International News

1. India has emerged as the top source of FDI in Dubai

India has emerged as the leading source country for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Dubai as the desert city regains its top spot as a global FDI destination in 2024.
Dubai has been ranked the world's No. 1 destination for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for the fourth consecutive year, according to Financial Times Ltd.'s 'FDI Markets' data.
India has become the top source country for FDI in Dubai for the year 2024, surpassing the US, France, and the UK.
According to the Dubai FDI Monitor of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, India contributed 21.5% to FDI inflows, followed by the United States (13.7%), France (11%), the United Kingdom (10%), and Switzerland (6.9%).
During the year, Dubai attracted 1,117 greenfield FDI projects, the most in its history.
Dubai also achieved a historic milestone in FDI attraction with 1,826 announced FDI projects, up 11% from 1,650 projects in 2023.
A total of 58,680 projected jobs were created through FDI in 2024, an increase of 31% from 44,745 jobs in 2023.

2. South Africa will host the first G20 Trade and Investment Working Group (TWGW) meeting

The first G20 Trade and Investment Working Group (TWGW) meeting will be organized under the presidency from March 18 to March 20.
The TIWG meeting will bring together senior officials from G20 member countries as well as the European Union and the African Union.
This would be the first of the four proposed meetings of the TIWG.
This session will be attended by international organisations, such as the World Trade Organisation, the United Nations Trade and Development, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and African regional communities. South Africa officially assumed the presidency of the G20 for the year 2025 under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

Defence News

3. India and Bangladesh carried out joint naval exercise Bongosagar 2025

The exercise was carried out in Bay of Bengal to improve interoperability.
INS Ranvir participated from the Indian Navy and BNS Abu Ubaidah took part from the Bangladesh Navy.
The exercise involved operations like surface firing, tactical manoeuvres, and underway replenishment.
The exercise was an opportunity for both navies to develop closer links in tactical planning and coordination for undertaking seamless maritime operations.
First edition of Exercise Bongosagar was held in 2019. Its 4th edition (Bongosagar 23) was held in November 2023.

Awards News

4. Muthoot Microfin won double gold at the SKOCH Awards 2025

A remarkable double victory has been achieved by Muthoot Microfin at the SKOCH Awards 2025, with two prestigious Gold Awards being secured.
Muthoot Microfin is a leading microfinance institution committed to empowering women entrepreneurs.
The honors were presented to Sadaf Saeed, CEO, Muthoot Microfin, by Sameer Kochhar, Chairman, Skoch Group, at a prestigious ceremony held in New Delhi.
The company was recognized for excellence in digital financial inclusion and insurance solutions, including:

Corporate Excellence – “Best Customer Application on Digital Financial Inclusion” for its groundbreaking Mahila Mitra initiative.
With 1.73 million downloads and an impressive 4.2-star rating, Mahila Mitra has transformed the way women in rural India access financial services, making digital transactions seamless and secure.

BFSI Awards – “Best Insurance Plan” for its Griha Raksha Insurance Plan which provided coverage to 2.66 million beneficiaries. This reinforces Muthoot Microfin’s commitment to financial security and social empowerment.

Obituary News

5. Veteran actor-filmmaker Deb Mukherjee passed away at the age of 83

Deb Mukherjee, veteran actor and filmmaker, died on March 14 in Mumbai.
He is a key figure in the North Bombay Durga Puja celebrations. He is also the father of Ayan Mukerji.
Deb Mukherjee began his career as an actor and made his debut with ‘Sambandh’ film.
He acted in over a dozen films like Adhikar, Ek Bar Mooskura Do, Do Aankhen, Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki, Baaton Baaton Mein and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander.
He played a crucial role in the cultural and artistic landscape of Bollywood.

Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 15th March 2025