Table of Contents
National News
MeitY Unveils AIKosha: A Secure Hub for AI Innovation
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched key initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission to boost AI research, innovation, and skill development. The initiatives include AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform, a secured hub for datasets, models, and AI use cases with sandbox capabilities, encryption, and secure APIs. Additionally, the IndiaAI Compute Portal offers AI compute, storage, and cloud services with up to 40% subsidy on high-end GPUs (NVIDIA H100, AMD MI300x, AWS Tranium) to support AI development in India.
Empowering Women in the Mining Sector: A Step Towards Inclusivity and Leadership
The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with Coal India Limited (CIL), organized the “Celebrating Women in Mining Sector” event ahead of International Women’s Day to recognize and promote women’s contributions in mining. Attended by key ministers, industry leaders, and organizations like IBM, TATA, GSI, ADANI, and Vedanta, the event honored 46 outstanding women professionals and featured panel discussions on gender inclusivity and empowerment. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to breaking barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for women in mining.
Sahitya Akademi’s Festival of Letters 2025: A Grand Celebration of Indian Literature
The Sahitya Akademi Festival of Letters 2025, Asia’s largest literature festival, will be held at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, from 7th to 12th March 2025. Inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the event will feature Mahesh Dattani as the chief guest at the Sahitya Akademi Awards ceremony and Upamanyu Chatterjee delivering the Samvatsar Lecture. With 700 writers from 50+ languages across 100 sessions, the festival, themed on Indian Literary Traditions, will include a National Seminar, storytelling, author readings, discussions, and cultural performances, ensuring inclusive representation of young, women, Dalit, North-East, tribal, and LGBTQ writers.
International News
China Increases Defence Budget by 7.2% in 2025 Amid Rising Regional Tensions
China has announced a 7.2% increase in its 2025 defence budget, raising total spending to approximately $245 billion, as revealed at the National People’s Congress (NPC). The budget focuses on modernizing military technology, reinforcing territorial claims, and countering U.S. influence in Asia. Despite being the world’s second-largest defence spender, analysts estimate actual expenditure could be 40% higher due to unaccounted costs in other sectors.
State News
Kerala Police Strengthens Cybersecurity with Advanced Security Operations Centre (SOC)
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Advanced Cybersecurity Operations Centre (SOC) of the Kerala Police Cyber Division to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure. Developed by C-DOT, the TRINETRA system enhances police system security and critical infrastructure protection. This initiative highlights India’s commitment to indigenous cybersecurity solutions.
Awards News
PM Modi Conferred ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ for his strategic leadership and support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Union Minister Pabitra Margherita accepted the award on his behalf at a ceremony in Bridgetown, attended by Barbadian President Dame Sandra Mason, PM Mia Amor Mottley, and Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds. This honor underscores India’s strong diplomatic ties with Barbados and its commitment to global cooperation and development.
Business News
PhonePe Launches ‘Insuring HEROES’ Campaign for International Women’s Day 2025
PhonePe has launched the ‘Insuring HEROES’ campaign ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, aiming to enhance financial security for women by offering exclusive discounts on term life and health insurance. Available on the PhonePe app from March 6 to March 9, 2025, the campaign provides up to 30% off on term life insurance and 15% off on health insurance, making affordable insurance more accessible for women.
Banking News
SEBI’s Total Income Rises 48% to ₹2,075 Crore in 2023-24
SEBI recorded a 48% YoY growth in total income, reaching ₹2,075 crore in FY 2023-24, driven by higher fees and subscriptions from stock exchanges, market participants, and companies. While investment and other income also increased, total expenditure rose to ₹1,006 crore. SEBI reported substantial funds in its General Fund, Investor Protection & Education Fund (IPEF), and Disgorgement Fund, highlighting its strong financial position.
Appointments News
Anju Rathi Rana Appointed As The First Woman Law Secretary
Anju Rathi Rana has made history as India’s first woman Law Secretary, marking a significant milestone in the Ministry of Law and Justice. A distinguished Indian Legal Service (ILS) officer, she succeeds Niten Chandra, breaking a long-standing tradition of male leadership in the role. Her appointment reflects the government’s commitment to gender inclusion in top administrative positions.
Agreement News
IWAI Signs MoU with J&K Government for Boosting River Cruise Tourism in J&K
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed an MoU with the Jammu & Kashmir government to develop river cruise tourism, aiming to boost tourism, employment, and economic growth. Announced during Chintan Shivir in Srinagar in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the initiative focuses on three national waterways—River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49), and River Ravi (NW-84)—with infrastructure development and navigational improvements to facilitate cruise operations.
HDFC Bank Signs MoU with Indian Air Force and CSC Academy; Launches Project HAKK
HDFC Bank, under its Parivartan initiative, signed an MoU with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and CSC Academy to launch Project HAKK (Hawai Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra), aimed at supporting defence pensioners, veterans, and their families with financial services and skill development. The project will initially establish 25 centres at Air Force units in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Pune, Secunderabad, Guwahati, Jodhpur, Chandigarh, and other locations, promoting economic inclusiveness and welfare.
SIDBI and Federal Bank Partner to Strengthen MSME Financing
SIDBI and Federal Bank have signed an MoU to enhance financial support for MSMEs, offering project finance, equipment loans, working capital support, and loans against property. The collaboration will also explore joint financing options to improve credit access for MSMEs, reinforcing their role in India’s manufacturing and industrial growth. This initiative aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening the MSME sector, recognized as India’s economic backbone.
Ranks & Reports News
India Ranks 4th in Global Wealth Rankings: Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2025
Knight Frank’s ‘The Wealth Report 2025’ highlights the global distribution of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), with India ranking 4th worldwide. The report estimates 85,698 HNWIs in India in 2024, reflecting a 6% year-on-year growth and 3.7% of the world’s wealthy population.
Summits & Conferences News
World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025: India’s Leadership in Climate Action
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 in New Delhi, organized by TERI, to promote global partnerships for sustainable development and climate solutions. He highlighted India’s leadership in climate action through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Mission LiFE. The summit saw participation from global leaders, including Guyana’s PM Brigadier Mark Phillip and Brazil’s Minister Marina Silva, reinforcing international cooperation on environmental sustainability.
Sports News
Mushfiqur Rahim Announces Retirement from ODIs After Champions Trophy Exit
Mushfiqur Rahim has announced his retirement from ODIs after Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy campaign, ending his 19-year ODI career. The 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman shared his decision on Instagram, citing recent challenges but reaffirming his dedication and honesty toward Bangladesh cricket.
Important Days News
National Dentist’s Day 2025: Date, History, Significance and Interesting Facts
National Dentist’s Day, observed annually on March 6th, highlights the importance of oral hygiene and recognizes the dedication of dentists in maintaining dental health. This day serves as a reminder to prioritize regular dental checkups, brushing, and flossing, which are essential for strong teeth and gums. It also aims to raise awareness about oral health issues and encourage better dental care habits while expressing gratitude to dental professionals.
Jan Aushadhi Diwas: Promoting Affordable Healthcare Through Generic Medicines
Jan Aushadhi Diwas is celebrated annually on March 7 to promote generic medicines under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). A week-long awareness campaign from March 1 to March 7 highlights the benefits of affordable, high-quality medicines. This year’s celebrations began with a flagship event in NCR, emphasizing the scheme’s impact nationwide.
Obituaries News
Fred Stolle, A Tennis Legend Passes Away at 86
Fred Stolle, the legendary Australian tennis player and commentator, has passed away at the age of 86. Tennis Australia confirmed the news, honoring his extraordinary skill and contributions to the sport. Stolle was a key figure in Australia’s golden era of tennis in the 1960s, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the court.
Current Affairs Today | 07 March Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam