Daily Current Affairs March 31

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March 31 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs March 31

1. On which date will Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year festival, be celebrated in 2025?
A) Saturday, 29 March
B) Sunday, 30 March
C) Monday, 31 March
D) Friday, 28 March
E) Tuesday, 1 April
Answer: B) Sunday, 30 March

Event and Location:

• Event: Celebration of Gudi Padwa, marking the Marathi New Year and harvest season.
• Date: March 30, 2025 (Sunday)
• Location: Primarily celebrated in Maharashtra, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Festival Significance: Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year and welcomes the harvest season.
• Spiritual Importance: Symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the start of a new era.
• Mythological Background: Associated with Lord Brahma’s creation, Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s victories.
• Cultural Tradition: Observed with rituals like hoisting the Gudi, drawing rangolis, cleaning homes, and preparing traditional food.

Important Terms Explained:

• Gudi: Refers to Brahma’s flag, a symbol of victory, luck, and protection from evil.
• Padwa: Signifies the first day of the bright phase of the moon, based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
• Neem and Jaggery Ritual: Eating neem with jaggery symbolizes the acceptance of both bitter and sweet experiences in life.
• Hoisting the Gudi: A bright cloth, neem leaves, and flowers tied to a bamboo stick with a silver or copper pot placed on top—hoisted outside homes.

Tabular Summary:

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2. Rajasthan Day is celebrated annually on which date to mark the formation of the state?
A) 1 November
B) 26 January
C) 30 March
D) 15 May
E) 18 April
Answer: C) 30 March

Event and Location:

• Event: Celebration of Rajasthan Day commemorating the formation of Greater Rajasthan.
• Date: March 30, 1949
• Location: Rajasthan, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• State Formation: Marks the merger of princely states—Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer—into Greater Rajasthan.
• Name Transition: Formerly known as Rajputana under British rule, renamed as Rajasthan after integration.
• Integration Phases: Rajasthan was formed through seven stages between 1948 and 1956.
• Cultural Preservation: Celebrates the rich heritage, architectural beauty, and royal legacy of the state.

Important Terms Explained:

• Greater Rajasthan: Formed on 30 March 1949 by merging major princely states with the United State of Rajasthan.
• Rajputana: The historical name for Rajasthan during the British colonial period.
• Matsya Union: A union of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli formed on 17 March 1948, one of the initial stages of integration.
• Tiger Reserves: Protected wildlife areas in Rajasthan including Ranthambore, Sariska, and Mukundra Hills.
• Keoladeo National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity, especially migratory birds.
• Indus Valley Civilization Sites: Kalibangan and Balathal are ancient archaeological locations in Rajasthan.

Tabular Summary:

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3. When was Microsoft founded, marking its 50th anniversary in 2025?
A) April 4, 1980
B) April 4, 1975
C) May 10, 1974
D) March 31, 1976
E) April 4, 1985
Answer: B) April 4, 1975

Event and Location:

• Event: Microsoft celebrates 50th anniversary as a global tech leader.
• Date: April 4, 2025
• Location: Global (Founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Anniversary Milestone: Marks 50 years since Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975.
• Legacy in Computing: Played a pivotal role in the PC revolution, enterprise software, and cloud computing.
• AI Leadership Goal: Focused on becoming a leader in artificial intelligence, especially through its investments in OpenAI and integration of AI across its platforms.
• Cloud Services Expansion: Strengthening Azure Cloud to compete with AWS and Google Cloud.
• Consumer Tech Strategy: Exploring TikTok acquisition, maintaining Xbox, and continuing efforts to improve Bing and LinkedIn services.

Important Terms Explained:

• MS-DOS: Microsoft’s early disk operating system that powered IBM PCs, pivotal in its rise.
• Azure: Microsoft’s cloud computing platform and major revenue driver in the company’s modern strategy.
• OpenAI: An AI research organization backed by Microsoft, responsible for technologies like ChatGPT.
• TikTok Acquisition Bid: Microsoft’s potential strategic move to enter the short-video content market amid regulatory challenges faced by ByteDance.
• Foundational Models: Large-scale AI models (like GPT, PaLM) used to power a variety of tasks; Microsoft currently relies on OpenAI for such models.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs March 31

4. Who won the women’s singles title at the Indian Open 2025 PSA Copper event?
A) Helen Tang
B) Sarah-Jane Perry
C) Joshna Chinappa
D) Anahat Singh
E) Dipika Pallikal
Answer: D) Anahat Singh

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Open 2025 PSA Copper – International squash tournament.
• Date: March 24–28, 2025
• Location: Bombay Gymkhana, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Tournament Purpose: Showcase top squash talent and boost India’s presence in the global squash arena.
• Women’s Title: Anahat Singh won the title by defeating Helen Tang (Hong Kong) in straight sets (3–0).
• Men’s Title: Kareem El Torkey (Egypt, World No. 64) beat Abhay Singh (India, World No. 54) in the final (3–1).
• Milestone: Marked the first-ever PSA Copper event in India and highest-rated PSA squash tournament since 2018.
• Olympic Context: Builds momentum ahead of squash’s debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

Important Terms Explained:

• PSA Copper Event: A high-tier squash tournament under the Professional Squash Association, featuring significant ranking points and prize money.
• Anahat Singh: India’s top-ranked women’s squash player, with 11 PSA titles, including 9 in 2024 and 2 in 2025 so far.
• Kareem El Torkey: Egyptian squash player, World No. 64, winner of the men’s singles title.
• Bombay Gymkhana: A historic sports club in Mumbai, venue for the Indian Open 2025.

Tabular Summary:

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Obituary – Daily Current Affairs March 31

5. What was the breakthrough role that made Richard Chamberlain a household name?
A) Aramis in The Three Musketeers
B) Father Ralph in The Thorn Birds
C) Hamlet in Birmingham Repertory Company
D) Dr. James Kildare in Dr. Kildare
E) Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music
Answer: D) Dr. James Kildare in Dr. Kildare

Event and Location:

• Event: Death of veteran actor Richard Chamberlain, famed for his roles in medical dramas and miniseries.
• Date: March 30, 2024
• Location: Waimanalo, Hawaii, United States of America

Mandates and Objectives:

• Breakthrough Performance: Gained fame as Dr. James Kildare in the 1961–1966 NBC medical drama.
• Miniseries Icon: Acclaimed as the “King of the Miniseries” for roles in Centennial, Shogun, and The Thorn Birds.
• Cultural Impact: Pioneered romantic male leads in dramatic miniseries, captivating millions of viewers.
• Television Legacy: Left a long-lasting impression through both TV and stage performances spanning six decades.
• Personal Advocacy: Came out publicly as gay in his 2003 autobiography, Shattered Love, discussing industry pressures and personal struggles.

Important Terms Explained:

• Dr. Kildare: A popular medical drama that aired on NBC from 1961–1966, launching Chamberlain to stardom.
• The Thorn Birds: A hugely successful romantic miniseries watched by over 100 million viewers worldwide.
• Golden Globe Awards: Chamberlain won three—for Dr. Kildare, Shogun, and The Thorn Birds.
• Shattered Love: His autobiography published in 2003, where he revealed his sexual orientation and detailed personal challenges.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs March 31

6. What is the primary objective of the ADB-funded SMILE Program launched in India?
A) To promote rural employment
B) To boost tourism infrastructure
C) To enhance logistics efficiency and reduce logistics costs
D) To support agricultural marketing reforms
E) To improve primary education outcomes
Answer: C) To enhance logistics efficiency and reduce logistics costs

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of ADB-funded Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) Program.
• Date: March 28, 2025 (announced in Rajya Sabha)
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Program Objective: To transform India’s logistics infrastructure and make it globally competitive.
• Policy Support: Supports National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• Multimodal Integration: Focus on integration of road, rail, air, and waterways for seamless logistics movement.
• Warehousing Standardization: Promote uniform standards in storage and logistics parks to attract private investments.
• Trade Facilitation: Improve port connectivity, customs clearance, and external trade logistics.
• Digital Transformation: Adopt smart logistics systems and encourage sustainable logistics practices like electric vehicles.
• Gender Inclusion: Promote equal participation of women through gender audits, ICP standards, and skill development.

Important Terms Explained:

• SMILE Program: ADB-funded program to strengthen multimodal and integrated logistics infrastructure across India.
• Multimodal Logistics: Logistics operations using more than one mode of transport (e.g., road + rail).
• National Logistics Policy (NLP): A policy framework by the Indian government to improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs.
• PM Gati Shakti: A digital platform integrating infrastructure planning and logistics development across departments.
• Integrated Check Post (ICP): Border trade posts with customs, immigration, warehousing, and security facilities.
• Logistics Performance Index (LPI): A global index by the World Bank that ranks countries based on logistics performance.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs March 31

7. Which two financial entities have collaborated to launch India’s first 24/7 real-time US dollar payment service for businesses, operated via blockchain technology from GIFT City?
A) HDFC Bank and Mastercard
B) Axis Bank and PayPal
C) ICICI Bank and Visa
D) Axis Bank and J.P. Morgan
E) SBI and Citibank
Answer: D) Axis Bank and J.P. Morgan

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of 24/7 real-time US dollar payment service for Indian businesses.
• Date: March 31, 2025
• Location: GIFT City, Gujarat, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: To enable round-the-clock US dollar payments for Indian businesses.
• Liquidity Management: Helps businesses manage liquidity efficiently by removing time constraints.
• Cross-Border Trade: Facilitates same-day international payments across different time zones.
• Operational Efficiency: Eliminates payment cutoffs, ensuring better cost and process efficiency.
• Business Support: Supports trade with countries where Sundays are working days, such as in the Middle East.

Important Terms Explained:

• Kinexys: The blockchain and digital assets division of J.P. Morgan powering this payment service.
• Real-Time Payments: A method of payment processing where transactions are settled instantly.
• No Deduction Payment Rails: A payment system ensuring the full transaction amount reaches the recipient.
• GIFT City: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, a hub for international banking and financial services.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs March 31

8. Who has been confirmed as the new Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by the U.S. Senate in 2025?
A) Dr. Vivek Murthy
B) Dr. Rochelle Walensky
C) Dr. Anthony Fauci
D) Dr. Jay Bhattacharya
E) Dr. Jerome Adams
Answer: D) Dr. Jay Bhattacharya

Event and Location:

• Event: Confirmation of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Date: March 25, 2025
• Location: United States

Mandates and Objectives:

• Appointment Confirmation: Dr. Bhattacharya was confirmed by a 53-47 vote in the U.S. Senate.
• Nomination: He was nominated by U.S. President Donald Trump in November 2024.
• Public Health Focus: Expected to bring a data-driven, evidence-based, and transparent approach to research.
• Research Integrity: Aims to improve scientific reproducibility, replicability, and generalizability.
• Health System Trust: Tasked with restoring public trust in U.S. health agencies post-COVID era.

Important Terms Explained:

• NIH: The National Institutes of Health, the primary U.S. government agency for biomedical and public health research.
• Great Barrington Declaration: A public health proposal from October 2020 that advocated focused protection during COVID-19, co-authored by Dr. Bhattacharya.
• Focused Protection: A pandemic strategy that promotes protecting vulnerable populations while allowing others to resume normal life.
• Scientific Integrity: Commitment to honest, transparent, and high-standard research without political bias.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs March 31

9. Which country is hosting the multi-national air exercise INIOCHOS-25 in which the Indian Air Force is participating?
A) France
B) Israel
C) Greece
D) United States
E) Italy
Answer: C) Greece

Event and Location:

• Event: Participation of the Indian Air Force in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, a multinational air combat exercise.
• Date: March 31 – April 11, 2025
• Location: Andravida Air Base, Greece

Mandates and Objectives:

• Exercise Purpose: Enhance combat interoperability, tactical coordination, and joint operational capabilities.
• IAF Objective: Participate with Su-30 MKI, IL-78, and C-17 aircraft to practice realistic warfare.
• Tactical Focus: Training in joint mission planning, real-world combat scenarios, and multinational cooperation.
• Strategic Goal: Strengthen India’s global military presence, and reinforce defense cooperation with 15 participating nations.

Important Terms Explained:

• INIOCHOS-25: A biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force of Greece.
• Su-30 MKI: India’s twin-engine, multi-role air superiority fighter aircraft.
• IL-78: An aerial refueling aircraft used to extend range and endurance of fighter jets.
• C-17 Globemaster III: A strategic airlift aircraft used for heavy cargo and personnel transport.
• Combat Interoperability: The ability of various air forces to work together effectively in joint missions.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 31

10. During which event did UNESCO release the report titled “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well” in 2025?
A) Global Health Summit
B) Food for All Conference
C) Nutrition for Growth
D) UN Food Security Forum
E) World Education Congress
Answer: C) Nutrition for Growth

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of the UNESCO report “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well”.
• Date: March 27–28, 2025
• Location: France (during the ‘Nutrition for Growth’ event)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Global School Meals Concern: Address the nutritional gaps in school meals provided to children worldwide.
• Policy Evaluation: Highlight the absence of legislation and food standards in many countries.
• Health Advocacy: Promote nutritious, fresh, and locally sourced food in school meal programs.
• Educational Integration: Recommend food education as part of the regular school curriculum.
• Support for Governments: Provide tools, training, and guidelines to improve the nutritional quality of school food.

Important Terms Explained:

• Nutrition for Growth: A global event hosted by France in 2025 to advance nutrition-related commitments worldwide.
• School Feeding Programme: Government-backed initiatives to provide meals to school-going children.
• Ultra-Processed Foods: Food products with excessive processing, often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
• Food Insecurity: Lack of consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to support a healthy life.
• Fortified Foods: Foods enriched with additional vitamins and minerals to improve nutrition levels.

Tabular Summary:

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11. What major regulatory change is Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) planning regarding crypto assets?
A) Banning all cryptocurrency exchanges
B) Introducing a national digital currency
C) Recognizing crypto assets as legal tender
D) Granting crypto assets legal status as financial products
E) Taxing all crypto transactions at 50%
Answer: D) Granting crypto assets legal status as financial products

Event and Location:

• Event: Japan’s FSA to classify crypto assets as financial products under revised law.
• Date: Bill expected to be submitted in 2026
• Location: Japan

Mandates and Objectives:

• Regulatory Change: Amend the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act to classify crypto assets as financial products.
• Investor Protection: Extend insider trading restrictions to crypto markets to prevent unethical practices.
• Market Oversight: Strengthen transparency, compliance, and market stability in the cryptocurrency sector.
• Global Model: Position Japan as a leader in crypto regulation, influencing global financial governance.

Important Terms Explained:

• Financial Services Agency (FSA): The financial regulator of Japan, overseeing banking, securities, and insurance.
• Financial Instruments and Exchange Act: Japan’s core financial legislation, which will be revised to include crypto assets.
• Insider Trading: Illegal trading based on non-public, privileged information, now to be extended to crypto markets.
• KYC (Know Your Customer): A compliance process to verify identity and prevent fraud or illegal activity in financial transactions.
• AML (Anti-Money Laundering): Legal framework for preventing the use of financial systems for laundering criminal proceeds.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 31

12. What is one of the major changes introduced by the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 regarding nominee appointments in bank accounts?
A) Only one nominee allowed for all accounts
B) Up to four nominees allowed for all types of bank accounts
C) Up to four nominees allowed for cash and fixed deposits
D) Nomination has been abolished for cooperative banks
E) Nominees must be legal heirs only
Answer: C) Up to four nominees allowed for cash and fixed deposits

Event and Location:

• Event: Passage of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 introducing key banking sector reforms.
• Date: March 26, 2025
• Location: Indian Parliament, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Nominee Flexibility: Allows up to four nominees for cash and fixed deposits, enhancing financial planning.
• Substantial Interest Redefined: Raises the threshold for “substantial interest” in a bank from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore.
• Cooperative Governance: Extends tenure of cooperative bank directors from 8 to 10 years and allows cross-board service.
• Compliance Reform: Changes regulatory reporting dates to the 15th and last day of each month.
• Auditor Remuneration: Gives banks greater control over statutory auditor payments.
• Accountability Focus: Emphasizes stringent action on wilful defaulters and financial frauds.

Important Terms Explained:

• Substantial Interest: Financial stake in a bank now defined as ₹2 crore, up from ₹5 lakh.
• Nominee Limit: Bank account holders can appoint up to four nominees for deposits.
• Cooperative Banks: Includes Central and State cooperative banks; governance norms now relaxed.
• Regulatory Compliance Dates: Reporting changed from 2nd and 4th Fridays to 15th and last day of the month.
• Wilful Defaulter: A borrower who deliberately avoids repayment despite having the means to do so.
• Statutory Auditor: An external auditor appointed to audit the bank’s financial statements as per law.

Tabular Summary:

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13. Which of the following was a major first-time feature of the 37th Kathak Mahotsav 2025?
A) Launch of new classical dance school
B) Introduction of all Indian dance forms
C) First-ever Kathak Literary Festival
D) Felicitation of Padma awardees
E) International dance competition
Answer: C) First-ever Kathak Literary Festival

Event and Location:

• Event: 37th Kathak Mahotsav 2025, celebrating Kathak’s artistic and literary legacy.
• Date: March 2025 (Six-day event)
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Festival Objective: Celebrate Kathak through performances, literature, and scholarship.
• Unique Highlight: Introduced the world’s first-ever Kathak Literary Festival, merging dance with literature.
• Promotion of Gharanas: Represented all major Kathak gharanas—Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras, and Raigarh.
• Public Engagement: Included seminars, exhibitions, book fair, and walk-through experiences for audience interaction.
• Future Focus: Highlighted global collaborations and innovations to elevate Kathak’s global profile.

Important Terms Explained:

• Kathak: A major classical dance form of India, originating from northern India, known for intricate footwork and storytelling.
• Gharana: A stylistic lineage or school in Indian classical arts, each with unique techniques and traditions.
• Kathak Literary Festival: A pioneering festival segment focusing on the literary and intellectual side of Kathak.
• Sangeet Natak Akademi: The national academy for music, dance, and drama under the Ministry of Culture.
• Kamani Auditorium: A prominent cultural venue in New Delhi, often used for major national performances.

Tabular Summary:

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14. Which wildlife sanctuary in Punjab is being developed into the state’s first leopard safari?
A) Harike Wildlife Sanctuary
B) Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary
C) Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary
D) Bir Bhadson Wildlife Sanctuary
E) Nangal Wildlife Park
Answer: B) Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary

Event and Location:

• Event: Announcement of tourism and wildlife initiatives under the Badalda Punjab Budget 2025–26.
• Date: March 2025
• Location: Punjab, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Tourism Promotion: Develop Nangal into a major tourist hub with a ₹10 crore investment in infrastructure.
• Wildlife Conservation: Convert Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary into Punjab’s first leopard safari, enhancing eco-tourism.
• Cultural Heritage: Allocate special funds for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji for infrastructure and cultural preservation.
• Employment Generation: Boost job creation in tourism, hospitality, and wildlife management sectors.
• Spiritual Development: Improve facilities in Sri Anandpur Sahib for pilgrims and cultural tourism.

Important Terms Explained:

• Badalda Punjab Budget: The Punjab state budget for FY 2025–26, focused on transformative projects for development and reform.
• Leopard Safari: A protected safari zone for observing leopards in their natural habitat, promoting eco-tourism and wildlife awareness.
• Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife reserve near Sri Anandpur Sahib, now set to house Punjab’s first leopard safari.
• Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji: The 9th Sikh Guru, whose 350th Martyrdom Anniversary is being commemorated through special state initiatives.

Tabular Summary:

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15. What initiative did PM Modi highlight through the special summer vacation calendar launched during his Mann Ki Baat address in March 2025?
A) Make in India Mission
B) Fit India Movement
C) Digital India Program
D) MY-Bharat Initiative
E) PM Gati Shakti Plan
Answer: D) MY-Bharat Initiative

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of a special summer vacation calendar for children as part of the MY-Bharat Initiative.
• Date: March 30, 2025
• Location: India (announced during Mann Ki Baat by PM Modi)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Vacation Engagement: Encourage children to develop new hobbies, skills, and participate in community and cultural programs.
• MY-Bharat Calendar: Offers learning experiences like study tours, visits to Jan Aushadhi Kendras, border villages, and sports & cultural activities.
• Constitution Awareness: Promotes the Ambedkar Jayanti Padyatra to increase understanding of the Indian Constitution.
• Water Conservation: Emphasized through the Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan and Catch the Rain campaign.
• Sustainable Practices: Addressing textile waste through innovation, recycling, and awareness of India’s position as a top textile waste generator.
• Promotion of Yoga: Encouraged people to practice yoga and prepare for International Yoga Day.
• Traditional Products: Promoted indigenous goods like Mahua flower cookies and regional flowers such as Krishna Kamal.

Important Terms Explained:

• MY-Bharat Initiative: A youth-focused platform to promote skill-building, civic responsibility, and nation-building activities.
• Jan Aushadhi Kendra: Government-run pharmacies that provide affordable medicines.
• Catch the Rain: A nationwide water conservation campaign launched by the Government of India.
• Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan: An initiative to boost community participation in water harvesting and resource management.
• Textile Waste: Refers to unused, discarded fabric or clothing; India is the 3rd largest generator globally.

Tabular Summary:

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16. Who inaugurated the National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’ held in New Delhi?
A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
B) Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
C) Chief Justice of India
D) President Droupadi Murmu
E) Chairman of the NGT
Answer: D) President Droupadi Murmu

Event and Location:

• Event: Inauguration of the National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’.
• Date: March 29, 2025
• Location: New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Conference Aim: To address environmental challenges, promote sustainable solutions, and discuss India’s future in green leadership.
• Presidential Message: Emphasized environmental responsibility as a daily duty and a moral obligation to future generations.
• Development vs Ecology: Called for a balance between economic development and ecological sustainability.
• Cultural Responsibility: Reiterated India’s traditional ethos of respecting and protecting nature.
• Global Commitment: India’s proactive stance in achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and becoming a green leader by 2047.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Green Tribunal (NGT): A specialized judicial body that handles environmental disputes and ensures implementation of environmental laws in India.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Country-level climate action goals under the Paris Agreement, targeting emission reductions and sustainability.
• Climate Justice: A term that highlights the ethical dimensions of climate change, emphasizing accountability, equity, and protection for the most vulnerable.

Tabular Summary:

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17. In which year was the Sagarmala Programme launched to transform India’s maritime sector?
A) 2014
B) 2015
C) 2016
D) 2017
E) 2013
Answer: B) 2015

Event and Location:

• Event: Completion of 10 years of the Sagarmala Programme, India’s flagship maritime development initiative.
• Date: March 2025
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Programme Purpose: Enhance India’s maritime infrastructure and enable port-led economic development.
• Key Focus Areas: Includes port modernization, connectivity enhancement, industrial development, and coastal community upliftment.
• Strategic Vision: Aligns with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Viksit Bharat, and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047.
• Expansion Plans: Sagarmala 2.0 and S2I2 (Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative) launched to boost innovation, shipbuilding, and maritime entrepreneurship.

Important Terms Explained:

• Sagarmala Programme: A flagship maritime initiative launched in March 2015 under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
• Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV): Long-term national vision to make India a global maritime leader by 2047.
• Ro-Pax Ferry: A ferry service allowing both passengers and vehicles, promoting efficient coastal transport.
• Sagarmala 2.0: The upgraded version of the programme with ₹40,000 crore budgetary support targeting ₹12 lakh crore investments.
• S2I2 (Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative): Supports startups in green shipping, smart ports, and coastal sustainability.
• SDCL (Sagarmala Development Company Limited): Government entity supporting project SPVs for implementation.

Tabular Summary:

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