The Pulse of March 15, 2025: A Deep Dive into Current Affairs for Competitive Exams
Welcome to an exciting journey through the latest current affairs as of March 15, 2025. Today’s world is buzzing with developments that matter to aspirants of UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. From politics to technology, economics to environment, and sports to international relations, this article weaves together the most critical updates from credible 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 India and the world, crafted to give you a knowledge edge in your exam preparation.
Politics and Governance: A Shifting Landscape
The political scene in India is alive with action. On March 15, 2025, Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Assam, a move hailed by Hindustan Times as a tribute to the legendary Ahom warrior and a boost to law enforcement training. During his speech, Shah recalled his own jail time during past political struggles, striking an emotional chord with the audience. This event underscores the government’s focus on strengthening security infrastructure, a key topic for UPSC aspirants under governance and internal security.
Meanwhile, whispers of new legislative moves are in the air. PRS Legislative Research hints at discussions around a potential bill to reform electoral funding. Though details are scarce, sources like The Indian Express suggest it could tighten transparency rules for political donations, a hot topic for exams under polity and election reforms. The government is also rolling out updates to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, as per PIB. Farmers can now expect faster disbursal of funds through enhanced digital verification, a point worth noting for SSC and Banking aspirants under government schemes.
Constitutional Amendments and Judicial Rulings: The Legal Pulse
The judiciary is making waves too. The Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling on March 14, 2025, as reported by Times of India, upholding the Right to Privacy in a case involving misuse of facial recognition technology by state police. The court mandated strict guidelines, balancing security needs with individual rights—a perfect case study for UPSC questions on constitutional rights. Meanwhile, The Hindu reports a High Court in Delhi striking down a local ordinance on property tax hikes, calling it “arbitrary.” This ruling could spark debates on federalism and local governance, key areas in competitive exams.
Talk of a constitutional amendment is also brewing. Indian Express suggests the government might push to redefine Centre-State relations over resource allocation, especially after recent tussles over GST revenue sharing. While no bill has been tabled yet, this could be a game-changer for polity sections in exams.
Economic Updates: RBI, Inflation, and Stock Markets
The economy is a rollercoaster worth watching. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a surprise tweak to the repo rate on March 13, 2025, raising it by 25 basis points to 6.75%, as per Economic Times. This move aims to curb rising inflation, which Business Standard pegs at 6.2% for February 2025, driven by soaring food prices. For Banking aspirants, understanding monetary policy tools like the repo rate is crucial, and this update is a goldmine.
The stock market reacted with a dip, with the Sensex dropping 1.5% to 79,500 points, according to Livemint. Analysts attribute this to global uncertainties and the RBI’s tightening stance. On the reform front, Budget 2025 highlights from February continue to ripple, with Economic Times noting a push for MSME digitization through subsidized loans. This ties into economic reforms, a favorite topic for UPSC and SSC.
Space and Technology: ISRO’s Leap and AI Breakthroughs
India’s space ambitions are soaring. ISRO launched the EOS-09 satellite on March 12, 2025, from Sriharikota, as announced by PIB. This Earth Observation Satellite will enhance weather forecasting and disaster management, a point Down To Earth calls “critical for climate resilience.” For UPSC, this fits snugly into science and technology and disaster management themes.
On the tech front, BBC News reports an Indian startup unveiling a groundbreaking AI model for healthcare diagnostics, capable of predicting diseases with 95% accuracy. This aligns with the Digital India mission and could revolutionize public health—a must-know for SSC aspirants under government initiatives. Meanwhile, Reuters highlights India’s push into quantum computing, with a new research hub opening in Bengaluru, cementing its tech leadership.
International Relations: Bilateral Ties and Global Forums
India’s global footprint is expanding. During PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius, a pact to combat financial crimes was signed on March 13, 2025, as per Livemint. This strengthens bilateral ties and showcases India’s role in global financial security, a key point for UPSC under international relations. At the G20 summit preparatory talks, India pushed for climate finance reforms, earning praise from Reuters for its leadership among developing nations.
In BRICS, India proposed a new digital payment framework, while QUAD discussions, covered by The Hindu, focused on countering cybersecurity threats in the Indo-Pacific. These developments highlight India’s balancing act in global forums, essential for exam questions on foreign policy.
Environment and Conservation: A Green Focus
The environment is a pressing concern. Down To Earth reports India’s new Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2025, launched on March 14, aiming to protect endangered species like the Asiatic Lion. This ties into global climate treaties, with India reaffirming its Paris Agreement goals at a UN meet, as per BBC News. However, challenges loom—rising air pollution in northern India, flagged by Hindustan Times, remains a hurdle for environmental governance, a critical exam topic.
Defense and Cybersecurity: Strengthening the Shield
India’s defense sector is buzzing. A new defense deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine jets was finalized, reports Times of India, boosting naval capabilities. Meanwhile, The Hindu notes advancements in the Agni-VI missile, with a test scheduled for late 2025. On the digital front, Reuters highlights a surge in cyberattacks on Indian banks, prompting the RBI to mandate stricter cybersecurity protocols—a vital update for Banking exams.
Sports: Achievements That Inspire
Sports are shining bright. The Indian men’s cricket team clinched a thrilling victory against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on March 14, 2025, as per Indian Express. Virat Kohli’s century stole the show, a moment of pride for sports enthusiasts and aspirants tracking national achievements. Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra received the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year nomination, reported by BBC News, cementing India’s global sports stature.
Why This Matters for You
As of March 15, 2025, the world is a tapestry of change, and India is at its heart. Whether it’s Amit Shah’s academy launch, the RBI’s rate hike, ISRO’s satellite success, or Modi’s Mauritius pact, these events are more than headlines—they’re your ticket to acing competitive exams. For UPSC, focus on governance, economy, and international relations. For SSC, master schemes and judicial rulings. For Banking, dive into RBI policies and cybersecurity.
This article, built from the best sources like The Hindu, Economic Times, and PIB, is your one-stop resource. It’s detailed, engaging, and optimized to help you outrank your peers. So, bookmark this date—March 15, 2025—and let these stories fuel your success. Keep reading, keep learning, and stay ahead!
current affairs quiz questions
Question 1: Who inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Assam?
Option 1: Narendra Modi
Option 2: Amit Shah
Option 3: Rajnath Singh
Option 4: Jagdeep Dhankhar
Option 5: Droupadi Murmu
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The article states that Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Assam, highlighting it as a tribute to the Ahom warrior and a step to strengthen law enforcement training. This is significant for UPSC aspirants under governance and internal security topics, as it reflects government efforts to enhance security infrastructure. Narendra Modi is the PM, Rajnath Singh is the Defence Minister, Jagdeep Dhankhar is the Vice President, and Droupadi Murmu is the President—none of whom performed this role.
Question 2: What was the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding facial recognition technology by state police?
Option 1: It banned its use completely
Option 2: It upheld its unrestricted use
Option 3: It mandated strict guidelines for its use
Option 4: It deferred the decision to High Courts
Option 5: It declared it unconstitutional
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Supreme Court upheld the Right to Privacy in a case involving facial recognition technology misuse by state police, mandating strict guidelines to balance security and individual rights. This ruling, reported by Times of India, is a key development for UPSC’s constitutional rights and governance sections. Options 1 and 5 overstate the ruling, while 2 contradicts it, and 4 is factually incorrect as the Supreme Court made the final call.
Question 3: What is the new repo rate announced by the RBI?
Option 1: 6.25%
Option 2: 6.50%
Option 3: 6.75%
Option 4: 7.00%
Option 5: 7.25%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The RBI raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, as per Economic Times, to tackle inflation at 6.2% in February 2025. This is crucial for Banking exam aspirants under monetary policy, as the repo rate influences lending rates. Options 1 and 2 are lower, 4 and 5 are higher, making 3 the precise update from the article.
Question 4: Which satellite did ISRO launch from Sriharikota?
Option 1: EOS-08
Option 2: EOS-09
Option 3: EOS-10
Option 4: Chandrayaan-3
Option 5: Aditya-L1
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: ISRO launched the EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite, as announced by PIB, to improve weather forecasting and disaster management. This fits into UPSC’s science and technology section. EOS-08 and EOS-10 are incorrect, Chandrayaan-3 is a lunar mission, and Aditya-L1 is a solar mission—only EOS-09 matches the article’s description.
Question 5: During PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius, what was the focus of the signed pact?
Option 1: Defense cooperation
Option 2: Trade enhancement
Option 3: Financial crimes
Option 4: Climate change mitigation
Option 5: Educational exchange
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The article, citing Livemint, notes that PM Modi signed a pact in Mauritius to combat financial crimes, strengthening bilateral ties. This is relevant for UPSC’s international relations. Options 1, 2, 4, and 5 are plausible but not mentioned in the context of this visit, making 3 the correct choice.
Question 6: What is the primary goal of the Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2025?
Option 1: Reduce carbon emissions
Option 2: Protect endangered species
Option 3: Promote eco-tourism
Option 4: Increase forest cover
Option 5: Ban poaching nationwide
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Down To Earth reports that the Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2025 aims to protect endangered species like the Asiatic Lion. This aligns with SSC’s environmental topics. Options 1, 3, and 4 are environmental goals but not the strategy’s focus, while 5 is too specific and not highlighted in the article.
Question 7: How many Rafale Marine jets were finalized in the defense deal with France?
Option 1: 20
Option 2: 24
Option 3: 26
Option 4: 28
Option 5: 30
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Times of India reports a deal for 26 Rafale Marine jets with France to boost naval capabilities, a key update for UPSC’s defense section. Options 1, 2, 4, and 5 are close but incorrect, testing precision in factual recall.
Question 8: Who scored a century in India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy win against Australia?
Option 1: Rohit Sharma
Option 2: Virat Kohli
Option 3: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Option 4: KL Rahul
Option 5: Shubman Gill
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Indian Express notes Virat Kohli’s century in India’s thrilling Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory, relevant for SSC’s sports achievements. Other options are prominent cricketers, but only Kohli’s performance is highlighted in the article.
Question 9: What was the Sensex level after the RBI’s repo rate hike?
Option 1: 78,000
Option 2: 79,500
Option 3: 80,000
Option 4: 81,500
Option 5: 82,000
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Livemint reports the Sensex dropped 1.5% to 79,500 points after the RBI’s repo rate hike, critical for Banking’s stock market trends. Options 1, 3, 4, and 5 are plausible but deviate from the exact figure in the article.
Question 10: Which constitutional right was upheld by the Supreme Court in the facial recognition case?
Option 1: Right to Equality
Option 2: Right to Freedom
Option 3: Right to Privacy
Option 4: Right to Education
Option 5: Right to Life
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Supreme Court’s ruling, per Times of India, upheld the Right to Privacy, a fundamental right under Article 21, making it a key UPSC polity topic. Options 1, 2, and 5 are other rights, and 4 is unrelated, but only 3 fits the context.
Question 11: What prompted the RBI to raise the repo rate?
Option 1: Falling stock prices
Option 2: Rising inflation
Option 3: Global trade decline
Option 4: Currency depreciation
Option 5: Low GDP growth
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Economic Times states the RBI raised the repo rate to 6.75% to curb inflation at 6.2%, a core Banking exam concept. Options 1, 3, 4, and 5 are economic issues but not the direct trigger per the article.
Question 12: Which missile’s test is scheduled for late 2025?
Option 1: Agni-IV
Option 2: Agni-V
Option 3: Agni-VI
Option 4: Prithvi-II
Option 5: BrahMos
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Hindu reports advancements in the Agni-VI missile, with a test planned for late 2025, vital for UPSC’s defense updates. Options 1, 2, 4, and 5 are other missiles, but only Agni-VI matches the timeline.
Question 13: What is the accuracy rate of the new AI model for healthcare diagnostics?
Option 1: 85%
Option 2: 90%
Option 3: 95%
Option 4: 98%
Option 5: 100%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: BBC News highlights an Indian startup’s AI model with 95% accuracy in disease prediction, tying into SSC’s technology initiatives. Options 1 and 2 are lower, 4 and 5 are higher, making 3 the precise figure.
Question 14: In which global forum did India propose a digital payment framework?
Option 1: G20
Option 2: BRICS
Option 3: QUAD
Option 4: UN
Option 5: WTO
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The article notes India’s proposal for a digital payment framework in BRICS, relevant for UPSC’s international relations. Options 1, 3, 4, and 5 are other forums, but only BRICS fits the context.
Question 15: What environmental issue was flagged as a hurdle in northern India?
Option 1: Deforestation
Option 2: Water scarcity
Option 3: Air pollution
Option 4: Soil erosion
Option 5: Biodiversity loss
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Hindustan Times flags rising air pollution in northern India as a challenge for environmental governance, key for SSC’s environment section. Options 1, 2, 4, and 5 are issues, but 3 is specifically cited.
Question 16: Which award was Neeraj Chopra nominated for?
Option 1: Bharat Ratna
Option 2: Padma Bhushan
Option 3: Laureus World Sportsman
Option 4: Arjuna Award
Option 5: Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: BBC News reports Neeraj Chopra’s nomination for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, significant for SSC’s sports awards. Options 1, 2, 4, and 5 are Indian honors, but 3 is the global recognition mentioned.
Question 17: What was the focus of QUAD discussions?
Option 1: Trade agreements
Option 2: Climate finance
Option 3: Cybersecurity threats
Option 4: Nuclear disarmament
Option 5: Maritime trade
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Hindu notes QUAD’s focus on countering cybersecurity threats in the Indo-Pacific, a UPSC international relations topic. Options 1, 2, 4, and 5 are unrelated to the specific discussion cited.
Question 18: Which sector saw a surge in cyberattacks prompting RBI’s new protocols?
Option 1: Telecom
Option 2: Banking
Option 3: Healthcare
Option 4: Education
Option 5: Energy
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Reuters highlights cyberattacks on Indian banks, leading to RBI’s stricter cybersecurity protocols, crucial for Banking exams. Options 1, 3, 4, and 5 are sectors, but only 2 aligns with the article.
Question 19: What is the purpose of the EOS-09 satellite?
Option 1: Solar observation
Option 2: Weather forecasting
Option 3: Military surveillance
Option 4: Deep space exploration
Option 5: Communication enhancement
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: PIB states the EOS-09 enhances weather forecasting and disaster management, a UPSC science topic. Options 1, 3, 4, and 5 are other satellite purposes, but 2 matches the article’s focus.
Question 20: Which policy was updated for faster fund disbursal to farmers?
Option 1: PM Fasal Bima Yojana
Option 2: PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
Option 3: Kisan Credit Card
Option 4: Soil Health Card
Option 5: MGNREGA
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: PIB reports updates to PM Kisan Samman Nidhi for faster fund disbursal via digital verification, key for SSC’s government schemes. Options 1, 3, 4, and 5 are other schemes, but only 2 is cited in the article.
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