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French Former PM Lionel Jospin, Architect of 35-hour Week, Passed AwayIn March 2026, former Prime Minister (PM) of France Lionel Robert Jospin passed away at the age of 88 in Paris, France. He was born on 12 July 1937 in Meudon, near Paris, France.About Lionel Robert Jospin:Political Career: In 1981, he was appointed head of the Socialist Party by President François Mitterrand.He served as the PM of France from 1997 to 2002 under President Jacques Chirac.Key Reforms: He enacted the Parity Law and introduced Civil Unions (CU) for both Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual/Aromantic(LGBTQ+) and heterosexual couples.He also reduced the work week from 39 hours to 35 hours.
French Former PM Lionel Jospin, Architect of 35-hour Week, Passed AwayIn March 2026, former Prime Minister (PM) of France Lionel Robert Jospin passed away at the age of 88 in Paris, France. He was born on 12 July 1937 in Meudon, near Paris, France.About Lionel Robert Jospin:Political Career: In 1981, he was appointed head of the Socialist Party by President François Mitterrand.He served as the PM of France from 1997 to 2002 under President Jacques Chirac.Key Reforms: He enacted the Parity Law and introduced Civil Unions (CU) for both Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual/Aromantic(LGBTQ+) and heterosexual couples.He also reduced the work week from 39 hours to 35 hours.
French Former PM Lionel Jospin, Architect of 35-hour Week, Passed AwayIn March 2026, former Prime Minister (PM) of France Lionel Robert Jospin passed away at the age of 88 in Paris, France. He was born on 12 July 1937 in Meudon, near Paris, France.Ab...
ZSI Scientists Discover New Cockroach Species ‘Neoloboptera peninsularis‘ in MaharashtraIn March 2026, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new species of cockroach, named ‘Neoloboptera peninsularis’, in the agricultural areas of the Deccan Peninsula, specifically in Nathachiwadi, Pune (Maharashtra).The discovery was published in a scientific journal ‘Records of ZSI’.About Neoloboptera peninsularis:Naming: The newly discovered cockroach species was named after Peninsular India.Method: The study used integrative taxonomy, combining morphological analysis, genitalic study, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) barcoding, and phylogenetic analysis, marking it as the first DNA-based cockroach identification in India.Features: The species, belonging to the genus Neoloboptera, features a glossy yellowish-brown body, fully developed wings, asymmetrical cerci, and a distinctive whip-like male genital structure.Records: It is the third species of the genus Neoloboptera recorded in India , raising the total cockroach species count to 190, about 3.8% of global cockroach diversity, and confirming it as endemic to India.
ZSI Scientists Discover New Cockroach Species ‘Neoloboptera peninsularis‘ in MaharashtraIn March 2026, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new species of cockroach, named ‘Neoloboptera peninsularis’, in the agricultural areas of the Deccan Peninsula, specifically in Nathachiwadi, Pune (Maharashtra).The discovery was published in a scientific journal ‘Records of ZSI’.About Neoloboptera peninsularis:Naming: The newly discovered cockroach species was named after Peninsular India.Method: The study used integrative taxonomy, combining morphological analysis, genitalic study, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) barcoding, and phylogenetic analysis, marking it as the first DNA-based cockroach identification in India.Features: The species, belonging to the genus Neoloboptera, features a glossy yellowish-brown body, fully developed wings, asymmetrical cerci, and a distinctive whip-like male genital structure.Records: It is the third species of the genus Neoloboptera recorded in India , raising the total cockroach species count to 190, about 3.8% of global cockroach diversity, and confirming it as endemic to India.
ZSI Scientists Discover New Cockroach Species ‘Neoloboptera peninsularis‘ in MaharashtraIn March 2026, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new species of cockroach, named ‘Neoloboptera peninsularis’, in the agricultural ...
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Svatantra Microfin Completes Amalgamation with CIFCPL & Svatantra HoldingIn March 2026, Svatantra Microfin Private Limited (SMPL) completed its amalgamation with Chaitanya India Fin Credit Private Limited (CIFCPL) and Svatantra Holding Private Limited (SHPL), forming the 2nd largest Non-Banking Financial Company–Microfinance Institution (NBFC-MFI) in India.Amalgamation Overview:Approval : The merger was approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai, Maharashtra, along with clearances from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), and BSE Limited.Integration: The merger integrates the operations of Svatantra Microfin, CIFCPL, and its holding entity.Corporate Restructuring: As part of the restructuring, Svatantra Micro Housing Finance Corporation Limited (SMHFCL) became a wholly owned subsidiary of SMPL, enabling the group to offer a wider product portfolio including microloans and secured housing finance.
Svatantra Microfin Completes Amalgamation with CIFCPL & Svatantra HoldingIn March 2026, Svatantra Microfin Private Limited (SMPL) completed its amalgamation with Chaitanya India Fin Credit Private Limited (CIFCPL) and Svatantra Holding Private Limited (SHPL), forming the 2nd largest Non-Banking Financial Company–Microfinance Institution (NBFC-MFI) in India.Amalgamation Overview:Approval : The merger was approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai, Maharashtra, along with clearances from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), and BSE Limited.Integration: The merger integrates the operations of Svatantra Microfin, CIFCPL, and its holding entity.Corporate Restructuring: As part of the restructuring, Svatantra Micro Housing Finance Corporation Limited (SMHFCL) became a wholly owned subsidiary of SMPL, enabling the group to offer a wider product portfolio including microloans and secured housing finance.
Svatantra Microfin Completes Amalgamation with CIFCPL & Svatantra HoldingIn March 2026, Svatantra Microfin Private Limited (SMPL) completed its amalgamation with Chaitanya India Fin Credit Private Limited (CIFCPL) and Svatantra Holding Private Limite...
CA P.V. Narayana Rao Appointed Co-opted Member of ICAI’s SRSB for 2026-27On 23rd March 2026, Chartered Accountant (CA) P.V. Narayana Rao was appointed as a Co-opted Member of the Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (SRSB) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for the term 2026-27.As a co-opted member, he will contribute to the development and strengthening of sustainability reporting standards in India.About P.V. Narayana Rao: Key Roles: He served as Chairman of the ICAI Warangal Branch in 2015 and was later appointed as a Co-opted Member of the Public Relations Committee of ICAI (Central Council) in 2016.Current Role: He is currently serving as Vice President of the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Tax Bar Association (TAPTB Association).About SRSB: The ICAI, a statutory body established under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, established the SRSB in February 2020 to develop globally aligned sustainability frameworks and reporting standards.These standards aim to help Indian corporates align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
CA P.V. Narayana Rao Appointed Co-opted Member of ICAI’s SRSB for 2026-27On 23rd March 2026, Chartered Accountant (CA) P.V. Narayana Rao was appointed as a Co-opted Member of the Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (SRSB) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for the term 2026-27.As a co-opted member, he will contribute to the development and strengthening of sustainability reporting standards in India.About P.V. Narayana Rao: Key Roles: He served as Chairman of the ICAI Warangal Branch in 2015 and was later appointed as a Co-opted Member of the Public Relations Committee of ICAI (Central Council) in 2016.Current Role: He is currently serving as Vice President of the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Tax Bar Association (TAPTB Association).About SRSB: The ICAI, a statutory body established under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, established the SRSB in February 2020 to develop globally aligned sustainability frameworks and reporting standards.These standards aim to help Indian corporates align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
CA P.V. Narayana Rao Appointed Co-opted Member of ICAI’s SRSB for 2026-27On 23rd March 2026, Chartered Accountant (CA) P.V. Narayana Rao was appointed as a Co-opted Member of the Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (SRSB) of the Institute of Cha...
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Karnataka Grameena Bank Receives National Award for SHG-Bank Linkage 2024-25In March 2026, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) conferred the National Award for Outstanding Performance in Self-Help Groups (SHG)-Bank Linkage 2024-25 to Karnataka Grameena Bank(KGB) for its significant contribution to rural economic empowerment and financial inclusion.About KGB Achievement:Award Presentation: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, MoRD, presented the award to V. M. Rukmini Devi, General Manager (GM) of KGB, during the National Conference on Financial Literacy and Capacity Building and the 25th Central Level Coordination Committee (CLCC) meeting held in Hyderabad, Telangana.SHG Support: Aligned with the objectives of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the bank has extended Rs 2,835 crore credit to 80,904 SHGs.About KGB: It is a Regional Rural Bank (RRB) formed on 1 May 2025 through the amalgamation of Karnataka Gramin Bank and Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank; it is headquartered in Ballari, Karnataka, and sponsored by Canara Bank.
Karnataka Grameena Bank Receives National Award for SHG-Bank Linkage 2024-25In March 2026, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) conferred the National Award for Outstanding Performance in Self-Help Groups (SHG)-Bank Linkage 2024-25 to Karnataka Grameena Bank(KGB) for its significant contribution to rural economic empowerment and financial inclusion.About KGB Achievement:Award Presentation: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, MoRD, presented the award to V. M. Rukmini Devi, General Manager (GM) of KGB, during the National Conference on Financial Literacy and Capacity Building and the 25th Central Level Coordination Committee (CLCC) meeting held in Hyderabad, Telangana.SHG Support: Aligned with the objectives of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the bank has extended Rs 2,835 crore credit to 80,904 SHGs.About KGB: It is a Regional Rural Bank (RRB) formed on 1 May 2025 through the amalgamation of Karnataka Gramin Bank and Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank; it is headquartered in Ballari, Karnataka, and sponsored by Canara Bank.
Karnataka Grameena Bank Receives National Award for SHG-Bank Linkage 2024-25In March 2026, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) conferred the National Award for Outstanding Performance in Self-Help Groups (SHG)-Bank Linkage 2024-25 to Karnataka G...
Razorpay Partners with Sarvam AI to Launch Voice-Led Multilingual Digital Commerce in IndiaIn March 2026, Razorpay, an Indian fintech company, partnered with Sarvam AI, an Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup, to introduce voice-led, multilingual digital commerce solutions in India.Key Details of PartnershipPurpose: The collaboration aims to enable users to discover products, place orders and complete payments through voice commands in their preferred language.Technology Integration: Under the partnership, Sarvam AI’s models and agentic technology stack will be integrated with Razorpay’s payment infrastructure to enable AI agents that understand multilingual conversational inputs and execute real-time transactions.Pilot & Rollout: The feature will initially roll out on Sarvam AI’s Indus Application(App), with Swiggy as an early partner enabling voice-based food ordering, while a pilot is already live on The Derma Co website for voice-based product browsing and purchases.
Razorpay Partners with Sarvam AI to Launch Voice-Led Multilingual Digital Commerce in IndiaIn March 2026, Razorpay, an Indian fintech company, partnered with Sarvam AI, an Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup, to introduce voice-led, multilingual digital commerce solutions in India.Key Details of PartnershipPurpose: The collaboration aims to enable users to discover products, place orders and complete payments through voice commands in their preferred language.Technology Integration: Under the partnership, Sarvam AI’s models and agentic technology stack will be integrated with Razorpay’s payment infrastructure to enable AI agents that understand multilingual conversational inputs and execute real-time transactions.Pilot & Rollout: The feature will initially roll out on Sarvam AI’s Indus Application(App), with Swiggy as an early partner enabling voice-based food ordering, while a pilot is already live on The Derma Co website for voice-based product browsing and purchases.
Razorpay Partners with Sarvam AI to Launch Voice-Led Multilingual Digital Commerce in IndiaIn March 2026, Razorpay, an Indian fintech company, partnered with Sarvam AI, an Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup, to introduce voice-led, multiling...
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Goldman Sachs Lowers India’s GDP Growth Rate Forecast to 5.9% for CY26In March 2026, Goldman Sachs lowered India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to 5.9% in Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) over its pre-Iran war forecast of 7%.Key Projections:Inflation: Goldman Sachs report also projected India’s inflation to increase to 4.6% in CY26 compared to its previous forecast of 3.9%.CAD: As per the report, India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) is expected to widen to 2% of GDP in CY26.South Asia Growth: The bank has lowered its growth projection for the South Asian economy to 6.5% in CY26.
Goldman Sachs Lowers India’s GDP Growth Rate Forecast to 5.9% for CY26In March 2026, Goldman Sachs lowered India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to 5.9% in Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) over its pre-Iran war forecast of 7%.Key Projections:Inflation: Goldman Sachs report also projected India’s inflation to increase to 4.6% in CY26 compared to its previous forecast of 3.9%.CAD: As per the report, India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) is expected to widen to 2% of GDP in CY26.South Asia Growth: The bank has lowered its growth projection for the South Asian economy to 6.5% in CY26.
Goldman Sachs Lowers India’s GDP Growth Rate Forecast to 5.9% for CY26In March 2026, Goldman Sachs lowered India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to 5.9% in Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) over its pre-Iran war forecast of 7%.Key Projections:...
L&T Finance Becomes Signatory to United Nations Global Compact In March 2026, L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), marking a key step in strengthening its sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework.About UNGC Alignment:Strategic Commitment: The move reaffirms LTF’s ethical practices and aligns its long-term strategy with UNGC principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.Annual Reporting: As part of its participation in the UNGC, LTF will report annually on its progress in implementing the ‘Ten Principles of the Global Compact.’Climate Commitment: LTF is also a signatory to the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) to measure and manage financed emissions.
L&T Finance Becomes Signatory to United Nations Global Compact In March 2026, L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), marking a key step in strengthening its sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework.About UNGC Alignment:Strategic Commitment: The move reaffirms LTF’s ethical practices and aligns its long-term strategy with UNGC principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.Annual Reporting: As part of its participation in the UNGC, LTF will report annually on its progress in implementing the ‘Ten Principles of the Global Compact.’Climate Commitment: LTF is also a signatory to the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) to measure and manage financed emissions.
L&T Finance Becomes Signatory to United Nations Global Compact In March 2026, L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), marking a key step in strengthening its sustainability and Environmental, Social, and...
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SEBI announces major reforms at its 213th board meeting held in MumbaiIn March 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), approved a wide-ranging set of regulatory changes covering market intermediaries, foreign investors, alternative investment funds (AIF), and governance norms at its 213th board meeting held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.Social Impact Funds (SIF)Social Impact Fund (SIF): The SIF is a sub-category of Category-I AIF introduced in July 2022, that primarily invests in Not-for Profit (NPOs) registered or listed on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) and in for-profit social enterprises.Minimum Value: The Board approved amendments to SEBI (AIF) Regulations, 2012 to reduce the minimum value of investment by individual investors in SIF of AIF to Rs 1000 from existing Rs 2 lakhs.Winding Up SchemesFlexibility: The board has introduced flexibility for AIFs in winding up schemes and surrendering registration.Procedure: AIFs will now be allowed to retain liquidation proceeds beyond the tenure under specific conditions such as pending litigation, tax liabilities, or operational expenses. To retain funds, AIFs have to either show.
SEBI announces major reforms at its 213th board meeting held in MumbaiIn March 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), approved a wide-ranging set of regulatory changes covering market intermediaries, foreign investors, alternative investment funds (AIF), and governance norms at its 213th board meeting held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.Social Impact Funds (SIF)Social Impact Fund (SIF): The SIF is a sub-category of Category-I AIF introduced in July 2022, that primarily invests in Not-for Profit (NPOs) registered or listed on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) and in for-profit social enterprises.Minimum Value: The Board approved amendments to SEBI (AIF) Regulations, 2012 to reduce the minimum value of investment by individual investors in SIF of AIF to Rs 1000 from existing Rs 2 lakhs.Winding Up SchemesFlexibility: The board has introduced flexibility for AIFs in winding up schemes and surrendering registration.Procedure: AIFs will now be allowed to retain liquidation proceeds beyond the tenure under specific conditions such as pending litigation, tax liabilities, or operational expenses. To retain funds, AIFs have to either show.
SEBI announces major reforms at its 213th board meeting held in MumbaiIn March 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), approved a wide-ranging set of regulatory changes covering market intermediaries, foreign investors, alternative i...
NITI Aayog Sanctions Rs 1.55 Crore to RISE Centre for Skill Development and Women-led EnterpriseIn March 2026, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) sanctioned Rs 1.55 crore as financial assistance to support programmes being undertaken at Rural Incubation, Skilling and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Centre at Guntupalli in Ibrahimpatnam mandal, NTR district in Andhra Pradesh (AP).This approved financial assistance aims to empower women and help transform women from rural areas into entrepreneurs.Key Details of Financial Assistance:Use of Funds: As per NITI Aayog, the funds will be used for carrying out various initiatives such as: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based skills survey, skill development and training programmes, and strengthening infrastructure at the RISE Centre.Key Accomplishments: NITI Aayog revealed that over 1,000 women have already been trained in domains like: AI, spoken English, paper crafts, solar panel installation, among others.Further, with the support of the initiative, more than 300 families have started their small enterprises.Aligns with: The initiative is aligned with the AP’s government vision of ‘One family-one Entrepreneur’ and Swarnandhra Vision @2047.
NITI Aayog Sanctions Rs 1.55 Crore to RISE Centre for Skill Development and Women-led EnterpriseIn March 2026, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) sanctioned Rs 1.55 crore as financial assistance to support programmes being undertaken at Rural Incubation, Skilling and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Centre at Guntupalli in Ibrahimpatnam mandal, NTR district in Andhra Pradesh (AP).This approved financial assistance aims to empower women and help transform women from rural areas into entrepreneurs.Key Details of Financial Assistance:Use of Funds: As per NITI Aayog, the funds will be used for carrying out various initiatives such as: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based skills survey, skill development and training programmes, and strengthening infrastructure at the RISE Centre.Key Accomplishments: NITI Aayog revealed that over 1,000 women have already been trained in domains like: AI, spoken English, paper crafts, solar panel installation, among others.Further, with the support of the initiative, more than 300 families have started their small enterprises.Aligns with: The initiative is aligned with the AP’s government vision of ‘One family-one Entrepreneur’ and Swarnandhra Vision @2047.
NITI Aayog Sanctions Rs 1.55 Crore to RISE Centre for Skill Development and Women-led EnterpriseIn March 2026, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) sanctioned Rs 1.55 crore as financial assistance to support programmes being u...
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