General Awareness

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY - March 2024

Mar 2024

Mar 28, 2026

Kapurthala's Rail Coach Factory builds first Vande Bharat Express coach; 16-coach version ready f...

Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, Punjab, has rolled out its first Vande Bharat Express coachset, marking a milestone in the plant's upgrade to a 16-coach configuration. Deputy General Manager Aman Kumar said the latest version is in the final stages and would be inducted into the Indian Railways fleet by 31 March 2026. This is the first time Vande Bharat coaches are built at RCF Kapurthala; the design's origin remains with Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, which originally developed the train. The Kapurthala visit by media from Chhattisgarh, coordinated by the Press Information Bureau and Jalandhar, underscored evolving technology and manufacturing innovations embedded in the coaches. Officials expect the project to boost Railways' output and self-reliance.

RCF Kapurthala produced its first Vande Bharat Express coachset in a 16-coach configuration.
Induction into the Railways fleet expected by 31 March 2026.
Vande Bharat coaches designed by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai; first production at Kapurthala.
Media from Chhattisgarh examined the upgrade and innovations.
Project aims to boost production capacity and self-reliance of Indian Railways.

Mar 27, 2026

Sunil Bharti Mittal to exit Airtel Africa Chair role in July 2026

Sunil Bharti Mittal has announced his plan to step down as Chairman of Airtel Africa in July 2026, following nearly seven years in the role since the company’s 2019 listing. Gopal Vittal will take over as Non-Executive Chair, while Shravin Bharti Mittal becomes Deputy Chair to ensure leadership continuity across the business. Mittal’s move is part of a planned transition rather than an abrupt exit. Airtel Africa has expanded its footprint across 14 African countries, offering mobile services, data and mobile money. Vittal’s appointment aligns leadership between Indian and African operations, signaling ongoing strategic alignment and governance continuity for the group.

Mittal to step down as Airtel Africa Chairman in July 2026.
Gopal Vittal named Non-Executive Chair; Shravin Bharti Mittal as Deputy Chair.
Seamless leadership transition planned; continuity emphasized.
Airtel Africa operates in 14 African markets with mobile services and mobile money.
Strategic alignment between Indian and African operations highlighted.

Mar 26, 2026

Kal Somani-led consortium buys Rajasthan Royals for $1.63 billion

Kal Somani, leading a business consortium, has acquired the Rajasthan Royals IPL franchise for about $1.63 billion (₹16,290 crore), in one of the highest valuations in Indian cricket. The deal places Somani at the helm with Walmart equating to a 100 percent stake into the franchise alongside other investors. Somani, already a shareholder, will take full control after the 2026 Indian Premier League season, replacing Manoj Badale as owner. The Times Group reportedly competed for the team but finished second in the bidding. The sale highlights IPL’s growing global commercial value and Bharat's role in sports franchising.

Purchase value: $1.63 billion
Walmart involvement and 100% stake
Somani to take full control after 2026 IPL season
Manoj Badale replaced as owner
Times Group was a rival bidder
IPL branding and economics grow globally

Mar 25, 2026

Karnataka Grameena Bank wins National Award for SHG Linkage 2024-25

On 23 March 2026, Karnataka Grameena Bank was named the National Award for Outstanding Performance in SHG Bank Linkage for 2024-25 by the Union Ministry of Rural Development. The award, announced at a national conference in Hyderabad, recognises the bank’s support for Self-Help Groups across rural areas, contributing to financial inclusion and rural empowerment. The SHG linkage program has mobilised thousands of groups and extended substantial credit, strengthening livelihoods in rural communities. The recognition was presented during the National Conference on Financial Literacy and Capacity Building, alongside the 25th Central Level Coordination Committee meeting in Hyderabad. This award is among the most prestigious in rural banking.

Date and venue of announcement: 23 March 2026, Hyderabad
Award: National Award for Outstanding SHG Linkage (2024-25)
Awarding body: Union Ministry of Rural Development
Impact: support for thousands of SHGs and credit flow
Context: part of National Conference on Financial Literacy and Capacity Building
Significance: prestigious rural banking honour

Mar 22, 2026

Tamil Nadu Tops India’s Textile Exports in 2024-25

Tamil Nadu has emerged as India’s leading textile exporter for 2024-25, surpassing Gujarat and Maharashtra with exports valued at 7,997.17 million dollars. The state now accounts for about 21.84 percent of India’s total textile exports, reflecting a four-year growth of over 29 percent. This rise follows sustained policy support, infrastructure development, and an export-oriented production ecosystem. Exports rose from 6,193 million dollars in 2020-21 to nearly 8 billion dollars in 2024-25, signaling robust industry fundamentals, a skilled workforce, and strong supply chains. The state’s performance underscores the resilience of India’s textile sector amid global demand and policy initiatives.

Tamil Nadu led India’s textile exports in 2024-25 with 7,997.17 million USD.
State share of national textile exports: 21.84%.
Four-year growth exceeding 29%.
Drivers include policy support, infrastructure, and export ecosystem.
Exports expanded from 6,193 million USD (2020-21) to ~8,000 million USD (2024-25).

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