Poonam Gupta Appointed RBI Deputy Governor Ahead of Key Meeting
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has named Poonam Gupta as its Deputy Governor, succeeding Michael Patra. Her appointment, set for a three-year term, comes just before the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for April 7-9, 2025. Gupta brings vast expertise in macroeconomic policy, with prior roles at the IMF and World Bank, and leadership as Director General at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). A former professor at Delhi School of Economics, her experience is expected to contribute significantly to RBI’s monetary policies and India’s broader economic strategies.
Rajnigandha Achievers Win Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025
In an electrifying final of the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 in New Delhi, the Rajnigandha Achievers defeated Jindal Panther to claim the prestigious title. Featuring stellar performances by Dino Dhankhar, Shamsheer Ali, Abhimanyu Pathak, and Daniel Otamendi, the team showcased exceptional skills and teamwork. The event, honoring the late Shri Aditya Vikram Birla’s passion for polo, witnessed fierce competition from top teams, including Cavalry Royal Enfield. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Rajashree Birla presented the trophy, underscoring the tournament’s significance in celebrating the regal sport of polo and promoting its growth in India.
Swaminathan S. Iyer Appointed Whole-Time Member (Life) of IRDAI
The Government of India has appointed Swaminathan S. Iyer as a whole-time member (life) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). With over 34 years of experience in the life insurance industry, Iyer has held senior positions at Tata AIA Life Insurance and HDFC Life, showcasing expertise in compliance, governance, and policy-making. His tenure, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, is for five years or until he turns 62. This appointment is expected to bolster IRDAI’s regulatory framework and drive strategic growth in India’s life insurance sector.
PM Modi Launches ₹33,700 Crore Development Initiatives in Bilaspur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled projects worth ₹33,700 crore in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Key initiatives include the Sipat Super Thermal Power Project Stage-III, costing ₹9,790 crore, and the Griha Pravesh ceremony for 3 lakh rural beneficiaries under PMAY-G. The projects span housing, healthcare, education, railways, and energy, aiming to uplift tribal communities, enhance infrastructure, and generate employment. Modi emphasized sustainable and inclusive development during the ceremony, highlighting the government’s commitment to empowering the region and improving living standards, fostering economic growth and community welfare. These initiatives symbolize progress and hope for Chhattisgarh’s future.
NITI Aayog and NCAER Launch States Economic Forum Portal
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum portal. Developed collaboratively by NITI Aayog and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), the portal provides a wealth of data spanning three decades across social, economic, and fiscal indicators of Indian states. It offers state-specific reports, detailed dashboards, and research insights to support evidence-based policy-making and informed discussions. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of regional fiscal and economic trends, empowering policymakers and researchers to drive development, improve governance, and promote growth across India’s states effectively.
ZooWIN Platform Launched to Combat Rabies and Snakebite Fatalities
The Indian government has unveiled ZooWIN, a digital initiative to track anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) and anti-snake venom (ASV) stocks in real time. Developed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with UNDP’s support, ZooWIN aims to enhance healthcare access and reduce fatalities from rabies and snakebites. Piloted in states like Assam and Delhi, it leverages eVIN’s digital framework to ensure timely stock updates and equitable distribution. ZooWIN also identifies nearby health centers with ARV and ASV supplies, especially in underserved areas. This platform represents a critical step in tackling these life-threatening health challenges across India.
