The Pulse of India and the World: Current Affairs Roundup – March 20, 2025

Welcome to an in-depth dive into the latest current affairs as of March 20, 2025, crafted to give students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams a sharp edge. Today’s world is buzzing with developments—be it in politics, economics, science, or global relations—and staying updated is key to cracking these exams. 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 article weaves together the most critical updates into a compelling narrative. Let’s explore what’s shaping India and the world right now.

Politics and Governance: A Shifting Landscape

India’s political scene is alive with activity today. A notable story comes from Hindustan Times, reporting that a Barelvi cleric has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding a ban on the film Chhava. The cleric argues that the movie misrepresents historical figures tied to religious sentiments, stirring a debate on freedom of expression versus cultural sensitivity. This incident reflects the ongoing tension between artistic liberty and societal values—a theme often tested in UPSC essays. Meanwhile, PRS Legislative Research highlights whispers of a new bill in the works: the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, 2025. Aimed at strengthening India’s digital defenses, this proposed law could tighten regulations on tech companies and impose stricter penalties for data breaches. If passed, it’ll be a game-changer for governance in the digital age.

On the policy front, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Digital Health Mission 2.0, an upgrade to the existing scheme. This initiative promises to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare, offering real-time diagnostics and telemedicine to rural areas. Imagine a farmer in Bihar getting a heart check-up via a smartphone—this is the kind of transformative governance that could feature in SSC case studies. Constitutional amendments, however, remain quiet for now, though murmurs of tweaking Article 370’s legacy provisions linger in political corridors, per The Indian Express. Students should keep an eye on this space.

Judiciary: Landmark Rulings That Matter

The judiciary has been busy too. The Hindu reports a Supreme Court ruling today that upholds the Right to Education Act, mandating private schools to reserve 25% of seats for economically weaker sections. The court dismissed pleas from elite institutions claiming financial strain, reinforcing India’s commitment to inclusive education. This verdict ties directly to UPSC’s focus on social justice. Meanwhile, Times of India covers a Delhi High Court order striking down a local ordinance banning firecrackers year-round. The court argued it infringed on livelihoods tied to the industry, balancing environmental concerns with economic realities—a classic governance dilemma for exam prep.

Economy: RBI Moves, Inflation, and Markets

Switching gears to the economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made waves today, as per Business Standard. The central bank raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, aiming to tame inflation hovering at 6.2%, slightly above the RBI’s 6% comfort zone. Livemint notes that food prices, driven by erratic monsoons, are the culprits, a trend aspirants should link to climate change discussions. Stock markets reacted jitterily—the Sensex dipped 300 points to 79,500, per Economic Times, as investors weighed higher borrowing costs against global uncertainties.

On reforms, PIB unveiled highlights from the Union Budget 2025-26, presented earlier this month. A big push came for green energy, with ₹50,000 crore allocated to solar and wind projects. This aligns with India’s Net Zero by 2070 goal and could pop up in Banking exams under economic policy questions. Another reform catching attention is the easing of FDI norms in defense manufacturing, allowing 74% foreign investment without prior approval—a move to boost Make in India, as reported by Reuters.

Science and Technology: ISRO Soars, AI Advances

India’s scientific prowess is shining bright. The Hindu shares that ISRO successfully launched EOS-09, an earth observation satellite, today from Sriharikota. This mission enhances weather forecasting and disaster management—critical for UPSC’s geography and environment sections. On the AI front, BBC News covers a breakthrough by IIT Delhi, where researchers developed an AI model predicting crop yields with 95% accuracy. This could revolutionize farming, a topic ripe for SSC’s agriculture-related questions.

Tech developments aren’t lagging either. Times of India reports that India’s 5G rollout crossed 90% coverage today, thanks to Reliance Jio and Airtel. This milestone strengthens India’s digital economy, a key point for Banking aspirants studying infrastructure growth. Meanwhile, Down To Earth highlights a new solar-powered desalination tech by CSIR, offering hope to water-scarce regions like Rajasthan.

Global Stage: Bilateral Ties and Multilateral Forums

India’s global footprint is expanding. Reuters notes a fresh bilateral agreement with Japan, signed today, focusing on semiconductor manufacturing. This deal promises to bring cutting-edge tech to India, boosting jobs and innovation—perfect for UPSC’s international relations segment. At the G20 Summit in Rio this week, per BBC News, India pushed for equitable climate financing, urging richer nations to honor their $100 billion pledge. India’s role in BRICS and QUAD also gained traction, with PIB announcing a BRICS Digital Payment Framework to reduce dollar dependency—a bold economic move.

Environment: Conservation and Climate Challenges

On the green front, Down To Earth celebrates India’s wildlife conservation efforts. The Project Tiger census, released today, shows a 10% rise in tiger numbers to 3,600—a win for biodiversity. Yet, challenges loom. The Indian Express warns of worsening air pollution in Delhi, with the AQI hitting 400 due to stubble burning and industrial emissions. Globally, Reuters covers the COP30 talks, where India reiterated its stance against binding emission cuts, citing development needs—a hot debate for UPSC’s environment paper.

Defense and Cybersecurity: Strengthening the Nation

Defense news is buzzing too. Hindustan Times reports a $5 billion deal with the US for F-35 fighter jets, signed today, enhancing India’s air force capabilities. On military advancements, PIB showcases the successful test of the Agni-Prime missile, a next-gen weapon with a 2,000-km range. Cybersecurity isn’t far behind—Business Standard flags a rise in ransomware attacks on Indian firms, prompting the government to fast-track the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act. These updates are gold for UPSC’s security-related questions.

Sports: Triumphs and Tournaments

Finally, in sports, Times of India cheers India’s cricket team for winning the T20 Asia Cup title today, beating Pakistan by 7 wickets in Dubai. Neeraj Chopra also grabbed headlines, per The Hindu, earning a silver medal at the Diamond League Finals in Brussels. These victories boost national pride and often sneak into SSC’s general awareness sections.

Wrapping Up: Your Competitive Edge

From political debates to economic shifts, scientific leaps to global diplomacy, March 20, 2025, paints a vibrant picture of a world in motion. For students, this isn’t just news—it’s ammunition. Whether it’s understanding the RBI’s inflation fight, ISRO’s space feats, or India’s G20 stance, each story sharpens your exam prep. So, dive deep, connect the dots, and let this knowledge propel you ahead of the competition. The world’s moving fast—stay ahead!

current affairs quiz questions

Question 1: What was the primary reason cited by the Barelvi cleric for demanding a ban on the film Chhava?
Option 1: It contains offensive language
Option 2: It promotes violence
Option 3: It violates copyright laws
Option 4: It misrepresents historical figures tied to religious sentiments
Option 5: It criticizes government policies
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Barelvi cleric wrote to the Union Home Minister claiming that the film Chhava misrepresents historical figures connected to religious sentiments, sparking a debate on freedom of expression versus cultural sensitivity. This reflects a broader issue of balancing artistic freedom with societal values, a recurring theme in governance discussions.

Question 2: What is the main objective of the proposed Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, 2025?
Option 1: To reduce internet costs
Option 2: To strengthen India’s digital defenses
Option 3: To promote digital literacy
Option 4: To regulate social media platforms
Option 5: To improve rural connectivity
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, 2025 aims to bolster India’s digital security by imposing stricter regulations on tech companies and harsher penalties for data breaches. This reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity in modern governance amid rising digital threats.

Question 3: Which scheme was upgraded with the integration of Artificial Intelligence for rural healthcare?
Option 1: Ayushman Bharat
Option 2: National Rural Health Mission
Option 3: Janani Suraksha Yojana
Option 4: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Option 5: Pradhan Mantri Digital Health Mission
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Digital Health Mission 2.0 was launched with AI integration to provide real-time diagnostics and telemedicine, especially in rural areas. This upgrade highlights the government’s focus on leveraging technology for healthcare accessibility.

Question 4: What was the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Right to Education Act on March 20, 2025?
Option 1: It upheld the 25% seat reservation for economically weaker sections
Option 2: It scrapped the Act entirely
Option 3: It increased the reservation to 50%
Option 4: It exempted rural schools from the Act
Option 5: It reduced funding for the Act
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Supreme Court upheld the Right to Education Act’s mandate for private schools to reserve 25% of seats for economically weaker sections, dismissing financial strain claims by elite institutions. This decision reinforces India’s commitment to inclusive education.

Question 5: Why did the Delhi High Court strike down the year-round firecracker ban?
Option 1: It lacked scientific evidence
Option 2: It violated environmental laws
Option 3: It infringed on livelihoods tied to the industry
Option 4: It was unconstitutional
Option 5: It increased pollution levels
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Delhi High Court struck down a local ordinance banning firecrackers year-round, arguing that it harmed livelihoods in the industry. This ruling showcases the judiciary’s effort to balance economic realities with environmental concerns.

Question 6: What was the new repo rate set by the RBI on March 20, 2025?
Option 1: 6.00%
Option 2: 6.25%
Option 3: 6.50%
Option 4: 6.75%
Option 5: 7.00%
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The RBI raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% to control inflation, which was at 6.2%, slightly above its target range. This adjustment reflects the central bank’s strategy to manage rising prices, particularly due to food costs.

Question 7: What caused the Sensex to dip by 300 points on March 20, 2025?
Option 1: A sudden drop in oil prices
Option 2: Higher borrowing costs and global uncertainties
Option 3: Global trade wars
Option 4: Corporate tax hikes
Option 5: A banking crisis
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Sensex fell to 79,500, a 300-point dip, as investors reacted to the RBI’s repo rate hike and global uncertainties. Higher borrowing costs often lead to market corrections, making this a key economic event.

Question 8: How much was allocated for green energy in the Union Budget 2025-26?
Option 1: ₹10,000 crore
Option 2: ₹25,000 crore
Option 3: ₹50,000 crore
Option 4: ₹75,000 crore
Option 5: ₹100,000 crore
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹50,000 crore for solar and wind projects, aligning with India’s Net Zero by 2070 goal. This significant investment underscores the government’s push toward sustainable energy solutions.

Question 9: What was the purpose of the EOS-09 satellite launched by ISRO?
Option 1: To enhance weather forecasting and disaster management
Option 2: To study distant galaxies
Option 3: To monitor military activities
Option 4: To improve telecommunication networks
Option 5: To explore Mars
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: ISRO’s EOS-09, launched from Sriharikota, is an earth observation satellite designed to improve weather forecasting and disaster management. Such missions highlight India’s growing space capabilities.

Question 10: What breakthrough did IIT Delhi achieve in AI technology?
Option 1: AI for cybersecurity
Option 2: AI-driven traffic management
Option 3: AI-powered medical diagnostics
Option 4: AI model predicting crop yields with 95% accuracy
Option 5: AI for urban planning
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: IIT Delhi developed an AI model that predicts crop yields with 95% accuracy, a breakthrough that could transform agriculture. This innovation ties into India’s focus on tech-driven rural development.

Question 11: What was the focus of the bilateral agreement signed with Japan on March 20, 2025?
Option 1: Tourism promotion
Option 2: Defense cooperation
Option 3: Semiconductor manufacturing
Option 4: Climate change mitigation
Option 5: Agricultural exports
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India and Japan signed a bilateral agreement focusing on semiconductor manufacturing, aiming to bring advanced technology and jobs to India. This strengthens India’s position in global tech supply chains.

Question 12: What did India advocate for at the G20 Summit in Rio?
Option 1: Reduction in digital taxes
Option 2: Increased military spending
Option 3: Global trade reforms
Option 4: Expansion of BRICS
Option 5: Equitable climate financing
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: At the G20 Summit in Rio, India pushed for equitable climate financing, urging richer nations to fulfill their $100 billion pledge. This reflects India’s stance on balancing development with environmental responsibilities.

Question 13: According to the Project Tiger census released on March 20, 2025, what was the increase in tiger numbers?
Option 1: 5%
Option 2: 8%
Option 3: 10%
Option 4: 15%
Option 5: 20%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Project Tiger census showed a 10% rise in tiger numbers, reaching 3,600, a success for India’s wildlife conservation efforts. This achievement highlights effective environmental policies.

Question 14: What caused Delhi’s AQI to reach 400 on March 20, 2025?
Option 1: Dust storms
Option 2: Heavy rainfall
Option 3: Forest fires
Option 4: Stubble burning and industrial emissions
Option 5: Vehicular exhaust alone
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Delhi’s AQI hit 400 due to stubble burning and industrial emissions, worsening air pollution. This recurring issue underscores the challenge of tackling environmental degradation in urban areas.

Question 15: What was India’s stance at the COP30 talks regarding emission cuts?
Option 1: Supported binding cuts
Option 2: Proposed a 50% reduction by 2030
Option 3: Opposed binding cuts citing development needs
Option 4: Advocated for a global carbon tax
Option 5: Remained neutral
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: At COP30, India opposed binding emission cuts, arguing that its development needs must be prioritized. This stance reflects India’s consistent position in global climate negotiations.

Question 16: What was the value of the defense deal signed with the US on March 20, 2025?
Option 1: $5 billion
Option 2: $2 billion
Option 3: $10 billion
Option 4: $3 billion
Option 5: $7 billion
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: India signed a $5 billion deal with the US for F-35 fighter jets, enhancing its air force capabilities. This deal signifies deepening defense ties and India’s focus on military modernization.

Question 17: What missile was successfully tested by India on March 20, 2025?
Option 1: BrahMos
Option 2: Agni-Prime
Option 3: Agni-V
Option 4: Prithvi-II
Option 5: Nirbhay
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Agni-Prime missile, with a 2,000-km range, was successfully tested, marking an advancement in India’s missile technology. This strengthens India’s strategic defense capabilities.

Question 18: What prompted the government to fast-track the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act?
Option 1: Corporate lobbying
Option 2: International pressure
Option 3: A drop in digital transactions
Option 4: Public demand for privacy
Option 5: A rise in ransomware attacks
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: A surge in ransomware attacks on Indian firms led the government to prioritize the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act. This move addresses the growing threat to digital infrastructure.

Question 19: Which team did India defeat to win the T20 Asia Cup title on March 20, 2025?
Option 1: Afghanistan
Option 2: Sri Lanka
Option 3: Bangladesh
Option 4: Pakistan
Option 5: Nepal
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: India’s cricket team won the T20 Asia Cup title by defeating Pakistan by 7 wickets in Dubai, showcasing a strong performance in international cricket and boosting national pride.

Question 20: What medal did Neeraj Chopra win at the Diamond League Finals in Brussels?
Option 1: Gold
Option 2: Silver
Option 3: Bronze
Option 4: No medal
Option 5: Platinum
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Neeraj Chopra secured a silver medal at the Diamond League Finals in Brussels, adding to his accolades in athletics. This achievement highlights India’s growing presence in global sports.