1 Cabinet approves implementation of Revised National Gokul Mission to boost development in livestock sector
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Revised National Gokul Mission (RGM) to promote development in the livestock sector . The Revised National Gokul Mission has been approved with an allocation of Rs 3400 crore during the 15th Finance Commission (2021-22 to 2025-26). The Central Government has also added two new activities in the Gokul Mission. This includes one-time assistance of 35 per cent of the capital cost for setting up heifer rearing centers to the implementing agencies for construction of 30 residential facilities for a total of 15000 heifers and encouraging farmers to purchase high genetic merit (HGM) IVF heifers by providing 3 per cent interest subsidy on loans taken by farmers from milk unions/financial institutions/banks for such purchase. This includes helping in systematic induction of high-yielding breeds. This scheme is for continuation of the ongoing activities of Rashtriya Gokul Mission- strengthening of semen centres, artificial insemination network, implementation of bull breeding programme, accelerated breed improvement programme using sex-specific semen, skill development, farmer awareness, support for innovative activities including establishment of Centres of Excellence, strengthening of Central Cattle Breeding Farms and strengthening of Central Cattle Breeding Farms without any change in the pattern of assistance in any of these activities.
2 Central Government joins hands with META to promote ‘consumer protection’
Centre and META have joined hands to empower Indian consumers through digital literacy initiatives under the Government’s flagship program ‘ Jago Grahak Jago ‘. The joint campaign ‘ Be an Empowered Consumer ‘ aims to educate Indian consumers to identify online threats and adopt healthy online habits. Under this campaign, Indian consumers will be taught to use strong passwords, verify online information and report suspicious activities.
3 ISRO and SCL develop 32-bit microprocessor for space applications
In March 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka) -based Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Chandigarh (Punjab) -based Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) delivered the first production of two 32-bit microprocessors , ‘ Vikram 3201 ‘ and ‘ Kalpana 3201 ‘ for space applications . These microprocessors have been designed and developed by ISRO’s Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) -based Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in partnership with SCL. It was handed over to Dr V Narayanan , Secretary, Department of Space (DoS) and Chairman, ISRO by S Krishnan , Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in New Delhi (Delhi). VIKRAM3201 is India’s first fully “Make-in-India” 32-bit microprocessor , designed for the extreme environmental conditions of launch vehicles. It was fabricated at SCL’s 180 nanometre (nm) , complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) semiconductor facility.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the proposal to set up a new brownfield ammonia-urea complex of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) annual urea production capacity at the existing complex of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) , Namrup, Assam . The estimated total project cost is Rs. 10,601.40 crore and the debt equity ratio is 70:30. The equity pattern in the proposed joint venture will be Government of Assam 40%, Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) 11%, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) 13%, National Fertilizers Limited (NFL)- 18% and Oil India Limited (OIL) 18%.
5 Lok Sabha Secretariat and Ministry of Information Technology signed an agreement to launch ‘Sansad Bhashini’
In the presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to launch “ Sansad Bhashini ” for AI-powered multilingual parliamentary operations . Sansad Bhashini aims to provide a comprehensive in-house AI solution to facilitate different languages in the conduct of Parliament related work and streamline the processes associated with it. The Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have agreed to coordinate and collaborate to develop products and tools with the help of parliamentary data collection. Parliamentary data and resources provided by the Parliament will be used to improve AI products/tools. On the other hand, translation facility and other technical expertise will be available from Bhashini.
Settlement of bilateral trade transactions between India and Maldives will be allowed in Indian Rupee and Maldivian Rufiyaa in addition to the existing Asian Clearing Union mechanism . Media reports in Maldives have said that the Reserve Bank of India has issued a circular in this regard on Monday. This will help Maldives. India is Maldives’ largest trading partner and bilateral trade is over USD 548 million. The decision has been taken after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Reserve Bank of India and the Maldives Monetary Authority in November last year.
7 DGCA grants licence to Maharashtra’s Amravati airport for flight operations
In March 2025, Amravati Airport in Belora, Maharashtra was granted an airport license by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) , officially designating it as a licensed Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) airport . This license signifies that the airport is now ready to begin flight operations. Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Alliance Air Aviation Limited will operate flights on the Mumbai-Amravati-Mumbai route with ATR-72 aircraft thrice a week . Operations are expected to begin by the end of March 2025.
8 APCRDA and HUDCO sign loan agreement of Rs 11,000 crore for development of Amaravati
In March 2025 , Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh)-based Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and New Delhi (Delhi)-based Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) signed a loan agreement of Rs 11,000 crore for the construction of Amaravati, the greenfield capital of Andhra Pradesh . The Rs 11,000 crore loan is part of the Rs 26,000 crore required for Phase-1 of the construction of Amaravati. The loan is aimed at meeting the funding shortfall for the development of Amaravati, which will accelerate the construction of AP’s new capital.
9 Tamil Nadu: A large flock of flamingos reached the coastal areas of Thoothukudi
A large flock of flamingos has arrived in the coastal areas of Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) in Tamil Nadu . These birds, known for their attractive pink feathers, have come here for breeding and feeding, taking advantage of the rich resources of the region. Actually, this flock of flamingos has been attracted by the salt water bodies and salt plains , which provide a suitable environment for these migratory birds. Let us tell you, from October to March , the salt plains of the coastal town become ideal feeding grounds for flamingos. Large flamingos migrate to Thoothukudi from various parts of Africa, Southern Asia, Middle East and Southern Europe. Flamingos are attracted to this area due to the availability of food sources such as crabs, shrimps, insects, worms and tubers. Alayathi Forest near Tuticorin Beach Road is a famous nesting site for these birds.
10 New eel species discovered off Thoothukudi coast named after Tamil language
In March 2025, Researchers at Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh, UP)-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) have discovered a new species of congrid eel found off the Thoothukudi coast of Tamil Nadu (TN) . It belongs to the genus ‘ Ariosoma ‘ and has been named Tamilikam after the world’s oldest language ‘ Tamil ‘.
11 Waves OTT platform to broadcast DFB-Pokal semi-finals and grand finale live in India
Waves OTT platform will broadcast Deutscher Football-Bund, DFB-Pokal Semi-finals and Grand Finale live in India . A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Prasar Bharati and DFB Germany in this regard . This will strengthen football relations between India and Germany. Under the agreement, an Under-17 talent search tournament will be launched, in which 20 young Indian players will get an opportunity to train in Germany. Waves OTT platform has launched a special contest for Indian fans, in which winning will give them a chance to watch the DFB-Pokal final match.
12 Second edition of Khelo India Para Games begins in New Delhi
The second edition of Khelo India Para Games is starting in New Delhi . The tournament, which will run till March 27 , will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium and Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. More than 1,300 players will participate in six disciplines including Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Table Tennis, Para Powerlifting and Para Shooting. Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya released the Khelo India Para Games song, mascot and logo. Khelo India Para Games mascot Ujjwala is inspired by Delhi Ki Goraiya , which symbolizes the pride and fighting spirit of the city. On this occasion, Shri Mandaviya said that the Khelo India initiative has provided a remarkable platform to the players.
13 Lando Norris wins F1’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix 2025
On March 16, 2025 , British Formula One (F1) driver Lando Norris of McLaren won the 2025 season opener Australian Grand Prix held at Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia . Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing . George Russell of Mercedes finished second and third respectively.
14 Arvind Singh Mewar, former royal family member of Mewar and chairman of HRH Group of Hotels, passed away
In March 2025, Arvind Singh Mewar, a member of the former royal family of Mewar and a descendant of Rajput king Maharana Pratap, died at the age of 81 at the City Palace in Udaipur , Rajasthan. He was born on 13 December 1944 in Udaipur. He was the chairman of the Historic Resort Hotels (HRH) hotel group in Udaipur and chairman and managing trustee of the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur . He was an active cricketer in the 1960s and 1970s and made his debut in the Ranji Trophy tournament (Rajasthan) in December 1961. Under his leadership, ‘ The Cricket Institute, Udaipur ‘ was established. It is a unique institution and the only one of its kind in Rajasthan, which promotes sports and players. To promote professional polo in the U.K., he established ‘ The Udaipur Cup ‘ at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club in England (U.K.). He formed the Mewar Polo Team in Udaipur.
