National News

'Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign'

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign' in Limbayat, Surat, on March 7, 2025.
• Under this initiative, more than 2.3 lakh new beneficiaries have been included under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), including elderly women, widows, differently-abled individuals, and other needy persons.

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International news

Prime Minister Modi to Visit Mauritius

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a state visit to Mauritius on March 11 and 12, 2025. He will attend the 57th National Day celebrations of Mauritius as the Chief Guest on March 12.

Mauritius:

Reports and Indexes

Demand for Office Space

• In 2024, the demand for office space in the top 11 markets of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region grew by 15.9%, reaching 8.8 million square meters (94.7 million square feet). This growth was primarily driven by India, Mainland China, and Japan.

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'Market Outlook Report 2025'

• According to HSBC Mutual Fund's 'Market Outlook Report 2025', India's long-term outlook remains strong.
• In the medium term, the investment cycle is expected to gain momentum, supported by the following factors:

'Glass-Ceiling Index 2025'

• According to the 'Glass-Ceiling Index 2025', Sweden has secured the top position in the list of best countries for working women. Meanwhile, Iceland, which had been at the top for the past two years, has dropped to fourth place this year.

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'Wealth Report 2025'

• According to Knight Frank's 19th 'Wealth Report 2025', India has secured the fourth position in the global wealth rankings.
• This ranking is based on the number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) with assets exceeding $10 million.

State Special

'Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan'

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated a joint loan camp in Gorakhpur and Basti divisions under the 'Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan'.
• The objective of this program is to encourage entrepreneurship among the youth in the state and provide them with financial assistance.

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'Project Hifazat'

• The Punjab government has launched 'Project Hifazat' to ensure the safety and dignity of women and children.
• This initiative aims to strengthen the response mechanism for individuals affected by violence and provide them with immediate assistance.

Relevant Facts:

Defense News

Defence Ministry Agreement with Russia's Rosoboronexport

• The Defence Ministry of India has signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for the procurement of more powerful 1000 HP engines for the Indian Army’s T-72 tanks.
• The deal also includes a Transfer of Technology (ToT) from Rosoboronexport to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai.

Economy and Banking

'Ensuring Heroes'

• On the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025), PhonePe has launched the ‘Ensuring Heroes’ campaign, aimed at promoting financial security for women.

Key Features:

AGNIT Semiconductors

• India’s first Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor startup, AGNIT Semiconductors, won the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) Semiconductor Startup Award 2025 at the Vision Summit in Gandhinagar.

AGNIT Semiconductors :

Agreement Between SIDBI and Federal Bank

• The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Federal Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide financial assistance to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

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Project HAKK

• HDFC Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and CSC Academy to launch ‘Project HAKK’ (Hawai Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra).

Project HAKK :

Person In News

Vidya Balan

• Federal Bank has appointed Vidya Balan as its first-ever brand ambassador.

Federal Bank :

Honours and Awards

PATWA International Travel Awards 2025

• The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) announced the winners of the prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards 2025 during the ITB (International Tourism Börse) fair held in Berlin.

Main Award Winners of PATWA International Travel Awards 2025

Important Days

International Women's Day

• International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to raise awareness about gender equality.