Daily Current Affairs of 04th March 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 04th March 2025, witnessed a series of significant events across various domains, ranging from infrastructure development to geopolitical concerns, cultural celebrations, and scientific discoveries. Here's an in-depth look at the noteworthy occurrences of the day.

Top Current Affairs and News Headlines – March 04, 2025

Daily GK Update – 04th March 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 04th March 2025:

National News

IRCTC and IRFC Attain Navratna Status: All Listed Railway PSUs Now Navratnas

The Government of India has conferred Navratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) status upon Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) as of March 4, 2025. This upgrade grants these entities greater financial and operational autonomy. With this move, all seven listed railway PSUs now hold Navratna status, highlighting the government's emphasis on improving efficiency and profitability within the railway sector. The seven Navratna railway PSUs now include Container Corporation of India (Concor), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), IRCON International, RITES Limited, RailTel Corporation, IRCTC, and IRFC. Concor was the first to achieve this distinction in July 2014.

Madhya Pradesh to Provide Permanent Power Connections to Farmers for ₹5

In a major initiative to support farmers, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on March 3, 2025, that permanent electricity connections will be made available to farmers for just ₹5. This decision is expected to ease financial strain on the agricultural community and enhance productivity by ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

India’s First World Peace Center Opens in Gurugram

India has inaugurated its first-ever World Peace Center in Gurugram, Haryana, marking a significant step toward promoting global harmony and non-violence. Established by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti under the leadership of Jain Acharya Lokesh, the center aims to spread spiritual awareness, human values, and universal brotherhood.

International News

Yamandú Orsi Assumes Presidency of Uruguay

On March 1, 2025, Yamandú Orsi was sworn in as Uruguay's new President, returning the leftist Broad Front coalition to power after a five-year conservative rule. A former history teacher and mayor, Orsi has promised to strengthen social welfare while tackling economic stagnation. His leadership will require a delicate balance between progressive policies, economic stability, and investor confidence.

Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China

The Trump administration has enforced new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, effective March 4, 2025. These trade restrictions have significantly raised import duties, with the intent of boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing trade deficits. However, the move has sparked opposition from trade partners and business communities, citing concerns over higher consumer prices and economic instability.

State News

Bihar Budget 2025-26: Key Highlights

The Nitish Kumar-led NDA government presented a ₹3.16 lakh crore budget for FY 2025-26 on March 3, 2025. This marks an increase of ₹38,169 crore from the previous fiscal year. The highest allocations were for education (₹60,954 crore), followed by health (₹20,335 crore), rural development (₹16,193 crore), and energy (₹13,483 crore). The budget also prioritizes women’s empowerment, employment generation, and welfare schemes. Other notable allocations include ₹13,368 crore for OBC, EBC, SC, ST, and minority welfare and ₹19,648 crore for SC/ST development. Fiscal discipline has been maintained within FRBM limits, while ₹5,972 crore has been allocated under Saat Nischay-II, aimed at building a self-reliant Bihar.

Appointments News

Diljit Dosanjh Becomes Global Ambassador for Levi’s

In a landmark collaboration, Levi’s has appointed Diljit Dosanjh as its global brand ambassador, making him the first Punjabi artist to achieve this distinction. His association with Levi’s aims to strengthen the intersection of music, fashion, and culture, boosting the brand’s global appeal.

Ajay Seth Takes Additional Charge as Revenue Secretary

Ajay Seth, currently serving as Economic Affairs Secretary, has been given additional responsibility as Revenue Secretary. The announcement was made by the Personnel Ministry on March 1, 2025. This transition follows Tuhin Kanta Pandey’s appointment as the Chairman of SEBI.

Dr. Mayank Sharma Takes Over as CGDA

Dr. Mayank Sharma, a 1989-batch Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer, has assumed office as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA). His three-decade-long career in government financial management is expected to bring efficiency and strategic improvements to India’s defense accounting systems.

Banking & Economy News

RBI Penalizes HSBC and IIFL Samasta for Compliance Violations

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed fines on HSBC (₹66.6 lakh) and IIFL Samasta Finance (₹33.1 lakh) for violating regulatory norms. HSBC faced penalties related to KYC violations, foreign currency exposure misreporting, and deposit interest rules, while IIFL Samasta Finance was fined for incorrect NPA classification and charging interest before loan disbursement.

Crisil Predicts 6.5% GDP Growth for India in FY26

Crisil has forecasted India’s GDP growth at 6.5% for FY26, aligning closely with the pre-pandemic average (6.6%). While slower than the 9.2% growth seen in the previous fiscal year, India is expected to remain the fastest-growing major economy. Additionally, Crisil anticipates RBI may cut repo rates by 50-75 basis points to support economic growth.

Sports News

Vidarbha Wins Ranji Trophy for the Third Time in Seven Years

Vidarbha secured its third Ranji Trophy title in seven seasons after claiming victory over Kerala in the 2024-25 edition final at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. Akshay Wadkar led the team to victory, securing the championship based on a first-innings lead.

Gulmarg Prepares for Khelo India Winter Games 2025

After heavy snowfall, Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir is set to host the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 from March 9-12. The event was initially postponed due to insufficient snow but is now ready to welcome athletes from across the country.

Brandon Holt Wins Bengaluru Open ATP Challenger Title

American tennis player Brandon Holt clinched the Bengaluru Open ATP 125 Challenger title by defeating Shintaro Mochizuki (Japan) in the final match on March 2, 2025. The tournament, with a $200,000 prize pool, took place at the KSLTA Tennis Stadium, Bengaluru.

Obituaries

Oldest Test Cricketer, Ron Draper, Passes Away at 98

Ron Draper, the oldest living Test cricketer, passed away at the age of 98 in South Africa on February 25, 2025. Draper played two Tests for South Africa against Australia in 1950 and was an accomplished first-class batsman.

Legendary Indian Spinner Padmakar Shivalkar Dies at 84

Renowned left-arm spinner Padmakar Shivalkar, a stalwart of Mumbai cricket, passed away at 84. Despite his exceptional domestic cricket career, he never played for India due to the presence of Bishan Singh Bedi.

Important Days

National Defence Day (March 3, 2025)

Observed annually on March 3, National Defence Day honors the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force for their dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation.

World Hearing Day (March 3, 2025)

The World Health Organization (WHO) marked World Hearing Day 2025 with the theme "Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All!" aimed at encouraging proactive hearing care.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

04th March 2025

1. Which railway PSUs have recently been granted Navratna status?

a) IRCTC and RVNL

b) IRFC and RailTel

c) IRCTC and IRFC

d) Concor and IRCON

Correct Answer: c) IRCTC and IRFC

Explanation: The news clearly states that IRCTC and IRFC have been conferred Navratna PSU status, bringing the total number of Navratna railway PSUs to seven.

2. What is the key benefit of Navratna status for PSUs?

a) Increased government control

b) Greater financial and operational autonomy

c) Reduced regulatory oversight

d) Guaranteed government funding

Correct Answer: b) Greater financial and operational autonomy

Explanation: Navratna status provides PSUs with more freedom in decision-making and financial management.

3. In Madhya Pradesh, what is the cost of a permanent electricity connection for farmers?

a) ₹50

b) ₹10

c) ₹5

d) Free of cost

Correct Answer: c) ₹5

Explanation: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that permanent electricity connections will be available for farmers at a nominal cost of ₹5.

4. Where was India’s first World Peace Center inaugurated?

a) New Delhi

b) Mumbai

c) Gurugram

d) Bengaluru

Correct Answer: c) Gurugram

Explanation: The World Peace Center was inaugurated in Gurugram, Haryana.

5. Who assumed the presidency of Uruguay on March 1, 2025?

a) Luis Lacalle Pou

b) Yamandú Orsi

c) Tabaré Vázquez

d) José Mujica

Correct Answer: b) Yamandú Orsi

Explanation: Yamandú Orsi was sworn in as the new President of Uruguay, bringing the leftist Broad Front coalition back to power.

6. Which countries faced new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration?

a) China, Japan, and South Korea

b) Canada, Mexico, and China

c) Germany, France, and UK

d) Australia, New Zealand, and India

Correct Answer: b) Canada, Mexico, and China

Explanation: The Trump administration imposed new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.

7. What is the total budget presented by the Bihar government for FY 2025-26?

a) ₹2.78 lakh crore

b) ₹3.16 lakh crore

c) ₹2.50 lakh crore

d) ₹3.54 lakh crore

Correct Answer: b) ₹3.16 lakh crore

Explanation: The Bihar government presented a ₹3.16 lakh crore budget.

8. Which sector received the highest allocation in the Bihar Budget 2025-26?

a) Health

b) Rural Development

c) Education

d) Energy

Correct Answer: c) Education

Explanation: Education received the highest allocation of ₹60,954 crore.

9. Who has been appointed as the global brand ambassador for Levi’s?

a) Shah Rukh Khan

b) Diljit Dosanjh

c) Ranveer Singh

d) Virat Kohli

Correct Answer: b) Diljit Dosanjh

Explanation: Diljit Dosanjh is the first Punjabi artist to become Levi’s global brand ambassador.

10. Who has taken additional charge as Revenue Secretary?

a) Tuhin Kanta Pandey

b) Ajay Seth

c) Mayank Sharma

d) Shaktikanta Das

Correct Answer: b) Ajay Seth

Explanation: Ajay Seth, the Economic Affairs Secretary, has been given additional responsibility as Revenue Secretary.

11. Who has assumed office as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA)?

a) Ajay Seth

b) Tuhin Kanta Pandey

c) Mayank Sharma

d) Shaktikanta Das

Correct Answer: c) Mayank Sharma

Explanation: Dr. Mayank Sharma has taken over as CGDA.

12. Which banks were penalized by the RBI for compliance violations?

a) SBI and HDFC

b) ICICI and Axis

c) HSBC and IIFL Samasta Finance

d) PNB and Bank of Baroda

Correct Answer: c) HSBC and IIFL Samasta Finance

Explanation: RBI penalized HSBC and IIFL Samasta Finance for violating regulatory norms.

13. What is Crisil’s GDP growth forecast for India in FY26?

a) 7.0%

b) 6.8%

c) 6.5%

d) 6.2%

Correct Answer: c) 6.5%

Explanation: Crisil forecasts India’s GDP growth at 6.5% for FY26.

14. Which team won the Ranji Trophy 2024-25?

a) Mumbai

b) Karnataka

c) Vidarbha

d) Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: c) Vidarbha

Explanation: Vidarbha won the Ranji Trophy for the third time in seven years.

15. Where will the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 be held?

a) Shimla

b) Manali

c) Gulmarg

d) Auli

Correct Answer: c) Gulmarg

Explanation: Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, will host the Khelo India Winter Games 2025.

16. Who won the Bengaluru Open ATP 125 Challenger title?

a) Shintaro Mochizuki

b) Brandon Holt

c) Sumit Nagal

d) Ramkumar Ramanathan

Correct Answer: b) Brandon Holt

Explanation: Brandon Holt won the Bengaluru Open ATP 125 Challenger title.

17. Who was the oldest living Test cricketer who recently passed away?

a) Richie Benaud

b) Ron Draper

c) Neil Harvey

d) Jim Laker

Correct Answer: b) Ron Draper

Explanation: Ron Draper, the oldest living Test cricketer, passed away at the age of 98.

18. Which legendary Indian spinner recently passed away?

a) Bishan Singh Bedi

b) Padmakar Shivalkar

c) Erapalli Prasanna

d) Bhagwat Chandrasekhar

Correct Answer: b) Padmakar Shivalkar

Explanation: Padmakar Shivalkar, a renowned left-arm spinner, passed away at 84.

19. When is National Defence Day observed?

a) March 1

b) March 2

c) March 3

d) March 4

Correct Answer: c) March 3

Explanation: National Defence Day is observed on March 3.

20. What is the theme of World Hearing Day 2025?

a) Listen safely

b) Hearing for life

c) Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All!

d) Check your hearing

Correct Answer: c) Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All!

Explanation: The WHO theme for World Hearing Day 2025 is "Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All!"