National News
National Archives of India Celebrates 135th Foundation Day & Launches ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’
The National Archives of India (NAI) celebrated its 135th Foundation Day on March 11, 2025, with the exhibition “Indian Heritage through Architecture”, inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The event featured rare historical records and the launch of the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ to expand access to India’s knowledge repository. Additionally, NAI is conducting the world’s largest digitization program to preserve millions of historical documents.
PM Narendra Modi’s Historic Visit to Mauritius
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day state visit to Mauritius on March 11, 2025, strengthening India-Mauritius ties. Key highlights included OCI cards for Mauritian leaders, the inauguration of 20+ India-funded projects, and PM Modi receiving Mauritius’ highest civilian honor, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.
State News
Maharashtra Budget 2025-26: A Detailed Analysis
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar presented the Maharashtra Budget 2025-26, focusing on financial sustainability amid severe constraints. With a record debt of ₹9.3 lakh crore and a revenue deficit of ₹45,891 crore, the budget refrains from introducing new big-ticket schemes, prioritizing the continuation of existing initiatives instead. The budget follows the Mahayuti government’s landslide victory and aims to navigate economic challenges while maintaining fiscal stability. (Click here to read article)
Business News
Star Health Insurance Launches ‘SheTARA’ Campaign to Mark International Women’s Day
Star Health Insurance has launched the SheTARA campaign in Tamil Nadu to promote preventive healthcare among women and encourage them to become insurance agents. As part of the initiative, 40+ health camps will offer subsidized screenings for thyroid, haemoglobin, blood sugar, blood pressure, and bone mineral density. A webinar on work-life balance and women’s health in the AI era will be led by a prominent gynaecologist. The flagship event at Anna Nagar, Chennai, will honor women employees’ contributions, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s role as a leader in women’s workforce participation.
Banking News
RBI and NCFE Launch Nationwide Campaigns to Boost Financial Literacy
The RBI and National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) have launched nationwide financial literacy campaigns under the National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE) to enhance financial awareness and inclusion. These initiatives focus on empowering youth (below 18 years) and senior citizens (above 60 years) with essential financial knowledge and skills, ensuring broader economic participation across society.
Economy News
India’s Pharmaceutical Exports and Regulatory Measures for Drug Quality
India ranks 11th globally in pharmaceutical exports (2023), contributing 3% to the total exports. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have introduced risk-based inspections, regulatory amendments, stricter penalties, and training programs to enhance drug quality, safety, and efficacy. These initiatives aim to strengthen manufacturing standards and ensure India’s continued growth in the global pharmaceutical industry.
Credit Disbursement to Priority Sectors Jumps 85% from ₹23 Lakh Crore in 2019 to ₹42.7 Lakh Crore in 2024
Credit disbursement to priority sectors (agriculture, MSME, and social infrastructure) has surged 85% from ₹23.01 lakh crore (2019) to ₹42.73 lakh crore (2024). To enhance financial stability, RBI and the government have implemented measures for credit discipline, responsible lending, and technological adoption. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and financial institutions are increasingly collaborating with FinTechs to improve banking services and enable seamless lending.
Digital Payment Transactions Grow by 46% from FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24
India’s digital payment transactions surged from 8,839 crore (FY 2021-22) to 18,737 crore (FY 2023-24), achieving a 46% CAGR. UPI, the primary growth driver, expanded at a 69% CAGR, reaching 13,116 crore transactions, accounting for over 70% of total digital payments. The “Incentive Scheme for RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI (P2M) transactions” significantly boosted adoption, promoting seamless digital transactions nationwide.
Digital Payment Transactions Cross 18,000 Crore in FY 2024-25
India’s digital payment ecosystem has surpassed 18,000 crore transactions in FY 2024-25 (till January 2025), driven by UPI adoption, fintech collaborations, and government initiatives promoting cashless transactions. To ensure security, RBI and NPCI have deployed AI-driven fraud detection systems and launched awareness campaigns to combat cybercrimes. Additionally, the government has strengthened cybercrime reporting mechanisms, enhancing user safety in digital transactions.
Government Initiatives to Enhance Credit Access and Finance for MSMEs
MSMEs are vital to India’s economy, significantly contributing to employment and GDP. To support their growth and financial stability, the Government of India and RBI have introduced measures to enhance credit access, simplify lending procedures, reduce collateral requirements, and leverage technology for seamless credit disbursement, ensuring a robust MSME sector.
MSME Sector Sees Continued Growth as NPAs Decline Over the Past 5 Years
India’s MSME sector has seen significant credit growth and a sharp decline in NPAs, with the gross NPA ratio dropping from 11% (2020) to 4% (2024), as per RBI data. The government and RBI have implemented measures to enhance financial stability, strengthen loan recovery mechanisms, and improve MSME credit health, ensuring sustained sectoral growth.
Awards News
IIFA Awards 2025: Check Full List of Winners
The 25th IIFA Awards 2025 were held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on March 8-9, celebrating Bollywood’s finest. Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” dominated the night with 10 awards, making it the most celebrated film. Kartik Aaryan won Best Actor, while the action thriller “Kill” secured multiple trophies. The grand event featured breathtaking performances and unforgettable moments, marking 25 years of IIFA’s legacy. (Click here to read article)
Agreements News
CCRH Signs MoU to Promote Research in Homoeopathy
The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and Adamas University, Kolkata, signed an MoU on March 1, 2025, to strengthen academic and research collaboration in homoeopathy. This partnership, signed by Subhash Kaushik (CCRH) and Suranjan Das (Adamas University), aims to advance scientific research, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary studies in alternative medicine. The Ministry of Ayush emphasized its role in promoting homoeopathy in mainstream healthcare, with Nobel Laureate Gregory Paul Winter present at the signing.
Appointments News
Atul Kumar Goel Assumes Charge as Chief Executive of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)
The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has appointed Atul Kumar Goel as its new Chief Executive (CE). A Chartered Accountant with over three decades of experience in banking, Goel has led major public sector banks and specializes in corporate governance, risk management, financial planning, and strategic banking operations. His leadership comes at a crucial time for India’s rapidly evolving banking sector.
Defense News
India-Bangladesh Conduct CORPAT and BONGOSAGAR In Bay of Bengal
The Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy began the 6th CORPAT and 4th ‘BONGOSAGAR’ exercise on March 10, 2025, in the Bay of Bengal, running until March 12, 2025. Supervised by Commander Flotilla West, these exercises aim to enhance maritime security, strengthen cooperation, and combat criminal activities at sea near the India-Bangladesh maritime borders.
Ranks & Reports News
IRDAI Releases Annual Claim Settlement Ratio Data in Handbook on Indian Insurance Statistics 2023-24
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released the ‘Handbook on Indian Insurance Statistics 2023-24’ in March 2025. The report provides key insights into the Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) of insurers, aiding policymakers, stakeholders, and consumers in assessing the reliability and efficiency of insurance companies in India.
Top 10 Largest Arms Importing Countries (2020–2024): SIPRI Report
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report (2020-2024) highlights Ukraine as the world’s largest arms importer, driven by its war with Russia. India ranks second, maintaining its strong presence in global arms imports. European nations have significantly increased arms imports, largely due to geopolitical tensions. The U.S. remains the leading arms exporter, reinforcing its dominance in the global defense market.
Sports News
Australia and England to Play Historic 150th Anniversary Test at MCG
Test cricket will witness history as Australia and England face off in a special one-off day-night Test to mark the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match. Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host this landmark pink-ball Test from March 11 to March 15, 2027. This historic match honors the first official Test held at the MCG in March 1877, reaffirming the sport’s legacy and evolution. The event is set to captivate global cricket fans, celebrating the timeless rivalry between two cricketing giants.
Science & Technology News
Starlink’s Entry into India: A Game-Changer for Internet Connectivity?
SpaceX’s Starlink is set to transform India’s broadband market by introducing satellite-based internet services, especially benefiting rural and remote areas. Major telecom players Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have partnered with SpaceX, signaling a shift in high-speed connectivity. However, regulatory approvals from the Indian government remain a key hurdle. If approved, Starlink’s services could revolutionize internet access, improving speed, affordability, and availability in underserved regions, closing India’s urban-rural digital gap.
Important Days
No Smoking Day 2025, Date, Significance
No Smoking Day, observed annually on the second Wednesday of March (March 12, 2025), raises awareness about smoking hazards and encourages smokers to quit. Smoking leads to severe health issues like premature aging, skin discoloration, dental problems, and respiratory complications. This initiative supports global health efforts, highlights the dangers of secondhand smoke, and promotes anti-smoking campaigns and government policies, urging individuals to take the first step toward a smoke-free life.
