Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Mauritius’ highest civilian honor, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK). The award ceremony took place in Port Louis, highlighting India-Mauritius strong diplomatic and cultural ties. This is PM Modi’s 21st international accolade, marking global recognition of his leadership. He dedicated the honor to Indian ancestors who migrated to Mauritius and to all Indians. PM Modi reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening India-Mauritius strategic relations. He also presented the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to Mauritius’ President and First Lady, strengthening cultural ties. His participation in global events reflects India’s rising international influence.

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The 6th edition of the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) and the 4th edition of the bilateral exercise ‘BONGOSAGAR’ between the Indian Navy and the Bangladesh Navy commenced on March 10, 2025. The naval exercises are being conducted in the designated maritime areas of the Bay of Bengal, near the Bangladesh and Indian maritime borders. These exercises are being held under the supervision of Commander Flotilla West and aim to enhance maritime security, strengthen cooperation, and combat various criminal activities at sea.

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Star Health Insurance launched the SheTARA campaign in Tamil Nadu to promote preventive healthcare for women and encourage them to become insurance agents. More than 40 health camps will provide subsidized screenings for thyroid, haemoglobin, blood sugar, blood pressure, and bone mineral density. A webinar on work-life balance and women’s health in the AI era will be conducted by a leading gynaecologist. The flagship event in Anna Nagar, Chennai, will honor women employees’ contributions, highlighting Tamil Nadu’s leadership in women’s workforce participation.

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NASA launched the SPHEREx and PUNCH space missions on March 12, 2025 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, after multiple delays. SPHEREx successfully separated from Falcon 9 in the second stage and entered a sun-synchronous orbit 650 km above Earth. It will study 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars, creating a 3D map of the sky to understand the history of the universe. PUNCH, a solar mission with four satellites, will study the solar corona, solar winds, and coronal mass ejections to improve space weather predictions.

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Airtel and Jio have partnered with Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, to provide broadband in India. Starlink is a satellite-based internet network operated by SpaceX and founded by Elon Musk. It was launched in 2019. It aims to offer high-speed, low-latency internet globally, especially in remote areas. The project plans to deploy 42,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Starlink works by using a constellation of LEO satellites to provide connectivity. A Starlink dish connects to the nearest satellite, which relays data through ground stations, eliminating dependence on fiber or cellular networks.

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Punjab Legislative Assembly launched a searchable engine to access Assembly debates/proceedings from 1947 to date. It is the first Vidhan Sabha in India to introduce such a project. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said the engine will help in researching topics and retrieving facts from debates. A complete solution has been developed for MLAs’ convenience, with regular training planned. The search engine was developed in collaboration with Punjabi University Patiala, IIIT Hyderabad, and CDAC Noida.

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The Five Eyes intelligence alliance faces challenges due to shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump’s presidency. It is a secretive and powerful intelligence-sharing alliance of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It was formed after World War II, based on the UK-USA Agreement of 1946. The alliance is known for global surveillance using satellites, telephone networks, and fiber optic cables.

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National Vaccination Day is observed on March 16 to highlight India’s commitment to immunisation. It marks the first dose of the oral polio vaccine given on March 16, 1995, under the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme. This programme played a key role in eliminating polio from India. The day emphasises the need for universal vaccination coverage. It reflects on India’s immunisation achievements. The focus remains on protecting future generations through vaccines.

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Mumbai Indians (MI) won the Women’s Premier Cricket League 2025 title, defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) by eight runs in the final at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. Mumbai Indians set a target of 149 in 20 overs, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur scoring 66 runs. Nat Sciver-Brunt took three wickets, while Amelia Kerr claimed two to restrict Delhi Capitals to 141. Mumbai Indians finished second in the points table, defeated Gujarat Giants in the eliminator, and overcame Delhi Capitals in the final. This is Mumbai Indian’s second WPL title in three years.

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The 353rd Governing Body meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 10 to 20, 2025. Representatives from governments, workers, and employers discuss key labour and employment policies. India’s delegation, led by Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, highlighted India’s labour welfare and employment efforts. India supported the UN-led Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar. India has doubled its social protection coverage to 48.8%, exceeding the global average by 5%.