Current Affairs Today: 12th March 2025 | Daily GK Update
National News
1. What milestone did the National Archives of India celebrate in 2025?
Answer: NAI celebrated its 135th Foundation Day with the launch of the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ and an exhibition titled “Indian Heritage through Architecture.” It also announced the world’s largest digitization program for historical records.
2. What were the key highlights of PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius?
Answer: PM Modi received Mauritius’ highest civilian honor, inaugurated 20+ India-funded projects, and announced OCI cards for Mauritian leaders, strengthening bilateral ties.
State News
3. What are the fiscal highlights of Maharashtra’s Budget 2025–26?
Answer: Presented by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, the budget shows a debt of ₹9.3 lakh crore and a revenue deficit of ₹45,891 crore. It focuses on sustaining existing schemes without introducing new big-ticket programs.
Business News
4. What is the SheTARA campaign launched by Star Health Insurance?
Answer: SheTARA promotes preventive healthcare and women’s workforce participation in Tamil Nadu. It includes 40+ health camps and a webinar on women’s health in the AI era.
Banking News
5. What financial literacy initiative was launched by RBI and NCFE?
Answer: Nationwide campaigns under the National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE) were launched to empower youth and senior citizens with financial knowledge.
Economy News
6. What is India’s global rank in pharmaceutical exports?
Answer: India ranked 11th globally in 2023, contributing 3% to total exports. Regulatory reforms and inspections were introduced to improve drug quality.
7. How much has credit disbursement to priority sectors grown since 2019?
Answer: It surged by 85%, from ₹23.01 lakh crore in 2019 to ₹42.73 lakh crore in 2024, driven by FinTech collaboration and responsible lending practices.
8. What growth was recorded in digital payment transactions?
Answer: Transactions rose from 8,839 crore (FY 2021–22) to 18,737 crore (FY 2023–24), with UPI contributing over 70% and growing at a 69% CAGR.
9. What security measures were introduced for digital payments?
Answer: AI-driven fraud detection systems and cybercrime reporting mechanisms were deployed by RBI and NPCI to enhance user safety.
10. What improvements were seen in the MSME sector’s credit health?
Answer: Gross NPA ratio declined from 11% (2020) to 4% (2024), reflecting better loan recovery and financial stability.
Awards News
11. Which film dominated the IIFA Awards 2025?
Answer: Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies won 10 awards, including Best Film. Kartik Aaryan won Best Actor, and Kill secured multiple action category trophies.
Agreements News
12. What MoU was signed to promote homoeopathy research?
Answer: CCRH and Adamas University signed an MoU to advance academic collaboration and interdisciplinary studies in homoeopathy.
Appointments News
13. Who was appointed Chief Executive of the Indian Banks’ Association?
Answer: Atul Kumar Goel, a seasoned banker and Chartered Accountant, assumed charge as IBA Chief Executive.
Defence News
14. What joint naval exercises were conducted by India and Bangladesh?
Answer: The 6th CORPAT and 4th BONGOSAGAR exercises began on March 10, 2025, in the Bay of Bengal to enhance maritime security.
Ranks & Reports
15. What insights were shared in IRDAI’s insurance statistics handbook?
Answer: The 2023–24 handbook includes Claim Settlement Ratio data to help assess insurer reliability and efficiency.
16. Which country topped global arms imports according to SIPRI?
Answer: Ukraine ranked first, followed by India. The U.S. remained the top arms exporter.
Sports News
17. What historic cricket match was announced for 2027?
Answer: Australia and England will play a one-off day-night Test at MCG to mark the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match.
Science & Technology
18. What impact could Starlink have on India’s internet connectivity?
Answer: Starlink aims to provide satellite-based broadband in rural areas. Partnerships with Jio and Airtel are underway, pending regulatory approval.
Important Days
19. What is the significance of No Smoking Day 2025?
Answer: Observed on March 12, it raises awareness about smoking hazards and promotes quitting through global health campaigns.