No current affairs information is present in the provided text.

• Rankings and Recognition:

  • Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, is the top-ranked Indian institution in the QS World University Rankings.

• Heritage and Culture:

  • Kanger Valley National Park in Chhattisgarh was included in UNESCO's tentative heritage list.
  • The Dalai Lama received the Gold Mercury Award.

• International Relations and Diplomacy:

  • Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Mauritius.
  • India became the top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Dubai.
  • Prime Minister Modi was awarded the Grand Commander of the Indian Ocean award by Mauritius.
  • Russia-Ukraine war talks took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Former Asian president arrested on an International Criminal Court warrant.

• Economy and Finance:

  • The Tamil Nadu government replaced the rupee symbol with Tamil script on some signage.

• Festivals and Events:

  • The Attukal Pongala Festival, known as the world's largest women's gathering, took place in Kerala.
  • Aapda 39, an agricultural food export processing event, was held in Delhi.

• Environment and Conservation:

  • India ranked fifth among the world's most polluted countries according to the World Air Quality Report 2024.
  • Ratan Tata Electronic City: To be established in Assam.

• Sports:

  • The Indian Army topped the points table in the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, held in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.

• Defense and Security:

  • The Indian Navy conducted the Corp-et-Bango Sagar exercise in the Bay of Bengal with Bangladesh.

• Government Initiatives:

  • The Ministry of Culture launched the Gyan Bharat Mission for digital preservation of records.
  • Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to participants of the Dandi March on March 12th, commemorating its historical significance.
  • Coal India Agreement: With IIT Hyderabad for Clean Coal Energy and Net Zero Hub ("Cleanse").

• Appointments:

  • Marc Koni became the new Prime Minister of Canada.
  • Frederik Merz became the new Chancellor of Germany.

• India-Specific Current Affairs:

  • Uttar Pradesh launched the RISE app for digital monitoring of routine childhood immunization.
  • Assam became the first state to announce the launch of its own satellite.
  • The death of Garimela Balakrishna Prasad occurred in Andhra Pradesh.
  • India's First Integrated Manufacturing Facility: Started in Himachal Pradesh.
  • Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh became India's 58th tiger reserve.

• Military Exercises:

  • Freedom Shield Exercise: Conducted between the USA and South Korea.

• Government Appointments:

  • Ajay Bahadur appointed CEO of Government e-Marketplace.

• Social Welfare Schemes:

  • National Livestock Mission's "Go Samridhi" cattle insurance scheme launched in Kerala.
  • Project Hifazat for women's safety launched in Punjab.

• Awards and Recognition:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded Barbados' honorary Order of Freedom.
  • Banatara (Gujarat) received the National Animal Friends Award.
  • IRFC and IRCTC received Navratna status.
  • Yuki Bhambri and Purav Raja won their first ATP 500 doubles title in Dubai.
  • Menaka Sharma took charge as the Comptroller and Auditor General of Defence Accounts.

• Global Indices:

  • Burkina Faso tops the Institute for Economics and Peace's Global Terrorism Index 2025.
  • Sweden tops The Economist's Glass Ceiling Index 2025 regarding working women.
  • Myanmar ranked first, and India second, in the Global Internet Shutdown Report.

• Defense and Technology:

  • USA issues executive order to establish strategic Bitcoin reserves.
  • India's Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile (previously named Astra, now named Gandhiv) discussed.
  • DRDO unveils a hypersonic short-range ballistic missile (BM-F).
  • Amazon launched the prototype of the first quantum chip, "Ocell."

• Other Developments:

  • National Ropeway Development Programme's Parvatmala project approved.
  • Electronics and IT Ministry unveils AI Kosh, Compute Portal, and iGOT-AI for AI innovation.
  • Joint Special Forces Exercise "Khanjar" conducted between India and Kyrgyzstan.
  • Shaurya Veerta Utsav, showcasing army capabilities, held in Bihar.
  • Anju Rathi Rana becomes India's first female Law Secretary.
  • India's first active pharmaceutical ingredients, green hydrogen, and 2G ethanol integrated manufacturing facility starts in Himachal Pradesh.
  • Madhav National Park declared India's 58th tiger reserve (Madhya Pradesh).
  • Launched the Mukhyamantri Ekal Mahila Swarojgar Yojana in Uttarakhand to support women's self-employment.
  • The first World Peace Center in India was inaugurated in Gurugram.

• Maternal Mortality Rate:

  • The maternal mortality rate (MMR) per 100,000 live births in India has reached 100.

• Sports News:

  • Steve Smith announced his retirement from international ODI cricket.
  • Padmakar Shivalkar, a recently deceased cricketer, was remembered.
  • The Indian Navy participated in the Sea Dragon 2025 exercise in Guam.
  • FIFA suspended Pakistan, Russia, and Congo from the 2026 World Cup.
  • Khelo India Para Games 2025 started in Delhi.
  • Sharath Kamal, a table tennis player, announced his international retirement.
  • Kerala was the runner-up in the Ranji Trophy.

• Economic News:

  • According to the Knight Frank Wealth Report, India is ranked fourth among the world's largest global wealth centers.
  • India ranked 28th in digital user spending, according to the ICRIER report.
  • Ahmedabad is the first urban body to focus on a climate budget.

• Government Initiatives & Policy:

  • The Indian Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation launched its first assistive production center in Tripura.
  • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the "Netri Abhiyan."

• International Affairs & Reports:

  • A new global alliance, C3, for sustainable urban development was formed during a meeting in Jaipur.
  • Christian Stürmer was sworn in as the Federal Chancellor of Austria.

• Space Exploration:

  • Blue Origin's NS-23 flight included a second Indian-origin astronaut, Tushar Mehta
  • Intuitive Machines' Odysseus mission was the first private mission to achieve a lunar soft landing.
  • NASA will launch the SPHEREx mission to study events shortly after the Big Bang.

• Environment:

  • Mount Fantal volcano in Ethiopia emitted a methane plume.
  • World Wildlife Conservation Day is celebrated on March 3rd.
  • The Blue Flag certification of Rushikonda Beach in Andhra Pradesh was temporarily suspended.

• Supreme Court Decision:

  • The Supreme Court declared anti-discrimination based on disability a fundamental right.

• Joint River Commission Meeting: Meeting between India and Bangladesh held in Kolkata.

• Disease Outbreak: Over 50 deaths due to a "crying disease" in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire).

• Tanushree Singh became the first female pilot of the Indian Air Force's Jaguar squadron.

• Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of dolphins according to a recent dolphin count.

• Mars' Red Color: NASA studies attribute Mars' red color to iron oxide.

• Military Exercise: The integrated tri-service special forces exercise Desert Hunt 25 was held in Rajasthan, involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• Autobiography: Diya Salai is the autobiography of Kailash Satyarthi.

• World Civil Defence Day: Celebrated annually on March 1st.

• Bund Central Database Portal: Launched by the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

• Shaba Women's Championship: India won the 3rd Shaba Women's Championship.

• INOX India Certification: INOX India received the first IATF 16949 certificate for cryogenic fuel tanks; headquarters are in Gujarat.

• Spiritual Corridors: Five spiritual corridors announced in Uttar Pradesh.

• Private Spacecraft: Blue Ghost is the second private spacecraft to soft-land on the moon.

• Tropical Cyclones: Rai, Seru, and Alfred are names of tropical cyclones.

• 3R and Circular Economy Forum: 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum inaugurated in Jaipur, India.

• Blue Origin NS-23 Flight: Tushar Mehta was the second Indian-origin astronaut; Gopi Thotakuri was the first.

• Dolphin Population: Uttar Pradesh has the highest dolphin population (first dolphin census).

• Mount Fantal Volcanic Eruption: Ethiopian volcano emitted methane plume.

• Female Jaguar Squadron Pilot: Tanushka Singh is the first female Jaguar squadron pilot.

• Ranji Trophy 2025: Kerala was the runner-up.

• Academy Awards: "Anora" won the Best Picture Oscar.

• World Wildlife Conservation Day: Celebrated on March 3rd.

• Developments in India:

  • Lead-free perovskite LEDs developed in Hyderabad.
  • Madhavi Puri Buch replaced as 11th Chairperson of SEBI.
  • Sarbananda Sonowal launched national port and Maitri app in Mumbai.
  • YES Bank included in S&P Global Sustainability Ranking 2025.
  • A stitched ship launched in Goa (ancient shipbuilding techniques).
  • National Summit on Health and Family Welfare held in Odisha.
  • National Science Day observed on February 28th.
  • Pran Mitra and Jeevdaya awards related to Indian Animal Welfare Board.
  • 4000-year-old wooden circle discovered in Denmark.

• International Affairs:

  • Kurdistan Workers' Party associated with Turkey.
  • U.S. designated English as its official language.

• Government Spending Priorities:

• Defense received the highest allocation.
• Rural development was second.
• Ministry of Home Affairs was third.
• Agriculture was fourth.

• Current Events (March 1st-15th, 2025):

  • NASA's PUNCH mission: Focuses on the Sun.
  • Juno mission: Launched by China, related to Jupiter.

• Fiscal Deficit: 4.8% in 2024-25, projected to decrease to 4.4% in 2025-26.

• Tax Changes:

  • Tax exemption on 36 life-saving drugs.
  • New Income Tax regime introduced.
  • Revised tax slabs:

    Income Slab (in ₹ Lakhs)	Tax Rate (%)
    0-4	0
    4-8	5
    8-12	10
    12-16	15
    16-20	20
    20-24	25
    Above 24	30

  • Income up to ₹12 Lakhs is tax-free.

• Government Revenue Sources:

  • Borrowing: 24%
  • Corporation Tax: 17%
  • Income Tax: 22%
  • GST: 18%

• Government Expenditure:

  • States' share of taxes and duties: 22%
  • Interest payments: 20%
  • Defense: Highest expenditure
  • Rural Development: Second highest expenditure
  • Home Ministry: Third highest expenditure
  • Agriculture: Fourth highest expenditure

• Changes in FDI Limits: The FDI limit in the insurance sector has been increased from 74% to 100%.

• Jal Jeevan Mission: Extended to 2028.

• Ocean Development Fund: Government contributes 49%.

• Udan Yojana: 120 new flight destinations planned in 10 years.

• Bihar Infrastructure: Greenfield airport, West Kosi Canal project.

• Jnana Bharatam Mission: Preserve 1 crore hand-written manuscripts.

• Export Promotion: "Bharat Trade Net" platform launched.

• Insurance Sector: FDI limit increased from 74% to 100%.

• Fiscal Deficit Projections:

  • 2024-25: 4.8% of GDP
  • 2025-26: 4.4% of GDP

• Atal Tinkering Labs: 50,000 in government schools in 5 years.

• Indian Language Book Scheme: Books translated into local languages.

• National Skill Excellence Centers: 5 centers for "Make for India" and "Make for the World".

• Education and AI: ₹500 crore for AI in education excellence centers.

• Cancer Care: Day-care cancer hospital in every district hospital within 3 years.

• India Trade Net Platform: Improves supply in the export sector.

• MSME Definition Changes:

  • Investment thresholds:
    • Micro: ₹2.5 crore
    • Small: ₹25 crore
    • Medium: ₹125 crore
  • Turnover thresholds:
    • Micro: ₹10 crore
    • Small: ₹100 crore
    • Medium: ₹500 crore

• Credit Card for Micro Industries: ₹5 lakh credit card via Udyam portal.

• National Manufacturing Mission: Footwear, toy, and food processing industries.

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Limit Increase: Increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.

• Assam Urea Plant: New urea plant in Namrup; 12.7 lakh metric tons capacity.

• Agricultural Initiatives:

  • Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanaya Krishi Yojana: 100 districts, 1.7 crore farmers.
  • Pulse Self-Reliance Mission: 6-year mission (tur, urad, masoor).
  • Missions for vegetables, fruits, and millets (Shree Anna). 2023: Year of millets.
  • Makhana Board established in Bihar.
  • National High-Yield Seed Mission.
  • Cotton Production Mission: 5-year mission.

• Budget 2025-26: Presented by Nirmala Sitharaman for the eighth time.

  • Focuses on achieving a "developed India" through six key points: poverty eradication, quality education, accessible healthcare, skilled workforce, increased female participation in economic activity, and making India the "food basket of the world".
  • Morarji Desai presented the budget the most times (10).
  • The first budget in India was presented in 1860 by James Wilson.
  • The first budget after independence was presented by K. Shanmukham Chetty.
  • John Mathai presented the first budget in a Republic of India.
  • Indira Gandhi was the first woman to present a budget.
  • Nirmala Sitharaman presented the longest budget in 2020.
  • The budget was presented on February 1st.

• Vision of a Developed India: Six key aspects: poverty eradication, 100% school education, affordable and accessible healthcare, 100% skilled workforce, 70% women's participation in economic activity, and establishing India as the "Food Basket of the World".

• Budget's Four Engines: Agriculture, MSMEs, Investment, and Exports. Reforms serve as the fuel, inclusivity as the guidance, and a developed India as the destination.

• Agriculture Initiatives:

  • Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanay Krishi Yojana: Aims to increase agricultural productivity, launched in 100 districts, expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers.
  • Pulse Self-Reliance Mission: A 6-year mission focusing on tur, urad, and masoor lentils.
  • Missions for vegetables, fruits, and millets (Shree Anna) are also mentioned, with 2023 declared as the year of millets.
  • Makhana Board: To be established in Bihar.

• Other Missions:

  • National High-Yielding Seed Mission: Focuses on high-yield seeds.
  • Cotton Production Mission: A 5-year mission to improve cotton quality and boost the textile industry.

• Kisan Credit Card: Limit increased (specific amount not provided in this chunk).