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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
NHLML, IWAI Sign MoU to Develop State-of-Art MMLP in Varanasi, UP
On 11 March 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Noida (Uttar Pradesh, UP) based Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi for developing a state-of-art Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Varanasi, UP.
- The agreement aims to strengthen the logistics industry and drive economic growth by establishing a strategically positioned, interconnected logistics hub.
Key Features:
i.The 150-acre site is strategically connected to National Highway 7 (NH7) by a 650-meter (m) access road and is just 1.5 kilometer (km) from the NH7-NH2 junction.
ii.The park will integrate with the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) via a 5.1 km railway line from Jeonathpur Station (UP), connect to National Waterway-1, and is located 30 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (Varanasi).
Cruise Tourism on River Yamuna:
i.IWAI, the nodal agency of MoPSW for National Waterways (NW), signed MoU with multiple agencies of Delhi government including Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) department, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) at Asita Park, Delhi.
- The MoU aims to promote eco-friendly tourism, improve urban water transport, and boost local economy.
ii.Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari, MoRTH, and Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, MoPSW, attended the ceremony.
iii.Key Features: The project develops and boost cruise tourism on 4 km stretch on River Yamuna National Waterway-110 (NW-110) between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur in Delhi.
- The project will introduce electric-solar hybrid boats (20–30 passenger capacity) with bio-toilets and safety gear and
- Construction of two HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) jetties for ferry operation.
Points to Note:
i.Harit Nauka Guidelines focuses on sustainable water transport with electric boats already operational in Varanasi and Ayodhya in UP.
ii.NW-110 Development is a 1,089-km stretch from Delhi to Prayagraj declared as a NW in 2014.
IAF Conducts Combat Training at Umiam Lake in Meghalaya
In March 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a combat operations training exercise at Umiam Lake, located in Shillong, Meghalaya, to strengthen interoperability with the Indian Army Special Forces and the Indian Navy.
i.The training exercise involved operations such as Combat Rubber Raiding Craft deployments, parachute jumps, and helocasting, where personnel leap into water from aircraft like the An-32 (Antonov-32), C-130 (Lockheed C-130 Hercules) and Mi-17 (military transport) helicopter.
ii.The exercise was witnessed by National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets based in Shillong, providing them with direct exposure to specialized tri-service operations.
iii.The joint-service training reflects the IAF’s focus on improving combat readiness, tri-services coordination, and rapid-response capabilities in diverse terrains.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
IQAir World Air Quality Report 2024: Chad Tops, India Ranks 5th Globally
In March 2025, Switzerland based air quality technology company IQAir released its 7th edition of “World Air Quality Report 2024”, a comprehensive global survey of air quality, Chad tops the list in the most polluted countries with an average concentration of 91.8 µg/m³(micrograms per cubic meter). India ranks 5th after Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Congo.
- In 2024, India registered an average Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 concentration of (50.6 µg/m³), a (7% decline) from (54.4 µg/m³) in 2023. Despite this marginal improvement in the national average, 6 of the world’s ten most polluted cities are located in India.
Highlights:
i.According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, only 7 out of 138 countries analyzed met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³, while more than 90% of the nations recorded unsafe levels.
- The 7 countries that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³are Australia (4.5 µg/m³), New Zealand (4.4 µg/m³), Estonia (4.6 µg/m³), Iceland (4.0 µg/m³), Barbados (3.1 µg/m³), Grenada (3.2 µg/m³) and The Bahamas (2.3 µg/m³).
ii.Byrnihat situated on the border of Assam and Meghalaya in India leads the ranking in the most polluted cities with a staggering annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 µg/m³, far exceeding the WHO guideline.
>> Read Full News
ASCI & NSG Sign MoU to Boost Public Sector Governance and Capacity Building
In March 2025, the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) based in Hyderabad (Telangana) and the National School of Government (NSG), based in South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in capacity building, research, consultancy, and knowledge sharing, aimed at improving governance and public sector performance.
- It will allow both institutions to use their expertise in training, research, advisory services, and professional development to help public servants gain the skills needed for national development.
i.It aligns with NSG’s mission to build a highly skilled and ethical public sector in South Africa.
ii.The collaboration will involve field trips, seminars, workshops, and information-sharing to encourage learning and professional growth among public servants.
iii.It also strengthens the long-standing bilateral relations between South Africa and India.
BANKING & FINANCE
Kuhoo Finance Secures NBFC License from RBI to Expand Education Loan Offerings
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Kuhoo Finance Private Limited, a student loan-focused fintech platform backed by WestBridge Capital India Advisors Private Limited, received a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- This approval enables the startup to directly disburse loans Up to Rs. 2 Crores from its own books, enhancing its capacity to support students pursuing higher education.
- Kuhoo’s RBI approval positions it alongside other fintechs like Fi, Groww, Jupiter, and CRED that have entered lending through NBFC routes.
RBI Guidelines for NBFC License Eligibility:
To secure an NBFC license, entities must meet the following RBI criteria:
i.Minimum Net Owned Funds(NOF): Rs. 10 Crores (for non-deposit-taking NBFCs).
ii.Company Structure: Registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
About Kuhoo Finance Private Limited:
India’s First Artificial intelligence(AI)-Driven Education Loan Expert
Founder & Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Prashant A Bhonsle
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Established – 2021
Canara HSBC Life Insurance Partners with GIC Housing Finance to Offer Credit Life Insurance Solutions
In March 2025, Gurgaon (Haryana)- based Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited partnered with Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based GIC Housing Finance Limited (GICHF), subsidiary of General Insurance Corporation (GIC) of India to provide credit life insurance solutions to home loan borrowers.
Note: Canara HSBC Life Insurance was a joint venture (JV) comprising Canara Bank Limited (51%), HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) Holdings Limited (26%), and Punjab National Bank, PNB (23%).
i.As part of this partnership, Canara HSBC Life Insurance will introduce its ‘Group Asset Secure’ plan, a specialized credit life insurance product, through GIC Housing Finance’s extensive customer network.
ii.The collaboration combines GIC Housing Finance’s lending expertise with Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s customer-focused insurance solutions.
iii.This collaboration aims to ensure financial security for borrowers and their families by protecting them against loan liabilities in case of unforeseen circumstances.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
India Emerged as Top Source Country for FDI into Dubai with USD 3 billion Investment
According to Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism data, India has emerged as the top source country for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with investment worth USD 3.018 billion in 2024, which shows a 5-times increase from USD 589 million in 2023.
- India accounted 21.5% of total FDI inflow in 2024, followed by the United States of America (USA) (13.7%); France (11%); the United Kingdom (UK) (10%) and Switzerland (6.9%).
Dubai Topped in Key FDI Sectors in 2024:
i.According to Dubai FDI Monitor, Dubai attracted a record-breaking United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) 52.3 billion (USD 14.24 billion) in 2024, which marks an increase of 33.2% from AED 39.26 billion (USD 10.69 billion) in 2023.
- This is also the highest annual FDI investment recorded since 2020.
ii.In 2024, Dubai attracted 1,117 Greenfield FDI projects, which is highest in its history. It had announced 1,826 FDI projects in 2024, marking an increase of 11% from 1,650 projects in 2023.
iii.Top 5 countries in total announced FDI projects: The UK (17%), followed by India (15%); The USA (14%); France (4.5%), and Italy (4%).
- As per Dubai’s Economy and Tourism official data, These 5 countries cumulatively accounted for approximately 55% of all FDI projects in Dubai.
iii. According to the Financial Times Ltd.’s ‘fDi Markets’ data Dubai has been ranked the world’s No.1 destination for Greenfield Foreign Direct investment (FDI) projects for the fourth successive year.
India-Specific:
i.According to Dubai’s Economy and Tourism official data, total FDI investment by India in Dubai reached at nearly USD 2.013 billion, with 275 announced FDI projects (up from 249 in 2023).
ii.The Greenfield FDI projects from India in 2024 remained same as in 2023 i.e. at 73.5% of total investments.
- In contrast to it, reinvestment FDI projects increased from 1.2% (2023) to 3.3% (in 2024).
About United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Capital- Abu Dhabi
President- Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Currency- Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
SAIPL and ACI Partner to Manufacture 200 Diamond DA40 NG Trainer Aircraft
On 11 March 2025, Sakthi Aircraft Industry Private Limited (SAIPL) based Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (TN) and the Aero Club of India (ACI) based in New Delhi, Delhi have signed an agreement to manufacture and supply 200 Diamond DA40 NG (Next Generation) trainer aircraft in India.
- Of these, 150 aircraft will be assembled at SAIPL’s upcoming facility, which is expected to be established in Haryana.
Note: SAIPL is a joint venture (JV) between Sakthi Group, Tamil Nadu, and Diamond Aircraft headquartered at Austria.
i.Under the partnership, ACI will coordinate demand, manage aircraft distribution, and ensure smooth transfers to Flight Training Organizations (FTOs).
ii.The initiative is set to boost India’s aviation sector by enhancing pilot training infrastructure and creating numerous employment opportunities.
iii The Diamond DA40 NG is a single-engine, four-seater aircraft, designed for pilot training. Deliveries are scheduled to begin by May 2025, with a production target of 100 aircraft per year.
- This order, one of the largest single procurements for trainer aircraft, is expected to train 1,000 pilots annually, reaching 10,000 pilots over a decade.
Rentokil Initial Hygiene Achieves Carbon Neutrality for 2024 in India
In March 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Rentokil Initial Hygiene Private Limited, (part of United Kingdom (UK) Based Rentokil Initial Plc.,) a global leader in hygiene services, has announced that it has achieved carbon neutrality for the year 2024 through recycling, clean energy, eco-conscious logistics, and digital efficiency, marking a key step toward its goal of net zero emissions by 2040.
- The achievement encompasses Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from energy use), with significant progress made in Scope 3 (indirect emissions across the value chain).
Sustainability Achievements in 2024:
i.Battery Recycling: Recycled over 58% of used batteries, cutting down 2.69 tons of Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions.
ii.Advanced Waste Management: Transitioned to Low-Temperature Thermal Destruction (LTTD) technology, converting waste into eco-friendly materials like bricks and pots, avoiding 21.14 tons of CO₂e from sanitary waste.
ii.Energy Efficiency: Installed 310 Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights across company facilities, reducing energy use by 13,020 kilowatt-hour (kWh) and cutting 9 tons of CO₂e.
iii.Digital Transformation: Moved to paperless processes, saving 792 kilograms (kg) of paper and reducing 9 tons of CO₂e emissions.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Andrew Barto & Richard Sutton Won 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award
In March 2025, Dr. Andrew Barto from the United States of America(USA) and Richard S.Sutton from Canada, two pioneers of Reinforcement Learning (RL) from the United States of America(USA) , named as recipients of the 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award, which is often considered as the ‘Nobel Prize of Computing’ by New York, the USA-based Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
- The two have been bestowed with this award in recognition of their exceptional work on RL, a machine learning technique which enables Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to optimize decision-making through trial and error.
- The recipients of the award will share the prize money USD 1 million, which is sponsored by Google Inc.
- Both Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton, co-authored the book titled ‘Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction’ in 1998.
About ACM A.M. Turing Award:
i.The award was named after Alan M. Turing, a British mathematician who is considered the father of modern computer science.
ii.The award recognizes significant contributions to the computing field since its establishment in 1966.
>> Read Full News
Dr. Jayashree Vencatesan Becomes 1st Indian to Receive ‘Ramsar Award’ for Wetland Conservation
In March 2025, Dr. Jayshree Vencatesan, the Co-founder of Chennai (Tamil Nadu,TN) based Care Earth Trust, has became the first Indian to receive the ‘Ramsar Women Change Makers in the World Wetlands Award 2025’ in the ‘Wise Use of Wetland’ category for Wetland Conservation. The award recognises her efforts in protecting India’s wetlands, particularly the famous Pallikaranai Marsh in Chennai.
- On the eve of International Women’s Day (IWD on 8th March 2025), the Ramsar Secretariat based in Gland, Switzerland announced her name as one of 12 women recognized in the 2nd edition of ‘Women changemakers in the world of wetlands’.
About Jayshree Vencatesan:
i.Dr. Jayshree Vencatesan is renowned for her decades-long commitment to preserving India’s wetlands, especially the Pallikaranai Marsh in Chennai, starting with just USD 350 to protect these vital ecosystems.
ii.Her documentation of Pallikaranai Marsh highlighted its crucial role in flood mitigation and as a habitat for 337 species.
iii.A social scientist with expertise in conservation and ecological restoration, she has received prestigious fellowships, published 30 scientific papers, and authored a book.
iv.She is the 1st Indian grantee of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) – Center for Tropical Studies (CTS) short-term research fellowship based in Panama, Central America.
v.Her organisation Care Earth Trust was awarded the Indira Gandhi ‘Paryavaran Puraskar’ in 2009 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC) for its work on conserving the Pallikaranai Marsh and the Nanmangalam Forest.
About the Women changemakers in the world of wetlands:
i.The Award, launched in 2024 to honour women across the world for conserving and protecting wetlands.
ii.Categories include ‘Wise Use of Wetlands’, ‘Wetland Innovation’, and ‘Ramsar Wetland Conservation’ Awards recognizing efforts in sustainable management, innovative techniques, and youth-driven conservation initiatives.
iii.Other Women Changemakers in 2025: Professor Celeste Saulo of Argentina, Julie Mulonga of Kenya, Jennifer George of New Zealand, Libuše Vlasáková of Czechia, Rachel D’Silva of Jamaica, Laura González of Panama, Franziska Trautmann of the United States of America, Oladosu Adenike of Nigeria, Tatiana Minayeva of Poland, Rosa Jalja of Bolivia and Teresa Vincente Gimenez of Spain.
ASQ Award 2024 : CSMIA Bags Best Airport in Asia-Pacific for 8th consecutive year
On March 11, 2025, the Airports Council International (ACI) in partnership with Madrid(Spain) based travel technology company Amadeus, presented Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for Best Airport over 40 Million Passengers in the Asia-Pacific region, marking its eighth consecutive win.
i.In the 2024 ASQ Awards, 35 out of 95 airports worldwide were honored, with 68 awards being claimed by airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.
- The top performers were Indonesia, which won 10 airport awards, China with 8, and India with 7.
ii.A total of 28 airports in the Asia-Pacific region were honored, including Beijing Daxing International Airport (China), Qingdao International Airport (China), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (China), and Seoul Incheon International Airport (South Korea), among others.
iii.ASQ awards, launched in 2006, are based on real-time passenger feedback collected through live surveys, evaluating over 30 key performance indicators across the entire airport journey. It recognizes airports that excel in service innovation, smart technology, and passenger-centric design.
About Airports Council International (ACI):
Director General (DG) – Justin Erbacci
Headquarters – Montreal, Canada
Founded – 1991
>> Read Full News
Muthoot Microfin Bags Two Golds at the SKOCH Awards 2025
In March 2025, Kochi (Kerala) based Muthoot Microfin Limited, a leading Microfinance Institution (MFI) in India, secured two Gold Awards at the SKOCH Awards 2025 in New Delhi(Delhi). The company was recognized for its excellence in digital financial inclusion and insurance solutions.
- The awards were presented to Sadaf Sayeed, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Muthoot Microfin, by Sameer Kochhar, Chairman of SKOCH Group, and Gursharan Dhanjal, Vice-Chairman of SKOCH Group.
i.Corporate Excellence: “Best Customer Application on Digital Financial Inclusion”, awarded for its Muthoot Mahila Mitra Application (App).
- The app has achieved 1.73 million downloads with a 4.2-star rating, enabling seamless and secure digital financial services for women in rural India.
ii.Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance(BFSI) Award: Honored for its Griha Raksha Insurance Scheme, which has provided insurance coverage to 2.66 million beneficiaries, ensuring financial security and social empowerment.
Note: Established in 2003, the SKOCH Award is an independent civilian honor in India that recognizes individuals, projects, and institutions contributing to the country’s progress. It is the highest civilian award in India given by an independent organization.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Atul Kumar Goel Appointed as CE of IBA
On March 11, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) appointed Atul Kumar Goel, the former Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB), as its Chief Executive (CE).
- He succeeds Sunil Mehta, who served as the CE of IBA from January 2020 to September 2024.
- He was appointed by a three-member search committee, consisting of Challa Sreenivasulu (CS) Setty, Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI), Matam Venkata (MV) Rao, CEO of the Central Bank of India (CBI), and N Kamakodi, CEO of City Union Bank (CUB).
About Atul Kumar Goel:
i.In 1992, he started his career as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in Allahabad Bank (Now Indian Bank).
ii.In 2016, he was appointed as an Executive Director (ED) of the Union Bank of India (UBI), and in 2018, he was appointed as the MD of the UCO Bank(formerly United Commercial Bank).
iii.He was also the Chairman of IBA for two terms, 2021-22 and 2022-23.
iv.In 2022, he was appointed as the MD and CEO of PNB and led the bank until December 2024.
v.He is a member of the Governing Council & Chairman of Executive Committee of Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) and member of Governing Board of Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).
About Indian Banks’ Association (IBA):
i.The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) is the apex body representing the banking industry in India. It serves as a unified voice for banks, addressing their concerns and fostering collaboration among members.
ii.It comprises Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Private Sector Banks (PVBs), Foreign Banks, and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). Also includes Co-operative Banks (CBs) and Financial Institutions (FIs).
Chief Executive (CE) – Atul Kumar Goel
Headquarters – Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Established – 1946
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
CCI approvals on March 11 2025
On March 11, 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the following proposals:
i.New Delhi (Delhi) based ONGC NTPC Green Private Limited (ONGPL) acquired 100% equity share capital of Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited for Rs.19,500 crore (USD 2.3 billion).
- This is the second biggest deal in the RE space. In 2021, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) acquired SB Energy India from SoftBank Group Corp. (SBG) and Bharti Group in an all-cash deal worth USD 3.5 billion.
ii.The Netherlands based Asset Management Group (AMG) Green Power BV’s acquired a stake in Hyderabad (Telangana) based Greenko Energy Holdings (GEH) from Japan based ORIX Corporation, a Japanese diversified financial services group.
- Additionally, the CCI has approved ORIX’s subscription to convertible notes issued by AM Green (Luxembourg) S.À.R.L., a Société à Responsabilité Limitée.
About Competition Commission of India (CCI):
It is a statutory body constituted under Competition Act, 2002.
Chairperson- Ravneet Kaur
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 2003
>> Read Full News
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NASA Launches SPHEREx and PUNCH Missions to Explore Universe’s Origins and Solar Wind
On March 11, 2025, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched two missions Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) and Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, United States America (USA). The missions aim to study cosmic evolution and solar phenomena.
SPHEREx: Mapping Cosmic History and Life’s Ingredients:
SPHEREx is a space telescope managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California to survey the entire sky in 102 wavelengths of infrared light, invisible to the human eye.
i.Create a 3D map of 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars to study cosmic inflation and the universe’s rapid expansion post-Big Bang.
ii.Scan the entire sky four times in 102 infrared wavelengths to identify water, carbon dioxide, and organic molecules in interstellar clouds.
PUNCH: Tracking Solar Wind and Space Weather:
PUNCH comprises four suitcase-sized satellites to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere (corona) and solar wind.
i.Observing the transition of the corona into solar wind, which influences space weather affecting Earth’s satellites and power grids.
ii.Tracking coronal mass ejections (CMEs) to improve space weather forecasts.
iii.Operating during solar maximum (2025–2026), a period of heightened solar activity.
About National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA):
Administrator – Janet Petro (Incumbent)
Founded – 1958
Headquarters – Washington, D.C., the United States of America (USA)
>> Read Full News
Jio & Airtel Partners with SpaceX’s Starlink to Enhance Internet Services in India
In March 2025, Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), and New Delhi (Delhi) based Bharti Airtel Limited (Airtel) entered into a partnership with Elon Musk’s United States of America (USA) based Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) to introduce Starlink’s satellite internet services across India.
- This collaboration aims to enhance the existing network and extend coverage to remote regions and bolster internet connectivity, in remote and rural regions across India.
Note: Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a subsidiary of SpaceX ,provides global broadband coverage through a network of LEO satellites. As of September 2024, Starlink serves over 4 million subscribers worldwide.
i.The alliance seeks to combine Jio’s extensive mobile network with Starlink’s Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to provide high-speed internet services nationwide.
ii.irtel will offer Starlink user terminals through its extensive retail network, enabling customers to access satellite-based internet services.
About Jio Platforms Limited (JPL):
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Kiran Thomas
Headquarters- Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established- 2019
>> Read Full News
STATE NEWS
Deputy CM of AR Chowna Mein Presents Rs 39,842 Crore Budget for FY 26
In March 2025, Deputy Chief Minister(Dy CM) and Minister -In-Charge of Finance, Planning and Investment of Arunachal Pradesh (AR) Chowna Mein presented the state budget for the financial year 2025-26 (FY 26) in the assembly, with a total expenditure of Rs 39,842.23 crore. This budget represents an 11.16% increase from the previous year estimate of Rs 35,840.79 crore. FY26 has been declared as the ‘Year of Human Capital.’
- The budget focuses on four key pillars: People (health, education, skills, women & youth welfare), Infrastructure (connectivity, urban development, power, transport), Economy (agriculture, tourism, industries, startups), and Innovation (governance, citizen services, quality of life).
i.Revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 34,544.07 crore with the state’s share of central taxes rising 16.61% to Rs.24,992.35 crore, while capital receipts stand at Rs 5,298.16 crore.
iii.The Fiscal Deficit(FD) is projected at Rs 966.65 crore, accounting for 2.02% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), aligns with the fiscal responsibility targets outlined in the AR Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM)Act, 2006.
Key Allocations:
i.To strengthen the education sector, the state government will invest Rs 3,000 crore this year by integrating funds from both central and state schemes.
ii.Rs 435 crore has been set aside for Mission Antyodaya, aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable sections of society. A comprehensive training program is also planned to enhance skill development and capacity building.
About Arunachal Pradesh (AR):
Chief Minister (CM)– Pema Khandu
Governor– Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
Capital- Itanagar
National Parks (NP)– Namdapha NP , Mouling NP
>> Read Full News
Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman Presents Manipur Budget 2025-26 with Rs 35,103.90 Crore Outlay
In March 2025, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) presented the Manipur budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) in the Lok Sabha. The total expenditure is set at Rs 35,103.90 crore, marking a 7.5% increase from the Revised Estimate (RE) of Rs 32,656.81 crore for FY25.
- Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025 following the resignation of Chief Minister (CM) of Manipur, N. Biren Singh. As per the proclamation issued under Article 356 of the Constitution, the state legislature’s powers are now exercised by the Parliament.
i.The estimated total receipts for FY 26 stand at Rs 35,368.19 crore, up from Rs 32,471.90 crore in FY 25. Revenue receipts are projected at Rs 27,231 crore, while capital receipts stand at Rs 8,137 crore.
ii.The fiscal deficit for FY 25, RE is projected at 4% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while FY26, it is estimated at 3.42% of GSDP.
iii.The social sector has been given a major push with Rs 9,520 crore set aside for various welfare programs. For relief and rehabilitation, Rs 15 crore has been allocated for temporary shelters, Rs 35 crore for housing of displaced persons.
iv.A Rs 500 crore contingency fund has been set up for emergencies in conflict-affected Manipur.
About Manipur:
Governor– Ajay Kumar Bhalla
Capital– Imphal
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary, Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary
>> Read Full News
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