National News
Union Minister Lays Foundation Stone for NECTAR’s Permanent Campus in Shillong
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) permanent campus at Mawdiangdiang, Shillong, on March 13, 2025. NECTAR, established in 2014 under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), focuses on technology-driven socio-economic development in the Northeast region. The Minister highlighted NECTAR’s achievements in saffron cultivation, drone technology, and STEM education, aiming to make the Northeast the next saffron hub of India.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates First-Ever Fit India Carnival
The Fit India Carnival 2025, a three-day fitness and wellness event, was inaugurated by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on March 16, 2025, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The event focuses on promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and healthy lifestyle choices. Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, wrestling champion Sangram Singh, wellness expert Mickey Mehta, former WWE wrestler Shanky Singh, and Guinness World Record holder Rohtash Chaudhary graced the event with their presence.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Visits IIT Madras Hyperloop Testing Facility & Open House 2025 Exhibition
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras, announcing that the 410-meter-long Hyperloop tube will soon be the world’s longest high-speed tube. The Indian Railways Ministry is providing funding and technical support, while Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai is developing the electronic technology for the system. Vaishnaw also attended Open House 2025 at IIT Madras’ Guindy campus, engaging with students on semiconductors, AI, and data science, and reaffirmed India’s goal of becoming a tech leader under PM Modi’s leadership.
State News
Delhi to Sign MoU with Centre for PM-ABHIM Implementation on March 18, 2025
In a major healthcare initiative, the Delhi government will sign an MoU with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on March 18, 2025, to implement the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). The plan includes setting up 1,139 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (U-AAMs), upgrading 553 existing mohalla clinics, and establishing 413 new U-AAMs to enhance primary healthcare services and prepare for future pandemics. This decision follows a prolonged legal battle and political shift in Delhi.
International News
Armenia and Azerbaijan Finalize Peace Treaty to End 40-Year Conflict
In a historic breakthrough, Armenia and Azerbaijan finalized the text of a peace treaty on March 13, 2025, ending nearly four decades of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. However, Azerbaijan’s demand for changes in Armenia’s constitution before signing the treaty has created uncertainty regarding the official signing timeline. The agreement aims to bring stability to the South Caucasus, following the 2023 military takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan, which forced 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee to Armenia.
Business News
Adar Poonawalla Sells Magma Insurance Stake to Patanjali Ayurved and DS Group for ₹4,500 Crore
In a landmark deal in the Indian insurance sector, Adar Poonawalla’s Sanoti Properties sold its 98% stake in Magma General Insurance to Patanjali Ayurved and Dharampal Satyapal (DS) Group for ₹4,500 crore. This strategic move will enhance Magma Insurance’s position, leveraging Patanjali’s rural reach and DS Group’s financial expertise. With a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of ₹3,295 crore in 2024, Magma aims for ₹3,650-3,700 crore in 2025 and a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₹20-25 crore, offering 70+ insurance products across vehicle, health, home, fire, marine, and liability insurance.
Economy News
India’s Wholesale Inflation Remains Steady at 2.38% in February
In February 2024, India’s wholesale inflation rate rose to 2.38%, slightly higher than January’s 2.31%, as reported by the Ministry of Commerce. The increase was driven by higher prices in manufactured food products, textiles, and non-food articles, while a decline in the Food Index provided some relief. Measured through the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), which tracks price movements at the wholesale level, this data serves as a leading indicator for future retail inflation, unlike the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which reflects retail prices.
India’s Forex Reserves See Sharpest Jump in Two Years: RBI Data
India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by $15.267 billion, reaching $653.966 billion during the week ending March 7, 2025, marking the sharpest rise in over two years. This spike was driven by the $10 billion forex swap conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on February 28, 2025, aimed at injecting liquidity into the system. The previous week’s reserves stood at $638.698 billion, while the all-time high was $704.885 billion in September 2024.
India – New Zealand Announce Launch of FTA Negotiations
India and New Zealand officially launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on March 16, 2025, in New Delhi, during a meeting between Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay. This marks India’s second FTA in the Oceania region, after the India-Australia ECTA (2022). The FTA aims to enhance supply chain integration, expand market access, and boost economic resilience. The announcement precedes the bilateral meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon, who is on his first official visit to India.
Defense News
BEL Signs ₹2,906 Crore Deal with MoD for Indigenous LLTR (Ashwini) Radar
In a major boost to India’s air defence, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the procurement of the Low-Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) Ashwini, developed by DRDO’s Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE). The indigenous radar, based on solid-state technology, can track aerial targets like drones, helicopters, and fighter jets, and features Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) and an Integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system for 4D surveillance. This deal supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and enhances India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Summits & Conferences News
India Participates in 353rd Governing Body Meeting of ILO in Geneva
Led by Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, India emphasized social protection, fair migration, living wages, and responsible business conduct. India supported the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the Second World Summit for Social Development, while showcasing key initiatives like EPFO (7.37 crore members), ESIC (14.4 crore beneficiaries), e-Shram Portal (30.6 crore workers), PM Jan Arogya Yojana (60 crore beneficiaries), and Targeted PDS (81.35 crore beneficiaries). India’s social protection coverage reached 48.8%, surpassing the global average by 5%.
What is Raisina Dialogue 2025?
The 10th Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, will be held in New Delhi from March 17 to 19, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event, while New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon will be the Chief Guest, delivering the keynote address. This milestone edition will emphasize India’s pivotal role in global affairs and foster international cooperation on pressing global challenges. (Click here to read article)
Sports News
Hockey India Awards 2024: Check Complete List of Winners
The Hockey India Annual Awards 2024, held in New Delhi, celebrated 100 years of Indian hockey and the 50th anniversary of India’s 1975 Men’s Hockey World Cup victory. The top honors went to Harmanpreet Singh and Savita Punia, who won the Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of the Year (Men & Women). Other notable winners include Savita Punia (Goalkeeper of the Year), Amit Rohidas (Defender of the Year), Hardik Singh (Midfielder of the Year), and Abhishek (Forward of the Year). The Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the 1975 World Cup Winning Team. (Click here to read article)
India Shines with 33 Medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025
India excelled at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, held in Turin, Italy, winning a total of 33 medals — 8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze. The Indian contingent showcased remarkable talent, with Snowshoeing emerging as a strong discipline, contributing 10 medals. On the final day, India secured 12 more medals, including silver for Vasu Tiwari, Shalini Chauhan, and Tanya, and a bronze for Jahangir in the 25m Snowshoeing event, highlighting India’s endurance and training.
India Masters Clinch Historic IML 2025 Title
In a thrilling finale, India Masters, led by Sachin Tendulkar, defeated West Indies Masters, captained by Brian Lara, by six wickets at the SVNS International Stadium. The victory not only revived the golden era of cricket but also earned India Masters the ₹1 crore prize money. The match witnessed a crowd of nearly 50,000 fans, making it a memorable event in cricket history.
Hockey Jharkhand Crowned 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Champion
In a historic victory, Hockey Jharkhand clinched their first-ever title at the 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025, defeating defending champions Hockey Haryana in a thrilling final at the Tau Devi Lal Complex, Panchkula. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to a penalty shootout, where Hockey Jharkhand emerged victorious.
Science & Technology News
Chandrayaan-5 Mission Approved by the Centre: A Major Leap in Lunar Exploration
India’s Chandrayaan-5 mission, announced by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on March 16, 2025, aims to conduct an advanced study of the Moon’s surface in collaboration with Japan’s JAXA. Unlike Chandrayaan-3’s 25 kg rover ‘Pragyan’, this mission will deploy a 250 kg rover, significantly enhancing India’s lunar exploration capabilities with a focus on mineralogical and geological analysis.
India Generated $143 Million by Launching Foreign Satellites Since 2015
India has solidified its position as a global space leader, generating USD 143 million in foreign exchange revenue by successfully launching 393 foreign satellites from 34 countries via ISRO’s PSLV, LVM3, and SSLV launch vehicles. Key contributors include 232 satellites from the US, 83 from the UK, and 19 from Singapore, along with others from Canada, Germany, France, Japan, UAE, and more. This success has paved the way for future ambitious missions like Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035.
Important Days
National Vaccination Day 2025: Date, History, Significance and Impact
National Vaccination Day, observed on March 16, marks India’s commitment to public health through immunisation. It commemorates the first dose of the oral polio vaccine administered on March 16, 1995, under the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme, which played a vital role in eliminating polio from India. The day highlights the importance of universal vaccination coverage and reflects on India’s achievements in immunisation while focusing on safeguarding the health of future generations.
Obituaries News
Maharana Pratap’s Descendant Arvind Singh Mewar Dies at 81
Arvind Singh Mewar, descendant of Maharana Pratap and chairman of the HRH Group of Hotels, passed away at 81 on March 16, 2025, at Udaipur’s City Palace after a prolonged illness. His demise marks the end of an era for the House of Mewar, renowned for preserving Rajput heritage and promoting tourism in Udaipur.
Veteran Tamil Actor-Comedian Bindu Ghosh Passes Away at 76
Bindu Ghosh, a veteran Tamil comedian, passed away at 76 on March 16, 2025, in Chennai after battling a prolonged illness. Born as Vimala, she began her career as a child artist in the 1960 classic Kalathur Kannamma, alongside a young Kamal Haasan, and gained fame for her exceptional comic timing and vibrant on-screen presence in Tamil cinema.
Renowned Odia Poet Ramakanta Rath Passes Away
Ramakanta Rath, a renowned Odia poet and former IAS officer, passed away at 90. Born on December 30, 1934, in Puri district, he began his poetic journey at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, where he studied English literature. Known for iconic works like Saptama Ritu, Sri Radha, and Sandigha Mrigaya, Rath redefined Odia poetry with philosophical reflections and unique expressions. Honored with the Padma Bhushan, Saraswati Samman, and Atibadi Jagannath Das Award, he also excelled in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
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