🇮🇳 National News
The Union Cabinet, under PM Narendra Modi, approved the extension and restructuring of the Skill India Programme (SIP) till 2026 with a total outlay of ₹8,800 crore.
Programme details:
- Coverage period – 2022-23 to 2025-26
- Total budget – ₹8,800 crore
- Focus areas – Industry-aligned, technology-driven, demand-based skill development
- Objective – Enhance youth employability and support economic growth
The Skill India Programme focuses on workforce development by providing vocational training and skill certification. Budgetary outlays indicate government priority sectors and commitment to human capital development.
This strengthens India’s human capital and job-readiness ecosystem, preparing youth for evolving industry requirements.
Skill India extended till 2026 with ₹8,800 crore outlay
Kerala secured a ₹2,424.28 crore loan from the World Bank for the Kerala Health System Improvement Programme. The project was approved in a Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
Project highlights:
- Loan amount – ₹2,424.28 crore
- Funding source – World Bank
- Implementation model – Programme for Results (P for R) approach
- Aim – Strengthen healthcare infrastructure and service delivery
The Programme for Results (P for R) approach links disbursement of funds to achieved results, ensuring accountability and outcome-based funding. The World Bank supports health and development projects globally through various financing mechanisms.
This boosts healthcare infrastructure and delivery efficiency in Kerala, improving access to quality medical services.
Kerala gets ₹2,424.28 crore World Bank loan for health reforms
💼 Business & Economy
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the exclusive domain ‘bank.in’ for registered banks to prevent phishing and digital banking fraud. Registration begins in April 2025.
Key features:
- Exclusive domain – ‘bank.in’ for registered banks only
- Objective – Prevent phishing and digital banking fraud
- Registration start – April 2025
- Future plans – RBI plans to launch ‘fin.in’ for broader financial sector
Dedicated domains improve digital trust and cybersecurity by making it easier for customers to identify legitimate bank websites. The RBI regulates banking and financial system security to protect consumers from cyber threats.
This strengthens the digital banking ecosystem against cyber threats and enhances customer confidence in online banking.
RBI launches ‘bank.in’ | Registration starts April 2025
General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) received board approval to establish a wholly owned subsidiary in the United Kingdom. The new entity will be named GIC Re, India Service Company.
Strategic expansion details:
- Parent company – General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re)
- New entity name – GIC Re, India Service Company
- Location – United Kingdom
- Objective – Expand global operations and strengthen international presence
GIC Re is India’s national reinsurer, providing reinsurance services to insurance companies. Overseas subsidiaries enhance global insurance reach and facilitate international business operations.
This marks a strategic expansion of India’s insurance sector globally, positioning GIC Re in a key international market.
GIC Re to establish UK-based subsidiary
India’s gold demand increased by 5% in 2024, reaching a total of 802.8 tonnes, according to data released by the World Gold Council (WGC).
Key statistics:
- Total demand 2024 – 802.8 tonnes (5% increase)
- Gold investment surge – Rose by 60%, reaching $18 billion (~₹1.5 lakh crore)
- Investment demand – 239 tonnes (highest since 2013)
- 2025 projection – 700–800 tonnes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Demand (2024) | 802.8 tonnes |
| Investment Amount | $18 billion (~₹1.5 lakh crore) |
| Investment Demand | 239 tonnes |
| 2025 Projection | 700–800 tonnes |
Gold demand reflects investment and consumption trends in the economy. The World Gold Council (WGC) tracks global gold statistics and provides market intelligence on the precious metals sector.
This indicates strong investor confidence and sustained demand in India, reflecting gold’s continued importance as a safe-haven asset.
India gold demand 2024: 802.8 tonnes | 2025 projection: 700–800 tonnes
🇮🇳 National News
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from ODI cricket at the age of 35 years. He will not participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but remains available for T20 cricket.
The ICC Champions Trophy is an international ODI tournament. Player format-specific retirement is increasingly common in modern cricket, allowing players to extend careers by focusing on shorter formats.
Marcus Stoinis retires from ODIs | Continues T20 cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the official anthem for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, titled ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’, performed by renowned singer Atif Aslam. The tournament begins in 12 days.
The ICC organizes global cricket tournaments and uses official anthems to promote international sporting events and build excitement among fans worldwide.
Champions Trophy 2025 anthem – ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers won the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 title by defeating Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela.
Match highlights:
- Final score – Bengal Tigers 4, Hyderabad Toofans 3
- Venue – Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela
- Key player – Jugraj Singh scored a hat trick
- Decisive goal – Sam Lane scored the late winning goal
The Hockey India League (HIL) is a professional field hockey league in India. Rourkela has emerged as a major hockey venue in India, hosting international tournaments and league matches.
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers win HIL 2024-25 title
📤 Found this useful? Help your friends stay updated too!
