Current Affairs Today: 14th March 2025 | Daily GK Update
National News
1. What initiative was launched to empower women leaders in Panchayati Raj Institutions?
Answer: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan and Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP) to strengthen leadership among Women Elected Representatives and promote gender-sensitive governance.
International News
2. What radar system has China deployed near the Indian border?
Answer: China deployed a Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province with a detection range over 5,000 km, capable of tracking Indian missile tests and monitoring the Indian Ocean region.
3. What is the UN80 Initiative announced by the UN Secretary-General?
Answer: UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched the UN80 Initiative to improve operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness across UN bodies amid global financial constraints.
Business News
4. Which insurers retained their D-SIIs status for 2024–25?
Answer: LIC, New India Assurance, and GIC Re were reaffirmed as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) by IRDAI due to their size and market significance.
5. Which company became India’s first private reinsurer?
Answer: Valueattics Reinsurance, backed by Prem Watsa and Kamesh Goyal, became India’s first private reinsurer, ending GIC Re’s monopoly since 1972.
6. Which UPI app entered the top five in February 2025?
Answer: Flipkart’s Super.money replaced CRED in the top five UPI apps, despite a 5.2% decline in overall UPI transaction volume.
Banking News
7. Which award did RBI win for digital transformation?
Answer: RBI won the Digital Transformation Award 2025 from Central Banking (London) for its in-house initiatives Pravaah and Sarthi.
8. What framework did RBI introduce for Account Aggregators?
Answer: RBI introduced a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) framework to streamline operations and compliance in the Account Aggregator ecosystem.
Economy News
9. What is Moody’s GDP growth projection for India in FY 2025–26?
Answer: Moody’s projected India’s GDP growth to exceed 6.5%, driven by capital expenditure, tax cuts, and monetary easing.
Appointments News
10. Who was elected Chairman of ATMA?
Answer: Arun Mammen, Vice-Chairman of MRF Ltd., was elected Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA).
11. Who was appointed Chairman of Tata Communications?
Answer: N. Ganapathy Subramaniam (NGS) was appointed Chairman of Tata Communications effective March 14, 2025.
Defence News
12. What missile was successfully tested by India from LCA Tejas?
Answer: India successfully tested the Astra BVRAAM (Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile) from the LCA Tejas AF MK1 prototype.
Sports News
13. Which country topped the medal tally at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025?
Answer: India topped the tally with 134 medals (45 gold, 40 silver, 49 bronze) at the event held in New Delhi.
Science & Technology
14. What is Google’s latest lightweight AI model?
Answer: Google unveiled Gemma 3, designed for efficient on-device performance using Gemini 2.0 technology.
15. What is NASA’s SPHEREx mission?
Answer: NASA launched SPHEREx, a $488 million infrared space telescope to map the cosmic glow and study galaxy evolution.
Important Days
16. When is Pi Day celebrated and why?
Answer: Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3/14) to honor the mathematical constant π (Pi ≈ 3.14159), promoting math literacy.
17. What is the theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2025?
Answer: The theme is “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles”, focusing on accessible and ethical consumption.
18. What is the significance of International Day of Action for Rivers?
Answer: Observed on March 14, it raises awareness about river degradation and calls for global action to protect waterways.
Obituaries
19. Which former Indian cricketer passed away recently?
Answer: Syed Abid Ali, former Indian all-rounder, passed away at age 83 in the United States.
Miscellaneous News
20. How many new sites were added to India’s UNESCO Tentative List?
Answer: Six new properties were added, including Ashokan Edict Sites, Chausath Yogini Temples, and Kanger Valley National Park, bringing the total to 62.