National News
Government Revises MSME Classification Criteria
The Government of India has revised MSME classification criteria, effective April 1, 2025
Investment limits increased by 2.5 times and turnover limits doubled
New limits: Micro Enterprises (₹2.5 Cr investment, ₹10 Cr turnover), Small Enterprises (₹25 Cr investment, ₹100 Cr turnover), and Medium Enterprises (₹125 Cr investment, ₹500 Cr turnover)
Announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Union Budget 2025
India’s Second Stealth Frigate “Tavasya” Launched
India celebrated advancement in naval capabilities with the launch of stealth frigate “Tavasya”
Part of India’s program to strengthen maritime security capabilities
First-Ever Export of Anthurium Flowers from Mizoram to Singapore
APEDA facilitated the first-ever export of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore
The 1,024-cut flower consignment (70 kg) was exported via Kolkata by IVC Agrovet Pvt. Ltd.
Imported by Veg Pro Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Initiative boosts Mizoram’s floriculture and farmer income, especially for women
India Imposes Anti-Dumping Duty on Five Chinese Products
Duties imposed on Soft Ferrite Cores, vacuum insulated flasks, aluminum foil, Trichloro Isocyanuric Acid, and PVC Paste Resin
Recommended by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR)
Duties will be in place for up to five years
Soft Ferrite Cores facing up to 35% duty, while other products have specific per-tonne tariffs
Bank Strike on March 24-25: Services Affected Nationwide
United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) began a nationwide strike
Banking services disrupted across the country
Strike continuing on March 25, 2025
Karnataka to Submit Final Report on Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
Karnataka authorities likely to submit the final report on Ranya Rao gold smuggling case
Case has been under investigation for several weeks
AAP Reshuffle: New Delhi Convenor Appointed
Saurabh Bhardwaj replaces Gopal Rai as Delhi Convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Part of organizational restructuring
Karnataka Revives 160 Lakes and Ponds in One Year
Successful environmental conservation effort in Karnataka
Significant boost for water conservation and ecosystem restoration
International News
OECD Integrity Week Begins
OECD Integrity Week (March 24-28, 2025) commenced
Event gathers leaders from government, civil society, and private sector
2025 OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum to be held on March 26-27
Theme: “Harnessing Innovation to Break New Ground”
Focus on role of emerging technologies like AI, data analytics, and digital forensics in fighting corruption
World Tuberculosis Day Observed Globally
World TB Day observed on March 24, 2025
WHO organized a special Talk Show under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”
Strong call for hope, urgency, and accountability in TB prevention and treatment
Live broadcast featured WHO leadership, ministers, and civil society representatives
Quad Defence Leaders Raise Concerns Over China’s Indo-Pacific Moves
Quad members (USA, India, Japan, and Australia) express concern about Chinese activities
Focus on maintaining strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region
Pope Francis to Be Discharged After Treatment
Pope Francis (Head of the Vatican City State) set to be discharged from hospital
Had been receiving medical treatment
Heathrow Airport Resumes Full Operations After Fire Disruption
London’s Heathrow Airport (UK) back to normal operations
Previous fire incident had caused significant disruptions
Russian Drone Strikes Hit Ukrainian Cities
Multiple Ukrainian cities targeted by Russian drone strikes
Casualties reported
Continues the ongoing conflict between Russia (President Vladimir Putin) and Ukraine (President Volodymyr Zelenskyy)
Istanbul Mayor Detained, Questioned Over Terror Charges
Mayor of Istanbul, Turkey detained and questioned
Charges related to allegations of terrorism
US Drops Bounties on Taliban Leaders in Policy Shift
United States (President Joe Biden) changes approach toward Taliban leadership in Afghanistan
Significant shift in counter-terrorism strategy
Appointments & Organizations
Justice Harish Tandon Appointed as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court
Succeeds Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh
Recommended by Supreme Court Collegium led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud on March 6, 2024
Justice Arindam Sinha (acting CJ) transferred to Allahabad High Court
Edelweiss ARC Appoints Mythili Balasubramanian as Interim MD & CEO
Appointed until September 30, 2025
Brings 40+ years of experience in banking, NPA resolution, and IBC
Search Committee & Korn Ferry to oversee permanent CEO selection process
IRDAI Reconstitutes Insurance Advisory Committee
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India appoints five new members
Appointees include MR Kumar (ex-LIC, Bank of India Chairman), Dinesh Kumar Khara (ex-SBI Chairman), Visakha Mule (Aditya Birla Capital CEO), Nilesh Shah (Kotak AMC MD), and Kotak Ellis G Vaidyan
Economy & Business
India’s Economy Doubled in 10 Years: IMF Report
International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports India’s economy has doubled in the past decade
Outpaced several major nations
Significant achievement for the Indian economic growth story
Most States Unlikely to Meet FY25 Capital Expenditure Targets
Only Karnataka likely to achieve its FY25 capital expenditure (capex) targets
States have planned sharp increases in capital spending for FY26 (from April 1, 2025)
Central government reduced the 50-year interest-free loan under SASCI from ₹1.5 lakh crore to ₹1.25 lakh crore
Sports
IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Face Lucknow Super Giants
Season opener features Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants
BCCI introduces new rules, with saliva ban lifted
LSG Signs Shardul Thakur
Lucknow Super Giants sign Shardul Thakur for ₹2 crore
Replaces injured Mohsin Khan in the squad
RCB Defeats KKR in IPL 2025 Opener
Royal Challengers Bangalore secures 7-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders
Virat Kohli Sets New T20 Record
Surpasses David Warner to establish new milestone in T20 cricket
Science & Technology
IndiaAI Mission Partners with Gates Foundation
Collaboration aims to develop AI solutions
Part of India’s push for technological advancement
Government Sets Up Task Forces to Review Nuclear Energy Laws
Initiative to modernize nuclear energy regulations
Focus on safety and efficiency in the nuclear sector
Important Days
World Tuberculosis Day – March 24, 2025
Theme: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”
Focus on accelerating the global fight against tuberculosis
WHO organized special events to mark the occasion
Holi – March 25, 2025
Festival of colors celebrated across India
Holika Dahan observed on March 24, 2025
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members – March 25, 2025
United Nations observance day
Raises awareness about staff members who have been detained or gone missing
International Day of the Unborn Child – March 25, 2025
Observed globally to recognize the dignity of unborn human life
