Daily Current Affairs of 11th March 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 11th 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 11, 2025

Daily GK Update – 11th March 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 11th March 2025:

National News

Government's Push to Enhance Gas-Based Power Generation

India’s gas-based power plants have been operating below optimal efficiency, largely due to low Plant Load Factor (PLF). To address this issue, the Indian government has introduced several initiatives aimed at boosting the availability and affordability of natural gas. Key measures include placing LNG under the Open General License (OGL), expanding gas infrastructure, and implementing policy reforms. These efforts are intended to increase the contribution of natural gas in India's overall energy landscape.

e-Shram Portal Achieves 30.68 Crore Registrations

The e-Shram portal, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on August 26, 2021, was created to develop a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) and assign them a Universal Account Number (UAN) to access social security benefits. By March 3, 2025, over 30.68 crore workers had registered, with women accounting for 53.68% of the total. The portal now offers multilingual support, a dedicated mobile app, and integration with multiple welfare programs. The e-Shram "One-Stop-Solution," introduced on October 21, 2024, simplifies the process for unorganised workers to access government schemes.

Muslim Literacy Rate Increases by 9.4% Over a Decade

The literacy rate among Muslims in India has significantly improved, rising from 59.1% (Census 2001) to 68.5% (Census 2011), and further to 79.5% in the PLFS 2023-24 survey. Although still slightly below the national literacy average of 80.9%, this progress highlights the positive impact of various educational, economic, and infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Minority Affairs to uplift Muslim and other minority communities.

Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: Key Features and Impact

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, introduced by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, aims to revamp India’s outdated immigration framework. This bill proposes to replace four colonial-era laws: The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; The Foreigners Act, 1946; and The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000. By streamlining regulations and introducing stricter penalties, the bill seeks to improve national security and better regulate foreign nationals in the country.

State News

Assam to Launch Its Own Satellite ‘ASSAMSAT’

The Assam government is set to launch ‘ASSAMSAT’, its first satellite, to enhance data collection for socio-economic projects and bolster border security. Finance Minister Ajanta Neog announced the initiative in the state budget for 2025-26. The satellite will support sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure. This groundbreaking move makes Assam the first Indian state to deploy its own satellite.

Banking News

RBI Imposes ₹76.6 Lakh Penalty on Four NBFCs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed fines totaling ₹76.6 lakh on four Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) for various regulatory violations. The penalties were issued under Section 58G of the RBI Act, 1934, and Section 30 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Infractions included governance issues, reporting failures, fair lending breaches, non-compliance with capital requirements, and inadequate fraud risk management.

SBI Life Insurance Introduces Two New Child Insurance Plans

SBI Life Insurance has expanded its portfolio with two new child-focused insurance plans: ‘SBI Life – Smart Future Star’ and ‘SBI Life – Smart Platina Young Achiever’. These policies are designed to help parents secure their children's education, career growth, and lifestyle aspirations. Both plans offer financial protection to ensure children achieve their goals without financial hurdles.

Business News

Salman Khan Joins GRM for Wheat Flour Campaign

Actor Salman Khan has been appointed as the face of GRM Overseas Limited’s marketing campaign for its ‘10X Classic Chakki Fresh Atta’. The campaign, titled "Better Half Ki Better Choice", promotes the product’s quality, hygiene, and nutrition. With the tagline “10 Ka Dum”, the campaign encourages consumers to switch from traditional unpackaged flour to premium branded options.

Defense News

India Signs $248 Million Deal with Russia for Tank Engines

India has finalized a $248 million agreement with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to procure 1,000 HP engines for its T-72 battle tanks. The deal includes a technology transfer arrangement with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd for licensed production, enhancing India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and strengthening the Army’s mobility.

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Visits Thailand

The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, concluded its visit to Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand. The visit included joint exercises, professional exchanges, and coordinated maneuvers with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). A notable highlight was the PASSEX exercise conducted with HTMS Huahin on March 4, 2025, promoting enhanced operational cooperation.

Conclusion of Indian Navy’s TROPEX 2025 Exercise

The Indian Navy's Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2025 was conducted between January and March 2025. This flagship drill aimed to test operational strategies, improve combat readiness, and foster collaboration between the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The large-scale exercise covered the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal.

Appointments News

Takashi Nakajima Named President & CEO of Honda Cars India

Takashi Nakajima has been appointed as the new President and CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL), effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Takuya Tsumura, who will return to Honda’s Japan headquarters after a three-year term. This leadership change aligns with Honda’s annual restructuring process aimed at strengthening its global operations.

Schemes News

PM Internship Scheme 2025: Details and Benefits

The PM Internship Scheme 2025, launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, is designed to offer fresh graduates and young professionals practical industry exposure. This 12-month program provides 1,25,000 vacancies for candidates from varied educational backgrounds such as 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, Diploma, or Graduation. Eligible candidates, aged 21-24, can apply online from October 12, 2024, to March 12, 2025. Interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5000 and a one-time benefit of ₹6000.

Sports News

Commonwealth Games Federation Rebrands as ‘Commonwealth Sport’

On March 10, 2025, marking Commonwealth Day, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) rebranded itself as ‘Commonwealth Sport’ to emphasize its role as a global sports movement. While the organization will still legally operate as the CGF, the new identity promotes inclusivity, development, and sportsmanship worldwide.

Important Days

CISF Raising Day 2025 Celebrations

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising Day, commemorated annually on March 10, celebrates the force’s dedication to safeguarding critical government and private sector infrastructure. The 56th CISF Raising Day event in 2025 was held in Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan, and CISF Director General Rajvinder Singh Bhatti.

54th National Safety Week 2025 Observed with Key Theme

The 54th National Safety Week (March 4-10, 2025), led by the National Safety Council (NSC) of India, emphasized workplace safety and employee well-being. The theme, ‘Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat’, underscored safety as a critical factor in India's development.

Obituaries News

Legendary Classical Singer Garimella Balakrishna Prasad Passes Away

Renowned classical vocalist and former Asthana Vidwan of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, passed away at 76 following a heart attack at his residence in Tirupati. Known for popularizing Annamacharya’s compositions, his contributions have left a lasting legacy in Indian classical and devotional music.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

11th March 2025

1. What is the primary reason behind India's gas-based power plants operating below optimal efficiency?

A) Lack of skilled workforce

B) Low Plant Load Factor (PLF)

C) Outdated equipment

D) Limited gas reserves

Answer: B) Low Plant Load Factor (PLF)

Explanation: India's gas-based power plants have struggled due to a low PLF, which refers to the percentage of total possible output being achieved. To address this, the government has taken steps like expanding gas infrastructure and placing LNG under the Open General License (OGL).

2. When was the e-Shram portal launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment?

A) January 1, 2022

B) August 26, 2021

C) March 15, 2024

D) October 21, 2024

Answer: B) August 26, 2021

Explanation: The e-Shram portal was introduced to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) and assign them a Universal Account Number (UAN) for accessing social security benefits.

3. As of March 3, 2025, what percentage of e-Shram portal registrants are women?

A) 43.5%

B) 50.0%

C) 53.68%

D) 60.2%

Answer: C) 53.68%

Explanation: Out of the 30.68 crore registered workers, women accounted for 53.68%, reflecting the portal's reach among female workers.

4. What is the latest recorded literacy rate of Muslims in India according to the PLFS 2023-24 survey?

A) 68.5%

B) 72.0%

C) 79.5%

D) 80.9%

Answer: C) 79.5%

Explanation: The literacy rate of Muslims improved significantly, rising from 59.1% (2001 Census) to 79.5% in the PLFS 2023-24 survey.

5. Which bill is set to replace four outdated immigration laws in India?

A) National Security Act, 2025

B) Foreign Nationals Bill, 2025

C) Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

D) Border Management Bill, 2025

Answer: C) Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

Explanation: This bill aims to replace older laws like The Passport Act (1920) and The Foreigners Act (1946), introducing stricter penalties for improved immigration regulation.

6. Which Indian state is launching its own satellite named ‘ASSAMSAT’?

A) Kerala

B) Tamil Nadu

C) Assam

D) Gujarat

Answer: C) Assam

Explanation: Assam will launch ‘ASSAMSAT’ to enhance data collection for socio-economic projects and bolster border security.

7. How much penalty did RBI impose on four NBFCs for regulatory violations?

A) ₹50.4 lakh

B) ₹63.2 lakh

C) ₹76.6 lakh

D) ₹81.0 lakh

Answer: C) ₹76.6 lakh

Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India imposed a total penalty of ₹76.6 lakh for governance failures, fair lending breaches, and non-compliance.

8. What are the two new SBI Life Insurance child plans launched recently?

A) SBI Life – Child Shield & Young Achiever

B) SBI Life – Smart Future Star & Smart Platina Young Achiever

C) SBI Life – Secure Child Growth & Smart Platinum

D) SBI Life – Career Booster & Smart Achiever

Answer: B) SBI Life – Smart Future Star & Smart Platina Young Achiever

Explanation: These plans are designed to support parents in ensuring their child’s education, career growth, and financial protection.

9. Which actor has been appointed as the face of GRM Overseas Ltd's wheat flour campaign?

A) Shah Rukh Khan

B) Salman Khan

C) Akshay Kumar

D) Ranveer Singh

Answer: B) Salman Khan

Explanation: Salman Khan is the face of GRM's ‘10X Classic Chakki Fresh Atta’ campaign titled “Better Half Ki Better Choice.”

10. Which country recently signed a $248 million tank engine deal with India?

A) France

B) Russia

C) United States

D) Israel

Answer: B) Russia

Explanation: India signed a $248 million agreement with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for T-72 battle tank engines.

11. Which Indian Navy squadron recently visited Thailand’s Phuket Deep Sea Port?

A) 2nd Strike Fleet

B) First Training Squadron

C) Eastern Command Fleet

D) Coastal Patrol Fleet

Answer: B) First Training Squadron

Explanation: INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera participated in professional exchanges and joint exercises in Thailand.

12. What is the key objective of the Indian Navy’s TROPEX 2025 exercise?

A) Coastal security enhancement

B) Cybersecurity improvements

C) Testing operational strategies

D) Expanding maritime trade routes

Answer: C) Testing operational strategies

Explanation: TROPEX 2025 aimed to test operational readiness in the Indian Ocean Region, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal.

13. Who has been appointed as the new President & CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd effective April 1, 2025?

A) Kenichi Ayukawa

B) Takuya Tsumura

C) Takashi Nakajima

D) Masahiro Takedagawa

Answer: C) Takashi Nakajima

Explanation: Takashi Nakajima succeeded Takuya Tsumura in Honda’s routine restructuring process.

14. What is the total number of internship vacancies available under the PM Internship Scheme 2025?

A) 1,00,000

B) 1,25,000

C) 1,50,000

D) 2,00,000

Answer: B) 1,25,000

Explanation: The PM Internship Scheme 2025 offers 1,25,000 positions for youth in various educational categories.

15. What stipend amount is offered to interns under the PM Internship Scheme 2025?

A) ₹4000

B) ₹5000

C) ₹6000

D) ₹7000

Answer: B) ₹5000

Explanation: Interns receive a monthly stipend of ₹5000 along with a one-time benefit of ₹6000.

16. What new name has the Commonwealth Games Federation adopted in 2025?

A) Commonwealth Unity

B) Commonwealth Sport

C) Global Sports Federation

D) Inclusive Sports Movement

Answer: B) Commonwealth Sport

Explanation: The rebranding emphasizes inclusivity, development, and global sportsmanship.

17. Where was the 56th CISF Raising Day 2025 celebration held?

A) Kochi

B) New Delhi

C) Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu

D) Hyderabad

Answer: C) Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu

Explanation: The 56th CISF Raising Day was commemorated in Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu.

18. What was the theme of the 54th National Safety Week 2025?

A) Safety & Growth for India

B) Safety & Development Together

C) Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat

D) Secure Workplace for Secure Future

Answer: C) Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat

Explanation: The theme highlighted the role of workplace safety in India's development.

19. Which prominent classical singer passed away in 2025 at the age of 76?

A) Garimella Balakrishna Prasad

B) T.N. Krishnan

C) Bhimsen Joshi

D) M. Balamuralikrishna

Answer: A) Garimella Balakrishna Prasad

Explanation: Known for his devotion to Annamacharya compositions, Prasad's legacy continues in Indian classical music.

20. Which Indian government initiative allows LNG imports under the Open General License (OGL)?

A) Atmanirbhar Bharat Yojana

B) Energy Security Initiative

C) Gas Expansion Scheme

D) Gas-Based Power Initiative

Answer: D) Gas-Based Power Initiative

Explanation: This initiative aims to improve the availability and affordability of natural gas in India.