Daily Current Affairs March 14

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 14. 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 14 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Sports – Daily Current Affairs March 14

1. Who has been appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025?
A) KL Rahul
B) Rishabh Pant
C) Axar Patel
D) Shreyas Iyer
E) Prithvi Shaw
Answer: C) Axar Patel

Event and Location:

• Event: Axar Patel appointed as Delhi Capitals’ captain for IPL 2025.
• Date: March 14, 2025.
• Location: Delhi, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Captaincy Announcement: Axar Patel has been appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025, replacing the previous leadership.
• Vice-Captaincy Experience: He served as the vice-captain of Delhi Capitals for two seasons before being promoted to captain.
• Performance and Contributions: He joined Delhi Capitals in 2019 and has played 82 matches for the franchise.
• IPL Career Stats: He has played 150 matches, scoring 1653 runs and taking 123 wickets.
• Notable Achievement: He took a hat-trick in IPL 2016 while playing for Punjab Kings, picking up 4 wickets in 5 balls.
• Franchise Endorsement: Delhi Capitals’ management praised Axar Patel’s leadership and contributions since 2019.
• Owner’s Statement: Co-owner Parth Jindal highlighted Axar Patel’s growth as an all-rounder and his performances in international tournaments.
• Axar Patel’s Reaction: He expressed gratitude to the franchise and stated his confidence in leading the team with the support of experienced players like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc.

Coaching and Support Staff:

• Director of Cricket: Venugopal Rao.
• Mentor: Kevin Pietersen.
• Head Coach: Hemang Badani.
• Assistant Coach: Matthew Mott.
• Bowling Coach: Munaf Patel.
• Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2025 Campaign: The team will begin its season on March 24, 2025, against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam.

Important Terms Explained:

• Indian Premier League (IPL): A professional T20 cricket league in India, established in 2008, governed by the BCCI.
• Hat-Trick in Cricket: A bowler takes three wickets in three consecutive deliveries. Axar Patel achieved this in IPL 2016.
• Economy Rate (Bowling Stat): The average number of runs conceded per over by a bowler. Axar Patel maintains an economy rate of 7.09.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs March 14

2. What is the global ranking of IIT Delhi in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for engineering & technology?
A) 45
B) 26
C) 53
D) 28
E) 60
Answer: B) 26

Event and Location:

• Event: IIT Delhi ranked 26th globally in Engineering & Technology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
• Date: March 13, 2025.
• Location: India.

Key Highlights of IIT Delhi’s Ranking:

• 2025 Rank: 26th globally (Improved from 45th in 2024).
• Top-ranked Indian institution in this category.
• Other Indian institutions in the top 100:
  • IIT Bombay: 28.
  • IIT Madras: 53.
  • IIT Kharagpur: 60.
  • IIT Kanpur: 72.
  • IISc Bangalore: 84.

Ranking Parameters & IIT Delhi’s Score:

• Overall Score: 82.5 out of 100.
• Employability: 87.2.
• Citations per Paper: 82.1.
• Academic Reputation: 85.5.
• Ranking Factors & Weightage:
  • Academic Reputation (40%).
  • Employer Reputation (30%).
  • Citations (10%).
  • H-Index (10%).
  • International Research Network (10%).

Global Leaders in Engineering & Technology:

1. MIT (USA) – Rank 1 (96.2 Score).
2. University of Oxford – Rank 2 (93.7 Score).
3. Stanford University – Rank 3 (93.5 Score).

IIT Delhi’s Strengths & International Collaborations:

• 410 International Research Projects (2018-2024).
• 139 Joint Collaborations with universities like:
  • University of Queensland (Australia).
  • National Chiao Tung University (Taiwan).
• Publications with international collaborators increased from 509 (2018) to 1,214 (2024).

IIT Delhi’s Other Subject Rankings:

• 146th in Natural Sciences.
• 75th in Social Sciences & Management.
• Featured in 12 specific subject rankings:
  • Computer Science & Information Systems: 64.
  • Data Science & AI: 51-100.
  • Chemical Engineering: 93.
  • Civil Engineering: 51-100.
  • Electrical Engineering: 47.
  • Mechanical Engineering: 61.
  • Mineral & Mining Engineering: 51-100.
  • Mathematics: 95.
  • Business & Management Studies: 92.

Important Terms Explained:

• QS World University Rankings by Subject:
  • Annual ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) evaluating universities worldwide in specific subjects.
• H-Index:
  • A measure of research impact, combining productivity (number of publications) and citations.
• Citations per Paper:
  • Average number of times a university’s research papers are cited, indicating academic influence.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs March 14

3. What is the new timeline set by SEBI for completing rights issues?
A) 40 days
B) 50 days
C) 60 days
D) 23 days
E) 126 days
Answer: D) 23 days

Event and Location:

• Event: SEBI reduces the timeline for completing rights issues to 23 days.
• Date: March 12, 2025.
• Location: India.

Key Decision by SEBI:

• The timeline for rights issues has been cut from 126 days to 23 days.
• This helps companies raise capital faster through rights issues.
• The new rule will take effect from April 7, 2025.

Key Features of the Revised Rights Issue Process:

• Subscription Period: Minimum 7 days, Maximum 30 days.
• Validation of Applications: To be conducted by stock exchanges, depositories, and the registrar to the issue.
• Flexibility for Allotment: Companies can allot shares to specific investors in the rights issue.

Comparison with Other Capital Raising Methods:

• Rights Issues (Revised) – 23 days.
• Preferential Issues – 40 days.

Important Terms Explained:

• Rights Issue:
  • A process where a company offers additional shares to existing shareholders at a discounted price to raise capital.
• SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India):
  • The regulatory authority overseeing capital markets and securities trading in India.
• Preferential Issue:
  • A method where a company issues shares to a specific group of investors instead of the general public.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs March 14

4. According to Moody’s, what is the projected GDP growth rate for India in FY 2025-26?
A) 5.6%
B) 6.2%
C) 6.5%
D) More than 6.5%
E) 7.0%
Answer: D) More than 6.5%

Event and Location:

• Event: Moody’s projects India’s GDP growth to exceed 6.5% in FY 2025-26.
• Date: March 13, 2025.
• Location: India.

Key Projections by Moody’s:

• India’s GDP growth for FY 2025-26 is expected to exceed 6.5%.
• Economic growth is driven by government capital expenditure, tax cuts, and monetary easing.
• Growth slowdown in mid-2024 was temporary, followed by a rebound in late 2024.

Recent GDP Growth Trends:

• Q3 FY 2024-25 (Sept 2024 quarter): 5.6% (slowdown).
• Q4 FY 2024-25 (Dec 2024 quarter): 6.2% (recovery).

Factors Driving Economic Growth:

• Government and consumer spending.
• Exports and a strong farm sector.
• Monetary easing policies to boost investment and consumption.
• Stable services sector performance.

Important Terms Explained:

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
  • The total value of goods and services produced in a country within a given period.
• Monetary Easing:
  • Lowering interest rates or increasing liquidity to boost economic activity.
• Moody’s Ratings:
  • A global credit rating agency that assesses countries’ economic and financial stability.

Tabular Summary:

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5. By what percentage has credit disbursement to priority sectors increased from 2019 to 2024?
A) 65%
B) 75%
C) 85%
D) 95%
E) 100%
Answer: C) 85%

Event and Location:

• Event: Credit disbursement to priority sectors increased by 85% from ₹23 lakh crore in 2019 to ₹42.7 lakh crore in 2024.
• Date: March 11, 2025.
• Location: India.

Growth in Priority Sector Lending (PSL):

• 2019 Credit Disbursement: ₹23,01,567 crore.
• 2024 Credit Disbursement: ₹42,73,161 crore.
• Increase: 85% over six years.

Sector-Wise Growth in Credit Disbursement:

1. Agriculture Sector:
   • 2019: ₹8,86,791 crore.
   • 2024: ₹18,27,666 crore.
2. MSME Sector:
   • 2019: ₹10,99,055 crore.
   • 2024: ₹21,73,679 crore.

Role of FinTechs in Banking Development:

• E-KYC & V-KYC using AI for face recognition and name matching.
• Digital loan processing using account statement analysis.
• API-based banking services for product innovation.

Regulatory and Supervisory Measures by RBI:

• Supervisory assessments for compliance with guidelines.
• Strengthened risk-based supervision to identify vulnerable sectors.
• Monitoring financial stability under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and RBI Act, 1934.

Government & RBI Measures to Improve Bank Financial Health:

• NPA Recovery & Resolution:
  • Specialized stressed asset management verticals in Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
  • Business correspondents & Feet-on-street model for improved NPA recovery.
• Prudential Framework for Resolution of Stressed Assets for early recognition and time-bound resolution.
• Minimum provisioning requirements for standard and non-performing assets.
• Credit Discipline Initiatives:
  • Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) for loan recovery.
  • Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC) to monitor defaults.
  • SARFAESI Act, 2002 amendments to enhance recovery mechanisms.
• Early Warning Systems in Banks to prevent slippages into NPAs.
• Enhanced Access & Service Excellence (EASE) Reforms for improved governance and risk management in PSBs.
• Bank Amalgamation to increase efficiency and leverage economies of scale.

Important Terms Explained:

• Priority Sector Lending (PSL):
  • RBI’s mandate for banks to provide credit to specific sectors such as Agriculture, MSMEs, and Social Infrastructure.
• Non-Performing Assets (NPAs):
  • Loans classified as non-performing if interest or principal remains unpaid for 90 days.
• Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC):
  • A legal framework for resolving corporate and individual insolvencies efficiently.
• SARFAESI Act, 2002:
  • Allows banks to recover defaulted loans by auctioning secured assets without court intervention.
• Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC):
  • A database that tracks large corporate loans to detect defaults early.
• EASE Reforms (Enhanced Access & Service Excellence):
  • A reform framework for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) focusing on governance, risk management, and digitization.

Tabular Summary:

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Acquisitions and Mergers – Daily Current Affairs March 14

6. Which private equity firm recently agreed to acquire a 10% stake in Haldiram at a $10 billion valuation?
A) Blackstone
B) Bain Capital
C) Temasek
D) Warburg Pincus
E) Tata Consumer Products
Answer: C) Temasek

Event and Location:

• Event: Temasek agreed to acquire a 10% stake in Haldiram at a $10 billion valuation.
• Date: March 13, 2025.
• Location: India.

Key Details of the Deal:

• Temasek, a Singapore-based private equity firm, signed a definitive agreement to invest in Haldiram Snacks Food.
• Several other buyers, including Blackstone, Bain Capital, and Tata Consumer Products, had earlier backed out due to high valuation demands.
• The deal values Haldiram at $10 billion, one of the highest in the Indian FMCG snack segment.

Haldiram’s Market Position & Growth Potential:

• India’s biggest ethnic snack brand, with 13% market share in the $6.2 billion savoury snacks market (Euromonitor).
• Operations in 100+ countries, including UK, US, and the Middle East.
• 500 product varieties, including namkeen, sweets, ready-to-eat meals, and beverages.
• FY24 Financials:
  • Revenue: ₹12,800 crore.
  • Profit After Tax: ₹1,400 crore.
  • Restaurant business worth ₹1,800 crore (excluded from the deal).

Why Many Investors Backed Out?

• High Valuation Concerns:
  • Blackstone initially wanted 15% at an $8 billion valuation but later exited.
  • Bain Capital withdrew after Temasek pushed valuation beyond $10 billion.
• IPO Timeline Conflict:
  • Blackstone wanted an IPO in 3 years, while Haldiram preferred 5 years.

Expansion & Diversification Strategy:

• New Brands:
  • Minute Khana, Cup Shup, Cookie Heaven, Cocobay (Chocolates).
• Acquisitions:
  • Babaji Namkeen, Akash Namkeen, Atop Foods.
• Retail Expansion:
  • Strengthening presence in supermarkets and quick-commerce platforms.

Growth of Ethnic Snacks Market:

• Expected to grow from ₹42,694.9 crore (2023) to ₹95,521.8 crore (2032) (IMARC Group).
• Indian snacks dominate sales (49% share in FMCG salty snacks segment).
• Increasing competition with western snacks like potato chips and finger sticks.

Important Terms Explained:

• Private Equity (PE):
  • Investment firms buy stakes in companies to provide funding for growth or restructuring.
• Initial Public Offering (IPO):
  • The process of a private company offering its shares to the public on the stock market.
• FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods):
  • Low-cost products sold quickly, like snacks, beverages, and packaged foods.
• Temasek Holdings:
  • A Singapore-based investment company owned by the Government of Singapore.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs March 14

7. Where was the keel-laying ceremony of the second Fleet Support Ship (FSS) for the Indian Navy held?
A) Cochin Shipyard, Kerala
B) Mazagon Dock, Mumbai
C) L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli
D) Garden Reach Shipbuilders, Kolkata
E) Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam
Answer: C) L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli

Event and Location:

• Event: Keel laying of the second Fleet Support Ship (FSS) for the Indian Navy.
• Date: March 12, 2025.
• Location: L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.

Contract Details:

• Signed between Indian Navy and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in August 2023.
• Five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) to be constructed.
• Two ships allocated to L&T Shipyard to enhance domestic shipbuilding capacity.
• Delivery to commence from mid-2027.

Role of Fleet Support Ships:

• Replenishment at sea: Fuel, water, ammunition, and stores.
• Enhancing Blue Water capabilities: Supporting extended naval operations.
• Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR): Assisting during natural disasters.

Strategic Advantages:

• Displacement of over 40,000 tons.
• Indigenous design with locally sourced equipment.
• Boost to Indian shipbuilding and naval self-reliance.
• Aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Make for the World initiatives.

Public-Private Partnership (PPP):

• HSL collaborating with L&T Shipyard for efficient shipbuilding.
• Encourages domestic production and reduces dependency on foreign manufacturers.

Important Terms Explained:

• Keel Laying:
  • A major milestone in ship construction, marking the official start of a vessel’s assembly.
• Blue Water Navy:
  • A navy capable of operating across deep waters globally, ensuring extended maritime presence.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP):
  • Collaboration between government and private sectors to enhance efficiency and resource utilization.
• Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR):
  • Naval support for evacuations, medical aid, and disaster response during crises.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 14

8. Which two agencies signed an MoU to combat financial crimes between India and Mauritius?
A) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Financial Services Commission (FSC)
B) Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Financial Crimes Commission (FCC)
C) Ministry of Finance (India) and Ministry of Economy (Mauritius)
D) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Bank of Mauritius
E) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Anti-Corruption Commission of Mauritius
Answer: B) Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Financial Crimes Commission (FCC)

Event and Location:

• Event: India and Mauritius signed an MoU to enhance cooperation against financial crimes.
• Date: March 14, 2025.
• Location: India.

Key Highlights of the MoU:

• Signed between India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Mauritius’ Financial Crimes Commission (FCC).
• Exchanged in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
• Aims to strengthen collaboration in money laundering, corruption, fraud, asset recovery, and illicit financing.

Objectives of the Agreement:

• Enhance international cooperation in financial crime enforcement.
• Improve intelligence-sharing to tackle transnational financial threats.
• Support India’s global commitments under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations.
• Strengthen asset recovery efforts to ensure illicit funds do not escape legal action.

Importance of the MoU:

• Aligns with India’s global anti-money laundering framework.
• Reinforces bilateral cooperation in financial intelligence and enforcement.
• Boosts India’s role in maintaining global financial integrity.

Important Terms Explained:

• Enforcement Directorate (ED):
  • India’s economic intelligence agency under the Ministry of Finance.
  • Investigates money laundering, foreign exchange violations, and financial crimes.
• Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), Mauritius:
  • Mauritius’ financial regulatory agency focused on combating fraud, money laundering, and financial crimes.
• Financial Action Task Force (FATF):
  • Global body that sets standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • India is a member and follows FATF’s guidelines on financial transparency and enforcement.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 14

9. When did the Lok Sabha pass the Oilfield (Regulatory and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024?
A) 10th March 2025
B) 12th March 2025
C) 15th March 2025
D) 3rd December 2024
E) 1st January 2025
Answer: B) 12th March 2025

Event and Location:

• Event: Lok Sabha passed the Oilfield (Regulatory and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024.
• Date: 12th March 2025.
• Location: India.
• Objective of the Bill: Reform the legal framework for oil and gas exploration and production to boost investments and energy security.
• Major Reforms Introduced: Shift from the ‘Production Sharing’ regime to the ‘Revenue Sharing’ regime for awarding contracts.

Key Provisions of the Amendment Bill:

• Single Permit System: Introduction of a Petroleum Lease to replace multiple licenses for different hydrocarbons.
• Deregulation: Freedom in crude oil marketing and pricing of natural gas.
• Infrastructure Sharing: Allows small operators to share resources for better viability.
• Encouragement of New Technologies: Supports Carbon Capture Utilization and Sequestration (CCUS) and Green Hydrogen production.
• Higher Penalties for Violations: Penalty increased to ₹25 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh per day for continuous violations.
• Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Focuses on efficient and cost-effective dispute resolution.
• Impact on Small Operators: Supports small players through the Discovered Small Fields Policy (2015) and allows resource sharing.
• Protection of State Rights: States retain authority over petroleum leases, clearances, and royalty collection.

Expected Outcomes:

• Improved Ease of Doing Business.
• Increased foreign and domestic investment in the oil and gas sector.
• Enhanced energy security and reduced import dependence.

Important Terms Explained:

• Production Sharing vs. Revenue Sharing Regime:
  • Production Sharing: Contractors recover costs before sharing profits with the government.
  • Revenue Sharing: Contractors share revenue directly with the government, simplifying the system.
• Carbon Capture Utilization and Sequestration (CCUS): A technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions and repurposes or stores them to reduce environmental impact.
• Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, contributing to clean energy goals.

Tabular Summary:

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10. When is the target completion date for Phase 2 of Mission Amrit Sarovar involving Indian Railways?
A) January 26, 2025
B) August 15, 2025
C) October 2, 2025
D) December 31, 2025
E) March 31, 2026
Answer: B) August 15, 2025

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Railways joins Mission Amrit Sarovar to tackle water scarcity.
• Date: March 14, 2025.
• Location: India.
• Mission Amrit Sarovar: Launched in April 2022 to construct or rejuvenate 75 ponds per district for water conservation.
• Progress So Far: Over 68,000 ponds have been completed as of October 2024.
• Phase 2 Focus: Strengthening climate resilience and community participation (Jan Bhagidari).

Role of Indian Railways:

• Desilting and excavating water bodies.
• Constructing new ponds near railway lines.
• Using excavated soil for railway embankments and infrastructure projects.
• Collaboration with the Rural Development Ministry and local authorities for site identification.
• Target Completion Date: August 15, 2025.

Benefits of Indian Railways’ Involvement:

• Boosts groundwater recharge and surface water availability.
• Reduces soil disposal issues by utilizing excavated material.
• Strengthens inter-departmental coordination with the Rural Development Ministry.
• Encourages local community participation (Jan Bhagidari) for long-term maintenance.

Important Terms Explained:

• Mission Amrit Sarovar:
  • A government initiative launched in April 2022 to tackle water scarcity by constructing or rejuvenating 75 ponds per district.
  • Aims at groundwater recharge, ecological balance, and climate resilience.
• Jan Bhagidari:
  • A concept promoting community participation in government initiatives to ensure sustainability and public engagement.

Tabular Summary:

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11. As of March 2025, how many rooftop solar installations have been completed under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
A) 5 lakh
B) 7.5 lakh
C) 10 lakh
D) 15 lakh
E) 20 lakh
Answer: C) 10 lakh

Event and Location:

• Event: PM Surya Ghar Scheme achieves 10 lakh rooftop solar installations.
• Date: March 10, 2025.
• Location: India.

Launch Details:

• Scheme Name: PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY).
• Launched By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Launch Date: 13th February 2024.
• Target: 1 crore households by 2027.

Achievements So Far:

• Total Installations: 10 lakh as of March 2025.
• Applications Received: 47.3 lakh.
• Subsidy Disbursed: ₹4,770 crore to 6.13 lakh beneficiaries.
• Loan Applications Received: 3.10 lakh, with 1.58 lakh sanctioned and 1.28 lakh disbursed.
• Solar Capacity Installed: 3 GW, targeting 30 GW by 2027.

Financial Support & Subsidy Details:

• Collateral-Free Loan: Up to ₹2 lakh at 6.75% interest rate from 12 Public Sector Banks.
• Subsidy Based on Monthly Consumption:
  • 0-150 units: 1-2 kW plant → ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 subsidy.
  • 150-300 units: 2-3 kW plant → ₹60,000 – ₹78,000 subsidy.
  • Above 300 units: Above 3 kW plant → ₹78,000 subsidy.
• Subsidy Transfer: Within 15 days via the National Portal.

Top Performing States:

• 100% Target Achieved in Government Buildings: Chandigarh, Daman & Diu.
• Best Performing States: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu.

Key Benefits of the Scheme:

• Free Electricity through rooftop solar installation.
• Government Savings: ₹75,000 crore per year in electricity costs.
• Carbon Emission Reduction: Equivalent to planting 100 trees per installation.
• Additional Income: Households can sell surplus power to DISCOMs.
• Job Creation: 17 lakh jobs in manufacturing, logistics, installation, and O&M sectors.
• Boost to Domestic Manufacturing of solar panels, inverters, and components.

Model Solar Village Initiative:

• One Model Solar Village per district.
• ₹1 crore grant for the top-performing village in each district.
• ₹800 crore allocated for this initiative.

Impact of the Scheme:

• Targeted Rooftop Solar Capacity: 30 GW by 2027.
• Carbon Emission Reduction: 720 million tonnes over 25 years.
• Electricity Generation Target: 1000 Billion Units (BUs).
• Empowerment of rural communities through clean energy solutions.

Important Terms Explained:

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY):
  • A government initiative launched to install rooftop solar panels in 1 crore households by 2027.
  • Provides subsidies and collateral-free loans to encourage solar energy adoption.
• DISCOMs (Distribution Companies):
  • Entities responsible for electricity distribution to consumers.
  • Under this scheme, households can sell surplus electricity to DISCOMs.
• National Portal for Subsidy Transfer:
  • A centralized platform to process subsidy applications and disburse funds within 15 days.

Tabular Summary:

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12. By what percentage have bad loans in Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts increased in the last four years?
A) 25%
B) 30%
C) 35%
D) 42%
E) 50%
Answer: D) 42%

Event and Location:

• Event: Bad loans in Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts have increased by 42% in the last four years.
• Date: As of December 2024.
• Location: India.

NPA Growth in KCC Segment:

• The outstanding Non-Performing Asset (NPA) amount in KCC accounts rose to ₹97,543 crore by December 2024.
• Compared to ₹68,547 crore in March 2021, marking a 42% increase in four years.

NPA Trends in Recent Years:

• FY2021: ₹68,547 crore.
• FY2022: ₹84,637 crore.
• FY2023: ₹90,832 crore.
• Q1 FY2025: ₹85,916 crore.
• Q2 FY2025: ₹96,918 crore.
• Q3 FY2025: ₹97,543 crore.

Key Reasons for Rising KCC NPAs:

• Inability of farmers to repay loans due to weather-related crop damage.
• Lack of awareness among farmers about repayment timelines.
• Delays in payments due to personal household requirements.
• Weak loan recovery mechanism for banks.

Special NPA Classification for KCC Loans:

• KCC NPAs are classified differently than other retail loans.
• They become NPA if the principal or interest remains unpaid for 9 months.
• Repayment period: KCC loans operate on a repayment cycle of 12 months.

Government Measures to Support Farmers:

• Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) provides interest subvention to farmers.
• Short-term KCC loans up to ₹3 lakh are offered at a concessional rate of 7% per annum.
• Additional 3% interest subvention is given to farmers who repay on time, reducing their effective interest rate to 4%.

State-Wise KCC Loan Distribution:

• Uttar Pradesh has the highest outstanding KCC loan amount across all banks.
• Other high-loan states include Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, and Karnataka.

Important Terms Explained:

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC):
  • Introduced in 1998 to provide adequate and timely credit to farmers for agricultural and related activities.
  • Offers revolving credit with a simplified application process.
• Non-Performing Asset (NPA):
  • A loan becomes NPA if interest or principal remains unpaid beyond a specified period (9 months in KCC loans).
• Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS):
  • Government policy to reduce farmers’ interest burden by providing interest subsidies on agricultural loans.

Tabular Summary:

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13. What new power does the Income Tax Bill, 2025 propose for tax officials?
A) Confiscating physical assets without prior notice
B) Overriding digital access codes and passwords
C) Imposing immediate fines without investigation
D) Monitoring all online transactions in real-time
E) Revoking tax exemptions for businesses
Answer: B) Overriding digital access codes and passwords

Event and Location:

• Event: The Income Tax Bill, 2025, proposes new search and seizure powers, allowing tax officials to override digital access controls.
• Date: March 12, 2025.
• Location: India.

Key Change in the Bill:

• The Bill grants tax authorities the power to override digital access controls (such as passwords) on devices and online accounts during tax investigations.
• This includes access to emails, social media, cloud storage, online banking, and trading accounts.
• Officials can use password-breaking software or request companies to bypass login credentials.

Existing Powers under the Income Tax Act:

• Tax authorities already have the power to enter and search premises, seize physical records, and examine electronic devices.
• Section 132 of the existing Income Tax Act allows seizing of desktops, hard disks, and online communications (emails, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).

Concerns Raised by Experts:

• Digital Rights Advocates: Fear that lack of safeguards may lead to privacy violations and excessive surveillance.
• Tax Experts: Worry that overriding access controls may create legal uncertainties regarding individual privacy.
• Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF): Has urged Parliament’s Select Committee to introduce constitutional safeguards to prevent misuse of power.

Potential Legal Issues:

• Right to Privacy: The Supreme Court’s 2017 landmark ruling established privacy as a fundamental right.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA): Yet to be fully implemented, but tax authorities are expected to be exempt from its scope.

Important Terms Explained:

• Search and Seizure in Tax Law:
  • Legal process where tax officials enter premises, seize records, and access electronic data for investigating tax evasion.
• Virtual Digital Space (As Defined in the Bill):
  • Includes:
    • Email servers
    • Social media accounts
    • Online banking/trading accounts
    • Cloud storage and remote servers
    • Digital application platforms
• Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF):
  • A Delhi-based digital rights organization advocating for privacy and data protection.

Tabular Summary:

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14. What percentage of children under 6 years were found to be stunted, according to the Poshan Tracker data?
A) 32.1%
B) 35.5%
C) 37.7%
D) 39%
E) 19.3%
Answer: C) 37.7%

Event and Location:

• Event: Poshan Tracker data reveals 37.7% stunting and 17.1% underweight rates among children under 6 years.
• Date: March 13, 2025.
• Location: India.

Key Findings from Poshan Tracker (February 2025):

• Total children enrolled (0-6 years): 8.8 crore in Anganwadis.
• Children measured for growth parameters: 8.5 crore.
• Stunted children (low height-for-age): 37.7%.
• Underweight children (low weight-for-age): 17.1%.

Comparison with National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21):

• Stunting among under-5 children: 35.5%.
• Underweight children: 32.1%.
• Wasted children (low weight-for-height): 19.3%.

Government Observations:

• The ministry highlighted improvements in malnutrition indicators compared to previous surveys.
• The Poshan Tracker provides real-time nutritional data every month, unlike NFHS, which is conducted once every 5-6 years.

Important Terms Explained:

• Stunting:
  • A condition of impaired growth and development in children due to chronic malnutrition.
• Underweight:
  • A child whose weight is lower than expected for their age due to malnutrition.
• Poshan Tracker:
  • A government monitoring tool that tracks the nutritional status of children enrolled in Anganwadis.
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS):
  • A large-scale health survey conducted every 5-6 years to assess nutrition and health indicators in India.

Tabular Summary:

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15. Why has the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) urged the government to withdraw quality control norms on steel fasteners?
A) To increase imports from China
B) To protect local manufacturers from competition
C) To prevent supply chain disruptions and job losses
D) To promote domestic steel production
E) To reduce the cost of steel fasteners
Answer: C) To prevent supply chain disruptions and job losses

Event and Location:

• Event: GTRI urges the government to withdraw BIS certification requirements for steel fasteners due to supply chain risks.
• Date: March 13, 2025.
• Location: India.

Key Issue:

• The Quality Control Order (QCO), issued in September 2024, mandates BIS certification for both domestic and foreign manufacturers of steel fasteners.
• No manufacturers (domestic or foreign) have been approved yet, creating uncertainty and potential supply chain disruptions.
• The order takes effect from March 20, 2025, threatening industries dependent on steel fasteners.

Why GTRI Opposes the QCO?

• Imports will be halted, as no foreign manufacturers have BIS certification.
• Thousands of small domestic manufacturers may struggle to get certification, leading to factory shutdowns and job losses.
• High-end fasteners are imported and not produced in India, affecting critical sectors.
• Slow BIS approval process could lead to shortages in industries like automobiles, aerospace, railways, oil & gas, and medical equipment.

India’s Import Dependency on Steel Fasteners:

• Total Imports (2024): $1.1 billion.
• Top Suppliers:
  • China: $306 million.
  • Japan: $127 million.
  • South Korea: $111 million.

Potential Impact on Industries:

• Industries affected: Construction, automobiles, aerospace, electrical, electronics, shipbuilding, railways, metro projects, defence, and medical equipment.
• Shortages of high-end fasteners could disrupt manufacturing and growth in these sectors.

GTRI’s Recommendations:

• Mutual recognition of international certifications instead of requiring BIS approval.
• Phased regulatory adjustments to avoid immediate disruptions.

Important Terms Explained:

• Quality Control Order (QCO):
  • A mandatory government directive requiring BIS certification for certain products to ensure quality standards.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
  • The national certification body responsible for quality control and product standardization in India.
• Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI):
  • A policy think tank that analyzes trade, economic policies, and regulatory issues.

Tabular Summary:

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16. Which three new R&D schemes were launched by SRTMI to drive innovation in the Indian steel sector?
A) Smart Steel, Green Steel, Digital Steel
B) Challenge Method, Open Innovation Method, Start-up Accelerator
C) Research Grant Scheme, Industrial Collaboration, FinTech for Steel
D) Public-Private Research, AI & ML for Steel, Energy Efficiency Program
E) Steel Tech Fund, Startup Growth Fund, Steel Industry Reform Initiative
Answer: B) Challenge Method, Open Innovation Method, Start-up Accelerator

Event and Location:

• Event: Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma launched SRTMI’s R&D Schemes and Web Portal to promote innovation in the Indian steel sector.
• Date: March 12, 2025.
• Location: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, India.

Key Announcements at the Event:

• Three new R&D schemes were launched under Steel Research Technology Mission of India (SRTMI).
• SRTMI Web Portal was introduced to foster industry-academia collaboration.

Three New R&D Schemes:

1. Challenge Method:
   • Identifies critical industry-wide challenges in the steel sector.
   • Invites proposals from academia, researchers, and industry for breakthrough solutions.
2. Open Innovation Method:
   • Supports open research proposals in collaboration with industry and academia.
   • Focuses on decarbonization, digitalization, and advanced steel technologies.
3. Start-up Accelerator:
   • Helps early-stage startups develop cutting-edge steel technologies.
   • Provides financial and technical support for steel innovation.

Key Highlights from Industry Leaders:

• Minister Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma emphasized that these R&D initiatives will be crucial as India targets 300 MT steel capacity by 2030.
• Sandeep Poundrik (Secretary, Ministry of Steel) projected that India’s per capita steel consumption will rise from 100 kg to 158 kg by 2030.
• Amarendu Prakash (Chairman, SAIL & President, SRTMI) noted India’s 11% steel demand growth, much higher than the global average of 0.5%.

Launch of SteelCollab Platform:

• SteelCollab will act as a matchmaking hub for:
  • Industries to post challenges.
  • Startups, researchers, and academia to submit innovative solutions.
• Key focus areas: Decarbonization, Digitalization, Advanced Steel Development.

Panel Discussions & Brainstorming Sessions:

• Industry-academia collaboration for research in Green Steel & Decarbonization.
• Need for pilot testing facilities and industry-aligned university programs.
• Startups bridging research & industrial application in digital technologies.

Important Terms Explained:

• Steel Research & Technology Mission of India (SRTMI):
  • A joint initiative by the Indian steel industry & academia, supported by the Ministry of Steel.
  • Established in 2015 to promote research, technology, and innovation in the steel sector.
• SteelCollab:
  • A collaborative platform for industry, academia, research institutions, and startups.
  • Facilitates idea exchange, engagement, and industry collaboration.
• Decarbonization in Steel Industry:
  • Transitioning to low-carbon steel production using clean energy and sustainable processes.
• Digitalization in Steel Manufacturing:
  • Using AI, ML, and automation to improve efficiency and production quality.

Tabular Summary:

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17. Which organization is the implementing agency for the PM-YUVA 3.0 scheme?
A) National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
B) Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)
C) National Book Trust (NBT), India
D) Sahitya Akademi
E) University Grants Commission (UGC)
Answer: C) National Book Trust (NBT), India

Event and Location:

• Event: PM-YUVA 3.0 (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors) was launched to promote reading, writing, and book culture in India.
• Date: March 11, 2025.
• Location: India.

Key Features of PM-YUVA 3.0:

• Objective: To mentor young authors (below 30 years) and encourage them to write on India’s history, culture, and knowledge systems.
• Implementing Agency: National Book Trust (NBT), India under the Ministry of Education.
• Books Published: Selected books will be published and translated into different Indian languages.

Themes for PM-YUVA 3.0:

1. Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building – 10 authors.
2. Indian Knowledge System – 20 authors.
3. Makers of Modern India (1950-2025) – 20 authors.

Selection Process:

• Total Authors Selected: 50.
• Selection via: All India Contest conducted through MyGov Portal from March 11, 2025 – April 10, 2025.
• Evaluation: April 2025.
• Final List of Authors: May – June 2025.
• Mentorship Period: June 30 – December 30, 2025.
• National Camp: To be held during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026.

Purpose & Vision:

• Supports National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by empowering young minds.
• Encourages young authors to write on India’s growth, visionaries, and historical wisdom.
• Promotes Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through cultural and literary exchange.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Book Trust (NBT), India:
  • Autonomous body under the Ministry of Education.
  • Established in 1957 to promote book culture and publishing in India.
• NEP 2020 (National Education Policy 2020):
  • Aims to transform education by focusing on creativity, research, and innovation.
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat:
  • A government initiative to promote cultural and linguistic diversity across India.

Tabular Summary:

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18. Which Union Minister launched India’s first-ever auction of Exploration Licences (ELs) for critical minerals?
A) Nirmala Sitharaman
B) Pralhad Joshi
C) G. Kishan Reddy
D) Dharmendra Pradhan
E) Hardeep Singh Puri
Answer: C) G. Kishan Reddy

Event and Location:

• Event: India launched its first-ever auction of Exploration Licences (ELs) for 13 critical mineral blocks.
• Date: March 13, 2025.
• Location: Dona Paula, Goa.

Key Highlights of the Auction:

• Launched by: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy.
• Total Blocks Auctioned: 13 blocks for critical and deep-seated minerals.
• Minerals Covered:
  • Rare Earth Elements (REE).
  • Zinc, Copper, Diamond.
  • Platinum Group Elements (PGE).

Key Reforms in Mineral Exploration:

• Introduced under the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act), 2023.
• Private companies granted exclusive exploration access up to 1,000 sq. meters per licence.
• Encourages transparency and private sector involvement in mining.
• Selected States for Exploration:
  • Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka.

Additional Initiatives Launched:

• 5th Tranche of Critical Mineral Blocks Roadshow.
• AI Hackathon 2025 for mineral targeting using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Expected Impact:

• Boosts self-reliance in critical minerals essential for electronics, green energy, and industry.
• Reduces India’s import dependency on crucial minerals.
• Aligns with India’s push for green energy transition and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Important Terms Explained:

• Critical Minerals:
  • Minerals essential for high-tech industries, clean energy, and defense.
  • India currently imports most of these minerals.
• Exploration Licence (EL):
  • Allows private companies to explore a specific mineral block.
  • If a deposit is found, they get rights for up to 50 years.
• Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act):
  • Legal framework for mining in India.
  • Amended in 2023 to promote private investment in mineral exploration.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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