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 Smartkeeda presents
Full-Length Current Affairs MockDrill Series

March 2025
Weekly CA PDF 3
(PDF in English)

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(Note: March Weekly PDF 3 is a compilation of 16-23 Daily PDFs)

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 INDEX
National & States Affairs ...................................................................................................... 5
International Affairs ……..................................................................................................... 10
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs ….......................................................... 11
Defence Affairs ………………………………………...................................................................... 24
Sports & Games ………………………………………..................................................................... 26
Science & Technology …….................................................................................................. 32
Appointments & Resignations …........................................................................................ 36
Awards, Rewards, Recognitions & Prizes …….................................................................... 38
Schemes & Initiatives ……................................................................................................... 44
Meetings, Conferences and Summits ………….................................................................... 47
Ranks, Reports & Surveys ……………………………….............................................................. 49
Amount & Agreements ………………………………................................................................... 53
MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships …............................................................................ 54

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 National & States Affairs
1. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced that 6 sites have been added to India’s
‘tentative list’ by the UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre. The sites included in the list are - Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in
Telangana and palace-fortresses of the Bundelas in Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh, Kanger Valley National Park in
Chhattisgarh, Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes (multiple States), Chausath Yogini temples (multiple States)
and Gupta temples in north India (multiple States). With these additions, India now has 62 sites on the tentative list, an
inventory of properties each country intends to consider for UNESCO nomination. Addition to the World Heritage Centre’s
tentative list is mandatory if a property is to be nominated for inscription to the World Heritage List in future. At present, a
total of 43 properties from India are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including 35 in the ‘Cultural’ category, 7
in ‘Natural’ and 1 in ‘Mixed’ category. India hosted a World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time in 2024, during
which the ‘Moidams’, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, was accorded the coveted UNESCO tag.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• 6 sites have been added to India’s ‘tentative list’ by UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre:
- Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana | Palace-fortresses of Bundelas in MP & UP
- Kanger Valley National Park in Chhattisgarh | Ashokan Edict Sites along Mauryan Routes (multiple States)
- Chausath Yogini temples (multiple States) | Gupta temples in north India (multiple States)
• India now has 62 sites on tentative list
• Currently, total 43 properties from India are inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List:
- 35 – in ‘Cultural’ category | 7 – in ‘Natural’ category | 1 – in ‘Mixed’ category
• India hosted a World Heritage Committee meeting for the 1st time in 2024
- ‘Moidams’, mound-burial system of Ahom Dynasty in Assam – accorded UNESCO tag
• HQs of UNESCO – Paris, France | DG – Audrey Azoulay | Founded in – 1945 | Members – 194 Countries

2. The “Prasar Bharati-Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD)”, launched in March, 2024, has
completed 1 year this year. Free subscription under PB-SHABD has been extended till March 2026. It was launched as a
shared feed service to provide access to logo free, daily news items across various formats including video, audio, text, and
photos to media organizations. PB-SHABD offers the latest news from every corner of India. More than 1000 stories, covering
over 50 news categories such as agriculture, technology, foreign affairs and political developments, are uploaded daily in all
major Indian languages from the Regional News Units (RNUs) and headquarters combined. The content provided through
PB-SHABD is logo-free, and no credit is required on using content from this platform. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Free subscription under “PB-SHABD” – extended till March 2026
- PB-SHABD – Prasar Bharati-Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast & Dissemination | Launched in – March 2024
• HQs of Prasar Bharati – New Delhi | CEO – Gaurav Dwivedi | Chairman – Navneet Kumar Sehgal

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3. Oil and gas Public Sector Undertakings such as Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation
Limited (BPCL) launched “SAKSHAM”, a 14-day awareness campaign on green energy and fuel conservation. The campaign
aims to raise awareness about fuel conservation and the judicious use of petroleum products to ensure a safer environment
and sustainable energy resources for future generations. As part of the campaign, a walkathon was organised, in which over
250 school students and officials from the PSUs (HPCL, ONGC, OIL, etc.) participated. A quiz and slogan-writing competition
were also held for school students to promote awareness and engagement. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Oil & gas PSUs (IOCL & BPCL) – launched “SAKSHAM”, 14-day awareness campaign on green energy & fuel conservation
• Aim: To raise awareness about fuel conservation & judicious use of petroleum products to ensure a safer environment
& sustainable energy resources for future generations

4. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has become the first water board in India to receive
certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for its piped drinking water supply management system. The
certification follows a rigorous six-month evaluation by BIS, which praised the city’s adherence to international water quality
standards. BWSSB successfully met stringent criteria for efficient, safe, and sustainable water management practices. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board (BWSSB) – became 1st water board in India to receive certification from BIS
for its piped drinking water supply management system
• HQs of BIS – Manek Bhawan, Old Delhi | Director General – Pramod Kumar Tiwari

5. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the “5G Innovation Hackathon 2025”,
a 6-month initiative aimed at developing advanced 5G-powered solutions to address key societal and
industrial challenges. Open to students, startups, and professionals, the hackathon offers
mentorship, funding, and access to over 100 5G Use Case Labs. The winner of the hackathon will be
awarded Rs 5 lakh, with the 1st and 2nd runners-up receiving Rs 3 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh, respectively. Special recognitions of
Rs 50,000 each will be given for the ‘Best Idea’ and ‘Most Innovative Prototype.’ Additionally, 10 labs will receive ‘Certificates
of Appreciation’ for the ‘Best 5G Use Case’, and 1 institute will be recognized for presenting the ‘Best Idea from an Emerging
Institute’. The hackathon will consist of 3 key stages: (i) Proposal Submission, (ii) Regional Shortlisting (the top 25-50 teams
will receive Rs 1 lakh each in seed funding to develop prototypes over 3 months, with access to mentorship and 5G labs),
and (iii) Evaluation and Showcase (in September 2025, teams will present their prototypes to a panel). The final winners will
be announced in October 2025, with top teams showcasing their innovations at the ‘India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025’.
Supported by a Rs 1.5 crore budget, the hackathon aims to develop over 50 scalable 5G prototypes and generate more than
25 patents. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• DoT – launched “5G Innovation Hackathon 2025”, a 6-month initiative | Supporting budget – Rs 1.5 Cr
- Aim: To develop over 50 scalable 5G prototypes and generate more than 25 patents
• Prize money: Winner – Rs 5 lakh | 1st runner-up – Rs 3 lakh | 2nd runner-up – Rs 1.5 lakh
- Special recognitions of Rs 50,000 each – to be given for ‘Best Idea’ & ‘Most Innovative Prototype’
• 10 labs – to receive ‘Certificates of Appreciation’ for ‘Best 5G Use Case’
• 1 institute – to be recognized for presenting ‘Best Idea from an Emerging Institute’
• This hackathon will consist of 3 key stages – Proposal Submission, Regional Shortlisting & Evaluation & Showcase
• Final winners to be announced in Oct 2025, with top teams showcasing their innovations at ‘India Mobile Congress 2025’

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6. During the event ‘Catalyzing R&D in the Indian Steel Sector’ at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the
Steel Research Technology Mission of India (SRTMI), a joint initiative of the Indian steel industry
and academia supported by the Ministry of Steel, launched 3 new R&D schemes, namely, (i)
Challenge Method (identifying and solving critical industry-wide challenges of national interest), (ii)
Open Innovation Method (supporting open research proposals from academia and researchers in collaboration with
industry), and (iii) Start-up Accelerator (supporting early-stage startups to develop cutting-edge steel technologies). SRTMI
also launched a web portal, “SteelCollab” which will act as a matchmaking hub, connecting industry leaders, researchers,
startups, and academia to drive decarbonization, digitalization, and advanced steel development. A brainstorming session
on “Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Academia” was also held during the event. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ‘Catalyzing R&D in the Indian Steel Sector’ – held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
• SRTMI launched 3 new R&D schemes:
- Challenge Method | Open Innovation Method | Start-up Accelerator
• SRTMI – a joint initiative of Indian steel industry & academia supported by Ministry of Steel
• SRTMI – also launched a web portal, “SteelCollab”

7. The Indian Railways has joined “Mission Amrit Sarovar” which aims to address the critical issue
of water scarcity in the country. The Indian Railways will dig ponds and the excavated material will
be used in railway embankments, wherever the quality of the soil is found suitable for rail
construction. The Railways would work in close coordination with the Ministry of Rural
Development. Amrit Sarovar was launched in April 2022 with the ambitious goal of constructing or rejuvenating 75 ponds
in each district of the country. The project made significant progress and, as of January 2025, over 68,000 ponds have been
completed, enhancing surface and groundwater availability across various regions. Phase two of the mission was launched
with a renewed focus on ensuring water availability, with ‘community participation (Jan Bhagidaari)’ at its core. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Indian Railways – joined “Mission Amrit Sarovar” to address critical issue of water scarcity in country
- It would work in close coordination with Ministry of Rural Development
• Amrit Sarovar – launched in Apr 2022 to construct or rejuvenate 75 ponds in each district of India
• As of Jan 2025, over 68,000 ponds have been completed
• HQs of Indian Railways – New Delhi | Chairman & CEO – Satish Kumar
• Minister of Rural Development: Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Constituency – Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh
MoS in Ministry of Rural Development: Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani & Kamlesh Paswan

8. The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal for setting up
a new “Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex” of 12.7 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) annual capacity
of Urea production within the existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation
Limited (BVFCL), in Namrup, Assam. It will be set up with an estimated total project cost of Rs
10,601.40 crore with Debt Equity ratio of 70:30 through a Joint Venture (JV), under the ‘New
Investment Policy, 2012’. The tentative overall time schedule for the commissioning of the Namrup-IV Project is 48 months.
In the proposed JV, the equity pattern will be as under: (i) Government of Assam (40%), (ii) BVFCL (11%), (iii) Hindustan
Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (13%), (iv) National Fertilizers Limited (18%), and (v) Oil India Limited (18%). The project will
increase the domestic Urea production capacity in the country especially in the North-Eastern region. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• Cabinet approved setting up new “Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex” of 12.7 LMT annual capacity of Urea production
- Within existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL), in Namrup, Assam
• Total project cost – Rs 10,601.40 Cr | Debt Equity ratio – 70:30 through a JV, under ‘New Investment Policy, 2012’
• Tentative overall time schedule for commissioning of Namrup-IV Project – 48 months
• In proposed JV, equity pattern will be as under:
- Government of Assam – 40% | BVFCL – 11% | Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited – 13%
- National Fertilizers Limited – 18% | Oil India Limited – 18%

9. Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), under the Ministry of Ayush, hosted its 28th “Convocation
& Shishyopanayaniya Samskara” in New Delhi. To enhance quality education and globalize
Ayurveda, RAV also accredited 1 international and 6 national institutions for upholding high
standards in Ayurveda education and practice. For doing exemplary work in the field of Ayurveda,
RAV also conferred ‘Lifetime Achievements Awards’ to Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur, Jaipur (Rajasthan),
Prof. Kulwant Singh (Jammu & Kashmir), Vaidya Mohan Narayan Tambe, Satara (Maharashtra) and Dr. Bidhubhusan Nanda,
Dhenkanal (Odisha). More than 100 CRAV (Certificate - Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth) Gurus and 120 Shishyas from across
the country were felicitated during the event. The Ministry of Ayush also launched the ‘Diplomate of National Board
Ayurveda (DNB)’ program, a major milestone in advancing Ayurvedic education. The Ministry also announced the
introduction of a 7.5-year ‘Gurukul Schooling Program’ to reinforce the Guru-Shishya Parampara. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• RAV – hosted its 28th “Convocation & Shishyopanayaniya Samskara” in New Delhi
• RAV also conferred ‘Lifetime Achievements Awards’ to:
- Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur, Jaipur (Rajasthan) | Dr. Bidhubhusan Nanda, Dhenkanal (Odisha)
- Prof. Kulwant Singh (Jammu & Kashmir) | Vaidya Mohan Narayan Tambe, Satara (Maharashtra)
• Ministry of Ayush – launched ‘Diplomate of National Board Ayurveda (DNB)’ program
• Ministry of Ayush – introduced a 7.5-year ‘Gurukul Schooling Program’ to reinforce Guru-Shishya Parampara
• MoS (I/C) in AYUSH: Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao | Constituency – Mehkar, Maharashtra

10. Indore, which has been ranked India’s cleanest city for 7 consecutive years, has launched India’s
first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model-based green waste processing plant under the Swachh
Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) to convert green waste into valuable resources. Built on 55,000 square
feet of land in Bicholi Hapsi, the plant will recycle wood and branches to produce wood pellets, serving
as an alternative to coal and promoting energy conservation. The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC)
will earn approximately Rs 3,000 per tonne in royalty for supplying wood and branches to the facility. Indore generates
around 30 tonnes of green waste- wood, branches, leaves, and flowers - daily. During autumn, this volume can surge to 60-
70 tonnes. The project aligns with the vision of Garbage-Free Cities under the SBM-U. Under the SBM, the IMC will provide
land and transport green waste to the plant. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Indore – launched India’s first PPP model-based green waste processing plant under SBM-U to convert green waste into
valuable resources
- Indore – ranked India’s cleanest city for 7 consecutive years | SBM-U – Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban

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 - Built on – 55,000 square feet of land in Bicholi Hapsi
• Indore Municipal Corporation – to earn ~Rs 3,000 per tonne in royalty for supplying wood & branches to facility
• Indore – generates around 30 tonnes of green waste daily (during autumn, 60-70 tonnes)

11. IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of
Electronics & IT (MeitY), in collaboration with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), under Ministry of
Mines, has launched the “IndiaAI Hackathon on Mineral Targeting”. The hackathon aims to the
identification of new potential areas for the exploration of critical minerals and other commodities
(like diamond, iron, manganese, & gold) within a pre-defined 39,000 sq. km area in Karnataka and
Andhra Pradesh; emphasis on locating unrevealed & deep-seated mineralised bodies with depth
modelling; developing AI/ ML algorithms for data cleaning, integration, modelling, & validation; and
generation of mineral predictive maps showing exploration targets visualised through maps, sections, etc. The hackathon is
open to startups & companies; academic & research institutions; autonomous bodies; students or researchers associated
with educational institutions, or working professionals. The prize money for the hackathon is Rs 10 lakh for the 1 st prize,
while Rs 7 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for the 2nd and 3rd prizes, respectively. In addition, a special prize of Rs 5 lakhs will be given to
All-Women Teams (if no women team is in the top 3). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IndiaAI + GSI = launched the “IndiaAI Hackathon on Mineral Targeting”
• Prize money: 1st – Rs 10 lakh | 2nd – Rs 7 lakh | 3rd – Rs 5 lakh
- Special prize to be given to All-Women Teams (if no women team is in the top 3) – Rs 5 lakhs
• HQs of GSI – Kolkata, West Bengal | Director General – Asit Saha

12. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has
approved the construction of a 6-lane access-controlled Greenfield High-Speed National Highway to
connect JNPA (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority) Port (Pagote village) with Chowk (29.219 km) in
Maharashtra, under ‘PM Gatishakti National Master Plan’ principles. The project will be developed
on build, operate and transfer (BOT) mode at a total cost of Rs 4,500.62 crore. The project alignment starts at JNPA Port (NH
348) and ends at Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48) while also linking Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa National
Highway (NH-66). The highway aims to alleviate congestion and facilitate smoother freight movement between major
arterial roads. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• CCEA – approved construction of a 6-lane access-controlled Greenfield High-Speed National Highway to connect JNPA
Port (Pagote village) with Chowk (29.219 km) in Maharashtra
- Under – ‘PM Gatishakti National Master Plan’ principles
• It will be developed on – build, operate & transfer (BOT) mode | Total cost – Rs 4,500.62 Cr
• CCEA is headed by – Prime Minister
CCEA includes – PM, Defence Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister, Minister of AFW & Other Senior Ministers

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13. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi,
has inaugurated ‘S N Bose Building’ at the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) at
Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi. He also introduced the ‘Certificate Course on Nuclear
Engineering’ during the event. The newly inaugurated S N Bose Building, named in honour of the
eminent Indian physicist Dr Satyendra Nath Bose, will serve as an advanced hub for research and
training in nuclear science and technology. The facility houses state-of-the-art laboratories catering
to GCNEP’s specialised schools, enhancing its capabilities in nuclear security, reactor technology, radiation safety, nuclear
material characterisation, and radioisotope applications. The Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering is a 6-month
programme designed to provide in-depth knowledge on reactor physics, nuclear fuel cycle, radiological safety, nuclear
safeguards, and emerging applications of nuclear technology. The course is planned to be opened to all the signatories of
GCNEP globally and will cater to 40 international and 10 national participants in a batch. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Rafael Mariano Grossi (DG of IAEA) – inaugurated ‘S N Bose Building’ at GCNEP at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi
• He also introduced ‘Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering’ during this event
- Open to all signatories of GCNEP globally & will cater to 40 international & 10 national participants in a batch
• HQs of IAEA – Vienna, Austria | Director General – Rafael Mariano Grossi | Founded in – 1957

International Affairs
14. India plans to fence its entire 1643-km-long border with Myanmar with an ‘anti-cut, anti-
climb’ fence in the next 10 years. The project to fence the Myanmar border was announced
by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in February 2024. In March 2024, the Cabinet Committee
on Security (CCS) had approved a proposal worth ₹31,000 crore to fence the Indo-Myanmar
border. From April 1-December 31, 2024, an amount of ₹114.09 crore has been spent on
constructing the fence and company operating bases for the Assam Rifles, the central armed police force (CAPF) that is
responsible for guarding the Myanmar border. The India-Myanmar border runs along Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland
(215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km). India and Myanmar share an unfenced border and have a unique
arrangement called the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows them to visit families residing in the limits of 10 kms
on both sides of the border without visas or a passport. The FMR came into existence in 1968 and had been entirely
suspended in February 2024 by Ministry of Home Affairs. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• India – to fence its entire 1643-km-long border with Myanmar with an ‘anti-cut, anti-climb’ fence in next 10 years
- Project to fence Myanmar border – announced by Amit Shah (Union Home Minister) in Feb 2024
- CCS approved proposal to fence Indo-Myanmar border in Mar 2024 | Worth – ₹31,000 Cr
• From Apr 1-Dec 31, 2024, amount spent on constructing fence & operating bases for Assam Rifles – ₹114.09 Cr
• India-Myanmar border – Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) & Mizoram (510 km)
• India & Myanmar have a unique arrangement called ‘Free Movement Regime (FMR)’
- It allows people to visit families residing in limits of 10 kms on both sides of border without visas or a passport
- FMR came into existence in 1968 & had been entirely suspended in Feb 2024 by MHA
• Myanmar – Naypyitaw – Kyat | President (Int.) – Min Aung Hlaing

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15. During the annual ‘Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit’ in Paris, 3 cities were recognized for
their achievements in preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries: Córdoba
(Argentina) for food policy; Fortaleza (Brazil) for air quality surveillance; and Greater Manchester
(UK and Northern Ireland) for smoke-free spaces. The Summit, co-hosted by Bloomberg
Philanthropies, the World Health Organization (WHO), Vital Strategies, and the City of Paris,
convened mayors and officials from 61 cities in the ‘Partnership for Healthy Cities’ network to address pressing public health
issues and share effective strategies for saving lives and building healthier communities at the local level. All 3 winning cities
are part of the ‘Partnership’s Policy Accelerator’. Launched in 2017, the ‘Partnership for Healthy Cities’ is a global network
of 74 cities. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with the WHO and Vital Strategies, this initiative
empowers cities worldwide to implement high-impact policy or programmatic interventions to reduce NCDs and injuries in
their communities. NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of
genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. NCDs - including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and injuries
- are responsible for more than 80% of all deaths globally. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Annual ‘Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit’ – held in Paris, France
• Co-hosted by = Bloomberg Philanthropies + WHO + Vital Strategies + City of Paris
• 3 cities were recognized for their achievements in preventing NCDs & injuries:
- Córdoba (Argentina) – for food policy
- Fortaleza (Brazil) – for air quality surveillance
- Greater Manchester (UK & Northern Ireland) – for smoke-free spaces
• All 3 winning cities are part of – ‘Partnership’s Policy Accelerator’
• ‘Partnership for Healthy Cities’ – launched in 2017 | It is a global network of 74 cities
• NCDs (including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc) – responsible for >80% of all deaths globally

Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs

16. The central government targets 5% market share for the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)-backed payment
application, BHIM, on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) by 2028. Currently, the app has around 0.2% market share on UPI,
which settles more than 16 billion transactions monthly. According to data from NPCI, PhonePe (48.2%) and Google Pay
(36.8%), together have almost 85% market share on UPI, followed by fintech platforms like Paytm, Navi, Super.Money and
Cred. NPCI hived off the Bhim application into a separate entity NPCI Bhim Services Ltd (NBSL) in August 2024. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Govt targets 5% market share for NPCI-backed payment application, BHIM, on UPI by 2028
- Currently, it has around 0.2% market share on UPI, settling more than 16 billion transactions monthly
• As per NPCI, PhonePe (48.2%) & Google Pay (36.8%) – together have almost 85% market share on UPI
- Followed by – Paytm, Navi, Super.Money & Cred
• NPCI hived off Bhim application into a separate entity NPCI Bhim Services Ltd (NBSL) in August 2024
• HQs of NPCI – Mumbai | Chairman – Ajay Kumar Choudhary | MD & CEO – Dilip Asbe | Established in – 2008

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17. Global investment firm Prosus-backed BRISKPE has received the RBI’s in-principle
authorisation to operate as a Payment Aggregator for Cross-Border (PA-CB) transactions.
The authorisation enables BRISKPE to operate as a dedicated PA-CB for both exports and
imports under the ‘Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007’. BRISKPE aligns with the
RBI’s updated regulatory framework introduced in October 2023. The platform currently processes 10,000 transactions in a
month for its export-oriented services and with imports coming in, it expects it to go up to 1 lakh transactions by end of next
financial year. The RBI’s PA-CB framework mandates that authorised entities adhere to stringent regulatory requirements,
including registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and meeting specified net worth criteria. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• BRISKPE – received RBI’s in-principle authorisation to operate as a Payment Aggregator for Cross-Border transactions
• It currently processes 10,000 transactions in a month for its export-oriented services and with imports coming in
• RBI’s PA-CB framework mandates that authorised entities adhere to stringent regulatory requirements
• HQs of BRISKPE – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – Sanjay Tripathy

18. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has won the “Digital Transformation Award 2025” by Central Banking,
London. The RBI received the prestigious award for its digital initiatives, ‘Saarathi’ and ‘Pravaah’, which
were developed by its in-house tech team. The award committee recognised how these initiatives have
significantly reduced paper-based submissions and transformed RBI’s internal and external processes.
‘Saarathi,’ launched in January 2023, has fully digitised RBI’s internal workflow. ‘Pravaah,’ introduced in
May 2024, provides external users with a digital platform to submit regulatory applications to RBI. So far, ‘Pravaah’ has
digitised over 70 regulatory applications, benefiting 9 departments of the RBI. The documents submitted through ‘Pravaah’
are automatically linked to the Saarathi database, where they can be processed digitally using centralised cybersecurity
systems and digital tracking. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• RBI – won “Digital Transformation Award 2025” by Central Banking, London for digital initiatives, ‘Saarathi’ & ‘Pravaah’
• ‘Saarathi’ – launched in Jan 2023 | ‘Pravaah’ – introduced in May 2024
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (3) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao

19. Tata AIA Life Insurance (Tata AIA) has launched the “Shubh Flexi Income Plan”, a life insurance savings solution offering
a flexible approach to financial security and wealth creation. The plan is a non-linked, participating life insurance savings
plan that allows individuals to personalise their financial strategies. The plan caters to a wide range of financial objectives
with 3 tailored options - Endowment option, Early income option, & Deferred income option. Beyond wealth creation, the
Shubh Flexi Income Plan includes essential protective features to offer financial security to policyholders and their families.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• Tata AIA Life Ins. – launched “Shubh Flexi Income Plan”, offering flexible approach to financial security & wealth creation
• HQs of Tata AIA Life – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Venkatachalam H

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20. India’s wholesale inflation or WPI Inflation increased to 2.38% as cost of manufactured products increased in February
2025, from 2.31% in the previous month, according to data from Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Inflation of
manufactured products increased to a 2-year high of 2.86%. Primary articles continued to disinflate for six consecutive
months coming in at 2.81% in February 2025. Food price inflation was at a 4-month low of 3.38% in February 2025. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• As per the data from Ministry of Commerce & Industry, India’s WPI Inflation – increased to 2.38% in Feb 2025
• Inflation of manufactured products – increased to 2.86%
• Primary articles – 2.81% in Feb 2025 (disinflated for 6th consecutive months)
• Food price inflation – 3.38% in Feb 2025 (at a 4-month low)
• Minister of Commerce & Industry: Piyush Goyal | Constituency – Mumbai (North), Maharashtra
MoS in Ministry of Commerce & Industry: Jitin Prasada

21. Infibeam Avenues Ltd’s flagship payment gateway brand, CCAvenue, has partnered with The Sutex Co-operative Bank
Ltd to help bolster the bank’s net banking facility. The new collaboration will enable Sutex Co-operative Bank Ltd to route
secure direct debit digital payments to its merchants, including multi-currency payments, simplifying transactions for both
businesses and customers. The Sutex Co-operative Bank was initially founded with the noble purpose of helping Surat Textile
Market shopkeepers with banking facilities. Shital A Bhatt is the CEO of The Sutex Co-operative Bank Ltd. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• CCAvenue + The Sutex Co-operative Bank Ltd = partnered to help bolster bank’s net banking facility
• HQs of Infibeam Avenues – Gandhinagar, Gujarat | CEO – Vishal Mehta (Infibeam Avenues owns CCAvenue)
• HQs of The Sutex Co-operative Bank Ltd – Surat, Gujarat | Chairman – Kamalvijay R. Tulsian

22. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that bilateral trade transactions with Maldives can
now be settled in Indian Rupees (INR) and Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) in addition to the Asian
Clearing Union (ACU) mechanism. This decision follows an MoU signed between RBI and Maldives
Monetary Authority in November 2024, aimed at promoting the use of local currencies for
bilateral transactions. Asian Clearing Union (ACU) is a payment arrangement whereby the
participants settle payments for intra-regional transactions among the participating central banks on a net multilateral basis.
The participants include central banks and the monetary authorities of Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives,
Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The ACU was established in December 1974 when the countries in the region were
facing settlement difficulties, mainly due to resource constraints. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As per RBI, bilateral trade transactions with Maldives can now be settled in Indian Rupees (INR) & Maldivian Rufiyaa
(MVR) in addition to Asian Clearing Union (ACU) mechanism
• RBI + Maldives Monetary Authority = an MoU in Nov 2024 to promote use of local currencies for bilateral transactions
• ACU – a payment arrangement whereby participants settle payments for intra-regional transactions among participating
central banks on a net multilateral basis
• Participants include central banks & monetary authorities of Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives,
Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan & Sri Lanka
• HQs of ACU – Tehran, Iran | Chairman – Ahsan H. Mansur | Secretary General – Farhad Morsali Pavarsi

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• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (3) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao

23. Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited (Piramal Finance), a leading Non-Banking Financial Company
(NBFC), and Punjab & Sind Bank have entered into a strategic co-lending partnership to enhance credit
availability for middle and low-income borrowers, with a special emphasis on rural and semi-urban regions.
This collaboration brings together Punjab & Sind Bank’s deep financial expertise and extensive network of
1575 branches with Piramal Finance’s ‘High Tech + High Touch’ approach. The partnership will further offer
competitive interest rates and customized credit solutions, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Piramal Finance + Punjab & Sind Bank = partnered to enhance credit availability for middle & low-income borrowers
• HQs of Piramal Finance – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Ajay Piramal | Established in – 1984
• HQs of Punjab & Sind Bank – New Delhi | MD & CEO – Swarup Kumar Saha

24. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank of Mauritius (BOM) have signed an MoU for establishing a framework to
promote the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Mauritian Rupee (MUR) for cross-border transactions. The MoU was
signed by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra and BOM Governor Rama Krishna Sithanen G.C.S.K. The MoU covers all current
account transactions and permissible capital account transactions as agreed upon by both countries. The use of local
currencies in bilateral transactions will eventually contribute to promoting trade between India and Mauritius as well as
deepen financial integration and strengthen the historical, cultural, and economic relations between India and Mauritius.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• RBI + Bank of Mauritius = an MoU for establishing a framework to promote use of Indian Rupee (INR) & Mauritian Rupee
(MUR) for cross-border transactions
• Mauritius – Port Louis – Mauritian Rupee | PM – Navin Ramgoolam | President – Dharambeer Gokhool
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (3) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao

25. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reduced the processing time for a rights issue of
equity shares to 23 working days from the date of board of directors of the issuer approves the issue.
This was against the present average timeline of 317 days. This mechanism would be even faster than
the preferential allotment route which takes 40 working days. Separately, SEBI has provided the flexibility
of allotment to specific investors in the rights issue and discontinued the current requirement of filing a draft offer with it
for issuance of its observation. SEBI further said that rights issues will be kept open for subscription for a minimum period
of 7 days and for a maximum period of 30 days. It has abolished the mandatory requirement of appointment of a merchant
banker by an issuer and making it optional subject to completion of rights issue within the timeline of 23 working days. SEBI
has mandated the appointment of a ‘monitoring agency’ to supervise the use of proceeds from all types of rights issues of
equity shares. Currently, an issuer offering securities worth less than Rs 50 crore through a rights issue is not required to
rope in a monitoring agency. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SEBI reduced processing time for a rights issue of equity shares to 23 working days from date of board of directors of
issuer approves issue

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 - Present average timeline – 317 days | Preferential allotment route takes – 40 working days
• Rights issues will be kept open for subscription for: Minimum period – 7 days | Maximum period – 30 days
• SEBI mandated appointment of a ‘monitoring agency’ to supervise use of proceeds from all types of rights issues of
equity shares
- Currently, an issuer offering securities worth less than Rs 50 Cr through a rights issue is not required to rope in a
monitoring agency
• HQs of SEBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Tuhin Kanta Pandey | Established in – 1992

26. Ministry of Finance has notified the ‘Zero Coupon Bond (ZCB)’ for Power Finance Corporation
(PFC). The company can raise up to Rs 10,000 crore. The bond will be issued with a discount of Rs
49,546 for a face value of Rs 1 lakh. In other words, the investor will pay Rs 50,454 at the time of
issuance, while getting Rs 1 lakh at maturity. These bonds will have a maturity value of 121 months or
10 years and 1 month. The notification has capped the number of bonds to be issued at 10 lakhs and
will be issued on or before March 31, 2027. ZCB is an instrument that doesn’t pay interest during its term but instead is sold
at a discount to its face value. When the bond matures, the investor receives the full-face value. There will be no periodic
payment of interest. The ZCB attracts tax on gains only. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Ministry of Finance – notified ‘Zero Coupon Bond (ZCB)’ for PFC | It can raise up to – Rs 10,000 Cr
• Bond will be issued with a discount of Rs 49,546 for a face value of Rs 1 lakh
- Investor will pay Rs 50,454 at time of issuance, while getting Rs 1 lakh at maturity
• Maturity value – 121 months or 10 years & 1 month
• Cap on number of bonds to be issued – at 10 lakhs | To be issued on or before – Mar 31, 2027
• ZCB – an instrument that doesn’t pay interest during its term but instead is sold at a discount to its face value
• HQs of PFC Ltd – New Delhi | CMD – Parminder Chopra
• Minister of Finance: Nirmala Sitharaman | Constituency – Karnataka
MoS in Ministry of Finance: Pankaj Chaudhary

27. According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) latest monthly bulletin, primary market issuances
of Certificate of Deposits (CDs) by banks rose 34% year-on-year (y-o-y) to reach an all-time high of Rs
10.58 lakh crore during FY2024-25 (up to March 7, 2025), as against Rs 7.89 lakh crore recorded in
the year-ago. A CD is a negotiable money market instrument issued by Scheduled Commercial Banks
(SCBs) and select Financial Institutions (FIs) to raise short-term resources for up to 1 year. Banks
continue to rely on CDs to meet their funding requirements on account of the persisting gap in credit
and deposit growth. SCBs’ credit and deposit growth stood at 12% and 10.6%, respectively, as of February 21, 2025. Also,
SCBs’ incremental credit-deposit ratio increased from 80.7% as on October 2024 to 88.2% as on February 21, 2025. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• As per RBI’s latest monthly bulletin,
• Primary market issuances of Certificate of Deposits (CDs) by banks – rose 34% y-o-y at Rs 10.58 lakh Cr during FY25 (up
to March 7, 2025)

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 - From – Rs 7.89 lakh Cr recorded in the year-ago
• CD – a negotiable money market instrument issued by SCBs & select FIs to raise short-term resources for up to 1 year
• As of Feb 21, 2025: SCBs’ credit growth – 12% | SCB’s deposit growth – 10.6%
• SCBs’ incremental credit-deposit ratio – increased to 88.2% as on Feb 21, 2025 (from 80.7% as on Oct 2024)
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (3) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao

28. Canara Bank has become the first bank in India to launch “Digital Balance Confirmation Certificate” through the PSB
Alliance Pvt Ltd portal. This initiative reduces the time required for auditors to complete the auditing process by replacing
the traditional manual approach with a seamless digital solution. This initiative simplifies and expedites the auditing process
by eliminating cumbersome manual procedures. Traditionally, auditors were required to visit banks with authorisation
letters to obtain Balance Confirmation Certificates. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Canara Bank – became 1st Indian bank to launch “Digital Balance Confirmation Certificate”
- Through – PSB Alliance Pvt Ltd portal
• It simplifies & expedites auditing process by eliminating cumbersome manual procedures
• HQs of Canara Bank – Bengaluru | MD & CEO – K. Satyanarayana Raju | Non-Ex Chairman – Vijay Srirangam

29. City Union Bank (CUB) will be the exclusive banking partner of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Exclusive financial solutions for SRH Fans, offers on SRH merchandise (such as jerseys & caps),
and enhanced digital banking services, will be features of the collaboration. CUB will offer
exclusive banking products, including customised savings accounts, loans and co-branded credit
cards designed for SRH supporters. The partnership will also see CUB prominently featured on
SRH match days. Kavya Maran is the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• City Union Bank – to be exclusive banking partner of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
• CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad – Kavya Maran
• HQs of CUB – Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu | CEO – Dr. N. Kamakodi

30. The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1,500 crore incentive for promoting low-value BHIM-UPI
(Bharat Interface for Money-Unified Payments Interface) Person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions for
2024-25. The scheme is being rolled out to promote the BHIM-UPI platform to achieve target
volumes of 200 billion (Rs 20,000 crore) in FY25. This is the first time the Centre has defined small
and large merchants in the context of outlining BHIM-UPI incentives. The Centre has set an incentive rate of 0.15% for a
transaction value of up to Rs 2,000 made to small merchants, while large merchants in the same value bracket will receive
no incentive. For transactions exceeding Rs 2000, there will be no incentive for anyone. At present, banks and firms handling
digital payments bear the cost of processing transactions on UPI. The merchant discount rate (MDR) refers to a fee that
merchants pay to banks or payment processing companies for executing a transaction. Incentives for BHIM-UPI given by the
government in FY24 were Rs 3,268 crore. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Govt approved a Rs 1,500 Cr incentive for promoting low-value BHIM-UPI Person-to-merchant transactions for 2024-25

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• It is rolled out to promote BHIM-UPI platform to achieve target volumes of 200 billion (Rs 20,000 Cr) in FY25
• Incentive rate set by centre for a transaction value of up to Rs 2,000 made to small merchants – 0.15%
- For large merchants in same value bracket – no incentive
- For transactions exceeding Rs 2000 – no incentive for anyone
• Merchant Discount Rate – a fee that merchants pay to banks or payment processing companies for executing transaction
• Incentives for BHIM-UPI given by government in FY24 – Rs 3,268 Cr

31. NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with Singapore-based HitPay to
expand Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance across Singapore. This is the second major
partnership by NIPL in Singapore after launching the UPI-PayNow linkage that allows Indians to
receive remittances directly in bank accounts in India and Singapore. The collaboration aims to
provide Indian travellers with a familiar payment experience in Singapore through QR code-based
transactions. HitPay, a full-stack payments infrastructure company licensed in 6 jurisdictions including Singapore, Australia,
Malaysia, and the Philippines, will integrate UPI into its existing payment solutions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• NIPL + HitPay (Singapore) = partnered to expand UPI acceptance across Singapore
• Aim: To provide Indian travellers with a familiar payment experience in Singapore through QR code-based transactions
• HQs of NPCI Int. – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – Ritesh Shukla

32. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has appointed 5 new
members to the reconstituted Insurance Advisory Committee (IAC) under the Section 25 of the
‘Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999’, and as per Regulation 3A of the
‘Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Insurance Advisory Committee) Regulations,
2000’. The new members include MR Kumar (Former Chairman of LIC and currently Non-executive Chairman of Bank of
India); Dinesh Kumar Khara (Former Chairman of SBI); Visakha Mule (CEO of Aditya Birla Capital); Nilesh Shah (MD of Kotak
Mahindra Asset Management Company); Alice/Ellis G Vaidyan (Former CMD of GIC Re). The IAC consists of members
representing various sectors like commerce, industry, and consumer groups, with a maximum of 25 members, excluding
Chairperson, and other ex-officio members. Dinesh Kumar Khara is also heading the high-powered committee formed by
IRDAI to review proposed amendments to the ‘Insurance Act, 1938’. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IRDAI appointed 5 new members to reconstituted Insurance Advisory Committee (IAC)
- Under Section 25 of ‘Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999’
- As per Regulation 3A of ‘Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Insurance Advisory Committee)
Regulations, 2000’
• New members:
- MR Kumar (Former Chairman of LIC & currently Non-executive Chairman of Bank of India)
- Dinesh Kumar Khara (Former Chairman of SBI) | Visakha Mule (CEO of Aditya Birla Capital)
- Nilesh Shah (MD of Kotak Mahindra MF) | Alice/Ellis G Vaidyan (Former CMD of GIC Re)
• Maximum members in IAC – 25 members (excluding Chairperson) & other ex-officio members
• Dinesh Kumar Khara – heading IAC formed by IRDAI to review proposed amendments to ‘Insurance Act, 1938’
• HQs of IRDAI – Hyderabad, Telangana | Chairman – Debasish Panda | Established in – 1999

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33. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 36.28 lakh on Citibank N.A. for contravention
of the directions related to reporting of transactions undertaken under the ‘Liberalised Remittance
Scheme’. The RBI also imposed a penalty of Rs 36.30 lakh on IDBI Bank Ltd for not undertaking due-diligence
while processing the inward remittances from a foreign currency account opened by a constituent. In both
cases, the RBI said the penalties are based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and not intended to pronounce upon
the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the banks with their customers. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• RBI imposed a penalty of Rs 36.28 lakh on Citibank N.A. & Rs 36.30 lakh on IDBI Bank Ltd
• HQs of Citibank N.A. – New York, US | CEO – Sunil Garg
• HQs of IDBI Bank – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Rakesh Sharma | Established in – 1964

34. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with The Cumberland Building Society in the UK to
modernize its core banking ecosystem. Through this collaboration, TCS will deploy its state-of-the-art
digital banking solution, ‘TCS BaNCS’, for Core Banking, along with TCS ‘Digital Home Lending Solution’,
and ‘Quartz’ for Compliance, to drive innovation and operational efficiency. TCS will provide an
integrated core banking ecosystem featuring “TCS COIN (Co-Innovation Network) and the ‘TCS BaNCS
Marketplace’, enabling the society to adopt cutting-edge third-party solutions. The Cumberland’s customers will benefit
from greater flexibility in managing their finances, whether online, by phone, or in-branch. TCS supports 5 of the top 10
building societies in the UK. Established in 1850, the Cumberland is among the UK’s top 10 building societies. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• TCS + The Cumberland Building Society (UK) = partnered to modernize its core banking ecosystem
• TCS – to deploy its state-of-the-art digital banking solution, ‘TCS BaNCS’, for Core Banking, TCS ‘Digital Home Lending
Solution’ & ‘Quartz’ for Compliance
• HQs of TCS – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – K. Krithivasan | Founded in – 1968
• UK – London – Pound Sterling | PM – Keir Starmer | New King – King Charles lll

35. Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd (KMAMC) has launched the “Choti SIP”, a small-
ticket Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), designed to make mutual fund investments more accessible to a
broader audience. With ‘Choti SIP’, first-time mutual fund investors can invest with a minimum monthly
contribution of just Rs 250. The investor must invest in the Growth Option and commit to a minimum of
60 instalments on a monthly basis. The payment of instalments should be made through NACH (National Automated Clearing
House) or UPI auto-pay only. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• KMAMC – launched “Choti SIP”, a small-ticket SIP to make mutual fund investments more accessible to audience
- Minimum monthly contribution – Rs 250 | Minimum instalments (on a monthly basis) – 60
• HQs of Kotak MF – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD – Nilesh Shah | Founded – 1985

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36. IDFC FIRST Bank has incorporated an “Ace” feature on its mobile banking app that will provide
details on more than 2500 mutual funds. This is aimed at promoting ‘do-it-yourself’ investing among its
customers. The bank’s customers can browse through various fund categories (like Equity, Debt, Tax-
Saving, Hybrid, and Index funds) and choose the right need-based fund to build a diversified portfolio.
They can also access detailed information - like historical fund performance (1Y, 3Y & 5Y), holding patterns (by sectors,
companies, and market cap), and expert ratings on each fund (Morningstar Rating). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IDFC FIRST Bank – incorporated an “Ace” feature on its mobile banking app to provide details on 2500+ mutual funds
• Aim: To promote ‘do-it-yourself’ investing among its customers
• HQs of IDFC First Bank – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – V. Vaidyanathan | Established in – 2018

37. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Indranil Bhattacharyya as Executive Director (ED),
effective from March 19, 2025. As an ED, he will look after the Department of Economic and Policy
Research. Prior to his promotion as ED, Indranil Bhattacharyya was serving as Adviser in the Monetary
Policy Department of the RBI. He has also served as an economic expert in the technical office of the
Governor at Qatar Central Bank, Doha, Qatar for 5 years (2009-14). Earlier this month, RBI also appointed
Ajit Ratnakar Joshi as ED to oversee the Department of Statistics and Information Management and the Financial Stability
Department. They are appointed in the place of Muneesh Kapur and O. P. Mall whose tenures ended on February 28, 2025.
At present, there are 16 EDs in the RBI. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Indranil Bhattacharyya – appointed as Executive Director of RBI, w.e.f. Mar 19, 2025
• He will look after – Department of Economic & Policy Research
• Previously, Ajit Ratnakar Joshi – appointed as ED to oversee Department of Statistics & Information Management &
Financial Stability Department
• They succeed – Muneesh Kapur & O. P. Mall | Currently, there are 16 EDs in RBI
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (3) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao

38. An eligible Central government employee will have time till June 30 to join the Unified Pension
Scheme (UPS), as per the regulations for the operationalisation of the UPS under the National Pension
System (NPS) issued by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). The newly
announced regulations are set to take effect from April 1, 2025. Once opted for, the decision will be
considered final and cannot be reversed. It will also be available on an optional basis to State governments for their
employee. The guidelines specify that 3 categories of central government employees will be eligible for enrolment under
the UPS: (i) existing central government employees who are in service as of April 1, 2025, and are already covered under the
NPS, (ii) new recruits who join central government services on or after April 1, 2025, and (iii) central government employees
who were covered under NPS but had superannuated, voluntarily retired, or retired under Fundamental Rule 56(j) on or
before March 31, 2025. In cases where such a subscriber has passed away before opting for UPS, their legally wedded spouse
is also eligible. Under UPS, the monthly contribution for a UPS subscriber will be 10% of their basic pay. This amount will be
credited to the individual’s Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN). The central government will match this
contribution by depositing an equal amount into the subscriber’s PRAN. Additionally, the government will provide an extra
contribution, estimated at 8.5% of the combined basic pay and dearness allowance, for employees opting for the UPS
scheme. A minimum guaranteed payout of Rs 10,000 per month is assured under UPS, provided the subscriber completes
at least 10 years of qualifying service. {Read more}

Page | 19 Join us
Smart Points:
• PFRDA: an eligible Central government employee will have time till June 30 to join UPS (w.e.f. Apr 1, 2025)
• Guidelines specify that 3 categories of Central Govt employees will be eligible for enrolment under UPS:
- Existing Central Govt employees who are in service as of Apr 1, 2025 & are already covered under NPS
- New recruits who join Central Govt services on or after Apr 1, 2025
- Central Govt employees who were covered under NPS but had superannuated, voluntarily retired, or retired under
Fundamental Rule 56(j) on or before Mar 31, 2025
• In cases where such a subscriber has passed away before opting for UPS, their legally wedded spouse is also eligible
• Under UPS, monthly contribution for a UPS subscriber – 10% of their basic pay
• Minimum guaranteed payout of Rs 10,000 per month is assured under UPS, provided subscriber completes at least 10
years of qualifying service
• HQs of PFRDA – New Delhi | Chairperson – Deepak Mohanty | Founded in – 2003

39. The Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) has reduced the minimum investment amount for Zero
Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,000.
ZCZP are instruments for donating money to non-profit organizations (NPOs) listed on the SSE. The
move aims to enhance retail participation in social impact investments in sectors such as education and healthcare. SSE is a
novel concept in India and is meant to serve private and non-profit sector providers by channelling greater capital to them.
SSE is a separate segment of the existing stock exchanges that bring together social enterprises and donors, facilitates
funding and growth of social enterprises. The idea was floated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Union Budget
2019-20 speech. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SEBI reduced min. investment amount for Zero Coupon Zero Principal instruments on SSE to Rs 1,000 (from Rs 10,000)
• ZCZP – instruments for donating money to non-profit organizations (NPOs) listed on Social Stock Exchange (SSE)
• Aim: To enhance retail participation in social impact investments in sectors such as education & healthcare
• SSE’s idea was floated by – Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance Minister) in Union Budget 2019-20 speech
• HQs of SEBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Tuhin Kanta Pandey | Established in – 1992

40. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a pact with Yes
Bank to facilitate funding access, mentorship, and infrastructure support for early-stage startups. The
partnership will leverage DPIIT’s ‘Startup India initiative’ and Yes Bank’s financial expertise through
‘HeadStartup’ programme, which offers tailored banking and financial solutions, including working
capital, credit access, and cash flow management. The DPIIT has also inked a similar agreement with Kyndryl Solutions for
supporting startups in the manufacturing and IT sectors by leveraging Kyndryl’s expertise in digital transformation and
Generative AI solutions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• DPIIT + Yes Bank = a pact to facilitate funding access, mentorship & infrastructure support for early-stage startups
• DPIIT + Kyndryl Solutions = similar pact for supporting startups in manufacturing & IT sectors
• HQs of DPIIT – New Delhi | Secretary – Amardeep Singh Bhatia | Founded in – 1995 (Functions under Ministry of C&I)
• HQs of Yes Bank – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Prashant Kumar | Tagline – “Experience our Expertise”
• HQs of Kyndryl Solutions – New York, USA | CEO – Martin Schroeter

Page | 20 Join us
41. According to inflation-adjusted data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India has
doubled its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the last 10 years at a growth of 105%, from 2.1 trillion
dollars in 2015 to 4.3 trillion dollars in 2025. India is now the 5th-largest country in terms of GDP in
the world after the US, China, Germany and Japan. India is set to outpace Japan in 2025 and
potentially overtake Germany by 2027. In comparison, the US and China’s GDP grew by 66% and
44%, respectively, during the same period. Other major economies, including the UK, France,
Germany, and Japan, reported moderate GDP growth, ranging from 6% to 14% over the decade.
Brazil recorded the lowest GDP growth among the top 10 economies, with only an 8% increase from
$2.1 trillion in 2015 to $2.3 trillion in 2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As per inflation-adjusted data from IMF,
• India – doubled its GDP in last 10 years at growth of 105%, to 4.3 trillion dollars in 2025 (from 2.1 trillion dollars in 2015)
- Growth in other countries GDP: US – 66% | China – 44%
• India – 5th-largest country in terms of GDP in world | Top 4 – US, China, Germany & Japan
• India – to outpace Japan in 2025 & Germany by 2027
• Brazil – lowest GDP growth among top 10 economies, with 8% increase to $2.3 tn in 2025 (from $2.1 tn in 2015)
• HQs of IMF – Washington, D.C., USA | MD & Chairperson – Kristalina Georgieva | Member countries – 191

42. The Government of India has appointed Rahul Bhave as the Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer (MD & CEO) of IFCI Ltd, India’s 1st development financial institution. Bhave, who previously
served as Deputy MD at IFCI, will hold the position for 3 years. In addition to Bhave’s appointment,
the government has also greenlit the Consolidation of IFCI Group. The consolidation plan, approved
by the Finance Ministry in November 2024, involves merging several subsidiaries into IFCI Ltd to create a unified entity.
Under this proposal, StockHolding Corporation of India Ltd, IFCI Factors Ltd, IFCI Infrastructure Development Ltd, and IIDL
Realtors Ltd will merge directly into IFCI Ltd. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Rahul Bhave – appointed as MD & CEO of IFCI Ltd, India’s 1st development financial institution, for 3 years
• HQs of IFCI Ltd – New Delhi | MD & CEO – Rahul Bhave

43. According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, net inflows from External Commercial Borrowings
(ECBs) more than doubled to $18.4 billion in April 2024 to January 2025 period, compared to a year ago,
amid declining costs of overseas fund raise. ECB registrations of $47.3 billion and disbursements of $42.3
billion from April 2024 to January 2025, on a cumulative basis, were higher than the corresponding
period of the previous year. ECB outflows due to principal repayments stood at $23.9 billion in this
period, resulting in robust net inflows of $18.4 billion. The net inflows under ECBs were $9.5 billion in 2023-24 (FY24),
substantially higher than previous year. In January, the overall cost of ECBs declined by 129 basis points (bps). Since March
2024, global benchmark interest rates, such as SOFR, have declined up to 85 bps, reducing the overall cost of ECBs by 25 bps
from April to December 2024. The SOFR is a benchmark interest rate for dollar-denominated derivatives and loans that
replaced the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). Of the total ECBs registered in the April 2024-January 2025 period,
$6.7 billion was for modernisation, new projects and infrastructure development, as against $10.5 billion in the April 2023-
January 2024 period. Registrations for import/local sourcing of capital goods amounted to $3.7 billion. Those for refinancing
old ECBs and rupee loans were $9.3 billion. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• As per RBI data, net inflows from ECBs – more than doubled to $18.4 billion in Apr 2024 to Jan 2025 period
• On a cumulative basis, from Apr 2024 to Jan 2025: ECB registrations – $47.3 billion | ECB disbursements – $42.3 billion
• ECB outflows due to principal repayments – $23.9 billion in this period | Net inflows – $18.4 billion
- Net inflows under ECBs in FY24 – $9.5 billion
• Overall cost of ECBs in Jan 2025 – declined by 129 basis points (bps)
• Since March 2024, global benchmark interest rates, such as SOFR – declined up to 85 bps
- Overall cost of ECBs – reduced by 25 bps from Apr to Dec 2024
• SOFR – a benchmark interest rate for dollar-denominated derivatives & loans that replaced London Interbank Offered
Rate (LIBOR)
• Of total ECBs registered in Apr 2024-Jan 2025 period:
- $6.7 billion – for modernisation, new projects & infrastructure development (from $10.5 billion in previous year)
• Registrations for import/local sourcing of capital goods – $3.7 billion
- For refinancing old ECBs & rupee loans – $9.3 billion
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (3) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao

44. Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched “mDigiNext mobile app” to exclusively cater to the cash
management needs of its corporate customers. The app offers functionalities such as creation and
authorisation of one-to-one transactions; authorising and rejecting bulk uploads; end-to-end
transaction and workflow tracking; and raising real-time enquiries on transaction status. Further, it
will allow accessing to account summaries and mini-statements; viewing a consolidated dashboard of all group entities; and
enhanced security with OTP verification and 3-Factor Authentication. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• BoB – launched “mDigiNext mobile app” to cater to cash management needs of its corporate customers
• HQs of BoB – Vadodara, Gujarat | MD & CEO – Debadatta Chand | Tagline – “India’s International Bank”

45. According to the results of the 6th round of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) India’s remittances
survey covering 2023-24, the share of advanced economies in India’s inward remittances has risen to
surpass the share of Gulf nations. The largest share of remittances into India in 2023-24 came from
the US (27.7%), while the UAE came 2nd at 19.2%. The US, the UK, Singapore, Canada and Australia
together accounted for more than half of remittances into India in 2023-24. While the GCC nations -
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain - held a 37.9% share of India’s remittances in 2023-24. The survey also
observed that there is a shift in population migrating from India, with more skilled people migrating. 78% of Indian migrants
in the US are employed in high-earning occupations such as management, business, science, and arts. Further, the RBI survey
also showed that Maharashtra (20.5%), followed by Kerala (19.7%), Tamil Nadu (10.4%), Telangana (8.1%), and Karnataka
(7.7%) are the dominant states in terms of recipients of remittances. As per the World Bank data, India’s share in world
remittances has risen from around 11% in 2001 to about 14% in 2024. Going forward, remittances to India are likely to
remain elevated and are projected to increase to around US$ 160 billion in 2029. The other major recipients of remittances
include Mexico, China, the Philippines, France, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Further, the cost of sending remittances to India
has moderated, driven by digitalization. On an average, 73.5% of total remittances received in India in 2023-24 by the money
transfer operators were through digital mode. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• As per results of 6th round of RBI’s India’s remittances survey covering 2023-24,
• Largest share of remittances into India in 2023-24 came from – US (27.7%) | 2nd – UAE (19.2%)
• US, UK, Singapore, Canada & Australia – together accounted for more than half of remittances into India in 2023-24
• GCC nations (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman & Bahrain) – 37.9% share of India’s remittances in 2023-24
• 78% of Indian migrants in US – employed in high-earning occupations
• Dominant states in terms of recipients of remittances – MH (20.5%), Kerala (19.7%), TN (10.4%), Telangana (8.1%) &
Karnataka (7.7%)
• As per World Bank data, India’s share in world remittances – rose to ~14% in 2024 (from ~11% in 2001)
• Remittances to India – to increase to around US$ 160 billion in 2029
• Besides India, other major recipients of remittances – Mexico, China, Philippines, France, Pakistan & Bangladesh
• 73.5% of total remittances received in India in 2023-24 by money transfer operators were through digital mode
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (3) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao

46. Securities and Exchanges Board of India (SEBI) has approved the proposal to double the investment threshold for foreign
portfolio investors (FPI) disclosures to ₹50,000 crore, from the current ₹25,000 crore. SEBI’s move is aimed at changing the
stock market dynamics without altering the concentration criteria. Thus, FPIs holding more than ₹50,000 crore in equity
AUM in the Indian markets will now be required to make additional disclosures. SEBI has also decided to set up a high-level
committee to review the conflict of interest and disclosures related to the property, investments, and liabilities of board
members and officials. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SEBI approved proposal to double investment threshold for FPI disclosures to ₹50,000 Cr (from current ₹25,000 Cr)
• Aim: To change stock market dynamics without altering concentration criteria
• FPIs holding more than ₹50,000 Cr in equity AUM in Indian markets – now be required to make additional disclosures
• HQs of SEBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Tuhin Kanta Pandey | Established in – 1992

47. The Government of India has announced the withdrawal of 20% export duty on onions effective
from 1 April 2025, aiming to protect farmers’ interests amid softening prices. The export duty had
been in place since September 2024. Despite export restrictions, total onion exports reached 1.17
million tonnes through March 18 of the current fiscal year. Monthly onion export volume increased
from 72,000 tonnes in September 2024 to 1,85,000 tonnes in January 2025. The agriculture
ministry estimates rabi onion output at 22.7 million tonnes this year, 18% higher than the previous year's 19.2 million tonnes.
Rabi onion, accounting for 70-75% of India's total production, is crucial for market stability until kharif crop arrivals begin in
October-November. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Govt will withdraw 20% export duty on onions w.e.f. Apr 1, 2025, to protect farmers’ interests amid softening prices
• Export duty – in place since Sep 2024 | Total onion exports till Mar 18 of FY25 – reached 1.17 million tonnes
• Monthly onion export volume – increased to 1,85,000 tonnes in Jan 2025 (from 72,000 tonnes in Sep 2024)

Page | 23 Join us
• Rabi onion output – estimated at 22.7 million tonnes in FY25 (18% higher than FY24’s 19.2 million tonnes)
- Rabi onion – accounts for 70-75% of India’s total production

Defence Affairs
48. China, Iran and Russia conducted the joint naval drills called the “Maritime Security Belt 2025”
in the Gulf of Oman, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The drill marked the 5th year the three
countries took part in the drills. Observers for the drill included Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan,
Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UAE. The drills include maritime target
strikes, damage control operations, and joint search and rescue missions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Maritime Security Belt 2025” (joint naval drills) – conducted by China, Iran & Russia in Gulf of Oman, near Strait of
Hormuz
• Observers for drill included – Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa, Sri Lanka & UAE
• China – Beijing – Renminbi | President – Xi Jinping | PM – Li Qiang
• Iran – Tehran – Rial | President – Masoud Pezeshkian | Supreme Leader – Ali Khamenei
• Russia – Moscow – Russian Ruble | PM – Mikhail Mishustin | President – Vladimir Putin

49. Sakthi Aircraft Industry Pvt Ltd (SAIPL) and the Aero Club of India (ACI) have announced a tie-
up to manufacture and supply 200 ‘Diamond DA40 NG’ trainer aircraft in India. This will be the
first ever private manufacturing of trainer aircraft in India, aligned with government’s ‘Make in
India’ initiative. This move aims to revolutionise commercial pilot training landscape by ensuring
a consistent and cost-effective supply of advanced training aircraft to flying training
organisations (FTOs) in India. SAIPL, in a joint venture with Diamond Aircraft Industry, Austria, will establish a manufacturing
facility in India to produce, sustain, and provide comprehensive lifecycle support for the DA40 NG. SAIPL will commence
deliveries by May 2025, with an initial target of 70 aircraft by the end of 2025, and subsequently scale-up to produce 100
aircraft annually. The Diamond DA40 NG (next generation) is a single-engine, four-seat aircraft with a glass cockpit, typically
featuring the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SAIPL + ACI = tie-up to manufacture & supply 200 ‘Diamond DA40 NG’ trainer aircraft in India
- It will be 1st-ever private manufacturing of trainer aircraft in India
• Aim: To revolutionise commercial pilot training landscape by ensuring a consistent & cost-effective supply of advanced
training aircraft to flying training organisations (FTOs) in India
• SAIPL + Diamond Aircraft Industry (Austria) = to establish a manufacturing facility in India to produce, sustain & provide
comprehensive lifecycle support for DA40 NG
• SAIPL – to commence deliveries by May 2025 | Initial target – 70 aircraft by 2025 end
• Diamond DA40 NG – a single-engine, 4-seat aircraft with glass cockpit, featuring Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite
• HQs of SAIPL – Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | CEO – Vaibhav D
• HQs of ACI – New Delhi | President – Rajiv Pratap Rudy

Page | 24 Join us
50. Thales U.K. and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed an agreement for the supply of “Laser Beam
Riding Man Portable Air Defence (LBRM)” Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missiles to support
India’s air defence capabilities. LBRM, manufactured with up to 60% indigenous content in India, are
short-range, man-portable air defence systems optimised to counter air threats, including fixed-wing
Fighter Ground Attack aircraft, late-unmasking Attack Helicopters, and drones. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Thales U.K. + BDL = agreement for supply of “Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence (LBRM)” VSHORAD missiles
• LBRM – short-range, man-portable air defence systems optimised to counter air threats
- It is manufactured with up to 60% indigenous content in India
• HQs of BDL – Hyderabad, Telangana | CMD – A. Madhavarao

51. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has successfully test-fired the beyond visual range
air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), “Astra”, from the LCA Tejas AF MK1 prototype fighter aircraft off the
Odisha coast, paving the way for its integration into the indigenously developed fighter jet.
Designed and developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), the Astra
missile is capable of engaging targets up to a range of over 100 km. Astra has already been inducted
into the Indian Air Force (IAF) and integrated with frontline fighter aircraft Sukhoi 30 MKI. The 3.8-metre-long ‘state-of-the-
art’ Astra missile has a launch weight of about 154 kg. It uses solid-fuel propellant and a 15 kg high-explosive warhead. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• ADA – successfully test-fired beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), “Astra”
- From – LCA Tejas AF MK1 prototype fighter aircraft off Odisha coast | Designed & developed by – DRDO
• Range of Astra missile – over 100 km | Length – 3.8 m | Weight – 154 kg | It uses a 15 kg high-explosive warhead
• HQs of DRDO – New Delhi | Chairman – Samir V. Kamat | Established in – 1958

52. Ukraine has acquired “Gravehawk”, a hybrid surface-to-air missile system, to defend against the
barrage of missiles unleashed by Russia. The system is developed by the UK in collaboration with
Denmark. It has been described as a UK-designed ‘mobile air defense system’. The missile can reach
speeds of up to Mach 2.5 and engage targets at a range of approximately 12 miles. The Gravehawk
uses the infrared-guided R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range air-to-air missile. It is similar to the
FrankenSAM air defense systems that the United States developed in collaboration with other NATO countries and delivered
to Ukraine. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Ukraine acquired “Gravehawk”, a hybrid surface-to-air missile system | Developed by = UK + Denmark
- Speed – up to Mach 2.5 | Target range – 12 miles
- Uses – Infrared-guided R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range air-to-air missile
• Ukraine – Kyiv – Ukrainian Hryvnia | President – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Page | 25 Join us
53. The Indian and French Navies are gearing up for the 23rd edition of their bilateral naval
exercise, “VARUNA 2025”, scheduled to take place from March 19 to 22 in the Arabian Sea. This
annual maritime collaboration, which began in 2001, continues to be a symbol of the strong
and evolving defence partnership between India and France. VARUNA 2025 will showcase a
series of high-intensity naval drills, emphasizing joint operations across sub-surface, surface, and aerial domains. The Indian
Navy’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, and the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, will participate. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 23rd edition of bilateral naval exercise, “VARUNA 2025” – to be held in Arabian Sea, from March 19-22, 2025
- It is an exercise between India & France | Started in – 2001
• Participating ships: India – INS Vikrant | France – Charles de Gaulle
• France – Paris – Euro | President – Emmanuel Macron | PM – Francois Bayrou

54. The 2nd frigate of Project 1135.6 Additional Follow-on Ships, named “Tavasya”, built by Goa
Shipyard Limited (GSL), was launched at GSL, Goa. The ship has been named ‘Tavasya’, after the
mace of the legendary warrior ‘Bhima’ from the ‘Mahabharata’, representing the indomitable
spirit and growing strength of the Indian Navy. The contract for building 2 frigates of Project
1135.6 Follow-on was signed between the Ministry of Defence and GSL on 25 January 2019. The
1st ship ‘Triput’, was launched on 23 July 2024. These ships are designed for surface, sub-surface and air combat operations.
‘Triput’ and ‘Tavasya’ are 124.8 m long and 15.2 m wide, with a draught of 4.5 m. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 2nd frigate of Project 1135.6 Additional Follow-on Ships, “Tavasya” – launched at GSL, Goa | Built by – GSL
- 1st ship ‘Triput’ – launched on Jul 23, 2024
- Dimensions of both ships: Length – 124.8 m | Breadth – 15.2 m | Draught – 4.5 m
• MoD + GSL = contract signed on Jan 25, 2019, to build 2 frigates of Project 1135.6 Follow-on
• HQs of GSL – Vasco da Gama, Goa | CMD – Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay
• Minister of Defence: Rajnath Singh | Constituency – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
MoS in Ministry of Defence: Sanjay Seth

Sports & Games

55. Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians won their 2nd Women’s Premier League (WPL) title
in three seasons after defeating Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals by 8 runs in the 2025 WPL Final
at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Other venues include Vadodara, Bengaluru, and Lucknow.
This was the 3rd season of the cricket league. This year, the tournament featured 5 teams, RCB,
Gujarat Giants, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Mumbai Indians. The entire season consisted of 22 matches. Nat Sciver,
who took three crucial wickets for Mumbai, won ‘Orange Cap’, while Amelia Kerr took the ‘Purple Cap’. Amanjot Kaur was
named ‘Emerging Player of the Season’. While, Gujarat Giants won the ‘Fair Play Award’. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Women’s Premier League Final 2025 (3rd season) – held at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai
- It featured 5 teams – RCB, Gujarat Giants, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz & Mumbai Indians | Total matches – 22
• Mumbai Indians – won their 2nd WPL title in 3 seasons by 8 runs | Led by – Harmanpreet Kaur
- Defeated – Delhi Capitals | Led by – Meg Lanning

Page | 26 Join us
• Other venues include – Vadodara, Bengaluru & Lucknow
• ‘Orange Cap’ – Nat Sciver (Mumbai Indians) | ‘Purple Cap’ – Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians)
• ‘Emerging Player of the Season’ – Amanjot Kaur | ‘Fair Play Award’ – Gujarat Giants

56. India captain Harmanpreet Singh and Former Indian women’s hockey team skipper Savita
Punia claimed top honours at the “Hockey India Annual Awards 2024” (7th edition) in New
Delhi. Harmanpreet and Savita won the Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of the Year in the
men’s and women’s categories, respectively. This was Harmanpreet’s second Balbir Singh Sr.
Award. He was also named the FIH Men’s Player of the Year for 2024 award and won the
Player of the Tournament award at the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in the People’s
Republic of China. Savita crossed the 300-international cap milestone this year. She also won the Baljit Singh Award for
Goalkeeper of the Year. Hockey India also felicitated the members of the victorious 1975 World Cup squad with the ‘Hockey
India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award’ along with a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh. Prasar Bharati was honoured
with the ‘Hockey India Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution 2024’. The award marks Prasar Bharti’s tireless
efforts in promoting and broadcasting hockey across the nation. Other awardees are mentioned below. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Hockey India Annual Awards 2024” winners list: (7th edition)
- ‘Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year’ – Savita Punia
- ‘Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year’ – Amit Rohidas
- ‘Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year’ – Hardik Singh
- ‘Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year’ – Abhishek
- ‘Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women - Under 21)’ – Deepika
- ‘Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men - Under 21)’ – Araijeet Singh Hundal
- ‘Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of The Year (Women)’ – Savita Punia
- ‘Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of The Year (Men)’ – Harmanpreet Singh
- ‘Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award’ – 1975 World Cup winning team
- ‘Hockey India Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution 2024’ – Prasar Bharati

57. Boxing is set to be included in the programme for the 2028 Summer Olympics, to be held in
Los Angeles (California, US), after the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board
approved its inclusion ahead of its 144th IOC Session, which will meet in Costa Navarino, Greece.
The inclusion of boxing on the sports programme of the LA28 has been proposed by the Executive
Board (EB) of the IOC. At Paris 2024, 68 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) were represented
in the boxing competition, with the IOC Refugee Olympic Team and 31 different NOCs medalling across the 13 events. This
was the highest ratio of competing NOCs to medal in one sport at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 144th IOC (International Olympic Committee) Session – held in Costa Navarino, Greece
• Boxing – to be included in programme for 2028 Summer Olympics | To be held – in Los Angeles (California, US)
• At Paris 2024, 68 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) – represented in boxing competition across 13 events
- Highest ratio of competing NOCs to medal in one sport at Olympic Games Paris 2024
• HQs of IOC – Lausanne, Switzerland | President – Thomas Bach | Established in – 1894

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58. The second leg of the 5th edition of India’s flagship winter sports event, “Khelo India
Winter Games 2025”, took place in Gulmarg, J&K, from March 9 to 12. Held in two phases,
the first leg was hosted in Ladakh from January 23-27. Ladakh hosted the ‘ice events’, while
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) hosted the ‘snow events’. This year’s event features over 400
athletes from 19 teams across six winter sports, competing for 136 medals. Indian Army
topped the medal tally with 18 medals (7 gold, 5 silver & 6 bronze), followed by Himachal Pradesh with 18 medals (6 gold,
5 silver & 7 bronze), Ladakh with 7 medals (4 gold, 2 silver & 1 bronze), Maharashtra with 13 medals (3 gold), and Tamil
Nadu with 5 medals (3 gold). “Sheen-E-She (Shan)” was the mascot for the KIWG 2025, featuring a snow leopard as a symbol
of the region’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. Indian Army also won KIWG 2024. Italy’s 2 cities - Milan and Cortina
d’Ampezzo - will host the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 2nd phase of 5th edition of “Khelo India Winter Games 2025” – held in Gulmarg, J&K, from March 9-12, 2025
- 1st phase – hosted in Ladakh from Jan 23-27, 2025 | Mascot – “Sheen-E-She (Shan)” (snow leopard)
• Ladakh – hosted ‘ice events’ | J&K – hosted ‘snow events’
• Top – Indian Army (18 medals - 7 gold)
- 2nd – Himachal Pradesh (18 medals - 6 gold) | 3rd – Ladakh (7 medals - 4 gold)
- 4th – Maharashtra (13 medals - 3 gold) | 5th – Tamil Nadu (5 medals - 3 gold)
• 2026 Olympic Winter Games – to be hosted by Italy’s 2 cities (Milan & Cortina d’Ampezzo)

59. India Masters has clinched the inaugural “International Masters League (IML) 2025”
title, after defeating West Indies Masters by 6 wickets in a grand finale at Shaheed Veer
Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Led by the iconic
Sachin Tendulkar, India Masters produced a clinical all-round performance to outclass
Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters. The Winners were awarded Rs 1 crore, while the
Runners-up received Rs 50 lakh. IML is a Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) cricket
tournament featuring former international cricketers. This inaugural season had 6 teams - Australia Masters, England
Masters, India Masters, South Africa Masters, Sri Lanka Masters and West Indies Masters. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 1st grand finale of “International Masters League (IML) 2025” – held at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket
Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh
• Winner – India Masters (Led by - Sachin Tendulkar) | Defeated – West Indies Masters (Led by - Brian Lara)
• Prize money: Winners – Rs 1 Cr | Runners-up – Rs 50 lakh
• IML – a Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) cricket tournament featuring former international cricketers
• It featured 6 teams – Australia Masters, England Masters, India Masters, South Africa Masters, Sri Lanka Masters & West
Indies Masters

60. Hockey Jharkhand dethroned defending champions Hockey Haryana with a 4-3 win
in the final of the 15th “Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025” in
Panchkula, Haryana. It was the first title for Hockey Jharkhand. Hockey Mizoram
defeated Hockey Maharashtra to take the 3rd spot. In the new format, the teams were
divided into four groups. Hockey Jharkhand played in Group C. The Indian Railway team
is the most successful team in the history of the Hockey India Senior Women National
Championship, by winning this tournament 8 times. {Read more}

Page | 28 Join us
Smart Points:
• 15th “Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025” final – held in Panchkula, Haryana
• Winner – Hockey Jharkhand (1st title) | 2nd – Hockey Haryana | 3rd – Hockey Mizoram (Defeated – Hockey Maharashtra)
• Most successful team in Hockey India Senior Women National Championship – Indian Railway team (8 times)

61. India has concluded the “Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025” campaign with 33 medals (8
gold, 18 silver, & 7 bronze) in Turin, Italy. While India recorded 10 medals each in Snowshoeing and
Alpine Skiing, 6 medals came in Snowboarding. Short-track speed Skating, Cross-Country Skiing, and
Floorball brought the country 4, 2, and 1 medals, respectively. This was the 12th edition of the Special
Olympics Winter Games, happening after a long wait of 8 years. This was also the 1st time that Italy
hosted the Special Olympics World Games. The event saw the participation of over 1,500 athletes from
100 countries competing in 8 sports, including Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, DanceSport, Figure Skating, Floorball,
Short Track Speed Skating, Snowboarding and Snowshoeing. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 12th “Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025” campaign – held in Turin, Italy (1st time by Italy)
• India – concluded with 33 medals (8 gold, 18 silver & 7 bronze)
• India’s medals as per the sport:
- 10 medals each – in Snowshoeing & Alpine Skiing | 6 medals – in Snowboarding
- 4 medals – in Short-track speed Skating | 2 medals – in Cross-Country Skiing | 1 medal – in Floorball

62. India topped the medal tally with 134 medals, including 45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze
at the 12th edition of the “World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025” in New Delhi. The Neutral
Para Athletes contingent finished 2nd with 26 medals, including 13 gold, 9 silver, and 4
bronze. Uzbekistan claimed the 3rd place with 4 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze. This was the 1st
international para event hosted by India. It will be an annual event till 2028, as per the World
Para Athletics Federation. The competition, held from 11 to 13 March 2025, featured 150 Indian athletes competing across
90 events, with the participation of 283 athletes representing 20 countries. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 12th edition of “World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025” – held in New Delhi (1st international para event hosted by India)
- Held from – March 11-13, 2025
• Top country with medals – India (134 - 45 gold, 40 silver & 49 bronze)
- 2nd – Neutral Para Athletes contingent (26 - 13 gold, 9 silver & 4 bronze)
- 3rd – Uzbekistan (4 gold, 4 silver & 4 bronze)
• As per World Para Athletics Federation, it will be an annual event till 2028

Page | 29 Join us
63. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has unveiled the anthem,
mascot - “Ujjwala”, and logo of the 2nd edition of “Khelo India Para Games 2025” at the
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex in New Delhi. The 2nd edition is set to take place from
March 20 to 27 across the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium, and the Dr.
Karni Singh Shooting Range. Inspired by the house sparrow’s comeback from the brink of
extinction in Delhi, the mascot ‘Ujjwala’ represents the undying spirit of athletes overcoming challenges. The logo features
a dynamic athlete in shades of orange, green, and blue, representing movement, inclusivity, and progress. The tagline of the
games is “Champions Beyond Limits” or “Haunslon Ki Udaan”. The anthem, featuring the rousing words “Khelega Khelega
Mera India, Jeetega Jeetega Mera India”, aims to ignite passion among athletes and spectators alike. The Games will feature
6 para-sports disciplines - para-archery, para-athletics, para-badminton, para-powerlifting, para-shooting, and para-table
tennis. The Games will be organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports) – unveiled anthem, mascot & logo of 2nd edition of “Khelo
India Para Games 2025” at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex in New Delhi
- To be held from – March 20-27, 2025 | To be organized by – Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- To be held at – Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium & Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range
• Mascot – ‘Ujjwala’ | Tagline of games – “Champions Beyond Limits” or “Haunslon Ki Udaan”
• Anthem – “Khelega Khelega Mera India, Jeetega Jeetega Mera India”
• It will feature 6 para-sports – para-archery, para-athletics, para-badminton, para-powerlifting, para-shooting & para-
table tennis

64. Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic swimmer and world record holder, has been elected
as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 144th IOC Session in Costa
Navarino, Greece. She has become the 1st female President in IOC history, and also the 1st from Africa.
President-elect Coventry received 49 votes in the 1st round, exactly the number required for a majority
from the 97 votes cast. She will succeed the Thomas Bach, whose 12-year tenure will officially end after
June 23, 2025. A five-time Olympian, Coventry has won 7 of Zimbabwe’s 8 Olympic medals to date. Kirsty Coventry, 41, also
became the youngest President since Pierre de Coubertin (33), the founding father of the modern Olympic Games. Pierre
founded the IOC in 1894. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 144th IOC Session – held in Costa Navarino, Greece
• Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe) – 1st female & 1st from Africa to be elected as 10th President of IOC w.e.f. June 23, 2025
- Succeeding – Thomas Bach | She also became the youngest President at 41 since Pierre de Coubertin (33)
• HQs of IOC – Lausanne, Switzerland | President – Thomas Bach (from June’25 - Kirsty Coventry) | Established in – 1894

Page | 30 Join us
65. Asian Games bronze medallists Anahat Singh and Veer Chotrani secured the women’s and men’s
squash titles, respectively, at the “SRFI Indian Tour 2025 PSA Challenger” event at the Indian Squash
and Triathlon Academy in Chennai. The total Prize money for the men’s event was $15,000 and for the
women’s event was also $15,000. Anahat Singh, seeded 3rd, defeated top seed Akanksha Salunkhe for
her 10th PSA title. Anahat Singh had won bronze medals in the women’s team and mixed doubles at the Asian Games 2023.
Earlier in January 2025, Anahat Singh won the Under 17 title of the British Junior Open Squash tournament. In the men’s
event, 2nd seed Veer Chotrani defeated French player Melvil Scianimanico for his 6th PSA title and his 1st in India. Veer
Chotrani has won PSA titles at the 2024 White Oaks Cup and MetroWest in the USA. The Squash Rackets Federation of India
(SRFI) is the sole Squash body to be recognised by the government. It is also a member of the World Squash Federation and
the Asian Squash Federation. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “SRFI Indian Tour 2025 PSA Challenger” event – held at Indian Squash & Triathlon Academy in Chennai
• Women’s title – Anahat Singh (10th PSA title) | Defeated – Akanksha Salunkhe
• Men’s title – Veer Chotrani | Defeated – Melvil Scianimanico (France)
• Total Prize money for men’s & women’s event – $15,000 (each)
• Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) – sole Squash body to be recognised by government
- It is also a member of World Squash Federation & Asian Squash Federation

66. An Se-young of South Korea and Shi Yu Qi of China respectively won the women’s and men’s
singles titles at the “All England Open Championships 2025” in Birmingham, England. An Se-young
defeated China’s Wang Zhiyi, while Shi Yu Qi defeated Chinese Taipei’s (Taiwan) Lee Chia-Hao. This
was the 2nd All England Open Championships title for An Se-young. Earlier, Guo Xin Wa and Chen
Fang Hui of China emerged victorious in mixed doubles title, while Japanese pair of Matsumaya Nami
and Shida Chiharu won the women’s doubles title. Besides, Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae of South Korea won the men’s
doubles title. The All England Open Badminton Championship, the world’s oldest, was started in 1899. Among the winners,
only 2 Indian players, Prakash Padukone in 1980 and Pullela Gopichand in 2001, won this tournament. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Winners of “All England Open Championships 2025” – held in Birmingham, England
- Women’s singles – An Se-young | Defeated – Wang Zhiyi (China)
- Men’s – Shi Yu Qi (China) | Defeated – Lee Chia-Hao (Taiwan)
- Mixed doubles – Guo Xin Wa & Chen Fang Hui (China)
- Women’s doubles – Matsumaya Nami & Shida Chiharu (Japan)
- Men’s doubles – Kim Won Ho & Seo Seung Jae (South Korea)
• All England Open Badminton Championship – started in 1899 (world’s oldest)
• So far, only 2 Indian players have won this tournament – Prakash Padukone (1980) & Pullela Gopichand (2001)

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 Science & Technology
67. NASA and SpaceX launched “Crew-10” mission to the International Space Station (ISS) to bring
home two NASA astronauts - Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore - who have been stranded in
space since June 2024. The newest crew includes four newcomers - NASA’s Anne McClain and
Nichole Ayers, both military pilots; and Japan’s Takuya Onishi and Russia’s Kirill Peskov, both
former airline pilots. They will spend the next few days learning the station’s ins and outs from
Wilmore and Williams. Williams and Wilmore have been stuck on the ISS since June due to their Boeing Starliner
encountering a litany of issues preventing their return which was originally planned for 8 days after their arrival. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• NASA + SpaceX = launched “Crew-10” mission to ISS to bring home 2 NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams & Butch Wilmore
- Stranded in space since June 2024
• Newest crew includes four newcomers:
- NASA’s Anne McClain & Nichole Ayers, both military pilots
- Takuya Onishi (Japan) & Kirill Peskov (Russia), both former airline pilots
• HQs of NASA – Washington D.C., US | Administrator (15th) – Janet Petro (acting) | Founded in – 1958
• HQs of SpaceX – Texas, U.S. | Founder & CEO – Elon Musk | Founded in – 2002

68. ISRO chairman V Narayanan said that the Centre has accorded approval for the
ambitious “Chandrayaan-5” mission or “LuPEX” mission as part of building capability
towards achieving the goal of an Indian landing on the Moon by 2040. LUPEX is a joint Lunar
mission by India and Japan consisting of a lander developed by ISRO (India) and rover by
JAXA (Japan). So far, ISRO has successfully executed three Chandrayaan missions.
Chandrayaan-1, successfully launched in 2008, made chemical, mineralogical and photo-
geologic maps of the Moon. The Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019 concluded when its lunar landed crashed on the moon’s
surface. The Chandrayaan-3 mission was a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2, to demonstrate end-to-end capability in
safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. It was able to have the Vikram lander successfully soft-land on the moon’s
south pole region on August 23, 2023. The Chandrayaan-4 mission is expected to be launched in 2027. It will aim to collect
samples of the lunar soil from the moon and bring the back to the earth for further study. The Chandrayaan-5/ LuPEX mission
is being planned to demonstrate the higher capacity lander. Unlike the Chandrayaan-3 mission which carried the 25-kg rover
‘Prayagyaan’, the Chandrayaan-5 mission would carry a 250 kg rover to study the Moon’s surface. Further, India has also
announced that it will have its own Space Station, the “Bharatiya Antriksh Station,” by 2035. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Govt accorded approval for “Chandrayaan-5” mission or “LuPEX” to achieve goal of an Indian landing on Moon by 2040
• LUPEX – a joint Lunar mission by India & Japan consisting of a lander developed by ISRO (India) & rover by JAXA (Japan)
• ISRO – successfully executed 3 Chandrayaan missions
- Chandrayaan-1 – launched in 2008 | It made chemical, mineralogical & photo-geologic maps of the Moon
- Chandrayaan-2 – launched in 2019 | Its lunar landed crashed on moon’s surface
- Chandrayaan-3 – launched in 2023 | Vikram lander soft-landed on moon’s south pole region on August 23, 2023
• Chandrayaan-4 – to be launched in 2027
- Aim: To collect samples of lunar soil from moon & bring back to earth for further study

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• India – to have its own Space Station, “Bharatiya Antriksh Station,” by 2035
• HQs of ISRO – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Director – Dr. V. Narayanan | Formed on – August 15, 1969

69. IIT Guwahati is developing India’s first VR-enabled metaverse platform, called “Gyandhara”, for PM SHRI schools in
Assam. The project in collaboration with Ministry of Science & Technology, and Assam Government will start as a pilot
initiative for classes 8 to 12 in 56 PM Shri schools in Assam, later this year. The programme is designed to enhance their
educational experience by providing a more engaging way to learn about various scientific and academic topics that might
otherwise be abstract or difficult to grasp in traditional learning format. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IIT Guwahati – developing India’s 1st VR-enabled metaverse platform, “Gyandhara”, for PM SHRI schools in Assam
• It will start as a pilot initiative for classes 8 to 12 in 56 PM Shri schools in Assam, later this year
- In collaboration with – Ministry of Science & Technology and Assam Government
• Director of IIT Guwahati – Prof. Devendra Jalihal

70. Baidu, Inc., a leading Chinese AI company with strong Internet foundation, has launched its
latest foundation models, including native multimodal foundation model “ERNIE 4.5” and deep-
thinking reasoning model “ERNIE X1”. Both models are now freely accessible to individual users
through ERNIE Bot’s official website (https://yiyan.baidu.com/). ERNIE 4.5 outperforms GPT-4.5
in multiple benchmarks while priced at just 1% of GPT-4.5. It achieves collaborative optimization
through joint modeling of multiple modalities, demonstrating exceptional multimodal comprehension capabilities. While,
ERNIE X1 possesses enhanced capabilities in understanding, planning, reflection, and evolution. As Baidu’s first multimodal
deep-thinking reasoning model capable of tool use, X1 also excels in Chinese knowledge Q&A, literary creation, manuscript
writing, dialogue, logical reasoning, and complex calculations. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Baidu – launched a native multimodal foundation model “ERNIE 4.5” & a deep-thinking reasoning model “ERNIE X1”
- Both are freely accessible to individual users through ERNIE Bot’s official website (https://yiyan.baidu.com/)
• HQs of Baidu – Beijing, China | CEO – Robin Li | Founded in – Jan 2000

71. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd has unveiled a new version of its AI assistant mobile app, called
“Quark” with advanced chatbot & planning tools. Quark app, that takes advantage of its flagship
‘Qwen’ reasoning model, now integrates functions including a chatbot, deep thinking and task
execution into a one-stop app. It can handle tasks from image generation to travel planning, similar
to what ByteDance Ltd’s ‘Doubao’ can offer to users. Its launch comes just a day after Alibaba launched ‘R1-Omni’ model
that can read emotions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Alibaba Group Holding Ltd – unveiled a new version of its AI assistant mobile app, “Quark”
• Alibaba – launched ‘R1-Omni’ model that can read emotions
• HQs of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd – Hangzhou, China | CEO – Eddie Wu | Founded in – 1999

Page | 33 Join us
72. ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, and Semiconductor
Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh, have jointly developed 32-bit Microprocessors, “Vikram 3201” and
“Kalpana 3201”, for space applications. ‘Vikram 3201’ is the first fully Indian-made 32-bit
microprocessor qualified for use in the harsh environmental conditions of launch vehicles. The
processor was fabricated at the 180nm (nanometer) CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-
Semiconductor) semiconductor fab of SCL. While, the ‘Kalpana 3201’ is a 32-bit SPARC V8 (Scalable Processor ARChitecture,
version 8) RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) microprocessor and is based on the IEEE 1754 Instruction Set
Architecture. This is the first of its kind in India and has enabled ‘Atmanirbharata’ in the area of high-reliability
microprocessors and onboard computers for navigation, guidance and control of launch vehicles. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• VSSC + SCL = jointly developed 32-bit Microprocessors, “Vikram 3201” & “Kalpana 3201”, for space applications
• ‘Vikram 3201’ – 1st fully Indian-made 32-bit microprocessor | Fabricated at – 180nm CMOS semiconductor fab of SCL
• ‘Kalpana 3201’ – 32-bit SPARC V8 RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) microprocessor
- Based on – IEEE 1754 Instruction Set Architecture
• HQs of VSSC – Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Director – S. Unnikrishnan Nair
• HQs of SCL – Chandigarh | DG – Kamaljeet Singh

73. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed the successful undocking of their
Space Docking Experiment - “SpaDex”, setting the stage for future missions such as Bharatiya
Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4, & Gaganyaan. With this, India is the 4th country in the world to
achieve successful space docking after the US, Russia, and China. The SpaDex mission was launched
on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. The
SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective mission which aims at demonstrating space docking using 2 small spacecraft launched by
a PSLV rocket. Two satellites, each weighing 220 kg, ‘SDX01 (Chaser)’ and ‘SDX02 (Target)’, were docked on January 16,
2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ISRO successfully undocked its Space Docking Experiment, “SpaDex”, setting stage for future missions
• Now, India is 4th country in world to achieve successful space docking | Previous countries – US, Russia & China
• SpaDex mission – launched on Dec 30, 2024 | From – Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Tirupati, Andhra
- Aim: To demonstrate space docking using 2 small spacecraft launched by a PSLV rocket
• Two satellites, ‘SDX01 (Chaser)’ & ‘SDX02 (Target)’ – docked on Jan 16, 2025 | Weight of each satellite – 220 kg
• HQs of ISRO – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Director – Dr. V. Narayanan | Formed on – August 15, 1969

74. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr V Narayanan has inaugurated the “S
Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research” at the IIT Madras. The
newly launched centre aims to advance research in spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal
management, cooling system studies, high-fidelity simulation and testing, and capacity building
through training programs for ISRO scientists. The centre is named after S. Ramakrishnan, an IIT Madras alumnus and
aerospace engineer known for his contributions to launch vehicle engineering, including his roles as Project Director for the
PSLV and GSLV Mk-III. He also served as Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and Vikram Sarabhai Space
Centre (VSSC) and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2003. In addition to the new research centre, the ‘Arcot Ramachandran
Seminar Hall’ was inaugurated at IIT Madras by Prof Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras. The seminar hall is named after Prof.
Arcot Ramachandran, the former director of IIT Madras and an expert in heat transfer. {Read more}

Page | 34 Join us
Smart Points:
• Dr V Narayanan (ISRO Chairman) – inaugurated “S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science
Research” at IIT Madras
- It is named after – S. Ramakrishnan, an IIT Madras alumnus | Padma Shri – in 2003
• ‘Arcot Ramachandran Seminar Hall’ – inaugurated at IIT Madras
- It is named after – Prof. Arcot Ramachandran, former director of IIT Madras
• HQs of ISRO – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Director – Dr. V. Narayanan | Formed on – August 15, 1969
• Director of IIT Madras – Prof. V. Kamakoti

75. Tata Communications Ltd, which is into private cloud services, has launched “Vayu”, its next-gen
cloud fabric to provide cost-effective cloud to enterprises. Built for ease, control and the future, the
cloud fabric seamlessly integrates IaaS (infrastructure as a service), PaaS (platform as a service), AI
platform, security, cloud connectivity, and professional services into a single, intelligent ecosystem. With
a transparent pricing model, built-in FinOps automation, and multi-cloud flexibility, it delivers up to 30% cost savings while
optimising workload performance. Compared with large cloud service providers, it reduces costs by 15-25%. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Tata Communications Ltd – launched “Vayu”, its next-gen cloud fabric to provide cost-effective cloud to enterprises
• HQs of Tata Communications – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – A. S. Lakshminarayanan

76. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has selected SIDBI VC
(Small Industries Development Bank of India Venture Capital) as the fund manager for the Rs 1,000
crore venture capital fund for the Indian space sector. The fund was 1st announced by finance
minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget 2024 speech and approved by the union cabinet in
October 2024. The Centre plans to take the Indian space economy to a $44 billion market potential
by 2033 from $8.4 billion in 2022. The government also aims to expand India’s share in the global space economy to 8-10%
by 2040. The fund will also be open to contributions from other investors, and depending on the private capital inflow, the
investment will be capped at Rs 60 crore. The investment will made over the next 5 years, with plans to deploy Rs 150 crore
in FY25, Rs 250 crore each in the next 3 fiscal years and Rs 100 crore in FY30. In February 2025, IN-SPACe also floated a Rs
500 crore Technology Adoption Fund to support spacetech startups with funding up to Rs 25 crore per project. The fund will
cover 60% of project costs for startups/MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) and 40% for larger industries,
focusing on satellite technology, propulsion systems and ground station infrastructure. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SIDBI VC – selected as fund manager by IN-SPACe for Rs 1,000 Cr venture capital fund for Indian space sector
• Indian space economy – to reach $44 billion by 2033 (from $8.4 billion in 2022)
- India’s share in global space economy – to reach 8-10% by 2040
• Investment in the fund – to be capped at Rs 60 Cr
• Investment to be made in next 5 years: Rs 150 Cr – in FY25 | Rs 250 Cr each – in next 3 FYs | Rs 100 Cr – in FY30
• In Feb 2025, IN-SPACe floated a Rs 500 Cr Technology Adoption Fund to support spacetech startups
- With funding up to Rs 25 Cr per project
- It will cover project costs up to: 60% – for startups/MSMEs | 40% – for larger industries
• HQs of IN-SPACe – Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Chairman – Dr. Pawan Goenka | Works under – Department of Space
• HQs of SIDBI – Lucknow, UP | CMD – Manoj Mittal | Established in – 1990

Page | 35 Join us
77. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), an autonomous Telecom R&D
centre of the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), has launched the 1st cohort of
Incubation Program named as “Samarth” with a focus on fostering innovation and
promoting technological advancements in India’s telecommunications and IT sectors.
‘Samarth’ Incubation Program is designed to provide comprehensive support for startups
and innovators engaged in creating next-generation technologies in the fields of Telecom Software Applications, Cyber
Security, 5G/6G Technologies, AI, IoT Applications & Quantum Technologies. C-DOT has selected Software Technology Parks
of India (STPI), an organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), as the implementation
partner. The program has a maximum cohort size of 18 startups per program, with a total of 36 startups across 2 cohorts of
6 months each. The program will be delivered in a hybrid mode. The applications, under ‘Samarth’ are open to DPIIT-
recognized startups. Selected startups will get an opportunity to grant up to Rs 5 lakh each, access to well-furnished office
space for a period of 6 months at C-DOT Campus, access to C-DOT Lab facilities, mentorship from C-DOT technical leaders &
industry experts. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• C-DoT – launched 1st cohort of Incubation Program, “Samarth,” to provide support for startups & innovators
• Implementation partner – Software Technology Parks of India (under MeitY)
• It has a maximum cohort size of – 18 startups per program, with 36 startups across 2 cohorts of 6 months each
• Selected startups will get an opportunity to grant – up to Rs 5 lakh each
• HQs of C-DoT – New Delhi | CEO – Rajkumar Upadhyay | C-DoT works under – DoT (Ministry of Communications)

Appointments & Resignations

78. The Board of Tata Communications Ltd approved the appointment of N Ganapathy Subramaniam as
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tata Communications Limited. Currently, N Ganapathy Subramaniam
also holds the posts of Chairman and Non-Executive Director of the Board at Tata Elxsi Limited, Chairman
and Non-Executive Director of the Board at Tejas Networks Limited, and Chairman of the Governing Council
of Bharat6G Alliance. Besides, he is a member of the Institute Body at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and
Technology (SCTIMST) and the President of the Executive Committee at The Society for the Rehabilitation of Crippled
Children, Mumbai. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• N Ganapathy Subramaniam – appointed as Chairman of Tata Communications Ltd
• Currently he holds the posts of:
- Chairman & Non-Executive Director of Tejas Networks Ltd
- Chairman & Non-Executive Director of Tata Elxsi Ltd | Chairman of Governing Council of Bharat6G Alliance
- President of Executive Committee at The Society for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Children, Mumbai
- Member of Institute Body at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST)
• HQs of Tata Communications – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – A. S. Lakshminarayanan

Page | 36 Join us
79. Stuart Young has sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, during a ceremony at the
President’s House in St. Ann’s. Mr Young is currently serving as the Minister of Energy and Energy
Industries. He succeeds the outgoing Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley. It is the island country in the
southeastern West Indies, consisting of two main islands - Trinidad and Tobago. It is located northeast of
Venezuela and northwest of Guyana. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Stuart Young – sworn in as new PM of Trinidad & Tobago (succeeding – Dr. Keith Rowley)
- He currently serves as – Minister of Energy & Energy Industries
• Trinidad & Tobago – Port of Spain – Trinidad & Tobago dollar | President – Christine Kangaloo | PM – Stuart Young

80. Tunisian President Kais Saied has appointed Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri as the new Prime Minister, replacing
Kamel Madouri. Sarra Zaafrani had served as Minister of Public Works and Housing for nearly two years
before assuming the premiership. Zaafrani, 62, is Tunisia’s third prime minister in less than two years and
the country’s second woman premier. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri – 2nd woman to be appointed as PM of Tunisia (replacing - Kamel Madouri)
• Tunisia – Tunis – Tunisian Dinar | President – Kais Saied | Prime Minister – Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri

81. Justice Harish Tandon of Calcutta High Court has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of Orissa High
Court by the President of India under the clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India. The office of
the Chief Justice of Orissa High Court has been vacant since the retirement of Justice Chakradhari Sharan
Singh on January 19, 2025. Justice Arindam Sinha has since been officiating as Acting Chief Justice. Besides,
Justice Biren Vaishnav was also appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court from February 18 till March
2, 2025, by the President of India under the Article 223 of the Constitution of India, as Gujarat HC Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal
has proceeded on leave for this time period. High Court judges are recommended by a Collegium comprising the Chief Justice
of India (CJI) and two senior-most judges. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Justice Harish Tandon (Calcutta HC) – appointed as Chief Justice of Orissa HC (succeeding - Justice Chakradhari Sharan
Singh)
- Justice Arindam Sinha – was officiating as Acting Chief Justice (since Jan 19, 2025)
• Justice Biren Vaishnav – was appointed as Acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat HC from Feb 18 till March 2, 2025
- In place of existing CJ – Justice Sunita Agarwal (who was on leave temporarily)
• High Court judges – recommended by a Collegium comprising CJI & 2 senior-most judges

Page | 37 Join us
 Awards, Rewards, Recognition & Prizes
82. Bengaluru-based EV startup Pravaig’s all-terrain stealth vehicle, “Veer”, an Electric
Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (E-TATV), has won the “iDEX Award” from the Ministry of Defence.
VEER, the world’s 1st operational EV designed for tactical defence use, has class-leading
stealth and is extremely powerful, military-grade and fully field-repairable. India will have
complete data ownership with no foreign control. Atima Corporation, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Pravaig, won the iDEX Award from the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), under the aegis of the
Department of Defence Production in the Ministry of Defence, for deepening India’s sovereignty by building cutting-edge
defence technologies and reinforcing the country’s strategic autonomy. The scheme for ‘iDEX-Innovations for Defence
Excellence’ was launched in May 2021 by DIO to foster innovation and technology development in the defence sector. The
mission is to build, own and operate India’s defence technology. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Pravaig’s all-terrain stealth vehicle, “Veer” – won “iDEX Award” | From – Ministry of Defence
- It is an Electric Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (E-TATV)
• Atima Corporation (wholly-owned subsidiary of Pravaig) – won iDEX Award from Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)
- Under the aegis of – Department of Defence Production in Ministry of Defence
• Scheme for ‘iDEX-Innovations for Defence Excellence’ – launched in May 2021 by DIO
• HQs of Pravaig – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Founder & CEO – Siddhartha Bagri

83. Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, a literary critic and postcolonial scholar, has been honoured with the
“2025 Holberg Prize”, the closest equivalent to the Nobel in the field of humanities, social sciences, law,
or theology research, for her influential work in literary theory and philosophy. She has made significant
contributions to fields such as comparative literature, translation, postcolonial studies, political
philosophy, and feminist theory. The Holberg Prize, established in 2003, is awarded annually to an
outstanding researcher in the humanities, social sciences, law or theology. Funded by the Norwegian
government and administered by the University of Bergen, it carries a cash prize of $5,40,000. Gayatri will receive the award
on June 5 at the University of Bergen in Norway. Since 2007, she has been a professor at Columbia University, where she is
also a founding member of the Institute for Comparative Literature & Society. Spivak has authored 9 books, of which the
most influential is “A Critique of Postcolonial Reason: Towards a History of the Vanishing Present” (1999). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak – honoured with “2025 Holberg Prize” | Holberg Prize – established in 2003
• Funded by – Norway | Administered by – University of Bergen | Cash prize – $5,40,000
• She will receive this award on June 5 at University of Bergen in Norway

84. Vijay Sankar, Honorary Consul General of Denmark for Southern India at Chennai and
Chairman of The Sanmar Group, was honoured with the “Knight’s Cross of the Order of
Dannebrog” by the King of Denmark in recognition of his consular services. Rasmus Abildgaard
Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark in India, presented the award and citation to Vijay Sankar
at a function held in Chennai. The Danish Ambassador highlighted the contribution of Vijay
Sankar to Indo-Danish relations during his tenure. {Read more}

Page | 38 Join us
Smart Points:
• Vijay Sankar – honoured with “Knight’s Cross of the Order of Dannebrog” by the King of Denmark for his consular services
- He is – Honorary Consul General of Denmark for Southern India at Chennai & Chairman of The Sanmar Group
• Award was presented by – Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen (Ambassador of Denmark in India) at a function in Chennai
• Denmark – Copenhagen – Danish krone | PM – Mette Frederiksen

85. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu presented the 19th “Ramnath Goenka
Excellence in Journalism Awards” to 27 journalists in 20 categories at a function held in New
Delhi. The winners were presented with a citation, a trophy, and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
These awards were instituted by the Indian Express Group in 2005 on the birth centenary
anniversary of its founder Ramnath Goenka. The awards are administered by the Ramnath
Goenka Foundation. Mridulika Jha of Aaj Tak won the award in the Hindi category for her story mapping the treacherous
‘Dunki route’. Maitri Porecha, Senior Assistant Editor of The Hindu, won the award for Politics and Government in the print
category. The full list of winners is given below. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 19th “Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards” – presented to 27 journalists in 20 categories in New Delhi
- Presented by – Droupadi Murmu (President of India)
- Cash prize – Rs 1 lakh
• “Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards” – instituted by Indian Express Group in 2005
- Administered by – Ramnath Goenka Foundation
• Full list of winners:
• Print/Digital Category:
Award Category Winner Organisation Format
Hindi Mridulika Jha Aaj Tak Print/Digital
Regional Languages Jisha Elizabeth Madhyamam Print/Digital
Environment, Science & Technology
Sibu Kumar Tripathi India Today Print/Digital
Reporting
Uncovering Invisible India Satyasundar Barik The Hindu Print
Business and Economic Journalism Twesh Mishra The Economic Times Print
Shahab Ali & Amarnath
Sports Journalism Hindustan Print
Kashyap
Reporting on Politics & Government Maitri Porecha The Hindu Print
Nihal AP Koshie,
Investigative Journalism Mahender Singh Manrala The Indian Express Print
& Mihir Vasavda
Feature Writing Shubhajit Roy The Indian Express Print
Foreign Correspondent Covering
Nilesh Christopher Rest of World Print/Digital
India
Prakash Kardaley Memorial Award
Jeet Mashru & Somita Pal Hindustan Times Print
for Civic Journalism
The New Indian
Photojournalism P. Ravikumar Print
Express

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 A.R. Venkatachalapathy
For his book “Swadeshi
Steam: V.O. Penguin Random
Books (Non-Fiction) Print
Chidambaram Pillai and House
the Battle against the
British Maritime Empire”
• Broadcast/Digital Category:
Award Category Winner Organisation Format
Hindi Siddhant Mohan The Lallantop Broadcast/Digital
Regional Languages Mandar Gonjari ABP Majha Broadcast
Environment, Science & Joel Michael & Rohini
Down To Earth Broadcast/Digital
Technology Reporting Krishnamurthy
Uncovering Invisible India Vishnukant Tiwari & Athar Rather The Quint Broadcast
Sports Journalism Tejas Vaidya & Enakshi Rajvanshi BBC Hindi Broadcast/Digital
Reporting on Politics &
Ashutosh Mishra India Today TV Broadcast
Government
Investigative Journalism Anurag Dwary NDTV Broadcast

86. Hydrologist Günter Blöschl, a pioneer of water engineering, has been awarded the “2025 Stockholm
Water Prize” for his pioneering research on flood risks and climate change impacts globally. Blöschl’s
comprehensive database and analysis have revolutionised and deepened the global understanding of
flood risk reduction and water resource management. His observation-based connection between
climate and floods revealed that the last two decades have been markedly flood-prone compared to the historical record.
Günter Blöschl, world’s leading flood hydrologist, is a professor at the Vienna University of Technology. The Stockholm Water
Prize is awarded by the Stockholm Water Foundation in cooperation with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. The Prize
will be presented to Blöschl by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, official patron of the Prize, during World Water Week in
Stockholm in August 2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Günter Blöschl (Hydrologist & Prof. at Vienna University of Technology) – awarded with “2025 Stockholm Water Prize”
• Stockholm Water Prize awarded by = Stockholm Water Foundation + Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
• It will be presented to Blöschl by – King Carl XVI Gustaf (Sweden) during World Water Week in Stockholm in Aug 2025

87. Eminent Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has been named the recipient of the 59th “Jnanpith
Award 2024”, India’s highest literary honour. This honour is being conferred upon him for his
outstanding contribution to Hindi literature. He is the 1st writer from Chhattisgarh and the 12th Hindi
writer to receive the award. The award carries a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh, a bronze statue of
Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, and a citation. His name was finalised by the ‘Jnanpith
Selection Committee’, chaired by eminent storyteller and Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Ray. Known for his distinctive linguistic
texture and emotional depth, Shukla received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999 for his book “Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee
Rahati Thi”. He also won the ‘2023 PEN/Nabokov Award’ for achievement in international literature. The Bharatiya Jnanpith
Trust administers the Jnanpith and Moorti Devi awards. The Jnanpith Award, instituted in 1961, was 1st given to Malayalam
poet G Sankara Kurup in 1965 for this anthology of poems “Odakkuzhal”. The award is given only to Indian authors. The
award is given for work in the Indian language and English. Once a language gets the awards it is not eligible for the award
for the next 2 years. The 58th Jnanpith Award 2023 was awarded to Jagadguru Rambhadracharyaji for ‘Sanskrit’ and Gulzar
for ‘Urdu’. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• Vinod Kumar Shukla (Hindi writer) – received 59th “Jnanpith Award 2024”
- 1st writer from Chhattisgarh & 12th Hindi writer to receive this award
• Award carries – a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh, a bronze statue of Saraswati & a citation
• ‘Jnanpith Selection Committee’ – chaired by Pratibha Ray (eminent storyteller & Jnanpith awardee)
• Shukla received Sahitya Akademi Award – in 1999 (for his book “Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi”)
• Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust administers – Jnanpith & Moorti Devi awards
• Jnanpith Award – instituted in 1961 | 1st recipient – G Sankara Kurup (Malayalam poet) in 1965 for “Odakkuzhal”
- Once a language gets this award, it is not eligible for next 2 years
• 58th Jnanpith Award 2023 – Jagadguru Rambhadracharyaji for ‘Sanskrit’ & Gulzar for ‘Urdu’

88. The Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi, under the Chairmanship of its President Madhav
Kaushik, approved the selection of 22 books for the “Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize 2024”. The
books were selected based on recommendations made by the Selection Committees of 3 members
each in the concerned languages. Translation Prize in Sanskrit will be declared at a later stage. In Urdu,
no translation prize has been declared. The prize relates, to translations 1st published during the 5 years prior to the year
immediately preceding the year of the Prize for Translation (i.e., between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022). The Prize
carries an amount of Rs 50,000 and a copper plaque which will be presented to the translators of these books. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Executive Board of Sahitya Akademi – approved selection of 22 books for “Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize 2024”
- Chairman of Board – Madhav Kaushik (President)
• Prize carries – cash of Rs 50,000 & a copper plaque
• Full list of winners:
Name of the Original Book. Genre.
Language Title of the Translation Translator
Language & Author
‘Early History of Kamarupa’
Assamese ‘Prachin Kamrupar Itihas’ Anjan Sarma
(English Novel by Kanak Lal Barua)
‘Soudagarer Chele Nouka Beye Jay’
Bengali ‘Sadagarer Putra Nouka Beye Jay’ Basudeb Das
(Assamese Novel by Homen Borgohain)
‘Kanchan’
Bodo ‘Kanchan’ Uttara Bwiswmuthiary (Assamese Novel by Anuradha Sharma
Pujaree)
‘Tamas’
Dogri ‘Tamas’ Archana Kesar
(Hindi Novel by Bhishma Sahani)
‘Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi (The ‘Hazaaron Khwashishein Aisi’
English Wonderful World of Urdu Anisur Rahman (Urdu Poetry Collection by Various
Ghazals)’ Poets)
Gujarati ‘Kumar Jiu’
‘Kumarjiv’ Ramanik Agrawat
(Hindi Poetry by Kunwarn Narain)
‘Sayed Haider Raza’
Hindi ‘Sayed Haider Raza’ Madan Soni (English Biography by Yashodhara
Dalmia)

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 Kannada Siddhaling ‘Malavikagnimitram’
‘Vidisha Prahasana’
Pattanashetti (Sanskrit Drama by Kalidas)
Kashmiri ‘Akh Insan Akh Gareh Akh ‘Oru Manithan Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam’
Ghulam Nabi Aatash
Duniya’ (Tamil Novel by Jayakanthan)
‘Bhartiya Tathvagineanachi ‘Outline of Indian Philosophy’
Konkani Milind Mhamal
Ruprekha’ (English Philosophy by M. Hiriyanna)
‘Aaranyak’
Maithili
‘Aaranyak’ Keshkar Thakur (Bengali Novel by Bhibhutibhushan
Bandyopadhyaya)
Malayalam ‘Yaana’
‘Yaanam’ K.V. Kumaran
(Kannada Novel by S.L. Bhairappa)
‘Madhubala’
Manipuri Soibamcha
‘Yurangbi’ (Hindi Poetry by Harivansh Rai
Indrakumar
Bachchan)
‘The Difficulty of Being Good’
Marathi ‘The Difficulty of Being Good’ Sudarshan Athavale (English Literary Criticism by Gurcharan
Das)
‘Ruskin Bond Kokishialira Ekaka ‘Lone fox Dancing’
Odia Suvash Satpathy
Nrutya Mo Atmajeebani’ (English Autobiography by Ruskin Bond)
‘Tumhare Liye’
Punjabi ‘Tere Laee’ Chandan Negi
(Hindi Novel by Himanshu Joshi)
‘Bhilo Nu Bharath’
Rajasthan ‘Bhilan Rau Bharath’ Sohandan Charan (Gujarati Folk Epic by Bhagwan Das
Patel)
‘Kala Ghoda’
Santali ‘Hende Sadom’ Nazir Hembram
(Hindi Novel by Nilotpal Mrinal)
(Late) Shobha ‘Dollar Bahu’
Sindhi ‘Dollar Nuhaan’
Lalchandani (Hindi Novel by Sudha Murty)
‘Ente Anungal’
Tamil ‘Enatu Aankal’ P. Vimala (Malayalam Autobiography by Nalini
Jameela)
‘Dadi Budha’
Telugu ‘Eethachettu Devudu’ Turlapati Rajeswari
(Odia Novel by Gopinath Mohanty)
Urdu No Award

89. Veteran sculptor and Padma Bhushan awardee, Ram Sutar, the maker of the ‘Statue of Unity’ -
the world’s tallest statue with a height of 182 metres, will be honoured by “Maharashtra Bhushan”,
the state’s highest civilian award. The 100-year-old Sutar is still working on the ‘Ambedkar statue’
at the Indu Mill Memorial project in Mumbai. Sutar, who works with his son Dr Anil Sutar, has also
been associated with many major projects like the ‘251-metre tall statue of Lord Ram at Ayodhya’,
a ‘153-feet high statue of Lord Shiva in Bengaluru’ and a ‘100-feet tall statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji
Maharaj’ at Moshi in Pune. In 1999, Sutar received the Padma Shri and later in 2016, he received
Padma Bhushan from the Government of India. In October 2018, Sutar received the ‘Tagore Award’ for cultural harmony of
2016. The Maharashtra Bhushan Award was instituted by the Maharashtra government in 1995. It is given to a resident of
Maharashtra. The winners of the award are selected by a committee headed by the Chief Minister. The award comprises Rs
25 lakh and a memento. The first Maharashtra Bhushan Award was given in 1996 to celebrated Marathi writer, actor, and
composer Purushottam Laxman Deshpande. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• Ram Sutar – to be honoured by “Maharashtra Bhushan”, state’s highest civilian award
- Currently, he is working on ‘Ambedkar statue’ at Indu Mill Memorial project in Mumbai
• He is associated with many projects like:
- ‘Statue of Unity,’ world’s tallest statue | Height – 182m
- ‘251-metre tall statue of Lord Ram at Ayodhya’
- ‘153-feet high statue of Lord Shiva in Bengaluru’
- ‘100-feet tall statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’ at Moshi in Pune
• Awards received by him:
- Padma Shri – 1999 | Padma Bhushan – 2016 | ‘Tagore Award’ for cultural harmony of 2016 – Oct 2018
• Maharashtra Bhushan Award – instituted by Maharashtra Govt in 1995 (Cash Prize - Rs 25 lakh)
• Maharashtra: Capital – Mumbai | CM – Devendra Fadnavis | Governor – CP Radhakrishnan

90. The World Bank-aided ‘Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation Project (TNIAMP)’ was
presented with the “National Award for Excellence in Integrated Water Resources Management
2024” by the Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), Government of India. The award
highlights the TNIAMP’s success in addressing critical water resource challenges and promoting
sustainable agricultural development, thereby setting a benchmark for future initiatives in the region. The TNIAMP, initiated
in 2017, aims to enhance the productivity and climate resilience of irrigated agriculture within 47 river sub-basin areas across
Tamil Nadu. With a total outlay of Rs 3,249.12 crores, the project has successfully rehabilitated 2,626 tanks and 355 anicuts
(check dams), as well as 5,026 km of supply channels and canals. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ‘Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation Project (TNIAMP)’ – presented with “National Award for Excellence in
Integrated Water Resources Management 2024”
- By – Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), GoI | Project is aided by – World Bank
• TNIAMP – initiated in 2017 to enhance productivity & climate resilience of irrigated agriculture within 47 river sub-basin
areas across Tamil Nadu
- Total outlay – Rs 3,249.12 Cr
• Tamil Nadu: Capital – Chennai | CM – Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin | Governor – Ravindra Narayan Ravi
• HQs of World Bank – Washington D.C., US | President – Ajay Banga | MD/CFO – Anshula Kant | Members – 189

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 Schemes & Initiatives
91. Ministry of Education (MoE) and the National Book Trust (NBT) of India launched the 3 rd
edition of the “Prime Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship Scheme (PM-YUVA 3.0)” to nurture
young writers under 30 years of age, providing them with mentorship and exposure to hone
their creative writing skills. The themes of PM-YUVA 3.0 are: ‘Contribution of Indian Diaspora in
Nation Building’; ‘Indian Knowledge System’; and ‘Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)’. The
scheme invites applications from writers through MyGov India’s online portal. A competitive
process shortlists 50 young authors based on a well-defined evaluation criterion. The selected authors will receive financial
assistance of Rs 50,000 per month for 6 months. Under the mentorship, a National Camp will be held for the PM-YUVA 3.0
authors during the ‘New Delhi World Book Fair 2026’. The 1st edition of the scheme was launched on 31st May 2021, then
subsequently in October 2022 and now in March 2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 3rd edition of “Prime Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship Scheme (PM-YUVA 3.0)” launched by = MoE + NBT (India)
- To nurture young writers under 30 years of age, providing them with mentorship & exposure
- 50 selected authors will receive financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per month for 6 months
- A National Camp will be held for PM-YUVA 3.0 authors during ‘New Delhi World Book Fair 2026’
• Themes of PM-YUVA 3.0 are – ‘Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building’; ‘Indian Knowledge System’; &
‘Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)’
• 1st edition of this scheme – launched on May 31, 2021 | 2nd edition – in Oct 2022
• HQs of NBT – New Delhi | Chairman – Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe | Director – Yuvraj Malik
• Minister of Education: Dharmendra Pradhan | Constituency – Sambalpur, Odisha
MoS in Ministry of Education: Jayant Chaudhary & Sukanta Majumdar

92. The “Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS- MSME)” has been launched for providing 60% guarantee
coverage to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) for credit facility up to Rs 100 crore sanctioned to eligible MSMEs under
MCGS-MSME for purchase of equipment/ machinery. The Scheme is being implemented by National Credit Guarantee
Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC), a wholly owned company of Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. The
Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs) and Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs),
shall be the eligible MLIs under the Scheme. The eligibility criteria for borrowers under MCGS-MSME is: (i) It should be an
MSME with valid Udyam Registration Number; (ii) It should not be an NPA with any lender; (iii) Minimum cost of equipment
/machinery is 75% of project cost. Loans up to Rs 50 crore under the scheme will have a repayment period of up to 8 years
with up to 2 years moratorium period on principal installments. For loans above Rs 50 crore, a higher repayment schedule
and moratorium period on principal installments can be considered. An initial contribution of 5% of the loan amount will
need to be deposited at the time of application for guarantee cover. The scheme will be applicable to all loans sanctioned
under MCGS-MSME for 4 years from the date of issue of operational guidelines of the scheme or till a cumulative guarantee
of Rs 7 lakh crore is issued, whichever is earlier. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS- MSME)” – launched
- To provide 60% guarantee coverage by NCGTC to MLIs for credit facility up to Rs 100 Cr to eligible MSMEs
- Eligible MLIs under this Scheme – SCBs, AIFIs & NBFCs
• Being implemented by – NCGTC (wholly owned company of DFS, MoF)

Page | 44 Join us
• Under this scheme:
- MSMEs should have a valid Udyam Registration Number (URN)
- It should not be an NPA with any lender
- Minimum cost of equipment/machinery – 75% of project cost
• For loans up to Rs 50 Cr: Repayment period – up to 8 yrs | Moratorium period on principal installments – up to 2 yrs
• For loans above Rs 50 Cr: higher repayment schedule & moratorium period on principal installments can be considered
• An initial contribution of 5% of loan amount will need to be deposited at the time of application for guarantee cover
• This scheme will be applicable to all loans sanctioned under MCGS-MSME for 4 years from date of issue of operational
guidelines of scheme or till a cumulative guarantee of Rs 7 lakh Cr is issued, whichever is earlier

93. The Union Cabinet has allocated an additional Rs 1,000 crore for the “National Programme for
Dairy Development (NPDD)”, bringing the total budget for the scheme to Rs 2,790 crore for a period
between 2021-22 to 2025-26. The scheme has 2 key components, including the measures for
improving essential dairy infrastructure, such as milk chilling plants, advanced milk testing
laboratories, and certification systems. Secondly, the component ‘Dairying through Cooperatives
(DTC)’ will foster dairy development through cooperation with the Government of Japan and the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA). The 2nd component focuses on the sustainable development of dairy cooperatives, improving
production, processing, and marketing infrastructure in the 9 States - Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab,
Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The Centre added that the implementation of NPDD
has benefitted over 18.74 lakh farmers and has created over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs and increased milk procurement
capacity by an additional 100.95 lakh litres per day. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Cabinet allocated additional Rs 1,000 Cr for “National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)”
- Now, total budget for this scheme – Rs 2,790 Cr (between 2021-22 to 2025-26)
• This scheme has 2 key components:
- ‘Dairying through Cooperatives (DTC)’ – to foster dairy development with Government of Japan & JICA
- It focuses on sustainable development of dairy cooperatives in 9 States – Andhra, Bihar, MP, Punjab, Rajasthan,
Telangana, Uttarakhand, UP & West Bengal
• Implementation of NPDD – increased milk procurement capacity by an additional 100.95 lakh litres per day

94. The Government of India has increased the allocation for the “Vigyan Dhara” scheme.
The budget has witnessed a substantial rise from Rs 330.75 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 1425 crore
in 2025-26. The proposed outlay for the implementation of the unified scheme Vigyan Dhara
is Rs 10,579.84 crore for the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26, aligning with the 15th Finance
Commission (2021-22 to 2025-26). As of March 2025, 57,869 individual beneficiaries have
availed the scheme. The beneficiaries include young students in the age group of 10-15 years
and studying in classes VI to X availing the benefits under ‘INSPIRE-MANAK’ (Innovation in
Science Pursuit for Inspired Research - Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and
Knowledge) program. The Vigyan Dhara scheme came into force with effect from 16 January, 2025. It merges various
schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) into 3 major components: (i) Science and Technology (S&T)
Institutional and Human Capacity Building, (ii) Research and Development (R&D), and (iii) Innovation, Technology
Development, and Deployment. All the programs under the Vigyan Dhara scheme are aligned with the 5-year goals of the
DST, contributing towards the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• Government of India – increased allocation for “Vigyan Dhara” scheme
- Budget witnessed – rise to Rs 1425 Cr in 2025-26 (from Rs 330.75 Cr in 2024-25)
• Outlay for implementation of unified scheme Vigyan Dhara – Rs 10,579.84 Cr (for 2021-22 to 2025-26)
• Vigyan Dhara scheme – launched from Jan 16, 2025
• It merges various schemes of Department of Science & Technology (DST) into 3 major components:
- S&T Institutional & Human Capacity Building | R&D | Innovation, Technology Development & Deployment

95. The Union Cabinet has revised the “Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)” with a total outlay of Rs 3,400 crore.
The additional outlay for the scheme as the component of the Union Government for a period between
2021-22 to 2025-26 will be Rs 1,000 crore. Further, the Cabinet has added 2 new activities into the RGM
such as (i) one-time assistance of 35% of the capital cost for the establishment of ‘Heifer Rearing Centres’,
and (ii) encouraging farmers to purchase high genetic merit. The Centre will assist implementing agencies for creating of 30
housing facilities with having total 15,000 heifers and farmers can avail 3% interest subvention on loans taken from milk
unions/financial institutions/banks for providing In vitro fertilisation (IVF) to their cows. The scheme is for the continuation
of ongoing activities of the RGM like strengthening of semen stations, artificial insemination network, implementation of
bull production programme, and accelerated breed improvement programme using sex-sorted semen. The availability of
milk per person has increased to 471 grams per day in 2023-24 from 307 grams per day in 2013-14. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Cabinet revised “Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)” with a total outlay of Rs 3,400 Cr
- Additional outlay between 2021-22 to 2025-26 – Rs 1,000 Cr
• Cabinet added 2 new activities into RGM:
- one-time assistance of 35% of capital cost for establishment of ‘Heifer Rearing Centres’
- encouraging farmers to purchase high genetic merit
• Centre – to assist implementing agencies for creating 30 housing facilities with having total 15,000 heifers
- Farmers can avail 3% interest subvention on loans taken from milk unions/financial institutions/banks to provide
IVF to their cows
• Availability of milk per person – increased to 471 grams per day in 2023-24 (from 307 grams per day in 2013-14)

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 Meetings, Conferences and Summits
96. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of “Raisina Dialogue” on March 17, 2025, where the chief
guest, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, delivered the keynote address. The Raisina Dialogue is being co-
hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in New Delhi from
March 17 to March 19. The Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, committed to
addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Nearly 3,700 attendees and over 800 speakers and
delegates from around 130 countries worldwide will attend the Raisina Dialogue. The theme of this year’s Raisina Dialogue
is “Kalachakra: People, Peace, Planet.” The conversations during the Raisina Dialogue will be structured around 6 key
thematic pillars: ‘Politics Interrupted: Shifting Sands and Rising Tides’, ‘Resolving the Green Trilemma: Who, Where and
How’, ‘Digital Planet: Agents’, ‘Agencies and Absences, Militant Mercantilism: Trade, Supply Chains and the Exchange Rate
Addiction’, ‘The Tiger’s Tale: Rewriting Development with a New Pen’, and ‘Investing in Peace: Drivers, Institutions and
Leadership’. The Dialogue will also host the “Raisina Ideas Pod” in partnership with Firstpost, India’s premier international
news platform, featuring specially curated ministerial sessions and conversations of issues of global importance. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• 10th edition of “Raisina Dialogue” – inaugurated by PM Modi in New Delhi on Mar 17, 2025
- Theme – “Kalachakra: People, Peace, Planet” | To be held – from Mar 17-19, 2025
- Co-hosted by – MEA & Observer Research Foundation (ORF) | Chief guest – Christopher Luxon (PM of New Zealand)
• It will be structured around 6 key thematic pillars:
- ‘Politics Interrupted: Shifting Sands and Rising Tides’ | ‘Resolving the Green Trilemma: Who, Where and How’
- ‘Digital Planet: Agents’ | ‘The Tiger’s Tale: Rewriting Development with a New Pen’
- ‘Agencies and Absences, Militant Mercantilism: Trade, Supply Chains and the Exchange Rate Addiction’
- ‘Investing in Peace: Drivers, Institutions and Leadership’
• Dialogue will also host “Raisina Ideas Pod” in partnership with Firstpost

97. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, has inaugurated the “India
Innovation Summit - Pioneering Solutions to End TB” at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, New
Delhi. The Summit was organized jointly by the Department of Health Research-Indian Council of
Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) and the Central TB Division (CTD), Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare. The Centre said India is steadily progressing to eliminate TB by 2025, two years ahead of
the global target. The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) was able to notify 25.5 lakh and 26.07 lakh tuberculosis
cases in 2023 and 2024 respectively, the highest ever. The minister underscored the progress of the ongoing ‘TB Mukt
Bharat’, 100 Days Intensified Campaign. Launched on December 7, 2024, the campaign covers 455 selected high-priority
districts. The report of the campaign will be released on World TB Day on 24th March 2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Anupriya Patel (MoS for Health & Family Welfare) – inaugurated “India Innovation Summit - Pioneering Solutions to End
TB” at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, New Delhi
- Organized by = DHR-ICMR + Central TB Division (CTD), MHFW
• India – to eliminate TB by 2025 (2 years ahead of global target)
• ‘TB Mukt Bharat’ (100 Days Intensified Campaign) – launched on Dec 7, 2024
- Its report to be released on – World TB Day (Mar 24, 2025)

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• Minister of Health & Family Welfare: Jagat Prakash Nadda | Constituency – Gujarat
MoS in Ministry of Health & Family Welfare: Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao & Anupriya Singh Patel

98. The 14th meeting of the “ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts
Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT)” concluded in New Delhi. ASEAN stands for
‘Association of Southeast Asian Nations’. The two-day event brought together delegations from
the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN countries (Lao PDR, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia,
Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam), along with ADMM-Plus dialogue partners (India, China, the US,
Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea). Timor Leste has been granted an observer status in ASEAN. Earlier,
Myanmar and Russia, co-chairs for EWG on CT during the previous cycle for 2021-2024, handed over the co-chairmanship
to India and Malaysia for the present cycle (2024-2027). India is hosting the maiden EWG meeting for the current cycle. As
co-chairs, India and Malaysia laid out an ambitious work plan for the new cycle, including a Table-Top Exercise to be held in
Malaysia in 2026 and a Field Training Exercise in India in 2027. This marked the 1st EWG on CT meeting hosted by India under
its new co-chairmanship. The 14th meeting was inaugurated by the Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The New Delhi
meeting laid a strong foundation for upcoming workshops, exercises, and bilateral engagements planned under the 2024-
2027 work cycle. The ADMM-Plus was founded in 2010 and India is the founding member of the ADMM-Plus. It includes the
10 members of the ASEAN countries and 8 dialogue partners of ASEAN. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 14th meeting of “ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism
(EWG on CT)” – concluded in New Delhi
- Inaugurated by – Rajesh Kumar Singh (Defence Secretary)
- ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations
• Timor Leste – granted an observer status in ASEAN
• India & Malaysia – assumed as co-chairs for EWG on CT during 2024-2027 cycle (from Myanmar & Russia (2021-2024))
- Table-Top Exercise – to be held in Malaysia in 2026
- Field Training Exercise – to be held in India in 2027
• ADMM-Plus – founded in 2010 with India as a founding member
- It includes 10 members of ASEAN countries & 8 dialogue partners of ASEAN
- Dialogue partners – India, China, US, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan & South Korea
• ASEAN countries – Lao PDR, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines &
Vietnam
• Chairmanship of ASEAN 2025 – Malaysia | Secretariat of ASEAN – Jakarta, Indonesia | Members – 10

Page | 48 Join us
 Ranks, Reports & Surveys
99. The Indian School of Mines (ISM) University, Dhanbad bags the top position in
India in the 15th edition of “Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by
Subject 2025”. As many as 79 Indian institutes featured in this edition. ISM Dhanbad
is ranked 20th globally for ‘Engineering - Mineral and Mining’, making it the country’s
highest-performing subject area, followed by IIT Delhi in the ‘Engineering and
Technology’ subject, and Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
(deemed to be university) in ‘Dentistry’ subject at 26th rank (both). IIM Ahmedabad is ranked 27th for ‘Business and
Management Studies’. IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur have been ranked at 28th and 45th spot for ‘Engineering-Mineral and
Mining’. The 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject include 533 entries from 79 Indian universities, up from 424
entries last year. Of these, 156 entries improved, 101 declined, and 154 remained stable, while 122 new entries made their
debut in this edition. In the latest edition of the QS subject-specific rankings, India has the 5th highest number of new entries
behind China, the U.S., the U.K. and Korea, and ranks 12th for the number of overall entries. Computer Science & Information
Systems remains India’s most represented subject, with ranked entries increasing from 28 to 42, placing India 4th globally
for this discipline, behind only the US (119), UK (62) and China (58). US universities dominate in 32 academic disciplines,
with Harvard University emerging as the strongest-performing institution, securing the top spot in 15 subjects. MIT follows
closely, leading in 11 disciplines. In the UK, institutions claim the number one position in 18 subjects. Canada boasts two
top-three global entries, and the University of British Columbia stands out for featuring in 52 subject rankings - the highest
this year. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 15th edition of “Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2025” | 79 Indian institutes featured
• Indian School of Mines (ISM) University, Dhanbad – 20th globally for ‘Engineering - Mineral and Mining’ (top in India)
- 26th – IIT Delhi (in ‘Engineering & Technology’ subject) & Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences (in
‘Dentistry’)
- 27th – IIM Ahmedabad (in ‘Business & Management Studies’)
- 28th – IIT Bombay (in ‘Engineering-Mineral and Mining’) | 45th – IIT Kharagpur (in ‘Engineering-Mineral and Mining’)
• India – 5th highest number of new entries & 12th for number of overall entries
- Top 4 countries in number of new entries – China, U.S., U.K. & Korea
• India’s most represented subject – Computer Science & Information Systems with 42 entries (from 28)
- India – 4th globally for this discipline | Top 3 – US (119), UK (62) & China (58)
• Strongest-performing institution with its top subjects – Harvard University (15) | 2nd – MIT (11)
• US universities dominate in 32 academic disciplines | Strongest-performing institution – Harvard University (15)
• In the UK, institutions claim No. 1 position in 18 subjects.
• Canada boasts two Top-3 global entries | University of British Columbia – featured in 52 subjects (highest this year)

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100. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the Coalition for
Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), has launched a comprehensive report on the “Disaster
Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework (DRRAF)”, marking a major step towards
strengthening India’s telecom sector against disasters. The report is part of a comprehensive
study on ‘National and Sub-national Disaster Risk & Resilience Assessment’ for the
Telecommunication Sector by CDRI. The study was conducted across 5 states, Assam, Odisha,
Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat. The study conducted a multi-hazard risk assessment across 0.77 million telecom
towers, mapping risks from floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and other disasters. A ‘Disaster Risk and Resilience Index’ has
been developed to assess the vulnerability of telecom infrastructure based on disaster intensity, frequency, and impact. The
CDRI, an international organization launched by the Prime Minister of India, is a global partnership of 50 members (43
countries & 7 multilateral organizations) dedicated to climate and disaster-resilient infrastructure solutions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework (DRRAF)” report – launched by DoT & CDRI
- It is part of ‘National & Sub-national Disaster Risk & Resilience Assessment’ for Telecommunication Sector by CDRI
• Study was conducted across 5 states – Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand & Gujarat
• ‘Disaster Risk and Resilience Index’ – developed to assess vulnerability of telecom infrastructure
• CDRI – launched by PM Modi, dedicated to climate & disaster-resilient infrastructure solutions
• HQs of CDRI – New Delhi | DG – Amit Prothi | Members – 50 | Founded in – 2019

101. A new global survey report, titled “Who in the World Supports Free Speech?”
by The Future of Free Speech, an independent US-based think tank, has ranked
India 24th out of the 33 countries surveyed on the question of support for free
speech. India, with a score of 62.6, placed between South Africa (66.9) and
Lebanon (61.8). Scandinavian countries dominated the top rankings, with Norway
and Denmark finishing at the top of the index with scores of 87.9 and 87.0,
followed by Hungary (85.5), Sweden (82.6) and Venezuela (81.8). Indonesia (56.8),
Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) showed the biggest improvements, though
they remained at the lower end of the ranking. Jordon stands at the bottom of the
index with a score of 54.3. Many democratic nations, including the US, Israel, and
Japan, have seen a drop in free speech support since 2021. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Who in the World Supports Free Speech?” report – released by The Future of Free Speech (US)
• India – 24th on question of support for free speech | Score – 62.6
• Top country – Norway (87.9) | Followed by – Denmark (87.0), Hungary (85.5), Sweden (82.6) & Venezuela (81.8)
- Last country – Jordan (54.3)
• Countries showing the biggest improvements – Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4) & Pakistan (57.0)

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102. According to the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) “State of the Climate Report
2024”, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reached 420 parts per million in 2023, the highest in the last
8,00,000 years. The long-term global warming is currently estimated to be between 1.34 and 1.41°C
compared to the 1850-1900 baseline. Carbon dioxide levels in 2023 (the latest year with complete
global data) were 420.0 ± 0.1 parts per million (ppm), 2.3 ppm higher than in 2022 and 151% of the
pre-industrial level (1750). The WMO said 420 ppm corresponds to 3,276 gigatonnes (or 3.276 trillion tonnes) of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere. Around 90% of the extra heat trapped by greenhouse gases is absorbed by the ocean. In 2024,
global mean sea level was the highest since satellite records began in 1993. The rate of sea level rise from 2015-2024 was
double that of 1993-2002, increasing from 2.1 mm per year to 4.7 mm per year. Earlier this year, the WMO confirmed that
2024 was the hottest year on record and the 1st with a global average temperature of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• “State of the Climate Report 2024” – released by WMO
• Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels – reached 420 parts per million in 2023, highest in last 8,00,000 years
• Long-term global warming – estimated to be between 1.34-1.41°C (compared to 1850-1900 baseline)
• CO2 levels in 2023 – 420.0 ± 0.1 ppm (2.3 ppm higher than in 2022 & 151% of pre-industrial level (1750))
- 420 ppm corresponds to – 3,276 gigatonnes of CO2 in atmosphere
- Around 90% of extra heat trapped by greenhouse gases is absorbed by ocean
• In 2024, global mean sea level – highest since satellite records began in 1993
• 2024 – hottest year on record & 1st with a global average temperature of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
• HQs of WMO – Geneva, Switzerland | SG – Celeste Saulo | President – Dr Abdulla Al Mandous

103. The Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford has released the “World
Happiness Report 2025”. As per the report, Finland is the happiest country in the world for
the 8th year in a row. Finland is followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
For the 4th consecutive year, Afghanistan (ranked 147th) remains the unhappiest nation in the
world. Other countries at the bottom include Sierra Leone (146th), Lebanon (145th), Malawi
(144th), and Zimbabwe (143rd). Costa Rica (6th) and Mexico (10th) entered the top 10 for the
first time. Meanwhile, the US recorded its lowest-ever position, ranking 24th. Taiwan (27th) is
the happiest place in Asia. India ranked 118th (up from 126th in 2024). India’s lowest ranking
was 144 on the list in 2012, while its scores peaked in 2022 at 94. Among India’s neighbouring countries, Sri Lanka was
ranked at 133rd, Bangladesh at 134th, Pakistan at 109th, Nepal at 92nd and China at 68th. The rankings are based on people’s
self-assessed life evaluations, compiled through surveys conducted by Gallup in partnership with the UN Sustainable
Development Solutions Network. The study considers 6 explanatory factors for happiness: Social support, GDP per capita,
Health life expectancy, Freedom, generosity, and Perception of corruption. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “World Happiness Report 2025” – released by Wellbeing Research Centre (University of Oxford)
• Happiest country in world – Finland (8th consecutive year) | Followed by – Denmark, Iceland, Sweden & Netherlands
• Unhappiest country in world – Afghanistan (147th - for 4th consecutive year)
- 146th – Sierra Leone | 145th – Lebanon | 144th – Malawi | 143rd – Zimbabwe
• Costa Rica (6th) & Mexico (10th) – entered top 10 for the first time | US – 24th (its lowest-ever position)
• Happiest place in Asia – Taiwan (27th)

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• India – 118th (from 126th in 2024) | India’s lowest rank – 144th (in 2012) | India’s highest rank – 94th (in 2022)
• India’s neighbours – Sri Lanka (133rd), Bangladesh (134th), Pakistan (109th), Nepal (92nd) & China (68th)

104. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has released the “India Bioeconomy Report 2025 (IBER
2025)” at the BIRAC Foundation Day ceremony. According to the IBER 2025, India’s bio-economy
has witnessed a remarkable 16-fold rise in 10 years, from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in
2024. The bioeconomy sector is contributing 4.25% to the overall GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in
India. The sector has shown a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 17.9% over the past 4
years. The Minister has also unveiled ‘BioSaarthi’, a pioneering global mentorship initiative aimed at nurturing biotech
startups. Designed as a 6-month cohort, ‘BioSaarthi’ will facilitate structured mentor-mentee engagements, offering
personalized guidance to emerging entrepreneurs in the biotech sector. The Minister also highlighted the ‘BIO-E3 Policy-
Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment’. Under this policy, initiatives such as ‘Bio-AI Hubs’, ‘Bio
foundries’, and ‘Bio-enabler hubs’ will be set up to integrate advanced technologies with biomanufacturing. Assam has
become the 1st state to adopt the BioE3 framework. India’s biotech startup ecosystem has grown from just 50 startups a
decade ago to over 10,075 today. Further, India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) has increased
from Rs 60,196 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,27,381 crore in 2024. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “India Bioeconomy Report 2025 (IBER 2025)” – released by Dr. Jitendra Singh at BIRAC Foundation Day ceremony
• India’s bio-economy – increased to $165.7 billion in 2024 (from $10 billion in 2014) | CAGR – 17.9% (over past 4 yrs)
• Contribution of bioeconomy sector to overall GDP in India – 4.25%
• He also unveiled ‘BioSaarthi’, a pioneering global mentorship initiative to nurture biotech startups
• Assam – became 1st state to adopt BioE3 framework
• India’s biotech startup ecosystem – grown to over 10,075 today (from just 50 startups a decade ago)
• India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) – increased to Rs 1,27,381 Cr in 2024 (from Rs 60,196 Cr in 2013-14)

105. According to a report of Tracxn, Indian tech startup ecosystem ranks 2nd after the US in terms of
all-time funding raised by companies with women founders, with a total capital mobilisation of $26
billion seen in this space till date. The report further revealed that India is home to over 7,000 active
women-led startups, accounting for 7.5% of all active startups in the country. These ventures have
collectively raised $26.4 billion in funding, with 2021 being the highest-funded year at $6.3 billion. On a global scale, 2022
saw the highest funding contribution from Indian startups at 15.18%. In 2024, India ranked 3rd globally in terms of funding
raised by startups co-led by women, after the US and the UK, accounting for 3.96% of funding raised by women-led startups
across the globe. According to the report, the retail sector took a strong lead based on investments raised by women-led
startups, securing $7.8 billion in all-time funding. Edtech (at $5.4 billion) and Enterprise Applications ($5 billion) followed
closely. Bengaluru leads in both the number of women-led startups and total funding raised to date, followed by Mumbai
and Delhi NCR. The highest number of acquisitions of women-led startups was recorded in 2021, with 45 buyouts. However,
this number dropped to 36 in 2022, 25 in 2023, & 16 in 2024. In 2024, 5 women-led startups went public: MobiKwik, Usha
Financial, Tunwal, Interiors and More, and LawSikho. As of now, 2025 has not seen any IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) from
women-led startups. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As per a report of Tracxn, Indian tech startup ecosystem – 2nd in terms of all-time funding raised by companies with
women founders
- Total capital mobilisation – $26 billion (till date) | 1st – US

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• India – home to over 7,000 active women-led startups | Share in all active startups in country – 7.5%
- They collectively raised – $26.4 billion in funding | Highest-funded year – 2021 (at $6.3 billion)
• Globally, highest funding contribution from Indian startups – in 2022 (at 15.18%)
• In 2024, India – 3rd in terms of funding raised by startups co-led by women | Top 2 – US & UK
- Share of funding raised by women-led startups across the globe – 3.96%
• Based on investments raised by women-led startups, top sector with funding raised – Retail sector ($7.8 billion)
- 2nd – Edtech ($5.4 billion) | 3rd – Enterprise Applications ($5 billion)
• Bengaluru – leads in both number of women-led startups & total funding raised to date
- Followed by – Mumbai & Delhi NCR
• Highest number of acquisitions of women-led startups – recorded in 2021 (45 buyouts)
• In 2024, 5 women-led startups went public – MobiKwik, Usha Financial, Tunwal, Interiors & More, and LawSikho

Amount & Agreements

106. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the “Frontier Seed (Pacific)” program
and identified the first two companies to receive funding and support. The program aims to
develop local capital markets and support businesses that are building local industries
contributing to inclusive and sustainable growth in frontier markets. ADB Frontier Seed (Pacific)
program signed a $2,00,000 cost-recoverable technical assistance agreement with SeaPAC Pte
Ltd, a saltwater prawn producer in Fiji, to support the commercialization of Fiji’s prawn industry and promote food security.
ADB Frontier also signed a $2,00,000 cost-recoverable technical assistance agreement with Kahuto Pacific, an aerial mapping
company, to help develop new mapping offerings, to increase the availability of coastal data for the Pacific. Further, the
program is supported by ADB, the Ocean Resilience and Coastal Adaptation (ORCA) Trust Fund, the Nordic Development
Fund, and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. ADB committed a total of $2 million and the
ORCA Trust Fund also provided $2 million to the program. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ADB – announced “Frontier Seed (Pacific)” program & identified first two companies to receive funding & support
• Aim: To develop local capital markets & support businesses that are building local industries
• ADB Frontier Seed (Pacific) program + SeaPAC Pte Ltd = agreement to support commercialization of Fiji’s prawn industry
& promote food security | Worth – $2,00,000
• ADB Frontier + Kahuto Pacific = agreement to help develop new mapping offerings | Worth – $2,00,000
• It is supported by – ADB, ORCA Trust Fund, Nordic Development Fund, and UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development
Office
• Funding committed to the program: ADB – $2 million | ORCA Trust Fund – $2 million
• HQs of ADB – Mandaluyong, Philippines | President – Masato Kanda | Members – 69

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 MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships
107. Bharti Airtel, Ericsson and the Volvo Group have entered into a 5G-related research partnership to explore the potential
of Extended Reality (XR), Digital Twin technologies and AI in the manufacturing sector. The R&D collaboration aims to
transform industrial operations, enhance workforce training and drive real-time process optimisation, leveraging 5G and
5G-Advanced technologies. The research engagement will be conducted at the Volvo Group Factory and Volvo Group’s R&D
Centre in Bangalore. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Bharti Airtel + Ericsson + Volvo Group = partnered to explore potential of Extended Reality (XR), Digital Twin technologies
& AI in manufacturing sector
• Aim: To transform industrial operations, enhance workforce training & drive real-time process optimisation
• Research engagement – to be conducted at Volvo Group Factory & Volvo Group’s R&D Centre in Bangalore
• HQs of Bharti Airtel – New Delhi | MD & CEO – Shashwat Sharma | Chairman – Sunil Bharti Mittal
• HQs of Ericsson – Stockholm, Sweden | CEO – Börje Ekholm | Founded in – 1876
• HQs of Volvo Group – Gothenburg, Sweden | CEO & President – Martin Lundstedt

108. Tech Mahindra has announced an expanded long-term partnership with Google Cloud to
accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enterprises globally. The partnership will
bring together Tech Mahindra’s domain expertise and Google Cloud’s AI capabilities to develop
tailored industry solutions for sectors like communications, healthcare and life sciences,
manufacturing, automotive, retail, and financial services. It will also help enterprises modernise their
infrastructure & data architecture, while optimising the return on investment from their AI-powered cloud solutions. Tech
Mahindra is a premier systems integrator Google Cloud Partner with 2000+ certified resources and 10,000+ trained
engineers deployed across 75+ programs globally. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Tech Mahindra + Google Cloud = expanded partnership to accelerate adoption of AI for enterprises globally
• HQs of Tech Mahindra – Pune, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Mohit Joshi
• HQs of Google – California, US | CEO – Sundar Pichai | Founded in – 1998
CEO of Google Cloud – Thomas Kurian | MD at Google Cloud India – Bikram Singh Bedi

109. Wipro, TechMahindra, and L&T Technology have announced individual partnerships with
chipmaking giant, Nvidia, for AI-based solutions for various industries at the annual ‘Nvidia GPU
Technology Conference (GTC)’ in San Jose, California, US. Tech Mahindra has unveiled an autonomous
‘pharmacovigilance (PV)’ solution powered by Nvidia AI software to enhance drug safety management.
Wipro has introduced new ‘Agentic AI’ services aimed at enabling nations worldwide to harness their unique infrastructure,
data, workforce, and business networks to develop and implement artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. While, L&T
Technology Services (LTTS) announced the launch of ‘TrackEi’, an AI-powered railway track inspection solution. The solution
uses the Nvidia Jetson platform to deliver real-time defect detection and support predictive maintenance, enhancing safety
for rail networks worldwide. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Annual ‘Nvidia GPU Technology Conference (GTC)’ – held in San Jose, California, US
• Wipro + Nvidia = introduced new ‘Agentic AI’ services to develop & implement AI capabilities

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• Tech Mahindra + Nvidia = unveiled ‘pharmacovigilance (PV)’ solution to enhance drug safety management
- Powered by – Nvidia AI software
• L&T Technology + Nvidia = launched ‘TrackEi’, an AI-powered railway track inspection solution
• HQs of Wipro – Bangalore, Karnataka | MD & CEO – Srinivas Pallia | Founder Chairman – Azim Premji
• HQs of Tech Mahindra – Pune, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Mohit Joshi
• HQs of L&T – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – S. N. Subrahmanyan | MD & CEO – Amit Chadha
• HQs of Nvidia – California, US | CEO – Jensen Huang

110. The Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
signed an MoU for the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered solution named
“Sansad Bhashini”. Under the initiative, a large dictionary of Lok Sabha debate is being created using
AI as a dataset called ‘AI Kosh’, so that researchers will be able to get the translation of detailed Lok
Sabha debate in any language. The key AI Initiatives under Sansad Bhashini are the seamless
translation of legacy debate documents, agenda files, committee meetings, and other parliamentary content into regional
languages. This initiative will further enable real-time speech conversion and translation, ensuring that discussions and
debates are instantly available in different languages. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Lok Sabha Secretariat + MeitY = an MoU for development of an AI-powered solution named “Sansad Bhashini”
• Minister of Electronics & Information Technology: Ashwini Vaishnaw | Constituency – Odisha
MoS in Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology: Jitin Prasada

111. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with Bengaluru-based
Sarvam AI, an indigenous full-stack Generative AI (GenAI) company to enhance user experience
while availing of Aadhaar services. Sarvam will deploy the AI solution to perform voice-based
interactions for resident-centric use cases. The agreement will also offer real-time fraud alerts in
10 languages to Aadhaar number holders in case anything suspicious is spotted during
authentication requests. Sarvam AI has delivered a custom GenAI stack, being hosted on-premise within an air-gapped UIDAI
infrastructure. The agreement will be initially valid for a period of 1 year and may be extended by 1 more year. Volunteers
from Sarvam AI worked closely with the UIDAI’s Technology Centre in Bengaluru to develop and deploy the GenAI solution.
The ownership of the solution will be with UIDAI. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• UIDAI + Sarvam AI = to enhance user experience while availing of Aadhaar services
- Initial validity – 1 year | May be extended by – 1 year | Ownership of solution – UIDAI
• It will also offer real-time fraud alerts in 10 languages to Aadhaar number holders
• HQs of UIDAI – New Delhi | CEO – Bhuvnesh Kumar | Chairman – Neelkanth Mishra
• HQs of Sarvam AI – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Co-Founders – Pratyush Kumar & Vivek Raghavan

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112. Andhra Pradesh Government and the Gates Foundation have entered into an MoU for public
welfare by integrating cost-effective and scalable solutions across key sectors of healthcare, medtech,
education, and agriculture. The MoU formalises a strategic collaboration in which the Gates Foundation
will provide support to implementation partners, co-identified with the Government of Andhra
Pradesh, for targeted interventions within State-driven programs. The partnership will leverage AI for
predictive health analytics and automated diagnostics, while in agriculture, it introduces AI-driven advisory platforms and
satellite-based systems for precision farming and resource management. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Andhra Pradesh + Gates Foundation = an MoU for public welfare by integrating cost-effective & scalable solutions across
key sectors of healthcare, medtech, education & agriculture
• Andhra Pradesh: Capital – Amaravati | CM – N Chandra Babu Naidu | Governor – Syed Abdul Nazeer
• HQs of Gates Foundation – Washington, US | CEO – Mark Suzman

113. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has entered into a quadripartite MoU with BluJ
Aerospace, the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), Kerala, and
Cochin International Airport Limited to develop the 1st hydrogen-fuelled Vertical Take-off and Landing
(VTOL) aircraft ecosystem globally. The project aims to transform urban and regional air mobility through
the integration of green hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft, enhancing speed, reducing noise, and improving efficiency while
substantially cutting down carbon emissions. The agreement supports India’s goal of attaining Net Zero emissions by 2070.
BPCL will establish hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for VTOL aircraft developed by BluJ Aerospace via its forthcoming
hydrogen refuelling stations in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• BPCL + BluJ Aerospace + ANERT + Cochin Int. Airport Ltd = quadripartite MoU to develop 1st hydrogen-fuelled Vertical
Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft ecosystem globally
• Aim: To transform urban & regional air mobility
• HQs of BPCL – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman & MD – G. Krishnakumar | Founded in – 1952
• HQs of BluJ Aerospace – Hyderabad, Telangana | Co-founder & CEO – Amar Sri Vatsavaya
• HQs of ANERT – Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Chairman – Manohar Lal

❖ Important Obituaries in March 2025:

• Ramakanta Rath – a Renowned Modernist Poet in Odia literature (Padma Bhushan in 2006)
(He also served as President of the Sahitya Akademi of India from 1998 to 2003.)

❖ Important One-liner Meetings, Conferences & Summits in March 2025:

• India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future – New Delhi
(by MoEFCC + 2 institutes at Harvard University)

❖ Important Species found in March 2025:

• “Tamilicum”, a new species of Congrid eel — discovered off the Thoothukudi coast, Tamil Nadu

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❖ Appointments of Important Brand Ambassadors in March 2025:
• Jasprit Bumrah — Brand Ambassador of Skechers, a footwear brand
• Vicky kaushal — Brand Ambassador of Tata motors

❖ F1 Grand Prix (GP) winners in March 2025:

• Australian Grand Prix 2025 — Lando Norris (British - McLaren)

❖ Important Acquisitions & Mergers in March 2025:

• The CCI has cleared Tata Sons’ proposed acquisition of an additional 10% stake in DTH operator Tata Play from
Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings. Currently, Tata Sons owns a 60% stake in Tata Play.

• German insurance giant Allianz SE has decided to exit from its Indian insurance joint ventures with the Bajaj group,
namely Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company (BAGIC) and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company (BALIC). After
the government allowed 100% FDI in insurance ventures, Allianz has decided to sell its 26% stakes in life and non-
life joint ventures with the Bajaj group for Rs 24,600 crore.

• Ahmedabad-based Torrent Group has acquired a 67% stake in IPL franchise Gujarat Titans ahead of the upcoming
T20 season. The stake was purchased from Irelia Company, which will now retain a 33% minority stake in Gujarat
Titans.

• ONGC NTPC Green Private Limited (ONGPL) acquired 100% equity share capital of Bengaluru-based Ayana
Renewable Power Private Limited for Rs 19,500 crore ($2.3 billion). This is the second biggest deal in the RE space
after Adani Green Energy acquired SB Energy India from SoftBank Group Corp. (SBG) and Bharti Group for $3.5
billion in 2021.

• ONGC-NTPC Green Energy Ltd (ONGPL) has acquired 100% equity stake Ayana Renewable Power Private Ltd for Rs
19,500 crore.

• IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL) has successfully acquired the debt-ridden of Reliance Capital Limited
(RCAP) for the bid amount of Rs 9,650 crore.

• US-based private investment firm, Bain Capital, has launched Rs 5,764 crore open offer to acquire an additional 26%
stake in gold loan financier Manappuram Finance, a Kerala-based NBFC. The open offer was triggered following Bain
Capital’s decision to acquire an 18% stake in Manappuram Finance for a consideration of Rs 4,385 crore.

❖ National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries / Tiger Reserves in March 2025:

Jaldapara National Park West Bengal
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary Gujarat

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❖ Other Miscellaneous News & Current Static GK in March 2025:
Maa Purnagiri Fair Champawat, Uttarakhand
1st ever temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bhiwandi, Thane, Maharashtra
Ananta (Google’s largest campus in India) Bengaluru, Karnataka
Sify Data Center (North India’s largest data centre campus) Greater Noida, UP
‘Culinary, Crafts & Clicks - Moods & Magic’, a Festival of Street Food &
New Delhi
Handicraft (by MoHUA & MyGov)
Manthan 2025 (a flagship annual defence innovation event by iDEX-DIO) Bengaluru, Karnataka
Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki Volcano Indonesia
North India’s 1st Nuclear Power Plant Gorakhpur, Haryana
Purple Fest 2025 (by DEPwD under MoSJE) New Delhi

Important Books & Authors

“Rice: A Global History” Renee Marton
“Leo: The Untold Story” (launched by CSK) P. S. Raman
“Chronicles of Economic Diplomacy” Dr. Asif Iqbal
“March to Glory: The Story of India’s 1975 World Cup triumph” K. Arumugam & Errol D’Cruz
“Memories and Milestones” V. Sriram & Lashman

Important Days
World Kidney Day
March 13 (Theme - “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.”)
World Rotaract Day
World Sleep Day (Friday before the March Equinox)
March 14 6th International Day of Mathematics
(Theme - “Mathematics, Art, and Creativity”)
World Consumer Rights Day
March 15 (Theme - “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles”)
International Day to Combat Islamophobia
National Immunization/Vaccination Day
March 16 (The day commemorates the successful launch of the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme in
India.)
Ordnance Factories Day
March 18
Global Recycling Day
International Day of Happiness
(Theme - “Caring and Sharing”)
World Sparrow Day
(Theme - “A Tribute to Nature’s Tiny Messengers”)
March 20
World Oral Health Day
(Theme - “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind”)
UN French Language Day
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People
March 21 International Day of Forests

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 (Theme - “Forests and Food”)
UN World Day for Glaciers
(Theme - “Glacier Preservation”)
World Down Syndrome Day
(Theme - “Improve Our Support Systems”)
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
(Theme - “60th Anniversary of International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination”)

➢ Latest GDP Predictions (updated till March 2025)

Organisations FY25 FY26 FY27
S&P Global Ratings 6.4% 6.5% -
Moody’s 6.3% 6.5% -
OECD 6.3% 6.4% 6.6%
ICRA 6.3% 6.5% -
IMF 6.5% 6.5% 6.5%
CRISIL 6.4% 6.5% -
PHDCCI 6.8% 7.7% -
World Bank 6.5% 6.5% 6.7%
FICCI 6.4% - -
SBI 6.3% - -
Nomura 6% 5.9% -
EY 6.5% 6.5% -
India Ratings & Research 6.4% 6.6% -
Goldman Sachs 6.3% (CY) - -
ADB 6.5% 7% -
RBI 6.6% - -
Morgan Stanley 6.3% 6.5% -
Bloomberg Economic 6.8% - -
NCAER 7.5% - -
Fitch Ratings 7.2% 6.5% -
UN 6.9% 6.6% -
UNCTAD 6.5% - -
UBS Securities India 7% 6.8% -
Bank of Baroda 6.75-6.8% - -
UN-DESA 6.6% - -
CII 7% - -

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