The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) have launched national financial literacy initiatives to increase financial awareness and inclusion. These projects, which are being carried out as part of the National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE), seek to provide vital financial knowledge and skills to people from all walks of life. Special programs are being conducted across different age groups, particularly targeting youth (below 18 years) and senior citizens (above 60 years).

The Finance Ministry has announced a Zero Coupon Bond (ZCB) for Power Finance Corporation. The company can raise up to ₹10,000 crore. ZCB is an instrument that does not pay interest during its term and is sold at a discount to its face value. When the bond matures, the investor receives its full face value. There will be no recurrent interest payments. The bond, with a face value of ₹1 lakh, would be issued with a discount of ₹49,546 (per notification). In other words, the investor will pay ₹50,454 at the time of issuance, while get ₹1 lakh at maturity.

According to a research, India’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in Dubai increased fivefold from $589 million in 2023 to $3.018 billion in 2024, making it the top investor in Dubai. India, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom were the leading source countries for FDI into the emirate. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s Dubai FDI Monitor, India was the top source country for total estimated FDI capital into Dubai, accounting for 21.5%, followed by the United States (13.7%), France (11%), the United Kingdom (10%), and Switzerland (6.9%).

Retail inflation in India fell to a seven-month low of 3.61 percent in February 2025, from 4.31 percent in January, according to statistics issued by the National Statistics Office. For the first time since August 2024, inflation has dipped below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) medium-term objective of 4%. The decline in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was primarily due to a major drop in food costs. Food inflation fell sharply to 3.75 per cent in February from 5.97 per cent in January, reaching its lowest level since May 2023.

According to the most recent statement from the Ministry of Finance, total advances outstanding to the MSME sector have steadily climbed over the last five years. During the same time period, the MSME Sector’s gross NPAs and NPA ratio have steadily dropped. Furthermore, according to RBI’s provisional data for FY 2025, which runs until December 31, 2024, both Gross NPAs and Gross NPA ratios in the MSME sector have decreased. Gross NPA ratio, of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) in MSME sector fell from 11% in FY2020 to 4% in FY2024.

Shubman Gill was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2025, in recognition of his outstanding batting performances, after leading India to victory in the Champions Trophy 2025. Gill scored 406 runs in 5 ODIs, maintaining an outstanding batting average of 101.50 and a strike rate of 94.19. In the women’s division, Australia’s Alana King was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for February 2025. She was recognized for her brilliant bowling performances, playing a vital role in her team’s success during the month.

Mukesh Ambani-led Jio Platforms Limited announced a partnership with SpaceX to deliver Starlink’s internet services to India, a day after competitor Bharti Airtel signed a similar agreement. Jio Platforms Limited intends to provide Starlink solutions through its retail outlets and online platforms. Bharti Airtel previously signed an agreement with SpaceX to launch Starlink’s satellite internet services in India, according to a regulatory filing. However, the partnership remains subject to regulatory approvals for SpaceX to offer Starlink services in the country.

Every year on March 15th, the world marks World Consumer Rights Day. This day serves as a timely reminder of the value of consumer rights in the worldwide marketplace. It is an opportunity to increase awareness, educate consumers, and hold firms accountable for ethical actions. This day dates back to 1962. In a historic speech, former US President John F. Kennedy became the first international leader to openly address consumer rights on a worldwide scale. This sparked a movement, and in 1983, the consumer movement began marking March 15th as World Consumer Rights Day. The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2025 is, ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.’

On the invitation of Mauritius’ Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a State Visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, to participate in the National Day celebrations as the Chief Guest. The ceremonies included a deployment of Indian Defence Forces as well as an Indian Navy ship. The Prime Minister last visited Mauritius in 2015. Prime Minister also interacted with the members of the Indian-origin community, and inaugurated the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre, both built with India’s grant assistance. A number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged during the visit.

The Assam state government has announced intentions to launch its own satellite, ASSAMSAT, soon, with the goal of improving data availability for critical socioeconomic projects and border surveillance. Assam finance minister Ajanta Neog made the statement while presenting the budget for fiscal year 2025-26. “(The ASSAMSAT satellite) can help providing dedicated services for agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure development, and security border management and police operations,” Neog said.