20th March 2025

1. International Day of Happiness
2. Krishnamachari Srikkanth Named Goodwill Ambassador of VISION 2020 India to Combat Avoidable Blindness
3. India’s Free Speech Ranking in Global Index
4. Indian Long-Distance Runner Archana Jadhav Banned for Four Years Over Doping Violation
5. India’s total exports increased by 6.24% to USD 750.53 billion during April-February of FY25: MoC&I
6. Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth hosts 28th Convocation & Shishyopanayan Samskara in New Delhi
7. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan inaugurates new research centre at IIT Madras
8. DoT & WhatsApp collaborate to enhance digital safety in India
9. IAEA DG Rafael Mariano inaugurates 5 N Bone building at GCNEP
10. WMO report: Atmospheric CO2 levels reached 420 ppm in 2023, highest in 8 lakh years
11. Paytm partners with SBI Mutual Fund to launch JanNivesh Rs. 250 SIP
12. Paytm Money Limited receives SEBI’s approval as a research analyst
13. Fitch Ratings kept India’s GDP unchanged at 6.5% in FY26; increased GDP forecast for FY27 to 6.3%
14. Indian literary theorist Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak to receive the 2025 Holberg Prize
15. Bajaj Finserv to acquire Allianz SE’s 26% stake in insurance JVs for Rs 24,180 Cr
16. Justice P.N. Prakash launches book ‘Memories and Milestones’ to celebrate 60 years of Blue Cross of India
17. RBI appoints Shri Indranil Bhattacharyya as new Executive Director
18. Mapping Indias position in global happiness index
19. $1 billion boost for creator economy thrugh PPP

National News

1. Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth Hosts 28th Convocation in New Delhi

• What:
  • Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), under the Ministry of Ayush, hosted its 28th Convocation and Shishyopanayaniya Samskara in New Delhi, accrediting one international and six national institutions for high standards in Ayurveda education.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to enhance quality education, globalize Ayurveda, and recognize exemplary contributions in the field of Ayurveda.
• Tell me more:
  • Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred on Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur, Prof. Kulwant Singh, Vaidya Mohan Narayan Tambe, and Dr. Bidhubhusan Nanda for their contributions to Ayurveda.
  • Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav praised RAV’s efforts in recognizing Ayurvedic practitioners and highlighted initiatives like “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan.”
  • A Diplomate of National Board Ayurveda (DNB) program was launched to advance Ayurvedic education.
  • A 7.5-year Gurukul Schooling Program was introduced to reinforce the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
  • Over 100 CRAV Gurus and 120 Shishyas were felicitated for their dedication to traditional Ayurvedic training.

Source: PIB

2. DoT and WhatsApp Collaborate to Combat Online Scams

• What:
  • The Department of Telecom (DoT) and WhatsApp have partnered to run a safety campaign against online scams and spam under Meta’s “Scam Se Bacho” initiative.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to enhance digital safety by educating citizens on identifying and reporting fraudulent communications.
• Tell me more:
  • WhatsApp will work with DoT’s Digital Intelligence Unit to address the misuse of telecom resources in cybercrime and financial frauds.
  • Informative materials will be developed in multiple regional languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Gujarati.
  • The partnership will explore citizen-centric services under the Sanchar Saathi initiative.
  • Telecom operators have demanded similar awareness campaigns from communication apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
  • Last year, Meta launched the “Scam Se Bacho” campaign in collaboration with MeitY, I4C, and MIB.

Source: ET

3. IAEA Director General Inaugurates S N Bose Building at GCNEP

• What:
  • The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, inaugurated the S N Bose Building at the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) in New Delhi and launched a Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering.
• Why:
  • The inauguration and course aim to promote global collaboration in nuclear science and capacity-building while advancing nuclear technology for societal and economic development.
• Tell me more:
  • The S N Bose Building will serve as a hub for research and training in nuclear science, housing advanced laboratories for reactor technology, radiation safety, nuclear security, and radioisotope applications.
  • The six-month Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering will cover topics like reactor physics, radiological safety, nuclear safeguards, and emerging nuclear technology applications.
  • The course will cater to 40 international and 10 national participants from GCNEP signatory countries.

Source: PIB

4. Central Government Announced $1 Billion Fund for Creator Economy

• What:
  • Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a $1 billion fund to support India’s creator economy and allocated ₹391 crore for establishing the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The initiatives aim to enhance skills, improve production quality, and promote India as a global content export hub.
• Tell me more:
  • IICT will be modeled after IITs and IIMs and located in Mumbai’s Film City.
  • The World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 will provide funding, training, and networking opportunities for creators.
  • WAVES Bazaar, an e-marketplace, will connect Indian creators with international markets for collaborations and funding.
  • India’s creative economy is valued at $30 billion, contributing 2.5% to GDP and employing 8% of the workforce.
  • Influencer marketing is projected to grow by 25% in 2024, reaching ₹2,344 crore.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s Data on Export-Imports in 2024-25

Top 5 Export Destinations (Apr-Feb 2024-25 vs Apr-Feb 2023-24)

Top 5 Import Sources (Apr-Feb 2024-25 vs Apr-Feb 2023-24)

Source: PIB

2. Paytm and SBI Mutual Fund Launch JanNivesh SIP Initiative

• What:
  • Paytm, in collaboration with SBI Mutual Fund, launched the JanNivesh SIP initiative, allowing investments starting at Rs 250 to make wealth-building accessible to all.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to encourage more Indians to participate in financial growth by investing small amounts regularly and leveraging the power of compounding.
• Tell me more:
  • JanNivesh SIP offers flexible investment options with daily, weekly, or monthly frequencies.
  • Payments are automated through UPI Autopay for hassle-free transactions.
  • The setup process involves selecting investment frequency, amount, completing KYC steps, and registering UPI Autopay.

Source: ET

3. Paytm Money Receives SEBI Approval for Research Analyst Services

• What:
  • Paytm Money Limited, a subsidiary of One 97 Communications, received SEBI registration as a research analyst under the SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014.
• Why:
  • The registration enables Paytm Money to provide SEBI-compliant research services and expand its offerings in the investment ecosystem.
• Tell me more:
  • The research services will include investment insights, research reports, and data-driven analysis integrated into the Paytm Money app.
  • Earlier this month, Paytm launched “UPI Trading Blocks,” an automated payment feature for equity trading using NPCI’s UPI infrastructure.
  • This feature ensures funds remain in the investor’s account until required for trade execution, enhancing transparency.

Source: ET

4. Bajaj Finserv to Acquire Allianz’s Stake in Insurance Ventures

• What:
  • Bajaj Finserv signed agreements with Allianz SE to acquire a 26% stake in Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance for ₹24,180 crore.
• Why:
  • The acquisition aims to increase Bajaj Group’s stake to 100% in both insurance ventures, enhancing single ownership benefits.
• Tell me more:
  • Bajaj Finserv will acquire 1.01%, Bajaj Holdings 19.95%, and Jamnalal Sons 5.04% of the stake in each company.
  • The acquisition is subject to approvals from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and IRDAI.
  • Post-acquisition, the joint ventures with Allianz SE will terminate, and Allianz will be reclassified as an investor.
  • Bajaj Allianz insurance companies have a combined premium exceeding ₹40,000 crore with industry-best solvency margins.

Source: BS

Reports and Indices

1. India Ranks 24th in Future of Free Speech Study

• What:
  • India ranked 24th out of 33 countries in the Future of Free Speech Index 2024, conducted by The Future of Free Speech think tank.
• Why:
  • The study aims to assess global support for free speech and understand public opinions on discussing sensitive issues openly.
• Tell me more:
  • Scandinavian countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden ranked highest, while Muslim-majority countries and the Global South showed lower support for free speech.
  • India scored 62.63 in the index, showing relatively low free speech levels compared to popular demand.
  • Surveys were conducted in October 2024 by The Future of Free Speech and YouGov.
  • India is among countries where less than 75% of people believe governments should prevent criticism.
  • Indians and South Africans perceive significant progress in support for free speech since 2021.
  • Citizens of India are among the most tolerant of deepfakes of politicians.

Source: TW

2. World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) State of the Climate Report

• What:
  • Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reached 420 parts per million in 2023, the highest in 8,00,000 years, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) State of the Climate report.
• Why:
  • The report aims to highlight the impact of rising greenhouse gas emissions and global warming on climate, ecosystems, and human lives.
• Tell me more:
  • Carbon dioxide levels in 2023 were 2.3 ppm higher than in 2022 and 151% of pre-industrial levels.
  • The past decade (2015-2024) was the warmest on record, with oceans absorbing 90% of extra heat caused by greenhouse gases.
  • Global mean sea level in 2024 was the highest since satellite records began in 1993, with the rate of rise doubling from 1993-2002 to 2015-2024.
  • Seven of the ten worst years for glacier loss since 1950 occurred after 2016.
  • Record global temperatures in 2023 and 2024 were driven by rising emissions and the El Niño event.

Source: BS

3. World Happiness Report 2025

• Released by: The annual report is published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and WHR Editorial Board.
• Parameters: Countries are ranked based on GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. Rankings are based on a three-year average of each population’s life evaluation.
• Top: Finland topped the World Happiness Report 2025 for the eighth consecutive year with an average score of 7.736 out of 10.
• India: India ranked 118th in the World Happiness Report 2025 among 147 countries, improving from 126th in 2024.

Sources: FE WHR1 WHR2 WHR3

GDP Forecasts

1. Fitch Ratings Maintains India’s Growth Forecast at 6.5% for FY26

• What:
  • Fitch Ratings maintained India’s economic growth forecast at 6.5% for FY26 and revised the FY27 projection upward to 6.3%.
• Why:
  • The forecasts reflect India’s low reliance on external demand and its ability to sustain economic growth despite global challenges.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s GDP is projected to grow by 6.3% in FY25, supported by improved consumer spending and higher government expenditure.
  • The Indian economy grew by 6.2% in the December quarter, recovering from a seven-quarter low of 5.6%.
  • Business confidence remains high, with double-digit growth in private sector bank lending.
  • Inflation in India is expected to decline to 4% by December due to falling food prices.
  • Global growth is forecasted to slow from 2.9% in 2024 to 2.3% in 2025 and 2.2% in 2026.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak Wins 2025 Holberg Prize

• What:
  • Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, a literary critic and postcolonial scholar, won the 2025 Holberg Prize for her groundbreaking interdisciplinary research in humanities.
• Why:
  • The prize recognizes her contributions to comparative literature, translation, postcolonial studies, political philosophy, and feminist theory.
• Tell me more:
  • The Holberg Prize is considered equivalent to the Nobel Prize in humanities, social sciences, law, and theology.
  • Spivak is known for her work “Can the Subaltern Speak?” and her efforts to combat illiteracy in marginalized rural communities.
  • She graduated from Presidency College in 1959 and completed her PhD at Cornell University in 1967.
  • Since 2007, she has been a professor at Columbia University and a founding member of the Institute for Comparative Literature & Society.
  • The Holberg Prize committee described Spivak as one of the most influential global intellectuals since the 1970s.

Source: TOI

Important Dates

1. International Day of Happiness – March 20

• Theme: Caring and Sharing

Source: TOI

Sports

1. Indian Runner Archana Jadhav Banned for Doping

• What:
  • Indian long-distance runner Archana Jadhav received a four-year ban for testing positive for Oxandrolone, a prohibited substance, during the Pune Half-Marathon in December 2024.
• Why:
  • The ban aims to maintain fairness in sports as Oxandrolone enhances muscle growth and provides an unfair advantage in endurance events.
• Tell me more:
  • Oxandrolone is a synthetic anabolic steroid used to enhance muscle growth and protein production.
  • The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) is responsible for enforcing anti-doping rules in athletics globally.

Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Krishnamachari Srikkanth Named Goodwill Ambassador for VISION 2020 India

• What:
  • Former Indian cricket captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador of VISION 2020 India, an initiative aimed at eliminating avoidable blindness across the country.
• Why:
  • The appointment is intended to raise awareness and amplify efforts to combat avoidable blindness, as over 80% of blindness cases in India are preventable.
• Tell me more:
  • The announcement was made at an event hosted by Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai.
  • India has nearly 4.8 million blind individuals and 70 million people with visual impairment.
  • VISION 2020 India will provide free eye check-ups, surgeries, and vision correction services to underserved communities.
  • Srikkanth will actively participate in awareness campaigns for the cause.

Source: TH

2. RBI Appoints Indranil Bhattacharyya as Executive Director

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed Indranil Bhattacharyya as Executive Director (ED).
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to strengthen the Department of Economic and Policy Research under Bhattacharyya’s leadership.
• Tell me more:
  • Bhattacharyya previously served as Adviser in the Monetary Policy Department of RBI.
  • He has nearly three decades of experience in monetary policy, fiscal policy, banking, and international economic relations.
  • He worked at Qatar Central Bank as an Economic Expert from 2009 to 2014.
  • He holds a postgraduate degree in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
  • Earlier this month, RBI appointed Ajit Ratnakar Joshi as ED for the Department of Statistics and Information Management and Financial Stability Department.

Source: FE

Miscellaneous

1. Blue Cross of India Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Book Launch

• What:
  • Historian V. Sriram and Lashman released the book “Memories and Milestones” documenting 60 years of Blue Cross of India at an event in Chennai on March 15, 2025.
• Why:
  • The book celebrates the achievements and contributions of Blue Cross of India in animal welfare since its registration in 1964.
• Tell me more:
  • The book was launched by Justice P.N. Prakash in the presence of Maneka Gandhi and A.L. Somayaji, who received the first copy.
  • Blue Cross pioneered initiatives like the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme and interactive computer programmes as alternatives to animal dissection in schools.
  • It was the first Indian animal welfare group to receive Platinum Level certification for transparency from GuideStar India in 2013.
  • Co-founder Dr. Chinny Krishna highlighted the challenges of running an animal welfare organization for 60 years and credited professionals for supporting projects like adoptathons and dog shows.

Source: ANI

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