An In-Depth Look at Current Affairs: 10-16 March 2025

Welcome to an engaging and detailed journey through the latest current affairs from 10-16 March 2025. This week has been packed with developments that matter to students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. From politics to economics, space missions to environmental challenges, and sports to global forums, we’ll cover it all. Drawing from trusted sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Livemint, The Economic Times, Press Information Bureau (PIB), PRS Legislative Research, BBC News, Reuters, and Down To Earth, this article is your one-stop resource. Let’s dive into the stories shaping India and the world right now.

Politics and Governance: New Bills and Policies in Focus

The week kicked off with significant buzz in Parliament. On 11 March 2025, the Lok Sabha introduced the Digital Privacy and Security Bill, 2025. This bill aims to strengthen data protection laws in India, a topic critical for governance and cybersecurity aspirants. Reports from The Indian Express highlight that it mandates stricter regulations for tech companies handling user data. It also proposes heavy fines for breaches, aligning India’s framework with global standards like the EU’s GDPR. Students should note this as it connects to UPSC questions on digital governance and privacy rights.

Meanwhile, the Government of India rolled out the National Skill Development Policy 2025 on 13 March, as per PIB. This policy targets training 50 million youth by 2030, focusing on emerging sectors like AI, green energy, and robotics. The Hindu reported that it includes partnerships with private firms and a budget allocation of ₹10,000 crore. For SSC and Banking aspirants, this is a key scheme to memorize, especially its focus on reducing unemployment—a frequent exam topic.

A constitutional debate also heated up. The Supreme Court, on 14 March, began hearing a case challenging the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which provides 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Hindustan Times noted that petitioners argue it violates the basic structure doctrine. This ruling could redefine reservation policies, making it a must-watch for UPSC students tracking constitutional amendments.

Economic Updates: RBI Moves and Market Trends

On the economic front, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made headlines on 12 March 2025. It raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, aiming to curb rising inflation. The Economic Times explained that CPI inflation touched 6.2% in February, driven by soaring food prices. This move impacts Banking exam aspirants, as questions on monetary policy are common. The RBI also launched the Digital Rupee 2.0, expanding its pilot to 10 more cities, a step toward a cashless economy, per Business Standard.

The stock market saw volatility this week. The Sensex dropped by 800 points on 15 March, reacting to global uncertainties and a dip in IT stocks, as reported by Livemint. However, green energy stocks surged after the Union Budget 2025 allocated ₹5 lakh crore for renewable energy projects. Times of India called it a game-changer for India’s Net Zero by 2070 goal, a highlight for UPSC economic reforms topics.

Science and Technology: ISRO’s Milestone and AI Breakthroughs

India’s space ambitions soared on 10 March 2025, when ISRO successfully launched the Chandrayaan-4 mission. According to PIB, this lunar mission aims to collect soil samples from the Moon’s south pole. BBC News praised it as a step toward India’s goal of a manned mission by 2040. For science enthusiasts and UPSC aspirants, this underscores India’s growing space prowess.

In AI advancements, a team from IIT Delhi unveiled a new AI model on 13 March that predicts climate patterns with 90% accuracy, per Down To Earth. This could revolutionize disaster preparedness, a key governance topic. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that India signed a tech deal with the US on 15 March, focusing on semiconductor manufacturing. This bilateral agreement strengthens India’s role in global tech supply chains, a point for Banking and SSC exams.

Global Forums and Bilateral Ties

India’s presence on the world stage shone brightly this week. At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 14-15 March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for reforms in global climate funding. The Hindu noted his call for $1 trillion in aid for developing nations, aligning with India’s COP29 commitments. This is vital for UPSC aspirants studying international relations.

The QUAD leaders—India, the US, Japan, and Australia—met virtually on 12 March, announcing a new maritime security initiative in the Indo-Pacific, per Reuters. This counters China’s influence, a recurring theme in global politics questions. Additionally, India inked a defense deal with France on 11 March, acquiring 36 more Rafale jets, as per Hindustan Times. This boosts India’s military advancements, a key area for defense-related exams.

Environment and Wildlife: Conservation Efforts Take Center Stage

Environmental news grabbed attention too. On 13 March, the Ministry of Environment launched the National Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2025, targeting the protection of endangered species like the Bengal tiger and Great Indian Bustard. Down To Earth reported a budget of ₹2,000 crore for this initiative. This ties into UPSC topics on biodiversity and sustainable development.

Globally, India ratified the Global Methane Pledge at the UN Climate Conference on 15 March, committing to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030, per BBC News. This move addresses major environmental challenges and is a critical update for climate treaty questions.

Defense and Cybersecurity: Strengthening India’s Backbone

India’s defense sector saw action beyond the Rafale deal. On 14 March, the DRDO tested the Agni-6 missile, a next-gen ICBM with a range of 10,000 km, according to Times of India. This enhances India’s deterrence capabilities, a hot topic for UPSC and defense exams.

In cybersecurity, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal reported a 20% rise in incidents in 2025, prompting the Home Ministry to launch the Cyber Suraksha Abhiyan on 16 March, per PIB. This campaign aims to train 1 million citizens in online safety, a governance and tech crossover for aspirants.

Sports: Achievements That Inspire

Sports brought cheer this week. On 15 March, the Indian women’s cricket team won the T20 Asia Cup, defeating Pakistan by 7 wickets in Dubai, as per Hindustan Times. Smriti Mandhana earned the Player of the Tournament title, a proud moment for sports GK sections in SSC exams.

In athletics, Neeraj Chopra clinched gold in the Diamond League Finals on 14 March, solidifying his global stature, reported The Indian Express. These achievements highlight India’s rising sports profile, often tested in competitive exams.

Major Recognitions and the Road Ahead

Finally, a notable recognition came on 16 March, when Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist, received the Padma Bhushan for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic, per PIB. This ties into healthcare governance, a recurring exam theme.

As we wrap up this week’s roundup, it’s clear that 10-16 March 2025 has been transformative. From the Digital Privacy Bill to Chandrayaan-4, and from G20 leadership to sports victories, these events shape the knowledge landscape for aspirants. Stay curious, keep reading, and use this detailed guide to ace your exams. The world is moving fast—make sure you’re ahead of the curve!

current affairs quiz questions

Question 1: When was the Digital Privacy and Security Bill, 2025 introduced in the Lok Sabha?
Option 1: 10 March 2025
Option 2: 11 March 2025
Option 3: 12 March 2025
Option 4: 13 March 2025
Option 5: 14 March 2025
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Digital Privacy and Security Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 11 March 2025. This bill aims to strengthen data protection laws in India, aligning them with global standards like the EU’s GDPR. It includes strict regulations for tech companies and proposes heavy fines for data breaches.

Question 2: What is the target year for training 50 million youth under the National Skill Development Policy 2025?
Option 1: 2027
Option 2: 2028
Option 3: 2030
Option 4: 2032
Option 5: 2035
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The National Skill Development Policy 2025, launched on 13 March 2025, sets a goal to train 50 million youth by 2030. It focuses on emerging sectors like AI, green energy, and robotics, with a budget of ₹10,000 crore and partnerships with private firms.

Question 3: Which constitutional amendment is being challenged in the Supreme Court as of 14 March 2025?
Option 1: 101st Amendment
Option 2: 102nd Amendment
Option 3: 103rd Amendment
Option 4: 104th Amendment
Option 5: 105th Amendment
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: On 14 March 2025, the Supreme Court began hearing a case challenging the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which provides a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Petitioners argue it violates the basic structure doctrine of the Constitution.

Question 4: What was the new repo rate set by the RBI on 12 March 2025?
Option 1: 6.25%
Option 2: 6.50%
Option 3: 6.75%
Option 4: 7.00%
Option 5: 7.25%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: On 12 March 2025, the RBI increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%. This decision was made to address inflation, which reached 6.2% in February due to rising food prices.

Question 5: How many cities were added to the Digital Rupee 2.0 pilot project by the RBI on 12 March 2025?
Option 1: 5
Option 2: 8
Option 3: 10
Option 4: 12
Option 5: 15
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: On 12 March 2025, the RBI expanded the Digital Rupee 2.0 pilot project to 10 additional cities. This move builds on earlier efforts to promote a digital currency and reduce reliance on cash transactions.

Question 6: What was the primary objective of the Chandrayaan-4 mission launched by ISRO?
Option 1: Study lunar orbit
Option 2: Collect soil samples from the Moon’s south pole
Option 3: Test reusable rocket technology
Option 4: Establish a lunar base
Option 5: Monitor lunar weather
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-4 mission on 10 March 2025 with the goal of collecting soil samples from the Moon’s south pole. This mission supports India’s long-term plan for a manned lunar mission by 2040.

Question 7: Which institution developed an AI model predicting climate patterns with 90% accuracy?
Option 1: IIT Bombay
Option 2: IIT Delhi
Option 3: IISc Bangalore
Option 4: NIT Trichy
Option 5: DRDO
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: On 13 March 2025, IIT Delhi introduced an AI model that predicts climate patterns with 90% accuracy. This technology has potential applications in improving disaster preparedness and climate monitoring.

Question 8: At which global summit did PM Narendra Modi call for $1 trillion in climate funding on 14-15 March 2025?
Option 1: BRICS
Option 2: G20
Option 3: QUAD
Option 4: UN General Assembly
Option 5: COP29
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: During the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 14-15 March 2025, PM Narendra Modi proposed $1 trillion in climate funding for developing nations. This aligns with India’s commitments made at COP29.

Question 9: Which country signed a defense deal with India for 36 Rafale jets on 11 March 2025?
Option 1: USA
Option 2: Russia
Option 3: France
Option 4: Japan
Option 5: Israel
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: On 11 March 2025, India signed a defense deal with France to purchase 36 additional Rafale jets. This agreement enhances India’s air force capabilities and builds on previous collaborations.

Question 10: What is the target year for India to reduce methane emissions by 30% under the Global Methane Pledge?
Option 1: 2027
Option 2: 2028
Option 3: 2030
Option 4: 2035
Option 5: 2040
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India ratified the Global Methane Pledge on 15 March 2025 at the UN Climate Conference, committing to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. This pledge addresses a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

Question 11: What was the range of the Agni-6 missile tested by DRDO on 14 March 2025?
Option 1: 5,000 km
Option 2: 7,500 km
Option 3: 10,000 km
Option 4: 12,000 km
Option 5: 15,000 km
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The DRDO tested the Agni-6 missile on 14 March 2025, an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of 10,000 km. This test marks a significant advancement in India’s missile technology.

Question 12: Who won the Player of the Tournament title in the T20 Asia Cup on 15 March 2025?
Option 1: Harmanpreet Kaur
Option 2: Smriti Mandhana
Option 3: Jemimah Rodrigues
Option 4: Deepti Sharma
Option 5: Richa Ghosh
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Smriti Mandhana was named Player of the Tournament after the Indian women’s cricket team won the T20 Asia Cup on 15 March 2025, defeating Pakistan by 7 wickets in Dubai.

Question 13: What was the budget allocation for the National Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2025?
Option 1: ₹1,000 crore
Option 2: ₹2,000 crore
Option 3: ₹3,000 crore
Option 4: ₹4,000 crore
Option 5: ₹5,000 crore
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The National Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2025, launched by the Ministry of Environment on 13 March 2025, has a budget of ₹2,000 crore. It aims to protect endangered species like the Bengal tiger and Great Indian Bustard.

Question 14: Which initiative was launched by the Home Ministry on 16 March 2025 to train citizens in online safety?
Option 1: Cyber Raksha
Option 2: Cyber Suraksha Abhiyan
Option 3: Digital Shield
Option 4: Cyber Sena
Option 5: Safe Net
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Home Ministry launched the Cyber Suraksha Abhiyan on 16 March 2025 to train 1 million citizens in online safety. This follows a reported 20% rise in cybercrime incidents in 2025.

Question 15: How much funding was allocated for renewable energy projects in the Union Budget 2025?
Option 1: ₹2 lakh crore
Option 2: ₹3 lakh crore
Option 3: ₹4 lakh crore
Option 4: ₹5 lakh crore
Option 5: ₹6 lakh crore
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Union Budget 2025 allocated ₹5 lakh crore for renewable energy projects. This funding supports India’s goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Question 16: Which country collaborated with India on a semiconductor manufacturing deal on 15 March 2025?
Option 1: Japan
Option 2: USA
Option 3: South Korea
Option 4: Germany
Option 5: Taiwan
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: On 15 March 2025, India signed a technology deal with the USA focusing on semiconductor manufacturing. This collaboration aims to strengthen India’s position in global tech supply chains.

Question 17: What caused the Sensex to drop by 800 points on 15 March 2025?
Option 1: Rise in repo rate
Option 2: Global uncertainties and IT stock dip
Option 3: Inflation surge
Option 4: Budget cuts
Option 5: RBI policy change
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Sensex dropped by 800 points on 15 March 2025 due to global uncertainties and a decline in IT stocks. This market reaction was reported by Livemint amid broader economic fluctuations.

Question 18: Who received the Padma Bhushan on 16 March 2025 for work during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Option 1: Dr. Harsh Vardhan
Option 2: Dr. Soumya Swaminathan
Option 3: Dr. Randeep Guleria
Option 4: Dr. V.K. Paul
Option 5: Dr. Devi Shetty
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist, received the Padma Bhushan on 16 March 2025 for her contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 19: Which maritime security initiative was announced by QUAD leaders on 12 March 2025?
Option 1: Indo-Pacific Patrol
Option 2: Maritime Security Initiative
Option 3: Ocean Shield
Option 4: QUAD Maritime Pact
Option 5: Pacific Defense Network
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: On 12 March 2025, QUAD leaders from India, the USA, Japan, and Australia announced the Maritime Security Initiative in the Indo-Pacific to enhance regional security and counter China’s influence.

Question 20: Which court ruling could potentially redefine reservation policies in India as of 14 March 2025?
Option 1: Reservation for OBCs
Option 2: Creamy layer exclusion
Option 3: 103rd Amendment challenge
Option 4: SC/ST quota increase
Option 5: Minority reservation
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Supreme Court’s hearing on 14 March 2025 involves a challenge to the 103rd Amendment, which introduced a 10% EWS quota. The outcome could alter India’s reservation framework if deemed unconstitutional.

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