Current Affairs 2 & 3 March 2025

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 2 & 3 March 2025, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2025 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati In February 2025, Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit at Khanpara locality Guwahati, Assam held from February 25 to 26.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Unveils Assam’s Vision for Digital Leadership
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced major initiatives to improve digital connectivity in Northeast India during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit.
i.Union Minister Scindia announced launch of 5G Laboratory (Lab) at Gauhati University in Guwahati to promote research and skill development in advanced telecom technologies, supporting cost-effective testing and future 6G advancements
ii.The MoC is investing Rs 1,800 crore through Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) based in New Delhi to expand 4th Generation (4G) and 5th Generation (5G) connectivity across Northeast (NE) India, including remote villages in Assam.
iii.Under the Samridhi Gram Yojana, each block in Assam will have a 5G Use Application Service to support telemedicine and online education.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Announces Rs 4,800 Crore Plan to Revolutionize Assam’s Inland Waterways
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), announced an investment of over Rs 4,800 crore to boost Assam’s inland waterways sector during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit.
RIL, Vedanta, and Adani Group Commit Over Rs 1.5 Lakh Crore Investment in Assam
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Vedanta Limited also based in Mumbai, and the Adani Group based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat have pledged to invest over Rs 1.5 lakh crore in Assam across various sectors, as announced by their respective leaders at the Advantage Assam Summit 2.0.
About Assam:
Chief Minister (CM)- Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor– Lakshman Prasad Acharya
Capital– Dispur
National Parks (NP)- Kaziranga NP, Manas NP
>> Read Full News

Overview of EC President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to India from 27-28 February 2025European Commission(EC) President Ursula von der Leyen made a two-day visit along with the European Union (EU) College of Commissioners to India from 27th February to 28th February 2025.

• This was the first visit of the College of Commissioners outside the European continent and also the first visit in the history of India-EU bilateral ties.
• The visit involved discussions upon the topics including trade and investment, upcoming technologies, innovation, talent, digital and green industrial transition, space, defense and people-to-people contacts.

Highlights of the Visit:
EC President von der Leyen met with Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi in New Delhi(Delhi) to discuss enhancing the EU-India strategic partnership, focusing on trade, technology, climate change, and security cooperation.
i.The 2nd meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) took place on 28th February 2025 in New Delhi.  Its key outcomes included-

• The EU and India committed to collaborate on contingency planning for food security and on sustainability of food systems, establishing early warning systems to prevent disruptions in the supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and promoting technologies such as solar energy, offshore wind and green hydrogen.

ii.India and the EU have set a year-end deadline for concluding the long-negotiated bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which would be the largest deal of this kind in the world.
iii.India and EU strengthened their cooperation in Science & Technology(S&T) which was originally signed in 2001 and renewed in 2015 and 2020, and is extended for 2025-2030.
iv.Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh hosted a high-level European Union(EU) delegation led by Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, along with space sector experts on 28th February 2025 in New Delhi.

• The discussions were held upon current and future cooperation between India and Europe in the field of space exploration.

About European Commission(EC):
President – Ursula von der Leyen
Headquarters – Brussels, Belgium
Founded – 1958
>> Read Full News

IAF Conducted Exercise ‘Desert Hunt 2025’ in RajasthanThe Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the integrated Tri-Service Special Forces exercise named Exercise ‘Desert Hunt 2025’ at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan from 24 to 28 February 2025.

• The exercise brought together elite Special Forces units from the Indian Army (IA), the Indian Navy (IN), and the IAF to practice interoperability, coordination, and combat efficiency in simulated real-world scenarios.

About Exercise Desert Hunt 2025:
i.During the exercise, Para (Special Forces) of IA, Marine Commandos (MARCOS) of IN, and Garud (Special Forces) of IAF, participated together in a simulated combat environment
ii.This high-intensity exercise was aimed to improve interoperability, coordination, and synergy among the three Special Forces units to respond quickly and effectively to emergent security challenges.
iii.The exercise comprised airborne insertion, precise strikes, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism operations, combat free falls, and urban warfare scenarios that assessed the combat readiness of the forces under realistic situations.
iv.Senior military officials supervised the exercise that validated joint doctrines. It also provided a platform to encourage the commitment of IAF for strengthening national security through seamless inter-service cooperation.
About Rajasthan:
Chief Minister (CM) – Bhajan Lal Sharma
Governor – Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
Capital – Jaipur
Bird Sanctuary – Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Gujarat Leads India with 19,020 Hectares of Mangrove Plantation in Two Years Under ‘MISHTI’ SchemeIn February 2025, Gujarat emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation, by planting mangroves across approximately 19,020 hectares at a cost of over Rs 76 crore under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes(MISHTI) scheme.

• Gujarat remains determined to environmental conservation, aligning with the vision of ‘Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat.’ This determination has positioned Gujarat at the leading edge of the Central Government’s MISHTI scheme implementation.
• Gujarat’s mangrove environment is strategically placed, with Kutch leading the charge at 799 square kilometers (sq km).

About Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes(MISHTI) scheme:
i.In 2023, the Government of India(GoI) launched the MISHTI scheme on the occassion of World Environment Day(June 5), to increase mangrove forests across coastal states and Union Territories(UTs), ensuring a sustainable future for both communities and ecosystems.

• The GoI aims to plant 540 sq km of mangroves in five years under ‘MISHTI’ scheme.
• The scheme was implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

>> Read Full News

TRIFED Signs MoUs with NIFT & HPMC to Enhance Tribal Entrepreneurship
In February 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with New Delhi based National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh, HP) based Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) to promote tribal businesses.

• The MoUs were signed during the flagship event ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, held in New Delhi, Delhi from 16 to 24 February 2025.
• The MoU between TRIFED and NIFT was signed and exchanged between TRIFED General Manager (GM) Sandeep Pahalwan and NIFT Director Head Office Gaurav Mishra.
• The MoU between TRIFED and HPMC was signed and exchanged between TRIFED GM Mamta Sharma and HPMC GM Sunny Sharma.

i.The collaboration aims to enhance tribal marketing strategies by the transition from a business-to-consumer (B2C) to a business-to-business (B2B) approach.
ii.The strategic partnerships support tribal artisans and businesses by developing handloom, handicraft, and forest products, as well as enhancing horticultural and forest product processing.

BANKING & FINANCE

SEBI Introduced Framework for Specialized Investment Funds Effective From April 1, 2025In February 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced new framework for Specialized Investment Fund (SIF), the new category of investment product, which aimed to fix gaps between Mutual Funds (MFs) and Portfolio Management Services (PMS) in terms of portfolio flexibility.

• This framework was introduced by SEBI through a circular issued in exercise of powers given under Section 11(1) of the SEBI Act, 1992, read with Chapter VI-C of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations 1996, to protect the interest of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market.
• The new framework will come into force with effect from April 1, 2025.

i.SEBI has directed the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) to issue necessary guidelines and standards for SIF by March 31, 2025.
ii.Investors are required to maintain a minimum investment of Rs 10 lakh across all strategies under an SIF and will not include investments made by investors in regular MF schemes of the same AMC.
iii.In order to launch SIFs, Asset Management Companies (AMCs) are required to have minimum 3 years of operation and an average Asset Under Management (AUM) of Rs 10,000 crore over the last 3 years.
>> Read Full News

Federal Bank Launched ‘Annuity Deposit’ for Resident Customers
Aluva (Kerala) based Federal Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has launched a new term deposit product “Annuity Deposit”, specifically designed for resident customers offering stable income for a period of 5 to 20 years

• Customers have the flexibility to select their preferred payout frequency: monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually, with each payout consisting of both principal and interest earned.
• The product was launched by Shalini Warrier, Executive Director (ED), Federal Bank.

i.To open an annuity deposit, the minimum investment required is Rs. 15 lakh, while the maximum investment limit is Rs. 2 crore.
ii.The product is designed for customers seeking a reliable, pension-like income over an extended period, with the flexibility to prematurely close their accounts in case of emergencies.
iii.Interest rates and tenures for Annuity Deposits are:

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

India’s Grew at 6.2% in Q3FY25; Economy to Expand 6.5% in FY25: NSO’s 2nd Advanced EstimatesOn February28 2025, the National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Second Advance Estimates (SAE) of Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25); Quarterly Estimates of GDP for Q3 (October-December) of FY25 along with its expenditure components.

• Apart from them, it has also released data for First Revised Estimates (FRE) for FY23-24 as well as Second Revised Estimates or Final Estimates (FE) for FY 22-23, revised upwards due to a change in computation methodology.
• NSO released these estimates both at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices, in accordance with the release calendar of National Accounts.

i.As per the NSO data, India’s Real GDP grew at 6.2% in Q3FY25, which is higher than 5.6% (revised estimate) in Q2(July-September) of FY25. However, this growth rate is significantly lower than 9.5% registered in Q3FY24.
ii.It has also estimated that India’s GDP will grow at 6.5% for full FY25, which is slightly higher than 6.4% estimated in First Advanced Estimates (FAE) released in January 2025.

• But, this projection is 270 basis points (bps) lower than 9.2% (revised estimate) in FY24.

>> Read Full News

India and Thailand Sign Three MoUs to Enhance Gem & Jewellery ExportsA high-level Indian delegation of 18 members from the Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Jaipur (Rajasthan) based Jewellers Association Jaipur (JAJ), and Jaipur (Rajasthan) based Sitapura Gems and Jewellery Industry Association (SGJIA) visited Thailand from 22 to 24 February 2025.

• During the visit, the delegation signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) at the 71st Bangkok Gem and Jewellery Fair (BGJF) held in Bangkok, Thailand on 22 February 2025.
• These MoUs aim to boost collaboration, research, innovation, and market expansion between the jewellery industries of India and Thailand.

The MoUs were signed as follows:
i.The first MoU was signed between GJEPC’s Jaipur (Rajasthan) based Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery Research and Laboratories Centre (IIGJ-RLC) and Bangkok (Thailand) based Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand (GIT Thailand).

• This partnership focuses on gemstone standardization, joint research, and increased knowledge exchange to improve industry transparency and quality.

ii.The second MoU was signed between JAJ and Chanthaburi (Thailand) based Chanthaburi Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (CGTA).

• This collaboration aimed at strengthening the coloured gemstone trade, will create new trade opportunities and global market participation.

iii.The third MoU was signed between SGJIA and Bangkok (Thailand) based Thai Silver Exporter Association (TSEA).

• This agreement intends to promote innovation, improve design excellence, and broaden the market reach of silver jewellery.

About Thailand:
Prime Minister (PM) – Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Capital – Bangkok
Currency – Thai Baht (THB)

GRSE signed MoU with Indian Army for Modular Steel Bridge in Arunachal Pradesh
Kolkata (West Bengal) based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army (IA) for the construction of a 130-foot-long Single Lane Modular (SLM) Steel Bridge (70R) in Arunachal Pradesh (AR).

• The agreement was signed by Natarajan Partheepan, General Manager (GM) (Bailey Bridges), representing GRSE with the IA.

GRSE’s achievements:
i.In 2022, GRSE became the sole Indian company to be awarded the Green Channel Certification for Portable Steel Bridges (Bailey Type) by the Indian Army.
ii.Previously, GRSE provided 44 Modular Bridges to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for installation across India, as well as to various state governments and friendly countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
iii.In 2024, GRSE and the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) made an agreement for delivering Class 70R Double-Lane Bridges.
iv.As of February 2025, GRSE has supplied more than 5,800 Modular Bridges.This aligns with the Government of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

PB Fintech Limited Appoints Santosh Agarwal as CEO of Paisabazaar 
In February 2025, PB Fintech Limited announced the appointment of Santosh Agarwal as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paisabazaar, effective March 1, 2025. She succeeds Naveen Kukreja, co-founder of Paisabazaar, who is stepping down after 11 years as CEO. However, he will continue as a Non-Executive Director (NED) on Paisabazaar’s board.

• Santosh Agarwal has been with PB Fintech since 2011 and has had various leadership responsibilities, most recently she has been serving as Chief Business Officer(CBO) of Life Insurance at Policybazaar.

i.Vivek Audichya’s tenure as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Paisabazaar ended on 28 February 2025 following his resignation. He will take over as CFO of Policybazaar from 1 April 2025, replacing Ashutosh Mishra, who will step down on 31 March 2025.
ii.Neeraj Tripathi has been appointed as the CFO and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of Paisabazaar, effective 1 March 2025, succeeding Vivek Audichya.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

China Launched Two Satellites Featuring Highest Spatial ResolutionIn February 2025, China successfully launched two new satellites named ‘Siwei Gaojing-1 03’ and ‘Siwei Gaojing-1 04’ through Long March-2C carrier rocket into sun-synchronous orbit about 500 kilometers (km) above the land. The rocket was lifted off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China, China.

• The two satellites consist of high-resolution optical imagers and will be used to collect data for the management of natural resources, city construction planning, and other commercial operations.
• The launch of these satellites marks the 561th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.

Key Points:
i.Both these newly launched satellites are operated by Beijing (China)-based China Siwei Surveying and Mapping Technology Co., Limited (China Siwei), which works under China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
ii.The satellites are part of the ‘China Siwei New Generation Commercial Remote Sensing Satellite System’.

• It is also known as SuperView constellation, currently, comprises of 9 satellites into the orbit, including: 4 Neo-1 optical satellites; 4 Neo-2 SAR satellites and 1 Neo-3 ultra-large width satellite.
• At present, all these SuperView satellites have been placed into near-polar orbits with height of around 500 kms.

iii.These satellites were developed by Shanghai (China)-based Shanghai Academy of Space Technology (SAST), a major subsidiary of space operations of CASC.
About Long March 2-C:
i.It is a 2-stage launch vehicle powered with storable propellants. It is a part of Long March 2 rocket series.
ii.It was developed by CASC’s China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) based in Fengtai district, Beijing (China).
iii.It is 43 meter (m) long and 3.35 m wide launch vehicle, having a lift-off mass of 242.5  metric tons (MT).
Recent Related News:
In January 2025, China successfully launched ‘Shijian-25’ satellite into Geo-stationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) aboard Long March 3B rocket, which was lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China.

• It was developed by SAST, to conduct tests related to developing technologies for in-orbit refueling and extending the operational lifespan of satellites.

About China:
President- Xi Jinping
Capital- Beijing
Currency- Renminbi(CNY)

Indian-origin Tushar Mehta joins Blue Origin crew on 10th space tourism mission
In February 2025, Indian-origin Tushar Mehta was among the six crew members to be included in the 10th space tourism mission of billionaire Jeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin Enterprises, L.P, Washington(USA).

• Tushar Mehta is a partner and the co-head of research at a quantitative hedge fund in New York, United States of America (USA).
• He has become the second Indian-origin person after Gopi Thotakura to take a Blue Origin flight of NS-25 Mission.

i.The suborbital New Shepard(NS) vehicle of Blue Origin was launched from the West Texas facility on 25th February 2025.
ii.The flight was titled NS-30 by Blue Origin, as it was the New Shephard’s 30th overall flight.

• Its six crew members, including Lane Bess, Jesús Calleja, Elaine Chia Hyde, Dr. Richard Scott, Tushar Shah, and an undisclosed sixth crew member.
• The NS-30 mission was Lane Bess’ second flight with Blue Origin.

iii.This mission was also called Perfect 10 as it was the 10th flight of the vehicle’s crewed mission.

SPORTS

Aleksandra Goryachkina Wins Monaco GP 2025: Tops FIDE Women’s Grand Prix StandingsRussian Grandmaster(GM) Aleksandra Goryachkina clinched victory at the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (International Chess Federation, FIDE) Monaco Grand Prix (GP) 2025, held from February 18–28 2025 in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

• The event ended in a thrilling three-way tie, but Aleksandra Goryachkina won the title with her tactical brilliance and better Sonneborn-Berger tiebreak score.

About Monaco Grand Prix (GP):
The third leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix (GP) 2024–2025 featured a 10-player round-robin format, with players competing over nine intense rounds. Three competitors Aleksandra Goryachkina (FIDE), Humpy Koneru (India), and Batkhuyag Munguntuul (Mongolia) finished tied with 5.5 points each.

• Aleksandra Goryachkina’s superior Sonneborn-Berger tie break score (23.50) against Munguntuul secured her the gold, while Koneru took silver and Munguntuul bronze.
• Aleksandra Goryachkina won the gold with a Sonneborn-Berger score of 23.50, while Koneru took silver and Munguntuul bronze.
• Prize Money: The 41,500 Euro prize pool was split equally among the top three, with each earning 13,833 Euro.
• Sonneborn-Berger Score: A tiebreak system that rewards wins against higher-ranked opponents.

>> Read Full News

IOC Grants Provisional Recognition to World Boxing
In February 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) granted provisional recognition to World Boxing (WB) as the International Federation (IF) governing global boxing within the Olympic Movement.

• This decision marks a significant step toward boxing’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

i.World Boxing was founded in April 2023 and currently has 78 member associations across 5 continents and has established 4 continental federations.

• Over half of the boxers and medalists at the 2024 Paris Olympics are affiliated with WB.

ii.On May 7, 2024, World Boxing is scheduled to have its first official meeting with the IOC to begin planning for boxing’s Olympic future.
Note: Boxing has been part of the Olympic Games since 1904, but in 2019, the IOC suspended recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to various problems. After the IOC de-recognized the IBA in June 2023, boxing was not included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Civil Defence Day 2025- March 1World Civil Defence Day (WCDD), also known as World Civil Protection Day, is observed annually on March 1 across the globe to raise awareness about civil defence and highlight its crucial role in protecting communities and individuals during emergencies and disasters. This day also honors the efforts and sacrifices of civil defence personnel who have worked tirelessly to safeguard lives.

• 1st March 2025 marks the observance of the 36th WCDD.
• The theme for WCDD 2025, “Civil Defence, Guarantee of Security for the Population”, emphasizes the essential role that civil defence organizations play in safeguarding public security.

Background:
i.WCDD was officially established by the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) during the 9th General Assembly on December 18, 1990, at the International Conference Center in Geneva, Switzerland.

• The first-ever WCDD was observed on March 1, 1990, under the guidance of the United Nations (UN).

ii.In 2012, the ICDO further solidified the observance by officially inaugurating Civil Defence Day (CDD).
About International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO):
Secretary-General (SG) – Njoupouo YAP Mariatou
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Founded- 1931
>> Read Full News

World Seagrass Day 2025 – March 1 The United Nations (UN)’s World Seagrass Day is annually observed on 1 March across the globe to raise awareness of the importance of seagrasses as a fundamental element of marine biodiversity, the challenges they face, and their role in sustainable development and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

• 1 March 2025 marks the observance of the 3rd World Seagrass Day.

Background:
i.On 23 May 2022, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted A/RES/76/265 declaring 1 March as World Seagrass Day.

• This initiative started with a resolution from Sri Lanka, stressing the need to protect seagrass for future generations.

ii.UNGA invited the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to facilitate the observance of the Day.
iii.The first ever World Seagrass Day was observed on 1 March 2023.
About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
Executive Director (ED) – Inger Andersen
Headquarters – Nairobi, Kenya
Established – 1972
Members – 193 Member States
>> Read Full News

Civil Accounts Day 2025 – March 1Civil Accounts Day is celebrated every year on 1st March in India to commemorate the Foundation Day of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), which operates under the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance (MoF).

• 1st March 2025 marks the 49th Civil Accounts Day.

Background:
i.The Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) is one of India’s Civil Services, established in 1976 as a result of the Government of India’s (GoI) significant reform in public financial administration.
ii.On March 1, 1976, the President of India issued two Ordinances to begin the process of separating the auditing and accounting functions of the Union Government accounts from the Indian Audits and Accounts Service.
iii.The Act came into effect on March 1, 1976, and ever since, March 1 has been commemorated as “Civil Accounts Day” or the “Foundation Day of ICAS.”
About Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS):
Controller General of Accounts (CGA)– S. S. Dubey
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 1976
>> Read Full News

STATE NEWS

Andhra Pradesh Government Presents Rs 3.22 Lakh Crore Budget for 2025-26In February 2025, Payyavula Keshav, the Minister for Finance for the Andhra Pradesh (AP) state government, presented the Annual budget of AP for the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY 2025-26) with a total outlay of Rs 3,22,359 crore. The budget allocations include a Revenue Expenditure of Rs 2,51,162 crore and a Capital Expenditure of Rs 40,635 crore.

• The budget proposes to spend Rs 47,456 crore for the Backward Classes’ (BC) welfare, while school education gets an allocation of Rs 31,805 crore for 2025-26.
• The estimated revenue deficit is around Rs. 33,185 crore, which constitutes 1.82% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and the fiscal deficit is around Rs 79,926 crore, accounting for 4.38% of the GSDP.

Key Allocations:
i.Talliki Vandanam Scheme: Rs 9,407 crore was allocated for this welfare scheme which will provide financial assistance of Rs 15,000 per annum to selected students (from Class I to XII) who belong to financially unstable families in AP.
ii.AP Annadata Sukhibhava: Rs 6,300 crore was allocated for a welfare scheme providing a financial assistance of Rs 20,000 per year to all farmers.
iii.The Budget proposes to allocate Rs 19,264 crore for the Health, Medical, and Family Welfare Department for 2025-26, accounting for 5.98% of the total budget.
iv.A separate budget of Rs 48,341.14 crore was presented by Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu for agriculture, with the highest allocation of Rs 12,903.41 crore for the maintenance of irrigation projects.
About Andhra Pradesh(AP):
Chief Minister (CM)- Nara Chandrababu Naidu
Governor– Justice (Retd.) S. Abdul Nazeer
Airports– Visakhapatnam International Airport, and Vijayawada International Airport
Bird Sanctuaries– Atapaka/Kolleru Bird Sanctuary, and Pulicat Bird Sanctuary
>> Read Full News

Mizoram CM Lalduhoma Launches Mizoram Chapter of WEP for Women’s EmpowermentIn February 2025, the Chief Minister (CM) of Mizoram, PU Lalduhoma launched the Mizoram Chapter of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) during a state workshop aimed at promoting women-led development through entrepreneurship. The event, held at Mizoram University in Aizawl (Mizoram), was organized under New Delhi(Delhi) based the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) State Support Mission (SSM).

• The initiative aims to enhance women’s participation in entrepreneurship, boost Mizoram’s economic growth, and support the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
• With this, Mizoram became the first state in the Northeast to set up a WEP chapter.

Key Highlights:
i.The event was graced by the presence of Lalduhoma, CMof Mizoram, Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary, Planning and Programme Implementation Department, Government of Mizoram, Khilli Ram Meena, Chief Secretary of Mizoram, Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of Labour, Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (LESDE), Government of Mizoram, Anna Roy, Principal Economic Adviser (PEA) of NITI Aayog and Mission Director of WEP, and Rini Ralte, Founder of Label Lelen.
ii) Speaking at the event, CM Lalduhoma said, the state government launched the Bana Kaih Scheme to support young entrepreneurs. In the pilot phase, 517 Progress Partners were selected, including 140 women (27%).
iii. Lalduhoma also launched several WEP initiatives: WEP State Chapter Mizoram, the Yashasvani Program (in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME)), the Swavalambini Program (in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE)), the WEP Award to Reward (ATR) Programme (with The New Shop), the beta version of WEP Application (App), and awards for women entrepreneurs (by Make My Trip).
About Mizoram:
Capital – Aizawl
Chief Minister (CM) – PU Lalduhoma
Governor – General (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Rted.)
Stadiums – Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Zotlang Sports Stadium, Lammual Stadium

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