05th March 2025

1. India’s First World Peace Center Inaugurated in Gurugram
2. Levi’s Appoints Diljit Dosanjh as Global Ambassador
3. Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025: Honoring Excellence and Innovation
4. Madhya Pradesh Government to Provide Permanent Power Connections to Farmers for Just Rs 5
5. Crisil Forecasts India’s GDP Growth at 6.5% for FY26, Predicts Repo Rate Cut
6. Brandon Holt Clinches the 2025 Bengaluru Open ATP 125 Challenger Title
7. Padmakar Shivalkar: The Unsung Hero of Indian Cricket Passes Away at 84
8. Gulmarg Gears Up for Khelo India Winter Games 2025 After Heavy Snowfall
9. International Women’s Day 2025, Know Date, Theme, History, Significance and Celebrations
10. Oldest Test Cricketer Passes Away at 98 in South Africa
11. IIFT & APEC-Antwerp Signed MoU to Bolster Trade and Logistics Education
12. PM Modi Released India’s 1st ever Riverine Dolphin Estimation Report: 6,327 dolphins, Highest in UP
13. Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah Inaugurated ‘Workshop on Sustainability & Circularity in Dairy Sector’ in New Delhi
14. India’s First World Peace Center Inaugurated in Gurugram, Haryana
15. Forbes’ The Highest-Paid Actors of 2024: American Actor Dwayne Johnson Tops, 3 Actress Make the Top 20 List
16. Paytm Partners with RBL Bank to Strengthen Digital Payment
17. Rupee112 Launches India’s First Fully Automated WhatsApp Loan Disbursal
18. Christian Stocker Sworn in as the new Chancellor of Austria
19. Indian Grandmaster Pa Iniyan Wins 38th ‘Cannes International Open Chess Tournament’
20. Renowned Marathi Travel Writer Dr Meena Prabhu Passed Away
21. World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation 2025 – March 4
22. World Obesity Day 2025 – March 4
23. CSE and DTE Release 12th Edition of State of India’s Environment Report 2025

National News

1. India’s First World Peace Center Inaugurated

• What:
  • India’s first World Peace Center was inaugurated in Gurugram by former President Ram Nath Kovind, along with other prominent leaders.
• Why:
  • The center aims to promote peace and harmony globally, addressing issues like violence, environmental pollution, and inequality.
• Tell me more:
  • The inauguration ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, and Chief Minister of Haryana Nayab Singh Saini.
  • The center will focus on spreading spiritual consciousness and moral values, and its voice will be heard at the United Nations and the World Parliament of Religions.
  • The center is located in Gurugram, Delhi NCR, and is built on four pillars: right knowledge, philosophy, character, and penance.

Source: ANI

2. 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Gir National Park

• What:
  • Prime Minister Modi chaired the National Board for Wildlife meeting at Gir National Park, announcing key conservation initiatives.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to review and enhance India’s wildlife conservation efforts and promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s first riverine dolphin estimation report was released, recording 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states
    • Uttar Pradesh has the highest dolphin population, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
    • The survey covered 8,500 km across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river systems over two years.
  • The Cheetah Re-introduction project will expand to Gandhisagar Sanctuary and Banni Grasslands.
  • A centre of excellence for human-wildlife conflict mitigation will be established in Coimbatore.
  • The 16th Asiatic Lion population estimation will take place in 2025.
  • A National Referral Centre for Wildlife will be established at Junagadh.

Source: TOI TOI

3. Amit Shah Promotes Circularity in Dairy Sector

• What:
  • Union Minister Amit Shah emphasized expanding circularity in the dairy sector beyond dung processing to include cattle skin and bones, and local machinery production.
• Why:
  • This aims to control village-to-city migration, increase farmer profits, and promote self-reliance in the dairy industry.
• Tell me more:
  • Amit Shah directed NDDB to explore establishing village-level cooperatives for processing cattle skins and bones.
  • Amit Shah inaugurated a workshop on “Sustainability and Circularity in Dairy Sector.”

State News

1. Madhya Pradesh Offers Affordable Electricity to Farmers

• What:
  • The Madhya Pradesh government will provide permanent electricity connections to farmers at a cost of Rs. 5, with plans to distribute 30 lakh solar pumps over three years.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to support farmers by reducing their electricity costs and promoting sustainable energy, while also enhancing their overall welfare.
• Tell me more:
  • Farmers using 3 HP pumps will pay only 5% of the cost, while those with 5 to 7.5 HP pumps will pay 10%.
  • The government will purchase electricity generated by farmers through solar energy and pay them in cash.
  • Wheat is being purchased at a support price of Rs 2,600 per quintal, including a Rs 175 bonus.

International News

1. Paytm Partners with RBL Bank for Digital Payments

• What:
  • Paytm has partnered with RBL Bank to promote digital payment adoption among RBL Bank’s merchant partners.
• Why:
  • This collaboration aims to provide easy-to-use and efficient payment solutions, empowering merchants to leverage Paytm’s technology.
• Tell me more:
  • Paytm will provide Soundbox and card machines to RBL Bank’s merchant partners.
  • Merchants can track transactions in real-time using the Paytm for Business dashboard.
  • Paytm’s payment devices support multiple payment modes, including UPI, RuPay credit card on UPI, and EMI options.

Source: BS

2. Rupee112 Launches Loan Service on WhatsApp

• What:
  • Rupee112, a fintech startup, launched an automated loan disbursal service through WhatsApp, integrating AI-driven lending.
• Why:
  • The service aims to provide salaried professionals with unsecured loans quickly and without extensive paperwork.
• Tell me more:
  • Users can apply for loans ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1,00,000 via WhatsApp, with AI verifying details and processing disbursements.
  • Funds are claimed to be transferred to bank accounts within minutes.
  • The lending model relies on AI for credit assessment, but must comply with RBI guidelines for data security and responsible lending.

Source: APAC

Banking and Economy

1. Paytm Partners with RBL Bank for Digital Payments

• What:
  • Paytm has partnered with RBL Bank to promote digital payment adoption among RBL Bank’s merchant partners.
• Why:
  • This collaboration aims to provide easy-to-use and efficient payment solutions, empowering merchants to leverage Paytm’s technology.
• Tell me more:
  • Paytm will provide Soundbox and card machines to RBL Bank’s merchant partners.
  • Merchants can track transactions in real-time using the Paytm for Business dashboard.
  • Paytm’s payment devices support multiple payment modes, including UPI, RuPay credit card on UPI, and EMI options.

Source: BS

2. Rupee112 Launches Loan Service on WhatsApp

• What:
  • Rupee112, a fintech startup, launched an automated loan disbursal service through WhatsApp, integrating AI-driven lending.
• Why:
  • The service aims to provide salaried professionals with unsecured loans quickly and without extensive paperwork.
• Tell me more:
  • Users can apply for loans ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1,00,000 via WhatsApp, with AI verifying details and processing disbursements.
  • Funds are claimed to be transferred to bank accounts within minutes.
  • The lending model relies on AI for credit assessment, but must comply with RBI guidelines for data security and responsible lending.

Source: APAC

Reports and Indices

1. State of India’s Environment 2025 Report Released

• What:
  • The State of India’s Environment 2025 report highlights that Generation Alpha is enduring a much warmer planet.
  • The report was released by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth (DTE) Magazine.
• Why:
  • The report emphasizes the inheritance of profound loss for the first generation of the 21st century due to climate change.
• Tell me more:
  • The year 2024 was the warmest on record, with average global temperature at 1.60°C above the pre-industrial era.
  • India experienced more frequent and intense extreme weather events in 2024, impacting agriculture significantly.

Source: DTE

GDP Forecasts

1. Crisil Forecasts India’s GDP Growth at 6.5%

• What:
  • Crisil has forecast India’s GDP growth to remain steady at 6.5% and expects the RBI to cut the repo rate by 50-75 basis points in fiscal 2026.
• Why:
  • The forecast is based on expectations of a normal monsoon season, soft commodity prices, and improved private consumption, despite potential global risks.
• Tell me more:
  • The growth rate is close to the pre-pandemic average, allowing India to remain the fastest-growing large economy.
  • Private consumption is expected to recover due to healthy agricultural production and lower food inflation.
  • Investment growth depends on sustained private corporate investment as government capex normalizes.

Source: HBL

Awards

1. Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025

• What:
  • The Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025 took place in Mumbai, honoring various leaders and organizations for their achievements.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to recognize and celebrate leadership and innovation across different sectors, including business, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
• Tell me more:
  • The awards included the Emerging Innovators Award to Bugworks for developing new antibiotics, and the Outstanding Startup Award to BrowserStack.
  • Ajay Singh and Katrina Kaif received the Icon of Excellence Award for their contributions to aviation, broadcasting, cinema, and entrepreneurship.
  • Other notable awards included the Promising Startup Award to Minimalist and the Climate Warrior Award to Indra Water.

Source: FORBES

2. Forbes’ Highest Paid Celebrities List Released

• What:
  • Forbes released its list of the highest-paid celebrities in the world, with Dwayne Johnson topping the list for actors.
• Why:
  • The list highlights the earnings of top actors from various projects in the entertainment industry for 2024.
• Tell me more:
  • Top 3: Dwayne Johnson earned $88 million, Ryan Reynolds earned $85 million, and Kevin Hart earned $81 million.
  • Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, and Brad Pitt also made the list with substantial earnings.
  • Nicole Kidman is the highest-paid woman actor of 2024, earning $31 million.
  • Jerry Seinfeld was named a billionaire by Forbes last year.

Important Dates

1. International Women’s Day – March 8

• Theme: For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment

2. World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation – March 4

3. World Obesity Day 2025 – March 4

• Theme: Changing Systems, Healthier Lives

Sports

1. Brandon Holt Wins Bengaluru Open Singles

• What:
  • Brandon Holt (American) won the Bengaluru Open singles title by defeating Shintaro Mochizuki.
• Tell me more:
  • This is Holt’s second ATP Challenger title this year, earning him USD 28,400 and 125 points, which will help him reach a new career-high ranking.
  • Holt praised the energy of the Indian fans during his first visit to the country.
  • The match was held at the KLSTA courts in Bengaluru.

2. Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg

• What:
  • The second phase of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 will be held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, from March 9 to 12, featuring sports like alpine skiing and snowboarding.
• Why:
  • The event provides a competitive platform for India’s top winter sports athletes under the Khelo India initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • The first phase took place in Ladakh from January 23 to 27, with events like ice hockey and speed skating.
  • The Gulmarg leg was rescheduled due to insufficient snow but is now set to proceed with favorable conditions.
  • Nineteen teams are competing across six disciplines, with Ladakh currently leading the medal tally.

Source: OC

3. Pa Iniyan Wins Cannes International Open

• What:
  • Indian Grandmaster Pa Iniyan won the Cannes International Open by defeating V Pranesh in the final round.
• Tell me more:
  • Aradhya Garg finished second, and Kazybek Noderbek of Kazakhstan finished third.
  • The tournament featured 147 players from 25 countries, including six Grandmasters and 21 International Masters.
  • The 38th edition of the open tournament was organized in Cannes, France.
  • Iniyan gained 12 rating points, bringing his rating to 2579.

Source: N18

Memorandum of Understanding

1. IIFT Signs MOU with APEC for Trade Education

• What:
  • The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has signed an MoU with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center to boost collaboration in international trade, logistics, and supply chain management.
• Why:
  • This partnership aims to strengthen trade education, facilitate faculty and student exchanges, and promote joint research.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU includes specialized training programs, workshops, and knowledge transfer in areas such as e-governance and digital trade.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Levi’s Appoints Diljit Dosanjh as Global Ambassador

• What:
  • Levi’s has appointed Diljit Dosanjh as its global ambassador, marking him as the first Punjabi artist to join the brand.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration follows Dosanjh’s successful Dil-Luminati Tour and historic Coachella debut, building on the success of his tour merchandise.
  • The partnership will highlight Levi’s New Loose and Relaxed fits, combining music and fashion.

Source: HBL

2. Christian Stocker Sworn in as Austrian Chancellor

• What:
  • Christian Stocker was sworn in as the new Chancellor of Austria, leading a three-party coalition government.
• Tell me more:
  • PM Modi congratulated Stocker and expressed eagerness to enhance India-Austria cooperation.
  • The coalition includes the Austrian People’s Party (OVP), Social Democrats, and Neos.
  • Andreas Babler is Austria’s Vice Chancellor, and Beate Meinl-Reisinger is the Foreign Minister.
  • Austria’s President is Alexander Van der Bellen.

Miscellaneous

1. Legendary Cricketer Padmakar Shivalkar Passes Away

• What:
  • Padmakar Shivalkar, a renowned left-arm spinner in Indian domestic cricket, passed away.
• Tell me more:
  • Shivalkar played 124 first-class matches, taking 589 wickets at an average of 19.69, and is remembered for his exceptional skill and longevity in the game.
  • He delivered a memorable performance in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final, leading Mumbai to victory over Tamil Nadu.
  • Shivalkar was honored with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 for his contributions to Indian cricket.

Source: BCCI

2. Ron Draper, Oldest Test Cricketer, Passes Away

• What:
  • Ron Draper, the oldest living Test cricketer, passed away at the age of 98 years and 63 days in Gqeberha.
• Why:
  • His passing marks the end of an era in cricket, leaving Australian Neil Harvey as the oldest living Test player.
• Tell me more:
  • Draper played two Test matches for South Africa against Australia in 1950 as a top-order batsman and occasional wicketkeeper.
  • He had a notable first-class career, maintaining an average of 41.64 until his retirement in 1959-60.

Source: TOI

3. Dr. Meena Sudhakar Prabhu, Veteran Writer, Passes Away

• What:
  • Veteran writer Dr. Meena Sudhakar Prabhu passed away at the age of 85 after a brief illness.
• Why:
  • Her passing is a loss to Marathi literature, especially travel writing, a genre she helped elevate.
• Tell me more:
  • Her first book, Maza London, was immensely popular and was also made available in Braille.
  • In 2017, she established Prabhu Gyanmandir, a Kindle library project in Pune.

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