Daily Current Affairs of 15th March 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 15th 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 15, 2025

Daily GK Update – 15th March 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 15th March 2025:

National News

Strengthening Women Leadership in PRIs: Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan & Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has introduced the Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan and Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP) initiatives to strengthen the leadership of Women Elected Representatives (WERs) and promote gender-responsive governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan focuses on developing leadership and decision-making skills while addressing the prevalent “Mukhiya Pati” or “Sarpanch Pati” culture. Meanwhile, the MWFGP initiative aims to establish at least one women-friendly Gram Panchayat per district, ensuring governance structures that prioritize gender equality and women’s welfare.

International News

China’s 5,000 km Radar: A Strategic Concern for India?

China has deployed a Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) system in Yunnan province, near the China-Myanmar border, significantly boosting its surveillance capabilities over India. This high-tech radar, with a detection range exceeding 5,000 km, allows China to track movements in the Indian subcontinent and the Indian Ocean region. Its electronically controlled antennas enable rapid scanning and precise monitoring of multiple targets, including ballistic missile tests. Positioned around 2,000–2,200 km from India’s Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, it can monitor tests of missiles like Agni-V and K-4, raising security concerns for Indian defense agencies.

UN Chief Introduces ‘UN80 Initiative’ to Enhance Efficiency Amid Financial Constraints

In response to the global financial crisis, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has unveiled the ‘UN80 Initiative’, aimed at improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness within the UN system. This initiative seeks to optimize resources, streamline functions, and enhance service delivery. An internal task force, led by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder, comprising representatives from all UN entities, will oversee the implementation process.

Business News

LIC, New India Assurance, GIC Re Retain ‘Systemically Important Insurer’ Status for 2024-25

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has once again recognized Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), The New India Assurance Company, and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for 2024-25. Given their market dominance, size, and interconnectedness with the global financial system, these insurers are considered critical to India's financial stability.

Valueattics Reinsurance Becomes India’s First Private Reinsurer, Ending GIC Re’s Monopoly

In a groundbreaking development, IRDAI has granted Valueattics Reinsurance the first private reinsurance license in India, breaking GIC Re’s monopoly since 1972. The company, backed by Prem Watsa and Kamesh Goyal, secured approval in the final board meeting chaired by Debasish Panda on March 12, 2025. This move is expected to foster competition in India's reinsurance sector, currently dominated by foreign players like Munich Re, Swiss Re, and Lloyd’s of London.

Flipkart’s Super.money Among Top 5 UPI Apps in February 2025

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) witnessed a 5.2% decline in transaction volume in February 2025, with total transactions at 16.11 billion. Despite this dip, leading platforms PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm continued their dominance, while Flipkart’s Super.money made its way into the top five UPI apps, replacing CRED. The decline suggests shifting user behavior and potential market saturation, though UPI remains a crucial pillar of India’s digital payment landscape.

Banking News

RBI Bags Digital Transformation Award 2025 for Pravaah & Sarthi Initiatives

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has received the Digital Transformation Award 2025, presented by Central Banking, London, in recognition of its innovative Pravaah and Sarthi digital platforms. These in-house developments have improved workflow efficiency, streamlined regulatory operations, and reduced paper-based submissions, significantly enhancing RBI’s operational framework.

RBI Introduces Self-Regulatory Framework for Account Aggregators

The RBI has launched a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) framework for Account Aggregators (AA) to ensure smooth financial data exchange, address operational challenges, and promote compliance within the ecosystem. This initiative will enhance standardization, dispute resolution, and coordination. The AA framework, originally introduced in September 2016, aims to safeguard financial data sharing. In August 2024, the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) was designated as an SRO for the fintech sector.

Economy News

India’s GDP Growth Forecasted to Exceed 6.5% in FY 2025-26

According to Moody’s Ratings, India’s GDP growth is projected to surpass 6.5% in FY 2025-26, up from 6.3% in FY 2024-25, fueled by higher government spending, tax incentives, and monetary policy easing. However, a moderate decline in banking asset quality is anticipated due to stress in unsecured retail loans, microfinance, and small business loans. While India’s real GDP slowed to 5.6% in Q2 (July-September 2024), it rebounded to 6.2% in Q3 (October-December 2024).

Appointments News

Arun Mammen Becomes Chairman of ATMA

Arun Mammen, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd., has been elected as the Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) for its Golden Jubilee Year (2025). Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director of Bridgestone India, has been appointed as Vice-Chairman. Their leadership aims to strengthen India's global standing in the tyre industry.

N Ganapathy Subramaniam Appointed Chairman of Tata Communications

N Ganapathy Subramaniam (NGS) has been appointed as the Chairman of Tata Communications, effective March 14, 2025. His selection was based on the Nomination and Remuneration Committee’s recommendation, as per the company’s official filing.

Defense News

India Successfully Tests Astra BVRAAM from LCA Tejas AF MK1 Prototype

India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has successfully tested the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the LCA Tejas AF MK1 prototype off the Chandipur coast, Odisha. Developed by DRDO, the missile achieved a direct hit on a flying target, marking a significant advancement in India’s air defense capabilities.

Sports News

India Tops Medal Tally at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025

India emerged as the top performer at the 12th World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025, held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, winning 134 medals (45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze). Hosting this prestigious event for the first time, India showcased exceptional skill and determination, securing the top position.

Science & Technology News

Google Launches Gemma 3: The Next-Gen Lightweight AI Model

Google has unveiled Gemma 3, a lightweight AI model designed for on-device computing on smartphones, laptops, and other platforms. Utilizing technology from Google’s Gemini 2.0 models, Gemma 3 promises low-latency performance, energy efficiency, and scalability.

NASA’s SPHEREx Telescope Launched to Map Cosmic Glow

NASA has successfully launched the SPHEREx telescope aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on March 11, 2025. The $488 million mission aims to map the universe’s cosmic glow, providing insights into galaxy formation and expansion.

Obituaries News

Former Indian Cricketer Syed Abid Ali Passes Away at 83

Renowned Indian all-rounder Syed Abid Ali has passed away at 83 in the United States. Known for his exceptional fielding, swing bowling, and lower-order batting, he played a crucial role in Indian cricket history.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

15th March 2025

1. Which initiative aims to strengthen women's leadership in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)?

A) Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan

B) Digital India Mission

C) Skill India Campaign

D) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan, introduced by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, specifically focuses on empowering Women Elected Representatives (WERs) by developing their leadership and decision-making skills in PRIs.

2. China has deployed a Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in which province?

A) Xinjiang

B) Yunnan

C) Tibet

D) Hebei

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Yunnan province, located near the China-Myanmar border, is where China has deployed the LPAR system. This location significantly boosts China's surveillance capabilities over India.

3. The UN80 Initiative, aimed at enhancing efficiency, was introduced by whom?

A) António Guterres

B) Guy Ryder

C) Kamala Harris

D) Ursula von der Leyen

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres launched the UN80 Initiative to improve operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness within the UN system.

4. Which insurers retained their ‘Systemically Important Insurer’ status for 2024-25?

A) LIC, New India Assurance, GIC Re

B) HDFC Life, ICICI Lombard, SBI General

C) Bajaj Allianz, Tata AIG, Max Life

D) Reliance General, Aditya Birla Sun Life, Star Health

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) recognized LIC, New India Assurance, and GIC Re as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) due to their critical role in India's financial stability.

5. Which company became India’s first private reinsurer?

A) Reliance Reinsurance

B) Tata Reinsurance

C) Valueattics Reinsurance

D) SBI Reinsurance

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: IRDAI granted Valueattics Reinsurance the first private reinsurance license in India, ending GIC Re’s monopoly since 1972.

6. Which app made it to the top 5 UPI apps in February 2025?

A) Paytm

B) Google Pay

C) PhonePe

D) Flipkart’s Super.money

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Despite a decline in overall UPI transactions, Flipkart’s Super.money entered the top five, replacing CRED.

7. Which award did the RBI receive for its Pravaah and Sarthi initiatives?

A) Best Bank Award

B) Digital Transformation Award 2025

C) Innovation in Finance Award

D) Economic Excellence Award

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received the Digital Transformation Award 2025 from Central Banking, London, for its Pravaah and Sarthi digital platforms.

8. The RBI introduced a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) framework for which entity?

A) Commercial Banks

B) Account Aggregators

C) Microfinance Institutions

D) Credit Rating Agencies

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The RBI launched the SRO framework for Account Aggregators (AA) to regulate financial data exchange and ensure compliance.

9. India’s GDP growth is forecasted to exceed what percentage in FY 2025-26?

A) 6.0%

B) 6.3%

C) 6.5%

D) 7.0%

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Moody’s Ratings projected India’s GDP growth to surpass 6.5% in FY 2025-26, driven by government spending and policy easing.

10. Who was elected as the Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA)?

A) Hiroshi Yoshizane

B) Arun Mammen

C) N Ganapathy Subramaniam

D) Debasish Panda

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Arun Mammen, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd., was elected as the Chairman of ATMA.

11. Who was appointed as the Chairman of Tata Communications?

A) Arun Mammen

B) Hiroshi Yoshizane

C) N Ganapathy Subramaniam

D) Debasish Panda

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: N Ganapathy Subramaniam (NGS) was appointed as the Chairman of Tata Communications, effective March 14, 2025.

12. Which missile was successfully tested from the LCA Tejas AF MK1 prototype?

A) Agni-V

B) Prithvi

C) Astra BVRAAM

D) Trishul

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: India successfully tested the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the LCA Tejas AF MK1 prototype.

13. Which event did India top the medal tally in 2025?

A) Asian Games

B) World Para Athletics Grand Prix

C) Commonwealth Games

D) Olympics

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: India topped the medal tally at the 12th World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025, held in New Delhi.

14. Which lightweight AI model was launched by Google?

A) Gemini 2.0

B) Gemma 3

C) Tensor Flow

D) Bard AI

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Google launched Gemma 3, a lightweight AI model designed for on-device computing.

15. Which telescope was launched by NASA to map cosmic glow?

A) Hubble

B) Kepler

C) SPHEREx

D) James Webb

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: NASA launched the SPHEREx telescope aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to map the universe’s cosmic glow.

16. Former Indian cricketer Syed Abid Ali passed away at what age?

A) 78

B) 80

C) 82

D) 83

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Renowned Indian all-rounder Syed Abid Ali passed away at the age of 83 in the United States.

17. What is the main focus of the "Mukhiya Pati" or "Sarpanch Pati" culture addressed by the Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan?

A) Economic development

B) Women's proxy leadership

C) Educational reforms

D) Infrastructure improvement

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan aims to address the "Mukhiya Pati" or "Sarpanch Pati" culture, where male relatives often exert undue influence in the roles of elected female representatives.

18. What is the approximate distance of China's radar from India's Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island?

A) 1,000-1,200 km

B) 2,000-2,200 km

C) 3,000-3,200 km

D) 4,000-4,200 km

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: China's radar is positioned approximately 2,000-2,200 km from India's Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, enabling it to monitor missile tests.

19. Which financial sector is Valueattics Reinsurance expected to increase competition in?

A) Banking

B) Reinsurance

C) Stock Market

D) Microfinance

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Valueattics Reinsurance is expected to foster competition specifically within India's reinsurance sector, which has been dominated by GIC Re and foreign players.

20. What was the reason for the 5.2% decline in UPI transaction volume in February 2025?

A) Increase in cash transactions

B) Shifting user behavior and potential market saturation

C) Technical issues with UPI servers

D) Lack of internet access

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The decline in UPI transaction volume suggests a shift in user behavior and potential market saturation, even though UPI remains a crucial component of India’s digital payment landscape.