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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana: Ensuring Financial Security for India’s Unorganised Workforce
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, a landmark initiative led by Government of India (GoI) which aimed to provide financial security to millions of unorganized workers in India. It is a part of the GoI’s wider social security initiatives and aligns with the vision of universal pension coverage for workers in the unorganised sector.
- The scheme is specially designed for workers in the unorganised sectors who contribute 50% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
i.It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, aimed to provide social security to unorganized workers.
ii.The scheme ensures a minimum pension of Rs 3,000 per month after the age of 60 for workers who are employed in the unorganised sector and have a monthly income of up to Rs 15,000.
iii.The scheme is monitored by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) in partnership with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Common Services Centres e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV) for smooth implementation.
iv.As on December 31 2024, more than 30.51 croreunorganised workers were registered on the e-shram portal.
>> Read Full News
GoI Launches Pilot projects of Hydrogen-Fuelled Vehicle under NHGM
In March 2025, the Government of India (GoI) launched five pilot projects to use hydrogen-fuelled buses and trucks as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had issued guidelines for implementing Pilot projects in the Transport Sector under NGHM in February 2025.
Key Highlights of the Pilot Projects:
i.MNRE has approved five pilot projects with 37 vehicles (trucks and buses) and 9 hydrogen refuelling stations.
ii.The trial vehicles include 15 hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles and 22 hydrogen internal combustion engine-based vehicles.
iii.These vehicles will run on 10 different routes across India, namely Greater Noida – Delhi – Agra, Bhubaneswar – Konark – Puri, Ahmedabad – Vadodara – Surat, Sahibabad – Faridabad – Delhi, Pune – Mumbai, Jamshedpur – Kalinga Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram – Kochi, Kochi – Edappally, Jamnagar – Ahmedabad, and NH-16 Visakhapatnam – Bayyavaram.
- The above projects have been awarded by major companies such as TATA Motors Limited (TML), Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC) Limited, Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), Ashok Leyland, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
iv.The GoI has allocated financial support of Rs 2.08 billion for these projects, which are expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months.
v.The pilots aim to assess the feasibility, safety, and economic viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles and refuelling infrastructure. They also intend to establish a foundation for expanding hydrogen-based mobility in India.
About National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM):
i.NGHM was launched in January, 2023 by MNRE with an outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores up to Financial Year 2029-30.
ii.It will help India to achieve Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) through clean energy and act as an inspiration for the global Clean Energy Transition.
iii.The Mission will significantly decarbonize the economy, reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, and allow India to take technology and market leadership in Green Hydrogen.
15th IPR 2025: India’s Philanthropy Spending to Grow by 10-12% in Next 5 Years
In February 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Dasra, a venture philanthropy firm, and the United States of America (USA) based Bain & Company, Inc. released the 15th edition of the India Philanthropy Report (IPR) 2025.
- The report highlighted that private funding in India’s social sector is projected to grow by 10% to 12% annually over the next five years, primarily driven by family philanthropy from Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNIs), High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs), and affluent individuals.
Note: UHNIs have a net worth of Rs 1,000 crore or more, HNIs have a net worth between Rs 200 crore and Rs 1,000 crore, and the “Affluent” category includes those with a net worth from Rs 7 crore to Rs 200 crore.
i.The total size of India’s social sector funding – covering areas such as education, healthcare, and gender equality – is approximately Rs 25 lakh crore (USD 300 billion), accounting for 8.3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
ii.Public spending made up 95% of the total funding, amounting to Rs 23 lakh crore, and Private spending increased by 7% from FY 2023 to FY 2024, reaching approximately Rs 1.3 lakh crore (USD 16 billion).
About Bain & Company, Inc. :
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Christophe De Vusser
Headquarters – Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America (USA)
Founded – 1973
>> Read Full News
India’s EPHL & Belgium’s JCD Form JV in India for Light Tank Program
In March 2025, Seraing (Belgium) based John Cockerill Defence (JCD), the world’s top-turret manufacturer for battle tanks, and Pune (Maharashtra) based Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics Private Limited (EPHL) announced a Joint Venture (JV) in India.
- This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening India-Belgium defence ties and advancing India’s indigenous military capabilities.
Key Points:
i.The JV primarily focuses on the Indian Army’s (IA’s) Light Tank program, particularly Zorawar, a light tank jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which is currently undergoing advanced trials.
ii.The JV operates in a 60:40 ratio, with JCD holding the majority share, ensuring the transfer of advanced turret technology to India. This partnership aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative in the defence sector.
iii. Similarly, Brussels(Belgium) based Thales Belgium has partnered with India’s state-owned Armoured Vehicle Nigam Ltd (AVNL), Avadi(Chennai) to integrate a 70mm rocket system onto military vehicles for the Indian armed forces. A key milestone in 2025 will be a joint demonstration, including live firing exercises, according to Belgian embassy officials.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches India’s first AI-Powered Solar Manufacturing Line in Gujarat
In March 2025, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), inaugurated India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered solar manufacturing line at Goldi Solar Private Limited’s newly built facility in Kosamba, Surat, Gujarat.
- The AI-enabled facility improves precision, scalability, and efficiency, changing solar manufacturing and aiding India’s transition to a net-zero future.
i.These advancements include high-speed stringers that can produce an astounding 10,000 cells per hour using AI-driven automation. This ensures consistent quality, reduces errors, and minimizes material waste.
ii.The facility also uses AI-powered Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) technologies for real-time quality control. These devices use powerful computer vision to detect and eradicate microscopic defects.
iii.Additionally, the plant has AI-powered 3-Display Electro Luminescent (EL) and visual inspection devices that examine both the front and back of the modules.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Brand Finance IT Services 25, 2025: USA’s Accenture Tops, India’s TCS & Infosys in Top 3, Hexaware Enters Top 25
In March 2025, Brand Finance released its annual IT Services 25 2025 rankings, highlighting the most valuable Information Technology (IT) services brands worldwide based on their financial performance, market position, and brand perception.
- American multinational Accenture PLC (Public Limited Company) has secured the top position globally, with a brand value of USD 41.50 billion.
- Indian IT firms Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Limited and Infosys Limited ranked 2nd and 3rd, respectively, reflecting India’s strong presence in the industry.
- For the first time, India’s Hexaware Technologies Limited has entered the Brand Finance IT Services rankings 2025 at Rank 24th, showcasing its growing influence and market presence.
Brand Finance 2025 Methodology:
i.The ranking is based on brand value, market strength, and financial performance and the report evaluates brand perception, investment, and business performance in the IT services sector.
ii.The collective brand value of the top 25 IT Services brands stands at USD163 billion in 2025. The top five brands have a combined brand value of over USD 99.32 billion, emphasizing the importance of IT services in the global economy.
About Brand Finance:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – David Haigh
Headquarters – London, United Kingdom (UK)
Established – 1996
>> Read Full News
BANKING & FINANCE
SEBI Allowed All NBFCs, HFCs to Invest in Security Receipts Issued by ARCs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has allowed all Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), including Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) to invest in Security Receipts (SRs) issued by Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
- All NBFCs including HFCs regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are hereby specified as qualified buyers to permit to invest in SRs under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act) (54 of 2002) subject to certain conditions.
- This key change introduced by SEBI aimed at promoting investments in the bad loans space. It has also broadened the scope of participants who can buy SRs from ARCs, thereby boosting liquidity in the distressed asset market.
i.SEBI has extended the deadline for reporting differential rights issued by Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to March 31, 2025 (previously, the deadline was February 28, 2025), following industry representations seeking more time for compliance.
ii.This key change originated from the amendments to the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012, notified on November 18, 2024, which aimed at ensuring that the investors receive rights and proceeds distribution in proportion (pro-rata) to their commitments within a scheme, while retaining pari-passu treatment.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
It was constituted as a non-statutory body on April 12, 1988 through a resolution of the Government of India (GoI). It was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through SEBI Act, 1992.
Chairman- Tuhin Kanta Pandey
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
>> Read Full News
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
CRISIL Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.5% in FY26
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based CRISIL Limited (formerly Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited), a leading global rating agency, released its outlook for the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26). It projects India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.5% for FY26.
- This forecast indicates a deceleration from the 9.2% growth achieved in FY25.
- This growth forecast is supported by expectations of a normal monsoon, softer commodity prices, and a recovery in private consumption.
Key Growth Drivers:
i.Monsoon and Commodity Prices: CRISIL’s forecast is based on the assumption of a normal monsoon and stable commodity prices, which are expected to support agricultural output and overall economic stability.
ii.Private Consumption: Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) is expected to grow at 7.6% in FY25, which is anticipated to drive overall economic growth.
- This recovery is expected to be fueled by healthy agricultural production and cooling food inflation.
- The recent tax benefits introduced in the Union Budget 2025-26 and increased allocations for key schemes are also expected to boost consumption.
iii.Investment Growth: Investment growth will depend on sustained growth in private corporate investment.
- The government’s capital expenditure (capex) plans are expected to normalize to meet fiscal deficit targets, limiting overall fiscal stimulus.
Points to Note:
i.Emerging risks from potential United States of America (USA) tariff hikes and global trade uncertainty could negatively impact domestic growth
ii.Increased imports from China due to trade re-direction might also impact India’s net exports in FY26.
About CRISIL Limited:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Amish Mehta
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established– 1987
India Must Grow 7.8% Annually to Achieve High-Income Status by 2047: World Bank
In February 2025, the World Bank(WB) released its latest report titled ‘India Country Economic Memorandum, titled ‘Becoming a High-Income Economy in a Generation’, which is a comprehensive analysis of economic developments, prospects, and policy agenda of the country.
- As per the report, India will need to grow by 7.8% on average over the next 22 years to achieve India’s ambitious target of reaching High-Income Nation (HIN) status by 2047.
- The report highlighted though this target is achievable due to India’s strong growth averaging 6.3% between 2000 and 2024, but it still require to introduce reforms and their implementation to be as ambitious the target itself.
i.The report has recommended 4 key policy areas: increasing investment; creating more and better job opportunities; promoting structural transformation, trade participation and technology adoption; and enabling states to grow faster and together.
ii.The report has recommended to increase both private and public investment from 33.5% to 40% of GDP by 2035.
iii.It has further emphasized on expanding LFP currently at 56.4%, by promoting growth in labour-intensive sectors such as agro-processing, hospitality, and transportation, while ensuring skilled workforce and better access to finance.
About World Bank(WB):
President– Ajay Banga
Headquarters– Washington, DC, the United States of America (USA)
Established– 1944
>> Read Full News
IOB & IGBC Signed MoU to Promote Green Finance for IGBC-Certified Projects
In March 2025, Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN) based Public sector Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyderabad (Telangana) based Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) -Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) to provide accessible and affordable financing solutions for developers and home buyers.
- Koustuv Majumder, General Manager (GM) and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of IOB, exchanged documents with K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director (ED) of CII-IGBC, in the presence of Mahesh Anand, Co-Chairman of IGBC Chennai chapter and Dutta Roy and Dhanaraj T., EDs of IOB.
Key Points:
i.IOB would provide developers working on IGBC-rated green building construction with preferential financing alternatives as part of the partnership.
- It would also offer customized financial assistance to home buyers purchasing residential units in the IGBC-certified projects.
ii.This partnership would help bring about a positive change by promoting the broad use of sustainable construction methods, which are crucial in the fight against environmental degradation and rising energy consumption.
iii.The MoU focuses on exploring new financing models for IGBC Green Affordable Housing, IGBC NEST, and NESTPLUS projects, tailored to meet the needs of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Lower Income Groups.
iv.Under the agreement, IGBC and IOB will keep assessing new trends and technologies in the green building sector to ensure their partnership stays ahead in sustainable construction.
About Indian Overseas Bank (IOB):
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Ajay Kumar Srivastava
Headquarters – Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN)
Established – 1937
YES Bank Partnered with WTC Mumbai to Support MSME
In February 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based YES Bank, India’s sixth-largest private sector bank, in collaboration with the World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai, the Indian chapter of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), hosted the Export Conclave 2025 at YES Bank House on 21 February 2025.
i.A strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between YES Bank and WTC Mumbai was signed during the conference.
- This partnership aims to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by improving access to loans, trade facilitation services, and global market information, which is an important step towards building India’s export environment.
ii.At the event, YES Bank introduced two flagship products under its YES Business suite: YES Exports and YES PowherUp, which are designed to help MSMEs and women entrepreneurs expand their businesses globally.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Chinese Architect Liu Jiakun wins ‘Pritzker Architecture Prize’ 2025
On March 4, 2025, Chinese architect Liu Jiakun was named as the ‘2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate’, the highest accolade in the field of Architecture. He will be honoured at a celebration in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in May 2025.
- Liu Jiakun, becomes the 54th laureate and the 2nd Chinese architect to receive this distinction, following Wang Shu in 2012.
- The Pritzker Prize was awarded for his reverence for culture, history, and nature,highlighting his ability to imagine and construct new worlds, free from any aesthetic or stylistic constraint.
About the Pritzker Architecture Prize:
i.The Pritzker Architecture Prize was established in 1979 by entrepreneur Jay A. Pritzker and his wife, Cindy through their Hyatt Foundation, Chicago, the United States of America (USA).
ii.It is an international award presented annually to honor a living architect whose work demonstrates consistent excellence in the field of architecture.
iii.It is often referred to as “architecture’s Nobel” and “the profession’s highest honor.” The prize includes a USD 100,000 grant and a bronze medallion.
iv.In 2024, Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Note: Indian Architect Balkrishna Vithaldas (BV) Doshi was the first Indian to win the Pritzker Prize in 2018 for his outstanding lifelong contribution to architecture.
About Liu Jiakun:
i.In 1999, Liu Jiakun founded ‘Jiakun Architects’ in Chengdu(China) and over 4 decades, he has completed over 30 projects across China, encompassing academic, cultural, civic, commercial, and urban-planning initiatives.
ii.His designs emphasize a human-centered approach, contextual sensitivity, and material innovation, integrating traditional Chinese elements, local materials, and the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake-inspired Rebirth Brick Project for sustainability.
iii.Notable Projects: Luyeyuan Stone Sculpture Art Museum (2002), Sichuan Fine Arts Institute Sculpture Department (2002), West Village (2015), Suzhou Museum of Imperial Kiln Brick (2016) and Tianbao Cave District Renovation (2020)
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
GoI appointed Ajay Bhadoo as CEO of GeM
In March 2025, the Government of India(GoI) has appointed Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce(DoC) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoC&I) as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) with effect from March 3, 2025.
- He will take on this role while continuing his current responsibilities in the DoC.
- He will replace L Satya Srinivas(additional charge), incumbent CEO of GeM.
About Ajay Bhadoo:
i.Ajay Bhadoo, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1999 batch from the Gujarat cadre, brings over two decades of experience in policy formulation and implementation.
- His expertise spans diverse sectors, including urban infrastructure development.
ii.He served as Deputy Election Commissioner at the Election Commission of India.
iii.His distinguished career also includes tenures as Joint Secretary to former President Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Gujarat Maritime Board, and Commissioner of Rajkot and Vadodara Municipal Corporations.
About Government e-Marketplace (GeM):
i.GeM, India’s largest e-marketplace for government procurement, is set to undergo a significant transformation as it transitions to a next-generation digital platform powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
ii.The platform has already achieved remarkable success, recording a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of Rs.4.58 lakh crore, reflecting a 28.65% year-on-year growth.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)-Ajay Bhadoo
Headquarters – New Delhi(Delhi)
Established – 2016
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
ARCIL Acquires Ujjivan SFB’s Stressed Loan Portfolio for Rs. 34 Crore
On March 3, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Limited (ARCIL), backed by United States of America (USA) based Avenue Capital Group and the Mumbai (Maharashtra) based State Bank of India (SBI), acquired Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Ujjivan Small Finance Bank’s (SFB) non-performing microfinance loan portfolio worth Rs.365.5 crore for Rs.34.26 crore.
- This transaction resulted in a recovery rate of approximately 9.39%, marking a 90% loss for the lender.
i.The deal was initiated by ARCIL’s anchor bid, which led to a ‘Swiss Challenge’ auction for the loan portfolio.
ii.Ujjivan SFB had invited counterbids, offering a 5% markup over the anchor bid. However, no higher bids were received, and ARCIL’s offer was finalized.
iii.This sale is part of Ujjivan SFB’s ongoing efforts to clean up its balance sheet and improve asset quality by reducing Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).
Mintoak Acquires Digiledge in India’s First E-Rupee Deal Worth USD 3.5 Million
On March 3, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Mintoak Innovations Private Limited, an Indian startup backed by PayPal and Mumbai (Maharashtra) based HDFC (formerly Housing Development Finance Corporation Bank) Bank Limited, acquired Bengaluru (Karnataka) based ‘Digiledge’ for, marking the first acquisition in the nascent Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) sector worth USD 3.5 million.
i.The integration of Digiledge’s services enable Mintoak’s partner banks, including HDFC Bank Limited, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Axis Bank Limited, and Mumbai (Maharashtra) based State Bank of India (SBI), to offer enhanced CBDC-related payment solutions to their clients.
ii.In December 2022, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Reserve Bank of India (RBI) initiated a pilot program for the e-rupee, a digital alternative to physical currency. The program’s scope was expanded in April 2024 to include payment firms, allowing entities like Mintoak to participate actively.
iii.Mintoak aims to simplify digital payment processes for merchant acquirers, by supporting the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in accessing digital financial services.
Note: In Januray 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka) based CRED and Gurugram (Haryana) based MobiKwik became the first non-banking entities to offer India’s CBDC, the e-Rupee (eRs).
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Life Support System for LCA Tejas
On March 4 2025, The Defence Bio-Engineering & ElectroMedical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru(Karnataka)-based laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence (MoD) conducted the high-altitude trials of the On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
Design & Manufacturing
Design & Testing: DEBEL, specialized in aerospace life-support systems, designed and developed the OBOGS-ILSS and conducted its high-altitude trials on the Tejas Prototype Vehicle-3.
Trials: Tests included extreme conditions like altitudes up to 50,000 feet and high-G maneuvers, validated by the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC).
Manufacturing: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was responsible for production of the system under DRDO’s guidance, ensuring adherence to technical specifications.
Indigenous Content: The ILSS boasts 90% indigenous components, reflecting L&T’s manufacturing capabilities and India’s self-reliance goals
System Overview
The OBOGS-ILSS replaces traditional liquid oxygen systems with real-time oxygen generation using molecular sieve technology. It integrates advanced components like the Anti-Gravity Valve (Anti-G Valve) and Emergency Oxygen System (EOS), critical for pilot safety during combat missions.
Collaborative Effort
- R&D Partners: DEBEL, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- Certification & Quality: Involvement of CEMILAC, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), and National Flight Test Center (NFTC).
Strategic Significance
- Reduced Import Dependency: Eliminates reliance on liquid oxygen imports.
- Operational Flexibility: Enhances Tejas’ combat readiness with lighter, safer systems.
- Future Adaptability: Can be modified for MiG-29K and other aircraft.
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
Founded – 1958
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Chairman – Dr Sameer Venkatapathy Kamat
NASA & Nokia Launch the First Mobile Network on Moon
In February 2025, Washington, D.C., (United States of America, USA) based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Espoo (Finland) based Nokia are set to use the first mobile network on the Moon as part of the Intuitive Machines’ (IM)-2 mission.
- The project is part of NASA’s Artemis program, aiming to return humans to the lunar surface by 2027.
i.As part of the IM-2 mission, the Athena lander will launch to deploy Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS), which will use Earth-based cellular technology to establish connectivity on the Moon.
ii.The network is based on 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology, ensuring reliable and high-speed connectivity for future lunar missions.
iii.This mobile network will support communication between astronauts, lunar vehicles, and mission control. It aims to enhance real-time data transmission, video calls, and remote operations on the Moon.
OBITUARY
Indian Domestic Cricketer Padmakar Shivalkar Passed Away
In March 2025, Indian cricketer Padmakar Shivalkar passed away at the age of 84 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was born on 14 September, 1940 in Mumbai.
- He was known as ‘Paddy’ and renowned for his achievements in the Ranji Trophy as the best left-arm spinner of India and as Bombay’s prominent player.
i.He played a total of 124 First-Class matches and claimed 589 wickets at an average of 19.60 with 361 of those dismissals coming in Ranji Trophy.
ii.He had 43 five-wicket hauls and had taken 10 wickets in a match on 13 occasions and had a best bowling figures of 8-16 against Tamil Nadu(TN) in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy season.
iii.He still holds the record for being the highest wicket-taker for Mumbai in domestic cricket.
iv.In 2017, he was honoured with the prestigious Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Engineering Day 2025 – March 4
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Engineering Day (WED) for Sustainable Development is observed annually on 4th March across the globe to highlight the critical role of engineering in modern life.
- The day focuses on its importance in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development, particularly in Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- 4th March 2025 marks the 6th observance of the WED.
- The UNESCO’s theme for World Engineering Day 2025 is “Unleashing the power of engineers to advance the Sustainable Development Goals’’.
Background:
i.In November 2019, UNESCO declared March 4th as World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development based on the proposal of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), during UNESCO’s 40th General Conference (40 C/64).
ii.The first-ever WED was observed on 4th March 2020.
2025 Event:
In 2025, UNESCO, in collaboration with the WFEO, organized the World Engineering Day (WED) celebrations with the theme “Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Engineering” at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris (France), as part of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD).
About World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO):
President –Mustafa Shehu
Founded-1968
Headquarters– Paris, France
>> Read Full News
International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2025 – March 5
The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed annually on March 5th worldwide to raise public awareness and understanding of disarmament issues, especially among young people.
- The day also helps the global public understand how disarmament efforts promote peace, prevent conflicts, and reduce suffering caused by weapons.
- March 5, 2025, marks the 3rd observance of the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the A/RES/77/51 resolution on December 7, 2022, and declared March 5 of every year as the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness.
ii.The 1st International Day of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness was observed on March 5, 2023.
About United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA):
Under-Secretary-General (USG) and High Representative (HR) for Disarmament Affairs – Izumi Nakamitsu (Japan)
Headquarters – New York, the United States of America (USA)
Established – 1998
>> Read Full News
STATE NEWS
Chhattisgarh FM Om Prakash Choudhary Presents Rs 1.65 Lakh Crore Budget for FY26
On 3 March 2025, Finance Minister (FM) of Chhattisgarh, Om Prakash (OP) Choudhary presented the state budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY 26) in the state assembly with an allocation of Rs 1,65,000 crore which is Rs.17, 554 crore more than the FY25 Budget.
- The budget follows the theme ‘GATI’, focusing on Good Governance, Accelerating Infrastructure, Technology, and Industrial Growth.
- FY26 budget marks the silver jubilee of the state and coincides with the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister(PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee, honoring his vision for Chhattisgarh.
Key Initiatives:
i.The Road Plan 2030 is being formulated to enhance connectivity across the state.
- The Mukhyamantri Mobile Tower Scheme will improve network access in remote areas, while the Mukhyamantri Parivahan Yojana will provide transport services in underserved regions.
ii.The Chhattisgarh Growth and Stability Fund has been created to ensure financial stability post-2039 when a large number of employees will retire. A pension fund has been introduced for government employees,
iii.A new land registration system will be introduced, reducing costs for relinquishment and division of assets to Rs 500.
About Chhattisgarh:
Chief Minister (CM)– Vishnu Deo Sai
Governor– Ramen Deka
Capital– Raipur
National Park (NP)– Indravati NP, Kanger Valley NP
>> Read Full News
Mizoram CM Pu Lalduhoma Presented Rs 15,198.76 Crore State Budget for FY26
In March 2025, the Chief Minister (CM) of Mizoram Pu Lalduhoma presented Rs 15,198.76 crore budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) in the state legislative assembly in Aizawl, Mizoram. He also announced Rs 350 crore has been allocated for the implementation of state’s flagship, ‘Bana Kaih Scheme(Hand Holding)’ for FY26, marking a significant increase of 75% in fund allocation for the scheme compared to Rs 200 crore allocated in the current fiscal year.
- Mizoram’s CM who also holds the finance ministry, presented Rs 3,512.33 crore in supplementary demands for grants for FY25 (2024-25).
- He also announced that no new tax will be imposed but emphasized strengthening tax administration and increasing revenue from the online lottery.
i.The budget estimated revenue expenditure at Rs 12,540.20 crore for FY26, which accounts 82.51% of the total budget expenditure and 4.88% higher than the current fiscal estimate of Rs 11,957 crore.
ii.The state government allocated Rs 350 crore for the implementation of state’s flagship, ‘Bana Kaih Scheme’ for FY26, marking a significant increase of 75% in fund allocation for the scheme compared to Rs 200 crore allocated in the current fiscal year.
iii.The government has allocated Rs 500 crore and Rs 100 crore, for power purchase and road maintenance, respectively.
About Mizoram:
Chief Minister (CM)- Pu Lalduhoma
Governor- General (Retd.) Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh
Capital- Aizawl
National Parks (NPs)- Murlen NP, Phawngpui NP
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