National News
Nuclear Power Surge: India’s Path to 100 GW
India has launched an ambitious Nuclear Mission to generate 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, opening the sector to private participation for the first time. The mission prioritizes Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) (16 MW – 300 MW) to provide scalable clean energy, especially for remote areas. With a 170% budget increase since 2014 and ₹20,000 crore allocated for five Bharat SMRs in 2024-25, the initiative also boosts indigenous R&D, including thorium-based reactors. Collaborations with France and the USA aim to accelerate nuclear advancements, supporting India’s net-zero target by 2070 and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
India Becomes the World’s Second-Largest Tea Exporter in 2024
India became the world’s second-largest tea exporter in 2024, surpassing Sri Lanka with 254 Mkg of exports, while Kenya retained the top spot. This marked a significant rise from 231 Mkg in 2023, generating ₹7,112 crore in revenue. Government policies, support for orthodox tea production, and industry initiatives have fueled this growth, with a target of 300 Mkg exports by 2030.
Digital Crop Survey (DCS) System: Ensuring Accurate Crop Data Collection
The Ministry of Agriculture has launched the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) System to enable real-time crop data collection via a mobile interface, enhancing accuracy in agricultural forecasting. Integrated with Agri Stack, it ensures data security through encryption, secure APIs, and cybersecurity compliance with MeitY and CERT-In guidelines. Farmers’ data privacy is safeguarded under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, with state control over datasets. The system promotes digital inclusion via FPOs, CSCs, Krishi Sakhis, and state-led camps, covering landholders, women, tenant, and lessee farmers for a more inclusive agricultural ecosystem.
Cabinet Approves 2% Hike in DA for Government Employees
The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for central government employees and pensioners, increasing it from 53% to 55% of Basic Pay/Pension, effective January 1, 2025. This revision, benefiting 48.66 lakh employees and 66.55 lakh pensioners, follows the 7th Central Pay Commission and aims to offset inflation. The move will cost the exchequer ₹6,614.04 crore annually. DA, revised biannually based on AICPI-IW, last increased in July 2024 from 50% to 53%.
International News
US Imposes 25% Tariff on Imported Cars and Auto Parts: Impact on Indian Industry
US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and auto components, effective next week, impacting global markets like the EU, Canada, India, and China. This move, aimed at protecting US industries and boosting domestic manufacturing, could lead to retaliatory tariffs from affected nations. While Indian automakers may not face immediate issues, auto component and tyre exporters to the US could experience financial strain. US consumers may also see car prices rise by up to $6,000 per vehicle.
Thai PM Declares Emergency After Myanmar Earth Quake
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, with its epicenter near Mandalay at a depth of 10 km, causing widespread panic and structural damage in Bangkok, Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency as tremors led to the collapse of a 30-storey under-construction skyscraper, trapping 43 workers. Evacuations, water overflow in pools, and structural damage were reported across Bangkok. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are assessing the full impact in Myanmar and Thailand.
Banking News
8th State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) Meeting Conducted by RBI in Sikkim
The RBI conducted the 8th State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) Meeting in Gangtok, Sikkim, on March 26, 2025, chaired by Chief Secretary Shri Ravindra Telang and convened by RBI Regional Director Shri Thotngam Jamang. Key discussions included the implementation of the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes (BUDS) Act, tackling digital financial frauds, and enhancing financial literacy. Officials from RBI, SEBI, and Sikkim government departments reviewed fraud cases reported via Helpline 1930, promoted the Sachet portal for fraud reporting, and strengthened market intelligence sharing to curb fraudulent financial practices.
Economy News
Government to Mobilise Rs 8 Lakh Crore via Bonds in H1 of FY26
The Indian government plans to raise Rs 8 lakh crore through dated securities in H1 FY26, part of the Rs 14.82 lakh crore total market borrowing for the year, to bridge the 4.4% fiscal deficit (Rs 15.68 lakh crore). The plan includes Rs 10,000 crore in Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) and weekly auctions of Rs 25,000-36,000 crore. Net market borrowings via dated securities stand at Rs 11.54 lakh crore, while Treasury Bills (T-Bills) borrowing in Q1 FY26 is Rs 19,000 crore per week. The Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limit is set at Rs 1.50 lakh crore, with flexibility for modifications based on market conditions.
Agreement News
UIDAI & IIIT-H Launch Biometric Challenge to Improve Age Invariance in Fingerprint Algorithms
UIDAI, in collaboration with IIIT-Hyderabad, launched a Biometric SDK Benchmarking Challenge (March 25 – May 25, 2025) to enhance fingerprint authentication for children (5-10 years) and improve age invariance in biometric systems. The challenge, open to global researchers, offers ₹7.7 lakh (USD 9,000) in rewards, ensures data security with anonymized datasets, and may lead to collaboration with UIDAI. Future plans include benchmarking iris and face authentication. Aadhaar continues to enable 90 million daily authentication transactions for digital services. Registration is available on the UIDAI website & biochallenge.uidai.gov.in.
India-Sri Lanka Business Collaboration Strengthens with the Launch of Lanka India Business Association (LIBA)
The Lanka India Business Association (LIBA) has been launched in Sri Lanka to strengthen India-Sri Lanka economic collaboration, focusing on trade, investment, and business networking. With India projected to become the world’s second-largest economy by 2075, the initiative aligns with the shift of economic power towards the East, positioning India as a key growth driver. Sri Lanka, with its strategic location and historical trade ties, stands to benefit from India’s rapid economic expansion.
Appointments News
Yusuf Pachmariwala Appointed as Managing Director & CEO of Hitachi Cash Management Services
Hitachi Cash Management Services (CMS) has appointed Yusuf Pachmariwala as its MD & CEO, effective April 1, 2025, succeeding Anup Neogi. Currently Director, Operations – Cash Business at Hitachi Payment Services, Pachmariwala has been instrumental in cash logistics, ATM management, and payment processing. His leadership and expertise in cash and digital payments are expected to drive Hitachi CMS’s growth in the cash management industry.
Defense News
Launch of the Tenth Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 24 (Yard 134)
The tenth ACTCM Barge, LSAM 24 (Yard 134), was launched on March 26, 2025, at M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, in the presence of Cmde Rahul Jagat. Part of an 11-barge contract awarded in 2021, these indigenously designed vessels support the Indian Navy’s logistics, transporting ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles. Built under Make in India & Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the barges are IRS-certified and tested at NSTL, Visakhapatnam, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Ranks & Reports News
Roshni Nadar Becomes First Indian Woman in World’s Top 10 Richest Women
Roshni Nadar, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, has made history as the first Indian woman to enter the world’s top 10 richest women, ranking 5th in the Hurun Global Rich List 2025 with a net worth of ₹3.5 lakh crore (US$40 billion). Following the transfer of a 47% stake from her father Shiv Nadar, she remains India’s richest woman and the third-richest person in the country. A Northwestern University and Kellogg MBA graduate, she was honored with the Schaffner Award in 2023 for her societal contributions.
Schemes News
5 Years of National Technical Textiles Mission
India’s textile industry, contributing 2% to GDP, is evolving with a focus on technical textiles, which serve diverse industries. The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), launched in 2020 with a Rs. 1,480 crore budget, aims to boost R&D, exports, skill development, and innovation. Key initiatives include GIST 2.0, GREAT Scheme, and Technotex 2024, with 168 research projects and 50,000 individuals trained. Tamil Nadu is leading investments, while innovations like Mahina period underwear highlight industry advancements. Rs. 393.39 crore has been utilized to strengthen the sector.
Government Ends Gold Monetisation Scheme: RBI’s Update on Existing Deposits
The Government of India will discontinue the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) for medium- and long-term deposits from March 26, 2025, citing evolving market conditions. Short-term deposits (1-3 years) will continue at banks’ discretion, while existing deposits remain unaffected until maturity. Launched in 2015, GMS aimed to reduce gold imports and mobilize idle gold; it has collected 31,164 kg from 5,693 depositors. The RBI confirmed no renewals for medium- and long-term deposits post-March 2025. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) were also discontinued, while gold prices surged 41.5% to ₹90,450 per 10 gm in March 2025.
Summits & Conferences News
Sourcex India 2025 Inaugurated At Yashobhoomi Centre
Sourcex India 2025, organized by FIEO with support from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, was inaugurated on March 26, 2025, at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi, by DGFT Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi. The event connects 150+ global buyers from 45+ countries with Indian exporters, promoting Make in India, Startup India, and the PLI Scheme. Key sectors include FMCG, FMCD, Food & Beverages, Health & Beauty, Apparel, Textiles, E-Commerce, and Logistics. It also features 10 National Award-winning artisans, boosting handicrafts exports. The event strengthens India’s global trade footprint and enhances export opportunities.
India’s First Nano Electronics Roadshow Inaugurated by MeitY Secretary at IISc Bengaluru
India’s first Nano Electronics Roadshow was held on March 27, 2025, at IISc Bengaluru, organized by MeitY in collaboration with IISc and IITs. Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, inaugurated the event, which showcased 100+ IPs, 50+ technologies, and 35+ startups from six nanoelectronics centers. With 700+ participants, it emphasized India’s semiconductor self-reliance, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat. The event featured 48 tech demonstrations, 4 MoUs between academia and industry, and industry leaders from Tata Electronics, Micron, ISRO, and Lam Research. India’s semiconductor market is projected to reach $100-110 billion by 2030.
Sports News
Khelo India Para Games 2025 Concludes: Haryana Tops Medal Tally Once Again
The Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025 concluded after eight days of intense competition, featuring 1,300 para-athletes across New Delhi’s major venues. Haryana retained its dominance with 34 gold medals, followed by Tamil Nadu (28 golds) and Uttar Pradesh (23 golds). The event saw the creation of 18 national records, showcasing the rising competitiveness of India’s para-athletes and their unwavering spirit.
Important Days
World Theatre Day 2025: Celebrating the Art and Legacy of Theatre
World Theatre Day, celebrated annually on March 27 since 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), honors the significance of theatre in storytelling and cultural expression. The 2025 theme, “Theatre and a Culture of Peace,” highlights its role in fostering peace and understanding. Initiated to mark the Theatre of Nations season in Paris, the day is now observed in 90+ ITI Centres worldwide through performances and events that celebrate theatre’s historical, educational, and societal impact.
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