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National News
Empowering Women PRIs Leaders: Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan & Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan and Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP) to empower Women Elected Representatives (WERs) and promote gender-sensitive governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan focuses on enhancing leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and eliminating the “Mukhiya Pati” or “Sarpanch Pati” culture. The MWFGP initiative aims to establish at least one Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat per district, fostering gender-sensitive and girl-friendly governance practices.
International News
China’s 5,000 km Radar: A Challenge for India’s Defense?
China has deployed a Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) system in Yunnan province, near the China-Myanmar border, enhancing its surveillance capabilities over India. With a detection range exceeding 5,000 km, it can monitor Indian territory and the Indian Ocean region. The electronically controlled antennas allow rapid scanning and precise tracking of multiple targets, including ballistic missile trajectories. Strategically positioned 2,000–2,200 km from India’s Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, it can monitor missile tests like Agni-V and K-4 in real-time, raising concerns for Indian security agencies.
UN Chief Announces ‘UN80 Initiative’ to Boost Efficiencies Amid Uncertainty
In response to the global financial crisis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the ‘UN80 Initiative’ to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness within the United Nations. The initiative aims to streamline operations, address shrinking resources, and improve mandate delivery. An internal task force, led by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder, with representatives from all UN bodies, will oversee the process.
Business News
LIC, New India Assurance, GIC Re Retain D-SIIs Status for 2024-25
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has designated Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), The New India Assurance Company, and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for 2024-25. These entities are crucial to the stability of the Indian financial system due to their size, market importance, and global interconnections.
Valueattics Reinsurance Becomes India’s First Private Reinsurer, Ending GIC Re’s Monopoly
Banking News
RBI Wins Digital Transformation Award 2025 for Pravaah and Sarthi Initiatives
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received the Digital Transformation Award 2025 from Central Banking, London, UK, for its successful digital initiatives, Pravaah and Sarthi, developed in-house by its IT team. These advancements have enhanced workflow management, streamlined regulatory processes, and reduced paper-based submissions, boosting operational efficiency.
RBI Issues Framework for Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for Account Aggregators
RBI has introduced a framework for Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) recognition in the Account Aggregator (AA) ecosystem, aiming to streamline financial data exchange, address operational challenges, and ensure compliance. This initiative will enhance coordination, standardisation, and dispute resolution. The AA framework, launched in September 2016, facilitates secure financial data sharing. In August 2024, RBI recognised the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) as an SRO for the fintech sector.
Economy News
Moody’s Projects India’s GDP Growth to Exceed 6.5% in FY 2025-26
Moody’s Ratings projects India’s GDP growth to surpass 6.5% in FY 2025-26, up from 6.3% in FY 2024-25, driven by higher government capital expenditure, tax cuts, and monetary easing through interest rate cuts. However, a moderate decline in banking asset quality is expected due to stress in unsecured retail loans, microfinance, and small business loans. India’s real GDP slowed to 5.6% in Q2 (July-September 2024) but rebounded to 6.2% in Q3 (October-December 2024).
Appointments News
Arun Mammen Elected as Chairman of ATMA
Arun Mammen, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd., has been elected as the Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) during its Golden Jubilee Year (2025). Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director of Bridgestone India, has been appointed as Vice-Chairman. Their leadership will focus on enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the tyre industry through advanced technology and policy enablers.
N Ganapathy Subramaniam Appointed as Chairman of Tata Communications
N Ganapathy Subramaniam (NGS) has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tata Communications, effective from March 14, 2025. His appointment was based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as mentioned in the company’s regulatory filing.
Defense News
India Successfully Tests Astra BVRAAM from LCA Tejas AF MK1 Prototype
India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) successfully tested the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas AF MK1 prototype off the Chandipur coast, Odisha. Developed by DRDO, the missile achieved a direct hit on a flying target, with all subsystems performing optimally. With a range of over 100 km, the Astra missile aims to enhance India’s air defense capabilities and boost indigenous missile technology.
Sports News
India Tops Medal Tally at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in New Delhi
India topped the medal tally at the 12th World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025, held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, winning 134 medals (45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze). This was India’s first time hosting the event, which will be held annually until 2028. With 150 Indian para-athletes competing in 90 medal events, the nation showcased exceptional skill and determination, securing the top position.