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Current Affairs 28 March 2025
1. Roshni Nadar Becomes First Indian Woman in World’s Top 10 Richest Women
Roshni Nadar, the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, has
become the first Indian woman to be ranked among the world's top 10 richest women. She holds a significant fortune, largely driven by her stake in the IT giant founded by her father, Shiv Nadar. With her strategic leadership, HCL has continued to expand globally, boosting her net worth. Her achievement marks a milestone for Indian women in business and global wealth rankings. This recognition further cements her influence in the corporate world and philanthropy.
become the first Indian woman to be ranked among the world's top 10 richest women. She holds a significant fortune, largely driven by her stake in the IT giant founded by her father, Shiv Nadar. With her strategic leadership, HCL has continued to expand globally, boosting her net worth. Her achievement marks a milestone for Indian women in business and global wealth rankings. This recognition further cements her influence in the corporate world and philanthropy.
Foot notes:
- Wealth and Ranking: Roshni Nadar's net worth is estimated to be 3.5 lakh crore (US$40 billion), making her the 5th richest woman globally.
- First Indian Woman: She is the first Indian woman to break into the world's top 10 richest women list.
- Chairperson of HCL Technologies: Roshni Nadar is the chairperson of HCL Technologies, one of India's leading IT companies.
- Philanthropic Efforts: She is also involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which focuses on education and leadership initiatives.
- Inspiration to Women: Roshni Nadar's achievement is an inspiration to women everywhere, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, they can reach the highest levels of success.
2. India Becomes the World’s Second-Largest Tea Exporter in 2024
India has emerged as the world’s second-largest tea exporter
in 2024, surpassing key competitors in the global market. The country's tea exports saw a significant rise due to increased demand from markets like Russia, Iran, and the UAE. Indian tea, known for its quality and variety, including Assam and Darjeeling teas, has gained a strong international presence. Government initiatives, improved production techniques, and favorable trade policies have contributed to this achievement. This milestone reinforces India's position as a leading player in the global tea industry.
in 2024, surpassing key competitors in the global market. The country's tea exports saw a significant rise due to increased demand from markets like Russia, Iran, and the UAE. Indian tea, known for its quality and variety, including Assam and Darjeeling teas, has gained a strong international presence. Government initiatives, improved production techniques, and favorable trade policies have contributed to this achievement. This milestone reinforces India's position as a leading player in the global tea industry.Foot notes:
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Record-Breaking Exports: India's tea exports reached an impressive 255 million kg in 2024, surpassing Sri Lanka's exports.
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Value of Exports: The value of India's tea exports increased by 15% in 2024, reaching 7,111 crore.
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Key Markets: India exports tea to over 25 countries, with Iraq being one of the largest markets, accounting for 20% of total tea exports.
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Growth Prospects: The Indian tea industry is expected to continue growing, with the market estimated to reach $14.4 billion in revenue by 2028.
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Competitive Advantage: India's diversified product range, including high-quality Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri tea, gives it a competitive edge in the global tea market.
3. Bank of India Partners New India Assurance for General Insurance
Bank of India has partnered with New India Assurance to offer
a range of general insurance products to its customers. This strategic bancassurance tie-up aims to enhance accessibility to insurance solutions through the bank’s extensive network. Customers can now avail policies covering health, motor, travel, and property insurance at Bank of India branches. The partnership is expected to boost financial security and risk protection for individuals and businesses. This collaboration aligns with the bank’s vision to provide comprehensive financial services under one roof.
a range of general insurance products to its customers. This strategic bancassurance tie-up aims to enhance accessibility to insurance solutions through the bank’s extensive network. Customers can now avail policies covering health, motor, travel, and property insurance at Bank of India branches. The partnership is expected to boost financial security and risk protection for individuals and businesses. This collaboration aligns with the bank’s vision to provide comprehensive financial services under one roof.
Foot notes:
- Partnership Details: Bank of India has partnered with New India Assurance to offer general insurance products to its customers.
- Insurance Products: The partnership will provide a range of general insurance products, including motor, health, and home insurance.
- Benefits to Customers: The partnership will benefit Bank of India customers by providing them with a wide range of insurance products and services under one roof.
- New India Assurance's Expertise: New India Assurance is one of the leading general insurance companies in India, with a wide range of products and services.
- Bank of India's Distribution Network: Bank of India's extensive distribution network will help to increase the reach of New India Assurance's insurance products.
4. Indian Armed Forces Conducted Exercise Prachand Prahar
The Indian Armed Forces successfully conducted Exercise
Prachand Prahar, showcasing their combat readiness and operational capabilities. The large-scale exercise involved coordinated operations by the Army, Air Force, and other defense units in a high-intensity battle scenario. It featured live-fire drills, precision strikes, and joint maneuvers to test rapid response capabilities. The exercise aimed to enhance synergy among forces and improve preparedness for modern warfare challenges. Prachand Prahar reinforced India’s commitment to strengthening national security and defense strategies.
Prachand Prahar, showcasing their combat readiness and operational capabilities. The large-scale exercise involved coordinated operations by the Army, Air Force, and other defense units in a high-intensity battle scenario. It featured live-fire drills, precision strikes, and joint maneuvers to test rapid response capabilities. The exercise aimed to enhance synergy among forces and improve preparedness for modern warfare challenges. Prachand Prahar reinforced India’s commitment to strengthening national security and defense strategies.Foot notes:
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Participation: The three-day drill, conducted from March 25-27, saw participation from the Army, Air Force, and Navy, with senior officials from all three services overseeing the exercise.
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Key Highlights: The exercise showcased the military's ability to conduct joint operations across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains, with a focus on coordination, mobility, and rapid response capabilities.
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Theatre of Operations: The exercise was held in the eastern sector of the Himalayas, along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh, simulating a real-world scenario.
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Significance: Exercise Prachand Prahar demonstrates India's commitment to maintaining a robust, modern, and agile defense posture, while also strengthening its strategic posture in the region.
5. B Sumeeth Reddy Announces Retirement from Badminton to Focus on Coaching
Indian badminton player B Sumeeth Reddy has announced
his retirement from professional badminton to focus on coaching. A former doubles specialist, he represented India in multiple international tournaments, including the Olympics. Reddy now aims to nurture young talent and contribute to the growth of Indian badminton. His experience and expertise will be valuable in training the next generation of players. His transition marks a new chapter in his career, dedicated to mentoring future champions.
his retirement from professional badminton to focus on coaching. A former doubles specialist, he represented India in multiple international tournaments, including the Olympics. Reddy now aims to nurture young talent and contribute to the growth of Indian badminton. His experience and expertise will be valuable in training the next generation of players. His transition marks a new chapter in his career, dedicated to mentoring future champions.Foot notes:
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Distinguished Career: Sumeeth had a successful career spanning over a decade, with notable achievements including a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a world ranking of 17 in men's doubles.
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Transition to Coaching: Sumeeth will now focus on coaching, having already co-founded the Sikki Sumeeth Badminton Academy in Hyderabad in 2021. He is also part of India's national coaching setup.
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Coaching Role: Sumeeth has been entrusted with coaching India's women's doubles players, including Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand.
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Legacy and Impact: Sumeeth's retirement marks the end of an era, but his coaching career is expected to have a lasting impact on Indian badminton.
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Future Plans: Sumeeth aims to help India win Olympic medals in badminton and expand his academy to nurture young talent.
6. Haryana Tops Medal Tally Once Again in Khelo India Para Games 2025
Haryana has once again topped the medal tally in the Khelo
India Para Games 2025, reaffirming its dominance in para sports. The state’s athletes showcased exceptional performances across multiple disciplines, securing the highest number of gold, silver, and bronze medals. Haryana’s success is attributed to its strong sports infrastructure, government support, and dedicated training programs for para-athletes. The state’s consistent performance highlights its commitment to promoting inclusivity and excellence in sports. This victory further strengthens Haryana’s reputation as a powerhouse in Indian sports.
India Para Games 2025, reaffirming its dominance in para sports. The state’s athletes showcased exceptional performances across multiple disciplines, securing the highest number of gold, silver, and bronze medals. Haryana’s success is attributed to its strong sports infrastructure, government support, and dedicated training programs for para-athletes. The state’s consistent performance highlights its commitment to promoting inclusivity and excellence in sports. This victory further strengthens Haryana’s reputation as a powerhouse in Indian sports.Foot notes:
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Medal Breakdown: Haryana's medal tally consists of 31 gold medals, 36 silver medals, and 29 bronze medals.
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Top Spot: Haryana has maintained its top spot in the medal tally, followed closely by Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
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Consistency: This is not the first time Haryana has topped the medal tally in the Khelo India Para Games. They also emerged as the overall winner in the inaugural edition of the games in 2023, with a total of 105 medals.
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Para Athletes: The Khelo India Para Games 2025 featured around 1,450 para athletes from across the country, competing in various sports disciplines.
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Previous Year's Performance: In the 2023 edition of the games, Haryana's para athletes secured 40 gold medals, 39 silver medals, and 26 bronze medals, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination.
7. PHD appoints Kiron Kesav as APAC Chief Strategy Officer
PHD has appointed Kiron Kesav as the Chief Strategy Officer
for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. With extensive experience in media and marketing strategy, Kesav will lead PHD’s strategic initiatives across key markets in APAC. His role will focus on driving innovation, business growth, and strengthening client partnerships. Prior to this, he held leadership positions in prominent media and advertising firms. His appointment aligns with PHD’s vision to enhance its strategic capabilities in the dynamic APAC region.
for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. With extensive experience in media and marketing strategy, Kesav will lead PHD’s strategic initiatives across key markets in APAC. His role will focus on driving innovation, business growth, and strengthening client partnerships. Prior to this, he held leadership positions in prominent media and advertising firms. His appointment aligns with PHD’s vision to enhance its strategic capabilities in the dynamic APAC region.Foot notes:
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Role and Responsibilities: As APAC Chief Strategy Officer, Kesav will lead strategic planning, business growth, innovation, and digital transformation, powered by the Omni open operating system.
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Background and Experience: Kesav has over 15 years of industry experience, previously serving as OMG Malaysia's Chief Strategy Officer, where he led successful multi-market and local pitches for brands like OPPO and Warner Bros. Discovery.
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Previous Stint with PHD: Kesav had a previous stint with PHD Malaysia as General Manager, Strategy and Platforms, where he drove strategy and adoption of new technology platforms.
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Reporting Line: Kesav will report to PHD APAC CEO Eileen Ooi, who praised his analytical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
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Goals and Objectives: Kesav aims to drive better business outcomes for clients by leveraging intelligence that connects businesses to the next generation of consumers.
8. Havmor Ice Cream onboards Tamannaah Bhatia as Brand Ambassador
Havmor Ice Cream has onboarded Tamannaah Bhatia as its
brand ambassador to enhance its market presence. The popular actress will be the face of the brand’s campaigns, promoting its wide range of ice cream products. With her strong fan following, Tamannaah is expected to boost brand engagement and appeal to a broader audience. Havmor aims to strengthen its position in the ice cream industry with this strategic association. The collaboration reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation and consumer connection.
brand ambassador to enhance its market presence. The popular actress will be the face of the brand’s campaigns, promoting its wide range of ice cream products. With her strong fan following, Tamannaah is expected to boost brand engagement and appeal to a broader audience. Havmor aims to strengthen its position in the ice cream industry with this strategic association. The collaboration reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation and consumer connection.
Foot notes:
- Campaign Launch: To announce this partnership, Havmor has launched a new campaign called ‘Soooo Tasty, You Wanna Havmoorrrr!’ featuring both Tamannaah and Hardik.
- Brand Strategy: This partnership aligns with Havmor's strategy to engage with a wide consumer base by combining the influence of both Bollywood and cricket.
- Tamannaah's Excitement: Tamannaah expressed her excitement about joining the Havmor family, stating that she's always been a fan of their creamy and delicious ice creams.
- Marketing Plans: The campaign will be amplified through various channels, including TV, digital, and social media, with a focus on IPL and Q-commerce partnerships.
- Brand Positioning: The partnership aims to strengthen Havmor's position as India's most loved ice cream brand, emphasizing indulgence and fun.
9. Gulf Oil appoints Biresh Singh as Senior Vice President
Gulf Oil has appointed Biresh Singh as its Senior Vice
President, strengthening its leadership team. Singh brings extensive experience in the energy and lubricants sector, having held key roles in leading organizations. In his new role, he will focus on driving business growth, strategic expansion, and operational excellence. His expertise is expected to enhance Gulf Oil’s market positioning and innovation in the industry. This appointment aligns with the company’s vision for long-term success and leadership in the lubricant sector.
President, strengthening its leadership team. Singh brings extensive experience in the energy and lubricants sector, having held key roles in leading organizations. In his new role, he will focus on driving business growth, strategic expansion, and operational excellence. His expertise is expected to enhance Gulf Oil’s market positioning and innovation in the industry. This appointment aligns with the company’s vision for long-term success and leadership in the lubricant sector.Foot notes:
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Career Background: Biresh Singh brings 26 years of experience in the lubricant industry, with expertise in channel management, business development, and sales transformation.
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Previous Role: Singh held leadership positions at Castrol India, where he played a pivotal role in sales transformation initiatives and executed strategic roadmaps.
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New Responsibilities: As Senior Vice President – Channel Sales, Singh will drive Gulf Oil's B2C channel expansion strategy, enhance route-to-market efficiencies, and leverage digital solutions to optimize sales performance.
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Education and Training: Singh holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and has completed an MDP program at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA).
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Industry Expertise: Singh has experience leading route-to-market transformation efforts, working with top consulting firms to develop and implement future-ready sales models focused on digital enablement and operational efficiency.
10. Hitachi Cash Management Services appoints Yusuf Pachmariwala as MD and CEO
Hitachi Cash Management Services has appointed Yusuf
Pachmariwala as its Managing Director and CEO. With extensive experience in the financial services and cash management sector, he is set to drive the company's growth and innovation. Pachmariwala will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, expanding service offerings, and strengthening client relationships. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Hitachi’s presence in the cash management industry. This appointment aligns with the company’s vision to provide secure and efficient financial solutions.
Pachmariwala as its Managing Director and CEO. With extensive experience in the financial services and cash management sector, he is set to drive the company's growth and innovation. Pachmariwala will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, expanding service offerings, and strengthening client relationships. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Hitachi’s presence in the cash management industry. This appointment aligns with the company’s vision to provide secure and efficient financial solutions.Foot notes:
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Background and Experience: Pachmariwala has extensive experience in the BFSI domain, with over 25 years of experience in customer service, business conservation, project management, and operational transformation.
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Previous Roles: Before joining Hitachi Payment Services, Pachmariwala held leadership positions at Tata AIA Life Insurance, HDFC Bank, and HCL Perot Systems.
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Responsibilities: As MD and CEO, Pachmariwala will spearhead business growth, enhance operational efficiency, and accelerate strategic initiatives in the evolving cash management sector.
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Vision and Goals: Pachmariwala aims to maximize stakeholder value, focusing on customer-centric solutions and long-term growth, while strengthening Hitachi Cash Management Services' market position.
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