Table of Contents
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
In a historic move, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) granted Valueattics Reinsurance, backed by Prem Watsa and Kamesh Goyal, the first private reinsurance license in India, ending GIC Re’s monopoly since 1972. The approval was given during Debasish Panda’s final board meeting as IRDAI Chairperson on March 12, 2025. This development aims to boost competition in the reinsurance sector, where 13 foreign reinsurance branches (FRBs) like Munich Re, Swiss Re, and Lloyd’s of London currently operate.
Flipkart’s Super.money Top 5 UPI App In Feb
In February 2025, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded a 5.2% decline in transaction volume, totaling 16.11 billion transactions. Despite the dip, PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm retained their dominance, while Flipkart’s Super.money made its debut in the top five UPI apps, replacing CRED. The decline hints at user behavior shifts or potential market saturation, yet UPI remains the backbone of India’s digital payment ecosystem.
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.
Science & Technology News
Google Unveils Gemma 3: The Next Evolution in Lightweight AI Models
Google’s Gemma 3, the latest lightweight AI model, is designed for efficient on-device performance on smartphones, laptops, and other computing platforms. Leveraging the same technology as Google’s Gemini 2.0 models, Gemma 3 offers low-latency processing on a single GPU or TPU host. This innovation aims to enhance user experiences while being energy-efficient and scalable.
NASA’s SPHEREx Space Telescope Launches to Map the Universe’s Cosmic Glow
NASA successfully launched the SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) telescope aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on March 11, 2025. The $488 million mission will map the entire sky using infrared technology to study galaxy evolution, the early universe, and interstellar ice. Unlike traditional telescopes, SPHEREx will analyze the cosmic glow of all galaxies throughout history, offering insights into the universe’s expansion and formation.
Important Days
World Consumer Rights Day 2025: Date, Theme, History, and Significance
World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on March 15, aims to promote consumer rights, raise awareness, and advocate for fair practices in the marketplace. The 2025 theme, ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles’, highlights the need to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices accessible and affordable for all consumers, emphasizing consumer protection, ethical business practices, and sustainable consumption.
Pi Day 2025: Celebrating the Infinite Beauty of Mathematics
Pi Day, celebrated on March 14 (3/14), honors the mathematical constant π (Pi), approximately 3.14159. This irrational number is vital in geometry, physics, and engineering. Pi Day promotes mathematical literacy, encourages curiosity about numbers, and is cherished by mathematicians, scientists, and enthusiasts worldwide.
International Day of Action for Rivers: A Global Call to Protect Our Waterways
International Day of Action for Rivers, observed on March 14, aims to raise awareness about river degradation, climate change, and human activities like dam construction and pollution. With over 60% of the world’s rivers disrupted, this day emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to protect and restore rivers, which are vital for ecosystems and communities.
Obituaries News
Former Indian All-Rounder Syed Abid Ali Passes Away at 83
Former Indian all-rounder Syed Abid Ali passed away at 83 in the United States. Known for his agility, swing bowling, and lower-order batting, Abid Ali played a crucial role in Indian cricket history. Born in Hyderabad, he was celebrated for his all-round performances and outstanding fielding skills.
Miscellaneous News
Six New Properties Added to India’s UNESCO Tentative List
India added six new properties to its UNESCO Tentative List on March 7, 2024, increasing the total to 62 sites. Notable additions include Ashokan Edict Sites, Chausath Yogini Temples, and Kanger Valley National Park. Being on the tentative list is essential for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing India’s commitment to cultural and natural heritage preservation.
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