Banking & Technology
RBI’s ‘bank.in’ Domain
RBI introduced ‘bank.in’ as a dedicated internet domain exclusively for registered banks in India. Registration begins from April 2025. This initiative enhances digital trust, prevents phishing, and provides authentic banking identifiers for customers.
Insurance & International
GIC Re’s UK Expansion
General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) received approval to establish a subsidiary in the United Kingdom. As India’s largest reinsurance company, this marks significant international expansion and strengthens India’s presence in global insurance markets.
Economy
India’s Gold Demand 2024
According to the World Gold Council, India’s total gold demand in 2024 was 802.8 tonnes, including 239 tonnes as investment demand. This reflects India’s enduring cultural affinity with gold and its role as a safe-haven asset during economic uncertainty.
Education & Employment
Skill India Programme Allocation
The government approved ₹8,800 crore budgetary allocation for the Skill India Programme from 2022-23 to 2025-26. This four-year investment aims to create a skilled workforce, improve employability, and align vocational training with industry requirements.
Healthcare
Kerala’s Health System Loan
Kerala secured ₹2,424.28 crore from the World Bank for its Health System Improvement Programme. The loan will strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhance service delivery, improve health outcomes, and modernize the state’s public health system.
Sports
Marcus Stoinis ODI Retirement
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced retirement from ODI cricket, focusing on T20 formats and franchise leagues. This decision reflects the growing trend of cricketers prioritizing shorter formats and lucrative T20 leagues globally.
Sports & Entertainment
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Anthem
Pakistani singer Atif Aslam performed ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’, the official anthem for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His powerful vocals and cross-border appeal made him ideal for this prestigious cricket tournament, promoting unity through sports.
Sports
Hockey India League Champions
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers won the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 title, marking success in the league’s revival season. The victory showcases the team’s consistent performance and highlights the growing competitiveness of domestic hockey in India.
Digital Banking
Banking Domain Security
The ‘bank.in’ domain initiative addresses cybersecurity concerns by providing authenticated banking identifiers. This dedicated domain helps customers distinguish genuine bank websites from phishing attempts, enhancing digital banking safety and customer confidence.
Commodities
Gold as Investment Asset
India’s gold investment demand of 239 tonnes in 2024 (separate from jewelry) indicates strong investor confidence in gold as a wealth preservation tool. Gold investments include bars, coins, and gold ETFs, serving as hedge against inflation and currency volatility.