National News
Amit Shah Unveils Schemes and Projects Worth Over Rs 800 Crore in Bihar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched development projects and welfare schemes worth over Rs 800 crore in Bihar on International Cooperative Day. The initiatives include Rs 111 crore for cooperative sector development, focusing on cooperative banking, agricultural credit, and PACS. Rs 421 crore was allocated for urban development and affordable housing, while Rs 181 crore was dedicated to law enforcement infrastructure, including 133 new police stations. Additionally, Rs 109 crore was invested in road transport and highway projects to enhance connectivity and trade.
State News
Home Minister Amit Shah Unveils Maharaja Agrasen’s Statue & Other Initiatives
On March 31, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a statue of Maharaja Agrasen, inaugurated an ICU facility, and laid the foundation stone for a PG hostel in Hisar, Haryana, alongside CM Nayab Singh Saini. He praised Haryana’s historical contributions, Maharaja Agrasen’s economic cooperation model, and PM Modi’s development policies. Shah highlighted the Modi government’s efforts in poverty alleviation, healthcare, and infrastructure, commending Haryana’s double-engine government for transparent governance, job creation, and agricultural growth.
Banking News
90th Anniversary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI): A Milestone in India’s Financial History
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025, marking nine decades of financial governance and monetary policy regulation. Established on April 1, 1935, under the RBI Act, 1934, it was nationalized in 1949. Key milestones include economic liberalization in 1991, and recent advancements in digital payments and financial inclusion. The first Governor was Sir Osborne Smith, while Sir C.D. Deshmukh was the first Indian Governor.
Business News
Renault to Acquire Nissan’s Stake in India Manufacturing Unit, Taking Full Ownership
Renault Group will acquire the remaining 51% stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) from Nissan Motor Corp, gaining 100% ownership of the Chennai manufacturing facility. This follows a 2023 agreement where Renault and Nissan invested $600 million to develop six new models for the Indian market. RNAIPL, established in 2010 as a joint venture, saw Nissan reduce its stake to 51% in 2023. This acquisition strengthens Renault’s control over its Indian manufacturing and supports its broader global restructuring strategy.
UPI Transactions Hit Record Rs 24.77 Trillion in March 2025, Marking New High in FY25
UPI transactions hit a record high in March 2025, reaching Rs 24.77 trillion in value and 19.78 billion in volume, marking a 13% increase in value and 14% rise in volume from February. This milestone reflects strong digital payment adoption in India. For FY25, UPI saw Rs 260.56 trillion in transaction value (+30% YoY) and 131.14 billion transactions (+42% YoY), reinforcing its dominance in India’s digital economy.
Economy News
India’s GST Collections Surge 9.9% YoY in March 2025, Reaching Rs 1.96 Lakh Crore
India’s GST collections surged 9.9% YoY in March 2025, reaching Rs 1.96 lakh crore, driven by economic activity and increased compliance. The breakdown includes CGST (Rs 38,100 crore), SGST (Rs 49,900 crore), IGST (Rs 95,900 crore), and GST Cess (Rs 12,300 crore). Net GST collections after refunds stood at Rs 1.76 lakh crore (7.3% YoY growth). For FY25, total GST revenue hit Rs 22.08 lakh crore (9.4% YoY growth), aligning with the government’s 11% GST revenue projection.
India’s 6.5% Growth Highest Amongst Advanced, Emerging G20 Nations: Moody’s
Moody’s Ratings projects India’s GDP growth at 6.5% for FY 2025-26, making it the fastest-growing economy among G20 nations despite a slight slowdown from 6.7%. Growth is driven by tax policy reforms, monetary easing, and domestic market resilience. Key factors include a higher income tax rebate (I-T exemption raised to Rs 12 lakh) and RBI’s interest rate cut to 6.25%, boosting consumer spending and business investments. Inflation is expected to average 4.5%, supporting economic stability.
Appointments News
Ambuj Chandna Joins DBS Bank India as MD & Head of Consumer Banking Group
Ambuj Chandna, a veteran banker with over 16 years of experience at Kotak Mahindra Bank, has joined DBS Bank India as Managing Director (MD) and Head of Consumer Banking Group. His move follows Rajat Verma’s appointment as CEO of DBS India in March 2025. Chandna previously served as President and Head of Consumer Bank (Products) at Kotak Mahindra and has a background in retail banking and lending from roles at Deutsche Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. He replaces Prashant Joshi, who had joined DBS in 2020.
Uttarakhand Government Renames 15 Places to Reflect Indian Culture and Heritage
On March 31, 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the renaming of 15 places across Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar to honor Indian cultural heritage and historical figures. The decision, based on public demand and historical significance, aims to instill pride and awareness. Notable changes include Aurangzebpur to Shivaji Nagar, Miyanwala to Ramji Wala, and Nawabi Road to Atal Marg, reflecting a broader trend of cultural and historical realignment in India. (Click here to read article)
Sarhul Festival of Jharkhand 2025
The Sarhul Festival, celebrated by Adivasi communities in the Chhotanagpur region, particularly in Jharkhand, marks the arrival of spring and the start of the new year. Held on April 1, 2025, it honors the Sal tree, revered as the abode of Sarna Maa, the village deity. The festival symbolizes the union of the Sun and Earth, essential for life, and holds deep cultural, ecological, and political significance, particularly for asserting Adivasi identity and rights.
Naini Lake’s Facing Depleting of Water Levels
Naini Lake, a crucial water source for Nainital, is facing a critical decline in water levels, hitting a five-year low of 4.7 feet, raising concerns about potential drinking water scarcity. The lake provides 76% of the town’s water demand, but factors like decreased rainfall, reduced snowfall, unplanned development, and pollution have worsened the situation. Experts emphasize the need for a holistic conservation approach, including natural rejuvenation and sustainable development practices to address the challenges.
Awards News
Renowned Historian MyNaa Swamy to Receive Prestigious Ugadi Award
The Andhra Pradesh government will honor renowned historian and archaeologist MyNaa Swamy with the prestigious Ugadi Award for his exceptional contributions to historical research and social service. Conferred by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the award includes the ‘Kalaratna’ title, ‘Hamsa’ medal, a certificate of appreciation, and a cash prize. The ceremony will be held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, Vijayawada, on Sunday.
Books & Authors News
The Great Conciliator A Book On Lal Bahadur Shastri
Sanjeev Chopra’s book, The Great Conciliator: Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Transformation of India, delves into the life and legacy of India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. Chopra highlights Shastri’s often overlooked contributions, including the formation of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the iconic “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” slogan. The book underscores Shastri’s approach to leadership, marked by consensus-building and pragmatism, which helped stabilize India post-Nehru and strengthen its administrative framework.
Defense News
Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025: Strengthening India-US HADR Cooperation
Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025, the fourth edition of the India-US bilateral Tri-Service HADR exercise, will take place from April 1-13, 2025, on the Eastern Seaboard. Aimed at enhancing interoperability in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, it will focus on developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a Combined Coordination Center (CCC) for joint crisis response. The exercise includes a Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam (April 1-7) and a Sea Phase off Kakinada (April 8-13), featuring joint maritime, amphibious, and medical aid operations. Key participants include the Indian Navy (INS Jalashwa, INS Gharial, P-8I aircraft), Indian Army (91 Infantry Brigade), Indian Air Force (C-130, MI-17 helicopters), and the US Navy (USS Comstock, USS Ralph Johnson, US Marine Division).
Sports News
Aryna Sabalenka Wins Miami Open 2025, Defeats Jessica Pegula in Straight Sets
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka claimed her first Miami Open title by defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the final, completing the tournament without dropping a set. This victory marked her 19th WTA title, including 8 WTA 1000 titles and 3 Grand Slam titles. Sabalenka’s dominance was evident as she broke Pegula’s serve to love in the first set and showcased aggressive shot-making in the second. She became only the third WTA No.1 to reach the finals of the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Miami Open in the same year.
Science & Technology News
SpaceX Successfully Launches Fram2 Mission: First Humans to Travel Over Earth’s Poles
On March 31, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched the Fram2 mission, marking the first-ever human spaceflight to orbit Earth from pole to pole. Aboard the Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the all-civilian crew will conduct 22 experiments during their 3 to 5-day mission in a 90-degree polar orbit (430 km altitude). Historic firsts include the first x-ray in space, mushroom growth in microgravity, and Dragon crew recovery on the U.S. West Coast. The crew features Chun Wang (Commander), Jannicke Mikkelsen (Vehicle Commander), Rabea Rogge (Pilot), and Eric Philips (Medical Officer & Specialist).
Important Days
Utkal Dibasa: Honoring Odisha’s Formation
Utkal Divas (Odisha Day) is celebrated annually on April 1 to commemorate Odisha’s formation in 1936 as India’s first linguistic state, separating from the Bengal Presidency. The region, historically known as Kalinga, was famed for its prosperity, Kalinga War (261 BCE), and cultural advancements. Under British rule, Odisha was divided, fueling the statehood movement led by Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, and Fakir Mohan Senapati. Organizations like Utkal Sabha (1882) and Utkal Sammilani (1903) played a vital role, leading to Odisha’s official recognition on April 1, 1936.
World Autism Awareness Day 2025: Date, Theme, History And Significance
On April 2, 2025, the United Nations (UN) observes World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) under the theme “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) and the UN Department of Global Communications, the event highlights the role of inclusive policies in supporting autistic individuals and contributing to the SDGs. Established in 2007 by UNGA Resolution A/RES/62/139, WAAD now promotes acceptance, inclusion, and the contributions of autistic individuals, focusing on healthcare, education, employment, and urban development.
Miscellaneous News
Ahmedabad’s Famous Saudagari Block Print Receives GI Tag
The Saudagari block print, a traditional craft from Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing it as an important part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage. This 300-year-old textile art involves hand-carving wooden blocks, dipping them in natural dyes, and creating intricate designs on fabric, traditionally used for items like kurtis, chunris, shawls, and dhotis. The Chhipa community has played a crucial role in preserving this art, which was once widespread but declined due to industrialization.
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