National News
10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law Held in New Delhi
Organized by Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Keynote address by Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State (Corporate Affairs & Road Transport and Highways).
CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur emphasized adapting to technological advancements like AI and algorithmic collusion.
India’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Milestone
Five semiconductor fabrication units operational.
First domestically produced semiconductor chip to launch by end of 2025.
Significant step towards electronics self-reliance in telecom, defense, and AI sectors.
5G Innovation Hackathon Launched
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) initiated the six-month hackathon.
Aims to develop innovative solutions powered by 5G technology for societal and industrial challenges.
Chandrayaan-5 Mission Approved
Centre approved ISRO’s Chandrayaan-5 lunar exploration mission.
Announcement made by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.
India’s First Exploration Licence Auction in Goa
Ministry of Mines in collaboration with Goa government launched India’s first-ever Exploration Licence (EL) auction.
Targets unlocking critical mineral reserves.
International News
India-New Zealand Resume Free Trade Agreement Talks
Negotiations resumed after nearly a decade hiatus.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (Wellington) met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi.
Both nations aim for balanced trade outcomes, improved market access, and stronger supply chain integration.
New Zealand endorsed India’s bid for UNSC membership.
Stuart Young Sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister
Stuart Young took oath as the eighth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain).
Succeeded outgoing PM Dr. Keith Rowley.
Young previously served as Minister of Energy and Energy Industries.
US Proposes Expanded Travel Ban
Former US President Donald Trump considering expanded travel ban affecting citizens from 43 countries including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela (full visa suspension); Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Russia (strict visa restrictions).
Banking & Economy
Wholesale Inflation Rate Rises Slightly
India’s wholesale inflation rate increased to 2.38% in February from January’s rate of 2.31%.
RBI Currency Management Project
Engineers India Limited (EIL), MECON Limited among contenders to revamp RBI’s currency management infrastructure.
State News
Maharashtra Inaugurates Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the state’s first temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi, Thane district.
Chhattisgarh to Introduce Stricter Anti-Conversion Law
CM Vishnu Deo Sai announced plans for stringent legislation against illegal religious conversions through coercion or inducements.
Lachit Barphukan Police Academy Inaugurated in Assam
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the academy at Dergaon, Assam.
Named after Ahom general Lachit Barphukan; aims to enhance policing standards across Northeast India.
Himachal Pradesh Budget Focuses on Tourism & Green Energy
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented ₹58,514 crore budget prioritizing tourism development, rural infrastructure enhancement, and green energy initiatives.
Sports News
Special Olympics World Winter Games: India Wins Big
Indian athletes concluded their campaign at Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Turin (Italy), securing a total of 33 medals.
International Masters League Cricket: India Masters Clinch Title
India Masters defeated West Indies Masters by six wickets in the final match held at SVNS International Stadium.
Hockey Jharkhand Wins National Championship
Hockey Jharkhand defeated Hockey Haryana at Tau Devi Lal Complex in Panchkula to win the national title.
Important Days
Ordnance Factories Day Observed on March 18
Celebrated annually marking the establishment of India’s first Ordnance Factory at Cossipore near Kolkata on March 18,1802.
