Daily Current Affairs of 18th March 2025 in English

Introduction:

Daily Current Affairs of 18th 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 18, 2025

Daily GK Update – 18th March 2025: Current Affairs

Here are the major national and international updates, developments, and key events from 18th March 2025:

National News

Union Finance Minister Unveils PM Internship Scheme Mobile App to Enhance Youth Employment

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) mobile application in New Delhi, aiming to simplify the internship registration and application process. The app provides an intuitive user interface, Aadhaar-based registration, real-time notifications, and improved accessibility, aligning with the government’s mission to promote youth employment, skill development, and career opportunities.

International News

Truth Social: Trump’s Social Media Platform Prepares for NASDAQ Listing

Donald Trump’s Truth Social is gearing up for its debut on NASDAQ, pending the merger vote with Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC). This move is expected to have a significant impact on Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). Launched in February 2022, Truth Social was created as a free speech platform following Trump’s bans from major social media sites after the January 6 Capitol riots.

ADB Introduces ‘Frontier Seed’ Program to Bolster Private Sector Growth in the Pacific

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched the Frontier Seed (Pacific) initiative, designed to support small businesses, strengthen capital markets, and drive sustainable economic growth in the Pacific region. With an initial $4 million investment, the program has already allocated $200,000 in technical assistance to SeaPAC Pte Ltd (prawn farming) and Kahuto Pacific (aerial mapping solutions). Backed by international partners such as the ORCA Trust Fund, the Nordic Development Fund, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the initiative aims to attract investors, create employment opportunities, and enhance economic resilience.

India-New Zealand Strengthen Bilateral Ties During PM Christopher Luxon’s Visit

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited India, where he held discussions with PM Narendra Modi and attended the 10th Raisina Dialogue as the Chief Guest. His engagements also included a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu. Key outcomes of the visit include the initiation of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, the signing of an MoU on Defence Cooperation, and deeper collaborations in trade, maritime security, and education. New Zealand also joined India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) & the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Additionally, New Zealand backed India’s United Nations Security Council (UNSC) bid and pledged support for counterterrorism efforts.

Potential US Travel Ban in 2025: 43 Nations Affected

Former US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a new travel ban for 2025, impacting citizens from 43 countries. The ban is categorized into:

Red List (11 countries): Full visa suspension, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela.

Orange List (10 countries): Strict visa restrictions for nations such as Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, and Russia.

Yellow List (22 countries): A 60-day deadline to resolve US security concerns, affecting Angola, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe, among others.

The proposed policy expands prior travel restrictions, emphasizing national security and immigration control. However, critics warn of potential diplomatic fallout and international backlash.

Stuart Young Becomes Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

Stuart Young is set to assume office as Trinidad and Tobago’s new Prime Minister, following the resignation of Dr. Keith Rowley. Young, who previously served as Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, was selected as part of a structured leadership transition.

State News

Maharashtra Unveils First-Ever Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple in Bhiwandi

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the state’s first Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple in Bhiwandi, Thane, on the occasion of Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary. Designed in the likeness of Maratha forts, the temple celebrates the legendary warrior’s valor, military acumen, and cultural significance. Fadnavis proposed designating the temple as a pilgrimage site, underscoring Shivaji’s enduring legacy.

Chhattisgarh Proposes Stricter Anti-Conversion Law

The Chhattisgarh government, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, is set to introduce a tougher anti-conversion law to prevent religious conversions through coercion, inducements, or “faith healing” events. Despite the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act (1968), Home Minister Vijay Sharma emphasized the necessity for stronger regulations, particularly against foreign-funded NGOs allegedly promoting conversions.

Lachit Barphukan Police Academy Inaugurated in Assam

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam, aiming to enhance law enforcement training in the Northeast. Built with an investment of ₹167 crore (Phase 1) out of a planned ₹1050 crore, the facility has already trained 2,000 personnel from Goa and Manipur. The academy is expected to become India’s premier police training center within five years.

Himachal Pradesh Budget 2025-26 Prioritizes Tourism, Rural Development, and Green Energy

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented Himachal Pradesh’s ₹58,514 crore budget for FY 2025-26, focusing on boosting tourism, rural development, and renewable energy. The state’s debt burden stands at ₹1,04,729 crore, with ₹29,046 crore borrowed under the current administration, primarily used for repaying past loans.

Banking & Economy

SBI to Establish New Project Finance Unit for AI, Fintech, and E-Commerce

The State Bank of India (SBI) is setting up a dedicated project finance unit to support emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and e-commerce, moving beyond traditional infrastructure financing. SBI is hiring specialized professionals and consulting experts to execute the initiative, which is expected to be operational within a year.

India’s Economy to Hit $5.7 Trillion by 2028: Morgan Stanley

According to Morgan Stanley, India’s GDP will reach $5.7 trillion by 2028, making it the third-largest economy, surpassing Germany and Japan. India is projected to overtake Japan by 2026 to become the fourth-largest economy, with its global GDP share rising from 3.5% (2023) to 4.5% (2029). In an optimistic scenario, India could achieve a $10.3 trillion GDP by 2035.

Appointments

Dr. Lakshmi Venu Appointed as Vice Chairman of TAFE

Dr. Lakshmi Venu has been appointed Vice Chairman of Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd (TAFE). A graduate of Yale University with a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Warwick, she has played a key role in expanding the company’s global presence.

Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman Named CEO of ANRF

Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman has been appointed CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), succeeding Professor Abhay Karandikar. The foundation focuses on promoting scientific research and innovation across India.

Lip-Bu Tan Becomes CEO of Intel

Intel Corporation has appointed Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO, effective March 18, 2025. With extensive experience in the semiconductor industry, Tan is expected to lead Intel through a new phase of innovation and market expansion.

Obituaries

Dr. Senkalong Yaden: Remembering a Naga Scientific Pioneer

Dr. Senkalong (Senka) Yaden, a distinguished Naga scientist and academician, passed away at 89 in Tyler, Texas, on March 14, 2025. Known for his contributions to science and education, his home community in Mokokchung has declared March 17, 2025, a day of mourning in his honor.

Daily Current Affairs Question Answers in English of

18th March 2025

National News MCQs

1. What is the primary objective of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) mobile application?

A) Providing financial assistance to students

B) Simplifying internship registration and application

C) Offering government job opportunities

D) Promoting foreign education

✅ Answer: B) Simplifying internship registration and application

📝 Explanation: The PMIS app was launched by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to streamline the internship registration process, making it more accessible to youth through features like Aadhaar-based registration and real-time notifications.

International News MCQs

2. What is the key purpose behind the launch of Truth Social?

A) Competing with Facebook

B) Providing a platform for free speech

C) Promoting cryptocurrency

D) Supporting e-commerce startups

✅ Answer: B) Providing a platform for free speech

📝 Explanation: Truth Social was launched in February 2022 by Donald Trump’s Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) as a response to his bans from mainstream social media platforms following the January 6 Capitol riots.

3. What is the initial investment in the Frontier Seed (Pacific) initiative launched by ADB?

A) $1 million

B) $4 million

C) $10 million

D) $20 million

✅ Answer: B) $4 million

📝 Explanation: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched the Frontier Seed (Pacific) initiative with an initial investment of $4 million to support small businesses and capital market development in the Pacific region.

4. During his India visit, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon attended which key event?

A) BRICS Summit

B) Raisina Dialogue

C) ASEAN Summit

D) G20 Summit

✅ Answer: B) Raisina Dialogue

📝 Explanation: New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon was the Chief Guest at the 10th Raisina Dialogue, where he discussed India-New Zealand trade, security, and defense cooperation.

5. Which country is NOT on the proposed ‘Red List’ of the 2025 US travel ban?

A) Afghanistan

B) Iran

C) North Korea

D) India

✅ Answer: D) India

📝 Explanation: The ‘Red List’ includes countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and North Korea, but India is not affected by the proposed travel ban.

6. Who is set to become the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago?

A) Keith Rowley

B) Stuart Young

C) Kamla Persad-Bissessar

D) Patrick Manning

✅ Answer: B) Stuart Young

📝 Explanation: Stuart Young will replace Dr. Keith Rowley as Prime Minister following a structured leadership transition.

State News MCQs

7. The first-ever Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple in Maharashtra is located in which district?

A) Pune

B) Bhiwandi, Thane

C) Nashik

D) Kolhapur

✅ Answer: B) Bhiwandi, Thane

📝 Explanation: The temple, inaugurated by CM Devendra Fadnavis, is designed in the likeness of Maratha forts and celebrates Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.

8. The Chhattisgarh government is planning to introduce a stricter law against what?

A) Cybercrime

B) Religious conversions

C) Environmental pollution

D) Cryptocurrency

✅ Answer: B) Religious conversions

📝 Explanation: The proposed law aims to prevent forced religious conversions through coercion, inducements, or "faith healing" events.

9. Where is the newly inaugurated Lachit Barphukan Police Academy located?

A) Guwahati

B) Dergaon

C) Imphal

D) Shillong

✅ Answer: B) Dergaon

📝 Explanation: The police academy, inaugurated by Amit Shah, is built in Dergaon, Assam, with an investment of ₹167 crore.

10. What is the total budget of Himachal Pradesh for FY 2025-26?

A) ₹45,600 crore

B) ₹58,514 crore

C) ₹72,300 crore

D) ₹90,120 crore

✅ Answer: B) ₹58,514 crore

📝 Explanation: Himachal Pradesh’s budget for FY 2025-26 prioritizes tourism, rural development, and green energy.

Banking & Economy MCQs

11. Which bank is setting up a new project finance unit for AI, fintech, and e-commerce?

A) HDFC Bank

B) ICICI Bank

C) State Bank of India (SBI)

D) Axis Bank

✅ Answer: C) State Bank of India (SBI)

📝 Explanation: SBI is launching this unit to support emerging sectors beyond traditional infrastructure financing.

12. According to Morgan Stanley, India’s GDP is projected to reach what amount by 2028?

A) $3.2 trillion

B) $5.7 trillion

C) $8.1 trillion

D) $10.3 trillion

✅ Answer: B) $5.7 trillion

📝 Explanation: Morgan Stanley predicts India’s GDP will grow to $5.7 trillion by 2028, making it the third-largest economy.

Appointments MCQs

13. Who has been appointed as Vice Chairman of TAFE?

A) Nirmala Sitharaman

B) Lakshmi Venu

C) Ratan Tata

D) Anand Mahindra

✅ Answer: B) Lakshmi Venu

📝 Explanation: Dr. Lakshmi Venu, a Yale University graduate, has been appointed Vice Chairman of Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd (TAFE).

14. Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman has been appointed as the CEO of which organization?

A) NITI Aayog

B) Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

C) ISRO

D) DRDO

✅ Answer: B) Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

📝 Explanation: Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman succeeded Professor Abhay Karandikar as CEO of ANRF.

15. Lip-Bu Tan has been appointed as the CEO of which company?

A) Intel

B) AMD

C) Qualcomm

D) Apple

✅ Answer: A) Intel

📝 Explanation: Lip-Bu Tan has been appointed CEO of Intel, effective March 18, 2025.

Obituaries MCQs

16. Dr. Senkalong Yaden was known for his contributions in which field?

A) Medicine

B) Science and education

C) Politics

D) Sports

✅ Answer: B) Science and education

📝 Explanation: Dr. Senkalong Yaden was a prominent Naga scientist and academician.

General Knowledge-Based MCQs

17. The Raisina Dialogue is associated with which country?

A) USA

B) China

C) India

D) Australia

✅ Answer: C) India

📝 Explanation: The Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier foreign policy and international affairs conference.

18. Which organization launched the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)?

A) United Nations

B) ASEAN

C) India

D) World Bank

✅ Answer: C) India

📝 Explanation: IPOI is an initiative by India to promote maritime security and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region.

19. What is the main purpose of CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure)?

A) Promoting global tourism

B) Enhancing infrastructure resilience against disasters

C) Boosting international trade

D) Advancing military defense

✅ Answer: B) Enhancing infrastructure resilience against disasters

📝 Explanation: CDRI is an India-led initiative that supports disaster-resilient infrastructure globally.

20. Who is the Finance Minister of India as of 2025?

A) Piyush Goyal

B) Nirmala Sitharaman

C) Arun Jaitley

D) Amit Shah

✅ Answer: B) Nirmala Sitharaman

📝 Explanation: Nirmala Sitharaman has been India’s Finance Minister since 2019.