14th-15th March 2025

1. Hockey Jharkhand Crowned 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Champion
2. Renowned Odia Poet Ramakanta Rath Passes Away
3. Veteran Tamil Actor-Comedian Bindu Ghosh Passes Away at 76
4. India Generated $143 Million by Launching Foreign Satellites Since 2015
5. India Masters Clinch Historic IML 2025 Title
6. Adar Poonawalla Sells Magma Insurance Stake to Patanjali Ayurved and DS Group for ₹4,500 Crore
7. India Shines with 33 Medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025
8. Maharana Pratap’s Descendant Arvind Singh Mewar Dies at 81
9. National Vaccination Day 2025: Date, History, Significance and Impact
10. India – New Zealand Announce Launch of FTA Negotiations
11. Hockey India Awards 2024: Check Complete List of Winners
12. Mumbai Indians Won The Womens Premier League 2025 Final
13. India Tops Medal Tally at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in New Delhi
14. Valueattics Reinsurance Becomes India’s First Private Reinsurer, Ending GIC Re’s Monopoly
15. UN Chief Announces ‘UN80 Initiative’ to Boost Efficiencies Amid Uncertainty
16. Former Indian All-Rounder Syed Abid Ali Passes Away at 83
17. Six New Properties Added to India’s UNESCO Tentative List
18. India Successfully Tests Astra BVRAAM from LCA Tejas AF MK1 Prototype
19. Google Unveils Gemma 3: The Next Evolution in Lightweight AI Models
20. N Ganapathy Subramaniam Appointed as Chairman of Tata Communications
21. International Day of Action for Rivers: A Global Call to Protect Our Waterways
22. Arun Mammen Elected as Chairman of ATMA
23. Moody’s Projects India’s GDP Growth to Exceed 6.5% in FY 2025-26
24. Pi Day 2025: Celebrating the Infinite Beauty of Mathematics
25. World Consumer Rights Day 2025: Date, Theme, History, and Significance
26. Keel Laying of Second Fleet Support Ship (FSS) for Indian Navy
27. India’s Role in the 4th ‘No Money for Terror’ (NMFT) Conference
28. INS Imphal Strengthens India-Mauritius Ties

National News

1. India Earns USD 143 Million from Satellite Launches

• What:
  • India generated USD 143 million in foreign exchange revenue by launching 393 foreign satellites and three Indian customer satellites from 2015 to 2024.
• Why:
  • This achievement highlights India’s growing prominence in the global space economy and supports the development of its private space sector.
• Tell me more:
  • The satellites were launched using ISRO’s PSLV, LVM3, and SSLV launch vehicles on a commercial basis.
  • India has launched satellites for 34 countries, including the US, UK, and Singapore.
  • Space cooperation agreements have been signed with 61 countries and five multilateral bodies, focusing on areas like satellite navigation and planetary exploration.
  • India is preparing for its Gaganyaan mission, aiming to launch astronauts into orbit this year.

Source: ANI

2. India and New Zealand Restart FTA Talks

• What:
  • India and New Zealand have agreed to resume detailed negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
• Why:
  • The negotiations aim to achieve balanced trade outcomes, enhance supply chain integration, and improve market access between the two countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The FTA talks were stalled in 2015 due to differences in areas like dairy and agriculture.
  • India and New Zealand initially began negotiating the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in April 2010 but stalled after nine rounds of discussions by 2013.
  • The current negotiations are part of efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations.

Source: ET

3. India Adds Six Sites to UNESCO Tentative List

• What:
  • India added six properties to UNESCO’s tentative list, including Ashokan Edict Sites and Chausath Yogini Temples, as a step towards potential future inscription on the World Heritage List.
• Why:
  • The addition is necessary for these sites to be considered for the World Heritage List in the future, highlighting India’s cultural and natural heritage.
• Tell me more:
  • These additions bring India’s total sites on the tentative list to 62.
  • The Chausath Yogini Temples feature intricate stone carvings and are significant for their cultural and historical value.

Source: TOI

4. India Advocates Unity Against Terrorism

• What:
  • India emphasized the importance of global unity in combating terrorism and highlighted the complexities of terror financing at the 4th NMFT Conference in Munich, Germany.
• Why:
  • The focus is on strengthening international cooperation to address the increasingly complex and cross-border nature of terror financing, which poses significant global security challenges.
• Tell me more:
  • India has strengthened its intelligence setup and legal framework by amending laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
  • A Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell has been established in the NIA, and a Fake Indian Currency Note Co-ordination Centre (FCORD) was formed to curb counterfeit currency circulation.
  • The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) plays a crucial role in detecting and reporting suspicious transactions.

Source: PIB

International News

1. UN Launches ‘UN80 Initiative’

• What:
  • The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, introduced the ‘UN80 Initiative’ to enhance operational efficiencies and explore structural changes within the UN.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to improve cost-effectiveness and address challenges like a liquidity crisis and reduced resources, ensuring the UN delivers value for money.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiative involves reviewing mandate implementations and exploring deeper structural changes, led by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder.
  • The UN faces financial challenges due to funding cuts, such as those by the US under the Trump administration.
  • The UN General Assembly approved a USD 3.72 billion budget for 2025, with significant contributions from the US and timely payments from India and 34 other nations.

Source: BS

Banking and Economy

1. Patanjali Enters General Insurance Market

• What:
  • Patanjali Ayurved and Dharampal Satyapal Group acquired a majority stake in Magma General Insurance, valuing the company at ₹4,500 crore.
• Why:
  • The acquisition marks Patanjali’s entry into the general insurance sector, expanding its presence beyond ayurvedic and consumer goods into financial services.
• Tell me more:
  • Patanjali will hold a 98% stake in Magma General Insurance, replacing Magma as the promoter.
  • The insurer was valued at 1.37 times its gross written premium (GWP) for FY24, which was ₹3,295 crore.
  • Magma General Insurance reported a loss of ₹141 crore in FY24 and had a solvency ratio of 1.77.

Source: ET

2. Valueattics Reinsurance Gets Licence

• What:
  • Irdai granted the first private reinsurance licence to Valueattics Reinsurance, backed by Prem Watsa and Kamesh Goyal, marking a significant step in increasing competition in the reinsurance sector.
• Tell me more:
  • Valueattics Reinsurance will start with a paid-up capital of ₹210 crore and is part of the Digit group, which includes Go Digit General Insurance and Go Digit Life Insurance.
  • GIC Re, a public-sector entity, was previously the only domestic reinsurer in India.
  • There are 13 foreign reinsurance branches operating in India, including those from Munich Re and Lloyd’s of London.

Source: BS

3. Google Launches Gemma 3 AI Models

• What:
  • Google introduced Gemma 3, a family of open-source AI models designed for high performance and accessibility, to enhance its competitive edge in the AI market.
• Why:
  • The launch aims to empower developers to create powerful AI applications that can run on various devices, from smartphones to workstations, and compete with other AI companies like OpenAI.
• Tell me more:
  • Gemma 3 models are available in different sizes (1B, 4B, 12B, and 27B) to suit various hardware and performance needs.
  • They offer advanced text and visual reasoning capabilities, supporting over 35 languages out-of-the-box and pre-trained support for over 140 languages.
  • Gemma 3 integrates with popular development tools like Hugging Face Transformers and PyTorch.

Source: TOI

GDP Forecasts

1. India’s GDP Growth Projected to Exceed 6.5%: Moody’s Ratings

• What:
  • Moody’s Ratings projected India’s real GDP growth to exceed 6.5% in the fiscal year ending March 2026, driven by increased government spending and monetary easing.
• Why:
  • The growth is attributed to factors like government capital expenditure, tax cuts, and interest rate reductions, which are expected to boost consumption and economic expansion.
• Tell me more:
  • The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced significant tax relief, exempting income up to ₹12 lakh, which is expected to support economic growth.
  • Moody’s maintained a stable outlook for India’s banking sector, with loan growth expected to moderate to 11-13% in FY26.
  • Inflation is projected to decline to 4.5% in FY26, with the RBI likely to adopt a cautious stance on further rate cuts due to global economic uncertainties.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. India Successfully Tests Astra Missile

• What:
  • India successfully test-fired the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missile from the LCA Tejas AF MK1 off the Odisha coast, marking a significant step towards its integration into the fighter jet.
• Why:
  • The test is crucial for the indigenization of weapon systems and the development of India’s defense capabilities, particularly for the LCA Tejas AF MK1A variant.
• Tell me more:
  • The Astra missile, designed by DRDO, hit a moving target accurately, meeting all mission parameters.
  • It has advanced guidance and navigation capabilities, allowing it to engage targets up to 100 km away.
  • The missile is already integrated with the Sukhoi 30 MKI and has been inducted into the Indian Air Force.

Source: IE

2. Indian Navy’s Second Fleet Support Ship Keel Laid

• What:
  • The keel laying ceremony for the second of five fleet support ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy was held at L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.
• Why:
  • The ceremony marks a significant step in enhancing the Indian Navy’s blue water capabilities and supporting the government’s initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Navy signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in 2023 for five FSS, with delivery starting from mid-2027.
  • The ships will have a displacement capacity of over 40,000 tonnes and will support prolonged naval operations by replenishing fuel, water, ammunition, and stores at sea.
  • They will also be equipped for humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.

Source: TW

3. INS Imphal Visits Mauritius

• What:
  • INS Imphal concluded its port visit to Mauritius, participating in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations and engaging in various professional and cultural activities.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Mauritius, reaffirming India’s role as a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Tell me more:
  • The ship participated in the national day parade with a marching contingent and flypast by MH 60R helicopters.
  • Training sessions were conducted for Mauritius National Coast Guard personnel on various naval operations.

Source: ANI

Awards

1. Hockey India Annual Awards 2024

Source: OC

Important Dates

1. India Celebrates National Vaccination Day on March 16

• What:
  • India observes National Vaccination Day to commemorate its dedication to public health through immunization, marking the first administration of the oral polio vaccine in 1995.
• Why:
  • The day aims to raise awareness about vaccines, honor healthcare workers, and promote immunization efforts across the nation.
• Tell me more:
  • The Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme led to India being declared polio-free by the WHO in 2014.
  • National Vaccination Day was first observed on March 16, 1995.

Source: IT

2. 28th International Day of Action for Rivers – March 14

• Theme: Our Rivers, our Future

Source: IRG

3. Pi Day – March 14

• Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π.

4. World Consumer Rights Day – March 15

• Theme: ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles’

Source: PIB

Sports

1. Hockey Jharkhand Wins National Championship

• What:
  • Hockey Jharkhand defeated Hockey Haryana 4-3 in a shootout to win the 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship after a 1-1 tie in regulation time.
• Why:
  • The win marked a significant upset as Hockey Haryana was the defending champion.
• Tell me more:
  • Pramodni Lakra and Rani scored during regulation time.
  • In the shootout, Rajni Kerketta, Nirali Kujur, Binima Dhan, and captain Alebla Rani Toppo scored for Hockey Jharkhand.
  • Goalkeeper Anjali Bhinjia made two crucial saves to secure the victory.
  • In the bronze medal match, Hockey Mizoram defeated Hockey Maharashtra 2-1, with Manju Chorsiya scoring the winning goal.

Source: BS

2. India Masters Wins Inaugural IML Title

• What:
  • India Masters defeated West Indies Masters by six wickets to win the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 title.
• Tell me more:
  • Sachin Tendulkar scored 181 runs in six matches, including a half-century, while Ambati Rayudu scored 188 runs with two fifties.
  • Yuvraj Singh contributed 179 runs and took three wickets, and Irfan Pathan scored 113 runs with six wickets.
  • In the final, India Masters chased down a target of 149 after restricting West Indies Masters to 148/7.

Source: TOI

3. India Wins 33 Medals at Special Olympics

• What:
  • India secured a total of 33 medals, including 8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze, at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
• Tell me more:
  • Indian athletes excelled in Snowshoeing, Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Short Track Speed Skating, Cross Country Skiing, and Floorball.
  • In Snowshoeing, Vasu Tiwari, Shalini Chauhan, and Tanya won silver medals, while Jahangir secured a bronze.
  • Radha Devi and Nirmala Devi won silver medals in Alpine Skiing, and Akriti took a bronze in Cross Country Skiing.
  • The Indian Women’s Traditional Team earned a bronze in Floorball.

Source: TOI

4. Mumbai Indians Win WPL Title

• What:
  • Mumbai Indians secured their second Women’s Premier League title by defeating Delhi Capitals by eight runs in the final.
• Why:
  • The victory marked a significant achievement for Mumbai Indians, showcasing their team’s strength and performance in the tournament.
• Tell me more:
  • Mumbai set a target of 150 runs, thanks to Harmanpreet Kaur’s 66 and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s contributions.
  • Nat Sciver-Brunt took three crucial wickets, including those of Meg Lanning and Marizanne Kapp, to help Mumbai win.
  • Delhi Capitals reached the final for the third time but failed to win a title.

Source: IE

5. India Tops Medal Table at Para Athletics

• What:
  • India finished at the top of the medal table with 134 medals, including 45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze, at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in New Delhi.
• Tell me more:
  • Indian athletes excelled in various events, including a podium sweep in the men’s shot put and women’s discus throw.
  • Preethi Pal won a bronze medal in the women’s 200m T35–T38 event, while Bhavani Munniyandi secured bronze in the women’s long jump.
  • Close to 150 Indian para-athletes participated in 90 medal events.

Source: OC

Appointments

1. N Ganapathy Subramaniam Appointed Tata Communications Chairman

• What:
  • The Board of Tata Communications Ltd appointed N Ganapathy Subramaniam as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective March 14, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Subramaniam also holds key positions at Tata Elxsi Limited, Tejas Networks Limited, and the Bharat6G Alliance.
  • He is involved with the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology and The Society for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Children, Mumbai.

Source: ET

2. Arun Mammen Elected ATMA Chairman

• What:
  • Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MRF, was elected as the new chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), with Hiroshi Yoshizane of Bridgestone India as the vice-chairman.
• Why:
  • The election aims to leverage Mammen’s leadership and industry experience to guide the automotive tyre sector in India.
• Tell me more:
  • Arun Mammen became the MD of MRF Ltd in 2004 and took on the role of VC & MD in 2017.
  • He holds an MBA from Ashland University, US, and is a graduate of Madras Christian College.

Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. Renowned Odia Poet Ramakanta Rath Passes Away

• What:
  • Ramakanta Rath, a celebrated Odia poet and former IAS officer, passed away at the age of 91 in Bhubaneswar.
• Tell me more:
  • Ramakanta Rath was a 1957-batch IAS officer who served as the Chief Secretary of Odisha and held key positions in the Union Government.
  • He was known for his poetic works, including the iconic poem ‘Sri Radha’, which have been translated into English and several Indian languages.
  • Rath was conferred with the Padma Bhushan in 2006 and served as the president of the Sahitya Akademi of India from 1998 to 2003.
  • He served as the president of the Sahitya Akademi of India from 1998 to 2003.

Source: NOA

2. Veteran Actress Bindu Ghosh Passes Away

• Veteran comedy actress Bindu Ghosh, known for her roles in Tamil and Telugu films, passed away at the age of 76 after a prolonged illness.

Source: IE

3. Arvind Singh Mewar Passes Away

• Arvind Singh Mewar, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and chairman of the HRH group of hotels, passed away in Udaipur after a prolonged illness.
• Arvind Singh Mewar was a descendant of Rajput king Maharana Pratap and was educated at Mayo College, Ajmer.

Source: IE

4. Former Cricketer Abid Ali Passes Away

• What:
  • Former India all-rounder Syed Abid Ali passed away at the age of 83, prompting condolences from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Source: TOI

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