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Current Affairs Weekly PDF – Mrach 2025 – 4th Week

(25 – 31)

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Annual Report on the Status of Tigers, Prey, ✓ Micro Enterprises: Investment limit increased
and Other Mammals – 2024: NSTR Records from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2.5 crore.
Turnover limit raised from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10
76 Tigers
crore.
According to the Annual Report on the Status of
✓ Small Enterprises: Investment limit increased
Tigers, Prey, and Other Mammals – 2024, the tiger
from Rs 10 crore to Rs 25 crore.
population in the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger
Turnover limit doubled from Rs 50 crore to Rs
Reserve (NSTR) in Andhra Pradesh (AP) has
100 crore.
significantly increased, reaching 76 individuals,
✓ Medium Enterprises: Investment limit raised
excluding 11 cubs. The report has been unveiled
from Rs 50 crore to Rs 125 crore.
by Pawan Kalyan, Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) and
Turnover limit increased from Rs 250 crore to
Minister for Environment and Forests of AP.
Rs 500 crore.
✓ He also introduced the official logo of
Nagaravanams, a project initiated by the
Forest Department of AP to create urban green MoF Launched BAANKNET, e-Bkray to
spaces resembling natural forests. Enhance PSU Bank E-auctions for Asset
Sales
GoI Approves Rs 11,440 Crore Revival The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has launched a
Package for RINL revamped e-auction portal ‘BAANKNET (Bank Asset
Auction Network)’ which was originally launched in
In March 2025, the Government of India(GoI) has
January 2025, to further streamline the listing and
approved an infusion of Rs 11,440 crore as equity and
auctioning of banks’ assets.
preferential capital in Visakhapatnam(Andhra Pradesh,
✓ The portal is specifically designed to improve
AP) based Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) to
transparency and accelerate the process of
sustain its operations and ensure its continuity.
disposing of Non-Performing
✓ This decision aligns with the objectives of
Asset (NPA) cases.
the National Steel Policy, 2017, aimed at
✓ Apart from it, the platform ‘e-Bkray’ was
enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness
launched in February 2019, to boost the sale
of the steel sector.
value realized through bank e-auctions. Both
the portals developed by the Department of
MoMSME Announces New Criteria for Financial Services, MoF
MSME from April 2025
In March 2025, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and
Union MoS Jayant Chaudhary Launched
Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) updated
‘DBIM-Compliant Website’ to Strengthen
the classification criteria for businesses under
the MSME category. These changes will take effect India’s Digital Governance Ecosystem
from April 1, 2025. The revision updates the criteria set In March 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS)
in 2020. (Independent Charge, IC) Jayant Chaudhary, Ministry
The classification of MSMEs is based on investment in of Skill Development and
plant, machinery, or equipment and annual turnover Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched revamped ‘DBIM-
(TO). The revised limits are as follows: Compliant’ website. This marks a major step toward

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strengthening the digital governance ecosystem in DoP Releases Rs.5 Commemorative

India. Postage Stamp on Mata Karma
✓ The website is developed in alignment with the
In March 2025, the Department of Posts(DoP) under
Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) Version the Ministry of Communications(MoC) , issued a
3.0, which was introduced by the Ministry of
commemorative postage stamp of
Electronics and Information Technology
denomination Rs.5 to honor Mata Karma, a revered
(MeitY) in February 2025.
saint, social reformer, and devoted follower of Lord
✓ The Union MoS highlighted that the DBIM
Krishna, on her 1009th birth anniversary.
framework bolsters Government of India
✓ Chhattisgarh Chief Minister(CM) Vishnu Deo
(GoI)’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Sai has released a postage stamp of Mata
Maximum Governance’ by creating a unified
Karma during the event held in Raipur,
and citizen-centric digital ecosystem.
Chhattisgarh.

MoE Launches ‘Baalpan ki Kavita’ Make in India’s Leap in Electronics

initiative to Promote Indian Rhymes in Early Manufacturing & Exports
Education Make in India, a flagship initiative of Government of
On March 25 2025, the Department of School India (GoI) launched in 2014, has been a cornerstone
Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), under the Ministry of in transforming India into a global manufacturing hub.
Education (MoE), has launched Its key objectives were to enhance industrial
the “Baalpan ki Kavita” initiative to compile traditional capabilities, foster innovation and to develop world-
and newly composed nursery rhymes class infrastructure.
in Bhartiya Bhasha (Indian languages) and English. ✓ As a result, India’s electronics exports are
expanding swiftly, with the country’s
DPIIT Mandates BIS Certification for Hinges electronics production projected to reach USD
Effective from July 1, 2025 300 billion by 2026.
In March 2025, the Department for Promotion of ✓ India has made significant strides in mobile
and electronics manufacturing and become
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry
the world’s 2nd largest mobile manufacturing
of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) issued the Hinges
(Quality Control) Order, 2025, mandating that all country as the number of mobile
manufacturing units in India increased from 2
hinges must bear the Bureau of Indian Standards
(in 2014) to over 300 manufacturing units (at
(BIS) mark to ensure quality and curb the import of
substandard goods. present).
✓ The new guidelines will come into effect
from July 1, 2025, giving manufacturers time MoSPI Report: India’s Energy Intensity
to comply with the new standards. Improves to 0.2180 MJ/INR GDP in FY24
In March 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and
MoL&E Launched India’s Social Protection Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released
Data Drive the Energy Statistics India 2025 report, detailing India’s
energy consumption, production, and efficiency trends
In March 2025, the Ministry of Labour and
for the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24).
Employment (MoL&E) launched Phase-01 of India’s
✓ India’s energy intensity improved to
Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise. For this, it is
actively collaborating with Geneva (Switzerland)-based 0.2180 Mega Joules (MJ) in FY24, down from
0.2192 MJ in FY23. The industrial sector
International Labour Organisation (ILO) and various
contributed by reducing its energy use from
state governments, to obtain a comprehensive
overview of social protection coverage in India. 361.5 MJ to 284.2 MJ.

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✓ RE (excluding hydropower) in electricity IIM Mumbai & CAG India Signed MoU to
generation rose to 12.1% (FY24) from 6% strengthening economic governance and
(FY15).
accountability
✓ RE potential reached 21,09,655 Megawatt
In March 2025, the Indian Institute of
(MW) by March 31, 2024:
Management (IIM-Mumbai) based in Mumbai,
• Wind (55.17%): 11,63,856 MW,
Maharashtra and the Comptroller Auditor General
• Solar (35.5%): 7,48,990 MW,
(CAG) of India signed a Memorandum of
• Large Hydro (6.32%): 1,33,410 MW.
Understanding (MoU) to improve the efficiency and
transparency of public sector logistics, supply chain,
Government Discontinues MLTGD Under and inventory management.
Gold Monetisation Scheme ✓ The MoU was signed in the presence of K.
The Government of India has decided to discontinue Sanjay Murthy, CAG of India and Manoj
the Medium Term and Long Term Government Tiwari, Director, IIM-Mumbai, along with their
Deposit (MLTGD) components of the Gold respective teams in New Delhi, Delhi.
Monetisation Scheme (GMS) effective March 26,
2025. This decision follows a review of the scheme’s MoD signs contracts for procurement of
performance and evolving market dynamics. The
HMV 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles for IA
renewal of MLTGD has been discontinued with effect
In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed
from March 26, 2025.
contracts with Tata Advanced Systems
✓ The minimum deposit at any one time shall
Limited (TASL) for the procurement of High Mobility
be 10 grams of raw gold (bars, coins, jewellery
Vehicle (HMV) 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles for the
excluding stones and other metals). There is no
Indian Army(IA). The agreement was formalized in the
maximum limit for deposit under the scheme.
presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at
South Block, New Delhi(Delhi).
MoRD & UNICEF YuWaah Sign SoI to
Empower Rural Women and Youth MoD Signs Rs 2,500 Crore Contracts for
On March 26, 2025, the Ministry of Rural Development
Anti-Tank Missiles and Light Vehicles
(MoRD) of Government of India (GoI) and the United
In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed
Nations Children’s
two major contracts worth Rs 2,500 crore under the
Fund (UNICEF) YuWaah (Generation Unlimited
Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and
India) have signed a three-year Statement of
Manufactured, IDDM) category to bolster the
Intent (SOI) to enhance livelihood opportunities
operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
for rural women and youth in India through skill
The agreements, finalized in the presence of Rajesh
development, entrepreneurship, and job linkages.
Kumar Singh,Secretary of MoD.
✓ It aligns with the ‘Rural Prosperity and
✓ The MoD signed contract with Chennai (Tamil
Resilience’ Programme from the Union Budget
Nadu)-based Armoured Vehicles Nigam
2025-26, aimed at reducing underemployment
Limited (AVNL) for the Nag Missile
in agriculture through skill development,
System (NAMIS) Tracked Version and with
investment, technology, and strengthening the
Pune (Maharashtra)-based Force Motors
rural economy.
Limited & Mumbai (Maharashtra)-
based Mahindra and Mahindra Limited for the
supply of light vehicles.

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Union Minister C.R. Patil Launches a book to USD 350 billion by 2030 further
‘Ripples of Change’ strengthening India’s position in the
international market. Also, this growth is
In March 2025, Union Minister Chandrakant Raghunath
(C.R.) Patil, Minister of Jal Shakti (MoJS), launched the estimated to generate 3.5 crore jobs.
book “Ripples of Change: Gender-transformative
rural WASH programmes in India” and an upgraded MoD Signed Two Contracts worth Rs
website for the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) in New 62,700 Crore with HAL for Supply of 156
Delhi (Delhi). LCH, Prachand to the Armed Force
✓ The book was published by the Department of
In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed
Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under
two contracts with Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based
MoJS and United Nations Children’s
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL),
Fund (UNICEF) India.
‘Navratna’ Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)
under MoD, for supply of 156 indigenous Light Combat
CAG Signed Mou with BISAG-N for Geo- Helicopters (LCH), Prachand, as well as training an
Spatial Audit Enhancement associated equipment, for a total cost of Rs 62,700
In March 2025, New Delhi(Delhi) based The crore, excluding taxes.
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has ✓ As per MoD, the 1st contract is for supply
entered into a Memorandum of of 66 LCHs to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and
Understanding (MoU) with Gandhinagar (Gujarat) the 2nd is for supply of 90 LCHs to the Indian Army
Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space (IA).
Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) under ✓ The 156 LCHs will be manufactured at HAL
the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology helicopter factories based in Bengaluru and
(MeitY) to modernize audit processes using advanced Tumkur in Karnataka, with 30 LCHs to be built
technologies. annually. It is indigenously designed and
developed by HAL in collaboration with French
engine-maker Safran.
5 Years of National Technical Textile
Mission: Weaving the Fabric of Innovation
The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), a
flagship initiative of the Ministry of
Textiles (MoT) launched in 2020, to boost technical
textiles in India, has completed 5 years of successful
implementation. The key focus areas of the mission
are: research, market growth, exports, and skill
development.
✓ In February 2020, the Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime
Minister (PM) Narendra Modi had approved the 14th Edition of India-Russia Naval Exercise
NTTM with an outlay of Rs 1,480 crores for a ‘INDRA’ Commences Off Chennai
period from 2020-21 to 2025-26. In March 2025, the 14th edition of the bilateral naval
✓ Since its inception in 2020, the Government of exercise ‘INDRA’ between India and Russia
India (GoI) has allocated Rs 517 crore for commenced off the coast of Chennai, Tamil
NTTM. Nadu (TN). This six-day exercise, running until April 2,
✓ India is the world’s 6th largest exporter of 2025, underscores the enduring maritime partnership
textiles, with a 3.9% share in global textile and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
exports. The textile sector is expected to grow

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✓ Harbour phase is being organised from March

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
28 to 30, 2025 at Chennai. Sea phase will be 8.2%
(SSY)
conducted from March 31 to April 2, 2025 in
the Bay of Bengal. National Savings Certificate
7.7%
(NSC)
MoF Retains Small Savings Scheme Interest
Senior Citizens’ Savings
Rates for Q1FY26 8.2%
Scheme (SCSS)
On March 28, 2025, the Department of Economic
Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) Post Office Monthly Income
announced that Small Savings Scheme (SSS) interest 7.4%
Scheme (PO-MIS)
rates will remain unchanged, for 1st Quarter of
Financial Year 2025-26 (Q1FY26) i.e. from April 1, Mahila Samman Savings
7.5%
2025 to June 30, 2025, maintaining the same rates Certificate (MSSC)
as Q4FY25 (January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025).
Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes for
Q1FY26: NITI FTH, CII & AICTE Launch Dx-EDGE for
MSME Digital Transformation
Rate of In March 2025, the NITI Frontier Tech Hub (NITI-FTH)
Interest of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming
Instruments from April 1, India), in collaboration with the New Delhi (Delhi)-
2025 to June based Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) under the
30, 2025 Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) and
the New Delhi-based All India Council for Technical
Post Office Savings Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education
4.0%
Deposit(POSD) (MoE), launched the Digital Excellence for Growth and
Enterprise (Dx-EDGE) initiative.
1-Year Post Office Time
6.9%
Deposits (POTD)
NITI Aayog Launches 2nd Edition of Trade
2-Year Post Office Time Watch Quarterly for Q2 of FY25
7.0%
Deposits (POTD) In March 2025, Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member of the
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI)
3-Year Post Office Time Aayog released the second edition of the “Trade
7.1%
Deposits (POTD) Watch Quarterly” (TWQ) publication for the Second
Quarter of the Financial Year 2024-25(Q2 FY25 : July to
5-Year Post Office Time
7.5% September) in New Delhi, Delhi.
Deposits (POTD)
✓ India’s total trade grew by 5.67% to USD 839
5-Year Post Office Recurring billion, during April–September 2024
6.7% compared to the same period in 2023, with
Deposits (PORD)
exports rising 5.23% to reach USD 395 billion
7.5% (will and imports increasing 6.07% Year-on-Year
Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) mature in 115 (Y-o-Y), reached USD 445 billion.
months)

Public Provident Fund (PPF) 7.1%

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IA Conduct ‘Prachand Prahar‘ Exercise in integrated multi-domain warfare exercise, ‘Ex

High-Altitude Himalayan Terrain Prachand Prahaar’, in the high-altitude terrain of
Arunachal Pradesh(AR). The exercise, conducted from
In March 2025, the Indian Army(IA), in partnership with
the Indian Air Force(IAF) and other branches of the March 25 to 27, 2025 under the Eastern Command, to
enhance the joint operational capabilities of the Indian
Indian Armed Forces, carried out a high-intensity,
Armed Forces.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

UNFAO Report at CGRFA-20: Global Crop (USD 266 billion, CEO of Meta (formerly
Diversity Under Threat as Nine Crops Facebook) Mark Zuckerberg at (USD 242
billion), co-founder of Oracle, Larry Ellison
Dominate Production
(USD 203 billion).
In March 2025, the United Nations Food and
✓ India’s Roshni Nadar & family of HCL
Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) based in Rome,
Technologies Limited, Ranks 5 with 40 billion
Italy published the Third Report on the State of the
in Top 5 Women billionaires in the world.
World’s (SoW3) Plant Genetic Resources for Food and
Top five billionaires in India:
Agriculture (PGRFA), raising concerns about the
declining diversity of plant genetic resources. Total
✓ The report was released on the 20th meeting Net
of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Wort
Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) in Rome. Ran
Name Company h
✓ The report states that despite the cultivation of k
(USD
around 6,000 plant species, the report Billio
revealed that 60% of global crop production n)
depends on just nine crops, sugarcane,
maize, rice, wheat, potatoes, soybeans, oil
Mukes Reliance
palm fruit, sugar beet, and cassava.
h Industries
1 Amba Limited(RIL), 100
Hurun Global Rich List 2025: Elon ni & Mumbai(Mahara
Musk topped; Mukesh Ambani emerges as family shtra)
India’s Richest Person
Gauta
In March 2025, China based Hurun Research Institute
m Adani Group,
released the “2025 Hurun Global Rich List“, Mukesh
2 Adani Ahmedabad(Guj 97
Ambani, Chairman & Managing Director(CMD) of
& arat)
Reliance Industries Limited(RIL), emerged as the
family
India’s Richest Person with a total net worth of USD
100 billion and ranked as the World’s 17th richest Roshn HCL
Person (10th in 2024). This is the 14th edition of Hurun i Technologies
Global Rich List. The rankings are based on wealth 3 Nadar Limited, Noida, 40
calculations as of January 15, 2025. & Uttar
✓ Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of family Pradesh(UP)
Tesla and SpaceX reclaim the title of
the world’s richest person for the fourth time Dilip Sun
4 29
with total net worth of USD 420 billion, Shang Pharmaceutical
followed by founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos

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✓ According to the index, Gujarat International

hvi & Industries
Finance Tec-City (Gift City) in Gujarat, has
family Limited, Mumbai
achieved the top rank in the ‘reputational
Azim advantage’ category and improved its position
Wipro Limited, from 45th to 40th in the fintech ranking.
Premji
5 Bengaluru, 25 ✓ In GFCI 37, New York City (United States of
&
Karnataka America, USA) continues to hold the top
family
position with a rating of 769, followed
by London (United Kingdom, UK) in second
19th SMW: Pioneering Maritime Innovation place with 762 points. Hong Kong (China)
and Collaboration secures the third spot with a rating of 760.
In March 2025, the 19th edition of the Singapore
Maritime Week (SMW) 2025 was held from March 24 Indonesia Joins BRICS-Backed NDB as Its
to 28, 2025 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and 11th Member
Exhibition Centre in Singapore. Organized by the In March 2025, Indonesia officially became the 11th
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), this member of the Shanghai (China) based New
annual event celebrated Singapore’s maritime Development Bank (NDB), formerly known as the
contributions as part of the SG60 festivities, BRICS Development Bank. This strategic move aims to
commemorating 60 years of nation-building. enhance Indonesia’s access to funding for
✓ The theme for SMW 2025 is ‘Actions Meet infrastructure projects and national development
Ambition’, emphasizes decarbonization, programs.
digitalization, maritime services, and talent ✓ The decision was approved following a
development. meeting
✓ SMW 2025 was launched by Murali Pillai, between Dilma Vana Rousseff, President of
Minister of State for Ministry of Law and NDB,
Ministry of Transport of Singapore, and Lee and Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo, Pr
Hsien Loong, Senior Minister of Singapore. esident of Indonesia, at the State Palace in
✓ Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry Jakarta, Indonesia.
of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) ✓ The other 10 members of NDB are Algeria,
of Government of India (GoI) led India’s Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Russia,
delegation at SMW 2025, inaugurated the South Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE),
‘India Pavilion’ and IRClass Pavilion to highlight and Uruguay.
India’s emergence as a global maritime hub
driven by sustainability and digital innovation.
✓ During SMW 2025, India and Singapore signed IUCN released 1st Green Status
a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate on a Assessment for Lion in Africa and India
Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC). In March 2025, Gland (Switzerland)-based
International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) released its 1st Green Status Assessment for
GFCI 37: GIFT City Leads in Reputational
the Lion (Scientific name: Panthera leo). The report has
Advantage & Improves FinTech ranking termed the lion as ‘largely depleted’, while the
In March 2025, the China Development Institute species remains ‘Vulnerable’ on the International
(CDI) in Shenzhen (China) and Z/Yen Partners in Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) Red list.
London (the United Kingdom, UK) released the 37th ✓ The IUCN 1st introduced ‘green status’ in a
edition of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI paper in the journal titled ‘Conservation
37). Biology’ in July 2021. It was developed to tell a
‘species’ full conservation story.

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✓ As per 2023 IUCN Red List of Threatened nearly 670 adult and sub-adult lions in India
Species for the Lions, a population of around (Gujarat Forest Department 2020).
23,000 adult and sub-adult lions in Africa and

BANKING & FINANCE

BoB Launches Baroda mDigiNext Mobile (AIFs) including private equity and debt funds,
App to Enhance Corporate Cash enabling them to invest in listed debt
securities rated ‘A’ or below. Now, such
Management
investments will be considered equivalent to
In March 2025, Vadodara (Gujarat) based Bank of
investments in unlisted securities for
Baroda (BoB), one of India’s leading Public Sector Bank
regulatory compliance.
(PSB), launched the’ Baroda mDigiNext’
mobile application (App), a dedicated cash
management services app for its corporate customers PSBs’ Dividends Increases 33% to Rs
using Baroda Cash Management Services (BCMS). 27,830 crore in FY24: GoI data
According to Government of India (GoI)’s latest data,
RBI imposes monetary penalty on IDBI Bank Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have witness an increase
of 32.7% in dividend payout to Rs 27, 830 crore in the
& Citibank N.A
Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24) compared to Rs 20,
In March 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
964 crore recorded in FY23. This increase reflects a
imposed penalties on Mumbai(Maharashtra)
significant improvement in financial health of these
based IDBI Bank Limited, formerly known as Industrial
PSBs, compared to record losses of Rs 85,390 crore
Development Bank of India Limited (IDBI) and New
registered in FY18.
York, the United States of America(USA)
✓ Of the total dividend received, approximately
based Citibank N. A for violating rules under the
65% (Rs 18,013 crore) was paid to GoI
Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
towards their stake in FY24.
✓ The data further revealed that GoI had
SEBI to Constitute High-Level Committee to received Rs 13,804 crore as dividend from
Review Conflict of Interest in Top Ranks PSBs including Mumbai(Maharashtra) based
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based market State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest PSB, in
regulator, Securities Exchange Board of FY23.
India (SEBI)has approved the setting up of a High-Level
Committee (HLC) to review provisions related to NSDC & PayPal Formalised MoU to Provide
governance and revamp its rules on conflict of interest
Skill Development Opportunities to Youth in
and disclosure obligations for board members and
Fintech Sector
senior officials.
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
✓ This decision was taken during SEBI’s 1st
and PayPal, California, the United States of America
meeting under its new chairperson
(USA)-based financial technology (fintech)
of Tuhin Kanta Pandey.
company formalised a Memorandum of Understanding
✓ SEBI has approved a proposal to double
(MoU) as part of PayPal’s Corporate Social
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) investment
Responsibility (CSR) program to launch a
threshold for granular beneficial ownership
comprehensive skill development initiative targeting
(BO) disclosures from existing Rs 25,000
India’s Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance
crore to Rs 50,000 crore.
✓ The Board of SEBI has eased investment (BFSI) sector.
restrictions for Category-II Alternative Funds

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RBI: RRBs Get 5 More Years to Amortise Company (NBFC) under the Cyrus Poonawalla Group,
Additional Pension Liabilities introduced an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered
Underwriting Solution in collaboration with the Indian
On 20 March 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
issued a directive regarding the Amortisation of Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay),
Mumbai.
Additional Pension Liability in Regional Rural Banks
(RRBs). As per the directive, RRBs are now permitted
to amortise the additional pension liability over 5 HDFC Bank Launches ‘Embassy Fixed
years starting from March 31, 2025, with a minimum Deposit Scheme’
of 20% expensed annually. It applies to all the RRBs In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based HDFC
with effect from financial year 2024-25. Bank Limited introduced the ‘Embassy Fixed Deposit
(FD) Scheme’, also termed the Diplomat FD Scheme,
CIRL Partners with LIC to Enhance IR tailored for diplomatic staff and embassy personnel in
Services for Policyholders India.
In March 2025, , Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based
Centrico Insurance Repository Limited (CIRL), BluPine Energy secures Rs 1,787 cr funding
subsidiary of Central Depository Services (India) from NaBFID
Limited (CDSL) has entered an agreement with In March 2025, Gurugram(Haryana)
Mumbai-based Life Insurance Corporation of based BluPine Energy Private Limited, a Renewable
India (LIC) to provide Insurance Energy(RE) services company backed by global
Repository (IR) services. infrastructure investor Actis, has secured Rs 1,787
crore in funding from Mumbai(Maharashtra) based
ADB & Shriram Finance Sign USD 150 National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and
million Loan Agreement for MSME & Development (NaBFID).

EV Financing in India
In March 2025, Manila (Philippines) based Asian RBI Revises PSL Norms to Boost Credit
Development Bank (ADB) and Chennai (Tamil Nadu, Access, Effective from April 1, 2025
TN) based Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), (formerly On March 24,2025 The Reserve Bank of
Shriram Transport Finance Company, STFC) one of India (RBI) revised guidelines on Priority Sector
India’s largest Non-Banking Financial Companies Lending (PSL) to boost credit access. These guidelines
(NBFCs) have signed a USD 150 million loan were issued under – ‘Master Directions – Reserve Bank
agreement to enhance financial access for Micro, of India (Priority Sector Lending – Targets and
Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India. Classification) Directions, 2025’. These Directions
✓ The USD 150 million loan is part of USD 306 shall come into effect on April 01, 2025.
million financing package led by ADB, which The Reserve Bank of India has, from time to time,
includes USD 150 million co-financing from issued a number of instructions/ guidelines to banks
the Tokyo (Japan) Japan International relating to PSL. The following are the major changes:
Cooperation Agency (JICA). ✓ Enhancement of several loan limits, including
✓ Additionally, Rs.500 million (USD 5.80 million) housing loans for enhanced PSL coverage,
from Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Export- ✓ Broadening of the purposes based on which
Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank). loans may be classified under ‘Renewable
Energy’,
Poonawalla Fincorp Launches AI-Powered ✓ Revision of overall PSL target for Urban Co-
operative Bank (UCBs) to 60 per cent of
Underwriting Solution with IIT Bombay
Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit
In March 2025, Pune (Maharashtra)-based Poonawalla
Fincorp Limited (PFL), a Non-Banking Financial

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 Weekly Content PDF

Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures undertaking under the Ministry of Railways(MoR),

(CEOBSE), whichever is higher. signed a Rupee Term Loan (RTL) agreement worth Rs.
• UCBs are required to achieve an 5,000 crore with New Delhi based NTPC Renewable
overall PSL target of 75 per cent of Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a subsidiary of NTPC
ANBC or CEOBSE, whichever is Green Energy Limited(NTPC GEL).
higher, by FY2025-26, with interim
targets of 60 per cent (FY2023-24) IREDA Secured JPY 26 billion ECB Facility
and 65 per cent (FY2024-25).
from SBI Tokyo
✓ Expansion of the list of eligible borrowers
In March 2025, New Delhi(Delhi) based State-owned
under the category of ‘Weaker Sections’, along
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
with removal of the existing cap on loans by
Limited (IREDA), ‘Navratna’ Central Public Sector
UCBs to individual women beneficiaries. Click
Enterprise (CPSE) under the control of Ministry of New
here to read full News
and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has signed Japanese
Yen (JPY) 26 billion (Rs 1,476 crore) facility agreement
BoI & NIACL Announces Partnership to for raising External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) from
Enhance General Insurance Products India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), State Bank of
In March 25, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Bank India (SBI)’s Tokyo branch in Japan.
of India (BoI), one of India’s leading Public Sector ✓ This facility agreement also includes a green
Banks (PSUs) has entered into a strategic partnership shoe option of JPY 10 billion.
with Mumbai based New India Assurance Company
Limited (NIACL), India’s largest nationalized general JICA Signs 6 ODA Loan Agreements worth
insurance company to provide general insurance
Rs.11,181 crore with GoI
products to BoI customers.
In March 2025, the Japan International Cooperation
✓ BoI also signed its first-ever Memorandum of
Agency (JICA) of Japan has signed 6 Official
Understanding (MoU) with Indian Air Force
Development Assistance (ODA) loan agreements with
(IAF) to extend tailored banking benefits
the Government of India (GoI), totaling Japanese Yen
through the ‘BoI Rakshak Salary Package’ to
(JPY) 191,736 million (around Rs.11,181 crores).
IAF personnel, veterans, and
✓ A substantial sum of Rs.4,649 crores will be
Agniveers recruited under the Agnipath
allocated to the Delhi Metro Phase 4 project,
scheme.
led by the Delhi Metro Rail
Corporation(DMRC), to enhance urban
Bandhan Bank Signs MoU with IAF for mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and
Shaurya Salary Account decrease air pollution in the National Capital
In March 2025, Kolkata, West Bengal(WB) based Region.
Private lender Bandhan Bank has signed a ✓ An additional investment of Rs.3,065
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Air crores has been earmarked for
Force (IAF) to introduce the Bandhan Bank Shaurya building seawater desalination plant(II)
Salary Account, a zero-balance corporate salary in Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN).
account tailored for IAF personnel, veterans, and ✓ Assam’s fisheries sector will receive Rs.209
families. crores for Assam State Aquaculture Promotion
and Livelihood Improvement Project to
IRFC Signs Rs.5,000 Crore Loan Agreement enhance aquaculture production, strengthen
supply chains, and improve livelihoods in line
with NTPC Renewable Energy
with India’s Act East Policy.
In March 2025, New Delhi(Delhi) based Indian Railway
Finance Corporation (IRFC), a public sector

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✓ Punjab has been allocated Rs.669 crores for Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai
the Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resources (Maharashtra)-based India’s largest Public Sector Bank
Conservation Project. (PSB), State Bank of India (SBI) to expand its access to
✓ Rs.483 crores will be allocated to solar financing across the country.
improve India’s forest governance and
biodiversity conservation.

RBI Imposes Penalties on HDFC Bank,

Punjab & Sind Bank, and KLM Axiva Finvest
In March 2025, the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) imposed monetary penalties on Mumbai
(Maharashtra)-based HDFC Bank Limited, New Delhi
(Delhi) based Punjab & Sind Bank (PSB) and
Hyderabad (Telangana) based KLM Axiva
Finvest Limited for failing to comply with RBI regulatory
guidelines.
✓ HDFC Bank was fined Rs.75 lakh for non-
compliance with RBI’s Know Your Customer
(KYC) regulations.
✓ PSB was fined Rs.68.20 lakh for not reporting
of borrowers with non-fund exposures of Rs.5 SEBI Issued New Guidelines for Intraday
crore. Index Derivative Monitoring Effective from
✓ KLM Axiva Finvest was fined Rs.10 lakh for
April 1, 2025
not complying with dividend declaration
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based market
requirements.
regulator, Securities Exchange Board of
India (SEBI) issued new guidelines for monitoring of
Zuno General Insurance become India’s first intraday position limits for exchanges and clearing
insurer to Integrates ‘PHYD’ as Standard corporations (CCs).
Feature in Motor Insurance ✓ As per the new norms, stock exchanges will
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Zuno monitor position limits for index derivatives on
General Insurance Limited (formerly Edelweiss an intraday basis, with effect from April 1,
General Insurance) has launched ‘Zuno SmartDrive’, 2025.
making Pay-How-You-Drive (PHYD) a standard feature ✓ Also, SEBI has clarified that no penalties will
in its motor insurance policies. be imposed for breaching existing position
✓ This makes Zuno the first insurer in India to limits during the trading day until further notice.
integrate mobile telematics into car insurance ✓ Sebi proposed new position limits for index
policies at no additional cost, shifting from derivatives to better reflect actual market risks.
traditional fixed pricing to behavior-based • For index options, the end-of-day
premiums. limits are set at Rs 500 crore (net) and
Rs 1,500 crore (gross), while intra-day
limits are Rs 1,000 crore (net) and Rs
Luminous Signed MoU with SBI to Expand
2,500 crore (gross).
Solar Financing in India • For index futures, the end-of-day limit
In March 2025, Gurugram (Haryana)-based Luminous has been increased from Rs 500 crore
Power Technologies Private Limited, India’s leading to Rs 1,500 crore, with an intra-day
solar energy solutions company, has signed a limit of Rs 2,500 crore.

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✓ In March 2025, SEBI has extended the restrictions that limited their role primarily to overnight
deadline for Regulated Entities (REs) which liquidity management., excluding the Marginal Standing
comes under its purview such as Alternative Facility (MSF), and selectively in long-term Variable
Investment Funds (AIF), depositories, Credit Rate Repo (VRR) operations.
Rating Agencies (CRAs), among others, to
adopt Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience SEBI Grants In-Principle Approval to ASK
Framework (CSCRF) until June 30, 2025, a 3-
Group for Mutual Fund Business
month extension from the original date.
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based ASK
Asset & Wealth Management Group (ASK
RBI Allows Standalone Primary Dealers Group) backed by Blackstone Inc. (United States of
(SPDs) in Repo Operations America, USA) secured in-principle approval from
On 26th March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Mumbai(Maharashtra) based the Securities and
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted Standalone Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch its Mutual
Primary Dealers (SPDs) to participate in all repo Fund (MF) business.
operations across tenures, removing previous

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Japanese Consortium Signed MoU to Asia-Pacific(APAC) 2025. It lowered India’s Gross

Establish Green Ammonia Production Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for the fiscal
year 202-26 (FY26) to 6.5% from the previous
Facility in Odisha
projection of 6.7%.
In March 2025, a consortium of 6 leading Japanese
companies including, IHI Corporation (formerly known
as Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.); SIDBI Signed Mou with CMAI & SICS to
Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc. (HEPCO); Mitsubishi Strengthen Textile MSME Sector
Gas Company, Inc. (MGC), shipping major Mitsui In March 2025, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh(UP) based the
O.S.K. Lines Limited, Inc. (MOL); Mizuho Bank, Small Industries Development Bank of
Ltd. (MHBK), and Tokyo Century Corporation has India (SIDBI) has entered into two significant
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the
explore investment opportunities in a green ammonia Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Clothing Manufacturers’
production project currently under development in Association of India (CMAI) and the Surat(Gujarat)
India. based Sachin Industrial Co-operative Society
✓ As per the MoU, a new green ammonia Limited (SICS).
production facility will be established in IN-SPACe Appoints SVCL as Fund Manager
Odisha, by 2030 in partnership with for Rs. 1000 Crore VC in Space sector
Gurugram(Haryana) based ACME Cleantech In March 2025, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) based Indian
Solutions Private Limited(part of ACME
National Space Promotion and Authorization Center
Group), a leading Renewable Energy (RE)
(IN-SPACe) under the Department of Space (DOS) of
company. Government of India (GoI) has appointed Mumbai
(Maharashtra) based SIDBI Venture Capital Limited
S&P Global Lowers India’s GDP (SVCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Small Industries
Growth to 6.5% for FY26 Development Bank of India (SIDBI) as the fund
On March 25, 2025, New York, the United States of manager for a Rs. 1,000 crore venture capital (VC)
America (USA) based S&P Global Ratings (formerly fund aimed at promoting India’s space sector.
Standard & Poor’s) released its Economic Outlook for

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JSW Steel becomes world’s most valuable MobiKwik Launches MSBPL as Wholly
steelmaker with USD 30.3 bn market cap Owned Unit for Stock Broking
In March 2025, Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Steel In March 2025, Gurugram(Haryana) based One
Limited has become the world’s most valuable steel MobiKwik Systems Limited(MobiKwik), a prominent
company by market capitalization, reaching USD 30.3 fintech company expanded its financial services
billion. This milestone places JSW Steel ahead of portfolio by incorporating a wholly owned
industry giants like the United States of America(USA) subsidiary, MobiKwik Securities Broking Private
based Nucor Corporation( USD 29.4 billion) and Limited (MSBPL), following approval from the Ministry
Luxembourg based ArcelorMittal S.A(USD 27.1 billion). of Corporate Affairs(MoCA).

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Eminent Hindi Writer Vinod Kumar Shukla ✓ Launched in 2017, TNIAMP is a significant
selected for 59th Jnanpith Award project designed to enhance the productivity
and climate resilience of irrigated agriculture
In March 2025, Renowned Hindi poet and
across 47 river sub-basin areas in TN.
novelist Vinod Kumar Shukla has been selected for
the 59th Jnanpith Award(2024) for his remarkable
contribution to Hindi literature. The announcement was Violinist R K Shriramkumar Receives
made by a distinguished selection committee, chaired 2025 Sangita Kalanidhi Award of The Music
by Pratibha Rai, a previous Jnanpith awardee. Academy
✓ With this award, he becomes the first writer In March 2025, eminent Carnatic violinist R K
from Chhattisgarh and the 12th Hindi
Shriramkumar has been conferred with the Sangita
author to receive this honor. The recipient is
Kalanidhi award for 2025 by Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)
awarded Rs 11 lakh, a bronze statue of
based The Music Academy, Madras to recognizes his
Goddess Vagdevi, and a citation.
exceptional contributions to Carnatic music.
✓ The Sangita Kalanidhi award includes a cash
TN Wins National Award for Efficient Water prize of Rs.1 lakh, in addition to a gold medal
Resource Management and a birudu patra (citation).
In March 2025, the Tamil Nadu (TN) government’s
Water Resources Department (WRD) was awarded Union Minister Piyush Goyal Conferred
the “Excellence in Integrated Water Resources National IP Awards 2024
Management, 2024” by the Central Board of Irrigation
On March 26, 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal,
and Power (CBIP), a body under the Union
Minister of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) conferred
government.
the National Intellectual Property (IP) Awards 2024
✓ This recognition acknowledges WRD for its
at the award function held at Bharat Mandapam, New
exemplary efforts in managing water resources
Delhi (Delhi).
through the implementation of the Tamil Nadu
✓ The awards were conferred annually to
Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation
recognize and reward individuals, institutions,
Project (TNIAMP), funded by the World Bank.
organizations, and enterprises for their

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outstanding contributions to IP creation and Rana Dasgupta won Yale’s 2025 Windham
commercialization. Campbell Prize for Non-fiction
✓ It underscores India’s commitment to fostering
In March 2025, Rana Dagupta, renowned British
innovation and strengthening its IP ecosystem, author of Indian origin has been named the winner
aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
of 2025 Windham Campbell Prize in the ‘non-fiction
✓ The National IP Awards 2024, presented
category’ by (United States of America, USA)-based
across 13 categories, recognised outstanding
Yale University.
contributions from individuals, academic
✓ He received this award in recognition of his
institutions, startups, and corporations, further
insightful critique of global hypercapitalism,
strengthening India’s position as a global industrialization, politics, and class, as
innovation leader.
demonstrated in his book ‘Capital: A Portrait
Click here to read full News
of Twenty-First Century Delhi’.
✓ Each recipient will receive a citation, award
and monetary prize of USD 175,000 to
support their literary work.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

GoI Appoints Rahul Bhave as MD & CEO of Dilma Vana Rousseff Re-elected as
IFCI for three years President of NDB
In March 2025, the Government of India (GoI) On March 23, 2025, Dilma Vana Rousseff, the former
appointed Rahul Bhave as the President of Brazil, was re-
Managing Director (MD) and Chief elected as the President of the
Executive Officer (CEO) of New New Development Bank (NDB)
Delhi (Delhi) based IFCI (formerly known as BRICS
Limited (formerly Industrial Development Bank) for a term
Finance Corporation of India), extending until 2030, following unanimous approval by
under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for a term of three the NDB board. She became the Chair of the NDB in
years. March 2023, taking over from Marcos Troyjo.
✓ He succeeds Manoj Mittal, who served as MD
& CEO from June 2021 to July 2024 and is Ashok Singh Thakur elected as Chairman of
currently the Chairman & Managing
INTACH
Director (CMD) of Small Industries
In March 2025, New Delhi (Delhi)-based Indian
Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
(INTACH) elected Ashok Singh Thakur as its
MoL&J appoints Justice Harish Tandon as CJ new Chairman for a three-year term during its Annual
of Orissa High Court General Meeting (AGM) held at its headquarters in
In March 2025, the Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J) New Delhi.
has notified the appointment of Justice
Harish Tandon as the Chief Justice (CJ) of the Orissa Parminder Chopra Assumed Additional
High Court (HC). The appointment was made
Charge as CMD of REC Limited
under Article 217(1) of the Constitution of India by Smt.
In March 2025, Parminder Chopra has assumed
Droupadi Murmu, President of India.
additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director
(CMD) of REC Limited (formerly Rural Electrification
Corporation Limited), a ‘Maharatna’ Central Public

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Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the administrative Sanjay Kumar Mishra appointed full-time
control of Ministry of Power (MoP), for period of 3 EAC-PM member
months or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
In March 2025, Sanjay Kumar Mishra, former Director
✓ She succeeds Vivek Kumar Dewangan, who of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), was appointed as
completed his tenure on March 20, 2025. She
a full-time member of the Economic Advisory Council
is currently serving as CMD of state-owned
to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).
Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC).
This appointment fills the vacancy created after the
demise of former chairman Bibek Debroy in November
2024.

Rajiv Guaba appointed as 5th full-time

member of NITI Aayog
In March 2025, the Government of India(GoI)
appointed Rajiv Gauba, the former Cabinet
Secretary(CS) of India, as the 5th full-time member of
the New Delhi(Delhi) based National Institution for
Transforming India (NITI Aayog) with immediate effect.

SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty

Elected as Chairman of IBA
In March 2025, the managing committee of the Indian
Banks’ Association (IBA) has
elected Challa Sreenivasulu(C.S)
WFI President Sanjay Kumar Singh Elected Setty, Chairman of the State Bank of
as a Bureau Member of UWW-Asia India (SBI), as Chairman of
In March 2025, Sanjay Kumar Singh, President of the the IBA for the next fiscal 2025-26.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was elected as a ✓ He was elected during the 77th Annual
bureau member of United World Wrestling (UWW)- General Meeting (AGM) of the IBA held in
Asia through elections held during UWW general Mumbai, Maharashtra.
assembly in Amman, Jordan. ✓ He succeeded Matam Venkata Rao, Managing
Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Indian-origin Jay Bhattacharya Appointed as of Central Bank of India (CBoI), who was
appointed as Chairman of IBA in 2024.
18th Director of NIH
✓ Manimekhalai, Managing Director (MD) and
In March 2025, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, an Indian-origin
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Union Bank of
professor at Stanford School of Medicine, was
India (UBI), Mumbai .
confirmed as the 18th Director of Maryland(the United
✓ Swarup Kumar Saha, MD and CEO of Punjab
States of America, USA) based National Institutes of
& Sind Bank (PSB), New Delhi (Delhi).
Health (NIH) by the United States(US) Senate.
✓ Madhav Nair, Country Head & CEO of Bank of
✓ The appointment followed a 53-47 roll-call
Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) headquartered in the
vote during the first session of the 119th
Kingdom of Bahrain.
Congress. He succeeded Dr. Monica M.
Bertagnolli, whose tenure concluded on 17
January 2025.

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SRMB Steel appoints Rohit Sharma as Brand Banking Financial Company (NBFC),
Ambassador appointed Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah as
its brand ambassador. This collaboration aims
In March 2025, Kolkata (West Bengal, WB) based
SRMB Srijan Steel Private Limited to strengthen LTF’s brand presence and
engage its diverse customer base across India.
(SRMB Steel), a leading
manufacturer and supplier of
Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) Ambuj Chandna Appointed as MD & Head of
bars in India, announced the Consumer Banking Group at DBS Bank India
appointment of Indian cricket team captain Rohit In March 2025, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based DBS
Sharma as its brand ambassador. Bank India, a prominent player in the Indian banking
✓ Rohit Sharma joins former Indian World Cup- sector, has announced the appointment of Ambuj
winning captains Mahendra Singh Chandna as its new Managing Director (MD) & Head of
Dhoni and Kapil Dev as part of SRMB Steel’s Consumer Banking Group.He replaces Prashant Joshi,
celebrity endorser lineup. who joined DBS Bank India in August 2020.
✓ In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based ✓ His appointment comes shortly after Rajat
Larsen & Toubro Finance Limited (L & T Verma took over as Chief Executive Officer
Finance(LTF)) (formerly L & T Finance (CEO) of DBS Bank India on March 1, 2025,
Holdings Limited(LTFH)), a leading Non- replacing Surojit Shome.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI Approvals on March 25, 2025 ✓ Acquisition of 100% equity shareholding in 11

On March 25 2025, the Competition Commission of road SPVs from Ashoka Group by Epic
India (CCI) has approved the following proposals: Concesiones 2 Private Limited (ECP2PL).
✓ Acquisition of Athaang Devanahalli Tollway
Private Limited (ADTPL), Athanng Jammu Authum Investment to Acquire SIDBI’s ARC
Udhampur Highway Private Arm for Rs.260 Crore
Limited (AJUHPL) and Quazigund Expressway
In March 2025, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Non-
Private Limited (QEPL) by Cube Highways
Banking Financial Company (NBFC) Authum
Trust (Cube Trust) and Cube Highways and
Investment & Infrastructure Ltd, has received
Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd. (Cube V).
approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
✓ Proposed combination which involves inter-
acquire a 79.28% stake in India SME Asset
alia, Maple Infrastructure Trust (MIT); CDPQ
Reconstruction Company Ltd (ISARC), an Asset
Infrastructures Asia III Inc. (CPDQ
Reconstruction Company(ARC) sponsored by the
Asia); Maple Highways Pte Ltd; 360 ONE
Lucknow, UttarPradesh (UP) based Small Industries
Private Equity Fund; and certain road assets
Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for Rs.260 crore.
of Ashoka Buildcon Group.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

GSL Launches 2nd Frigate ‘Tavasya‘ of 1135.6 (Yard 1259). This frigate was built 56%
Project 1135.6 for Indian Navy indigenously in India, marking a significant leap from
the 25% indigenization seen in its foreign-built
On March 22, 2025, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a
counterparts.
leading defence shipyard based in Goa, India,
✓ It aligns with India’s goal of achieving Rs.
launched ‘Tavasya’, the second frigate of Project
50,000 crores in defence exports by 2029.

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✓ Tavasya, derived from the mace of Bhima in DRDO & IN Successfully Conducted Flight-
the Mahabharata, symbolizes the strength of test of Indigenously Developed VL–SRSAM
the Indian Navy. The frigate measures 124.8
In March 2025, Defence Research & Development
meters (m) in length, 15.2 m in width, and has Organisation (DRDO) and Indian
a draught of 4.5 m and a top speed of 28
Navy (IN) successfully conducted the flight-test of
knots.
indigenously-developed Vertically-Launched Short
✓ It is equipped with stealth capabilities,
Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL–SRSAM) from the
BrahMos missile systems, torpedo launchers,
Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the
and advanced sonar and sensor systems.
Odisha coast.
✓ In October 2016, India and Russia signed a ✓ The test was conducted with all weapon
contract under an India-Russia Inter-
system elements which include: missile with
Governmental Agreement (IGA) for four Krivak-
indigenous Radio Frequency(RF) seeker,
class stealth frigates. Multi-Function Radar(MFR) and Weapon
Control System(WCS) deployed in combat
Liquid Robotics & Sagar Defence configuration, have performed as per
Engineering Sign MoU to Manufacture ASVs expectations.
In March 2025, the United States of America (USA) ✓ It is a next-generation SAM, indigenously
based Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, signed designed and developed by the contribution of
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai various DRDO’s facilities such as: Hyderabad
(Maharashtra)-based Sagar Defence Engineering (Telangana)-based Defence Research and
Private Limited, an Indian unmanned systems Development Laboratory (DRDL); Hyderabad
startup, to co-develop and co-produce Autonomous (Telangana)-based Research Centre
Surface Vessels (ASVs). Imarat (RCI) and Pune (Maharashtra)-based
Research & Development
Establishment (Engineers).
Paras Defence Secures Rs.142 crore
✓ It is manufactured by Hyderabad (Telangana)-
Contract from CHESS to Develop Anti- based Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a
Drone Laser System Central Public Enterprise (CPSE) under the
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Paras control of Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Defence and Space Technologies Limited has
secured a contract worth Rs.142.31 crores from the
GE Aerospace Delivers First F404-IN20
Hyderabad (Telangana) based Centre for High Energy
Engine to HAL for Tejas LCA-Mk1A Fighter
Systems & Sciences (CHESS), a division of
the Defence Research and Development Organisation Jet
(DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). On March 26, 2025, the United States of America
(USA) based General Electric Company (GE
Aerospace), a leading engine manufacturer,
Bellatrix Aerospace & Astroscale Japan
announced the delivery of the first of 99 F404-
Partner for Space Debris Removal and In- IN20 engines to Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based
Orbit Mobility aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
In March 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Bellatrix (HAL), for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk
Aerospace Private Limited has signed a Memorandum 1A fighter jet program.
of Understanding (MoU) with Aerospace Japan, a ✓ In 2023, GE Aerospace signed a Memorandum
subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc. based in Tokyo, of Understanding (MoU) with HAL to explore
Japan to enhance efforts in active debris removal, joint production of the F414 engines in India.
satellite servicing, and in-orbit mobility.

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IN Launches 10th Ammunition Cum partnership with Chandigarh (Punjab) based Terminal
Torpedo Cum Missile Barge ‘LSAM 24 (Yard Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), a unit under
the Defence Research and Development Organisation
134)’ in Maharashtra
(DRDO), successfully tested a First Person View (FPV)
On March 26, 2025, the Indian Navy (IN) successfully
drone equipped with an impact-based kamikaze-role
launched its ‘10th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum
anti-tank munition in Pathankot, Punjab. It is a first-
Missile (ACTCM) Barge’, Large Scale Additive
of-its-kind project, designed for precision strikes
Manufacturing (LSAM 24) (Yard 134) was launched
against armored vehicles.
at M/s Suryadipta Projects Private Limited based in
✓ The drone has been developed by Major
Thane, Maharashtra.
Cephas Chetan of IA and the TBRL team, led
✓ The launch Ceremony was attended by
by Dr Raghvendra.
Commodore Rahul Jagat, SPS, Submarine
Overseeing Team (SOT), Mumbai
(Maharashtra) as the Chief Guest. ISRO Successfully Tests Semi-Cryogenic
✓ These Barges have been indigenously designed Engine and Electric Propulsion Thruster
and built by the Shipyard in collaboration with In March 2025, the Indian Space Research
an Indian Ship Design firm and Indian Register Organisation (ISRO) achieved a milestone by
of Shipping (IRS) respectively. conducting a successful Engine Power Head Test
Article (PHTA) for its Liquid Oxygen (LOX)/Kerosene
SpaceX Launched HEX20’s ‘Nila‘ Satellite 200T thrust semi-cryogenic engine at the Semi Cryo
Integrated Engine Test Facility (SIET) at ISRO
into Space
Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri (Tamil
In March 2025, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)
Nadu, TN).
based HEX20 India, a small satellite manufacturing
✓ This successful test paves the way for
startup, achieved a significant milestone by launching
enhancing Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3),
its maiden satellite, ‘Nila,’
increasing its payload capacity.
aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission, a service
✓ Conducted by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion
offered by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, to provide
Systems Centre (LPSC), the test lasted 2.5
dedicated rideshare opportunities for small satellites.
seconds and validated critical subsystems like
✓ The ‘Nila’ mission is designed to test and
the pre-burner, turbo pumps, start system, and
validate HEX20’s indigenously developed
control components.
subsystems.
✓ The satellite is named after Kerala’s Nila River,
highlighting its cultural importance. BEML unveils indigenous 12×12 High
✓ ‘Nila’ was developed in just four months and Mobility Vehicle for Defence
launched with the support of Berlin (Germany) In March 2025, Bengaluru(Karnataka) based Public
based satellite deployer Exolaunch GmbH. Sector Undertaking (PSU) BEML Limited (formerly
Bharat Earth Movers Limited) , launched its
IA Successfully Test India’s 1st Kamikaze indigenously designed and manufactured High Mobility
Vehicle (HMV) 12×12 at its Palakkad (Kerala) complex.
FPV Drones with Kamikaze Anti-Tank
Developed for the Vehicles Research and
Munitions Development Establishment (VRDE), a unit of New
In March 2025, the Indian Army’s (IA) Fleur-De-Lis Delhi(Delhi) based Defence Research and
Brigade (2nd Independent Armoured Brigade), in Development Organisation (DRDO).

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 Weekly Content PDF

ENVIRONMENT

New Freshwater Algae Species ‘Sheathia BU Researchers & ZSI Discovered New
Rosemalayensis’ Discovered in Western Marine Parasitic Isopod Species
Ghats ‘Lobothorax Bharat’
In March 2025, researchers from Kothamangalam In March 2025, Researchers of department of zoology,
(Kerala) based Mar Athanasius College have Berhampur University (BU) based in Odisha, in
discovered a new species of freshwater algae, collaboration with Ganjam (Odisha)-based Estuarine
“Sheathia rosemalayensis”, in the Western Ghats of Biology Regional Centre (EBRC) of Zoological Survey of
Kerala. The research on Sheathia rosemalayensis was India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of marine
published in Phycologia, an international journal parasitic isopod. The species has been named
dedicated to the study of algae. ‘Lobothorax Bharat’ in honor of India, the homeland of
✓ The species Sheathia rosemalayensis was the scientists behind the discovery.
discovered in Rosemala, located in the Kollam ✓ The Researchers from Baripada (Odisha)-
district of Kerala. It is named after the region, based Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja
as the Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri. Deo University (MSCB University) have found
a new species of wild ginger from Similipal
Biosphere Reserve (SBR) located In
Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.

SPORTS

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri Claims First F1 dominant performance, securing a 57-

Chinese Grand Prix Win 34 victory over the same opponent.
Australia’s Oscar Jack Piastri, a Formula One (F1)
driver for McLaren, claimed his first Chinese Grand Indian Gymnast Pranati Nayak Wins Bronze
Prix (GP) 2025 victory at the Shanghai International in Vault Final at FIG World Cup 2025 in
Circuit in Shanghai, China, by leading the race from Turkey
pole position to the finish.
Indian gymnast Pranati Nayak, a 29-year-old
✓ British racing driver Lando Norris (McLaren)
Olympian, secured a bronze medal in the vault final at
claimed second place, making it a strong one-
the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG)
two result for McLaren. It also marks 50th such World Cup (WC) in Antalya, Turkey. This marks Pranati
achievement for the team in F1 history.
Nayak’s second medal at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics
Apparatus World Cup, following her bronze in the vault
Kabaddi World Cup 2025: India Clinches event at Cairo in 2024.
both Men’s and Women’s title in UK
In March 2025, India emerged victorious in both CWG medalist B Sumeeth Reddy
the Men’s and Women’s Kabaddi World Cup (KWC) Announces Retirement from Badminton
2025, held in Wolverhampton, the United Kingdom
In March 2025, India’s doubles badminton specialist B.
(UK). Captain Ritu Negi led the Indian women’s squad.
Sumeeth Reddy, a 2022 Commonwealth Games
Captain Pawan Sehrawat led the Men’s team.
(CWG) mixed team silver medalist, announced
✓ The Indian Men’s team clinched the title in a his retirement from professional badminton to focus
closely contested final, defeating England 44-
on coaching. At the time of his retirement, he held
41, while the Indian Women’s team delivered a
the world badminton ranking of 25.

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 Weekly Content PDF

AFA Partners with HSBC for 2025 Season in Top 5 States in the Medal Tally
India and Singapore
G
In March 2025, the Argentine Football Association Ra Sil Bro To
State ol
(AFA) and London (the United Kingdom, UK) nk ver nze tal
d
based HSBC Holdings plc., announced a one-year
partnership to promote football-related activities in
Harya 3 10
both India and Singapore. 1 39 31
na 4 4

Khelo India Para Games 2025: Haryana Tamil

Topped the Medal Tally with 34 Golds. 2 Nadu 28 19 27 74
Haryana topped the medal tally with 104 medals (34 (TN)
Gold, 39 Silver, 31 Bronze) in the 2nd edition of the
Uttar
Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025, a multi-sport
3 Prades 23 21 20 64
para event under the Government of India’s (GoI) Khelo
h (UP)
India initiative held in New Delhi, Delhi from 20 to 27
March 2025.
Rajast
4 22 18 24 64
han

Mahar
5 18 13 12 43
ashtra

OBITUARY
----

BOOKS & AUTHORS

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IMPORTANT DAYS

World Puppetry Day 2025 – 21 March Earth Hour 2025 – March 22

World Puppetry Day (WPD) is annually observed The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) organizes
on 21 March worldwide to promote and honour the Earth Hour, which is observed globally every year on
ancient art of puppetry as an educational tool and the last Saturday of March. It encourages individuals,
global art form and recognise puppeteers from across communities, and businesses to switch off non-
the globe. The theme of the WPD 2025 is, “Robots, AI, essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 pm to
and the Dream of the Puppet?“ 9:30 pm, as a symbol of commitment to the planet.
✓ The annual observance of the WPD is led by ✓ Earth Hour 2025 was observed on 22nd March
the oldest international theatre organisation in 2025 and marks observance of 19th year of
the world, UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Earth Hour. Earth Hour 2026 will be observed
Marionnette), a Non-Governmental on the 28th of March 2026.
Organization (NGO) affiliated with the United ✓ Earth Hour was first launched by the WWF
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund)
Organization (UNESCO).

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 Weekly Content PDF

and its partners in Australia in 2007 as a “lights global challenges like climate change and extreme
off” initiative. weather.
✓ Every 23 March, the WMD commemorates the
World Water Day 2025 – March 22 coming into force of
the Convention establishing the World
The United Nations (UN’s) World Water Day is
Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 23
observed annually across the globe on 22 March to
March 1950.
highlight the importance of freshwater and address the
✓ The theme for World Meteorological Day 2025
global water crisis.
is “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together“.
✓ The theme for World Water Day 2025
is ‘Glacier Preservation’, emphasizes the
critical role of glaciers in freshwater supply and World Tuberculosis Day 2025 – March 24
the urgent need for conservation amid climate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is annually observed
change. across the globe on 24th March to raise global
✓ In 2025, the United Nations Educational, awareness about TB and mobilize efforts to eliminate
Scientific and Cultural the disease.
Organization (UNESCO) and the World ✓ The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2025
Meteorological Organization (WMO) are the is ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit,
leading UN agencies responsible for the Invest, Deliver’, emphasizes urgency,
celebration. accountability, and collective action.
✓ The 2025 World Water Development Report ✓ Note: The United Nations (UN’s) Sustainable
(WWDR), titled ‘Water Towers: Mountains Development Goals (SDGs) aims to end TB
and Glaciers’, is published by by 2030.
the UNESCO under UN-Water. ✓ On World TB Day 2025, Union Minister of State
✓ On World Water Day 2025, the Ministry of Jal (MoS) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science
Shakti (MoJS), in collaboration with and Technology (MoS&T) announced
the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate the completion of 10,000 genome
Change (MoEFCC) and the Government sequences of Mycobacterium
of Haryana, launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan: tuberculosis isolates, marking progress
Catch the Rain (JSA:CTR) toward India’s goal to eliminate TB by 2025—
– 2025 in Panchkula, Haryana. five years ahead of the World Health
Organization (WHO)’s 2030 target.
Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day 2025 –
March 23 International Day for the Right to the Truth
Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day is observed annually Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations
across India on 23rd March to commemorate the and for the Dignity of Victims 2025 – March
martyrdom of three iconic revolutionaries : Bhagat 24
Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, who
The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for the
were executed by the British government in 1931 for
Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights
their pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle.
Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, observed
annually across the globe on March 24, is dedicated to
World Meteorological Day 2025 – March 23 honoring the victims of serious human rights violations
The United Nations (UN’s) World Meteorological Day and advocating for justice.
(WMD) is annually observed on 23 March worldwide to ✓ The day also commemorates the legacy
raise awareness about the significance of of Monsignor Oscar Arnulfo Romero, a
understanding weather and climate patterns in tackling prominent human rights activist from El
Salvador, who was assassinated on March 24,

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 Weekly Content PDF

1980, for speaking against oppression and ✓ World Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the
violence. International Theatre Institute ITI, the World
Organization for the Performing Arts, which
International Day of Remembrance of the was founded in 1948 by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic
Organization(UNESCO) and the International
Slave Trade 2025 – March 25 Council for Theatre.
The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of
Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the
World Piano Day 2025 – March 29
Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed globally on 25
World Piano Day is observed annually across the
March each year to honor the millions who suffered
globe on the 88th day of the year (typically March 28
under the transatlantic slave trade, regarded as one of
or 29) to symbolize the 88 keys of a standard piano.
the most severe human rights violations in history.
World Piano Day 2025 was observed on March 29,
✓ The theme for 2025 International Day of
2025, marking the 10th anniversary of its
Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and
establishment in 2015.
the Transatlantic Slave Trade is “Acknowledge
the past. Repair the present. Build a future of ✓ In 2015, World Piano Day was established by
Nils Frahm, German pianist and composer.
dignity and justice.”
World Piano Day 2026 will be observed
on March 29, 2026.
International Day of Solidarity with Detained
and Missing Staff Members 2025 – March 25
International Day of Zero Waste 2025 – 30
The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of
March
Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Zero
Members is observed worldwide every year on March
Waste also known as Zero Waste Day is annually
25 to honor those who face detention, abduction, or
observed across the globe on 30 March to underscore
violence while serving in global peace and
humanitarian missions. the significance of bolstering global waste
management and the need to promote sustainable
✓ The day commemorates the anniversary of
consumption and production patterns to combat the
the abduction of Alec Collett, a journalist
working for the United Nations Relief and waste pollution crisis.
✓ 30 March 2025 marks the observance of
Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
the 3rd International Day of Zero Waste.
Near East (UNRWA) in 1985 by a gunman from
the Palestinian Abu Nidal group in Lebanon. ✓ In 2025, for the first time, the International
Day of Zero Waste was observed under
the theme, “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion
World Theatre Day 2025 – March 27 and Textiles”.
World Theatre Day is observed annually across the ✓ The observance of the Day is facilitated jointly
globe on 27th March to honor theatre’s cultural by the United Nations Environment
significance and its role in fostering global unity. The Programme (UNEP), the leading global
day underscores theatre’s power to bridge cultural authority in the UN system, and the UN Human
divides, inspire dialogue, and promote peace. March Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
27, 2025, marks the 63rd World Theatre Day.

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STATE NEWS

Zanskar Winter Sports and Tourism Festival ✓ Women’s Welfare and Safety Education and
2024-25 Held in Ladakh Skill Development: Rs 5,100 crore has been
earmarked for the Mahila Samridhi Yojana,
In March 2025, the Department of Youth Services &
which will provide Rs 2,500 per month to each
Sports, Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh,
successfully organized the Zanskar Winter Sports and eligible woman as financial assistance.
✓ The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stipend Scheme will
Tourism Festival 2024-25 at Atting Village, Zanskar
be launched with a Rs 5 crore budget,
(Ladakh).
providing a Rs 1,000 monthly stipend to
Scheduled Caste (SC) students pursuing
FM of Tripura, Pranajit Singha Roy Presents technical and vocational education.
State Budget of Rs 32,423.44 Crore for FY
26 Punjab FM Harpal Singh Cheema Presents
In March 2025, Finance Minister (FM) of
Rs 2.36 Lakh Crore Budget for FY26
Tripura, Pranajit Singha Roy presented the state’s
On 26 March 2025, Harpal Singh Cheema, Finance
budget for the financial year 2025-26 (FY 26),
Minister (FM) of Punjab, presented a Rs 2,36,080
proposing a total expenditure of Rs 32,423.44 crore.
crore Budget for the Financial Year 2025-26
The overall budget size has increased by Rs 4,618.77
(FY26) with a special focus on the “Yudh Nashe De
crore compared to the previous year.
Virudh” (War Against Drugs) anti-drug campaign and
✓ Tripura government also announced a 3%
Healthcare sector improvements. A unique initiative in
Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for state
the budget is to carry out the first-ever “Drug Census”
employees, effective April 2025, raising their
in Punjab next year.
DA to 33%.
✓ The Government of Punjab launched the
✓ The Budget Estimates(BE) for FY25 stood at Rs
“Yudh Nashe De Virudh” (War Against
27,804.67 crore, which was later revised to Rs
Drugs) Campaign on 1 March 2025 to
30,296.50 crore in FY25 Revised Estimates.
completely eradicate drugs from Punjab by
The budget deficit is Rs 429.56 crore.
involving all sections of society.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Presents Rs 1 Lakh

Yaoshang Festival Celebrated in Manipur
Crore Budget for FY26
after a year
In March 2025, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister (CM) and
In March 2025, the Yaoshang Festival(the festival of
also holds the charge of Finance Minister(FM) of Delhi,
Holi), celebrated in Manipur, reflects the community’s
presented the Rs 1 lakh crore budget for the Financial
resilience in preserving cultural traditions despite
Year 2025-26 (FY 26), marking a 43.8% increase in the
challenges. Yaoshang, a five-day festival in Manipur,
total budget outlay. The budget focuses on ten key
begins on the full moon day of the Lamta
areas, including infrastructure, women’s
month (February–March).
empowerment, Yamuna rejuvenation, water supply,
and urban connectivity.
✓ The Fiscal Deficit(FD) for FY 26 is estimated Sikkim CM PS Tamang Presents Rs 16,196
at Rs 13,702 crore, marking an 899.67% rise Crore Budget for FY26
from the previous year’s revised estimate of Rs In March 2025, Chief Minister (CM) of Sikkim, also the
1,523 crore. Minister-in-Charge of the Finance Department, Prem
✓ The capital expenditure (CapEx) in this year’s Singh Tamang, presented the Annual General Budget
budget has been doubled to Rs 28,000 crore, for the Financial Year 2025-26(FY26), amounting to Rs
risen to 28% from 20% last year.

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16,196 crore, focusing on eradicating poverty and ✓ To meet financial requirements, the
achieving total literacy. government will also raise Rs 2,651
✓ For FY26, the state government has crore through borrowings.
planned Rs 11,028 crore for Revenue
Expenditure(RE) and Rs 5,168 crore for capital 7th Act East Business show held in
investment.
Meghalaya
✓ The state will generate revenue from multiple
In March 2025, the 7th Act East Business Show was
sources. The Centre’s devolution of taxes is
inaugurated by Meghalaya Chief Minister(CM) Conrad
estimated at Rs 5,519 crore, while grants and
Sangma in Shillong, Meghalaya.The three-day event
aids will add Rs 2,600 crore.
was attended by ambassadors and representatives of
✓ The state aims to collect Rs 2,076 crore from
different countries. The event, held from March 25th–
its own tax revenue, while non-tax revenue,
27th,2025, organized by Kolkata (West Bengal)-based
including earnings from government services,
Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in partnership
is expected to be Rs 1,007 crore.
with the Government of Meghalaya.

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