National News
Raisina Dialogue 2025 Inaugurated in New Delhi
The 10th Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, began in New Delhi on March 17, 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (India) inaugurated the event with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (New Zealand, capital Wellington) as the Chief Guest.
The three-day event (March 17-19) focuses on India’s role in global affairs and international cooperation on pressing challenges.
Delhi to Implement PM-ABHIM Today
The Delhi government will sign an MoU with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today (March 18, 2025) to implement the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
The initiative includes setting up 1,139 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (U-AAMs), upgrading 553 existing mohalla clinics, and establishing 413 new U-AAMs.
This aims to enhance primary healthcare services and prepare for future pandemics.
India-New Zealand Launch FTA Negotiations
India and New Zealand officially launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement on March 16, 2025, in New Delhi.
The meeting was held between Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay.
This marks India’s second FTA in the Oceania region after the India-Australia ECTA (2022).
Fit India Carnival 2025 Kicks Off
Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the first-ever Fit India Carnival 2025 on March 16, 2025, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
The three-day fitness and wellness event promotes physical fitness, mental well-being, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana and wrestling champion Sangram Singh were among the notable attendees.
Defense News
BEL Signs Contract for Indigenous Radar System
Bharat Electronics Limited signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with the Ministry of Defence for the Low-Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) Ashwini.
The radar, developed by DRDO’s Electronics & Radar Development Establishment, is based on solid-state technology.
It can track aerial targets like drones, helicopters, and fighter jets, featuring Electronic Counter-Countermeasures and an Integrated Identification Friend or Foe system.
International News
Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Treaty Progress
Armenia and Azerbaijan finalized the text of a peace treaty on March 13, 2025, aimed at ending nearly four decades of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
However, Azerbaijan’s demand for changes in Armenia’s constitution before signing has created uncertainty regarding the official signing timeline.
The agreement aims to bring stability to the South Caucasus following the 2023 military takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan.
World Air Quality Report 2024 Released
Delhi remains the world’s most polluted national capital for the sixth consecutive year according to the World Air Quality Report 2024 released by IQAir.
Byrnihat, located on the border of Assam and Meghalaya, has been identified as the world’s most polluted city.
The five most polluted countries were Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Congo, and India.
Business News
Major Insurance Sector Deal
Adar Poonawalla’s Sanoti Properties sold its 98% stake in Magma General Insurance to Patanjali Ayurved and Dharampal Satyapal (DS) Group for ₹4,500 crore.
Magma Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium of ₹3,295 crore in 2024 and aims for ₹3,650-3,700 crore in 2025.
The company offers over 70 insurance products across vehicle, health, home, fire, marine, and liability insurance sectors.
Science & Technology
Chandrayaan-5 Mission Approved
The Government of India has approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission, announced by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on March 16, 2025.
Unlike Chandrayaan-3’s 25 kg rover ‘Pragyan’, this mission will deploy a 250 kg rover in collaboration with Japan’s JAXA.
The mission aims to conduct advanced studies of the Moon’s surface with a focus on mineralogical and geological analysis.
Hyperloop Project Progresses at IIT Madras
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras, announcing that the 410-meter-long Hyperloop tube will soon be the world’s longest high-speed tube.
The Indian Railways Ministry is providing funding and technical support, while Integral Coach Factory Chennai is developing the electronic technology.
The minister also attended Open House 2025 at IIT Madras’ Guindy campus, engaging with students on semiconductors, AI, and data science.
Sports
India Masters Win IML 2025 Title
India Masters, led by Sachin Tendulkar, defeated West Indies Masters, captained by Brian Lara, by six wickets at the SVNS International Stadium.
The victory earned India Masters the ₹1 crore prize money with nearly 50,000 fans in attendance.
Hockey Jharkhand Wins National Championship
Hockey Jharkhand clinched their first-ever title at the 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025.
They defeated defending champions Hockey Haryana in a thrilling final at the Tau Devi Lal Complex, Panchkula.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Hockey Jharkhand winning in the penalty shootout.
World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025
India hosted the first-ever World Para-Athletics Grand Prix from March 11-13, 2025.
The event serves as a platform for para-athletes to get classified in the right sports class for international competitions.
This tournament was a dry run for the World Para Athletics Championships scheduled from September 27 to October 5, 2025, in India.
