Current Affairs Today: 21st March 2025 | Daily GK Update
International News
1. Who became the first female and African President of the IOC?
Answer: Kirsty Coventry, a legendary swimmer from Zimbabwe, was elected as the first female and African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), winning 49 out of 97 votes.
State News
2. What healthcare initiative was launched in Delhi on World Oral Health Day?
Answer: Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh launched six mobile dental clinics in collaboration with MAIDS to provide free oral care in underserved areas.
Books & Authors
3. What book was released to commemorate India’s 1975 Hockey World Cup victory?
Answer: March of Glory, co-authored by K. Arumugam and Errol D’Cruz, was launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of India’s historic win.
4. What book chronicles the history of CMC Vellore?
Answer: To the Seventh Generation: The Journey of Christian Medical College Vellore was launched by Dr. V.I. Mathan in Chennai.
Awards News
5. Who won the 2025 Stockholm Water Prize?
Answer: Hydrologist Günter Blöschl was awarded for his pioneering work in flood risk analysis and climate change research.
6. Which Indian actor received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the UK?
Answer: Chiranjeevi was honored by Bridge India at the UK Parliament for his contributions to cinema and public service.
7. Who received the Maharashtra Bhushan Award in 2025?
Answer: Ram Sutar, sculptor of the Statue of Unity, was conferred the award at age 100 for his artistic legacy.
8. Who was awarded Denmark’s Knight’s Cross?
Answer: Vijay Sankar, Honorary Consul General of Denmark for Southern India, received the Knight’s Cross for his consular services.
Sports News
9. Which team qualified first for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after host nations?
Answer: Japan qualified with a 2–0 win over Bahrain, marking its eighth consecutive appearance.
10. What mascot and logo were unveiled for Khelo India Para Games 2025?
Answer: The mascot ‘Ujjwala’ (a sparrow) and the logo featuring Delhi landmarks were launched ahead of the Games held from March 20–27.
Science & Technology
11. What indigenous microprocessors did ISRO develop?
Answer: Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201 were developed for space applications, enhancing India’s self-reliance in high-speed computing.
12. What AI cloud solution was launched by Tata Communications?
Answer: Vayu, an enterprise-grade AI cloud offering, was launched to simplify cloud management and reduce costs.
Important Days
13. What is the theme of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2025?
Answer: The theme reflects on the 60th anniversary of ICERD and its impact on global human rights policies.
14. What is the theme of World Poetry Day 2025?
Answer: “Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion,” emphasizing poetry’s role in cultural harmony.
15. What is Nowruz and when is it celebrated?
Answer: Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is celebrated on March 20 or 21, marking renewal and unity across cultures.
16. What is the focus of World Down Syndrome Day 2025?
Answer: The UN-hosted conference highlights inclusion and awareness, with global events in New York and Geneva.
17. Why is World Day for Glaciers observed?
Answer: Declared by the UN to raise awareness about glacier conservation and climate change impacts.
18. What is the theme of International Day of Forests 2025?
Answer: “Forests and Food,” focusing on forests’ role in nutrition, livelihoods, and sustainability.