‘Smart Platina Young Achiever’
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based SBI Life
Insurance Company Limited (SBI Life), a joint Niva Bupa Launches ‘Rise’ to Empower
venture(JV) between the State Bank of India(SBI) and India’s Missing Middle
French insurer BNP Paribas Cardif, On March 07, 2025, New Delhi (Delhi)
introduced two new child focused insurance products: based Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company
‘SBI Life – Smart Future Star’ and ‘SBI Life – Smart Limited (formerly Max Bupa Health
Platina Young Achiever’. Insurance Company Limited) has introduced ‘Rise’, a
health insurance plan to address the healthcare needs
SIDBI signs MoU with FBL to Strengthen of India’s “Missing Middle”.
MSME Financing
In March 2025, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh, UP) based BoB Introduced “Bob Global Women NRE &
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) NRO Savings Account”
and Aluva (Kerala) based Federal Bank Limited (FBL) In March 2025, the first amongst public sector banks,
signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Vadodara(Gujarat) based Bank of Baroda (BoB)
provide financial support to Micro, Small, and Medium introduced ‘bob Global Women Non-Resident
Enterprises (MSMEs). External (NRE) and Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO)
✓ The MoU was signed by Prakash Kumar, Savings Account’, designed exclusively for women
Deputy Managing Director (DMD), SIDBI and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to fulfill their global
Harsh Dugar, Executive Director (ED), FBL in aspirations and unique banking needs.
the presence of senior SIDBI and FBL officials.
BoI Signs MoU with IA to Enhance
HDFC Bank Launches ‘Project HAKK’ to ‘Rakshak Salary Package’ Benefits
Support IAF Veterans and Families On March 04, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based HDFC Bank of India (BOI) signed a Memorandum of
Bank Limited has introduced ‘Project HAKK (Hawai Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army (IA) to
Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra-Serving those who have extend the BOI ‘Rakshak Salary Package’ to Army
served)’ to provide comprehensive support and Personnel, Veterans, and Agniveers recruited under
services to Indian Air Force (IAF) pensioners, veterans, the Agnipath Scheme in New Delhi (Delhi).
and their families.
✓ HDFC Bank signed an Memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with the IAF,
represented by the Office of the Assistant
Chief of the Air Staff(ACAS) – Accounts & Air

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CredResolve Secures USD 1.1 Million ✓ Top Life Insurers in terms of numbers of
Funding to Expand AI-Based Debt Recovery policies settled: LIC, India’s largest public-
sector insurer, topped in terms of most
Solutions
number of policies settled within 30 days.
In March 2025, Gurugram (Haryana)-based
✓ Top Insurers in terms of CSR by benefit
CredResolution India Private Limited (CredResolve),
amount: HDFC Life Insurance topped, with
an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven debt collections
99.98% of total benefit amount paid out for
platform, has secured USD 1.1 million in seed funding
claim settlement within 30 days, followed
from Bengaluru(Karnataka) Unleash Capital
by Axis Max Life Insurance.
Partners, a Japanese venture capital (VC) firm, along
with CDM Capital based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
SEBI tightened Rules for SME IPOs with
RBI Imposes Rs 76.6 lakh Penalty on 4 Profitability Mandate
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based
NBFCs for Non-Compliance
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Reserve
notified a stringent regulatory framework for Small and
Bank of India (RBI) imposed Rs 76.6 lakh penalty on
Medium Enterprises (SME) Initial Public Offerings
four Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) for
(IPOs). It has introduced a profitability requirement
non-compliance with certain sections of its orders
and capped the 20% limit of the total size on Offer-
regarding the ‘Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending platform’.
For-Sale (OFS) component.
✓ A penalty of Rs 40 lakh has been imposed on
✓ Minimum operating profit: As per the new
Gurugram (Haryana) based Fairassets
framework, SMEs who are planning to launch
Technologies India Private Limited and Rs 10
an IPO, are required to show a minimum
lakh each has been imposed on Mumbai based
operating profit (Earnings Before Interest,
Bridge Fintech Solutions Private Limited and
Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization or
Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Rang De P2P
EBITDA) of Rs 1 crore in at least two of the
Financial Services Private Limited.
previous 3 Financial Years(FY).
✓ The RBI also imposed a penalty of Rs 16.6 lakh
on Mumbai based Visionary
Financepeer Private Limited. HDFC Bank, Indian Army, and CSC
Academy Renew MoU to Expand Project
India’s Top Life Insurers in 2025: HDFC, Max NAMAN
Life, and LIC Lead in terms of Claim Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based HDFC Bank Limited,
the Indian Army’s Directorate of Indian Army
Settlements
Veterans (DIAV), and Common Service Centres
In March 2025, the Insurance Regulatory and
(CSC) Academy (under CSC e-Governance Services
Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released
India Limited) have renewed their Memorandum of
annual data on Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) in its
Understanding (MoU) to expand Project NAMAN. This
latest ‘Handbook on Indian Insurance Statistics
initiative aims to support Army veterans, their families,
2023-24’. This report provides comprehensive
and next of kin by providing essential services at their
information on how different insurers handle claims,
doorstep.
which helps the policymakers to make informed
decisions.
✓ As per the report, the overall CSR for individual Kuhoo Finance Secures NBFC License from
death claims within 30 days, including both RBI to Expand Education Loan Offerings
private insurers and Mumbai(Maharashtra) In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-
based Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) based Kuhoo Finance Private Limited, a student loan-
stood at 96.82% for Financial Year 2023-24 focused fintech platform backed by WestBridge
(FY24). Capital India Advisors Private Limited, received a Non-
✓ Top Life Insurers in terms of number of Banking Financial Company (NBFC) license from
policies: As per the report, New Delhi(Delhi) the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
based Axis Max Life Insurance Limited with RBI Guidelines for NBFC License Eligibility:
99.79% CSR in terms of number of policies To secure an NBFC license, entities must meet the
(19,569), emerged as the biggest insurer in following RBI criteria:
India.

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✓ Minimum Net Owned Funds(NOF): Rs. 10 Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) under the
Crores (for non-deposit-taking NBFCs). Ministry of Finance (MoF) launched
✓ Company Structure: Registered under the nationwide campaigns to enhance financial literacy in
Companies Act, 2013. India.
✓ It aims to empower individuals with the
Canara HSBC Life Insurance Partners with knowledge and skills to manage finances
effectively, safeguard against fraud, and
GIC Housing Finance to Offer Credit Life
ensure financial inclusion across India.
Insurance Solutions
In March 2025, Gurgaon (Haryana)- based Canara
HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited RBI Introduced Framework for
partnered with Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based GIC Recognising SROs for AA Ecosystem
Housing Finance Limited (GICHF), subsidiary of In March 2025, the Reserve Bank of
General Insurance Corporation (GIC) of India to provide India (RBI) introduced a new framework for the
credit life insurance solutions to home loan borrowers. recognition of a Self-Regulatory
✓ Note: Canara HSBC Life Insurance was a joint Organisations (SROs) for the Account
venture (JV) comprising Canara Bank Limited Aggregator (AA) ecosystem. The framework has
(51%), HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) Holdings outlined the key characteristics, responsibilities,
Limited (26%), and Punjab National Bank, PNB eligibility criteria, and governance aspects of SRO-AA.
(23%). ✓ RBI has clarified that SRO-AA will operate
within the existing regulatory framework for the
AA ecosystem, while, technical specifications
RBI & NCFE Launch Nationwide Financial
will continue to be framed and published by
Literacy Campaign Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Reserve Bank
In March 2025, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Reserve Information Technology Private
Bank of India (RBI) and Navi Mumbai based National Limited (ReBIT).

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Infineon Technologies and CDIL Signs Rating Agency of India Limited) released its
MoU to Strengthen India’s Power latest FY2026 GDP Outlook report. The report has
projected that India’s Gross Domestic
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Product (GDP) will grow at 6.5% in Financial Year
On 6th March 2025, Munich (Germany) based Infineon
2025-26(FY26) compared to 6.3% expected in FY25.
Technologies AG, a global leader in power systems
and Internet of Things (IoT) semiconductors, signed its
first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New India’s OTAI & Malaysia’s MPOC
Delhi (Delhi) based Continental Device India Collaborate to Promote Palm Oil Benefits in
Limited (CDIL), India’s first semiconductor India
manufacturer. On March 7, 2025, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) based Oil
✓ The agreement aims to bolster domestic Technologists’ Association of India (OTAI) and Kuala
production of power semiconductors critical Lumpur (Malaysia) based Malaysian Palm Oil
for sectors like renewable energy, automotive, Council (MPOC) signed a collaboration agreement to
and industrial applications. enhance awareness about the nutritional and health
✓ This collaboration aligns with India’s benefits of Malaysian palm oil in the Indian market.
‘Semiconductor Mission’, which prioritizes ✓ The collaboration will focus on consumer
reducing import dependency and achieving education, industry engagement,
self-reliance under the ‘Make in and scientific research to highlight palm oil’s
India’ initiative. benefits.

ICRA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.5%

for FY26
In March 2025, India’s Credit Rating Agency, ICRA
Limited (formerly Investment Information and Credit

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DPIIT and Mercedes-Benz India Partner to SAIPL and ACI Partner to Manufacture 200
Advance Manufacturing, Safety, and Diamond DA40 NG Trainer Aircraft
Sustainability On 11 March 2025, Sakthi Aircraft Industry Private
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Limited (SAIPL) based Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (TN)
Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Aero Club of India (ACI) based in New Delhi,
(MoC&I) has signed a Memorandum of Delhi have signed an agreement to manufacture and
Understanding (MoU) with Mercedes-Benz India supply 200 Diamond DA40 NG (Next Generation)
Private Limited based in Pune, Maharashtra to trainer aircraft in India.
strengthen India’s manufacturing sector, road safety, ✓ Of these, 150 aircraft will be assembled at
and environmental sustainability. SAIPL’s upcoming facility, which is expected to
be established in Haryana.
CIL Signs MoU with IIT Hyderabad to
Establish CLEANZ in Telangana Rentokil Initial Hygiene Achieves Carbon
In March 2025, Kolkata (West Bengal, WB) based Coal Neutrality for 2024 in India
India Limited (CIL) signed a Memorandum of In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Rentokil
Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Initial Hygiene Private Limited, (part of United
Technology of Hyderabad (IIT-Hyderabad), Kingdom (UK) Based Rentokil Initial Plc.,) a global
Telangana for establishing a Centre of Clean Coal leader in hygiene services, has announced that it has
Energy and Net Zero (CLEANZ) in Hyderabad. achieved carbon neutrality for the year 2024 through
recycling, clean energy, eco-conscious logistics, and
digital efficiency, marking a key step toward its goal of
India Emerged as Top Source Country for
net zero emissions by 2040.
FDI into Dubai with USD 3 billion Investment
According to Dubai Department of Economy and
Tourism data, India has emerged as the top source Moody’s Upgrades India’s GDP Growth to
country for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Dubai, Exceed 6.5% for FY26
the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with investment On March 12, 2025, New York, the United States of
worth USD 3.018 billion in 2024, which shows a 5- America(the USA) based Moody’s Rating released it
times increase from USD 589 million in 2023. report titled ‘Banking System Outlook – India’, revised
✓ India accounted 21.5% of total FDI inflow in India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast for the
2024, followed by the United States of Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26), projecting it to
America (USA) (13.7%); France (11%); the exceed 6.5%, up from 6.3% in FY25.
United Kingdom (UK) (10%) and Switzerland ✓ Inflation: Moody’s expects India’s average
(6.9%). inflation rate to decline to 4.5% in
FY26 from 4.8% in FY25, reflecting the
positive effects of monetary easing.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

PM Narendra Modi Conferred ‘Honorary YouGov India Value Rankings 2025:

Order of Freedom of Barbados’ Amazon, Flipkart, and Amul Rank as India’s
On 6 March 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Top Brands
Modi conferred the prestigious ‘Honorary Order of In March 2025, London, the United Kingdom(UK) based
Freedom of Barbados’,one of the highest national YouGov, an international online research data and
honors awarded by the Government of Barbados. analytics technology group released the ‘India Value
Union Minister of State (MoS) Pabitra Margherita, Rankings 2025’. Amazon based in Washington, United
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) received the States of America (USA), Flipkart Private Limited
prestigious award on behalf of PM Modi. based in Bengaluru, Karnataka and Anand Milk Union
✓ The award was presented by Barbados Limited(Amul) based in Anand, Gujarat are the top
President Dame Sandra Mason in recognition three most valued brands in India.
of PM Modi’s strategic leadership and critical
assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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List of Top 5 Brands in YouGov India Value Rankings

Life
2025 :
Insurance
3 88.0 India
Rank Name of Brand Score Corporation
of India (LIC)

1 Amazon 56.5 NRMA

4 87.2 Australia
Insurance
2 Flipkart 53.0
UnipolSai
3 Amul 52.8 5 Assicurazioni 86.8 Italy
(S.p.A)
4 Tanishq 48.4
Top five most valuable insurance brands of 2025
5 MakeMyTrip 45.4
Brand
Value
Rank Brand Country
Professor Suman Chakraborty Wins (USD
UNESCO’s TWAS Award for Developing billions)
Low-Cost Medical Diagnostic Solutions
In March 2025, Suman Chakraborty, Professor of 1 Ping An China 33.6
Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology,
Kharagpur (IIT-KGP), West Bengal(WB) has been 2 Allianz Germany 26.7
awarded the 2026 The World Academy of Sciences
(TWAS) Award in Engineering and Computer 3 AXA France 19.8
Sciences(CS) by the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). China
4 China 18.3
Life
Brand Finance Insurance 100 – 2025: LIC Generali
Ranks 3rd Among World’s Strongest 5 Italy 17.0
Group
Insurance Brands
According to the Brand Finance Insurance 100 – 2025
report, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Andrew Barto & Richard Sutton Won 2024
headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, has been ACM A.M. Turing Award
ranked third among the world’s strongest insurance In March 2025, Dr. Andrew Barto from the United
brands, achieving a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of States of America(USA) and Richard S.Sutton from
88 out of 100. In terms of overall brand value, LIC holds Canada, two pioneers of Reinforcement Learning (RL),
the 12th position globally among the most valuable named as recipients of the 2024 ACM A.M. Turing
insurance brands. Award, which is often considered as the ‘Nobel Prize
✓ State Bank of India (SBI) Life of Computing’ by New York, the USA-based
Insurance (Indian insurer) ranks 76th on the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
list of the most valuable insurance brands in ✓ The two have been bestowed with this award
the Brand Finance Insurance 100 report. in recognition of their exceptional work on RL, a
Top Five Strongest Insurance Brands machine learning technique which enables
Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to optimize
BSI decision-making through trial and error.
Rank Brand Country
score ✓ The recipients of the award will share the prize
money USD 1 million, which is sponsored by
1 PZU 94.4 Poland Google Inc.
✓ Both Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton, co-
China Life authored the book titled ‘Reinforcement
2 93.5 China Learning: An Introduction’ in 1998.
Insurance

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 Weekly Content PDF

Dr. Jayashree Vencatesan Becomes 1st ers in

Indian to Receive ‘Ramsar Award’ for Asia-
Wetland Conservation Pacific
In March 2025, Dr. Jayshree Vencatesan, the Co-
founder of Chennai (Tamil Nadu,TN) based Care Earth Best
Trust, has became the first Indian to receive Airport of
the ‘Ramsar Women Change Makers in the World 15 to 25 Hyderaba
Rajiv Gandhi
Wetlands Award 2025’ in the ‘Wise Use of Million d
International
Wetland’ category for Wetland Conservation. The Passeng (Telangan
Airport (HYD)
award recognises her efforts in protecting India’s ers in a)
wetlands, particularly the Asia-
famous Pallikaranai Marsh in Chennai. Pacific
✓ On the eve of International Women’s Day (IWD
on 8th March 2025), the Ramsar Secretariat Best
based in Gland, Switzerland announced her Airport
name as one of 12 women recognized in over 40 Chhatrapati Shivaji
Mumbai
the 2nd edition of ‘Women changemakers in Million Maharaj
(Maharas
the world of wetlands’. Passeng International
htra)
ers in Airport(BOM)
Asia-
ASQ Award 2024: CSMIA Bags Best Airport Pacific
in Asia-Pacific for 8th consecutive year
On March 11, 2025, the Airports Council International Best
(ACI) in partnership with Madrid(Spain) based travel Airport
technology company Amadeus, presented over 40
Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Indira Gandhi New
Million
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Delhi
Passeng
International Airport (CSMIA) with the 2024 Airport Airport(DEL) (Delhi)
ers in
Service Quality (ASQ) Award for Best Airport over 40 Asia-
Million Passengers in the Asia-Pacific region, marking Pacific
its eighth consecutive win.
Winning Airports from India (Asia-Pacific) at Best Kempegowda Bengalur
the 2024 ASQ Awards: Airport at International u
Arrivals Airport (Karnatak
Awards( Globally Limited(BLR) a)
Airports Location
Size)
Best Mangalur
Mangaluru
Best Airport at u
International
Airport Arrivals (Karnatak
Airport(IXE)
under 2 Globally a)
Kannur
Million Kannur
International
Passeng (Kerala)
Airport (CNN) Muthoot Microfin Bags Two Golds at the
ers in
Asia- SKOCH Awards 2025
Pacific In March 2025, Kochi (Kerala)
based Muthoot Microfin Limited, a leading
Best Microfinance Institution (MFI) in
Airport of Chandigarh Chandiga India, secured two Gold Awards at the SKOCH
2 to 5 International rh Awards 2025 in New Delhi(Delhi). The company was
Million Airport (IXC) (Punjab) recognized for its excellence in digital financial
Passeng inclusion and insurance solutions.

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APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Federal Bank Limited Appointed Padma General (DG) of Hyderabad (Telangana) based
Shree Awardee Vidya Balan as Its First-Ever International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-
Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The only international
Brand Ambassador
agricultural research center in India. He succeeds
On March 6, 2025, Aluva (Kerala) based Federal Bank
Stanford Blade, who served as the interim DG of
Limited (FBL), one of India’s leading private sector
ICRISAT.
banks, appointed Indian Actress and Padma Shree
Awardee Vidya Balan as its First-Ever Brand
Ambassador. The announcement took place at a Honda Motor Company Limited Appoints
special ceremony in Mumbai (Maharashtra) where Takashi Nakajima as New President & CEO
Vidya Balan was honored with a commemorative of HCIL
memento by KVS Manian, Managing Director (MD) & On 10 March 2025, Tokyo (Japan) based Honda Motor
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Federal Bank Limited. Company Limited appointed
Takashi Nakajima as the new
GoI Appointed Vikas Kaushal as CMD of President and Chief Executive
HPCL for 5 years Officer (CEO) of Noida (Uttar
In March 2025, the Government of India (GoI) Pradesh, UP) based Honda Cars
appointed Vikas Kaushal, a private- India Limited (HCIL) effective from
sector consultant, as Chairman and 1 April 2025.
Managing Director (CMD) of Mumbai ✓ He will succeed Takuya Tsumura, who moves
(Maharashtra) based Hindustan to Honda’s head office in Japan after
Petroleum Corporation Limited completing his tenure in India.
(HPCL) for five years.
✓ He succeeds Rajneesh Narang, Director BCCI Appoints Rajeev Shukla and Ashish
(finance), who has had the additional charge of Shelar for ACC Leadership Roles
CMD since September 1, 2024. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),
✓ The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, has appointed
(ACC) has approved the Ministry of Petroleum its vice-president Rajeev Shukla as India’s
and Natural Gas (MoPNG) proposal for the representative on the Board of Directors (BoD) of the
appointment of Vikas Kaushal as CMD HPCL Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Former BCCI
with relaxation of the eligibility criteria. treasurer Ashish Shelar will serve as an Executive
Board Member of the ACC.
RBI Approves One-Year Extension for
Sumant Kathpalia CEO of IndusInd Bank Atul Kumar Goel Appointed as CE of IBA
In March 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted On March 11, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based
only a one-year extension to Sumant Kathpalia, Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer appointed Atul Kumar Goel, the
(CEO), Mumbai(Maharashtra) based IndusInd Bank, former Managing Director (MD) and
effective from March 24, 2025, to March 23, 2026. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Punjab National Bank (PNB), as its
Dr Himanshu Pathak Assumes Charge as Chief Executive (CE). He
succeeds Sunil Mehta, who
DG of ICRISAT
served as the CE of IBA from January 2020 to
In March 2025, Renowned agricultural scientist Dr
September 2024.
Himanshu Pathak assumed charge as the Director

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ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI approvals on March 11 2025 Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Ayana

On March 11, 2025, the Competition Commission of Renewable Power Private Limited.
India (CCI) has approved the following proposals: ✓ The Netherlands based Asset Management
✓ New Delhi (Delhi) based ONGC NTPC Green Group (AMG) Green Power BV’s acquired a
Private Limited (ONGPL) stake in Hyderabad (Telangana) based
acquired 100% equity share capital of Greenko Energy Holdings (GEH) from Japan
based ORIX Corporation, a Japanese
diversified financial services group.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DRDO Unveils BM-04 SRBM to NASA Launches SPHEREx and PUNCH

Enhance India’s Defense Capabilities Missions to Explore Universe’s Origins and
In March 2025, the Defence Research and Solar Wind
Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled a full- On March 11, 2025, the National Aeronautics and
scale model of its new Short-Range Ballistic Missile Space Administration (NASA) launched two
(SRBM), the BM-04, at the Vigyan Vaibhav missions Spectro-Photometer for the History of the
2025 defence exhibition in Hyderabad (Telangana). The Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices
missile is designed to strengthen India’s defence Explorer (SPHEREx) and Polarimeter to Unify the
capabilities with advanced technologies. Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) aboard a SpaceX
✓ The BM-04 missile is a canister-launched Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base,
SRBM with a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion California, the United States America (USA). The
system. missions aim to study cosmic evolution and solar
✓ It has a range of 400-1,500 kilometers (km) phenomena.
and a conventional warhead weighing 500 ✓ SPHEREx is a space telescope managed by
kilograms (kg). NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in
Pasadena, California to survey the entire sky in
Europe’s Ariane 6 Successfully Launches 102 wavelengths of infrared light, invisible to
French Spy Satellite the human eye.
In March 2025, Arianespace SA has successfully ✓ PUNCH, led by Texas(the USA) based
launched the CSO(Optical Space Component )-3 Southwest Research Institute(SwRI),
reconnaissance satellite for the French Armed Forces comprises four suitcase-sized satellites to
aboard the Europe’s next-generation heavy-lift study the Sun’s outer atmosphere (corona) and
rocket Ariane 6 from the Guiana Space Centre in solar wind.
Kourou, French Guiana, France. This mission marks
Europe’s first successful commercial launch, marking Jio & Airtel Partners with SpaceX’s Starlink
an important milestone in European space exploration. to Enhance Internet Services in India
✓ The Ariane 6 upper stage safely re-entered In March 2025, Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Earth’s atmosphere in a controlled way, fixing based Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), subsidiary of
issues seen during its test flight in July 2024. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), and New Delhi
(Delhi) based Bharti Airtel Limited (Airtel) entered into
Foxconn Launches Its First Large Language a partnership with Elon Musk’s United States of
Model, FoxBrain America (USA) based Space Exploration Technologies
On March 10, 2025, Taiwan-based Foxconn, the Corp. (SpaceX) to introduce Starlink’s satellite
world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, internet services across India.
launched “FoxBrain,” Taiwan’s first large language
model (LLM) designed to optimize manufacturing
processes and supply chain management.

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Tejas Fighter Jet Successfully Test Fires Air- Agency (ADA), demonstrating the missile’s
to-Air Astra Missile in Odisha ability to achieve a direct hit on a flying target,
On 12th March 2025, India’s indigenously developed validating its precision and operational
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas AF readiness.
MK1 successfully test-fired the Beyond Visual Range ✓ The Astra missile, designed by the Defence
Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) Astra off the coast of Research and Development Organisation
Chandipur, Odisha. (DRDO), is capable of engaging aerial targets at
✓ The test was conducted by the Bengaluru distances exceeding 100 kilometers (km) and
(Karnataka) based Aeronautical Development features advanced guidance systems for high
accuracy.

ENVIRONMENT
----

SPORTS

FIFA Banned Russia, Congo from 2026 Winners of FIDE World Junior U20 Championship
World Cup 2025:
In March 2025, Zurich(Switzerland)-based Open Category:
international governing body of football International
Earne
Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has Ran Countr
Name d
banned Russia and Congo from 2026 FIFA World k y
Points
Cup which is set to be hosted jointly by the United
States of America (USA), Canada and Mexico.
✓ The 23rd edition of FIFA World Cup will feature GM Pranav
1 India 9
104 matches being played across 16 cities in Venkatesh
the 3 countries from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
FM
Sloveni
2 Matic Lavrenc 8.5
Veteran Bangladeshi Cricketer Mushfiqur ic
a
Rahim Announced Retirement from ODIs
In March 2025, Mushfiqur Rahim, veteran wicket- GM Elham Norwa
keeper batsman from Bangladesh announced his 3 8.5
Amar y
retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket
with immediate effect. He made his debut in ODI Girls Category:
cricket almost 20 years ago. He is the only 2nd highest
Earn
run-scorer from Bangladesh (after Tamim Iqbal with
Ran ed
8357 runs) who scored 7795 runs in 274 ODIs, at an Name Country
k Point
average of 36.42 with 9 centuries and 49 half-
s
centuries.

Indian GM Pranav Venkatesh Won ‘FIDE WIM Anna

1 FIDE 9
Shukhman
World Junior U20 Championship 2025’
On March 7, 2025, Indian Chess Grandmaster IM
(GM) Pranav Venkatesh from Bengaluru Azerbaij
2 Ayan Allahverdi 8
(Karnataka) won the ‘International Chess an
yeva
Federation(FIDE) World Junior U20 (Under-20)
Championship 2025’ title, held from February 26 to 3 IM Lu Miaoyi China 8
March 7, 2025, in Petrovac, Montenegro.

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Indian GM Aravindh Chithambaram ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India beat

Wins Prague Chess Masters 2025 title New Zealand by 4 wickets, Claims 3rd
Indian Chess Grandmaster Aravindh Champions Trophy title
Chithambaram won the Masters Section of On March 9, 2025, India won the 9th Edition of the
the Prague International Chess Festival in Prague, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy
Czech Republic. He secured the title with a score of 6 title by defeating New Zealand with 4 wickets in the
points, concluding the tournament with a draw against final held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium,
Gurel Ediz of Turkey in the ninth and final round. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This victory marks
India’s 3rd win in the history of the tournament, having
India Clinches ‘2025 Asian Women’s previously won in 2002 and 2013.
Kabaddi Championship Title’ for the 5th ✓ India successfully chased the target of 252
runs, scoring 254/6 in 49
time, by Defeating Iran
overs. Rohit Sharma, the captain top-scored
On March 8, 2025, the Indian women’s Kabaddi team
with 76 runs, and Shreyas Iyer added 48 runs
won the ‘6th Edition of Asian Women’s Kabaddi
to the total.
Championship title’ by defeating Iran women’s
✓ Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) emerged as a
Kabaddi team 32-25 in the final held in Tehran, Iran.
standout performer in the 2025 ICC
The victory marked India’s 5th win in the history of the
Champions Trophy, earning both the ‘Golden
tournament, having previously won in 2005, 2007,
Bat’ and ‘Player of the Tournament’ honors
2008, and 2017 except in 2016 where South Korea
for his exceptional all-round contributions.
claimed the title.
✓ Virat Kohli became the fastest player to reach
List of winners of the Asian Women’s Kabaddi
14,000 One-Day International (ODI) runs in
Championships:
just 287 innings. He achieved this in the
Champions Trophy 2025 match against
Medal Country Score
Pakistan.
✓ Shikhar Dhawan, India’s highest run-scorer in
Gold India 213 Champions Trophy history with 701 runs
across two editions, has been appointed as
Silver Iran 111 one of the four Event Ambassadors for the
2025 ICC Champions Trophy, alongside former
Bronze Bangladesh 117 Pakistani cricketer Sarfaraz Ahmed, an
Australian all-rounder, Shane Watson, and
Bronze Nepal 82
New Zealand cricketer, Tim Southee.

OBITUARY

Australian Tennis Icon & Dual Grand Slam Renowned Classical Singer Garimella
Champion, Fred Sydney Stolle Passed Away Balakrishna Prasad Passed Away
On 06 March 2025, Australian Tennis Icon and Dual In March 2025, Renowned classical singer and former
Grand Champion Frederick Sydney Stolle, nicknamed Asthana Vidwan of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam
“Fiery Fred” or “Fiery” passed away at the age of 86. (TTD) Garimella Balakrishna Prasad passed away in
He was born on 8 October 1938 at Hornsby, New Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh (AP). He was born on 9
South Wales, Australia. November 1948 in Rajahmundry, AP.
✓ He reached world No. 1 in 1966 after defeating ✓ He was awarded the prestigious Sangeet
Australian former tennis player, John Natak Akademi Award in 2020 for his
Newcombe in the final of the United States outstanding contributions to Indian classical
Open Championship (US Open). music.

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Former India Cricketer Syed Abid Ali Passed September 1941, in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh,AP
Away (now Telangana).
On 12 March 2025, Syed Abid Ali, a former Indian ✓ Syed Abid Ali represented India in 29 Test
cricketer, passed away at the age of 83 in California, Matches from 1967 to 1974 and 5 One-Day
the United States of America (USA). He was born on 9 Internationals (ODIs) between 1974 and 1975.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

AP CM N.Chandrababu Naidu Unveils and Member of Parliament(MP) Daggubati

Daggubati Venkateswara Rao’s Book Venkateswara Rao was released in Visakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh (AP). The book launch event was
‘Prapancha Charitra’
attended by Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister
In March 2025, the book titled ‘Prapancha
(CM) of AP.
Charitra’ (World History) authored by former minister

IMPORTANT DAYS

Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025 – March 7 Suraksha,” a comprehensive guide aimed at

Jan Aushadhi Diwas (Generic Medicine Day) is empowering women across India with
annually observed on 7th March across India to raise essential cyber hygiene practices.
awareness about the importance of Generic Medicines ✓ On the eve of IWD 2025, Mumbai
and to highlight the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya (Maharashtra)- based State Bank of India (SBI)
Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). 7th March 2025 has launched a collateral-free digital MSME
marks the observance of 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas. (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) loan
✓ Jan Aushadhi Diwas Week is observed product ‘SBI Asmita’ for women
from March 1st to 7th . Last day of the Jan entrepreneurs, offering additional interest
Aushadhi Diwas Week is observed as Jan benefits to help them expand their business.
Aushadhi Diwas. ✓ Gujarat-based Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched
“BoB Global Women Non-Resident Externa
(NRE) & Non-Resident (Ordinary) Accounts
International Women’s Day 2025 – March 8
(NRO) Savings Account,” designed
The United Nations (UN’s) International Women’s
exclusively for women Non-Resident Indian
Day (IWD) is annually observed across the globe on 8
(NRIs). Click here to read full News
March to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and
political achievements of women. IWD aims to
recognise women for their achievements without International Day of Women Judges 2025 –
regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, March 10
cultural, economic, or political. 8 March 2025 The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Women
marks 50 years of the UN’s official commemoration Judges (IDWJ) is observed annually on 10
of IWD. March across the globe to highlight the vital role of
✓ The 2025 theme of the IWD is “For ALL women in the judiciary and to advocate for gender
Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. equality within judicial systems. 10 March 2025 marks
Empowerment”. the observance of the 4th IDWJ.
✓ On March 3, 2025, ahead of the IWD 2025,
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi invited CISF Raising Day 2025 – March 10
women to share their life journeys on The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising
the NaMo Application(app) Open Forum. Day is observed annually on 10th March across India
✓ The Indian Computer Emergency Response to commemorate the establishment of the CISF in
Team (CERT-In), a functional organisation 1969 and to honour the commitment and sacrifices of
under the Ministry of Electronics and its personnel in protecting critical infrastructure and
Information Technology (MeitY), observed IWD ensuring public safety throughout the country. 10th
on 8th March 2025 and released the March 2025 marks the observance of the 56th CISF
“Cyber Security Handbook for Mahila Raising Day.

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✓ Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home ✓ WKD 2025 is observed on 13 March 2025.
Affairs (MHA) flagged off the 1st Great Indian ✓ WKD 2024 was observed on 14 March 2024;
Coastal Cyclothon 2025 to raise awareness WKD 2026 will be observed on 12 March 2026.
about national security in coastal areas,
emphasizing the threats posed by smuggling, World Rotaract Day 2025 – March 13
including drugs, weapons, and explosives. World Rotaract Day is celebrated annually on 13th
March to honor the contributions of Rotaractors, young
World Kidney Day 2025 – March 13 adults aged 18 and above who are part of Rotary
World Kidney Day (WKD) is a global campaign International (RI), a global organization dedicated to
observed annually across the globe on the 2nd community service and leadership development. The
Thursday of March to highlight the critical role of day also highlights the impactful work of Rotaract
kidneys in overall health and to advocate for equal clubs worldwide.
access to healthcare and medication worldwide. The ✓ 13th March 2025 marks the 57th anniversary
day aims to raise awareness about kidney disease, its of the establishment of the first Rotaract club
impact, and the associated health challenges. in 1968.

STATE NEWS

Assam Cabinet Renames Jagiroad ✓ While presenting the budget, he highlighted

Electronic City as ‘Ratan Tata Electronic that the economy of J&K has been expanding
from Rs 1,64,103 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 2,45,
City’
022 crore in 2023-24, due to improved
On March 4, 2025, the Assam Cabinet officially
environment in the UT.
renamed the Northeast India’s first Electronic City in
Jagiroad, Morigaon district, as “Ratan Tata Electronic
City”, to honor the contributions of Mumbai Karnataka CM Siddarmaiah Presented Rs
(Maharashtra) based Tata Group and its late 4.09 Lakh Crore Budget for FY26
Chairman, Ratan Naval Tata. In March 2025, the Chief Minister (CM) of
Karnataka Siddaramaiah presented his 16th budget
Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio Presented Rs worth Rs 4.09 lakh crore(Rs 4,09,549 crore) for
Financial Year 2025-26(FY26) at the Karnataka
24,849 Crore Budget for FY26
Legislative Assembly in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The
In March 2025, the Chief Minister (CM) of
budget outlay for FY26 marked an increase of 12% i.e.
Nagaland Neiphiu Rio who also holds the finance
Rs 3.65 lakh crore in Revised Estimates (RE) for FY25.
portfolio, presented Rs 24,849 crore state budget for
✓ The budget has allocated Rs 51,034 crore for
Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) in the Nagaland
the state government’s 5 guarantee schemes,
Legislative Assembly in Kohima, Nagaland.
a decrease from Rs 56,000 crore allocated for
✓ The budget estimated the total receipts for
the scheme in FY25.
FY26 at Rs 24,849.01 crore and total
expenditure at Rs 24,699.01 crore.
Punjab Govt Launches ‘Project Hifazat’ to
J&K CM Omar Abdullah Presented Rs Ensure Women, and Child Safety
In March 2025, the Government
1.12 lakh Crore Budget for FY26 with Zero-
of Punjab launched Project Hifazat to protect women
deficit from violence on the eve of International Women’s Day
In March 2025, the Chief Minister (CM) of Union – March 8. The Project was launched by Dr Baljit Kaur,
Territory (UT) Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Omar Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child
Abdullah who also holds finance portfolio, Development of Punjab in Chandigarh, Punjab.
presented Rs 1.12 lakh crore (Rs
1,12,310 crore) state budget, excluding provisions for
Ways and Means Advances (WMA) and overdrafts for Assam FM Ajanta Neog Presented Rs
Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26), with main focus on 2.63 Lakh Crore Budget for FY26
zero-deficit budget, at J&K Assembly in Jammu, J&K. In March 2025, Ajanta Neog, Finance Minister (FM) of
Assam presented the budget worth Rs
2.63 lakh crore for Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) in

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the Assam Legislative Assembly in Dispur, Assam, with Deputy CM of AR Chowna Mein Presents Rs
Fiscal Deficit(FD) of Rs 620.27 crore. 39,842 Crore Budget for FY 26
✓ The budget expenditure of the state saw an In March 2025, Deputy Chief Minister(Dy CM) and
increase of 250% while Capital Minister -In-Charge of Finance, Planning and
Expenditure(CapEx) has increased to Rs Investment of Arunachal Pradesh (AR) Chowna Mein
24,964 crore in FY25. presented the state budget for the financial year 2025-
✓ The budget for FY26 has proposed exemption 26 (FY 26) in the assembly, with a total expenditure
of professional tax for monthly income up to of Rs 39,842.23 crore. This budget represents an
Rs 15,000 for all working people in the state 11.16% increase from the previous year estimate of Rs
under the Assam Profession, Trades, Callings, 35,840.79 crore. FY26 has been declared as the ‘Year
and Employments Taxation Act, 1947. of Human Capital.’
✓ Total receipts are estimated at Rs ✓ Revenue receipts are estimated at Rs
2,62,913.92 crore for Budget Estimates (BE) 34,544.07 crore with the state’s share of
for FY26, including state consolidated fund (Rs central taxes rising 16.61% to Rs.24,992.35
1,55,428.75 crore), public account (Rs crore, while capital receipts stand at Rs
1,05,485.17 crore) and from contingency fund 5,298.16 crore.
(Rs 2,000 crore).

Maharashtra FM Ajit Pawar Presented Rs

7.2 lakh crore State Budget for FY26
On 10 March 2025, Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief
Minister (Dy CM) and Finance Minister (FM)
of Maharashtra presented a Rs 7.20 lakh crore State
Budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) with key
provisions for industries, infrastructure, agriculture and
allied sectors, employment and social welfare.
✓ The total Expenditure for 2025-26 is Rs 7.20
lakh crore with a projected increase in
Revenue Receipts to Rs 5,60,964 crore from
Rs 5,36,463 crore (Revised Estimate,RE for
2024-25).
✓ Maharashtra is the 2nd state after Uttar
Pradesh (Rs 8.08 trillion) to propose such a
large budget.

Union Minister JP Nadda Announces 2 New

Schemes for Girl Child Welfare in Tripura Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman Presents
On March 9, 2025, Union Manipur Budget 2025-26 with Rs 35,103.90
Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Minister of Health Crore Outlay
and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), announced two new
In March 2025, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman,
welfare schemes for female children in Tripura. The
Ministry of Finance (MoF) presented the Manipur
announcement took place during the two-year
budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) in the
celebration of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led
Lok Sabha. The total expenditure is set at Rs 35,103.90
Tripura Government 2.0 at Swami Vivekananda Maidan
crore, marking a 7.5% increase from the Revised
in Agartala (Tripura).
Estimate (RE) of Rs 32,656.81 crore for FY25.
✓ Note: Manipur has been under President’s
✓ The two welfare schemes are the
Rule since February 13, 2025 following the
Mukhyamantri Balika Samridhi Yojana
resignation of Chief Minister (CM) of Manipur,
and the Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar
N. Biren Singh. As per the proclamation issued
Yojana.
under Article 356 of the Constitution, the state
✓ The schemes aim to provide financial support
legislature’s powers are now exercised by the
and encourage academic success for girls in
Parliament.
Tripura.

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✓ The estimated total receipts for FY26 stand Puducherry CM N Rangasamy Presents
at Rs 35,368.19 crore, up from Rs 32,471.90 Rs13,600 Crore Budget for FY26
crore in FY 25. Revenue receipts are projected On 12 March 2025, Natesan Krishnasamy
at Rs 27,231 crore, while capital receipts Rangasamy (N. Rangasamy), the Chief Minister (CM)
stand at Rs 8,137 crore. of the Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry, who also
holds the Finance portfolio, presented a Rs 13,600
MP FM Jagdish Devda Presented Rs crore tax-free Budget for the Financial Year 2025-26
4.21 Lakh Crore Budget for FY26 (FY26).
In March 2025, the Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) and ✓ Of the total budget, Rs 11,624.72 crore was
Minister in Charge of Finance, Madhya Pradesh allocated for Revenue Expenditure (RevEx),
(MP) Jagdish Devda presented state’s annual budget and Rs 1,975.28 crore was allocated for
worth Rs 4.21 lakh crore (Rs 4,21,032 crore) for Capital Expenditure (CapEx).
Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) at MP Legislative ✓ The CapEx is 9.80% of the total expenditure,
Assembly in Bhopal, MP. This is for the 1st time the representing a significant increase from 1.66%
budget for MP has breached the mark of Rs 4 in 2021-22, nearly a ten-fold growth.
lakh crore.
✓ Total revenue receipts are estimated UP CM Yogi Adityanath Unveils Sify Infinit
at Rs 2,90,879 crore for FY26, of which state’s Spaces’ Data Centre in Noida
tax revenue (Rs 1,09,157 crore), and state’s On March 11, 2025, Yogi Adityanath, the Chief
share in central government funds (Rs Minister (CM) of Uttar Pradesh (UP), inaugurated the
1,11,662 crore). Artificial Intelligence (AI)-ready Sify Noida 02 data
✓ The state government has prepared a vision centre campus in Noida (UP). The facility is operated
document ‘Viksit Madhya Pradesh by Sify Infinit Spaces Limited, a leading data centre
2047’, which aims to increase the state’s provider based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
GDP to Rs 250 lakh crore by 2047 and to ✓ It marks a significant milestone in the
increase per capita annual income from Rs development of India’s digital infrastructure,
1.42 lakh crore to Rs 22.35 lakh crore. enhancing the country’s AI capabilities and
supporting the growth of its digital economy.
✓ The campus is North India’s largest data
centre facility, with a total capacity of 130+
Megawatt (MW).

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