13th March 2025

1. NASA’s Revolutionary Missions: SPHEREx and PUNCH Set to Redefine Space Exploration
2. INS Imphal Strengthens India-Mauritius Ties
3. Muthoot Microfin Wins Double Gold at SKOCH Awards 2025
4. ICICI Bank Appoints Kamal Wali as Head of Security Operations
5. IIFL Finance Launches ‘Shakti’ All-Women Branches on Women’s Day
6. India Becomes the Top Source of FDI into Dubai
7. Delhi International Airport Wins Prestigious ASQ Award for Best Airport in Asia-Pacific
8. Jayshree Vencatesan: First Indian to Receive Ramsar Award for Wetland Wise Use
9. Khelo India Winter Games 2025: Check Full Medal Tally
10. Water Sustainability Conference 2025: Promoting Industrial Water Use Efficiency
11. ICC Player of the Month Awards for February 2025: Shubman Gill and Alana King Shine
12. IIFA Awards 2025: Check Full List of Winners
13. Australia and England to Play Historic 150th Anniversary Test at MCG
14. Starlink’s Entry into India: A Game-Changer for Internet Connectivity?
15. National Archives of India Celebrates 135th Foundation Day & Launches ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’
16. Atul Kumar Goel Assumes Charge as Chief Executive of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)
17. IAF Conducts Combat Training at Umiam Lake in Meghalaya
18. ASCI & NSG Sign MoU to Boost Public Sector Governance and Capacity Building
19. Kuhoo Finance Secures NBFC License from RBI to Expand Education Loan Offerings
20. Canara HSBC Life Insurance Partners with GIC Housing Finance to Offer Credit Life Insurance Solutions
21. India Emerged as Top Source Country for FDI into Dubai with USD 3 billion Investment
22. SAIPL and ACT Partner to Manufacture 200 Diamond DA40 NG Trainer Aircraft
23. Andrew Barto & Richard Sutton Won 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award
24. Jayashree Vencatesan Becomes 1st Indian to Receive ‘Ramsar Award’ for Wetland Conservation
25. ASQ Award 2025: CSMIA Bags Best Airport in Asia-Pacific for 8th Consecutive Year
26. Muthoot Microfin Bags Two Golds at the SKOCH Awards 2025
27. NASA Launches SPHEREex and PUNCH Missions to Explore Universe’s Origins and Solar Wind
28. Jio & Airtel Partners with SpaceX’s Starlink to Enhance Internet Services in India

National News

1. Water Sustainability Conference 2025 Held

• What:
  • The Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) organized the “Water Sustainability Conference 2025” on March 12, 2025, at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi, focusing on Industrial Water Use Efficiency.
• Why:
  • The conference aimed to promote water efficiency in industries through innovative technologies and strategic frameworks, aligning with the government’s commitment to sustainable practices.
• Tell me more:
  • The event was inaugurated by Union Minister Shri C. R. Patil, who emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 4R mantra—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recharge—and an added principle, Respect.
  • Union Ministers Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary and Shri V. Somanna stressed the need for government-industry collaboration, advocating for a circular economy model.
  • The conference featured over 20 speakers discussing strategies for water efficiency, industry case studies, and achieving water neutrality through sustainable wastewater management.

Source: PIB

2. National Archives of India Celebrates 135th Foundation Day

• What:
  • The National Archives of India (NAI) celebrated its 135th Foundation Day with an exhibition titled “Indian Heritage through Architecture,” inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
• Why:
  • The celebration aimed to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage through its architectural marvels and highlight NAI’s contributions to preserving documentary heritage.
• Tell me more:
  • The exhibition featured diverse architectural styles from ancient to colonial periods, categorized into thematic clusters for deeper understanding.
  • Original documents, including government files and rare books, were displayed to provide historical context.
  • NAI is working on a massive digitization program and has launched the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ to expand access to India’s knowledge repository.

Source: PIB

International News

1. NASA Launches SPHEREx and PUNCH Missions

• What:
  • NASA is launching two missions, SPHEREx and PUNCH, to explore the universe’s fundamental secrets using cutting-edge technology.
• Why:
  • These missions aim to elevate our understanding of space and address profound questions about the universe.
• Tell me more:
  • The SPHEREx telescope will observe hundreds of millions of galaxies and their cosmic light since the Big Bang, providing insights into the universe’s early history.
  • It will orbit Earth at 400 miles above, conducting four complete surveys over two years.
  • SPHEREx uses infrared detectors to reveal a detailed picture of the universe’s origins.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. IIFL Finance Launches ‘Shakti’ Branches

• What:
  • IIFL Finance has rebranded seven branches into all-women staffed ‘Shakti’ branches across Delhi NCR and Mumbai to empower women in financial services.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing employment opportunities to female professionals and supporting women entrepreneurs through financial literacy and skill development programs.
• Tell me more:
  • These ‘Shakti’ branches will offer financial services to all borrowers and provide tailored programs for female entrepreneurs to scale their businesses.
  • The branches will focus on extending credit to small, unbanked, and underbanked borrowers, particularly women entrepreneurs.

Source: BS

2. India Tops FDI in Dubai

• What:
  • India has become the leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Dubai, surpassing the U.S., France, and the U.K., as Dubai retains its position as a top global FDI destination.
• Why:
  • Dubai’s favourable tax regime and business-friendly environment have attracted Indian entrepreneurs and businesses, contributing to its status as a global hub for investment.
• Tell me more:
  • In 2024, Dubai attracted AED52.3 billion ($14.24 billion) in FDI, a 33.2% increase from 2023, with India accounting for 21.5% of the total.
  • Dubai saw a record 1,117 Greenfield FDI projects and 1,826 announced projects, generating 58,680 jobs, a 31% increase from the previous year.
  • Key sectors attracting investment include financial services, IT, real estate, and AI.

Source: TH

3. Jio and Airtel Partner with Starlink

• What:
  • Jio Platform and Bharti Airtel have partnered with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service to distribute its equipment and services in India, pending regulatory approvals.
• Why:
  • The partnerships aim to enhance high-speed broadband connectivity in India, particularly in remote areas, by leveraging Starlink’s advanced satellite technology.
• Tell me more:
  • Both Jio and Airtel will integrate Starlink into their existing services, with Jio using its retail network to sell Starlink equipment and Airtel enhancing its suite of products for reliable broadband.
  • This move marks a strategic shift for both companies, which previously opposed satellite services like Starlink but now see them as complementary to their services.

Source: TOI

4. Kuhoo Finance Receives RBI Approval for NBFC Licence

• What:
  • Kuhoo Finance, a student loan fintech startup backed by WestBridge Capital, has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a non-banking financial company (NBFC) licence.
• Why:
  • The approval enables Kuhoo Finance to offer loans directly, allowing it to develop more tailored financial products for students and educational institutions.
• Tell me more:
  • With the NBFC licence, Kuhoo Finance can provide loans up to Rs 2 crore for various academic programs, leveraging its AI-driven credit models to assess students’ employability and income potential.
  • The company plans to introduce new loan products and strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and financial entities.

Source: ET

5. Canara HSBC Partners with GIC Housing Finance

• What:
  • Canara HSBC Life Insurance has entered a strategic distribution partnership with GIC Housing Finance to offer enhanced financial security solutions to home loan customers.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to provide borrowers with comprehensive credit life insurance, ensuring financial security and supporting India’s goal of increasing homeownership.
• Tell me more:
  • Canara HSBC will offer its ‘Group Asset Secure’ product, a credit life insurance plan designed to protect borrowers and their families against loan liabilities in unforeseen circumstances.
  • The partnership leverages GIC Housing Finance’s diverse customer base to provide viable financial protection.

Source: ET

6. SAIPL and ACI Partner for Aircraft Manufacturing

• What:
  • Sakthi Aircraft Industry Private Limited (SAIPL) and the Aero Club of India (ACI) have signed an MoU to manufacture and supply 200 Diamond DA40 NG trainer aircraft in India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to establish India as a global hub for flight training organizations, promoting self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing and reducing import dependency.
• Tell me more:
  • SAIPL will set up a manufacturing facility in India to produce the DA40 NG aircraft, with deliveries starting by May 2025 and an initial target of 70 aircraft by the end of 2025.
  • The collaboration is expected to train 1,000 pilots annually and create significant job opportunities, contributing to economic growth.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. IAF Conducts Combat Training Exercise in Shillong

• What:
  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a combat training exercise at Umiam Lake in Shillong, Meghalaya, featuring aircraft, helicopters, and specialized operations to enhance interoperability with the Indian Army and Navy.
• Why:
  • The exercise aimed to improve coordination and capabilities among the armed forces through advanced training operations.
• Tell me more:
  • The training included Combat Rubberised Raiding Craft drops, para jumps, and helocasting using An-32, C-130 aircraft, and Mi-17 helicopters.
  • The exercise was witnessed by NCC cadets in Shillong, providing them with firsthand experience of military operations.

Source: ANI

Awards

1. PM Modi Honored in Mauritius

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Mauritius’ highest national honor, ‘The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean,’ during his visit to Port Louis.
• Why:
  • The award acknowledges the deep cultural and historical ties between India and Mauritius, symbolizing their shared commitment to regional peace and development.
• Tell me more:
  • India and Mauritius signed eight MoUs to enhance cooperation in trade, maritime security, MSME collaboration, and cross-border transactions.
  • PM Modi introduced the MAHASAGAR vision to expand India’s SAGAR initiative for regional stability.
  • An Indian Navy contingent participated in Mauritius’ National Day parade and conducted EEZ surveillance exercises with the Mauritian Coast Guard.
  • PM Modi and Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation.

Source: TOI

2. Muthoot Microfin Wins SKOCH Awards

• What:
  • Muthoot Microfin received two Gold Awards at the SKOCH Awards 2025 for excellence in digital financial inclusion and insurance solutions.
• Why:
  • The awards recognize Muthoot Microfin’s efforts in bridging the financial inclusion gap, particularly for women in rural India, through innovative digital and insurance initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • The company won awards for its Mahila Mitra initiative, which has 1.73 million downloads and a 4.2-star rating, and the Griha Raksha Insurance Scheme, covering 2.66 million beneficiaries.
  • Muthoot Microfin is part of the Muthoot Pappachan Group and is one of India’s leading listed microfinance institutions.

Source: BS

3. Delhi Airport Wins ASQ Award Again

• What:
  • Delhi International Airport has won the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for the seventh consecutive year as the best airport in the Asia-Pacific region for over 40 million passengers.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes Delhi Airport’s consistent commitment to providing exceptional customer service and operational excellence, as rated by passengers themselves.
• Tell me more:
  • The ASQ Awards are based on unbiased passenger feedback, making them a global benchmark for airport service quality.
  • Delhi Airport has recently achieved a capacity to handle 100 million passengers annually, solidifying its position in the global aviation industry.
  • The airport focuses on seamless processes, exceptional passenger service, and sustainability to enhance the travel experience.

Source: TTW

4. Jayshree Vencatesan Wins Ramsar Award

• What:
  • Chennai’s Jayshree Vencatesan has become the first Indian to win the Ramsar Award for ‘Wetland Wise Use’ for her work in wetland conservation.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes her decades-long dedication to preserving India’s wetlands, particularly the Pallikaranai Marsh in Chennai.
• Tell me more:
  • Jayshree’s work has documented the biodiversity and ecological significance of Pallikaranai Marsh, which has brought attention to its role in flood mitigation.
  • She led an all-women research team, safeguarding wetlands and mentoring new female conservationists.
  • Tamil Nadu has 18 Ramsar sites.

Source: IE

5. Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton Win Turing Award 2024

• What:
  • Andrew G. Barto and Richard S. Sutton have been awarded the 2024 A.M. Turing Award for their foundational work in Reinforcement Learning, a key approach to Artificial Intelligence.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes their groundbreaking contributions to computer science, specifically for laying the foundations of Reinforcement Learning.
• Tell me more:
  • The Turing Award is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Computing” and includes a $1 million prize.
  • Reinforcement Learning remains one of the most influential approaches to Artificial Intelligence.

Source: ACM

Sports

1. Khelo India Winter Games 2025 Held in Gulmarg

• What:
  • The second leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 was held in Gulmarg from March 9 to 12, featuring over 400 athletes competing in six winter sports for 136 medals.
• Why:
  • The event was postponed from its original dates due to insufficient snowfall, highlighting the importance of weather conditions for winter sports.
• Tell me more:
  • The event was divided into two phases, with the first leg taking place in Ladakh from January 23-27.
  • The Indian Army topped the medal tally with seven gold, five silver, and six bronze medals.

Source: TH

2. Australia and England to Play Historic Day-Night Test

• What:
  • Australia and England will play a historic day-night Test match from March 11-15, 2027, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to mark the 150th anniversary of Test cricket.
• Why:
  • The match is being held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first Test match and to celebrate the evolution of Test cricket.
• Tell me more:
  • This will be the first pink-ball Test for Australia’s men’s team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
  • Earlier, Australia’s women played the first day-night Test at the MCG against England in the Women’s Ashes.
  • The MCG also hosted the Centenary Test in 1977 between Australia and England.

Source: ICC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. NSG and ASCI Sign MoU for Governance Excellence

• What:
  • The National School of Government (NSG) of South Africa and the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance governance, capacity building, and public sector performance.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to equip public servants with necessary skills and expertise to drive national development and improve service delivery through collaborative training, research, and advisory services.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU focuses on areas like capacity building, joint research, advisory services, knowledge exchange, and exchange programs to foster global perspectives on governance.
  • The partnership will involve organizing training programs, workshops, and governance forums, as well as leveraging technology for enhanced public service delivery.

Source: DD

Appointments

1. Atul Kumar Goel Takes Charge as IBA Chief Executive

• What:
  • Atul Kumar Goel has assumed the role of Chief Executive of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), succeeding Sunil Mehta.
• Tell me more:
  • Goel previously served as MD and CEO of Punjab National Bank (PNB) from February 2022 to December 2024 and was Chairman of IBA for two terms.
  • Goel is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Source: HBL

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