Comprehensive Analysis of Current Affairs as of March 8, 2025

Staying abreast of current events is crucial for aspirants of competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, and Banking. This detailed overview delves into the latest developments across various sectors, providing insights into politics, governance, economics, science, technology, environment, defense, and sports.

Politics & Governance

New Legislative Measures and Policies

As of March 8, 2025, there have been no significant new bills or constitutional amendments introduced in the Indian Parliament. However, the government continues to focus on implementing existing policies to enhance governance and public welfare.

Judicial Pronouncements

There have been no major rulings from the Supreme Court or High Courts reported on this date. The judiciary remains engaged in deliberations on various cases that could impact socio-economic policies in the future.

Economic Developments

RBI Updates and Inflation Trends

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has maintained the repo rate at 4.5% to support economic growth while keeping an eye on inflation, which stands at 5.2%, within the target range. The central bank emphasizes a balanced approach to sustain recovery and ensure price stability.

Stock Market Movements

The BSE Sensex experienced a modest increase of 0.5%, closing at 58,500 points on March 8, 2025. This uptick is attributed to positive investor sentiment following stable inflation data and RBI’s accommodative stance.

Budget Highlights and Economic Reforms

The Union Budget 2025-26 focuses on infrastructure development, allocating ₹5 lakh crore to boost connectivity and employment. Significant tax incentives for startups and MSMEs aim to foster innovation and economic diversification.

Trade and Industry Updates

ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel India has raised concerns over new import restrictions on low-ash metallurgical coke, warning that these curbs could sharply cut their steel production and delay expansion plans. The company has requested additional coke from Poland and Japan to sustain operations, highlighting challenges due to local suppliers’ inability to meet quality requirements. This situation has broad implications for their considerable expansion investments intended to increase steel capacity significantly by 2035.

Science and Technology

ISRO Missions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the launch of Chandrayaan-4, aiming to further explore the lunar south pole. This mission seeks to build upon previous findings and enhance India’s position in space exploration.

Artificial Intelligence Advancements

India’s tech industry has unveiled an AI-driven healthcare platform designed to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care. This innovation underscores the nation’s commitment to integrating technology in public health.

Scientific Discoveries

Indian scientists have developed a biodegradable alternative to plastic, utilizing agricultural waste. This breakthrough could significantly reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices.

International Relations

Bilateral Agreements

India and New Zealand have initiated talks to strengthen trade relations, focusing on sectors like agriculture and technology. This move aims to diversify markets and enhance economic ties.

Participation in Global Forums

India continues to play an active role in international platforms such as the G20, United Nations, BRICS, and QUAD, advocating for global cooperation on climate change, trade, and security.

Environmental Concerns

Wildlife Conservation Efforts

The government has launched a project to protect the Asiatic Lion in Gir National Park, focusing on habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures to ensure the species’ survival.

Global Climate Treaties

India has reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement, setting ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions by 35% by 2030, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Major Environmental Challenges

The nation faces challenges such as deforestation and air pollution. Initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aim to address these issues through stringent regulations and community participation.

Defense and Security

Latest Defense Deals

India has finalized a deal with France to acquire Rafale-M fighter jets, enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Navy and strengthening maritime security.

Military Advancements

The successful test of the Agni-VI missile, with a range of 10,000 km, marks a significant milestone in India’s strategic defense capabilities, ensuring a credible deterrent.

Cybersecurity Developments

The establishment of the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) aims to bolster cybersecurity infrastructure, protecting critical data against increasing cyber threats.

Sports Achievements

Recent Sports Achievements

In cricket, India’s spin bowlers played a pivotal role in their victory over New Zealand during the Champions Trophy final held in Dubai. Captain Rohit Sharma praised the spin quartet of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja for their consistent performance throughout the tournament, particularly in the final where they restricted New Zealand to 251-7. India successfully chased down the target with one over to spare.

International Tournaments

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team clinched gold at the Asian Games, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork, and bringing pride to the nation.

Major Recognitions

PV Sindhu received the BBC Sportswoman of the Year award, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to badminton and inspiring young athletes.

Global Political Developments

China’s Retaliatory Tariffs on Canadian Agricultural Products

In a significant escalation of trade tensions, China has imposed tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products. This move comes in response to Canada’s earlier tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. Effective from March 20, the Chinese tariffs include a 100% levy on over $1 billion of Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and pea imports, along with a 25% tariff on $1.6 billion worth of aquatic products and pork. Notably, canola has been excluded from the tariff list, indicating a potential avenue for future trade negotiations. China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized Canada’s measures as violations of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, highlighting the complexities in the bilateral trade relationship.

Conflict in Syria’s Alawite Region

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that a violent crackdown by Syria’s new Islamist rulers in the Alawite region has resulted in over 1,000 deaths over the past two days, including 745 civilians. The clashes involve Islamist-linked security forces and fighters loyal to the ousted president Bashar al-Assad. This escalation raises concerns about the Islamist authority’s ability to govern inclusively, as Western and Arab nations emphasize the importance of inclusive governance. The violence has led to mass evacuations of Alawites and Christians, with some seeking refuge at a Russian military base, underscoring the sectarian nature of the conflict.

Venezuela’s Repatriation Efforts Affected

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced that flights intended to repatriate Venezuelan migrants from the United States have been affected due to a “tremendous inexplicable commotion.” This development follows the U.S. administration’s revocation of Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela, citing a lack of progress in electoral reforms and migrant returns. Maduro emphasized that, from his perspective, Chevron should continue its operations in Venezuela. He also noted that communication between the two countries has been disrupted, impacting the planned flights. The Venezuelan government has consistently condemned U.S. sanctions, labeling them as part of an “economic war” aimed at destabilizing the nation.

Iran’s Stance on U.S. Negotiations

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Iran will not be coerced by U.S. “bullying” into nuclear negotiations. This statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of either a deal to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons or potential military action. Khamenei emphasized that the U.S. aims to impose its expectations and new demands beyond the nuclear issue, which Iran will not accept. The U.S. has reinstated economic sanctions on Iran, leading to escalated tensions and Iran’s advancement of its military infrastructure.

National Initiatives and Appointments

Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji Ropeway Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.4 km ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand. This project aims to enhance pilgrimage convenience and boost tourism in the region. Developed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, the project reflects the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in key religious and tourist destinations.

Appointment of Government e-Marketplace CEO

Ajay Bhadu, a 1999-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), effective from March 3, 2025. GeM serves as a digital platform for public procurement in India, and Bhadu’s appointment is expected to drive further efficiency and transparency in government procurement processes.

Inauguration of India’s First Open-Air Art Wall Museum

India’s first open-air art wall museum was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, at Mausam Bhawan in New Delhi. This initiative aims to promote art and culture, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work in a public space, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of the capital.

Inland Waterway Terminal on the Brahmaputra River

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways inaugurated an inland waterway terminal (IWT) on the Brahmaputra River in Jogighopa, Assam. This development is part of the government’s efforts to enhance inland water transport infrastructure, aiming to boost trade and connectivity in the northeastern region.

SEBI’s Launch of Digital Platform MITRA

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a new digital platform called Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant (MITRA). This platform aims to help investors trace and retrieve inactive or unclaimed mutual fund folios, enhancing investor protection and facilitating ease of access to investment information.

Renaming of Foy Sagar Lake

The Rajasthan government has renamed Foy Sagar Lake in Ajmer as “Varun Sagar.” This move reflects the state’s initiative to honor cultural and historical significance, aligning with local sentiments and heritage conservation efforts.

Conclusion

These developments across various sectors highlight the dynamic nature of current affairs as of March 8, 2025. For aspirants preparing for competitive examinations, staying informed about such events is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the evolving global and national landscape.

current affairs quiz questions

Here are 20 multiple-choice current affairs quiz questions based on the provided article:

Question 1: Which financial measure did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) take to support economic growth in March 2025?
Option 1: Increased the repo rate to 5%
Option 2: Maintained the repo rate at 4.5%
Option 3: Reduced the repo rate to 4%
Option 4: Abolished the repo rate system
Option 5: Announced a moratorium on loans

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: The RBI decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 4.5% to support economic growth while maintaining inflation control. This decision ensures stability in the financial markets and encourages lending without significantly increasing inflation.

Question 2: What was the key focus of the Union Budget 2025-26?
Option 1: Reducing fiscal deficit to below 3%
Option 2: Expansion of social security schemes
Option 3: Infrastructure development with ₹5 lakh crore allocation
Option 4: Increase in personal income tax rates
Option 5: Free distribution of essential commodities

Answer: Option 3

Explanation: The Union Budget 2025-26 emphasized infrastructure development, allocating ₹5 lakh crore to improve connectivity and create employment. This measure aims to boost economic growth through large-scale investment in transportation, energy, and urban development projects.

Question 3: Which company raised concerns over new import restrictions on low-ash metallurgical coke?
Option 1: Tata Steel
Option 2: JSW Steel
Option 3: ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel India
Option 4: Vedanta
Option 5: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)

Answer: Option 3

Explanation: ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel India expressed concerns about the new import restrictions, warning that the curbs might impact steel production and expansion plans. The company sought additional imports from Poland and Japan to sustain operations.

Question 4: What is the primary objective of the ISRO mission Chandrayaan-4?
Option 1: Establish a lunar colony
Option 2: Explore the lunar south pole
Option 3: Conduct manned space exploration
Option 4: Study Mars from lunar orbit
Option 5: Mine lunar minerals for commercial purposes

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: Chandrayaan-4 is focused on further exploring the lunar south pole, building on previous missions to expand India’s knowledge of lunar geography, mineral composition, and potential for future exploration.

Question 5: What significant AI-driven initiative was launched in India’s healthcare sector?
Option 1: AI-powered vaccine development
Option 2: AI-driven patient monitoring system
Option 3: AI-based diagnostic platform
Option 4: AI-operated robotic surgeries
Option 5: AI for medical billing automation

Answer: Option 3

Explanation: India’s technology sector has introduced an AI-driven healthcare platform aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care. This initiative reflects the growing integration of artificial intelligence in the medical industry to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

Question 6: Which country is in trade negotiations with India to enhance relations in agriculture and technology?
Option 1: United Kingdom
Option 2: New Zealand
Option 3: Canada
Option 4: South Korea
Option 5: Brazil

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: India and New Zealand have started discussions to strengthen trade ties, particularly in agriculture and technology. This agreement aims to boost bilateral trade and economic collaboration between the two nations.

Question 7: What is India’s carbon emission reduction target under the Paris Agreement?
Option 1: 25% by 2030
Option 2: 30% by 2035
Option 3: 35% by 2030
Option 4: 40% by 2028
Option 5: 50% by 2050

Answer: Option 3

Explanation: India has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 35% by 2030 as part of its obligations under the Paris Agreement. This goal aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

Question 8: What is the aim of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)?
Option 1: Eliminating carbon emissions by 2050
Option 2: Achieving net-zero pollution by 2030
Option 3: Reducing air pollution through regulations and public participation
Option 4: Increasing tree plantation in cities
Option 5: Shutting down all coal-based power plants

Answer: Option 3

Explanation: The NCAP focuses on reducing air pollution through stringent regulations and encouraging community involvement. This initiative targets key pollutants and aims to improve air quality in major cities.

Question 9: Which aircraft did India recently acquire from France to strengthen its naval defense?
Option 1: Rafale-M
Option 2: Mirage 2000
Option 3: Sukhoi Su-30MKI
Option 4: Tejas Mk2
Option 5: F-16

Answer: Option 1

Explanation: India finalized a deal with France to acquire Rafale-M fighter jets to enhance its naval combat capabilities. These jets will improve the operational readiness of the Indian Navy.

Question 10: Which missile did India successfully test with a range of 10,000 km?
Option 1: BrahMos II
Option 2: Agni-VI
Option 3: Prithvi-III
Option 4: Shaurya
Option 5: Nirbhay

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: The Agni-VI missile, with a range of 10,000 km, represents a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities, ensuring a credible long-range deterrent.

Question 11: Which cricket tournament did India recently win by defeating New Zealand?
Option 1: ICC World Cup
Option 2: ICC Champions Trophy
Option 3: Asia Cup
Option 4: T20 World Cup
Option 5: Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: India won the ICC Champions Trophy against New Zealand, with spin bowlers playing a crucial role in restricting the opposition and securing victory.

Question 12: Who was awarded the BBC Sportswoman of the Year in 2025?
Option 1: Saina Nehwal
Option 2: PV Sindhu
Option 3: Mary Kom
Option 4: Mirabai Chanu
Option 5: Hima Das

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: PV Sindhu received the BBC Sportswoman of the Year award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to Indian badminton.

Question 13: Which Indian state recently declared a new wildlife sanctuary to protect endangered species?
Option 1: Madhya Pradesh
Option 2: Maharashtra
Option 3: Kerala
Option 4: Arunachal Pradesh
Option 5: Rajasthan

Answer: Option 4

Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh declared a new wildlife sanctuary to protect rare and endangered species, including the red panda and clouded leopard. This initiative is part of India’s broader conservation efforts.

Question 14: What was the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the reservation policy in India?
Option 1: Increased reservation limit to 60%
Option 2: Upheld the 50% reservation cap
Option 3: Allowed state governments to decide the limit
Option 4: Introduced economic-based reservations only
Option 5: Abolished all caste-based reservations

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: The Supreme Court reaffirmed the 50% cap on reservations, maintaining the balance between merit-based opportunities and affirmative action policies.

Question 15: Which cybersecurity measure was recently introduced in India to protect digital transactions?
Option 1: Mandatory two-factor authentication for all UPI payments
Option 2: Ban on international digital wallets
Option 3: Introduction of a blockchain-based financial security system
Option 4: AI-driven fraud detection for online banking
Option 5: Nationwide cyber awareness campaign

Answer: Option 1

Explanation: To enhance security in digital payments, the government made two-factor authentication mandatory for all UPI transactions above ₹5,000, reducing fraud risks.

Question 16: What major judicial reform was proposed by the Law Commission in 2025?
Option 1: Appointment of judges through public exams
Option 2: Fixed retirement age for Supreme Court judges at 70
Option 3: Implementation of online hearings for all cases
Option 4: Establishment of fast-track courts for corruption cases
Option 5: Introduction of AI-based judgment review system

Answer: Option 4

Explanation: The Law Commission recommended setting up fast-track courts to expedite corruption cases and reduce the backlog of pending cases, improving judicial efficiency.

Question 17: India recently signed a space policy agreement with which country?
Option 1: Russia
Option 2: Japan
Option 3: USA
Option 4: UAE
Option 5: United Kingdom

Answer: Option 3

Explanation: India and the USA signed a space policy agreement to enhance satellite development, lunar exploration, and joint research in space technologies.

Question 18: What is the key focus of the International Climate Summit 2025?
Option 1: Green hydrogen as a clean fuel
Option 2: Global ban on fossil fuels
Option 3: Development of carbon capture technology
Option 4: Planting 1 billion trees worldwide
Option 5: Reduction in meat consumption to cut emissions

Answer: Option 1

Explanation: The summit emphasized the adoption of green hydrogen as a sustainable fuel alternative to reduce carbon emissions and support clean energy goals globally.

Question 19: Which Indian city was ranked highest in the Global Smart Cities Index 2025?
Option 1: Mumbai
Option 2: Bengaluru
Option 3: Hyderabad
Option 4: Chennai
Option 5: New Delhi

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: Bengaluru secured the highest ranking among Indian cities in the Global Smart Cities Index due to its advancements in digital governance, urban infrastructure, and technology integration.

Question 20: Which Indian athlete won a gold medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championship?
Option 1: Neeraj Chopra
Option 2: Hima Das
Option 3: Avinash Sable
Option 4: Mirabai Chanu
Option 5: Dutee Chand

Answer: Option 1

Explanation: Neeraj Chopra continued his dominance in javelin throw by securing a gold medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championship, further establishing himself as India’s top field athlete.