22nd-24th March 2025

1. Shaheed Diwas 2025: Honouring the Legacy of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev
2. Vinod Kumar Shukla Selected for 59th Jnanpith Award
3. Goibibo Appoints Rishabh Pant as Brand Ambassador in a Campaign Featuring Sunil Gavaskar
4. Purple Fest 2025: A Celebration of Inclusivity and Empowerment
5. World’s First ‘Supersolid’ Created from Light: A Groundbreaking Discovery
6. UK Delegation in Odisha to Explore Collaborations in Skill Development
7. BPCL Inaugurates Floating Solar Power Plant at Kochi Refinery
8. Amitabh Kant Appointed as NIIT University Chancellor
9. George Foreman, The Legendary Boxer and Business Icon Passes Away at 76
10. Potti Sriramulu’s 58-Foot Statue to be Installed in Amaravati
11. Meghalaya Inaugurates First Scientific Coal Mining Block: A Historic Milestone
12. World Meteorological Day 2025: Significance, Theme, History, and Celebrations
13. World Water Day 2025: Theme, History, Significance & Glacier Preservation
14. Hydrologist Günter Blöschl Wins 2025 Stockholm Water Prize
15. Book on CMC Vellore ‘To the Seventh Generation’ Launched in Chennai
16. Tata Communications Unveils Vayu – A Comprehensive AI Cloud Offering for Enterprises
17. Delhi Minister Launches Mobile Dental Clinics for Free Check-ups
18. Japan Becomes First Team to Qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup After Host Nations
19. World Day For Glaciers 2025: Know the Date and Role of Glaciers
20. Khelo India Para Games 2025: Anthem, Mascot, and Logo Unveiled in New Delhi
21. Down Syndrome and World Down Syndrome Day 2025
22. International Nowruz Day 2025: A Timeless Celebration of Renewal and New Beginnings
23. World Poetry Day 2025, Date, Theme, History and Significance
24. DAC Approves Rs 54,000 Crore Defence Acquisitions; CCS Clears Rs 7,000 Crore ATAGS Artillery Deal
25. India Ranks 2nd Globally in Funding for Women-Led Startups: Tracxn Report
26. Indian Fintech firm, Lendbox Outranked Giants Aditya Birla and Titan to become Asia-Pacific’s fastest-growing company
27. BPCL Signs Quadripartite MoU with BluJ Aerospace, ANERT & CIAL to Launch World’s 1st Hydrogen-Powered VTOL Aviation Ecosystem
28. UK & Odisha Government Collaborate on Net-Zero Vision for Bhubaneswar
29. AFMS & NIMHANS Signed MoU to Enhance Mental Health Support for Armed Forces
30. GRSE Signs MoU with PWD Nagaland for Modular Steel Bridges
31. Kerala Establishes India’s First Senior Citizens Commission
32. GoI Forms IMIICF for Fintech Sector Development
33. MeitY conducts IWBIDC to Develop Indigenous Web Browser
34. India and Bolivia Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Quick Impact Projects Agreement
35. UK’s Prudential plc & HCL Group Announces JV for Health Insurance in India
36. AIBI and MBAN Sign MoU to Strengthen Investment Banking
37. Winners of Sahitya Translation Prize 2024: Total 22 Indian Languages have been Selected
38. Córdoba, Fortaleza & Greater Manchester Honored at 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in France
39. Tunisian President Kais Saied appointed Sarra Zaafrani Zenari as New PM
40. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Sworn in as Namibia’s 1st Female President
41. Bollywood Actor Ayushmann Khurrana Becomes ‘Tit’ India’ icon
42. Bain Capital to Acquire 18% Stake in Manappuram Finance for Rs 4,385 Crore
43. International Day of Forests 2025 – 21 March
44. World Glacier Day – March 21 2025

National News

1. Purple Fest 2025 Celebrates Inclusivity and Empowerment

• What:
  • Purple Fest 2025 was hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Why:
  • The fest aimed to foster an inclusive society and empower Divyangjan through education, skilling, employment, and accessibility initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • The event featured literary discussions, sports activities, and corporate collaborations to promote inclusivity.
  • The event attracted 23,500 participants at Amrit Udyan and included cultural performances by Divyangjan.
  • Dignitaries like President Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, and MoS B.L. Verma attended the event.
  • Corporate partnerships with Tata Power, American India Foundation, Tech Mahindra Foundation, and others were announced.
  • MoUs were signed to reaffirm the commitment to accessibility and economic empowerment.
  • Adaptive sports like Blind Cricket, Boccia, and Wheelchair Basketball were organized.

Source: PIB

2. Government Forms Inter-Ministerial Committee on Fintech

• What:
  • The government has established an inter-ministerial-industry committee on fintech (IMICF) to address regulatory concerns and develop a long-term strategy for the fintech sector.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to analyze fintech growth, address policy gaps, and ensure a stable regulatory framework that supports innovation and industry growth.
• Tell me more:
  • The committee will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS).
  • Members include officials from MeitY, DPIIT, Department of Economic Affairs, NITI Aayog, RBI, and SEBI.
  • Prominent fintech leaders like Ajay Kaushal (BillDesk), Jitendra Gupta (Jupiter), and Varun Dua (Acko) are part of the panel.
  • The IMICF will draft a ‘Fintech Vision Strategy’ and submit its report within three months of its first meeting.

Source: BW

3. India Strengthens Ties with Bolivia and Supports Brazil’s COP30 Presidency

• What:
  • External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with Bolivia’s Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda, signing agreements on Quick Impact Projects and inaugurating India’s new embassy in La Paz.
  • Jaishankar also extended India’s support to Brazil’s presidency for COP30 during a meeting with Andre Aranha Correa do Lago, President of COP30 Amazonia.
• Why:
  • The agreements aim to deepen India-Bolivia bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in developmental projects.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s backing for COP30 reflects its commitment to global climate action and collaboration with Brazil.
  • The Quick Impact Projects agreement is part of efforts to strengthen India-Bolivia partnerships.
  • India and Brazil have a history of cooperation in global forums like G20, BRICS, and the United Nations.
  • COP30 will focus on meaningful climate change outcomes, with India supporting Brazil’s leadership in the event.

Source: TP

State News

1. UK Delegation Explores Skilling Collaboration in Odisha

• What:
  • A UK Skills and Chartered Bodies delegation visited Odisha to explore vocational education collaborations with the state government.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to strengthen Odisha’s skilling ecosystem and equip its workforce with internationally recognized skills for better employability.
• Tell me more:
  • The delegation met officials from the Skill Development and Technical Education department and the World Skill Center.
  • Key sectors discussed include advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, digital skills, and sustainable infrastructure.
  • British Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Fleming praised Odisha’s commitment to youth skilling and sustainable livelihoods.
  • A workshop on ‘Net-Zero Vision for Bhubaneswar’ was organized in collaboration with GRIDCO and the Energy department.
  • MoUs were signed between TERI Director General Vibha Dhawan and Additional Secretary Debi Dutta Tripathy.

Source: IE

2. Brahmapuram CBG Plant in Kochi

• What:
  • Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan visited Brahmapuram waste processing facility to assess progress in operations, including the under-construction compressed biogas (CBG) plant and biomining activities.
• Why:
  • The initiatives aim to address Kochi’s waste management issues and set a model for similar projects across the state.
• Tell me more:
  • The CBG plant construction is six months ahead of schedule, with one biodigester completed and the second nearing completion.
  • Initially operating at 75 tonnes, the plant will expand to handle 150 tonnes.
  • BPCL’s floating solar power plant at Kochi Refinery was inaugurated during the visit.

Source: TOI

3. Andhra Pradesh to Honor Potti Sriramulu with a 58-Foot Statue

• What:
  • Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the installation of a 58-foot tall statue of Potti Sriramulu in Amaravati, along with a memorial and a museum in his native village Padamatipalli.
• Why:
  • The initiatives aim to honor Sriramulu’s sacrifice for the creation of Andhra State and inspire future generations.
• Tell me more:
  • The statue and memorial will be completed before Sriramulu’s next birth anniversary.
  • A modern health center and high school will also be constructed in Padamatipalli.
  • Sriramulu’s 58-day hunger strike led to the announcement of Andhra State by Prime Minister Nehru in December 1952, officially formed on October 1, 1953.
  • The government plans monthly programs to commemorate Sriramulu’s legacy, culminating in grand celebrations for his 125th birth anniversary on March 16, 2026.
  • The P4 initiative will be implemented from Ugadi to ensure social stability and improve living standards.

Source: IE

4. Meghalaya Inaugurates First Scientific Coal Mining Block

• What:
  • Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated Meghalaya’s first scientific coal mining block, “Saryngkham-A,” in East Jaintia Hills.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to replace unsafe traditional mining practices with scientific methods, ensuring safety and sustainability.
• Tell me more:
  • Agreements for scientific coal mining were signed between the Centre and three miners from Meghalaya in January 2024.
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned traditional “rat-hole” mining in 2014 due to safety and environmental concerns.
  • The ban was lifted in 2019 after the state government petitioned the Supreme Court.
  • The inaugurated mine is owned by Dapmain Shylla, and the project is considered a historic milestone for Meghalaya.

Source: TOI

5. Delhi Government Launches Mobile Dental Vans for Healthcare

• What:
  • Delhi government launched six mobile dental vans at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences to provide free dental check-ups and treatments.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to deliver essential dental care to underprivileged communities and improve accessibility to healthcare services.
• Tell me more:
  • The mobile clinics were inaugurated by Health Minister Pankaj Singh on World Oral Health Day (March 20).
  • An MoU will be signed with the Centre on April 10 to implement Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Delhi, aiming to enroll one lakh people within a month.
  • The project is a collaboration between the Delhi government and Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS).

Source: IT

6. Kerala Becomes First State to Establish Senior Citizens Commission

• What:
  • Kerala passed the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill, becoming the first state in India to create a commission for senior citizens.
• Why:
  • The commission aims to protect the rights, welfare, and rehabilitation of senior citizens and address issues like neglect, exploitation, and loneliness.
• Tell me more:
  • The commission will develop guidelines to tackle challenges faced by senior citizens and utilize their skills for societal benefit.
  • It will also ensure their active participation in building a “New Kerala.”
  • Kerala ranks first in elderly welfare initiatives in India.

Source: BS

International News

1. Italian Scientists Manage to Freeze Light, Convert it into a Solid

• What:
  • Italian scientists successfully demonstrated that light can behave as a supersolid, a rare state of matter combining solid-like structure and frictionless flow.
• Why:
  • This discovery could revolutionize quantum computing and optical technologies by enabling advanced manipulation of light.
• Tell me more:
  • Supersolidity was previously observed only in Bose-Einstein condensates at near absolute zero temperatures.
  • Scientists used quantum techniques to create supersolid light using gallium arsenide structures embedded with microscopic ridges.
  • Laser-induced polaritons formed satellite condensates, confirming the supersolid state.
  • The research was led by Antonio Gianfate from CNR Nanotec and Davide Nigro from the University of Pavia.

Source: HT

2. Córdoba, Fortaleza, and Greater Manchester Honored for Public Health Achievements

• What:
  • At the 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Paris, Córdoba (Argentina), Fortaleza (Brazil), and Greater Manchester (UK) were recognized for their public health initiatives.
• Why:
  • The awards highlight progress in preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries through innovative policies that serve as models for other cities.
• Tell me more:
  • Córdoba committed to eliminating sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods from schools by 2026, benefiting 15,000 students across 26 schools.
  • Fortaleza established its first legal framework for air quality surveillance with low-cost sensors to monitor pollutants and inform policies.
  • Greater Manchester expanded smoke-free outdoor spaces, opened its first smoke-free park, and developed toolkits for NHS hospitals to promote smoke-free environments.
  • The summit was co-hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO, Vital Strategies, and the City of Paris, bringing together officials from 61 cities.

Source: WHO

Banking and Economy

1. Tata Communications Launches Next-Gen Cloud Fabric “Vayu”

• What:
  • Tata Communications launched “Tata Communications Vayu,” a next-generation Cloud fabric designed to tackle rising cloud costs, multi-cloud complexities, and AI infrastructure demands.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to empower businesses with efficient, cost-effective, and scalable cloud solutions while supporting AI-driven innovation.
• Tell me more:
  • Vayu integrates IaaS, PaaS, AI platforms, security, cloud connectivity, and professional services into one ecosystem.
  • It offers up to 30% cost savings with transparent pricing, FinOps automation, and multi-cloud flexibility.
  • The platform provides on-demand access to NVIDIA GPUs for AI model training and deployment.
  • Features include AI Studio with tools like AI workbench, model garden, and responsible AI frameworks.
  • It complies with regulations like Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and MeitY.
  • Direct liquid cooling technology will be introduced to optimize heat management for high-performance computing.

Source: ET

2. Lendbox Tops Asia-Pacific High-Growth Companies List

• What:
  • Indian peer-to-peer lending platform Lendbox ranked first in the Financial Times and Statista’s list of 500 high-growth Asia-Pacific companies.
• Why:
  • The recognition highlights Lendbox’s rapid growth and its contribution to India’s thriving startup ecosystem.
• Tell me more:
  • Lendbox, founded in 2015, achieved a compound annual growth rate of 536%, with revenues rising to $51 million in 2023.
  • A total of 81 Indian companies made it to the list, including BluSmart (6th), Meesho (72nd), Titan Company (301st), Aditya Birla Capital (374th), and Havells (396th).
  • Singapore led the rankings with 108 companies, followed by Japan and South Korea with 91 each.
  • IT and Software companies dominated the list, accounting for 27%, followed by financial services at 10%.

Source: ET

3. Prudential plc to Launch Health Insurance JV with HCL Group

• What:
  • UK-based Prudential plc announced a joint venture with Vama Sundari Investments (HCL Group) to establish a standalone health insurance business in India.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance access to quality health insurance and contribute to India’s vision of “Insurance for All by 2047.”
• Tell me more:
  • Prudential plc will hold a 70% stake, and Vama Sundari Investments will hold 30% in the joint venture.
  • The new health insurance company will be led by Amar Joshi as CEO (designate), subject to regulatory approval.
  • Prudential plc has a significant presence in India through ICICI Prudential Life and ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company.
  • HCL Group, founded in 1976, has diversified into sectors like technology, healthcare, and talent management, generating annual revenues of over $13.8 billion.

Source: IE

4. Bain Capital Acquires Stake in Manappuram Finance

• What:
  • Bain Capital announced a ₹4,385-crore investment to acquire an 18% stake and joint control in Manappuram Finance through an open offer.
• Why:
  • The investment aims to bring strategic guidance and expertise to support Manappuram Finance’s next growth phase.
• Tell me more:
  • Post-transaction, Bain Capital’s ownership will range between 18% and 41.7%, depending on the open offer response.
  • Promoters VP Nandakumar and Sushama Nandakumar’s combined stake will reduce from 34.72% to 28.9% on a fully diluted basis.
  • Brokerages like Motilal Oswal, Elara Securities, and IDBI Capital upgraded their ratings and target prices for the stock, citing potential business revival under Bain’s involvement.

Source: FE

Reports and Indices

1. Women-Led Startups in India Raise $26 Billion in Funding: Tracxn Report

• What:
  • Indian tech startups with women founders have raised $26 billion in funding, ranking second globally after the US in all-time funding.
• Why:
  • The growth of women-led startups highlights their contribution to innovation, employment generation, and India’s economic growth.
• Tell me more:
  • India has over 7,000 active women-led startups, accounting for 7.5% of all active startups in the country.
  • The retail sector leads with $7.8 billion in funding, followed by edtech ($5.4 billion) and enterprise applications ($5 billion).
  • Bengaluru tops in both the number of women-led startups and total funding raised, followed by Mumbai and Delhi NCR.
  • In 2024, five women-led startups went public: MobiKwik, Usha Financial, Tunwal, Interiors and More, and LawSikho.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹54,000 Crore Proposals

• What:
  • The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for eight capital acquisition proposals worth over ₹54,000 crore.
• Why:
  • The approvals aim to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian defence forces and streamline the capital acquisition process as part of the “Year of Reforms” initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • The Army will procure 1350 HP engines to upgrade T-90 tanks, improving their mobility in high-altitude areas.
  • The Navy will acquire indigenously developed Varunastra torpedoes to strengthen anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
  • The Air Force will procure Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) systems to boost combat potential.
  • The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved a ₹7,000 crore deal for Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), the first indigenously designed 155 mm artillery gun system.

Source: BS

Awards

1. Vinod Kumar Shukla Wins 59th Jnanpith Award

• What:
  • Renowned Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has been awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award. He is the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive this prestigious honor.
• Why:
  • Shukla is celebrated for his poetry, short stories, and essays, with a distinctive linguistic texture and emotional depth.
• Tell me more:
  • He won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999 for his novel Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi.
  • His notable works include Naukar Ki Kameez (1979), adapted into a film by Mani Kaul, and the poetry collection Sab Kuch Hona Bacha Rahega (1992).
  • The Jnanpith Selection Committee, chaired by Pratibha Ray, made the decision to honor him.

Source: TOI

2. Günter Blöschl Wins Stockholm Water Prize 2025

• What:
  • Hydrologist Günter Blöschl (Austrian) was awarded the Stockholm Water Prize 2025 for his groundbreaking contributions to flood risk reduction and water resource management.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes Blöschl’s work in advancing global understanding of flood risks under climate change through comprehensive data and analysis.
• Tell me more:
  • Blöschl is a professor and head of the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management at the Vienna University of Technology.
  • He founded the Doctoral Programme of Water Resources Systems at Vienna University over 15 years ago.
  • His research revealed that the last two decades have been more flood-prone compared to historical records.
  • The prize will be presented by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during World Water Week in Stockholm in August.

Source: DTE

3. Sahitya Akademi Announces Translation Prize 2024 Winners

• What:
  • Sahitya Akademi approved 22 books for the Translation Prize 2024, selected by language-wise committees.
• Why:
  • The prize recognizes outstanding translations published between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, to promote literary excellence.
• Tell me more:
  • The Translation Prize carries ₹50,000 and a copper plaque for each winner.
  • The Sanskrit prize will be announced later, and no prize was declared for Urdu this year.
  • The awards will be presented at a special function later in the year.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. Shaheed Diwas – March 23

• What:
  • Shaheed Diwas is observed annually on March 23 to honor martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom.
• Tell me more:
  • It commemorates the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev in 1931 by British colonial rulers.
  • Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were executed for their involvement in the assassination of British officer John Saunders in 1928.

Source: ET

2. World Meteorological Day – March 23

• Theme: Closing the Early Warning Gap Together

Source: WMO

3. World Water Day – March 22

• Theme: ‘Glacier Preservation’

Source: UN

4. World Down Syndrome Day – March 21

• Theme: Improve Our Support Systems

Source: ET

5. International Day of Forests – March 21

• Theme: forests and foods

Source: FAO

6. World Glacier Day – March 21

• Theme: Glaciers: Guardians of Earth’s Future
• The first World Day for Glaciers, declared by the UN in its resolution A/RES/77/158 along with the International Year of Glaciers 2025, encourage us all to act to preserve the vital role of glaciers in sustaining life on Earth for generations to come.

Source: UN

7. International Nowruz Day – March 21

Source: UN

8. World Poetry Day – March 21

• Theme: Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion

Source: DD

Sports

1. 2026 FIFA World Cup to Feature 48 Teams

• What:
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada and will include 48 teams for the first time.
• Why:
  • The expansion aims to provide greater qualification opportunities for nations worldwide and enhance global participation in football.
• Tell me more:
  • Japan became the first team to qualify alongside the host nations, securing their eighth consecutive appearance on March 20, 2025.
  • The tournament will begin on June 11, 2026, with the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
  • The final will be held at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026.
  • Africa will have up to 10 qualification spots, while Asia will have up to nine, depending on intercontinental play-offs.

Source: OC

2. Khelo India Para Games 2025 Begins in New Delhi

• What:
  • The second edition of Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025 started on March 20 and will continue until March 27 across three venues in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The initiative promotes sports at the grassroots level and aims to empower para-athletes across the country.
• Tell me more:
  • Over 1200 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories are participating in six sports: para archery, para athletics, para badminton, para powerlifting, para shooting, and para table tennis.
  • Venues include Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for athletics, archery, and powerlifting; IG Stadium Complex for badminton and table tennis; and Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range for shooting events.
  • Ujjwala, the mascot inspired by the house sparrow, symbolizes resilience and the fighting spirit of Delhi and para-athletes.

Source: TH

Memorandum of Understanding

1. BPCL Signs MoU to Develop Hydrogen-Powered VTOL Aircraft Ecosystem

• What:
  • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) signed a quadripartite MoU with BluJ Aerospace, ANERT, and Cochin International Airport Limited to develop the world’s first hydrogen-fuelled Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft ecosystem.
• Why:
  • The initiative supports India’s goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and aims to transform urban and regional air mobility with green hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft.
• Tell me more:
  • BPCL will establish hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at its upcoming Hydrogen Refuelling Stations in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
  • The project will focus on R&D for Indigenous Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Hydrogen Fuel Cells to facilitate vertical lift-off.
  • Kerala’s Hydrogen Valley Programme will support research and pilot projects for hydrogen-powered transportation.
  • The initiative aims to enhance speed, reduce noise, improve efficiency, and cut carbon emissions in aviation.

Source: HBL

2. AFMS and NIMHANS Sign MoU for Mental Health Collaboration

• What:
  • The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on mental health research, training, and specialized support for military personnel and their families.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to strengthen mental health services and address the unique challenges faced by soldiers, sailors, airmen, and their families.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of AFMS, and Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS.
  • The collaboration will focus on specialized training for medical personnel and innovative programs for mental health care.

Source: NOA

3. GRSE Signs MoU with PWD Nagaland for Modular Bridges

• What:
  • Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) signed an MoU with PWD Nagaland to provide eight double-lane modular steel bridges in the state.
• Why:
  • The initiative supports India’s Make in India program and aims to boost regional development in Nagaland.
• Tell me more:
  • GRSE has previously supplied over 5,800 modular bridges to organizations like BRO, NHIDCL, and countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
  • Modular bridges are vital for improving connectivity in remote and challenging terrains.

Source: ET

4. AIBI and MBANK Sign MoU to Develop Investment Banking

• What:
  • The Apex body of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI) signed an MoU with the Merchant Bankers Association of Nepal (MBANK) to collaborate on investment banking development in both countries.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to promote capacity building, professional development, regulatory understanding, and best practices among investment bankers in India and Nepal.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement will be effective for three years and is mutually extendable.
  • It includes joint initiatives like knowledge sharing, policy advocacy, networking opportunities, research collaboration, and exchange programs.
  • Digital collaboration and ethical standards promotion are also part of the agreement.

Source: ABAF

Appointments

1. Goibibo Launches Campaign Featuring Sunil Gavaskar and Rishabh Pant

• Goibibo has launched a new campaign featuring Sunil Gavaskar and Rishabh Pant.
• The campaign uses Gavaskar’s phrase “Stupid, Stupid, Stupid” to guide customers on travel and stay plans.

Source: TOI

2. Amitabh Kant Appointed Chancellor of NIIT University

• What:
  • Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, has been appointed as the chairperson (chancellor) of NIIT University, effective March 10, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Kant succeeds scientist K Kasturirangan as the chancellor of NIIT University.
  • At NITI Aayog, he led initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission, Aspirational Districts Programme, and National Programme on Artificial Intelligence.
  • NIIT University has partnerships with over 700 industry entities like IBM, Tata Consultancy Services, Morgan Stanley, and Deloitte.
  • The university has achieved 100% placement for its students since its inception.

Source: ET

3. Tunisian President Kais Saied appointed Sarra Zaafrani Zenari as New PM

Source: ANI

4. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Sworn in as Namibia’s First Woman President

Source: NOA

Miscellaneous

1. Legendary Boxer George Foreman Passes Away at 76

• George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight boxing champion and businessman, passed away, at the age of 76.
• George Foreman was a two-time heavyweight champion and a trailblazer in sports and business.

Source: ET

2. Book Chronicles History of Christian Medical College Vellore

• What:
  • The book ‘To the seventh generation: the journey of Christian Medical College Vellore’ was launched by former director V.I. Mathan.
• Why:
  • The book highlights the evolution and history of Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, chronicled by Dr. Mathan.
• Tell me more:
  • Dr. Mathan spent 50 years at CMC, starting as a student and retiring as its director.
  • CMC Vellore was founded by Ida Scudder, who is remembered for her contributions to healthcare in India.

Source: TH

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