Defence
MoD Artillery Systems Contract
Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems signed a ₹6,900 crore contract with the Ministry of Defence for ATAGS artillery systems and 6×6 towing vehicles. This is part of the broader ₹1.40 lakh crore capital procurement in FY 2024-25, strengthening India’s indigenous defense capabilities.
Defence
VLSRSAM Missile Test
VLSRSAM (Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile) was tested by DRDO and the Indian Navy from a land-based vertical launcher. It demonstrated capability against high-speed aerial targets at near-boundary low altitude, enhancing India’s air defense systems against evolving threats.
Business & Economy
ATM Transaction Charges Revision
From 1 May 2025, ATM transaction charges will increase to ₹19 per withdrawal and ₹7 for non-financial transactions as per RBI-linked revision. This affects customer banking costs across India’s extensive ATM network.
Digital Governance
Pamban Rail Bridge Inauguration
PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ₹531 crore Pamban Rail Bridge on April 6, 2025 (Ram Navami). The bridge strengthens rail connectivity to Rameswaram Island, improving transportation infrastructure to this important pilgrimage destination.
Environment
Wildlife DNA Preservation Initiative
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling launched India’s first wildlife DNA preservation initiative from snowy regions, collecting 60+ DNA samples including from red pandas and snow leopards. This genetic banking safeguards biodiversity for future conservation efforts.
International
Namibia’s First Female President
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female President on March 21, 2025, coinciding with the country’s 35th Independence Day. She secured 58% votes in November 2024 elections and pledged to create 500,000 jobs in 5 years.
Business & Economy
JSW Steel Global Leadership
JSW Steel surpassed Nucor to become the most valuable steel company globally, crossing $30 billion market value. This milestone reflects India’s growing prominence in global steel manufacturing and the competitiveness of Indian industrial corporations.
Business & Economy
LIC Digital Insurance Repository
CDSL’s Centrico Insurance Repository partnered with LIC for digital insurance repository services, enabling paperless policy management. This coincides with LIC’s impressive ₹3.36 trillion new business premium in FY25, demonstrating digital transformation in insurance.
Sports
B Sumeeth Reddy Retirement
B Sumeeth Reddy retired from professional badminton to pursue full-time coaching. He was part of India’s silver-winning team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, transitioning from competitive play to nurturing the next generation of Indian badminton talent.
Business & Economy
Maruti Suzuki Leadership Appointment
Sunil Kakkar was appointed Whole-Time Director (Corporate Planning) at Maruti Suzuki from April 1, 2025. With 35+ years of experience, his term runs from April 2025 to March 2028, bringing strategic planning expertise to India’s largest automobile manufacturer.