Current Affairs Today: 04th March 2025 | Daily GK Update
National News
1. What new status was granted to IRCTC and IRFC?
Answer: IRCTC and IRFC were upgraded to Navratna PSU status, joining five other listed railway PSUs. This enhances their financial and operational autonomy.
2. What electricity initiative was announced by Madhya Pradesh?
Answer: Farmers in Madhya Pradesh will receive permanent power connections for just ₹5, aiming to improve agricultural productivity and reduce financial burden.
3. Where was India’s first World Peace Center inaugurated?
Answer: The center was inaugurated in Gurugram by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti under Jain Acharya Lokesh, promoting non-violence and universal brotherhood.
International News
4. Who became the new President of Uruguay?
Answer: Yamandú Orsi was sworn in on March 1, 2025, bringing the Broad Front coalition back to power.
5. What trade action did the U.S. take on March 4, 2025?
Answer: The Trump administration imposed sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing.
State News
6. What are the key highlights of Bihar’s Budget 2025–26?
Answer: The ₹3.16 lakh crore budget prioritizes education, health, rural development, and welfare schemes, with ₹60,954 crore for education and ₹19,648 crore for SC/ST welfare.
Appointments News
7. Who was appointed Levi’s global ambassador?
Answer: Diljit Dosanjh became Levi’s global ambassador, the first Punjabi artist to join its creative community.
8. Who took additional charge as Revenue Secretary?
Answer: Ajay Seth, Economic Affairs Secretary, was given additional charge of Revenue Secretary.
9. Who assumed office as CGDA?
Answer: Dr. Mayank Sharma, a 1989-batch IDAS officer, became the Controller General of Defence Accounts.
Banking News
10. Why did RBI fine HSBC and IIFL Samasta?
Answer: HSBC was fined ₹66.6 lakh for KYC and AML violations; IIFL Samasta was fined ₹33.1 lakh for loan and NPA misclassification issues.
11. What new handbook did RBI release for cooperative banks?
Answer: RBI released “Regulations at a Glance,” summarizing licensing and compliance norms for cooperative banks.
Economy News
12. What GDP forecast did Crisil make for FY26?
Answer: Crisil projected 6.5% GDP growth and predicted a repo rate cut of 50–75 basis points to support the economy.
Awards News
13. Who were the winners at Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025?
Answer:
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Supam Maheshwari (FirstCry)
- CEO of the Year: Rajesh Jejurikar (Mahindra & Mahindra)
- Climate Warrior: Indra Water
- Icons of Excellence: Jay Shah, Katrina Kaif, Ajay Singh, Mohit Joshi
Sports News
14. Who won the Ranji Trophy 2024–25?
Answer: Vidarbha clinched their third title in seven seasons, defeating Kerala based on first-innings lead.
15. Where will Khelo India Winter Games 2025 be held?
Answer: Gulmarg, J&K, will host the games from March 9–12 after fresh snowfall enabled rescheduling.
16. Who won the Bengaluru Open ATP 125 Challenger?
Answer: Brandon Holt (USA) defeated Shintaro Mochizuki (Japan) to win the singles title on March 2, 2025.
Obituaries
17. Who was Ron Draper and what was his legacy?
Answer: Ron Draper, South Africa’s oldest Test cricketer, passed away at 98. He played two Tests in 1950 and had a stellar domestic career.
18. Who was Padmakar Shivalkar?
Answer: Shivalkar, a legendary Mumbai spinner, passed away at 84. Despite his talent, he never played for India due to competition from Bishan Singh Bedi.
Important Days
19. What is the significance of National Defence Day?
Answer: Observed on March 3, it honors the Indian Armed Forces’ bravery and dedication to national security.
20. What is the theme of World Hearing Day 2025?
Answer: “Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!” — promoting awareness and personal responsibility.