Staying abreast of current affairs is crucial for aspirants preparing for competitive examinations like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. This comprehensive overview of significant events as of March 1, 2025, delves into various domains, providing not just the news but also the historical context and background essential for a deeper understanding. For Indian students, connecting contemporary developments to India’s historical trajectory, governance structures, and global positioning enhances analytical skills—a key requirement for success in these exams.
Politics & Governance
Extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for an additional three years, until March 31, 2028. Established as a statutory body in 1994 under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993, the NCSK was initially set up for three years but has been periodically extended due to persistent socio-economic challenges faced by sanitation workers. Historically, safai karamcharis—many belonging to Scheduled Castes—have been linked to the caste-based occupation of manual scavenging, a practice outlawed by the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. Despite legal measures, implementation has lagged, with a 2018 Supreme Court ruling mandating better safety and welfare for sanitation workers after several deaths in sewer cleaning incidents. The commission monitors schemes like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (2014) and addresses grievances, reflecting India’s ongoing struggle to reconcile social equity with modernization. This extension aligns with the government’s broader welfare agenda, a recurring theme in UPSC questions on social justice and governance.
Proposal to Reduce States’ Share of Federal Taxes
The central government is considering a proposal to reduce the states’ share of federal taxes from 41% to 40%, effective from 2026, as recommended to the Finance Commission of India. The Finance Commission, established under Article 280 of the Constitution, has historically shaped Centre-State financial relations since its inception in 1951. The current 41% devolution was set by the 14th Finance Commission (2015-2020) under Y.V. Reddy, increasing it from 32% to strengthen fiscal federalism. However, the 15th Finance Commission (2021-2026) maintained this share amid debates fueled by the GST rollout in 2017, which subsumed state taxes like VAT, reducing their revenue autonomy. This proposed cut, aiming to yield the Centre an additional ₹350 billion annually, follows a pattern of centralization seen during economic crises like the 1991 Balance of Payments crisis, when the Centre tightened fiscal control. States, especially those in the south like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have historically resisted such moves, arguing it undermines cooperative federalism—a concept rooted in the Government of India Act, 1935. Aspirants should note the implications for Centre-State relations, a frequent essay topic in UPSC.
Economy & Finance
Paytm Receives Show Cause Notice
Paytm, a pioneer in India’s digital payments ecosystem, has received a show cause notice from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, tied to its acquisitions of Little Internet Private Limited and Nearbuy India Private Limited between 2015-2019. Paytm, founded in 2010 by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, rose to prominence during the 2016 demonetization, which accelerated India’s shift to a cashless economy under the Digital India initiative. FEMA, replacing the stringent FERA (1973), governs foreign exchange transactions, and this scrutiny reflects heightened regulatory oversight post-demonetization, as seen in earlier probes into firms like Amazon and Flipkart. Paytm’s clarification that the entities were not subsidiaries then underscores the complexities of corporate restructuring in India’s fintech boom, valued at $110 billion by 2024. This case highlights the evolving regulatory landscape—a key focus for Banking and SSC exams—and the balance between innovation and compliance.
Adani Group’s Renewed Investment Plans in the U.S.
The Adani Group, led by Gautam Adani, has revived its $10 billion investment plan in the U.S., initially proposed during Donald Trump’s first term (2017-2021), targeting nuclear power, utilities, and an East Coast port. The conglomerate, founded in 1988, became a global player after liberalized economic policies post-1991, notably in ports (Mundra, 1998) and energy. The plan’s revival comes amid legal woes, with U.S. prosecutors charging Adani with bribery linked to Adani Green Energy contracts in India, echoing the Hindenburg Research report (2023) alleging stock manipulation and tax haven misuse, which wiped out over $100 billion in market value. The SEC’s ongoing probe into securities fraud adds to the group’s challenges, reminiscent of India’s corporate scandals like Satyam (2009). For aspirants, this underscores the interplay of economic liberalization, global expansion, and regulatory risks—critical for UPSC’s economic and international relations sections.
Science & Technology
Microsoft’s Majorana 1 Quantum Chip
Microsoft has unveiled the Majorana 1, a quantum chip enhancing qubit reliability and scalability, a leap toward a functional quantum computer by 2027-2029. Quantum computing traces back to Richard Feynman’s 1982 vision, with India entering the race via the National Quantum Mission (2023), aiming to develop a 50-qubit system by 2028. Microsoft’s milestone builds on decades of research into Majorana fermions, theorized in 1937, and aligns with global competition involving IBM and Google. For Indian students, this connects to India’s Digital India and Make in India goals, emphasizing technological self-reliance—a recurring theme in science and technology questions.
International Relations
India’s Participation in Global Forums
India’s active role in the G20, UN, BRICS, and QUAD reflects its ascent from a post-colonial state to a global power. The G20, formed in 1999, saw India host the 2023 Summit, showcasing its economic clout post-1991 reforms. At the UN, India’s peacekeeping legacy since the 1950s and its 2021-2022 Security Council term underline its diplomatic heft. BRICS, launched in 2009, amplifies India’s voice in the Global South, while the QUAD (revived in 2017) counters China’s rise—a shift from India’s Non-Aligned Movement roots during the Cold War. These engagements tie to India’s Act East Policy (2014) and sustainable development goals, offering rich material for UPSC’s international relations syllabus.
Environment & Climate Change
Above-Average Temperatures Threaten Wheat Crop
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts above-average temperatures in March 2025, threatening wheat yields in central, northern, southern, and northeastern India. Wheat, introduced during the Green Revolution (1960s) under M.S. Swaminathan, made India the world’s second-largest producer. However, heatwaves like 2022’s, which slashed output and prompted an export ban, reveal climate vulnerabilities. Three subpar harvests since 2022 have driven prices to record highs, echoing the 1965-66 food crisis that spurred self-sufficiency drives. A potential cut in the 40% import tax mirrors past import reliance during droughts, while the need for climate-resilient crops ties to India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (2008)—key for environment-related questions.
Continued Dominance of Coal in India’s Energy Mix
India’s addition of 30,000 MW of coal-fired capacity alongside 56,000 MW of clean energy reflects its energy dilemma. Coal, powering India since the First Five-Year Plan (1951), fueled industrialization but clashed with Paris Agreement (2015) commitments. The National Solar Mission (2010) and renewable investments have grown, yet coal’s 7% annual demand rise—rooted in post-1991 economic growth—ensures its dominance. This balancing act, targeting net-zero by 2070, mirrors historical energy debates like the 1970s oil crisis response, offering insights into India’s sustainability challenge for exam essays.
Defense & Security
India Expands Its Defense Ties with France
The India-France security agreement of March 2025 builds on a partnership dating to the 1998 nuclear tests, when France eschewed sanctions. Past deals include Rafale jets (2016) and Scorpène submarines (2005), tied to the Make in India (2014) push for indigenization. Joint exercises like Garuda and technology transfers counter China’s String of Pearls strategy, evolving from India’s Look East Policy (1991). This aligns with the 2025 Budget’s defense hike, a trend since the 1962 Sino-Indian War, enhancing strategic autonomy—a vital UPSC topic.
Cybersecurity: India Enhances Digital Safety Measures
New cybersecurity mandates follow a surge in ransomware attacks, like the 2022 AIIMS breach, exposing digital vulnerabilities post-Digital India (2015). Collaboration with Google and Microsoft builds on the IT Act, 2000, amended in 2008 after the Mumbai attacks. These measures address a 300% rise in cybercrimes since 2020, critical for SSC’s general awareness section.
Sports & Awards
India Shines in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India’s cricket dominance, rooted in the 1983 World Cup win, shines in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, hosted after a decade since 2013. PV Sindhu’s badminton gold builds on her 2016 Olympic silver, boosting India’s Paris 2025 prospects—key for sports-related questions.
National Awards Recognize Excellence
The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, honor icons like Raghuram Rajan (ex-RBI Governor, 2013-2016), Amitabh Bachchan, and Sunita Narain, reflecting India’s focus on diverse fields—a recurring GK topic.
Miscellaneous
India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train
The Delhi-Jaipur hydrogen train, launched under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2022), follows steam-to-electric transitions since 1853. It supports the 2030 carbon-neutral railway goal, a technological leap for sustainability discussions.
Chandrayaan-4: ISRO’s Next Lunar Mission
Chandrayaan-4, post-Chandrayaan-3 (2023) success, builds on India’s space journey from Aryabhata (1975). Lunar sample return, a feat achieved by the U.S., USSR, and China, elevates India’s global standing—ideal for science and technology questions.
Conclusion
The March 1, 2025, updates showcase India’s multifaceted growth, blending historical legacies with modern challenges. For aspirants, this enriched perspective fosters critical thinking, linking past policies to future implications—a cornerstone of success in competitive exams.
current affairs quiz questions
Question 1: What is the new deadline for the tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis as approved by the Union Cabinet?
Option 1: March 31, 2026
Option 2: March 31, 2027
Option 3: March 31, 2028
Option 4: March 31, 2029
Option 5: March 31, 2030
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Union Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extended the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for three more years, setting its new deadline to March 31, 2028. Established in 1994 under the NCSK Act, 1993, it focuses on sanitation workers’ welfare, a group historically tied to manual scavenging despite its ban in 2013. This extension reflects ongoing social justice efforts, a frequent UPSC topic under governance and marginalized communities.
Question 2: Which constitutional article governs the establishment of the Finance Commission of India?
Option 1: Article 356
Option 2: Article 280
Option 3: Article 324
Option 4: Article 368
Option 5: Article 370
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Finance Commission, formed under Article 280 since 1951, advises on tax distribution between the Centre and states. The article mentions a proposal to cut states’ share from 41% to 40%, a move rooted in fiscal federalism debates tracing back to the Government of India Act, 1935. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants studying constitutional provisions and Centre-State relations.
Question 3: How much additional annual revenue is the central government expected to gain by reducing states’ tax share to 40%?
Option 1: ₹250 billion
Option 2: ₹300 billion
Option 3: ₹350 billion
Option 4: ₹400 billion
Option 5: ₹450 billion
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The proposal to lower states’ federal tax share from 41% to 40% starting 2026 aims to provide the Centre with an extra ₹350 billion annually. This addresses rising expenditure needs, a fiscal strategy akin to the 1991 economic crisis response, making it relevant for SSC and Banking exams on economic policy.
Question 4: For which act’s alleged violation did Paytm receive a show cause notice from the Enforcement Directorate?
Option 1: Companies Act, 2013
Option 2: Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
Option 3: Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
Option 4: Information Technology Act, 2000
Option 5: Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Paytm received a notice from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged breaches of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, linked to its 2015-2019 acquisitions. FEMA regulates foreign exchange, and this case highlights fintech scrutiny post-2016 demonetization, a key Banking exam topic on regulatory frameworks.
Question 5: Which group faced bribery charges from U.S. prosecutors related to electricity purchases in India?
Option 1: Tata Group
Option 2: Reliance Industries
Option 3: Adani Group
Option 4: Vedanta Group
Option 5: Infosys
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Adani Group, led by Gautam Adani, faces U.S. bribery charges tied to securing electricity deals via Adani Green Energy. Coupled with the SEC’s securities fraud probe and past Hindenburg allegations, this is a significant case for UPSC aspirants analyzing corporate ethics and international trade.
Question 6: By what year does Microsoft aim to create a fully functional quantum computer using the Majorana 1 chip?
Option 1: 2025-2026
Option 2: 2026-2027
Option 3: 2027-2029
Option 4: 2029-2030
Option 5: 2030-2032
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Microsoft’s Majorana 1 quantum chip, enhancing qubit reliability, targets a functional quantum computer by 2027-2029. This aligns with global quantum advancements and India’s National Quantum Mission (2023), offering SSC and UPSC students insights into emerging technology trends.
Question 7: Which global forum’s summit did India host in 2023, showcasing its post-1991 economic reforms?
Option 1: BRICS
Option 2: G20
Option 3: QUAD
Option 4: SCO
Option 5: ASEAN
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India hosted the G20 Summit in 2023, reflecting its economic rise post-1991 liberalization. The article notes India’s active role in G20, UN, BRICS, and QUAD, a vital international relations topic for UPSC mains, highlighting its shift to multilateral leadership.
Question 8: How many consecutive years might India face declining wheat yields due to high temperatures in March 2025?
Option 1: Two years
Option 2: Three years
Option 3: Four years
Option 4: Five years
Option 5: Six years
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Above-average temperatures forecasted for March 2025 by the IMD threaten wheat yields for the fourth year running, following subpar harvests since 2022, including the 2022 heatwave export ban. This environmental challenge is key for UPSC and SSC aspirants studying agriculture and climate impacts.
Question 9: What is the annual average growth rate of India’s energy demand driving coal reliance?
Option 1: 4%
Option 2: 5%
Option 3: 6%
Option 4: 7%
Option 5: 8%
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: India’s energy demand grows at 7% annually, necessitating continued coal use despite 56,000 MW of clean energy additions. This growth, tied to post-1991 industrialization, poses a sustainability dilemma, a nuanced UPSC essay topic on energy policy and net-zero by 2070.
Question 10: Which country signed a new security agreement with India in 2025 focusing on defense technology transfer?
Option 1: United States
Option 2: Russia
Option 3: France
Option 4: Japan
Option 5: United Kingdom
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India and France signed a 2025 security agreement emphasizing joint exercises and defense technology transfer, building on past deals like Rafale jets (2016). This supports Make in India and counters China’s regional influence, a strategic topic for UPSC defense sections.
Question 11: How often must major banks and government agencies conduct cybersecurity audits under the new MHA measures?
Option 1: Every three months
Option 2: Every six months
Option 3: Annually
Option 4: Every two years
Option 5: Quarterly
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Ministry of Home Affairs mandated six-monthly cybersecurity audits and real-time threat monitoring post-recent cyberattacks, like the 2022 AIIMS breach. This strengthens digital security, a critical SSC general awareness and UPSC security topic.
Question 12: Who was the captain of the Indian cricket team during its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win against South Africa?
Option 1: Rohit Sharma
Option 2: Virat Kohli
Option 3: Shubman Gill
Option 4: KL Rahul
Option 5: Rishabh Pant
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Rohit Sharma led India to a victory over South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hosted after a decade since 2013. Sports events like this are common in SSC and Banking GK sections, testing current achievements.
Question 13: Which award did Raghuram Rajan receive in the Padma Awards 2025?
Option 1: Padma Shri
Option 2: Padma Bhushan
Option 3: Padma Vibhushan
Option 4: Bharat Ratna
Option 5: Padma Alankar
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Raghuram Rajan, ex-RBI Governor (2013-2016), was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2025 for his economic contributions. The Padma Awards, started in 1954, are a staple GK topic in government exams, recognizing notable figures.
Question 14: Which mission supports India’s first hydrogen-powered train launched on the Delhi-Jaipur route?
Option 1: National Solar Mission
Option 2: National Green Hydrogen Mission
Option 3: Digital India Mission
Option 4: Smart Cities Mission
Option 5: Clean India Mission
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Delhi-Jaipur hydrogen-powered train aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2022), aiming for sustainable transport and a carbon-neutral railway by 2030. This eco-initiative is key for UPSC science and environment questions.
Question 15: What milestone will Chandrayaan-4 achieve if successful in late 2025?
Option 1: First Indian manned lunar mission
Option 2: Returning lunar soil samples
Option 3: Establishing a lunar orbit station
Option 4: Mapping lunar polar regions
Option 5: Landing on the lunar far side
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Chandrayaan-4, planned for late 2025, aims to bring lunar soil samples back to Earth, a feat achieved by few nations. Following Chandrayaan-3 (2023), it boosts India’s space profile, a significant topic for SSC and UPSC science sections.
Question 16: Which historical economic crisis is likened to the proposed reduction in states’ tax share?
Option 1: Great Depression, 1930s
Option 2: 1991 Balance of Payments Crisis
Option 3: 2008 Global Financial Crisis
Option 4: 1973 Oil Crisis
Option 5: 2016 Demonetization
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The article compares the tax share cut to the centralization during the 1991 Balance of Payments Crisis, testing historical-economic linkage skills. This analytical question suits UPSC mains on fiscal federalism.
Question 17: What was the Adani Group accused of by Hindenburg Research in 2023?
Option 1: Environmental damage
Option 2: Stock manipulation and tax haven misuse
Option 3: Bribery of foreign officials
Option 4: Worker exploitation
Option 5: Price fixing
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Hindenburg Research’s 2023 report accused Adani Group of stock manipulation and offshore tax haven misuse, impacting its market value. This, alongside U.S. charges, is a case study for UPSC economic governance questions.
Question 18: Which sectors primarily drive India’s rapid energy demand growth?
Option 1: Residential and commercial
Option 2: Industrial and agricultural
Option 3: Transportation and tourism
Option 4: IT and telecom
Option 5: Education and healthcare
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The article states that industrial and agricultural sectors fuel India’s 7% annual energy demand growth, sustaining coal reliance. This economic-environmental nexus is a potential UPSC essay topic on growth versus sustainability.
Question 19: Which previous defense deal with France influenced the 2025 India-France security agreement?
Option 1: Mirage 2000 jets
Option 2: Scorpène submarines
Option 3: Rafale jets
Option 4: Aster missiles
Option 5: FREMM frigates
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The 2016 Rafale jets deal paved the way for the 2025 India-France security agreement, focusing on technology transfer and Make in India. This defense tie-up is a recurring UPSC topic on strategic partnerships and indigenization.
Question 20: Which skill does the article highlight as essential for success in competitive exams?
Option 1: Memorizing dates
Option 2: Critical thinking
Option 3: Quick calculations
Option 4: Essay writing
Option 5: Language fluency
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The article emphasizes critical thinking, linking historical context to current affairs, as vital for exam success, especially in UPSC, where analytical answers are prized over rote learning.
