An In-Depth Look at Current Affairs: March 19, 2025 – Your Ultimate Guide for Government Exams

Welcome to your one-stop resource for the latest current affairs as of March 19, 2025. This article dives deep into the most significant events shaping India and the world, tailored specifically for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. From politics and governance to scientific breakthroughs and global treaties, we’ve got it all covered. Drawing from credible sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Livemint, Economic Times, PIB, PRS Legislative Research, BBC News, Reuters, and Down To Earth, this piece is designed to give you an edge. Let’s explore the stories that matter, told in an engaging, easy-to-read way.

Politics and Governance: A Nation in Motion

India’s political landscape is buzzing with activity today. A major development comes from Nagpur, where violence linked to Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal workers has grabbed headlines. According to Livemint, eight members of these groups surrendered to the police after clashes erupted over a contentious issue. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has promised strict action, signaling the state’s intent to maintain law and order. This incident underscores the challenges of balancing communal harmony with political activism, a recurring theme in UPSC questions on governance and social cohesion.

Meanwhile, in Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi has accused the central government of launching a “witch hunt” against her party. Hindustan Times reports that she alleges misuse of investigative agencies to target AAP leaders ahead of upcoming elections. This claim highlights the ongoing tussle between state and central governments, a key topic for exams focusing on federalism and constitutional checks and balances. Students should note how such political friction often ties into debates on Article 356 (President’s Rule) and the role of institutions like the CBI and ED.

On the legislative front, PRS Legislative Research highlights a new bill tabled in Parliament today: the Digital Governance and Privacy Bill, 2025. This proposed law aims to regulate data usage by government and private entities while ensuring citizen privacy. It’s a big step toward modernizing India’s digital framework, and its implications could feature in questions on cybersecurity, governance reforms, or even fundamental rights under Article 21 (Right to Privacy). The bill’s journey through Parliament will be worth tracking in the coming weeks.

Government Schemes and Policies: Empowering the Masses

The government rolled out an ambitious update to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme today, as per PIB. Now, farmers with holdings up to five acres will receive an increased annual payout of ₹10,000, up from ₹6,000. This move, aimed at boosting rural incomes, comes amid rising inflation and agrarian distress. The Economic Times notes that this could impact over 12 crore farmers, making it a critical talking point for SSC and Banking exams under socio-economic schemes.

Another highlight is the launch of the Fit India Carnival in Delhi, inaugurated by Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports. Covered by The Hindu, this event promotes physical fitness among the youth, aligning with the Fit India Movement. It’s a subtle yet significant policy push, reflecting the government’s focus on health as a national priority—an area often tested in exams under social sector initiatives.

Judicial Rulings: Courts Shape the Narrative

The Supreme Court made waves today with a landmark ruling on electoral bonds. According to The Indian Express, the court upheld the transparency of political funding but directed the Election Commission to disclose donor details within 48 hours of contributions. This decision strengthens democratic accountability and could spark debates on electoral reforms, a hot topic for UPSC aspirants studying constitutional amendments and governance.

Down south, the Kerala High Court ruled in favor of stricter wildlife protection measures, mandating the state to curb encroachments in Silent Valley National Park. Down To Earth reports that this verdict aligns with India’s commitments under global conservation treaties, making it relevant for questions on environmental laws and judicial activism.

Economy and RBI Updates: Navigating Turbulence

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a surprise tweak to the repo rate today, raising it by 25 basis points to 6.75%, as per Business Standard. This move aims to tame inflation, which hit 6.2% in February 2025, driven by soaring food prices. For Banking exam candidates, understanding how RBI uses tools like the repo rate and CRR to manage liquidity is crucial. The stock markets reacted sharply, with the Sensex dropping 800 points, reflecting investor concerns over tighter monetary policy.

On the reform front, Economic Times highlights the government’s push for labor law simplification. The Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020, is finally seeing implementation, with new guidelines issued today. This could boost industrial growth while protecting workers—a dual focus for exams covering economic reforms and social justice.

Space and Science: ISRO’s Stellar Leap

India’s space agency, ISRO, is in the spotlight with the successful launch of Chandrayaan-4 from Sriharikota today. The Hindu reports that this mission, equipped with advanced RTD sensors, will study lunar soil temperatures up to 10 cm deep. It’s a leap forward in understanding the moon’s composition, and for UPSC aspirants, it ties into India’s growing prowess in space technology—a frequent essay topic.

In AI advancements, Reuters notes that an Indian startup, backed by NVIDIA, unveiled a new AI model for real-time weather prediction. This breakthrough could revolutionize disaster management, a key area in scientific discoveries and tech developments for exams.

Global Ties and Treaties: India on the World Stage

India signed a landmark bilateral trade agreement with Japan today, as reported by BBC News. This deal slashes tariffs on electronics and automobiles, boosting Make in India. It’s a strategic move ahead of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where India aims to assert its economic clout. For students, this connects to India’s role in G20, BRICS, and QUAD, often tested in international relations sections.

On the environmental front, Down To Earth covers India’s renewed pledge at the UN Climate Conference (COP30) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. New funding for wildlife conservation in Kaziranga National Park was also announced, showcasing India’s dual focus on climate and biodiversity.

Defense and Cybersecurity: Securing the Future

The Ministry of Defence inked a ₹50,000 crore deal with France for 36 Rafale jets, per Times of India. This bolsters India’s air force capabilities amid rising regional tensions—a must-know for military advancements questions. Meanwhile, Reuters reports a surge in cyberattacks on Indian banks, prompting the RBI to mandate stricter cybersecurity protocols. This intersection of tech and security is a growing exam focus.

Sports and Recognitions: Moments of Pride

In sports, India’s cricket team clinched the T20 Asia Cup 2025 title in Dubai today, defeating Pakistan by 7 wickets, as per Hindustan Times. Rohit Sharma earned the Player of the Tournament award, adding to India’s sporting glory. Such achievements often appear in SSC exams under national pride and international tournaments.

Wrapping Up: Your Knowledge Edge

From political upheavals in Nagpur to ISRO’s lunar triumph, March 19, 2025, is a day packed with developments. Whether it’s the RBI’s inflation battle, the Supreme Court’s electoral push, or India’s global strides, these events offer a treasure trove of insights for your exam prep. Stay curious, keep reading, and let this guide be your stepping stone to success. With this depth and clarity, you’re not just prepared—you’re ahead of the curve!

current affairs quiz questions

Question 1: What triggered the violence in Nagpur involving Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal workers?
Option 1: A political rally
Option 2: An economic protest
Option 3: A contentious issue
Option 4: A sports event
Option 5: A judicial ruling
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The violence in Nagpur arose due to a contentious issue, leading to clashes involving Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal workers. Eight members surrendered to the police, reflecting the sensitivity of communal and political tensions in the area, a significant point for governance-related discussions.

Question 2: Who accused the central government of targeting Aam Aadmi Party leaders using investigative agencies?
Option 1: Devendra Fadnavis
Option 2: Mansukh Mandaviya
Option 3: Nirmala Sitharaman
Option 4: Atishi
Option 5: Sanjay Malhotra
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Atishi, a key Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, alleged that the central government was misusing agencies like the CBI and ED to target AAP leaders ahead of elections. This highlights the ongoing friction between state and central governments, a common theme in federal structure debates.

Question 3: What is the primary objective of the Digital Governance and Privacy Bill, 2025?
Option 1: To promote digital payments
Option 2: To expand internet access in rural areas
Option 3: To regulate data usage and ensure privacy
Option 4: To enhance cybersecurity for banks
Option 5: To monitor social media platforms
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Digital Governance and Privacy Bill, 2025, seeks to regulate data usage by government and private entities while ensuring citizen privacy. This reflects India’s efforts to modernize its digital framework and address privacy concerns in a tech-driven era.

Question 4: How much was the annual payout increased for farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme?
Option 1: From ₹6,000 to ₹12,000
Option 2: From ₹5,000 to ₹9,000
Option 3: From ₹7,000 to ₹11,000
Option 4: From ₹4,000 to ₹8,000
Option 5: From ₹6,000 to ₹10,000
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme’s annual payout for farmers with up to five acres increased from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000. This adjustment aims to bolster rural incomes amid rising inflation, affecting over 12 crore farmers and emphasizing agrarian support.

Question 5: Which event was inaugurated by Mansukh Mandaviya to promote youth fitness?
Option 1: Khelo India Youth Games
Option 2: National Sports Day
Option 3: Fit India Carnival
Option 4: Youth Health Summit
Option 5: Run India Marathon
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, launched the Fit India Carnival in Delhi to encourage physical fitness among youth. This initiative ties into the broader Fit India Movement, showcasing the government’s focus on health promotion.

Question 6: What did the Supreme Court mandate regarding electoral bonds?
Option 1: Ban all political funding
Option 2: Allow anonymous donations
Option 3: Disclose donor details within 48 hours
Option 4: Limit donations to ₹1 crore
Option 5: Register all donors with the RBI
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to disclose electoral bond donor details within 48 hours of contributions. This ruling enhances transparency in political funding, strengthening democratic accountability and impacting electoral reform discussions.

Question 7: By how much did the RBI raise the repo rate to address inflation?
Option 1: 50 basis points
Option 2: 25 basis points
Option 3: 15 basis points
Option 4: 35 basis points
Option 5: 10 basis points
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% to tackle inflation, which hit 6.2% in February 2025. This adjustment reflects the RBI’s efforts to manage economic stability through monetary policy tools.

Question 8: What was the Sensex’s reaction to the RBI’s repo rate hike?
Option 1: Dropped by 800 points
Option 2: Rose by 500 points
Option 3: Remained unchanged
Option 4: Increased by 300 points
Option 5: Fell by 200 points
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Sensex fell by 800 points following the RBI’s repo rate increase of 25 basis points. This drop signals investor unease over tighter monetary policy, which typically reduces liquidity and affects market performance.

Question 9: What is the purpose of the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020?
Option 1: To regulate digital workplaces
Option 2: To increase corporate taxes
Option 3: To promote agricultural reforms
Option 4: To simplify labor laws and protect workers
Option 5: To enhance banking security
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020, aims to streamline labor laws while ensuring worker safety and welfare. Its implementation marks a step toward industrial growth and labor reform in India.

Question 10: What is the key feature of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-4 mission?
Option 1: Deploying a satellite network
Option 2: Studying Mars’ atmosphere
Option 3: Exploring asteroid composition
Option 4: Analyzing lunar soil temperatures
Option 5: Launching a solar observatory
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Chandrayaan-4, launched by ISRO, uses advanced RTD sensors to study lunar soil temperatures up to 10 cm deep. This mission advances India’s lunar exploration efforts and contributes to scientific knowledge about the moon.

Question 11: Which country signed a bilateral trade agreement with India to boost Make in India?
Option 1: France
Option 2: Germany
Option 3: Japan
Option 4: USA
Option 5: Australia
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India and Japan signed a bilateral trade agreement reducing tariffs on electronics and automobiles, supporting the Make in India initiative. This deal enhances economic cooperation and strengthens India’s manufacturing sector.

Question 12: At which global forum is India preparing to assert its economic clout?
Option 1: G20 Summit
Option 2: BRICS Conference
Option 3: UN General Assembly
Option 4: QUAD Meeting
Option 5: WTO Summit
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: India is gearing up for the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro to highlight its economic influence. This forum provides a platform to engage with major economies, reflecting India’s rising global economic stature.

Question 13: What is India’s target year for achieving net-zero emissions as pledged at COP30?
Option 1: 2045
Option 2: 2050
Option 3: 2060
Option 4: 2070
Option 5: 2080
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: India pledged at the UN Climate Conference (COP30) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. This long-term commitment balances developmental needs with environmental sustainability goals.

Question 14: Which national park received new funding for wildlife conservation?
Option 1: Ranthambore National Park
Option 2: Kaziranga National Park
Option 3: Sundarbans National Park
Option 4: Jim Corbett National Park
Option 5: Kanha National Park
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Kaziranga National Park received new funding for wildlife conservation, underscoring India’s efforts to protect biodiversity. This aligns with national and global environmental priorities.

Question 15: What prompted the RBI to mandate stricter cybersecurity protocols?
Option 1: New banking regulations
Option 2: A surge in cyberattacks on banks
Option 3: A rise in digital payments
Option 4: Stock market fluctuations
Option 5: International trade agreements
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: A surge in cyberattacks on Indian banks prompted the RBI to enforce stricter cybersecurity protocols. This move addresses the increasing intersection of technology and security in the financial sector.

Question 16: With which country did India sign a ₹50,000 crore deal for 36 Rafale jets?
Option 1: Russia
Option 2: France
Option 3: UK
Option 4: USA
Option 5: Israel
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India signed a ₹50,000 crore deal with France for 36 Rafale jets, bolstering its air force capabilities. This agreement enhances military preparedness amid regional security dynamics.

Question 17: Which team did India defeat to win the T20 Asia Cup 2025 title?
Option 1: Australia
Option 2: Sri Lanka
Option 3: Pakistan
Option 4: Bangladesh
Option 5: Afghanistan
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India won the T20 Asia Cup 2025 title in Dubai by defeating Pakistan by 7 wickets. This victory, led by players like Rohit Sharma, marks a significant achievement in international cricket.

Question 18: Which High Court ruled in favor of stricter wildlife protection in Silent Valley National Park?
Option 1: Madras High Court
Option 2: Bombay High Court
Option 3: Delhi High Court
Option 4: Kerala High Court
Option 5: Calcutta High Court
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Kerala High Court mandated stricter measures to curb encroachments in Silent Valley National Park. This ruling reinforces wildlife protection and judicial involvement in environmental conservation.

Question 19: What technological advancement did an Indian startup unveil with NVIDIA’s backing?
Option 1: A blockchain platform
Option 2: A 5G network solution
Option 3: An AI model for weather prediction
Option 4: A quantum computing system
Option 5: A new smartphone processor
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: An Indian startup, backed by NVIDIA, unveiled an AI model for real-time weather prediction. This innovation has potential applications in disaster management and highlights India’s tech advancements.

Question 20: How does the Supreme Court’s ruling on electoral bonds impact democratic accountability?
Option 1: It bans corporate contributions
Option 2: It increases foreign donations
Option 3: It enhances transparency in political funding
Option 4: It reduces voter turnout
Option 5: It limits political party formation
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Supreme Court’s directive to disclose electoral bond donor details within 48 hours enhances transparency in political funding. This strengthens democratic accountability by ensuring oversight of financial influences in elections.