PM Modi inaugurates new Pamban bridge in Tamil Nadu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pamban sea bridge, providing a rail link between Rameswaram island and the mainland, and flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service here. The PM also flagged off a Coast Guard ship, which passed under the bridge. The bridge is all set to improve connectivity to this spiritual destination flocked by devotees throughout the year from across the country. Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, this is India’s first vertical sea-lift bridge.
Lukashenko Sworn In for 7th Term as Belarus President
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko takes office for the seventh time in a low-key ceremony in Minsk. Despite past protests and Western criticism over election fraud claims, Lukashenko solidifies his grip on power. He remains a key ally of Russia, echoing Putin's stance on NATO and offering Belarusian territory for Russian weapons.
World Sparrow Day 2025
From the peaceful mornings in villages to the hustle and bustle of cities, sparrows once filled the air with their cheerful chirps. Flocks of these tiny birds, uninvited yet welcome, created unforgettable memories. But over time, these little friends have vanished from our lives. Once abundant, the house sparrow is now a rare sight and a mystery in many places. To raise awareness and protect these small creatures, World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on March 20th. World Sparrow Day was initiated by "Nature Forever," a bird conservation organization in 2010. The aim was to raise awareness about the declining sparrow population. The event has spread to over 50 countries. The goal is to protect sparrows and stop their decline. In 2012, the house sparrow became Delhi's state bird. Since then, the event has gained global attention. People everywhere celebrate sparrows and work to protect them.
World Consumer Rights Day 2025
World Consumer Rights Day, observed annually on March 15, serves as an essential reminder of the need to uphold consumer rights and protection. The day is an opportunity to promote the basic rights of all consumers and encourage those rights to be respected and protected. World Consumer Rights Day was first observed in 1983. This date was chosen to commemorate President John F. Kennedy's address to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, where he became the first world leader to formally recognize consumer rights. The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2025 is, ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.’ This theme reflects the urgent need to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices available, accessible, and affordable for all consumers – while ensuring that these transitions uphold people’s basic rights and needs. This year’s campaign highlights the pathways needed to achieve sustainable lifestyles and call for stronger consumer protection and empowerment worldwide.
PM Surya Ghar: India’s Solar Revolution
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, has achieved a historic milestone with 10 lakh homes now solar-powered as of 10th March 2025. Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 13th February 2024, this transformative scheme is rapidly reshaping India’s energy landscape. With 47.3 lakh applications received, the initiative has already disbursed ?4,770 crore in subsidies to 6.13 lakh beneficiaries, making solar energy more accessible than ever. The scheme’s easy financing options, including collateral-free loans up to ?2 lakh at a 6.75% subsidized interest rate through 12 Public Sector Banks, have further accelerated adoption. So far, 3.10 lakh loan applications have been received, with 1.58 lakh sanctioned and 1.28 lakh disbursed, ensuring financial inclusion for all. With a seamless 15-day subsidy transfer process and zero electricity bills for many beneficiaries, the scheme is not just powering homes but also empowering people. Every solar installation under PMSGMBY offsets carbon emissions equal to planting 100 trees, driving India towards a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant future.
Mauritius announces highest award for PM Modi, a first for India
Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced the country's highest award 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi is the first Indian to receive the honour - making it the 21st international award bestowed upon him by a foreign country. This is an honour for the historical relations between India and Mauritius.
Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025
Every year, March 7th is celebrated as 'Jan Aushadhi Diwas' to raise awareness about the scheme and promote the use of generic medicines. Week-long events are organized nationwide from March 1st to 7th to support this initiative.
This year, the celebration was flagged off on March 1 to disseminate information about PMBJP in the National Capital Region (NCR). The "Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)" was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings. The initiative aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the public through dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).
Cabinet approves development of ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji (12.4 km) in Uttarakhand
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.4 km ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 2,730.13 crore. Currently, the journey to the Hemkund Sahib Ji is a challenging 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat and is covered on foot or by ponies or palanquins. The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims visiting the Hemkund Sahib Ji and tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers. It will ensure all-weather last-mile connectivity between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib Ji. The ropeway is planned to be developed in public-private partnership and will be based on Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km), seamlessly integrated with the most advanced Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km) with a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 11,000 passengers per day. The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.
Cabinet approves development of Ropeway Project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km) in Uttarakhand
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km) in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 4,081.28 crore. The ropeway is planned to be developed in a public-private partnership and will be based on the most advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology with a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 18,000 passengers per day. The ropeway project will be a boon to the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath as it would provide environment-friendly, comfortable and fast connectivity and reduce travel time in one direction from about 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes. The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.The development of ropeway project is a significant step towards fostering balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last - mile connectivity in hilly regions and fostering rapid economic growth.
Shri Ajay Bhadoo Appointed as CEO of Government e Marketplace
The Government of India has appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Shri Ajay Bhadoo, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace (GeM) with effect from March 3, 2025. He will assume this role in addition to his existing responsibilities in the Department of Commerce. His appointment as CEO of GeM, India’s largest e-marketplace for government procurement, comes at a pivotal time as the platform transitions to a next-generation digital marketplace powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Currently, GeM has recorded a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ?4.58 lakh crore, reflecting a 28.65% year-on-year growth. An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1999 batch from the Gujarat cadre, Shri Bhadoo brings over two decades of experience in policy formulation and implementation across diverse sectors, including urban infrastructure development.
Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024
Nithin Kamath, Founder and CEO of Zerodha, has been named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 for his role in reshaping India’s brokerage industry through a low-margin, high-volume strategy. Kamath will now represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo in June.
Shri Ajay Bhadoo Appointed as CEO of Government e Marketplace
The Government of India has appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Shri Ajay Bhadoo, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace (GeM) with effect from March 3, 2025. He will assume this role in addition to his existing responsibilities in the Department of Commerce. His appointment as CEO of GeM, India’s largest e-marketplace for government procurement, comes at a pivotal time as the platform transitions to a next-generation digital marketplace powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Currently, GeM has recorded a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ?4.58 lakh crore, reflecting a 28.65% year-on-year growth. An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1999 batch from the Gujarat cadre, Shri Bhadoo brings over two decades of experience in policy formulation and implementation across diverse sectors, including urban infrastructure development.
Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumes charge as 11th chairman of Sebi
Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumed charge as the 11th chairman of capital markets regulator SEBI. He replaces Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ended on 28th February 2025. Pandey, a career bureaucrat who was serving as the Finance Secretary till now, was appointed chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) by the government on 27th February 2025. His appointment comes at a crucial time for Sebi, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing India's securities and capital markets. As Sebi Chairman, Pandey will play a key role in strengthening market regulations, ensuring investor protection, and overseeing reforms in the capital markets. His extensive experience in finance and economic policy is expected to aid in the effective functioning of the regulatory body.
Inaugural Olympic Esports Games to be held in 2027 in Saudi Arabia
The first Olympic Esports Games will be held in two years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the International Olympic Committee said, as part of a 12-year deal with the country signed last year. The IOC has been looking into Esports for several years, forming a dedicated commission to find opportunities to tap into a younger generation involved with gaming. ith its traditional audience base gradually ageing, the governing body is trying to connect with a younger generation of potential Olympics fans.
Rajnath Singh inaugurates Aero India 2025
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, in Bengaluru. Aero India 2025 is being held over 42,438 square metres, with participation from 30 defence ministers and 43 military chiefs from various countries. A total of 90 nations will be represented at the event. The exhibition will feature 70 fighter jets, cargo aircraft, and trainer aircraft, along with 30 helicopters, all performing aerial stunts. Russian and American fighter jets will be the key highlights of the exhibition. Additionally, over 900 manufacturers from different countries will showcase advancements in AI, drones, cybersecurity, global aerospace, and emerging technologies. Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) products will be prominently displayed in this edition of the show.
Paris AI Action Summit 2025
France hosts the third edition of the AI Action Summit on February 10 and 11 in Paris, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss artificial intelligence. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chair the summit, providing an opportunity to discuss AI governance, technological collaboration, and strategic partnerships.
India reaches historic milestone of 100 GW solar power capacity
India has reached a major milestone by surpassing 100 GW of installed solar power capacity, signaling significant progress toward energy independence and a sustainable future. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for this achievement. This milestone strengthens India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and marks a crucial step toward the country’s goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, as highlighted in a press release from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
RBI projects 6.7% GDP growth for FY26; inflation in FY25 to remain at 4.8%
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected a real GDP growth of 6.4% for FY25, with expectations of economic activity picking up in the second half of the fiscal year. This growth is anticipated to be driven by improvements in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, while announcing the outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, stated that for FY26, GDP growth is estimated at 6.7%. The quarterly projections for FY26 are as follows: Q1 FY26: 6.7%, Q2 FY26: 7.0%, Q3 FY26: 6.5%, and Q4 FY26: 6.5%. On the inflation front, the central bank expects Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation to ease to 4.8% in FY25, with Q4 FY25 inflation projected at 4.4%. For FY26, inflation is forecasted at 4.2%, with quarterly estimates as follows: Q1 FY26: 4.5%, Q2 FY26: 4.0%, Q3 FY26: 3.8%, and Q4 FY26: 4.2%.
DRDO successfully conducts successive flight-trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three successive flight-trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. These tests were carried out against high-speed targets flying at very low altitude. During all the three flight-tests, the missiles intercepted and completely destroyed the targets having reduced thermal signature mimicking low flying drones at different flying conditions. The flight-tests were carried out in final deployment configuration where in two field operators carried out weapon readiness, target acquisition and missile firing.
The flight data captured by various range instruments like Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking System and Radar deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, confirmed the pin-point accuracy and established the unique capability of VSHORADS missile system in neutralizing drones along with other classes of aerial threats. The flight-tests were witnessed by senior officials of DRDO, Armed Forces and development and production partners. VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence system designed and developed indigenously by Research Center Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Development cum Production Partners. The missile system has the capability to meet the needs of all the three branches of the Armed Forces, viz. Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Donald Trump took oath as the 7th President of USA
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. The swearing in ceremony was held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda in the US Capitol, Washington DC,J D Vance took the oath of office as Vice President of the United States. India was represented by S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister.
Gyanendra Pratap Singh has been appointed as the new Director General of CRPF
Gyanendra Pratap Singh, a 1991 batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, was appointed as the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) by the Central Government. Prior to this assignment as the DG of CRPF, he was the Director General of Police of Assam.
Union Cabinet clears the Third Launchpad in Sriharikota
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It is designed to have a universal and adaptable configuration to support NGLV along with the LVM3 vehicles with Semicryogenic stage as well as scaled up configurations of NGLV, with new propulsion systems, which will be crucial for future space missions such as Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and an Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040. TLP is targeted to be established within a duration of 48 months or 4 years. The total fund requirement is Rs. 3984.86 crore. The project will be realized with maximum industry participation.
Union Cabinet Approved to Set-up the 8th Central Pay Commission
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Eighth Central Pay Commission to revise salaries of about 50 lakh employees and allowances of 65 lakh pensioners of the Union Government, including serving and retired defense personnel. The Commission will be composed of a chairman and two members. Generally every 10 years, the Central government implements a pay commission to revise employee remuneration. Since 1947 seven pay commissions have been constituted with the last one constituted in 201 4and implemented on January 1, 2016. As the 7th Pay Commission's team concludes in December 2025, initiating the process now ensures sufficient time to receive and review recommendations before its completion.
PM Modi inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the strategically important Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, providing all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg and further to Leh, bypassing landside and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to Ladakh region.
National Youth Day 2025
The National Youth Day or Rashtriya Yuva Divas is celebrated on 12th January every year in commemoration of the great spiritual leader, philosopher, and thinker Swami Vivekananda, whose unwavering belief in the potential of youth continues to resonate deeply with young citizens of the country. His inspiring life and empowering message urge the youth to nurture their dreams, unleash their energies, and shape a future worthy of his envisioned ideals. The youth, defined as those within the age group of 15-29 years, make up nearly 40% of India’s total population. Representing the most vibrant and dynamic segment of society, this group constitutes the nation’s most valuable human resource. With their limitless potential, the youth hold the power to propel India to new heights of progress and innovation. National Youth Day serves as a moment to acknowledge, celebrate, and harness this potential, inspiring young minds to contribute meaningfully to the nation's development.
Anju Bobby George named Chairperson of AFI's Athletes Commission
Long jump great Anju Bobby George was named Chairperson of the Athletes Federation of India's nine strong athletes commission in Chandigarh. The AFI Athletes Commission also featured six female athletes with javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra being its most prominent male member. The other women in the new AFI Athletes Commission panel are runner Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, discus thrower Krishna Poonia, hurdler MD Valsamma, steeple chaser Sudha Singh and runner Sunita Rani.
Sh. Bhuvnesh Kumar assumes charge as Chief Executive Officer of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). He is an officer of the 1995 batch IAS from the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
A graduate and gold medalist from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, he held several important positions both at the Centre and in his cadre state. Along with CEO UIDAI, he continues to be an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. Earlier, he has also served as the Joint Secretary in MeitY.
India becomes fourth nation to achieve space docking with indigenous system
India has reached a major milestone in space exploration, becoming the fourth nation to successfully perform space docking using its indigenously developed ‘Bharatiya Docking System’. The SpaDeX mission, ISRO’s year-end project, aims to achieve the challenging task of docking two satellites in space. This cost-effective technology demonstration will test and validate in-space docking capabilities using two small spacecraft, SDX01 and SDX02. These technologies are critical for future missions, including Chandrayaan-4, the Indian space station, and the manned Gaganyaan mission.
Justice V. Ramasubramanian assumes charge as NHRC Chairperson
Justice V. Ramasubramanian, a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, assumed charge as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India. Justice (Dr.) Vidyut Ranjan Sarangi also took office as a Member of the Commission. Their appointments were made by President Droupadi Murmu on December 21.
PM Modi Chosen for Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados
PM Narendra Modi was conferred the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados, the prestigious civilian honour of Barbados. He got the honour for his contribution for strengthening bilateral ties of India-Barbados.
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