As of March 3, 2025, several significant developments have occurred across various sectors in India, relevant to aspirants preparing for competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, and Banking. This comprehensive overview delves into recent legislative actions, judicial rulings, economic updates, technological advancements, environmental initiatives, defense developments, and notable achievements in sports.

Politics & Governance

In a notable development, the Union Cabinet extended the tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis for an additional three years, now lasting until March 31, 2028. Established in 1994, this commission plays a pivotal role in promoting the welfare of sanitation workers and addressing their grievances. The extension underscores the government’s commitment to improving the living and working conditions of these essential workers.

Judicial Rulings

The Supreme Court of India recently permitted podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, to resume his shows, provided they adhere to standards of morality and decency suitable for all age groups. Allahabadia faced obscenity charges following inappropriate comments during a show. The court’s decision considered the livelihoods of his 280 employees, emphasizing the importance of responsible content creation in India’s conservative society.

Economic Developments

Foreign Exchange Violations

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) identified violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) by Paytm and its subsidiaries, amounting to approximately ₹6.11 billion (around $70 million). The infractions include unreported foreign investments and non-compliance with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) pricing guidelines. Despite these allegations, Paytm maintains that it is addressing the matter legally and assures that its services remain unaffected.

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Expansion

In a pioneering move within India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) sector, fintech startup Mintoak, backed by PayPal and HDFC Bank, acquired Digiledge in a deal worth $3.5 million. This acquisition enables Mintoak’s partner banks, including HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and the State Bank of India (SBI), to offer enhanced CBDC-related payment solutions to clients, thereby facilitating greater access to digital financial services for small and medium enterprises.

Cloud Infrastructure Investment

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced plans to invest approximately $8.2 billion in the Indian state of Maharashtra over the coming years. This substantial investment aims to bolster India’s cloud data storage capabilities, reflecting the country’s rapidly growing cloud services market, which was valued at $8.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $24.2 billion by 2028. The initiative is expected to drive significant employment growth and deploy advanced technologies across India by 2029-2030.

Regulatory Leadership Changes

India witnessed significant changes among its top financial regulators. Tuhin Kanta Pandey succeeded Madhabi Puri Buch as the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), while Sanjay Malhotra replaced Shaktikanta Das as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These appointments signal a potential shift towards pro-growth economic policies, sparking discussions about balancing regulatory accountability and autonomy. Notably, India’s stock markets recently experienced their longest losing streak since 1996, erasing nearly $1 trillion in investor wealth, highlighting the delicate balance regulators must maintain.

Technological Advancements

Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Manufacturing

Reliance Industries has sought an extension from the Indian government for setting up its electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plant under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Initially granted incentives in March 2022 for establishing 5 GW of advanced chemistry cell capacity, the company was required to complete the plant within two years. The extension request underscores the challenges and complexities involved in scaling up EV battery production, a critical component of India’s push towards sustainable transportation.

Environmental Initiatives

Air Quality Concerns

Recent studies have highlighted severe air quality issues in Northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Research published in Nature Communications delved into the sources and health impacts of PM2.5, a harmful particulate matter. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate air pollution and protect public health.

Wildlife Conservation

The rhino census in Nepal, conducted every five years, is currently facing challenges due to funding constraints. The suspension of USAID funding has created a financial crisis for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, jeopardizing conservation efforts. This situation emphasizes the importance of sustained financial support for wildlife conservation initiatives in the region.

Sports Achievements

In tennis, Jil Teichmann of Switzerland clinched the singles title at the 2025 Mumbai Open, defeating Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand in the final. The tournament showcased high-level competition and highlighted emerging talents in the sport.

These developments across various sectors reflect India’s dynamic socio-economic landscape as of March 3, 2025. Staying informed about such multifaceted events is crucial for aspirants preparing for competitive examinations, as it enhances their understanding of current affairs and aids in comprehensive preparation.

International Relations & Global Affairs

India continues to solidify its role on the global stage through active participation in major international organizations and strategic partnerships. In the latest developments, India has taken a leading role in the G20’s new economic initiative aimed at improving global trade policies, fostering financial inclusion, and countering the adverse impacts of inflation. The government has also actively engaged in discussions within BRICS regarding dedollarization, aiming to reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar for international trade by promoting a basket of local currencies.

During the latest QUAD Summit, hosted in Canberra, Australia, India emphasized its commitment to Indo-Pacific security and development. The meeting focused on deepening collaboration in maritime security, cybersecurity, and supply chain resilience, particularly in the semiconductor industry. The summit saw strong diplomatic efforts to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region while ensuring that India’s interests in South China Sea trade routes remain secure.

Meanwhile, at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva, India reaffirmed its stance on global humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the need for a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing Middle East conflict between Israel and Palestine. New Delhi’s diplomatic efforts were widely appreciated, strengthening its credibility as a mediator in international disputes.

Defense & Military Developments

India’s defense sector has seen remarkable advancements, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully testing the Agni-VI intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which boasts a range exceeding 7,500 km. This solid-fueled missile significantly enhances India’s strategic deterrence capability, positioning it among the few nations with such advanced missile technology.

Additionally, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed an order for 40 Tejas Mk2 fighter jets, which will feature improved avionics and combat capabilities. The deal, valued at approximately ₹48,000 crore, is a major boost to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and reinforces the country’s commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing.

On the international front, India has finalized a $5 billion defense deal with France, securing additional Rafale-M jets for its aircraft carriers. These jets will significantly strengthen India’s naval air power, especially in light of rising tensions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Cybersecurity & AI Developments

India’s National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) has reported a surge in cyberattacks targeting financial institutions, with over 1.2 million cybersecurity incidents recorded in the last six months. The government has responded by implementing a nationwide cybersecurity drill in collaboration with the CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team-India) to bolster cyber defense mechanisms across banking, fintech, and government digital services.

In a landmark move, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has proposed the Artificial Intelligence Ethics & Regulation Bill, 2025, which aims to establish guidelines for AI deployment in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement. The bill emphasizes transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI decision-making, ensuring that ethical concerns related to bias and data privacy are adequately addressed.

Science & Space Exploration

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the Aditya-L2 Solar Observatory, marking another milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors. The observatory, positioned at the Lagrange Point 2 (L2), will provide continuous real-time monitoring of the Sun’s corona, solar winds, and space weather dynamics. Scientists believe this mission will significantly improve India’s ability to predict solar storms, which can have severe consequences on satellite communications and power grids.

Additionally, ISRO’s Chandrayaan-4 project is progressing rapidly, with the agency completing crucial tests for a human-rated lunar lander, a significant step towards India’s first crewed moon mission planned for 2027. The mission is expected to further India’s ambitions of becoming a major player in lunar resource exploration.

Environmental Challenges & Climate Change Initiatives

India continues to face major environmental challenges, with rapid desertification affecting nearly 30% of the country’s landmass. A recent study by Down to Earth revealed that regions in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra are experiencing unprecedented soil degradation due to excessive groundwater extraction and climate-induced droughts.

To combat this, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed state governments to implement stricter water conservation measures and has proposed the “Rainwater Harvesting Mandate 2025”, which requires all new residential and commercial buildings to incorporate rainwater harvesting systems.

Additionally, India is set to ratify the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, a crucial step toward reducing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions—a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. The decision aligns with India’s broader Net-Zero Emissions by 2070 goal and enhances the country’s global leadership in climate action.

Stock Market & Inflation Trends

The Indian stock market recently witnessed a volatile trading week, with the Sensex falling by nearly 1,200 points amid global economic concerns. Investors reacted cautiously to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s indication of interest rate hikes, which could impact foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into India.

Despite this, India’s core sectors, such as IT, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy, continue to attract foreign investments. Reports indicate that India’s GDP growth for Q4 2024-25 is likely to remain steady at 6.5%, reinforcing confidence in the country’s economic resilience.

On the inflation front, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped to 4.7%, primarily due to falling global crude oil prices and improved agricultural output following a strong monsoon season. However, food inflation remains a concern, with prices of essentials such as rice, wheat, and pulses witnessing fluctuations due to supply chain disruptions.

Major Sporting Achievements

India has had a remarkable presence in the sporting arena. At the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the Indian cricket team advanced to the semi-finals following a thrilling victory against South Africa. Star batsman Shubman Gill played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten century, while pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivered a match-winning spell.

In the Paris 2025 Olympics qualifiers, Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra secured his spot for the javelin throw event, reaffirming his status as one of India’s strongest Olympic medal contenders. Meanwhile, Indian sprinter Hima Das set a new national record in the 400m event, further boosting India’s medal hopes.

In the world of badminton, Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen clinched the All England Open title, becoming the first Indian male player since Prakash Padukone to achieve this feat. His historic win has elevated India’s standing in the global badminton community.

current affairs quiz questions

Below are 20 multiple-choice current affairs quiz questions based on the article, designed for Indian students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. The questions cover diverse categories and vary in difficulty, with detailed explanations to aid preparation.

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Question 1: What is the new tenure end date for 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 extended the tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, originally set up in 1994 to promote the welfare of sanitation workers, by an additional three years. The new end date is March 31, 2028. This reflects the government’s focus on improving conditions for sanitation workers, a topic often relevant in governance-related questions in competitive exams.

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Question 2: Which podcaster was recently permitted by the Supreme Court of India to resume shows under certain conditions?
Option 1: Ankit Sharma
Option 2: Ranveer Allahabadia
Option 3: Vikram Sampath
Option 4: Siddhant Agnihotri
Option 5: BeerBiceps
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Ranveer Allahabadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, faced obscenity charges but was allowed by the Supreme Court to continue his shows if they adhere to morality and decency standards. The court considered the livelihoods of his 280 employees, highlighting judicial balancing of free speech and societal norms—a key area in UPSC’s polity section.

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Question 3: What was the approximate value of foreign exchange violations identified by the Enforcement Directorate in Paytm’s operations?
Option 1: ₹4.11 billion
Option 2: ₹5 billion
Option 3: ₹6.11 billion
Option 4: ₹7 billion
Option 5: ₹8.2 billion
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Enforcement Directorate identified violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) by Paytm and its subsidiaries, amounting to approximately ₹6.11 billion (around $70 million). This included unreported foreign investments and non-compliance with RBI guidelines, making it a significant case in economic regulation discussions.

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Question 4: Which company did fintech startup Mintoak acquire to enhance CBDC-related payment solutions?
Option 1: Paytm
Option 2: Razorpay
Option 3: Digiledge
Option 4: PhonePe
Option 5: Google Pay
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Mintoak, backed by PayPal and HDFC Bank, acquired Digiledge for $3.5 million. This acquisition strengthens CBDC payment solutions for banks like HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and SBI, aligning with India’s push towards digital currency—a hot topic in Banking and Economy sections of exams.

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Question 5: How much is Amazon Web Services planning to invest in Maharashtra for cloud infrastructure?
Option 1: $5.2 billion
Option 2: $6.5 billion
Option 3: $7 billion
Option 4: $8.2 billion
Option 5: $10 billion
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: AWS announced an investment of approximately $8.2 billion in Maharashtra to enhance India’s cloud data storage capabilities. With the cloud services market projected to grow from $8.3 billion in 2023 to $24.2 billion by 2028, this investment is pivotal for India’s digital economy, a key focus in technology-related questions.

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Question 6: Who succeeded Madhabi Puri Buch as the chairperson of SEBI?
Option 1: Sanjay Malhotra
Option 2: Tuhin Kanta Pandey
Option 3: Shaktikanta Das
Option 4: Urjit Patel
Option 5: Raghuram Rajan
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Tuhin Kanta Pandey took over as chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) from Madhabi Puri Buch. This leadership change, alongside Sanjay Malhotra replacing Shaktikanta Das as RBI Governor, signals potential shifts in financial policy, a critical topic for Banking and UPSC aspirants.

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Question 7: Under which scheme has Reliance Industries sought an extension for its EV battery manufacturing plant?
Option 1: Make in India
Option 2: Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)
Option 3: Atmanirbhar Bharat
Option 4: Digital India
Option 5: Startup India
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Reliance Industries, granted incentives in March 2022 under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for a 5 GW EV battery plant, requested an extension due to production challenges. This reflects complexities in India’s sustainable tech ambitions, often tested in Science & Technology sections.

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Question 8: Which region in India is facing severe air quality issues due to PM2.5 as per recent studies?
Option 1: Deccan Plateau
Option 2: Indo-Gangetic Plain
Option 3: Western Ghats
Option 4: Eastern Highlands
Option 5: Thar Desert
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Studies in Nature Communications highlighted severe air quality problems in the Indo-Gangetic Plain due to PM2.5, a harmful particulate matter. This underscores the need for pollution control measures, a recurring theme in Environment & Climate Change questions for competitive exams.

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Question 9: Which country’s rhino census is facing funding issues due to the suspension of USAID support?
Option 1: India
Option 2: Nepal
Option 3: Bhutan
Option 4: Bangladesh
Option 5: Sri Lanka
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Nepal’s five-yearly rhino census is challenged by funding constraints after USAID suspended support, impacting the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. This is significant for environmental conservation discussions, especially in international contexts relevant to UPSC.

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Question 10: Who won the singles title at the 2025 Mumbai Open tennis tournament?
Option 1: Mananchaya Sawangkaew
Option 2: Jil Teichmann
Option 3: Sania Mirza
Option 4: Ankita Raina
Option 5: Serena Williams
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Jil Teichmann from Switzerland defeated Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew to win the singles title at the 2025 Mumbai Open. This event highlights India’s growing sports profile, a frequent topic in Sports & Awards sections of government exams.

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Question 11: What was India’s key focus during the latest QUAD Summit held in Canberra?
Option 1: Economic growth
Option 2: Indo-Pacific security
Option 3: Climate change
Option 4: Space exploration
Option 5: Digital infrastructure
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: At the QUAD Summit in Canberra, India emphasized Indo-Pacific security and development, focusing on maritime security, cybersecurity, and supply chain resilience. This reflects India’s strategic role in countering China’s influence, a vital topic in International Relations.

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Question 12: What is the range of the Agni-VI ICBM tested by DRDO?
Option 1: 5,000 km
Option 2: 6,500 km
Option 3: 7,000 km
Option 4: 7,500 km
Option 5: 8,000 km
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The DRDO successfully tested the Agni-VI ICBM with a range exceeding 7,500 km, enhancing India’s strategic deterrence. This places India among elite nations with advanced missile tech, a key point in Defense & Security questions.

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Question 13: How many Tejas Mk2 fighter jets has the Indian Air Force ordered?
Option 1: 20
Option 2: 30
Option 3: 40
Option 4: 50
Option 5: 60
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Indian Air Force ordered 40 Tejas Mk2 jets, valued at ₹48,000 crore, boosting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This indigenous defense development is a frequent focus in exam questions on military advancements.

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Question 14: What was the value of India’s defense deal with France for Rafale-M jets?
Option 1: $3 billion
Option 2: $4 billion
Option 3: $5 billion
Option 4: $6 billion
Option 5: $7 billion
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India finalized a $5 billion deal with France for Rafale-M jets for its aircraft carriers, strengthening naval power amid tensions in the Indian Ocean Region. This is significant for Defense & Security topics in competitive exams.

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Question 15: What is the proposed focus of the Artificial Intelligence Ethics & Regulation Bill, 2025?
Option 1: Economic growth
Option 2: Transparency and accountability
Option 3: National security
Option 4: Rural development
Option 5: Education reform
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Ministry of Electronics and IT’s AI Ethics & Regulation Bill, 2025, aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI deployment across critical sectors like healthcare and law enforcement. This is a key Science & Technology topic.

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Question 16: What is the purpose of the Aditya-L2 Solar Observatory launched by ISRO?
Option 1: Lunar exploration
Option 2: Mars observation
Option 3: Solar monitoring
Option 4: Asteroid tracking
Option 5: Satellite navigation
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: ISRO’s Aditya-L2, positioned at Lagrange Point 2, monitors the Sun’s corona, solar winds, and space weather to predict solar storms. This mission enhances India’s space capabilities, a popular Science & Technology question area.

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Question 17: Which amendment is India set to ratify to reduce HFC emissions?
Option 1: Paris Agreement
Option 2: Kigali Amendment
Option 3: Kyoto Protocol
Option 4: Montreal Protocol
Option 5: Copenhagen Accord
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India’s ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol targets hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emission reductions, aligning with its Net-Zero by 2070 goal. This is critical for Environment & Climate Change sections.

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Question 18: What was India’s GDP growth projection for Q4 2024-25 as per recent reports?
Option 1: 5.5%
Option 2: 6%
Option 3: 6.5%
Option 4: 7%
Option 5: 7.5%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Reports suggest India’s GDP growth for Q4 2024-25 will remain steady at 6.5%, reflecting economic resilience despite global challenges. This is a key Economy & Finance statistic for exam preparation.

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Question 19: Who scored an unbeaten century in India’s victory against South Africa in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy?
Option 1: Virat Kohli
Option 2: Rohit Sharma
Option 3: Shubman Gill
Option 4: KL Rahul
Option 5: Suryakumar Yadav
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Shubman Gill’s unbeaten century helped India advance to the semifinals of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after defeating South Africa. This is noteworthy for Sports & Awards questions.

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Question 20: Which Indian shuttler won the All England Open title, becoming the first male to do so since Prakash Padukone?
Option 1: Kidambi Srikanth
Option 2: Lakshya Sen
Option 3: HS Prannoy
Option 4: Sameer Verma
Option 5: Pullela Gopichand
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Lakshya Sen won the All England Open, marking a historic achievement as the first Indian male since Prakash Padukone. This elevates India’s badminton profile, a significant Sports & Awards topic.

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These questions span critical areas, offering a mix of factual recall and analytical depth to prepare students effectively for government exams.