06th March 2025

1. Bose Metal: A Significant Step in Physics Research
2. India’s Circular Economy: A $2 Trillion Market and 10 Million Jobs by 2050
3. WAVES India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge
4. Steve Smith Announces Retirement from One-Day Internationals
5. India’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered truck trials in New Delhi
6. Aditya-L1 Captures First-Ever Image of a Solar Flare ‘Kernel’
7. CII IGBC and India Overseas Bank MoU on Green Building Financing
8. New Global Alliance for Sustainable Growth Led by India
9. PM Modi Inaugurates Vantara, an Animal Rescue and Conservation Centre in Gujarat
10. Lancet: 1 in 3 Indians Could Be Obese by 2050
11. International Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day – March 5
12. 15th IPR 2025: India’s Philanthropy Spending to Grow by 10-12% in Next 5 Years
13. India’s EPHL & Belgium’s JCD Form JV in India for Light Tank Program
14. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi Launches India’s first AI-Powered Solar Manufacturing Line in Gujarat
15. Brand Finance IT Services 25, 2025: USA’s Accenture Tops, India’s TCS & Infosys in Top 3, Hexaware Enters Top 25
16. IOB & IGBC Signed MoU to Promote Green Finance for IGBC-Certified Projects
17. Chinese Architect Liu Jiakun wins ‘Pritzker Architecture Prize’ 2025
18. GoI appointed Ajay Bhadoo as CEO of GeM
19. ARCIL Acquires Ujjivan SFB’s Stressed Loan Portfolio for Rs. 34 Crore
20. Mintok Acquires Digiledge in India’s First E-Rupee Deal Worth USD 3.5 Million
21. DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Life Support System for LCA Tejas
22. NASA & Nokia Launch the First Mobile Network on Moon
23. World Engineering Day 2025 – March 4

National News

1. India’s Circular Economy Potential

• What:
  • India’s circular economy could generate over $2 trillion in market value and create nearly 10 million jobs by 2050, while adding $4.5 trillion to global economic output by 2030.
• Why:
  • The circular economy aims to drive business transformation by moving away from the traditional ‘take, make, waste’ model, emphasizing sustainability and tackling plastic waste.
• Tell me more:
  • India has expressed interest in hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in 2026.
  • The country is implementing measures like the Plastic Waste Management Rules and the Eco-Mark Rules under the Mission ‘LiFE’ initiative.
  • Circular Economy Action Plans for 10 waste categories have been finalized with regulatory frameworks in progress.

Source: PIB

2. WAVES India Drone Challenge

• What:
  • The WAVES India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge invites drone pilots and filmmakers to create a 2–3-minute video showcasing India’s landscapes, heritage, and life through aerial cinematography, as part of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES).
• Why:
  • The challenge aims to foster creative storytelling, highlight India’s diversity, and reinforce its role as a global media and entertainment hub.
• Tell me more:
  • The challenge is organized by BECIL in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • It has garnered 956 registrations as of February 15, 2025, and is part of the run-up activities for WAVES, scheduled from May 1 to 4, 2025, in Mumbai.
  • The video submissions must be original, featuring stunning visuals, a compelling voice-over, and a musical score.
  • Participation Categories:
    • Video Editors
    • Professional Drone Pilots
    • Filmmakers/ Teams/ Students/ Individuals
    • Beneficiaries of the Drone Didi Scheme of the Government of India

Source: PIB

3. India Launches Cities Coalition for Circularity

• What:
  • India has launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a multi-nation alliance for sustainable urban development through city-to-city collaboration and private sector partnerships.
• Why:
  • The coalition aims to promote sustainable solutions for waste management and resource efficiency in the Asia-Pacific region by leveraging the 3Rs and circular economy principles.
• Tell me more:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s commitment to the Pro-Planet People approach and the role of circular economy principles in sustainable urban development.
  • A key MoU for CITIIS 2.0 was signed, with agreements worth ₹1,800 crore benefiting 18 cities across 14 states.
  • The initiative builds on the Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum launched in 2009.

Source: TH

State News

1. PM Modi Visits Vantara Animal Centre in Gujarat’s Jamnagar District

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and visited Vantara, an animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district.
• Why:
  • The visit highlights PM Modi’s commitment to wildlife conservation and preservation, aligning with World Wildlife Day.
• Tell me more:
  • The centre focuses on conservation initiatives for species like the Asiatic Lion, Snow Leopard, and One-Horned Rhinoceros.
  • The centre features advanced veterinary facilities with MRI, CT scans, and ICUs.
  • Vantara breeds Caracals in captivity for preservation and later releases them into the wild.

Source: ANI

2. India Launches AI-Powered Solar Facility in Gujarat

• What:
  • The Minister of New and Renewable Energy has launched India’s first AI-powered solar manufacturing line at Goldi Solar’s facility in Kosamba, Surat, Gujarat.
• Why:
  • The facility aims to enhance precision, scalability, and efficiency in solar manufacturing, supporting India’s transition toward a net-zero future and aligning with the ‘Make in India’ vision.
• Tell me more:
  • The AI-powered facility has a planned production capacity of 14 GW and features innovations like high-speed stringers, AI-powered AOI systems, and automated EVA laying robots.
  • These technologies improve quality control, reduce errors, and enhance the reliability and durability of solar modules.

Source: ET

International News

1. NASA Deploys Mobile Network on the Moon

• What:
  • NASA is launching the first mobile network on the Moon as part of the Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, using Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS) to establish connectivity.
• Why:
  • The mobile network aims to support NASA’s Artemis program by enabling reliable communication for future lunar missions and potentially integrating cell communications into spacesuits.
• Tell me more:
  • The network will allow high-definition video streaming and data transfer between lunar vehicles and the lander.
  • The mission includes two lunar mobility vehicles that will connect to the network using Nokia’s device modules.
  • The network is designed to withstand harsh space conditions but will initially operate for only a few days.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Indian Overseas Bank Partners with IGBC

• What:
  • Indian Overseas Bank has signed an MoU with the Confederation of Indian Industry – Indian Green Building Council to provide financing solutions for green building projects.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to make green buildings financially accessible and encourage sustainable construction practices to combat environmental degradation.
• Tell me more:
  • The bank will offer preferential financing options to developers of IGBC-rated green buildings and tailored support to home buyers purchasing units in these projects.
  • The collaboration seeks to promote eco-friendly construction and contribute to a greener India.

Source: TW

2. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Sells Stressed Loans

• What:
  • Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has completed the sale of its stressed loan portfolio, including written-off loans worth ₹364.51 crore, to an asset reconstruction company, Arcil, for ₹34.26 crore.
• Why:
  • The sale is part of the bank’s efforts to clean up its balance sheet by offloading non-performing assets and written-off loans.
• Tell me more:
  • Ujjivan Small Finance Bank reported a 63.8% year-on-year decline in net profit for the third quarter of FY24.
  • The bank’s gross loan book increased by 9.8% year-on-year to ₹30,466 crore as of December 2024.

Source: CNBC BS

3. Mintoak Acquires Digiledge for CBDC Services

• What:
  • Mintoak, a startup providing merchant payment services, has acquired Digiledge, a company specializing in central bank digital currency (CBDC) and bill payments services, in a deal worth around $3.5 million.
• Why:
  • The acquisition aims to enhance Mintoak’s partner banks’ ability to offer comprehensive CBDC-related payment solutions, facilitating access to digital tools for small and medium enterprises.
• Tell me more:
  • The deal involves Mintoak’s partner banks, including HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and SBI, benefiting from Digiledge’s CBDC capabilities.
  • The RBI started a CBDC pilot in December 2022 and expanded its scope to payment firms in April 2023.
  • Cred and MobiKwik were among the first fintech platforms to offer CBDC access to customers in January.

Source: RT

Reports and Indices

1. Rising Obesity in India and Globally: Lancet Study

• What:
  • A new Lancet study predicts that by 2050, nearly one-third of India’s population will be obese, with 218 million men and 231 million women affected.
• Why:
  • The obesity crisis is driven by systemic factors such as socio-environmental influences, commercial determinants, and changes in food production and supply.
• Tell me more:
  • India had the highest number of overweight or obese young people in 2021, surpassing China and the U.S.
  • Among young men, obesity cases rose from 4 million in 1990 to 16.8 million in 2021, projected to reach 22.7 million by 2050.
  • Obesity contributes to an increasing non-communicable disease burden and exacerbates genetic vulnerabilities.

Source: IT

2. India Philanthropy Report (IPR) 2025 by Bain & Co.

• What:
  • Private funding in India’s social sector is expected to grow at 10%–12% annually over the next five years, driven by family philanthropy from high-net-worth individuals.
• Why:
  • The growth is anticipated due to an increase in the population and wealth of high-net-worth individuals and the affluent, along with rising CSR compliance among firms.
• Tell me more:
  • As of FY24, India’s total social sector funding is around Rs 25 lakh crore, with public spending accounting for 95% and private spending at Rs 1.3 lakh crore.
  • Family giving currently accounts for about 40% of philanthropy, including personal giving and CSR initiatives from family-owned businesses.
  • The report suggests that more strategic support for family philanthropy could unlock additional funds.

Source: IE

Defence News

1. John Cockerill and EPHL Form Joint Venture for Zorawar Light Tank Programme

• What:
  • European defence major John Cockerill and Indian firm Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics Ltd have formed a joint venture to produce turrets for the Indian Army’s Zorawar light tank programme.
• Why:
  • The joint venture aims to enhance India’s defence capabilities by providing advanced defence solutions tailored to the Indian armed forces’ needs, supporting India’s defence modernisation and self-reliance goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The JV will focus on manufacturing, assembling, and commissioning turrets for the Indian Army, with plans to explore export markets as well.
  • The Zorawar tank is a versatile platform designed to boost combat capabilities along India’s contested frontier with China.
  • The Army plans to deploy over 350 light tanks, primarily in mountainous border areas.

Source: BS

2. DRDO Conducts Trials of Indigenous Life Support System

• What:
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted high-altitude trials of an indigenous life support system for pilots onboard the Tejas light combat aircraft.
• Why:
  • The system aims to generate and regulate breathable oxygen for pilots during flight, reducing dependence on traditional cylinder-based oxygen and aligning with India’s vision of self-reliance in defence technologies.
• Tell me more:
  • The trials were conducted on the LCA-prototype vehicle-3 aircraft of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at altitudes up to 50,000 feet and high-G maneuvers.
  • The system met all specified parameters after flight clearance from the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC).
  • The system can be adapted for use in other aircraft like the MiG-29K with modifications.

Source: BS

Science and Technology

1. Aditya-L1 Captures Solar Flare Image

• What:
  • India’s Aditya-L1 mission has captured the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’ in the lower solar atmosphere using its Near Ultra-violet (NUV) imaging capability.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to enhance understanding of solar activity and space weather by providing continuous solar observations from a unique vantage point.
• Tell me more:
  • Aditya-L1 was launched on September 2, 2023, and reached its designated orbit on January 6, 2024, allowing uninterrupted solar observation.
  • The spacecraft’s payloads, including SUIT, SoLEXS, and HEL1OS, work together to analyze solar flares across different wavelengths.
  • On February 22, 2024, Aditya-L1 recorded an X6.3-class solar flare, validating existing solar flare theories and providing new insights.

Source: ISRO

Awards

1. Brand Finance IT Services 25, 2025 Report

• What:
  • Hexaware Technologies has entered the Top 25 Most Valuable IT Brands globally, as recognized in the Brand Finance IT Services 25 2025 report, with its brand value growing to USD 824 million.
• Why:
  • The growth is attributed to Hexaware’s stable financial performance, enhanced Brand Strength Index, and its ‘AI-first’ strategy, which has transformed its service offerings and operations.
• Tell me more:
  • Hexaware’s brand value has increased by 14% year-on-year and 124.5% over the past four years.
  • The company has climbed five ranks in the global IT services ranking, with its Brand Strength Index advancing to 76.4 and a brand rating of AA+.
  • Hexaware’s workforce has undergone extensive AI training, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

Source: ANI

2. Liu Jiakun Wins Pritzker Prize 2025

• What:
  • Liu Jiakun has been awarded the 2025 Pritzker Prize, often referred to as the “Nobel of architecture,” for his understated and site-specific architectural designs.
• Why:
  • The Pritzker Prize honors architects whose work demonstrates talent, vision, and commitment to humanity and the built environment, and Liu’s approach emphasizes methodology over style.
• Tell me more:
  • Liu Jiakun is known for designing academic buildings, museums, and public spaces in Chengdu and Chongqing, China, using hyper-local and “low-tech” techniques.
  • His designs are shaped by the site’s history, nature, and craft traditions, rather than a distinctive aesthetic.

Source: CNN PP

Important Dates

1. International Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day – March 5

• UN Focus: Humanity’s future depends on investing in the machinery of peace, not the machinery of war, said Secretary-General António Guterres.

Source: UN

2. World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development – March 4

• Theme: Unleashing the power of engineers to advance the Sustainable Development Goals

Source: UN

Sports

1. Steve Smith Retires from ODI Cricket

• What:
  • Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day International cricket, effective immediately, while continuing to play Test and T20 cricket.
• Tell me more:
  • Smith debuted in 2010 and played over 170 ODI matches, scoring 5,800 runs with 12 centuries and 35 fifties.
  • He was a key figure in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup victories and captained the ODI team on an interim basis in his final match.

Source: TS

Appointments

1. Ajay Bhadoo Appointed GeM CEO

• What:
  • Ajay Bhadoo has been appointed as the CEO of Government e Marketplace (GeM), in addition to his role as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, effective March 3, 2025.
• Why:
  • The appointment comes at a crucial time as GeM transitions to a next-generation digital marketplace, leveraging Bhadoo’s extensive experience in policy formulation and implementation.
• Tell me more:
  • Bhadoo is an IAS officer from the 1999 batch with a background in civil engineering and business law.
  • Women entrepreneurs on GeM have fulfilled orders worth Rs 46,615 Crore, contributing to the platform’s growth.

Source: ANI

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