11th March 2025

1. Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account’ for Women NRIs
2. SBI Launches Collateral-Free Digital SME Loan for Women Entrepreneurs
3. Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Inaugurates GRIDCON 2025
4. Razorpay Expands into Singapore to Revolutionize Digital Payments
5. Madhav National Park Declared as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve
6. Saina Nehwal Joins Naarica as Strategic Investor & Brand Ambassador
7. India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII
8. HDFC Bank, Indian Army, and CSC Academy Expand Project NAMAN
9. Rajnath Singh Becomes First Raksha Mantri to Visit IAF’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Bengaluru
10. Vikas Kaushal Appointed as HPCL CMD
11. Sunil Chhetri’s Return to the Indian National Team at 40
12. Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel Inaugurated Gujarat SemiConnect Conference 2025 & 19th IESA Vision Summit in Gandhinagar
13. Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, and Gujarat on 7-8, 2025
14. First Rear Fuselage for LCA Mk1A Handed Over to HAL by Indian Private Industry
15. ITB Berlin 2025 held from March 4 to March 6, 2025 in Berlin, Germany
16. Indian Navy’s 1st Training Squadron Completes Thailand Visit
17. WMO Launches iClimate Action Project to Boost Global Climate Intelligence
18. CIL Signs MoU with IIT Hyderabad to Establish CLEANZ in Telangana
19. Honda Motor Company Limited Appoints Takashi Nakajima as New President & CEO of HCIL
20. Indian GM Aravindh Chithambaram Wins Prague Chess Masters 2025 Title
21. India Clinches ‘2025 Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship Title’ for the 5th time, by Defeating Iran
22. Renowned Classical Singer Garimella Balakrishna Prasad Passed Away
23. International Women’s Day 2025 – March 8
24. International Day of Women Judges 2025 – March 10
25. CISF Raising Day 2025 – March 10
26. SBI launches ‘Maitreyi Room’

National News

1. GRIDCON 2025 Inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar

• What:
  • Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated GRIDCON 2025, an international conference and exhibition, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka.
• Why:
  • The event aims to shape the future of renewable integration, grid resilience, asset management, and digital transformation in the power sector.
• Tell me more:
  • The event is organized by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited in association with CIGRE, India under the patronage of the Ministry of Power.
  • The theme of the event is Innovations in Grid Resilience.
  • The focus is on new technologies, infrastructure, and smart solutions for energy generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption.

Source: TT

2. Madhav National Park Becomes India’s 58th Tiger Reserve

• What:
  • Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh is now India’s 58th tiger reserve.
• Why:
  • The designation aims to expand habitats for tigers and enhance biodiversity.
• Tell me more:
  • It was historically a hunting ground for Mughal emperors and the Scindia dynasty.
  • Madhya Pradesh now has nine tiger reserves, the highest number in any Indian state.
  • India is home to over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population, with approximately 3,682 tigers.

Source: IT

3. Coal India and IIT Hyderabad Collaborate for Clean Coal Technologies

• What:
  • Coal India Limited (CIL) signed an MoU with IIT Hyderabad to develop clean coal technologies and diversify coal utilization.
  • A Centre of Clean Coal Energy & Net Zero (CLEANZ) will be established in Hyderabad.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote sustainable utilization of Indian coal and align with India’s net-zero commitments.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration is part of the National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER), an independent R&D unit of CMPDI, CIL’s consultancy arm.
  • CIL has granted ₹98 crore to IIT Hyderabad for five years to set up the CLEANZ centre.

Source: BS

State News

1. Gujarat Hosts SemiConnect Conference 2025 to Boost Semiconductor Industry

• What:
  • Gujarat SemiConnect Conference 2025 was held to strengthen Gujarat’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
  • Eight MoUs were signed for investments in the semiconductor and fab sector.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to promote Gujarat as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.
• Tell me more:
  • Key launches included the Semiconductor Supply Chain Compendium and e-foundation stones for a hospital, international school, and fire station in Dholera.
  • Gujarat’s growth is supported by its Semiconductor Policy (2022), the Gujarat State Electronics Mission, and Dholera’s development as India’s first greenfield smart city.

Source: GOV

2. PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects in Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Gujarat

• What:
  • PM Narendra Modi visited Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Gujarat on March 7-8, 2025, to inaugurate multiple development projects.
  • He participated in the Lakhpati Didi programme on International Women’s Day.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to strengthen healthcare, infrastructure, and women empowerment through various initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • NAMO Hospital (Phase I), a 450-bed facility costing ₹460 crore, was inaugurated in Silvassa to improve healthcare services for tribal communities.
  • Development projects worth ₹2,580 crore were launched in Silvassa, including roads, schools, health centres, water supply infrastructure, and Anganwadi centres.
  • Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign was launched to distribute benefits under the National Food Security Act to over 2.3 lakh beneficiaries.
  • In Navsari, PM interacted with Lakhpati Didis and launched G-SAFAL and G-MAITRI schemes for rural livelihoods and women empowerment.

Source: BS

International News

1. India Showcases Tourism at ITB Berlin 2025

• What:
  • The Ministry of Tourism participated in ITB (Internationale Tourismus-Börse) Berlin 2025 from March 4–6, showcasing India’s tourism potential.
• Why:
  • ITB Berlin is a major meeting point for the global industry including tour operators, travel agencies, hoteliers, transport companies, destinations, and tech companies
• Tell me more:
  • The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Ambassador Ajit Gupte in the presence of tourism ministers from Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
  • The India Pavilion highlighted cultural diversity, niche tourism experiences like wellness, adventure, and sustainable tourism.
  • Gratis e-tourist visas under the Chalo India initiative were announced, valid until March 31, 2025.
  • A revamped Incredible India digital portal and Content Hub were launched to enhance visitor experiences.

Source: PIB

2. WMO Launches iClimateAction to Strengthen Global Climate Intelligence

• What:
  • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in partnership with GCOS, GEO, and the European Commission, launched the iClimateAction project at WMO headquarters and online.
• Why:
  • The project seeks to standardize Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) and improve interoperability across observation networks for actionable climate intelligence.
• Tell me more:
  • iClimateAction is supported by Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2025.
  • It aligns with flagship efforts like Early Warnings for All and the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch.
  • The initiative supports GEO programs such as the Global Heat Resilience Service and Global Ecosystems Atlas.
  • Coinciding with WMO’s 75th anniversary, it highlights the organization’s dedication to science-driven innovation and global collaboration.

Source: WMO

Banking and Economy

1. Bank of Baroda Launches Special Savings Account for Women NRIs

• What:
  • Bank of Baroda introduced the bob Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account, a specialised savings account for women NRIs.
  • It is the first Indian public sector bank to launch such a product.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to address the evolving financial needs of global Indian women and empower them.
• Tell me more:
  • The account offers benefits like concessional rates on home and auto loans, reduced processing fees, and full waivers on locker rent.
  • Customers receive a customised debit card with complimentary airport lounge access.
  • It includes free personal and air accident insurance coverage.
  • Bank of Baroda also upgraded its bob Premium NRE & NRO Savings Account with features like higher transaction limits, free airport lounge access, free safe deposit lockers, and concessional loan rates.

Source: ET

2. SBI Launches ‘Asmita’ Loan Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs

• What:
  • SBI launched a collateral-free, low-interest loan scheme named ‘Asmita’ for women entrepreneurs. The launch coincided with International Women’s Day.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to provide affordable funding options for women entrepreneurs and encourage business borrowing among women.
• Tell me more:
  • TransUnion CIBIL reported that only 3% of women borrow for business purposes, while 42% borrow for personal finance products.
  • SBI also introduced the ‘Nari Shakti’ platinum debit card powered by RuPay, exclusively for women.

Source: ET

3. Razorpay Expands Payment Solutions to Singapore

• What:
  • Razorpay launched its payment solutions in Singapore after success in India and Malaysia.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to address cross-border payment challenges and enhance financial connectivity in Singapore’s digital economy.
• Tell me more:
  • Singapore’s digital payment penetration is at 97%, with transactions expected to reach $180 billion by 2029.
  • SMEs face high cross-border transaction fees (4-6%) and fragmented payment systems.
  • Razorpay’s solutions reduce cross-border fees by 30-40% and include a payment gateway, real-time financial analytics, and cost-efficient solutions.
  • AI-powered tools like Agentic-AI and RAY improve automation, fraud detection, and operational efficiency.
  • Businesses benefit from multi-currency transactions, improved checkout experiences, and diverse payment methods like digital wallets and real-time payment rails.
  • With 30-50% of online payments in Singapore being cross-border, Razorpay offers faster settlements and frictionless global transactions.

Source: RP

4. HDFC Bank Expands Project NAMAN for Indian Army Veterans

• What:
  • HDFC Bank renewed its MoU with the Indian Army and CSC e-Governance to expand Project NAMAN.
  • The initiative will now be implemented at 26 Directorates of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) locations across India.
• Why:
  • Project NAMAN aims to provide support and services to Army veterans, their families, and next of kin.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed by representatives from HDFC Bank, CSC Academy, and the Indian Army in the presence of senior officials.
  • The second phase of the project will cover DIAV locations in states like Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and others.
  • The first phase began in September 2023 with CSCs established at 14 DIAV locations.
  • CSC centers offer pension-related services, G2C services, B2C services, skill development, and financial training.

Source: PSU

5. SBI Launches ‘Maitreyi Room’ for Women Staff in Chandigarh

• What:
  • SBI has launched the ‘Maitreyi Room’ at its Chandigarh office to ensure safety and welfare for women staff.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to reinforce SBI’s commitment to women’s safety and welfare.
• Tell me more:
  • The ‘Maitreyi Room’ is part of SBI’s efforts to create a supportive work environment for women employees.

Source: TT

Defence News

1. India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Military Exercise Khanjar-XII Begins

• What:
  • The opening ceremony of the Joint Military Exercise Khanjar-XII between India and Kyrgyzstan was held in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan.
• Why:
  • It focuses on joint operations in urban warfare, counter-terrorism, and precision sniping under a United Nations mandate.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Army is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyzstan Army is represented by the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
  • The exercise includes training in urban and high-altitude mountainous terrain scenarios.
  • Advanced skills such as sniping, building intervention, and mountain craft will be developed during the exercise.
  • Cultural exchanges, including the Kyrgyz festival Nowruz, are part of the program to strengthen bonds of friendship.

Source: BS

2. Defence Minister Highlights Space and Aerospace Medicine Advancements

• What:
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) of the Indian Air Force in Bengaluru.
  • He emphasized space as a critical domain in modern warfare and highlighted India’s advancements in space technologies.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to stress the importance of aerospace medicine in addressing challenges like micro-gravity, radiation, and isolation faced by humans in space.
• Tell me more:
  • Singh is the first Defence Minister to visit IAM.
  • The visit included inspections of Dynamic Flight Simulator, High-Performance Human Centrifuge, and Spatial Disorientation Simulator used for pilot training.

Source: TW

3. HAL Receives First Rear Fuselage for LCA Mk1A from Private Sector

• What:
  • Alpha Tocol Engineering Services handed over the first rear fuselage for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.
• Why:
  • The handover strengthens India’s progress towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and enhances public-private partnerships.
• Tell me more:
  • HAL placed orders with private companies like Alpha Tocol, L&T, Tata Advanced Systems, and VEM Technologies for major modules of the LCA Mk1A.
  • HAL has already manufactured 12 rear fuselages for LCA Mk1A aircraft.
  • The fuselage is the main body section of the aircraft, while the rear fuselage supports the tail section.
  • HAL will integrate private sector-produced modules into the LCA Mk1A to meet IAF delivery commitments from 2025-26 onwards.

Source: ANI

4. Indian Naval Ships Visit Phuket, Thailand

• What:
  • INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Veera arrived at Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand, on March 1, 2025, as part of the First Training Squadron’s deployment to South East Asia.
  • The ships were welcomed by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) with a ceremonial reception.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance operational synergy between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy.
• Tell me more:
  • Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron, Capt Anshul Kishore, and ship commanders met Rear Admiral Suwat Donsakul of RTN to discuss regional security and joint training opportunities.
  • Activities during the visit include professional interactions, yoga sessions, cross-training visits, sports fixtures, Naval band performances, and PASSEX exercises.
  • A reception was hosted onboard for RTN leaders, diplomats, and members of the Indian diaspora.

Source: TSN

Important Dates

1. International Day of Women Judges – March 10

• UN’s Focus in 2025: To achieve justice, we need more women in justice

Source: UN

2. CISF Raising Day – March 10

• The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is the Union’s military force, founded by an Act of Parliament in 1968, and was established in 1969.

Source: IE

Sports

1. Sunil Chhetri Returns to Indian Football Team at Age 40

• What:
  • Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has returned to the national team after retiring last year.
• Why:
  • The return aims to strengthen the team for the Asian Cup 2027 qualification matches.
• Tell me more:
  • Chhetri, India’s most-capped player and fourth-highest men’s international goal scorer, retired in June 2024 after a match against Kuwait.
  • India will play a friendly against Maldives on March 19 and an Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25.
  • Chhetri debuted in 2005 against Pakistan and has spent most of his career playing in India, with brief stints in Portugal and the United States.

Source: ALJ

2. Aravindh Chithambaram Wins Prague Masters, Climbs Global Chess Rankings

• What:
  • Indian chess player Aravindh Chithambaram won the Prague Masters, remaining unbeaten in a competitive field.
• Tell me more:
  • He climbed to 14th in live global chess ratings, surpassing Viswanathan Anand.
  • Aravindh started 2024 outside the top-100 in live ratings and has now become a serious contender for Super Grandmaster status (2750+ rating).
  • He defeated strong players like Vincent Keymer and Wei Yi and drew against R. Praggnanandhaa during the tournament.
  • Raised in Madurai by a single mother, he shifted to Chennai under the guidance of coach GM RB Ramesh.
  • Aravindh was previously crowned national champion in all three formats during the 2018-19 season.

Source: IE

3. India Wins Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship 2025

• What:
  • India won the Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship 2025 by defeating Iran 32-25 in the final held in Tehran on March 8, 2025.
• Why:
  • The victory reinforces India’s dominance in women’s kabaddi, having won five out of six editions of the championship.
• Tell me more:
  • The tournament was held from March 6 to 8, featuring seven teams divided into two groups.
  • This was the sixth edition of the championship, returning after an eight-year gap.
  • India was in Group A with Thailand, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, while Iran, Iraq, and Nepal were in Group B.

Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship 2025, Group A standings:

Source: OC

Source: OC

Appointments

1. Saina Nehwal Joins Naarica as Strategic Investor and Brand Ambassador

• What:
  • Saina Nehwal has partnered with Naarica, a menstrual hygiene brand, as a strategic investor and brand ambassador.
• Why:
  • The initiative seeks to address the lack of access to proper sanitary products for nearly 50% of menstruating women in India and aims to create awareness about menstrual hygiene and empower women with eco-friendly solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • Naarica offers reusable, eco-friendly menstrual products, including period underwear certified by German labs.
  • The brand combines international design with Indian manufacturing to provide sustainable and comfortable solutions.
  • Naarica’s founder, Shruti Chand, highlighted that this partnership will help expand outreach and educate women on absorbent sanitary care.

Source: CNBC

2. Vikas Kaushal Appointed CMD of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd

• Vikas Kaushal has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) for five years.
• This is the first time a private-sector executive has been chosen to lead a PSU in India’s oil and gas industry.

Source: CNBC

3. Takashi Nakajima Appointed CEO of Honda Cars India

• What:
  • Honda Motor Company appointed Takashi Nakajima as the new President and CEO of Honda Cars India (HCIL), effective April 1, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Nakajima joined Honda in 1994 and has worked in markets like Japan, China, Spain, Czech Republic, and Russia in areas such as business planning, product planning, marketing, and sales promotion.
  • During his tenure, Tsumura enhanced Honda’s premium brand image in India and led the launch of models like Honda City e:HEV, Honda Elevate, and the third-generation Amaze.
  • Honda Cars India is a subsidiary of Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda Motor Company.

Source: BS

Miscellaneous

1. Renowned Classical Singer Garimella Balakrishna Prasad Passed Away

• What:
  • Renowned devotional singer and composer Garimella Balakrishna Prasad passed away, prompting condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
• Why:
  • His contributions to devotional and classical music, particularly in popularizing Annamacharya kirtans, earned him widespread admiration.
• Tell me more:
  • Garimella served as a Special Grade Vocal Artiste for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam’s Annamacharya Project from 1978 to 2006.
  • He composed music for over 600 Annamacharya sankirtanas and performed them in various Indian musical genres like classical, semi-classical, light, and folk.

Source: RW

Start Quiz of 11th March 2025 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 11th March 2025 on Desktop