“AWARDS”

Dalai Lama Honored with Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability

Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama was honored with the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability at a special ceremony held at his residence in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on April 1, 2025. The award was presented by Gold Mercury International, a globally recognized think tank dedicated to promoting peace, governance, and sustainable development.

 “SPORTS”

Rajnigandha Achievers Winner Of Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025

The Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 culminated in a thrilling final, with the Rajnigandha Achievers emerging victorious against Jindal Panther. The match, held in New Delhi, was a gripping contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. This prestigious tournament, honoring the late Shri Aditya Vikram Birla’s passion for polo, saw some of the finest polo players from around the world come together to compete.

“DEFENCE”

IAF to Participate in Multinational Air Exercise INIOCHOS-25 in Greece

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in the multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25, beginning in Greece. The 12-day exercise, hosted by Greece’s Hellenic Air Force, will take place at Andravida Air Base in a historic region of Elis. It will continue till the 11th of April.The IAF contingent will include Su-30 MKI fighters, along with combat-enabling IL-78 and C-17 aircraft. The exercise will integrate multiple air and surface assets from fifteen countries under realistic combat scenarios, designed to simulate modern-day air warfare challenges.

“APPOINTMENT”

Shirley Botchwey Becomes First African Woman Secretary General of the Commonwealth

On 1st April 2025, Shirley Botchwey assumed office as the 7th Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, becoming the first African woman to hold the position. She replaced Patricia Scotland of Dominica, who was the first-ever woman to serve as the Commonwealth Secretary General. Shirley Botchwey was elected for a four-year term at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 in Apia, Samoa.

Salila Pande Appointed as MD & CEO of SBI Card, Effective April 1, 2025

SBI Cards and Payment Services (SBI Card) has appointed Salila Pande as its new Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025. This announcement was officially made through a press release filed with the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) and NSE (National Stock Exchange).

Swaminathan S. Iyer Appointed as Whole-Time Member (Life) of IRDAI

The Government of India has approved the appointment of Swaminathan S. Iyer as a whole-time member (life) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). This appointment has significant implications for the insurance sector, as the IRDAI plays a critical role in regulating and developing the Indian insurance industry.

Tata Group appoints Shibashish Roy as MD & CEO of Croma

Tata Group’s electronics retail chain Croma has appointed Shibashish Roy as its chief executive officer and Managing Director. Roy, who has over 20 years of experience in Tata Group companies, was named chief executive officer in November 2024 and worked alongside outgoing managing director Avijit Mitra during a transition period that concluded in March 2025.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Kumbakonam Betel Leaf and Thovalai Flower Garland Receive GI Tag

The Kumbakonam betel leaf of Thanjavur and the Thovalai flower garland of Kanyakumari have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) Tags by the Government of India. This recognition brings the total number of GI products from Tamil Nadu to 62. The announcement was made after a four-month review period, with the official GI status published in the Government Gazette on November 30, 2024.

Aditya Birla Finance merges with parent Aditya Birla Capital

The amalgamation of Aditya Birla Finance Ltd (ABFL) with its parent Aditya Birla Capital Ltd (ABCL) with effect from April 1, 2025, will lead to rationalisation and simplification of group structure, improved financial stability, and increased operational efficiency. ABCL will be converted from a Core Investment Company to an operating NBFC (non-banking finance company), and this will create a unified larger entity with greater financial strength and flexibility enabling direct access to capital.