Current Affairs Digest: March 18, 2025 – Your Ultimate Guide for Competitive Exams
Welcome to your one-stop resource for the latest current affairs as of March 18, 2025! Whether you’re preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, or other government exams, this in-depth article covers everything you need to know. From politics and economics to science, defense, and sports, we’ve tapped into credible sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Livemint, The Economic Times, PIB, PRS Legislative Research, BBC News, Reuters, and Down To Earth to bring you a detailed yet engaging rundown. Let’s dive into the stories shaping India and the world today, crafted to give you an edge in your exam prep!
Politics and Governance: A Nation in Motion
India’s political landscape is buzzing with activity as of March 18, 2025. One of the biggest headlines comes from Hindustan Times, reporting that India has urged the United States to take action against a pro-Khalistan group operating on American soil. This follows rising tensions over separatist activities, with New Delhi emphasizing the need for stronger international cooperation to curb such threats. For students, this underscores India’s assertive foreign policy and its focus on national security—a key theme in UPSC questions.
On the legislative front, PRS Legislative Research highlights a new bill making waves: the Electoral Reforms Bill, 2025. Tabled in Parliament this week, it aims to strengthen democracy by introducing stricter regulations on political funding and enhancing voter transparency. The bill proposes linking Aadhaar with voter IDs to eliminate bogus voting, a move that’s sparked both support and debate. The Indian Express notes that opposition parties are calling it a potential privacy violation, while the government insists it’s a step toward fair elections. This is a must-know topic for SSC aspirants, as governance reforms often feature in objective-type questions.
Meanwhile, PIB announced the launch of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, an upgrade to the tourism-boosting initiative. This policy focuses on sustainable tourism, aiming to develop lesser-known destinations while preserving cultural heritage. With a budget allocation of over ₹1,200 crore, it’s set to create jobs and boost local economies—a perfect case study for Banking exams focusing on government schemes.
Judiciary: Courts Shaping the Narrative
The judiciary has been active too, with landmark rulings grabbing attention. Livemint reports that the Delhi High Court rejected a plea to stay proceedings against Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra over alleged inflammatory remarks during the 2020 elections. The court’s decision to let the case proceed signals its commitment to accountability in public office. For UPSC aspirants, this ties into questions on the judiciary’s role in upholding democratic values.
Elsewhere, The Hindu covered a Supreme Court directive asking the government to frame guidelines for cybersecurity in schools. This follows a rise in online threats targeting students, highlighting the intersection of technology and governance. Such rulings are goldmines for essays on constitutional provisions like Article 21 (Right to Life), which now extends to digital safety.
Economy: RBI Moves and Market Trends
Turning to the economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made headlines with its latest update, as reported by The Economic Times. The RBI raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, aiming to tackle persistent inflation, which hit 5.8% in February 2025. This move reflects concerns over rising food and fuel prices, a topic Business Standard says could dominate the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26 discussions. For Banking exam candidates, understanding monetary policy and its impact on inflation trends is crucial.
The stock market responded with mixed signals. Sensex dipped by 300 points on March 17 but recovered slightly by Tuesday, as per Times of India. Experts attribute this volatility to global cues, including a slowdown in China’s manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, Livemint spotlighted economic reforms, with the government pushing for relaxed FDI norms in the retail sector. This could attract foreign giants like Walmart, boosting competition and consumer choice—another hot topic for UPSC economy questions.
Science and Technology: India’s Leap Forward
India’s scientific community is shining bright, with ISRO stealing the show. PIB announced the successful launch of RISAT-3, a radar imaging satellite, from Sriharikota on March 16. This mission enhances India’s weather forecasting and defense surveillance capabilities, reinforcing its space prowess. The Hindu adds that ISRO is now gearing up for Gaganyaan-2, the next manned mission slated for 2026. These milestones are essential for UPSC science and tech sections.
On the AI front, Reuters reports that India’s National Quantum Mission has taken a big step forward. Launched in 2023, it saw its first breakthrough this week with a quantum computing prototype developed by IIT Madras. This could revolutionize cryptography and data processing, making it a game-changer for cybersecurity—a trending topic across exams.
International Relations: India on the Global Stage
India’s global footprint is growing stronger. BBC News covered a new bilateral agreement with Japan, signed on March 17, focusing on defense technology sharing. This deal includes co-developing stealth drones, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defense. The Indian Express notes this strengthens the QUAD alliance, especially amid tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific.
At the G20 Summit preparatory meet in Delhi, India championed wildlife conservation, proposing a global fund to protect endangered species, according to Down To Earth. This aligns with its commitments under global climate treaties like the Paris Agreement. Reuters adds that India also raised concerns over environmental challenges, urging BRICS nations to prioritize green energy investments. These developments are vital for UPSC aspirants tracking India’s role in multilateral forums.
Environment: Conservation and Challenges
Speaking of the environment, Down To Earth highlighted India’s latest wildlife conservation effort: the Cheetah Reintroduction Project. On March 15, two more cheetahs were released into Kuno National Park, bringing the total to 12. This ambitious initiative aims to restore ecological balance, though experts warn of habitat challenges—a key discussion point for SSC environment questions.
Globally, BBC News reported a setback in climate treaty talks, with developed nations resisting stricter emission cuts. India, balancing development and sustainability, reiterated its Net Zero by 2070 goal, as per PIB. Meanwhile, The Hindu flagged rising air pollution in northern India, with AQI levels crossing 400 in Delhi—a pressing issue for exam essays.
Defense and Cybersecurity: Securing the Future
In defense news, Times of India revealed a ₹15,000 crore deal to procure 100 K-9 Vajra artillery guns, boosting India’s military firepower along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This follows Hindustan Times coverage of the Agnipath Scheme review, with the government tweaking training modules based on feedback—a hot topic for UPSC governance debates.
On cybersecurity, The Economic Times reported a surge in ransomware attacks targeting Indian firms in 2025. The Supreme Court’s push for school guidelines ties into this, signaling a national focus on digital defense. Students should note these trends for tech-related questions.
Sports: Triumphs and Tournaments
Finally, in sports, India celebrated a historic win, as per Hindustan Times. The Indian Men’s Cricket Team clinched the T20 World Championship 2025 title on March 16, defeating Australia by 7 wickets in a thrilling final. Rohit Sharma’s leadership earned him the Player of the Tournament award—a proud moment for SSC aspirants tracking national achievements.
Additionally, Times of India noted that Neeraj Chopra received the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year nomination for his consistent javelin excellence. With the Paris Olympics 2024 behind us, India’s focus now shifts to the Commonwealth Games 2026—keep an eye on this for sports GK!
Why This Matters for You
As of March 18, 2025, the world is moving fast, and India is at the heart of it. From the Electoral Reforms Bill to RISAT-3, from RBI’s rate hike to the T20 World Championship, these events aren’t just news—they’re your ticket to acing competitive exams. They connect the dots between polity, economy, science, and global affairs, giving you a holistic view that examiners love. So, bookmark this article, revisit it, and let it fuel your journey to success. Stay curious, stay informed, and keep pushing forward!
current affairs quiz questions
Question 1: Which country did India urge to take action against a pro-Khalistan group operating on its soil?
Option 1: United Kingdom
Option 2: United States
Option 3: Canada
Option 4: Australia
Option 5: Germany
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India recently expressed concerns over separatist activities and urged the United States to address a pro-Khalistan group functioning within its borders. This reflects India’s focus on national security and its diplomatic efforts to curb such threats internationally, a key aspect of its foreign policy stance.
Question 2: What is the primary aim of the Electoral Reforms Bill, 2025, introduced in Parliament?
Option 1: To reduce the voting age to 16
Option 2: To strengthen democracy through political funding regulations
Option 3: To abolish the use of EVMs in elections
Option 4: To increase the number of Lok Sabha seats
Option 5: To mandate compulsory voting
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Electoral Reforms Bill, 2025, seeks to enhance democratic processes by introducing stricter regulations on political funding and improving voter transparency. It includes proposals like linking Aadhaar with voter IDs to eliminate bogus voting, sparking debates over privacy versus electoral integrity.
Question 3: Which scheme was launched to promote sustainable tourism and develop lesser-known destinations?
Option 1: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Option 2: Swadesh Darshan 2.0
Option 3: Make in India
Option 4: Digital India
Option 5: Atmanirbhar Bharat
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is an upgraded initiative aimed at boosting sustainable tourism by focusing on lesser-known destinations while preserving cultural heritage. With a significant budget allocation, it also targets job creation and economic growth in local areas.
Question 4: What was the Delhi High Court’s ruling regarding Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra?
Option 1: It acquitted him of all charges
Option 2: It stayed proceedings against him
Option 3: It rejected a plea to stay proceedings against him
Option 4: It transferred his case to the Supreme Court
Option 5: It imposed a fine for delaying the case
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Delhi High Court rejected a plea to halt proceedings against Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra over alleged inflammatory remarks made during the 2020 elections. This decision emphasizes judicial accountability for public officials and the court’s role in upholding legal processes.
Question 5: What did the Supreme Court direct the government to do regarding cybersecurity?
Option 1: Ban social media in schools
Option 2: Frame guidelines for cybersecurity in schools
Option 3: Install CCTV cameras in all classrooms
Option 4: Increase funding for IT infrastructure
Option 5: Train teachers in ethical hacking
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Amid rising online threats targeting students, the Supreme Court instructed the government to formulate cybersecurity guidelines for schools. This ruling expands the scope of digital safety under constitutional rights, reflecting the growing intersection of technology and governance.
Question 6: What was the new repo rate set by the RBI to tackle inflation?
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 Reserve Bank of India raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% to address persistent inflation, which reached 5.8% in February 2025. This adjustment reflects the RBI’s monetary policy strategy to control rising food and fuel prices affecting the economy.
Question 7: What caused the volatility in the Sensex recently?
Option 1: A rise in crude oil prices
Option 2: A slowdown in China’s manufacturing sector
Option 3: New tax reforms in India
Option 4: A surge in foreign investments
Option 5: RBI’s decision to lower interest rates
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Sensex experienced fluctuations, dipping by 300 points before a partial recovery, largely due to global economic cues like a slowdown in China’s manufacturing sector. This highlights how international factors influence India’s stock market performance.
Question 8: What is the purpose of relaxing FDI norms in the retail sector?
Option 1: To reduce imports from China
Option 2: To attract foreign companies like Walmart
Option 3: To increase domestic manufacturing
Option 4: To lower retail prices for consumers
Option 5: To promote small-scale retailers
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The government is pushing to ease FDI norms in the retail sector to attract major foreign players like Walmart. This move aims to enhance competition, expand consumer choices, and boost economic growth through foreign investment.
Question 9: Which satellite was successfully launched by ISRO from Sriharikota?
Option 1: Chandrayaan-3
Option 2: RISAT-3
Option 3: Gaganyaan-1
Option 4: Cartosat-4
Option 5: INSAT-5
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: ISRO successfully launched RISAT-3, a radar imaging satellite, from Sriharikota. This mission strengthens India’s capabilities in weather forecasting and defense surveillance, showcasing its advancing space technology.
Question 10: What breakthrough was achieved under the National Quantum Mission?
Option 1: Development of a reusable rocket
Option 2: Creation of a quantum computing prototype
Option 3: Launch of a 5G satellite
Option 4: Discovery of a new exoplanet
Option 5: Advancement in nuclear fusion
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The National Quantum Mission marked a significant milestone with IIT Madras developing a quantum computing prototype. This advancement promises to revolutionize fields like cryptography and data processing, positioning India as a tech innovator.
Question 11: What was the focus of the bilateral agreement signed between India and Japan?
Option 1: Trade tariffs reduction
Option 2: Defense technology sharing
Option 3: Climate change cooperation
Option 4: Educational exchange programs
Option 5: Joint space missions
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India and Japan signed a bilateral agreement centered on defense technology sharing, including co-developing stealth drones. This deal bolsters their strategic partnership and aligns with India’s self-reliance goals in defense.
Question 12: What did India propose at the G20 Summit preparatory meet in Delhi?
Option 1: A global fund for wildlife conservation
Option 2: A ban on coal exports
Option 3: A new trade agreement with BRICS
Option 4: Increased funding for space research
Option 5: A universal basic income policy
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: During the G20 preparatory meet in Delhi, India advocated for a global fund to protect endangered species, reinforcing its commitment to wildlife conservation. This proposal aligns with its broader environmental goals on the international stage.
Question 13: How many cheetahs have been released into Kuno National Park under the Cheetah Reintroduction Project?
Option 1: 8
Option 2: 10
Option 3: 12
Option 4: 14
Option 5: 16
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Cheetah Reintroduction Project recently saw two more cheetahs released into Kuno National Park, bringing the total to 12. This initiative aims to restore ecological balance, though it faces challenges related to habitat suitability.
Question 14: What environmental issue was flagged in northern India recently?
Option 1: Deforestation in the Western Ghats
Option 2: Rising air pollution in Delhi
Option 3: Flooding in coastal areas
Option 4: Desertification in Rajasthan
Option 5: Coral bleaching in the Andamans
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Northern India, particularly Delhi, is grappling with severe air pollution, with AQI levels exceeding 400. This recurring environmental challenge poses health risks and underscores the need for sustainable urban policies.
Question 15: What is India’s long-term climate goal reiterated recently?
Option 1: Net Zero by 2050
Option 2: Net Zero by 2060
Option 3: Net Zero by 2070
Option 4: Carbon neutrality by 2040
Option 5: Emission reduction by 2030
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070, balancing developmental needs with sustainability. This goal is part of its strategy under global climate treaties, reflecting its stance on environmental responsibility.
Question 16: What defense equipment was procured in a ₹15,000 crore deal?
Option 1: Rafale fighter jets
Option 2: K-9 Vajra artillery guns
Option 3: S-400 missile systems
Option 4: Apache helicopters
Option 5: Tejas aircraft
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India signed a ₹15,000 crore deal to procure 100 K-9 Vajra artillery guns, enhancing its military capabilities along the Line of Actual Control. This acquisition strengthens its defense preparedness in strategic regions.
Question 17: What cybersecurity issue has seen a surge targeting Indian firms in 2025?
Option 1: Phishing attacks
Option 2: Data breaches
Option 3: Ransomware attacks
Option 4: DDoS attacks
Option 5: Malware infections
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Indian firms have faced a notable increase in ransomware attacks in 2025, highlighting vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure. This trend has prompted calls for stronger cybersecurity measures across sectors.
Question 18: Which team did India defeat to win the T20 World Championship 2025?
Option 1: England
Option 2: South Africa
Option 3: Australia
Option 4: New Zealand
Option 5: Pakistan
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India clinched the T20 World Championship 2025 title by defeating Australia by 7 wickets in a thrilling final. This victory underscores India’s dominance in international cricket and boosts national pride.
Question 19: Who received the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 World Championship 2025?
Option 1: Virat Kohli
Option 2: Rohit Sharma
Option 3: Jasprit Bumrah
Option 4: Suryakumar Yadav
Option 5: Hardik Pandya
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Rohit Sharma’s exceptional leadership and performance earned him the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 World Championship 2025. His contribution was pivotal in India’s successful campaign.
Question 20: For which event is India preparing following the Paris Olympics 2024?
Option 1: Asian Games 2026
Option 2: Commonwealth Games 2026
Option 3: Winter Olympics 2026
Option 4: World Athletics Championships
Option 5:
Check out this related article: Daily current affairs quiz questions English 18th March 2025
FIFA World Cup QualifiersAnswer: Option 2
Explanation: After the Paris Olympics 2024, India is now focusing on the Commonwealth Games 2026, aiming to build on its recent sporting achievements. This event offers another platform for India to showcase its athletic talent globally.
