Daily Current Affairs of 12th March 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 12th 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 12, 2025

Daily GK Update – 12th March 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 12th March 2025:

National News

National Archives of India Marks 135th Foundation Day with ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ Launch

On March 11, 2025, the National Archives of India (NAI) commemorated its 135th Foundation Day with the grand exhibition “Indian Heritage through Architecture,” inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. This event highlighted rare historical records and marked the official launch of the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission,’ aimed at expanding access to India’s vast repository of knowledge. In an ambitious move, NAI has also embarked on the world’s largest digitization drive, safeguarding millions of invaluable historical documents for future generations.

PM Narendra Modi’s Landmark Visit to Mauritius

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic two-day visit to Mauritius on March 11, 2025, reinforcing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. Highlights of the visit included the issuance of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to key Mauritian leaders, the inauguration of over 20 India-funded developmental projects, and PM Modi being conferred Mauritius’ highest civilian award, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.

State News

Maharashtra Budget 2025-26: Key Insights and Economic Outlook

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar presented Maharashtra’s Budget for 2025-26, focusing on economic sustainability amid a record debt of ₹9.3 lakh crore and a revenue deficit of ₹45,891 crore. Given the financial constraints, the budget prioritizes the continuation of existing welfare programs rather than launching new large-scale initiatives. The budget follows the Mahayuti government’s landslide victory and aims to balance economic stability with necessary public expenditure.

Business News

Star Health Insurance Unveils ‘SheTARA’ Campaign for Women’s Health

Marking International Women’s Day, Star Health Insurance launched the ‘SheTARA’ campaign in Tamil Nadu to promote preventive healthcare for women and encourage them to take up insurance agent roles. The initiative features over 40 health camps offering subsidized screenings for thyroid, haemoglobin, blood sugar, blood pressure, and bone mineral density. Additionally, a special webinar focusing on work-life balance and women’s health in the AI era will be led by a renowned gynecologist. A flagship event in Anna Nagar, Chennai, will honor the contributions of women employees, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s prominence in women's workforce participation.

Banking News

RBI and NCFE Drive Financial Literacy Campaigns Nationwide

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) have launched national financial literacy programs under the National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE). These initiatives aim to enhance financial awareness among young individuals (below 18 years) and senior citizens (above 60 years), ensuring their active participation in the economy.

Economy News

India Strengthens Pharmaceutical Exports with Regulatory Enhancements

India, ranking 11th globally in pharmaceutical exports in 2023, contributes 3% to global exports. To ensure high-quality manufacturing standards, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have introduced risk-based inspections, regulatory reforms, stricter penalties, and advanced training programs. These steps are expected to bolster India’s reputation as a leading global pharmaceutical supplier.

Surge in Credit Disbursement to Priority Sectors

Credit disbursement to priority sectors, including agriculture, MSMEs, and social infrastructure, has witnessed an 85% jump—from ₹23.01 lakh crore in 2019 to ₹42.73 lakh crore in 2024. To maintain financial discipline and responsible lending, the RBI and the government have introduced reforms, leveraging technology and collaborations with FinTech companies to improve banking services and seamless credit access.

Digital Payment Transactions Witness Exponential Growth

India’s digital payment transactions surged by 46% between FY 2021-22 and FY 2023-24, rising from 8,839 crore to 18,737 crore transactions. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) emerged as the dominant driver, expanding at a 69% CAGR and accounting for over 70% of total digital transactions. Government initiatives such as the “Incentive Scheme for RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI (P2M) transactions” have significantly boosted cashless transactions.

Defense News

India and Bangladesh Strengthen Maritime Security Through Joint Exercises

The Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy commenced the 6th Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) and the 4th edition of the ‘BONGOSAGAR’ exercise on March 10, 2025, in the Bay of Bengal. Supervised by Commander Flotilla West, these operations aim to enhance regional maritime security, cooperation, and counteract criminal activities along their shared maritime borders.

Awards News

IIFA Awards 2025: Complete List of Winners

The 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards were held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on March 8-9, celebrating Bollywood’s excellence. Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” emerged as the night’s biggest winner with 10 awards. Kartik Aaryan was honored as Best Actor, while the action thriller “Kill” secured multiple accolades. The event, marked by stellar performances, celebrated 25 years of IIFA’s legacy.

Science & Technology News

Starlink’s Potential Entry into India: A Game-Changer for Internet Access

SpaceX’s Starlink is poised to revolutionize India’s broadband market by introducing satellite-based internet services, particularly benefiting remote and rural areas. With potential partnerships with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, Starlink could bridge the digital divide. However, regulatory approvals from the Indian government remain a crucial step before the service can officially launch.

Important Days

No Smoking Day 2025: Awareness and Significance

Observed annually on the second Wednesday of March, No Smoking Day (March 12, 2025) promotes awareness about smoking hazards and encourages cessation efforts. Smoking is linked to severe health issues such as premature aging, skin discoloration, dental damage, and respiratory ailments. This initiative aligns with global health campaigns advocating for a smoke-free future and stringent anti-smoking policies.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

12th March 2025

1. When was the National Archives of India (NAI) founded?

A) 1850

B) 1880

C) 1891

D) 1905

✅ Answer: C) 1891

📖 Explanation: The National Archives of India (NAI) was founded in 1891. In 2025, it marked its 135th Foundation Day with the launch of the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ and a major digitization drive.

2. What was the theme of the exhibition held by NAI on its 135th Foundation Day?

A) India’s Freedom Struggle

B) Ancient Manuscripts of India

C) Indian Heritage through Architecture

D) Evolution of Indian Governance

✅ Answer: C) Indian Heritage through Architecture

📖 Explanation: The National Archives of India (NAI) hosted an exhibition titled "Indian Heritage through Architecture", showcasing rare historical records.

3. Which country did PM Narendra Modi visit on March 11, 2025?

A) Sri Lanka

B) Maldives

C) Mauritius

D) Indonesia

✅ Answer: C) Mauritius

📖 Explanation: PM Narendra Modi visited Mauritius to strengthen diplomatic ties and launch development projects. He was also awarded The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.

4. What major recognition did PM Modi receive in Mauritius?

A) Bharat Ratna

B) The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean

C) Order of the Rising Sun

D) Legion of Honour

✅ Answer: B) The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean

📖 Explanation: This is the highest civilian honor awarded by Mauritius to distinguished foreign leaders.

5. What is the projected debt of Maharashtra for the fiscal year 2025-26?

A) ₹5 lakh crore

B) ₹7.5 lakh crore

C) ₹9.3 lakh crore

D) ₹10 lakh crore

✅ Answer: C) ₹9.3 lakh crore

📖 Explanation: Maharashtra’s Budget 2025-26 presented by Ajit Pawar revealed a record ₹9.3 lakh crore debt with a ₹45,891 crore revenue deficit.

6. What is the primary objective of the ‘SheTARA’ campaign by Star Health Insurance?

A) To promote digital transactions

B) To improve women's preventive healthcare

C) To support women entrepreneurs

D) To increase women's participation in sports

✅ Answer: B) To improve women's preventive healthcare

📖 Explanation: The ‘SheTARA’ campaign focuses on women's preventive healthcare by offering subsidized screenings and promoting insurance agent roles for women.

7. Which two groups are the focus of the RBI and NCFE’s financial literacy programs?

A) Women and rural farmers

B) Business owners and students

C) Youth below 18 and senior citizens above 60

D) Government employees and private sector workers

✅ Answer: C) Youth below 18 and senior citizens above 60

📖 Explanation: The financial literacy campaigns aim to educate young individuals (under 18) and senior citizens (above 60) about financial planning and economic participation.

8. What percentage of global pharmaceutical exports does India contribute?

A) 1%

B) 3%

C) 5%

D) 10%

✅ Answer: B) 3%

📖 Explanation: India contributes 3% to global pharmaceutical exports, ranking 11th globally.

9. How much has credit disbursement to priority sectors increased from 2019 to 2024?

A) 50%

B) 60%

C) 75%

D) 85%

✅ Answer: D) 85%

📖 Explanation: Credit disbursement to sectors like agriculture, MSMEs, and social infrastructure has increased by 85%, from ₹23.01 lakh crore in 2019 to ₹42.73 lakh crore in 2024.

10. Which digital payment platform dominates India’s digital transactions?

A) NEFT

B) IMPS

C) UPI

D) RTGS

✅ Answer: C) UPI

📖 Explanation: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounted for over 70% of digital transactions in India, growing at a 69% CAGR.

11. What was the theme of the 6th India-Bangladesh CORPAT exercise?

A) Cybersecurity Cooperation

B) Maritime Security

C) Military Equipment Trade

D) Disaster Relief Operations

✅ Answer: B) Maritime Security

📖 Explanation: The India-Bangladesh Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) and BONGOSAGAR exercises focused on maritime security and countering illegal activities.

12. Which film won the most awards at IIFA 2025?

A) Animal

B) Kill

C) Laapataa Ladies

D) Fighter

✅ Answer: C) Laapataa Ladies

📖 Explanation: Kiran Rao’s "Laapataa Ladies" won 10 awards, making it the biggest winner at IIFA 2025.

13. Who won the Best Actor award at IIFA 2025?

A) Ranbir Kapoor

B) Kartik Aaryan

C) Shah Rukh Khan

D) Vicky Kaushal

✅ Answer: B) Kartik Aaryan

📖 Explanation: Kartik Aaryan was awarded Best Actor for his outstanding performance.

14. Which company plans to introduce satellite-based internet in India?

A) Google Fiber

B) SpaceX’s Starlink

C) Amazon Web Services

D) Microsoft Azure

✅ Answer: B) SpaceX’s Starlink

📖 Explanation: Starlink, a project by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, aims to enhance India’s broadband access, especially in rural areas.

15. What is the major regulatory hurdle for Starlink in India?

A) High competition from Jio and Airtel

B) Lack of satellite technology

C) Government approvals

D) Limited consumer interest

✅ Answer: C) Government approvals

📖 Explanation: Starlink needs regulatory approval from the Indian government before launching services.

16. When is No Smoking Day observed in 2025?

A) March 10

B) March 11

C) March 12

D) March 13

✅ Answer: C) March 12

📖 Explanation: No Smoking Day is observed on the second Wednesday of March, which falls on March 12, 2025.

17. What was the primary goal of the Gyan Bharatam Mission?

A) Promote education reforms

B) Expand access to historical knowledge

C) Provide scholarships for students

D) Boost scientific research

✅ Answer: B) Expand access to historical knowledge

📖 Explanation: The Gyan Bharatam Mission focuses on digitizing historical documents and improving access to India's knowledge base.

18. What was the total number of digital payment transactions in FY 2023-24?

A) 10,000 crore

B) 12,500 crore

C) 18,737 crore

D) 25,000 crore

✅ Answer: C) 18,737 crore

📖 Explanation: Digital transactions surged to 18,737 crore in FY 2023-24, showing a 46% increase from 8,839 crore in FY 2021-22.

19. Which organization introduced risk-based inspections in India’s pharma industry?

A) WHO

B) CDSCO

C) RBI

D) NITI Aayog

✅ Answer: B) CDSCO

📖 Explanation: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) implemented risk-based inspections to ensure quality control.

20. How many India-funded projects did PM Modi inaugurate in Mauritius?

A) 10

B) 15

C) 20+

D) 30+

✅ Answer: C) 20+

📖 Explanation: PM Modi inaugurated over 20 development projects in Mauritius, strengthening India’s diplomatic ties.