Daily Current Affairs March 08 & 09

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs March 08 & 09. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

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March 08 & 09 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs March 08 & 09

1. What is the theme for International Women’s Day 2025?
A) Women in Leadership
B) Gender Equality Now
C) Accelerate Action
D) Break the Bias
E) Empower and Inspire
Answer: C) Accelerate Action

Event and Location:

• Event: International Women’s Day 2025 celebrated globally to honor women’s achievements and promote gender equality.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: Worldwide

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Recognize women’s contributions across different fields, raise awareness about gender equality, and encourage action toward women’s rights and empowerment.
• Theme for 2025: “Accelerate Action” – Calls for faster progress in improving women’s lives, ensuring equal opportunities, and eliminating discrimination.

Historical Background:

• Origins (1908): Around 15,000 women marched in New York City demanding better working conditions and voting rights.
• First Official Celebration (1911): Observed in several countries after Clara Zetkin proposed the idea.
• Recognition by the United Nations (1975): The UN formally acknowledged International Women’s Day, making it a global event.

Significance of International Women’s Day:

• Celebrates Women’s Achievements: Honors women’s success in education, business, politics, and science.
• Raises Awareness on Gender Equality: Highlights challenges women face and the need for equal rights.
• Encourages Action: Urges governments, organizations, and individuals to take steps for women’s empowerment.

Ways International Women’s Day is Celebrated:

• Seminars & Workshops: Discussions on women’s rights and gender equality.
• Recognition & Awards: Honoring inspirational women for their contributions.
• Social Media Campaigns: Sharing inspiring messages and success stories.
• Rallies & Protests: Advocating for equal rights and opportunities.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs March 08 & 09

2. Who was the highest wicket-taker in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
A) Mohammed Shami
B) Varun Chakaravarthy
C) Matt Henry
D) Mitchell Santner
E) Michael Bracewell
Answer: C) Matt Henry

Event and Location:

• Event: India won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing its third title.
• Date: March 9, 2025
• Location: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Recognizing India’s historic ICC Champions Trophy win and key player records in the tournament.

Key Highlights of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

• India’s Victory in the Final:
  • India defeated New Zealand in the final to win its third ICC Champions Trophy.
  • India chased down 252 and finished at 252/6, winning comfortably.
  • Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Match for his 76-run innings.

India’s ICC Champions Trophy Titles:

Most ICC Final Appearances – Kohli & Rohit’s Record:

• Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma played their 9th ICC final, surpassing Yuvraj Singh’s record of 8 final appearances.
• Ravindra Jadeja equaled Yuvraj’s record with 8 ICC finals.

Players with the Most ICC Final Appearances:

Most Runs in ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

Most Wickets in ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs March 08 & 09

3. According to the latest OAG report, which airline has been ranked as the world’s second fastest-growing airline in terms of seat capacity in 2024?
A) Emirates
B) IndiGo
C) Qatar Airways
D) Singapore Airlines
E) British Airways
Answer: B) IndiGo

Event and Location:

• Event: IndiGo ranked as the world’s second fastest-growing airline in seat capacity.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Seat Capacity Growth: IndiGo recorded a 10.1% year-on-year growth, reaching 134.9 million seats in 2024. It ranked second after Qatar Airways, which grew by 10.4%.
• Flight Frequency Growth: IndiGo secured the top position globally in flight frequency growth with a 9.7% year-on-year increase, operating 749,156 flights in 2024.

Aircraft Orders and Fleet Expansion:

• Aircraft Orders: IndiGo has over 900 aircraft on order, positioning it among the largest airline fleets in the world.
• Aircraft Deliveries: IndiGo received 58 new Airbus aircraft in 2024, making it the largest recipient of Airbus deliveries that year.

Challenges in Fleet Utilization:

• MRO Supply Chain Issues: IndiGo is facing supply chain disruptions in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), leading to 80 aircraft remaining inactive.

International Expansion Plans:

• Current International Share: While 88% of IndiGo’s capacity is domestic, the airline is expanding operations in the Middle East and Thailand.
• Future Long-Haul Strategy: IndiGo plans to introduce long-haul, low-cost services in 2025 using wet lease aircraft to cater to growing global travel demands.

Financial Performance (Oct-Dec 2024):

• Net Profit: IndiGo reported a net profit of ₹2,449 crore, marking an 18% decline year-on-year.
• Revenue Growth: Revenue from operations increased by 14%, reaching ₹22,111 crore.
• Total Income: IndiGo’s total income rose by 14.6%, reaching ₹22,992.8 crore.
• Expense Increase: IndiGo’s total expenses increased by 19.9%, reaching ₹20,465.7 crore, impacting its net profitability.

Operational Performance:

• EBITDA Growth: IndiGo’s Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) saw a 0.7% year-on-year increase, reaching ₹5,178.6 crore.
• Load Factor: IndiGo’s load factor improved to 86.9%, up from 85.8% in the previous year, reflecting strong passenger demand and seat utilization.

Tabular Summary:

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4. Who is the richest woman in India in 2025?
A) Rekha Jhunjhunwala
B) Falguni Nayar
C) Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
D) Savitri Jindal
E) Renuka Jagtiani
Answer: D) Savitri Jindal

Event and Location:

• Event: Savitri Jindal is named India’s richest woman in 2025.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: India

India’s Richest Woman 2025:

• Name: Savitri Jindal
• Net Worth: $34.3 billion
• Company: Jindal Group (Steel and Power Industry)
• Role: Chairperson Emeritus of O.P. Jindal Group.

Savitri Jindal’s Business and Political Influence:

• Business Leadership: Took over the Jindal Group after her husband O.P. Jindal passed away in 2005 and expanded it further.
• Political Role: Won the Haryana Vidhan Sabha seat in 2005, re-elected in 2009, and served as Cabinet Minister in 2013.
• Industry Contribution: Jindal Group is a leading player in steel, power, and infrastructure industries.

Top-10 Richest Women in India by 2025:

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5. Which country ranked first in The Economist’s 2025 Glass-Ceiling Index?
A) Sweden
B) Iceland
C) Australia
D) France
E) Spain
Answer: D) France

Event and Location:

• Event: France ranked first in The Economist’s 2025 Glass-Ceiling Index for best countries for working women.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: Global

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Assess gender equality in workplaces, including women’s workforce participation, boardroom representation, leadership roles, and wage equality.
• Published By: The Economist
• Significance: Highlights global progress and challenges in women’s workforce inclusion.

Key Findings of the 2025 Glass-Ceiling Index:

Top 10 Best Countries for Working Women in 2025:

Key Highlights:

• France ranked first due to progressive workplace policies, strong parental leave regulations, and increased boardroom representation.
• Spain and Australia followed closely, showing significant improvements in equal pay and leadership roles.
• New Zealand climbed eight places to enter the top five.
• Nordic nations (Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark) maintained high rankings due to strong work-life balance policies.

Significant Shifts in the 2025 Rankings:

Sweden Reclaims Top Spot Over Iceland:

• Sweden surpassed Iceland, securing a top position due to:
  • Comprehensive parental leave policies.
  • High female representation in leadership.
  • Strong workplace anti-discrimination laws.

South Korea Shows Improvement:

• Moved up to 28th place after 11 years of stagnation.
• Implemented wage gap reduction policies and workforce inclusion reforms.

Countries at the Bottom:

• Turkey ranked lowest, struggling with:
  • Low female management participation (below 17%).
  • Limited female parliamentary representation (less than 20%).
  • Underrepresentation on corporate boards (below 21%).
• Japan and South Korea continue to face gender inequality in workplaces.

Global Workforce Trends:

• Women’s parliamentary representation increased to 34% worldwide.
• Women on corporate boards reached 33%.
• Labour-force participation rate for women rose to 66.6% (compared to 81% for men).
• Countries like Japan and the U.S. saw mixed progress in gender equality.

Tabular Summary:

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6. Which company is the largest employer of women in India in 2025?
A) Wipro
B) HDFC Bank
C) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
D) Infosys
E) Shahi Exports
Answer: C) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Event and Location:

• Event: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) ranked as the largest employer of women in India in 2025.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Recognize companies that employ the highest number of women and promote workplace gender diversity in India.

Women in the Indian Workforce (2025 Overview):

• Women now hold 17% of board positions in Indian companies.
• 742 women appointed as directors across various industries.
• 1.4 million new jobs were created in India, with an 8.4 million total workforce in top companies.

Top-10 Women Employers in India (2025):

Key Highlights:

• TCS ranked as the No.1 employer for women with 2,14,098 employees (34% women).
• Infosys (37%) and Wipro (35%) have a high percentage of women employees.
• Shahi Exports has the highest women workforce at 70%.
• HDFC Bank & ICICI Bank are among the top financial institutions with women representation.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs March 08 & 09

7. What is the purpose of IIFL Finance’s newly launched ‘Shakti’ branches?
A) To provide business loans exclusively to women
B) To offer gold loans and financial literacy programs, focusing on women’s empowerment
C) To support only rural women entrepreneurs with microfinance loans
D) To offer insurance products specifically for women
E) To provide free gold loans for women borrowers
Answer: B) To offer gold loans and financial literacy programs, focusing on women’s empowerment

Event and Location:

• Event: IIFL Finance launched 7 ‘Shakti’ branches on International Women’s Day.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: National Capital Region (NCR) & Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Enhance women’s financial inclusion by providing gold loans, financial literacy programs, and employment opportunities through women-run branches.

Key Features of the ‘Shakti’ Branches:

• Gold-Loan Services: Open to all borrowers, with special benefits for female entrepreneurs.
• Women-Only Staffing: Each branch is fully operated by women employees.
• Employment Generation: Each branch provides jobs for up to 40 women professionals.
• Financial Literacy Programs: Designed to educate women on financial independence and entrepreneurship.
• Focus on Women’s Empowerment: Supports female borrowers to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Significance of the Initiative:

• Encourages women’s participation in the workforce.
• Expands financial access to women entrepreneurs.
• Aligns with government initiatives promoting women’s economic empowerment.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs March 08 & 09

8. Who replaced Jay Shah as the BCCI representative on the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Board?
A) Sourav Ganguly
B) Shammi Silva
C) Rajeev Shukla
D) Ashish Shelar
E) Roger Binny
Answer: C) Rajeev Shukla

Event and Location:

• Event: Rajeev Shukla replaces Jay Shah as the BCCI representative on the ACC Board.
• Date: December 2024
• Location: Asian Cricket Council (ACC)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Jay Shah’s Exit from ACC:
  • Served three consecutive terms as ACC President.
  • Elected unopposed as ICC Chairman in December 2024.
  • Officially took charge as ICC Chairman on December 1, 2024.
• New Leadership in ACC:
  • Shammi Silva (Sri Lanka Cricket Board Chief) appointed as ACC President.
  • Rajeev Shukla appointed as BCCI’s Representative on the ACC Board.
  • Ashish Shelar also given a key role in the ACC.
• Rajeev Shukla’s Role in ACC:
  • Expected to play a significant role in ACC’s decision-making process.
  • Attended the Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore as BCCI’s representative.
• India-Pakistan Bilateral Cricket Relations:
  • Rajeev Shukla stated that resuming bilateral cricket depends on the Indian Government’s decision.
  • BCCI’s stance: Matches should be played on home soil, not neutral venues.
• Upcoming Asia Cup 2025:
  • Scheduled for September 2025 in the UAE.
  • To be played in T20 format, serving as preparation for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs March 08 & 09

9. Which of the following countries is NOT participating in the Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise?
A) India
B) Japan
C) Australia
D) Canada
E) South Korea
Answer: D) Canada

Event and Location:

• Event: The Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise commenced, focusing on anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
• Date: March 4 – March 19, 2025
• Location: Guam, Western Pacific Ocean

Mandates and Objectives:

• Host Country: The exercise is hosted by the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet.
• Objective: To enhance tactical coordination, maritime security, and ASW capabilities among allied nations.
• Key Training Activities: Submarine tracking, reconnaissance, intelligence sharing, and simulated submarine hunting.

Participating Countries:

• Indian Navy
• Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF)
• Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
• Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)
• United States Navy

Indian Navy’s Role in Sea Dragon 2025:

• Aircraft Deployment: India has deployed the P-8I Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing (U.S.), for ASW drills.
• Training Focus: Mock ASW drills, submarine detection tactics, and real-time surveillance coordination with allied forces.

Historical Evolution of the Sea Dragon Exercise:

• 2019: Started as a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Australia.
• 2020: Expanded to include Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
• 2021-2023: Quad nations (India, U.S., Japan, and Australia) joined, along with Canada and South Korea.
• 2024: Canada was not invited, making it a Quad + South Korea exercise.
• 2025: India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the U.S. are participating.

Grading System and Dragon Belt Award:

• Performance Assessment: Participating nations are graded on their submarine detection and tracking efficiency.
• Dragon Belt Award: The nation with the highest points wins the award.
• Previous Winner: Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) has won the Dragon Belt Award since 2022.

Strategic Importance of Sea Dragon 2025:

• For India:
  • Enhances ASW capabilities of the Indian Navy.
  • Strengthens defense ties with Quad nations and South Korea.
  • Prepares for future joint naval operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
• For the Indo-Pacific Region:
  • Ensures maritime stability and freedom of navigation.
  • Strengthens deterrence against potential threats.
  • Enhances international defense collaboration.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 08 & 09

10. Which of the following countries is NOT targeted under Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy announced in March 2025?
A) India
B) China
C) Japan
D) Canada
E) Brazil
Answer: C) Japan

Event and Location:

• Event: U.S. President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on nations imposing high tariffs on American goods.
• Date: March 4, 2025
• Location: United States

Mandates and Objectives:

• Reciprocal Tariff Policy: The U.S. will impose tariffs equivalent to those levied by other nations on American goods.
• Targeted Countries: India, China, the European Union, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada.
• Objective: To create a level playing field for American businesses and counter what Trump called “very unfair” trade practices.

India’s Tariff Issues:

• High Tariffs on U.S. Goods: Trump criticized India for auto tariffs exceeding 100% and tariffs ranging from 30% to 70% on U.S. goods.
• Trade Deficit: The U.S. trade deficit with India stands at $100 billion.
• Previous Engagements: During PM Modi’s recent visit, Trump urged reducing India’s high tariffs, and both nations agreed to begin trade negotiations.

New U.S. Tariffs:

• Tariff on Canada and Mexico: 25% on imports.
• Tariff on China: 10% on imports.
• Retaliation: Canada imposed a 25% tariff on U.S. goods, and China announced up to 15% tariffs on U.S. imports.

Trump’s Stance on Trade:

• Policy Justification: Trump stated that the U.S. has been “ripped off for decades” and that “whatever they tariff us, we will tariff them back”.
• Economic Impact: Claimed the policy will generate “trillions of dollars” and create jobs in the U.S.

India’s Response and Trade Impact:

• No Official Response Yet: India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in Washington for trade discussions.

U.S.-India Trade in 2024:

• Total trade: $129.2 billion
• U.S. exports to India: $41.8 billion
• India’s exports to the U.S.: $87.4 billion

Tabular Summary:

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11. Where was the Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum 2025 inaugurated?
A) Mumbai, Maharashtra
B) Sydney, Australia
C) GIFT City, Gujarat
D) New Delhi, India
E) Canberra, Australia
Answer: C) GIFT City, Gujarat

Event and Location:

• Event: Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum 2025 inaugurated to enhance sports collaboration.
• Date: March 6, 2025
• Location: GIFT City, Gujarat, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Strengthen sports cooperation between India and Australia by leveraging Australian expertise in sports development and training.
• Key Focus Areas: Athlete development, sports science, sports event management, and investment in sports industries.

Key Attendees:

• Raksha Khadse (Minister of State for Sports, India)
• Philip Green (Australian High Commissioner to India)
• Harsh Sanghavi (Gujarat Sports Minister)
• Sports Industry Experts and Business Leaders

Key Discussion Areas:

• Talent Development & Sports Science:
  • Enhancing coaching programs and athlete performance.
  • Implementing Australian sports science and training methodologies.
• Major Sporting Event Management:
  • Learning from Australia’s experience in hosting events like the Commonwealth Games and Cricket World Cup.
  • Supporting India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics.
• Diversity & Inclusion in Sports:
  • Promoting women’s participation in sports.
  • Ensuring equal opportunities for all athletes.
• Investment & Trade in Sports Industries:
  • Encouraging Australian investments in Indian sports infrastructure.
  • Developing India as a hub for sports startups and innovation.

India’s Olympic Ambition:

• Vision for 2036 Olympics: India aims to host the 2036 Olympic Games and establish world-class training and coaching facilities with Australian expertise.

Future Roadmap for Indo-Australian Sports Collaboration:

• Expanding training exchange programs between Indian and Australian athletes.
• Establishing joint sports research centers.
• Encouraging Australian investment in India’s sports sector.
• Developing a roadmap for India’s Olympic and Paralympic aspirations.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 08 & 09

12. Which state has decided to name its upcoming Electronics City after Ratan Tata?
A) Maharashtra
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Assam
D) Karnataka
E) Gujarat
Answer: C) Assam

Event and Location:

• Event: Assam government names Electronics City in Jagiroad as Ratan Tata Electronic City.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: Jagiroad, Assam

Mandates and Objectives:

• Recognition of Ratan Tata: Assam government honored Ratan Tata for his contributions to industrial and economic development in the state.
• Government Announcement: Assam State Cabinet officially approved the renaming decision.

Tata Group’s Investment in Assam:

• Semiconductor Industry Vision: In March 2024, Ratan Tata outlined a plan to make Assam a semiconductor hub.
• Investment Amount: ₹27,000 crore to establish India’s first indigenous semiconductor assembly and test facility in Assam.
• Chip Production: The plant will produce 48 million chips per day.
• Job Creation: Expected to generate 30,000 jobs in the semiconductor sector and 30,000 jobs in mobile technology manufacturing.

Tata Group’s Presence in Assam:

• Employment: Over 55,000 people are employed by Tata Group in Assam.
• Healthcare Projects: Tata Trusts partnered with the Assam government to build 17 cancer hospitals.
• Tea Industry Contribution: Tata Consumer Company operates 21 assets and 20 manufacturing & packaging units in Assam.

Economic and Industrial Impact:

• Global Investments: The project will attract global companies and top talent to Assam.
• Urban Development: Enhances Assam’s infrastructure and mobile technology sector.
• Strengthening Semiconductor Industry: Positions Assam as a key player in the global semiconductor and electronics supply chain.

Government’s Acknowledgment:

• Official Announcement: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the renaming decision official.
• Union Minister’s Endorsement: The Union Minister for Railways, Electronics & IT reaffirmed Assam’s role in India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Tabular Summary:

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13. What will be the new name of Bangalore City University?
A) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Bengaluru University
B) Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru University
C) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bengaluru University
D) Jawaharlal Nehru Bengaluru University
E) Visvesvaraya Bengaluru University
Answer: B) Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru University

Event and Location:

• Event: Bangalore City University will be renamed as Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru University.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Honor former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh and develop the university into a model higher education institution.
• Government’s Vision: Integrate Government Arts College and Government RC College as constituent institutions.

Higher Education Reforms in Karnataka:

• University Renaming & Expansion:
  • Bangalore City University to be renamed Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru University.
  • Government Arts College and Government RC College will be integrated into the university.
• Recruitment & Faculty Development:
  • 2,000 vacant teaching posts in first-grade colleges and engineering polytechnics will be filled.
  • Professors of Practice to be appointed in 16 government engineering colleges to enhance practical learning.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • ₹275 crore allocated to upgrade infrastructure in government polytechnics and degree colleges.
  • ₹10 crore to provide furniture, equipment, computers, and books for newly established polytechnics and engineering colleges.
• Expansion of Technical Education:
  • ₹150 crore allocated for a Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) constituent college in Chintamani, Chikkaballapur.
  • Mysuru University to establish a Prof. Nanjundaswamy Research Chair.

Tabular Summary:

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14. Which state has introduced the RISE app to digitally monitor and enhance its routine child vaccination program?
A) Maharashtra
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Karnataka
D) Rajasthan
E) West Bengal
Answer: B) Uttar Pradesh

Event and Location:

• Event: Uttar Pradesh adopts digital monitoring for routine child vaccination through the RISE app.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: Uttar Pradesh, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Enhance immunization coverage by digitalizing the vaccination process.
• Key Aims: Provide real-time updates on vaccination schedules, vaccine safety protocols, cold chain management, and adverse effect monitoring.
• Target: Track and counsel families reluctant to vaccinate their children and ensure timely interventions.

Training and Implementation:

• Pilot and Rollout: Initially piloted in 181 districts across India; now implemented in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.
• Training Status: District-level training completed and block-level training underway.
• Beneficiaries: Approximately 52,175 vaccinators will be trained to use the app effectively.

Key Features of the RISE App:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Provides instant updates on vaccination sessions and immunization guidelines.
• Digital Training: Equips staff nurses, ANMs, and health workers with the latest immunization protocols.
• Vaccine Safety: Offers guidance on cold chain management to maintain vaccine efficacy.

Challenges and Future Prospects:

• Digital Literacy: Some healthcare workers may need additional training to use the digital platform effectively.
• Technical Infrastructure: Internet connectivity issues in remote areas may affect real-time updates.
• Future Expansion: Plans to integrate additional healthcare initiatives and enhance the app’s functionality.

Tabular Summary:

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15. What is the primary purpose of the IndiaAI Compute Portal launched under the IndiaAI Mission?
A) To provide cloud storage for personal data
B) To offer affordable high-performance AI computing resources
C) To regulate AI-based social media platforms
D) To train government officials on cybersecurity
E) To monitor AI ethics and regulations
Answer: B) To offer affordable high-performance AI computing resources

Event and Location:

• Event: Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the IndiaAI Compute Portal and AIKosha Dataset Platform under the IndiaAI Mission.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Enhance AI accessibility, innovation, and research capabilities in India.
• Key Initiatives: IndiaAI Compute Portal, AIKosha Dataset Platform, AI Competency Framework, and AI Fellowship Programme.
• Strategic Vision: Develop India’s own foundational AI model at a lower cost.

IndiaAI Compute Portal:

• Purpose: Provides access to 18,000+ GPUs, cloud storage, and AI-related services.
• Target Beneficiaries: Students, startups, researchers, academia, and government departments.
• Cost Efficiency: GPU usage expected to cost less than ₹100 per hour, making AI computing more affordable.
• Global AI Competition: India aims to develop its own GPUs within 3-4 years to compete globally.

AIKosha Dataset Platform:

• Objective: A centralized dataset repository for AI innovation.
• Features: Provides high-quality, non-personal datasets for AI training and model development.
• Users: AI startups, academia, researchers, and government bodies.
• Impact: Enables India-specific AI models and promotes data-driven AI research.

India’s Foundational AI Model Development:

• Definition: A large-scale AI model trained on vast datasets, similar to ChatGPT, Gemini, and Llama.
• Applications: Supports AI-driven healthcare, governance, education, and agriculture solutions.
• Progress: 67 applications received for AI model development under the initiative.

Additional Initiatives Under IndiaAI Mission:

• AI Competency Framework: Trains public sector officials to integrate AI into governance.
• India AI Startups Global Acceleration Programme: Supports AI startups in scaling operations globally.
• India AI Fellowship Programme: Encourages AI research and recognized 30 AI applications for innovation.

Budget and Implementation:

• Financial Allocation: ₹10,371.92 crore, approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2023.
• Implementing Body: IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC).
• Public-Private Collaboration: Strengthens AI research, infrastructure, and enterprise adoption.

Strategic Importance of the Mission:

• Boosts AI research and development to position India as a global AI hub.
• Provides affordable AI computing resources to startups and researchers.
• Encourages AI-driven solutions in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
• Develops India’s AI capabilities to compete with global technology leaders.

Tabular Summary:

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16. What is the primary objective of Punjab’s ‘Project Hifazat’?
A) To promote women’s entrepreneurship
B) To provide immediate assistance to women and children facing violence
C) To improve school education for girls
D) To offer free legal aid to all citizens
E) To increase job opportunities for women
Answer: B) To provide immediate assistance to women and children facing violence

Event and Location:

• Event: Punjab government launched ‘Project Hifazat’ to enhance women and child safety.
• Date: March 7, 2025
• Location: Punjab, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Ensure immediate support for women and children facing violence and abuse through a 24×7 helpline, rescue operations, and interdepartmental coordination.
• Target Beneficiaries: Women and children affected by domestic violence, harassment, and abuse.

Key Features of ‘Project Hifazat’

• 24×7 Women and Child Helplines:
  • Women Helpline (181): For cases of domestic violence, harassment, and abuse.
  • Child Helpline (1098): To assist children facing violence, exploitation, and neglect.
  • Emergency Response: Cases requiring immediate police action will be transferred to ERSS-112.
• Multi-Departmental Coordination:
  • Punjab Police: Law enforcement and rescue operations.
  • Social Security, Women & Child Development Department: Rehabilitation and financial assistance.
  • Health & Family Welfare Department: Medical aid and psychological counseling.
  • Legal Aid Authorities: Support in filing cases and obtaining protection orders.
• Deployment of Rescue Vehicles:
  • Dedicated vehicles in every district for emergency medical aid and transport to shelters.
  • Trained personnel to assist victims on-site.
• Monitoring & Supervision:
  • State-Level Control Room (Chandigarh): Tracks distress calls and case resolutions.
  • Deputy Commissioners (DCs): Oversee implementation.
  • District Program Officers (DPOs): Coordinate ground-level responses.
• Government’s Vision:
  • Encourage reporting of crimes against women and children.
  • Provide legal, medical, and psychological support without delays.
  • Strengthen police response through interdepartmental coordination.
  • Create a safer environment for women and children in Punjab.

Tabular Summary:

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17. What is the primary objective of the MoU signed between DPIIT and Mercedes-Benz India?
A) To promote electric vehicles in India
B) To enhance manufacturing, road safety, and sustainability
C) To establish new Mercedes-Benz factories in India
D) To provide financial aid to automobile companies
E) To develop a new transport infrastructure policy
Answer: B) To enhance manufacturing, road safety, and sustainability

Event and Location:

• Event: DPIIT and Mercedes-Benz India signed an MoU to enhance manufacturing, road safety, and sustainability.
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Foster technological advancements and sustainability in India’s automotive sector while supporting startups and industry-academia collaborations.

Key Highlights of the MoU:

• Focus Areas:
  • Strengthening manufacturing capabilities in India.
  • Promoting road safety initiatives through technology and innovation.
  • Advancing sustainability by supporting green automotive solutions.
  • Enhancing industry-academia partnerships for impactful research and innovations.
  • Facilitating international collaborations and knowledge exchange.
• Role of DPIIT:
  • Providing a structured framework to support startups in manufacturing, sustainability, and road safety.
  • Offering mentorship, funding, and market linkages to emerging businesses.
  • Encouraging global partnerships to accelerate technological advancements in the automotive sector.
• Role of Mercedes-Benz India:
  • Leveraging expertise in automotive innovation to support Indian startups.
  • Engaging in CSR initiatives to drive social impact.
  • Collaborating with incubators and research institutions to develop advanced manufacturing solutions.
• Expected Impact:
  • Strengthening India’s automotive and manufacturing sectors.
  • Boosting innovation in road safety and sustainability.
  • Providing support to startups to help them scale and develop cutting-edge solutions.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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