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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

HDFC Bank launches Project HAKK to support Indian Air Force (IAF) veterans

• HDFC Bank has introduced Project HAKK (Hawai Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra) to support Indian Air Force (IAF) pensioners, veterans, and their families by providing essential services and financial empowerment.
• HDFC Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Air Force (IAF), represented by the Assistant Chief of Air Staff – Accounts & Air Veterans, and CSC Academy.
• 25 centres will be established across various Air Force units, including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Pune, Secunderabad, Guwahati, Jodhpur, and Chandigarh.
• In collaboration with CSC Academy (under Common Service Centre E-Governance Limited), the bank will provide financial literacy and skill development training for veterans and their families, empowering them to become financially independent.
• Defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families can avail 500+ G2C (Government to Citizen) and B2C (Business to Customer) services, including Aadhaar services, NPS (National Pension System), PAN Card application, passport services, and bill payment services.
• This initiative reflects HDFC Bank’s commitment to supporting the defence community by ensuring easy access to essential financial services and training programs.

About HDFC Bank:

• Founded: 1994
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan
• Tagline: "We understand your world"

HDFC Bank, Indian Army & CSC Academy Expand Project NAMAN to 26 New Locations to Support Army Veterans

• HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, along with the Indian Army and CSC e-Governance, has renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand Project NAMAN – A Tribute to Veterans to 26 Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) locations.
• Project NAMAN aims to provide support and services to Army veterans, their families, and next of kin.
• The CSC Centres, operated by Army veterans or their families, will offer pension-related services, Government to Citizen (G2C) services, and Business to Consumer (B2C) services within defence establishments.
• A tripartite MoU was renewed between HDFC Bank Limited (under its Parivartan programme), Indian Army’s DIAV, and CSC Academy.
• The MoU was signed by Satyen Modi (HDFC Bank), Mr. Pravin Chandekar (CSC Academy), and Brigadier (DIAV) in the presence of Ms. Smita Bhagat (HDFC Bank), Mr. Sanjay Rakesh (CSC Academy), Lieutenant General (DG DC&W), and other dignitaries from the Indian Army and HDFC Bank.
• In the second phase, Project NAMAN will expand to 26 DIAV locations across Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya, Bihar, Odisha, and New Delhi.
• The first phase, launched in September 2023, established Common Service Centres (CSCs) at 14 DIAV locations.
• HDFC Bank, through its Parivartan programme, aims to enhance economic inclusiveness for defence service veterans and their families by providing skill development and training in financial products and services.
• The individuals managing the CSCs will receive a monthly monetary grant for the initial 12 months to support their operations.

Standing Advisory Committee to Review Flow of Credit to MSMEs held by Reserve Bank of India

• The 29th Meeting of the Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) to review the flow of credit to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector was held in Ahmedabad, under the chairmanship of Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India.
• The Deputy Governor emphasized the critical role of the MSME sector in India’s economic growth during his keynote address.
• He reaffirmed the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) commitment to enhancing institutional credit support through initiatives such as:
  • Unified Lending Interface (ULI)
  • Account Aggregator framework
  • Regulatory Sandbox
• Highlighting challenges like financial literacy gaps, information asymmetry, and delayed payments, he stressed the need for:
  • Digital solutions
  • Alternative credit assessment models
  • Greater participation in TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System)
• He underscored the importance of fair lending practices, transparency, and an empathetic approach toward MSMEs in financial distress.
• The crucial role of MSME associations in capacity building and bridging information gaps was reiterated to enhance credit access for MSMEs.
• The Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) reviewed the flow of credit to MSMEs and discussed strategies to:
  • Address the credit gap in the sector
  • Promote cash flow-based lending and digital credit solutions
  • Accelerate adoption of TReDS
  • Enhance the usage of credit guarantee schemes
  • Support revival and rehabilitation of MSMEs in financial distress

Recent News:

• In February 2025, The RBI launched RBIDATA, a mobile app providing seamless access to 11,000+ macroeconomic and financial data series.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) Revises Lending Rates: Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) Cut to 9.60%, Repo Linked Lending Rate (RLLR) to 9.25%

• Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) has announced a revision in its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR)and Repo Linked Lending Rate (RLLR), effective March 7, 2025.
• The bank has reduced the one-year MCLR to 9.60% from the previous 9.75%, while the RLLR has been revised down to 9.25% from 9.45%.
• The decision follows the bank’s ongoing adjustments to its lending rates, reflecting changes in market conditions and internal cost structures.
• The revised rates are expected to impact various loan products linked to the MCLR and RLLR benchmarks.

What is MCLR?

• MCLR is the minimum interest rate at which a bank is willing to lend to its customers.
• It is calculated based on the marginal cost of funds, which includes factors like the cost of borrowing, operating costs, and the bank's desired profit margin.
• The MCLR ensures that banks’ lending rates are more transparent and reflect market conditions, making loans like home loans and personal loans more affordable when the rates are adjusted downward.

How does RLLR affect lending rates?

• RLLR is a lending rate that is directly linked to the repo rate set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• When the RBI changes the repo rate, the RLLR of banks changes accordingly.
• This means that if the RBI increases or decreases the repo rate, banks adjust their lending rates tied to the RLLR, impacting the interest rates on loans such as home loans, car loans, and personal loans for customers.

About Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB):

• Founded Year: 1921
• Headquarters: Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
• CEO: Salee S Nair
• Slogan: "Be a Step Ahead with TMB"

Razorpay enters Singapore, its 2nd international foray after Malaysia

• Bengaluru-based fintech firm Razorpay has announced its expansion into Singapore, marking its second market in Southeast Asia after
• This move aligns with Singapore’s vision for a cashless and innovation-driven economy and aims to support digital transformation in the region.
• Southeast Asia’s digital payments boom is accelerating, with Singapore at its core.
• Razorpay's AI-driven solutions promise to reduce cross-border transaction costs by 30-40% for businesses.
• Razorpay is introducing a suite of payment solutions in Singapore, including:
  • Agentic-AI and RAY, which enhance operational efficiency through intelligent automation.
  • A payment gateway, cross-border solutions, and real-time financial analytics.
• Razorpay will work closely with banks, financial institutions, and regulators to ensure compliance and seamless integration into Singapore’s financial ecosystem.
• Businesses in Singapore can now access Razorpay's services for faster settlements, reduced costs, and AI-driven efficiency.

About Razorpay:

• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Founded: 2014
• CEO: Harshil Mathur
• MD: Shashank Kumar
• Subsidiaries: RazorpayX, Razorpay Capital, Curlec (Malaysia-based fintech)
  Key Products: Payment Gateway, RazorpayX (neo-banking), Razorpay Capital (lending), Subscription Payments, Payment Links

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025: Promoting Affordable and Quality Medicines

• Every year, March 7th is observed as Jan Aushadhi Diwas to spread awareness about generic medicines and promote their accessibility across India.
• This initiative is a part of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which aims to make quality medicines affordable.
• A week-long celebration is organized nationwide from March 1st to March 7th to commemorate this occasion, focusing on the benefits and availability of low-cost medicines.
• The 2025 celebrations commenced with a flagship event in the National Capital Region (NCR), highlighting the impact of the scheme.

What is PMBJP?

• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings.

Objectives of PMBJP

1. Affordable Healthcare: Provide high-quality generic medicines at lower costs.
2. Widespread Accessibility: Expand Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) to ensure medicine availability.
3. Reduce Dependence on Costly Branded Medicines: Offer cheaper generic alternatives to branded medicines.
4. Enhance Public Awareness: Educate people about quality and cost-effectiveness of generic drugs.

Key Initiatives and Impact

1. Awareness Campaigns for Generic Medicines

• The scheme focuses on dispelling myths that lower cost means lower quality.
• Efforts are being made to encourage doctors to prescribe generic medicines.

2. Expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras

• More than 15,000+ outlets now operate across all districts of India.
• Kendras provide medicines at 50%-80% lower prices than market rates.

3. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins

• Launched on August 27, 2019, to promote women’s hygiene.
• Available at just ₹1 per pad across 15,000+ PMBJP Kendras.
• As of January 31, 2025, sales crossed 72 crore napkins, indicating strong adoption.

4. Jan Aushadhi SUGAM Mobile App

• Launched in August 2019, enabling users to:
  • Locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras via Google Maps.
  • Check generic medicine availability and compare prices.
  • Understand potential savings on generic medicines.

World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025: India Leads Global Climate Action

• Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 in New Delhi.
• The event, organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), focused on global partnerships for accelerating sustainable development and climate solutions.
• The summit saw participation from key international leaders, including Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillip, and Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva.

Key Highlights of WSDS 2025

Inauguration & Theme

• Inaugurated by: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav.
• Theme: "Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions."
• Organized by: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

India’s Climate Leadership

• India reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 7.93% in 2020.
• Showcased India’s transformative climate initiatives, including:
  • International Solar Alliance (ISA) – Promoting solar energy adoption globally.
  • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – Strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) – Encouraging sustainable living practices.

India’s Long-Term Vision

• Viksit Bharat 2047: India’s roadmap to becoming a developed nation by 2047.
• Net-Zero Target: India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Emission Intensity Reduction: India reduced its emission intensity of GDP by 36% (2005-2020).

Notable Attendees

• Brigadier Mark Phillip, Prime Minister of Guyana.
• Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
• Nitin Desai, Chairman of TERI.
• Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI.

RECENT NEWS

• On February 18, 2025, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the ‘Waste Recycling and Climate Change 2025’ conclave, organized by the Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India (REIAI).

Festival of Letters 2025: India’s Grand Literary Celebration

• Sahitya Akademi, India’s premier literary institution under the Ministry of Culture, is set to host its annual Festival of Letters 2025 at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, from March 7 to March 12, 2025.
• The festival will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and will feature renowned literary figures.
• The prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards in 23 languages will be presented, with Mahesh Dattani, an eminent English playwright, as the chief guest.
• Upamanyu Chatterjee, a distinguished writer and scholar, will deliver the Samvatsar Lecture.

Key Highlights of Festival of Letters 2025

Event Overview

• Organized by: Sahitya Akademi (Ministry of Culture, Government of India).
• Dates & Venue: March 7 – March 12, 2025, at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.
• Inauguration by: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism.
• Chief Guest: Mahesh Dattani, renowned English playwright.
• Samvatsar Lecture Speaker: Upamanyu Chatterjee, distinguished writer and scholar.

Asia’s Largest Literature Festival

• 700 writers from across India.
• 50+ languages represented.
• 100+ literary sessions featuring panel discussions, author readings, and debates.

Festival Theme: Indian Literary Traditions

• National Seminar: A three-day discussion on Indian Literary Traditions featuring eminent scholars and authors.
• Focus on preserving and promoting India’s rich literary heritage.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

India Showcases Telecom Excellence at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025

• Union Minister for Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, represented India at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
• His visit underscored India’s rapid 5G expansion, lowest data tariffs, indigenous telecom infrastructure, and strong cybersecurity framework.
• At MWC 2025, Shri Scindia engaged with global telecom leaders, addressed key sessions, and inaugurated the Bharat Pavilion, highlighting India's advancements in the telecom sector.

Launch of Indigenous Tech at MWC 2025

• Shri Scindia inaugurated VVDN’s AI-based Wi-Fi 7, a key innovation in India’s telecom sector.
• Explored emerging technologies at booths of Meta, Google Cloud, and other global tech leaders.

Strategic Industry Engagements

• Engaged with top executives from leading global telecom firms:
  • Qualcomm, Cisco, Mavenir, Ericsson, Nokia, AMD, AT&T, Airtel, BSNL, CDOT, TEPC.
• Hosted a dinner meeting with global telecom CEOs to foster international collaborations.
• Bilateral discussions with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to strengthen global partnerships.

MWC 2025: Global Impact & India’s Role

• MWC 2025 Theme: "Converge. Connect. Create."
• Attendance: 101,000+ participants from 200+ countries.
• Industry Representation: 2,700+ exhibitors and 1,200+ speakers.
• Focus Areas: 5G, AI, IoT, digital transformation, and next-gen connectivity.
• India’s active role in shaping global telecom policies, investments, and digital innovation was a key highlight.

RECENT NEWs

• In January 2025, In a significant diplomatic development, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India and Spain will commemorate 2026 as a ‘dual year’ focusing on culture, tourism, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

HDFC Securities Strengthens its Leadership Team with Appointment of Anand Mathur as the New Chief Financial Officer

• HDFC Securities, a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Bank, has appointed Anand Mathur as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• Anand Mathur will lead the company’s financial strategy and operations, leveraging his extensive experience to drive sustainable growth.
• His appointment is expected to strengthen HDFC Securities' market position and enhance its capabilities in delivering comprehensive financial solutions.
• Key Highlights of Anand Mathur’s Career:
• Senior Vice President for Finance at HDFC Bank – Led strategic financial initiatives.
• Citibank India – Oversaw financial strategy and regulatory compliance.
• Chartered Accountant – Strong track record in financial planning, risk management, and regulatory reporting.
• With this strategic leadership change, the company aims to continue its growth trajectory in the evolving stock broking landscape.

Federal Bank appoints Vidya Balan as its Brand Ambassador

• Federal Bank, a leading private sector bank, has appointed Bollywood actress Vidya Balan as its first-ever brand ambassador.
• The announcement was made during a special ceremony in Mumbai, where Vidya Balan was presented with a commemorative memento by K.V.S. Manian, Managing Director & CEO of Federal Bank.
• This partnership marks a strategic evolution for Federal Bank, aligning with its vision of brand transformation and enhanced market presence.
• M V S Murthy, Chief Marketing Officer of Federal Bank, highlighted Vidya Balan’s versatility, pan-India appeal, and deep understanding of her roles, which align with the bank’s customer-centric approach.
• Vidya Balan expressed excitement about the collaboration, acknowledging Federal Bank’s contributions to the Indian economy, gender diversity, and community support initiatives.
• The multi-year partnership will involve television commercials and digital campaigns, strengthening the bank’s engagement with stakeholders.
• This collaboration reflects Federal Bank’s commitment to innovation, customer engagement, and nationwide expansion, reinforcing its philosophy of "Human at the Core, Digital at the Fore."

Saina Nehwal becomes Strategic Investor and Brand Ambassador for Naarica

• Naarica, a leading brand in menstrual hygiene, has announced a strategic partnership with badminton icon Saina Nehwal, who will join as both an investor and brand ambassador.
• Key Highlights of the Collaboration:
  • Mission: Redefining intimate wear and increasing access to sustainable, high-performance menstrual care for women in India.
  • Market Challenge: Despite the menstrual hygiene market growing at 16% CAGR (projected to reach $522 million by 2025), nearly 50% of menstruating women in India still lack proper sanitary products.
  • Solution: Naarica offers eco-friendly, comfortable, and lab-certified menstrual hygiene solutions, including period underwear as an alternative to traditional pads.
• Naarica’s Innovations:
  • German lab-certified anti-bacterial technology – The only such product in India.
  • Absorbent period underwear – Comfortable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective (USE. WASH. REPEAT).
  • Built in France, manufactured in India, meeting rigorous scientific standards.
• Impact and Future Outlook:
  • Naarica aims to empower women with safe, sustainable, and accessible menstrual hygiene solutions.
  • With Saina Nehwal’s influence, the brand seeks to scale operations and reach underserved communities.
  • This partnership aligns with India’s growing focus on women’s health and hygiene.

Britannia Industries CMO Amit Doshi to join PhonePe as Chief Marketing Officer

• PhonePe, one of India’s leading fintech companies, has appointed Amit Doshi as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
• The appointment comes as PhonePe prepares for its much-anticipated IPO, aiming to strengthen its market presence and brand strategy.
• Doshi’s appointment underscores PhonePe’s commitment to scaling its brand presence.
• He will spearhead marketing initiatives to enhance user acquisition, brand trust, and market leadership.
• His extensive experience in brand-building is expected to contribute significantly to PhonePe’s IPO success and future growth.

Amit Doshi’s Career Highlights:

• Britannia Industries (2016–2024)
  • Led marketing strategy for major categories like biscuits, crème wafers, and salty snacks.
  • Played a key role in brand expansion and competitive positioning in the FMCG sector.
• Lenovo (2008–2016)
  • Strengthened Lenovo’s market presence in India during an 8-year tenure.
  • Focused on brand-building and sales growth.
• Perfetti Van Melle
  • Helped expand consumer reach and drive brand engagement.

Another resignation:

• Rajneet Singh Kohli has resigned as executive director and CEO of Britannia Industries, effective March 14, 2025.
• He has decided to pursue an external opportunity after serving the company for over 5 years.
• Previously, Kohli held leadership roles at Domino’s India, Asian Paints, and Coca-Cola Co.
• Britannia's Board of Directors acknowledged his resignation on March 6, 2025, through a circular resolution.

Fizz, fame, and Vicky Kaushal: Appy Fizz unveils ‘The One, The Only’ campaign

• Parle Agro has roped in Vicky Kaushal as the new face of Appy Fizz, adding his charisma and star power to the brand’s identity.
• The latest campaign, ‘The One, The Only’, reinforces Appy Fizz’s unique positioning as a standout beverage in the market.

Key Highlights of the Campaign

• TVC Features Vicky Kaushal: The campaign’s TV commercial (TVC) presents Kaushal embodying the brand’s bold, magnetic persona, strengthening its youth appeal.
• Brand Positioning: Appy Fizz continues to be marketed as an unconventional, aspirational, and one-of-a-kind
• Marketing Strategy: Parle Agro is doubling down on celebrity endorsements and engaging storytelling to maintain market dominance.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Dr. Suborno Bose Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for Advancing AI in Hospitality Education

• Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), has been awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality and Education Through Technology’ at the Vibrant Bharat Global Summit 2025.
• The award was presented by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat in recognition of Dr. Bose’s pioneering contributions to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology into hospitality education and tourism.
• Adding to the significance of the event, Dr. Bose also launched his latest book, "Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism & Hospitality", which delves into the evolving role of AI in the industry.

Key Highlights of the Award & Recognition

Dr. Suborno Bose’s Achievements

• Awarded ‘Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality and Education Through Technology’ for advancing AI-driven hospitality education.
• Recognized for his pioneering work in blending AI with tourism and hospitality.
• Award presented by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat at the Vibrant Bharat Global Summit 2025.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Honored with ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’, recognizing his strategic leadership and assistance to Barbados during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The award was accepted on his behalf by Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, at a special ceremony held at Government House, Bridgetown.

Key Highlights of the Event

Award Details

• Recipient: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Award accepted by Pabitra Margherita).
• Title: ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ – one of the nation’s highest honors.

Ceremony Details

• Date & Venue: Government House, Bridgetown, Barbados.
• Presented by: Barbadian President Dame Sandra Mason.
• Key Attendees:
  • Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley
  • Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds
  • Other dignitaries and officials.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Inland Waterways Authority of India Signs Memorandum of Understanding with J&K Government to Develop River Cruise Tourism

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) government to promote river cruise tourism in the Union Territory.
• The agreement was formalized at the Chintan Shivir event in Srinagar, in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.
• The initiative aims to boost tourism, generate employment, and enhance economic growth by leveraging the national waterways in Jammu & Kashmir.

Key Highlights of the MoU

Objective

• Promote river cruise tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Generate employment opportunities and enhance economic growth.
• Develop waterway infrastructure to support leisure tourism and cruise operations.

National Waterways in Jammu & Kashmir

The project will focus on three national waterways in the Union Territory:

• River Chenab (NW-26)
• River Jhelum (NW-49)
• River Ravi (NW-84)

About IWAI

• Founded: 27 October 1986
• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
• Agency executive: Sh Vijay Kumar, Chairman

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

Amul Ranked 3rd Most Valued Brand in YouGov India Value Rankings 2025

• Amul, India’s largest milk cooperative, has been ranked as the third most valued brand in the YouGov India Value Rankings 2025.
• The only FMCG brand in the top three, alongside Amazon and Flipkart.
• Recognition underscores Amul’s cooperative model, ensuring fair pricing for farmers and affordable dairy products for consumers.

Amul’s Market Standing

• Ranked No.1 in Tier-2 cities.
• Among the top three in Tier-1 and Tier-3 cities.
• Ranks third among male consumers and second among female consumers.

About YouGov India Value Rankings 2025

• Survey conducted among 3 lakh urban Indians.
• Evaluated brands across various sectors, including:
  • Food & Beverages
  • Airlines
  • Consumer Appliances
  • E-commerce
  • Personal Care

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Bangladesh’s seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim Announces Retirement from ODIs

• Bangladesh’s seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, Mushfiqur Rahim, has officially announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following the conclusion of Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy campaign.
• The 37-year-old veteran shared his decision on Instagram, marking the end of an illustrious 19-year career in ODI cricket.
• Rahim stated that he had always given more than 100% dedication and honesty whenever he represented Bangladesh.

Career Stats: A Testament to His Excellence

Mushfiqur Rahim finishes his ODI career as Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer, just behind Tamim Iqbal (8,357 runs).

ODI Career Stats

• Matches Played: 274
• Runs Scored: 7,795
• Batting Average: 36.42
• Centuries: 9
• Half-Centuries: 49
• Highest Score: 144
• Dismissals (Wicketkeeping): 243 catches, 56 stumpings

RECENT NEWS

• In January 2025, New Zealand’s prolific opener, Martin Guptill, officially retired from international cricket, concluding a distinguished 14-year career that began in 2009.

Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement at age 40

• Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of international retirement to help the Indian national team in the upcoming FIFA friendly matches in March 2025.
• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the news, calling it a significant boost for the team.

AIFF Announcement

• AIFF officially announced Chhetri’s return on its 'X' (formerly Twitter) handle.
• His decision comes less than a year after he retired, leaving a void in the national squad.

Chhetri’s Legacy in Indian Football

• International Debut: 2005 vs. Pakistan (Quetta).
• Club Career Started: 2002 with Mohun Bagan.
• Major Titles Won:
  • Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012).
  • SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021, 2023).
  • AFC Challenge Cup (2008) – Qualified India for AFC Asian Cup after 27 years.

Records & Achievements

• Third-highest active international goal scorer (behind Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi).
• International Caps: 150 matches.
• Goals Scored: 94 goals.
• Awards & Honors:
  • Arjuna Award (2011).
  • Padma Shri (2019).
  • Khel Ratna Award (2021) – First Indian footballer to receive this honor.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY

Roy Ayers, Everybody Loves the Sunshine musician, died at 84

• Influential jazz, soul, and funk producer and composer Roy Ayers has passed away at the age of 84.
• Known as a pioneer of nu-soul and jazz funk, Ayers played a key role in shaping the 90s acid jazz movement.
• He is best remembered for his classic "Everybody Loves the Sunshine", which was covered and sampled by D’Angelo, Mary J. Blige, and Tyler, the Creator.
• Ayers’ music heavily influenced RnB and hip-hop artists, including A Tribe Called Quest ("Bonita Applebaum"), Mary J. Blige ("My Life"), and Jill Scott ("Watching Me").
• He collaborated with The Roots and Guru. Erykah Badu hailed him as “the king of neo soul”, while Pharrell Williams credited him as one of his greatest inspirations.
• Calvin Harris praised his music, calling it “rich and warm”.
• Ayers played several instruments but became synonymous with the vibraphone, a percussion instrument similar to a xylophone.
• He formed Roy Ayers Ubiquity, delivering hits like "Running Away" and "Searchin’".
• He composed the soundtrack for the 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy starring Pam Grier.
• His last solo album, Mahogany Vibes (2004), featured Erykah Badu.
• Born Roy Edward Ayers Jr. on September 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, into a musical family, he attended a Lionel Hampton concert at age five, where Hampton gifted him a pair of vibe mallets—shaping his future as a vibraphonist.
• He formed his first band, Jefferson Combo, in high school and later studied advanced music theory.
• He became a professional musician in 1961 and recorded three albums with jazz flautist Herbie Mann before launching his solo career.
• Ayers performed at Glastonbury multiple times, with his last performance in 2019.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Dentist’s Day 2025: March 6^th,2005

• March 6th is observed as National Dentist’s Day in India and worldwide.
• This day highlights the importance of oral health, encourages better dental care habits, and acknowledges the dedication of dentists in maintaining healthy smiles.

Significance of National Dentist’s Day

• Promotes good oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and regular checkups.
• Raises awareness about dental health issues and the importance of early diagnosis.
• Recognizes the contributions of dentists in preventing and treating dental diseases.
• Encourages individuals to show appreciation for their dentists.

History of National Dentist’s Day

Ancient Roots of Dentistry

• Hesy-Ra (2600 BC) – An Egyptian dentist and Chief of Dentists for Pharaoh Djooser, marking one of the earliest known organized dental practices.

Evolution of Dentistry

• 1530: The first book dedicated to dentistry, "The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth" (Artzney Buchlein), was published in Germany.
• 1840: The University of Maryland School of Dentistry, the first-ever dental school, was founded by Dr. Horace H. Hayden and Dr. Chapin A. Harris, establishing dentistry as a recognized medical profession.

International Women’s Day: 8th March

• International Women’s Day 2025 is celebrated on 8th March 2025.
• In 1869, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton started the National Women’s Suffrage Association to fight for women's rights
• Clara Zetkin proposes a Women's Day celebration, and International Women's Day is celebrated annually from this point forth, which is a day for Women in 1911.
• In 1965, the women’s liberation movement fought for politics, work, the family, and sexuality, and all women were given the right to vote.
• In the 2000s, with the help of the internet, the message of feminism became unified with a focused direction.

Daily CA One-Liner: March 8

• Every year, March 7th is observed as Jan Aushadhi Diwas to spread awareness about generic medicines and promote their accessibility across India
• Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 in New Delhi.
• Sahitya Akademi, India’s premier literary institution under the Ministry of Culture, is set to host its annual Festival of Letters 2025 at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, from March 7 to March 12, 2025
• Union Minister for Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, represented India at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
• Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), has been awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality and Education Through Technology’ at the Vibrant Bharat Global Summit 2025
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’, recognizing his strategic leadership and assistance to Barbados during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) government to promote river cruise tourism in the Union Territory
• Amul, India’s largest milk cooperative, has been ranked as the third most valued brand in the YouGov India Value Rankings 2025
• Bangladesh’s seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, Mushfiqur Rahim, has officially announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following the conclusion of Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy campaign
• Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of international retirement to help the Indian national team in the upcoming FIFA friendly matches in March 2025.
• HDFC Bank has introduced Project HAKK (Hawai Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra) to support Indian Air Force (IAF) pensioners, veterans, and their families by providing essential services and financial empowerment.
• HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, along with the Indian Army and CSC e-Governance, has renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand Project NAMAN – A Tribute to Veterans to 26 Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) locations.
• The 29th Meeting of the Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) to review the flow of credit to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector was held in Ahmedabad, under the chairmanship of Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India.
• Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) has announced a revision in its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR)and Repo Linked Lending Rate (RLLR), effective March 7, 2025.
• Bengaluru-based fintech firm Razorpay has announced its expansion into Singapore, marking its second market in Southeast Asia after Malaysia.
• HDFC Securities, a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Bank, has appointed Anand Mathur as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• Federal Bank, a leading private sector bank, has appointed Bollywood actress Vidya Balan as its first-ever brand ambassador.
• Naarica, a leading brand in menstrual hygiene, has announced a strategic partnership with badminton icon Saina Nehwal, who will join as both an investor and brand ambassador.
• PhonePe, one of India’s leading fintech companies, has appointed Amit Doshi as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Rajneet Singh Kohli has resigned as executive director and CEO of Britannia Industries, effective March 14, 2025.
• Parle Agro has roped in Vicky Kaushal as the new face of Appy Fizz, adding his charisma and star power to the brand’s identity.
• Influential jazz, soul, and funk producer and composer Roy Ayers has passed away at the age of 84.
• March 6th is observed as National Dentist’s Day in India and worldwide
• International Women’s Day 2025 is celebrated on 8th March 2025.