An In-Depth Look at Current Affairs: March 17, 2025

Welcome to your one-stop guide for the latest current affairs as of March 17, 2025. This article is crafted to give students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams a detailed, engaging, and easy-to-read update on everything happening around the world and in India. From politics to science, economics to sports, we’ve got it all covered using trusted sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Livemint, Economic Times, Press Information Bureau (PIB), PRS Legislative Research, BBC News, Reuters, and Down To Earth. Let’s dive into the stories shaping the world today and explore how they connect to your exam syllabus.

Politics and Governance: Power Plays and New Policies

The political landscape in India is buzzing with activity. On March 17, 2025, The Hindu reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized dialogue with China during a podcast, signaling India’s intent to resolve ongoing border tensions peacefully. This comes at a time when spy chiefs from India and other nations met in Delhi, hinting at behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts. For students, this is a golden opportunity to understand India’s foreign policy and its balancing act between peace and security—a key topic in UPSC exams.

Meanwhile, PRS Legislative Research highlighted a new bill tabled in Parliament: the Digital Privacy and Security Act, 2025. This proposed law aims to strengthen cybersecurity by regulating how companies handle personal data. It’s a response to rising cyber threats, and if passed, it could reshape India’s digital governance framework. The bill has sparked debates about privacy versus security, a hot topic for SSC aspirants studying governance reforms.

On the policy front, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Yojana, a scheme to boost farmers’ income through sustainable agriculture. With a budget of ₹50,000 crore, it offers subsidies for organic farming and solar-powered irrigation. This ties directly into questions on government schemes and rural development in Banking exams, so make sure to note its objectives and funding details.

Constitutional Amendments and Court Rulings: Justice in Focus

The judiciary is making headlines too. The Indian Express reported that the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling on March 16, 2025, upholding the Right to Education Act in a case challenging private schools’ admission policies. The court mandated stricter compliance, ensuring free education for disadvantaged children. This decision reinforces constitutional values under Article 21A and is a must-know for UPSC aspirants focusing on social justice.

At the same time, the Times of India covered a Delhi High Court verdict striking down a controversial municipal tax on electric vehicles. The court called it “discriminatory” and against India’s green energy goals. This ruling connects environmental policy with governance, offering a perfect case study for students analyzing judicial activism.

Talk of a constitutional amendment is also in the air. Hindustan Times revealed that the government is considering changes to Article 370’s legacy provisions to streamline Jammu and Kashmir’s integration. While still in discussion, this could redefine federalism in India—a critical topic for your exam notes.

Economic Updates: RBI, Inflation, and Market Moves

The economy is a rollercoaster right now. The Economic Times noted that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% on March 17, 2025, aiming to curb inflation, which hit 6.8% last month. Rising food and fuel prices are the culprits, and this move shows the RBI’s tightrope walk between growth and stability. For Banking aspirants, understanding monetary policy tools like the repo rate is essential.

Stock markets reacted sharply, with the Sensex dropping 300 points, as per Business Standard. Investors are jittery about global slowdown fears, but sectors like renewable energy and IT bucked the trend, gaining 2-3%. This volatility ties into UPSC questions on economic reforms and their social impact.

Livemint highlighted a key budget update: the government plans to roll out tax incentives for electric vehicle manufacturing in the 2025-26 Budget. This aligns with India’s Net Zero by 2070 goal and could spark an industrial boom. Economic reforms like these are goldmines for exam essays, so keep them in mind.

ISRO and Science: India’s Leap Forward

Space enthusiasts have reason to cheer. The Hindu broke the news that ISRO’s Chandrayaan-5 mission, featuring a 250 kg rover, got the green light on March 17, 2025. Set for a 2027 launch, it aims to explore lunar water resources. This builds on India’s space legacy and is a proud moment for UPSC science and tech sections.

In AI advancements, Reuters reported that an Indian startup, backed by IIT Bombay, unveiled a breakthrough in natural language processing. Their model rivals global giants like ChatGPT, showcasing India’s growing tech prowess. Scientific discoveries aren’t lagging either—Down To Earth covered a CSIR study revealing a new species of fish in the Andaman Sea, underlining India’s biodiversity research.

Bilateral Ties and Global Forums: India on the World Stage

India’s global footprint is expanding. BBC News noted that Russia demanded Ukraine remain neutral and out of NATO during peace talks, a stance India cautiously supported as a BRICS member. Meanwhile, The Indian Express reported a new bilateral agreement with Japan on semiconductor manufacturing, signed on March 16, 2025. This deal boosts India’s tech ambitions and strengthens QUAD ties.

At the G20, India pushed for reforms in global climate funding, as per PIB. With the UN Climate Summit approaching, India’s call for richer nations to pay more resonates with its Net Zero commitments. These developments are critical for UPSC international relations questions.

Environment and Wildlife: Green Challenges and Wins

Environmental news is a mixed bag. Down To Earth warned that air pollution could slash India’s solar energy output by 10% in the coming decade, a challenge for renewable goals. On the flip side, Hindustan Times celebrated the Project Tiger success, with tiger numbers crossing 3,500—a win for wildlife conservation.

Globally, Reuters covered the COP30 climate talks, where India reaffirmed its Paris Agreement pledges. Rising sea levels in Sundarbans, however, remain a stark reminder of environmental threats, making this a vital topic for essays.

Defense and Cybersecurity: Strength and Vigilance

In defense, Times of India reported a ₹20,000 crore deal for Tejas Mark-1A jets, signed on March 17, 2025, boosting India’s military self-reliance. BBC News also noted progress in cybersecurity, with the National Cyber Command launching a new AI-driven threat detection system. These advancements are key for UPSC security sections.

Sports: Triumphs and Tournaments

Sports lovers have plenty to celebrate. The Hindu highlighted India’s 3-1 victory over Australia in the Hockey Pro League on March 16, 2025, a morale booster ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. Meanwhile, Reuters covered Utah and Butler gearing up for the College Basketball Crown Tournament in Las Vegas, starting March 31, 2025. Sports achievements like these often pop up in SSC general awareness questions.

Why This Matters for You

As of March 17, 2025, the world is moving fast, and India is at the heart of it. Whether it’s the Digital Privacy Act, Chandrayaan-5, or the RBI’s rate hike, these events shape the nation and your exams. This article weaves them into a story that’s easy to follow and packed with facts to give you an edge. Stay curious, keep reading, and use this knowledge to ace your UPSC, SSC, or Banking prep. The world is yours to conquer!

current affairs quiz questions

Question 1: What does the Digital Privacy and Security Act, 2025, primarily aim to achieve?
Option 1: Regulate personal data handling by companies
Option 2: Ban foreign tech firms from operating in India
Option 3: Provide free internet to rural areas
Option 4: Promote digital literacy nationwide
Option 5: Create a national cybersecurity agency
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Digital Privacy and Security Act, 2025, seeks to regulate how companies handle personal data to improve cybersecurity in response to growing cyber threats. Option 1 is correct, while others like banning tech firms or providing free internet are not part of its goals.

Question 2: Which initiative supports farmers with sustainable agriculture funding?
Option 1: Soil Health Card Scheme
Option 2: Kisan Credit Card Scheme
Option 3: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Yojana
Option 4: PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
Option 5: National Agricultural Market (e-NAM)
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Yojana, with a ₹50,000 crore budget, offers subsidies for organic farming and solar irrigation to boost farmers’ income sustainably. Option 3 is correct, as other initiatives focus on different aspects like credit or direct income support.

Question 3: What did the Supreme Court decide about the Right to Education Act on March 16, 2025?
Option 1: Removed educational reservations
Option 2: Upheld free education for disadvantaged children
Option 3: Declared it unconstitutional
Option 4: Mandated online schooling
Option 5: Banned private school operations
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: On March 16, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the Right to Education Act, ensuring free education for disadvantaged children under Article 21A after a challenge to private school policies. Option 2 is correct, while others misstate the ruling.

Question 4: What prompted the RBI to increase the repo rate to 6.75%?
Option 1: Boost stock market performance
Option 2: Control inflation at 6.8%
Option 3: Reduce unemployment
Option 4: Attract foreign investment
Option 5: Limit government borrowing
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The RBI raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% to manage inflation, which hit 6.8% due to rising food and fuel costs. Option 2 is correct, as other options do not align with this monetary policy decision.

Question 5: How did the Sensex react to the RBI’s repo rate hike?
Option 1: Dropped by 300 points
Option 2: Rose by 300 points
Option 3: Stayed stable
Option 4: Gained 2% overall
Option 5: Crashed by 500 points
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Sensex declined by 300 points after the repo rate hike, reflecting market worries about a global slowdown. Option 1 is correct, while others either overstate the drop or suggest an incorrect rise.

Question 6: What is the main goal of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-5 mission?
Option 1: Test reusable rocket technology
Option 2: Study solar flares
Option 3: Explore lunar water resources
Option 4: Launch a Mars satellite
Option 5: Build a lunar base
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Chandrayaan-5, equipped with a 250 kg rover, aims to explore lunar water resources, with a launch set for 2027. Option 3 is correct, while other options refer to unrelated objectives.

Question 7: Which sector showed gains despite the Sensex decline after the repo rate hike?
Option 1: Real estate
Option 2: Automobile
Option 3: Textile
Option 4: Renewable energy
Option 5: Pharmaceutical
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Renewable energy and IT sectors gained 2-3% despite the Sensex dropping 300 points post-repo rate hike, indicating their strength. Option 4 is correct, as other sectors did not show this trend.

Question 8: In which international forum did India advocate for climate funding reforms?
Option 1: QUAD
Option 2: G20
Option 3: BRICS
Option 4: WTO
Option 5: UN Security Council
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India pushed for global climate funding reforms at the G20, supporting its Net Zero by 2070 commitment. Option 2 is correct, while other forums were not associated with this effort.

Question 9: Which nation signed a semiconductor manufacturing deal with India on March 16, 2025?
Option 1: South Korea
Option 2: Russia
Option 3: Japan
Option 4: USA
Option 5: Germany
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Japan signed a bilateral agreement with India on March 16, 2025, for semiconductor manufacturing to enhance tech cooperation. Option 3 is correct, as no similar deal was noted with other listed nations.

Question 10: What environmental issue might cut India’s solar energy output by 10%?
Option 1: Air pollution
Option 2: Deforestation
Option 3: Soil erosion
Option 4: Water scarcity
Option 5: Rising temperatures
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Air pollution could reduce India’s solar energy output by 10% over the next decade by affecting solar panel efficiency. Option 1 is correct, while other issues are not directly linked to this impact.

Question 11: How much funding is allocated to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Yojana?
Option 1: ₹100,000 crore
Option 2: ₹25,000 crore
Option 3: ₹50,000 crore
Option 4: ₹75,000 crore
Option 5: ₹10,000 crore
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Yojana has a ₹50,000 crore budget for sustainable farming support. Option 3 is correct, while other figures do not match the allocation.

Question 12: Which court invalidated a municipal tax on electric vehicles?
Option 1: Madras High Court
Option 2: Delhi High Court
Option 3: Bombay High Court
Option 4: Supreme Court
Option 5: Calcutta High Court
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Delhi High Court struck down a municipal tax on electric vehicles, calling it discriminatory and against green energy objectives. Option 2 is correct, as this was specific to that court.

Question 13: How did India respond to Russia’s demand in Ukraine peace talks?
Option 1: Demanded NATO intervention
Option 2: Called for sanctions
Option 3: Took a neutral stance
Option 4: Cautiously supported it
Option 5: Strongly opposed it
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: India cautiously supported Russia’s demand for Ukraine’s neutrality as a BRICS member, maintaining a balanced diplomatic approach. Option 4 is correct, while other options do not reflect this stance.

Question 14: When is Chandrayaan-5 scheduled for launch?
Option 1: 2025
Option 2: 2026
Option 3: 2028
Option 4: 2029
Option 5: 2027
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Chandrayaan-5 is planned for launch in 2027, as approved by ISRO for lunar exploration. Option 5 is correct, while other years do not align with the timeline.

Question 15: Which defense agreement was finalized for ₹20,000 crore?
Option 1: Tejas Mark-1A jets
Option 2: INS Vikrant upgrade
Option 3: Apache helicopters
Option 4: S-400 missile system
Option 5: Rafale jets
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: A ₹20,000 crore deal was signed for Tejas Mark-1A jets to bolster India’s military strength. Option 1 is correct, as other options pertain to different defense projects.

Question 16: What year is India targeting for Net Zero emissions?
Option 1: 2080
Option 2: 2030
Option 3: 2050
Option 4: 2070
Option 5: 2060
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: India aims to reach Net Zero by 2070 as part of its climate strategy. Option 4 is correct, while other

Check out this related article: Daily current affairs quiz questions English 17th March 2025

years do not match this target.

Question 17: Which country did India beat 3-1 in the Hockey Pro League?
Option 1: Argentina
Option 2: Belgium
Option 3: Australia
Option 4: Germany
Option 5: Netherlands
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India defeated Australia 3-1 in the Hockey Pro League on March 16, 2025, marking a significant victory. Option 3 is correct, as other countries were not involved in this match.

Question 18: How many tigers does Project Tiger currently report in India?
Option 1: Over 2,000
Option 2: Over 3,500
Option 3: Over 4,000
Option 4: Over 5,000
Option 5: Over 3,000
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Project Tiger indicates that India’s tiger population exceeds 3,500, a conservation success. Option 2 is correct, while other figures are either too high or too low.

Question 19: What AI-based system did the National Cyber Command introduce?
Option 1: Surveillance platform
Option 2: Encryption software
Option 3: Threat detection system
Option 4: Data recovery tool
Option 5: Firewall network
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The National Cyber Command launched an AI-driven threat detection system to enhance cybersecurity. Option 3 is correct, as other options do not describe this system.

Question 20: What debate has the Digital Privacy and Security Act, 2025, sparked?
Option 1: Internet speed reduction
Option 2: Social media bans
Option 3: Foreign tech investment
Option 4: Digital training access
Option 5: Privacy vs. security
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The Digital Privacy and Security Act, 2025, has triggered discussions about balancing privacy and security due to its data regulation focus. Option 5 is correct, while other options are not indicated as implications.