- India will host the 11th Asian Swimming Championship at the Naranpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from October 1 to 15, 2025. The event will feature swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo, with participation from leading Asian nations.
- On 20th March 2025, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh launched six mobile dental clinics to provide free dental care across the city. This initiative, in collaboration with the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), aims to make oral healthcare accessible, especially in underprivileged areas.
- Japan qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on March 20, 2025, by defeating Bahrain 2-0 in an AFC Asian Qualifiers Group C match held in Saitama, Japan. This victory made them the first team to secure a spot, alongside hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
- On 21st March 2025, SEBI imposed fines totaling ₹50 lakh on 10 entities for non-genuine trades in the illiquid stock options segment on the BSE. Each entity was fined ₹5 lakh for engaging in reversal trades that created artificial trading volumes.
- Non-life insurance premiums in February 2025 declined by 2.8%, totaling ₹21,747 crore, compared to ₹22,378 crore in February 2024. The decline was due to weak commercial lines and muted growth in health and motor insurance. However, Standalone Health Insurers (SAHI) recorded a 7.8% year-on-year growth, driven by retail health insurance. This was reported on 21st March 2025.
- India's tobacco exports doubled in four years, growing from $923 million in 2021-22 to $1,840 million by February 2025, with projections to surpass $2 billion by March 2025. This rise is due to increased global demand and challenges in competing countries like Brazil and Zimbabwe. Reported on 21st March 2025.
- On 19th March 2025, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) signed an MoU with PWD Nagaland in Kohima to supply eight double-lane modular steel bridges. This marks GRSE's first collaboration with a northeastern state, aligning with the Make in India initiative. The bridges aim to enhance regional connectivity and infrastructure development.
- On 12th March 2025, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) signed a quadripartite MoU with BluJ Aerospace, Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT), and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in Kochi. The aim is to develop the world’s first Hydrogen-Powered Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Aviation Ecosystem.
- On March 5, 2025, scientists created the world’s first "supersolid" from light, a state combining solid structure and superfluid flow. Using a laser and a gallium arsenide semiconductor, researchers from Italy’s CNR and others formed polaritons—light-matter hybrids—that exhibited both properties.
- The Tracxn Report 2025, released on 8th March 2025, celebrates women's contributions to startups. India ranks 2nd globally with $26.4 billion in all-time funding for women-led startups. Over 7,000 active women-led startups (7.5% of total) exist, with retail, edtech, and enterprise applications as top sectors. Bengaluru leads in funding, while unicorn creation peaked in 2021, with no new unicorns in 2023-24.
- The UN World Water Development Report 2025, titled "Mountains and Glaciers – Water Towers," was released on 21st March 2025. It highlights the vital role of glaciers in providing freshwater to over 2 billion people and the severe impact of climate change on water cycles. The report warns of long-term water scarcity, floods, and droughts due to glacial retreat.
- Anahat Singh won the women's title at the PSA Challenger Squash tournament during the SRFI Indian Tour 2025 on March 21, 2025, held at the Indian Squash and Triathlon Academy (ISTA) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This victory marked her 10th PSA title in the sport of squash.
- The 4th National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) meeting was held on 19th March 2025 in New Delhi, chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Its aim was to modernize port infrastructure, enhance multimodal connectivity, and promote sustainable maritime development. Key launches included Sagarmala 2.0, targeting ₹12 lakh crore investments, and S2I2 to foster innovation in green shipping and smart ports, aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
- The 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue was held on March 21, 2025, in New Delhi, co-chaired by Muanpuii Saiawi (India) and Maciej Stadejek (EU). Organized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the EU’s European External Action Service, it aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation for a secure Indo-Pacific.
- Bihar Diwas, celebrated on March 22, marks the formation of Bihar as a separate province from the Bengal Presidency on March 22, 1912. It honors the state's rich history, culture, and contributions to the nation. The 2025 theme was "Unnat Bihar, Viksit Bihar" (Advanced Bihar, Developed Bihar).
- March 21 is observed as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, commemorating the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa. The 2025 theme, "60th Anniversary of ICERD", emphasizes global efforts to eradicate racism and promote inclusivity.
- World Water Day 2025, observed on 22nd March, was dedicated to the theme "Glacier Preservation," as per the United Nations. The focus was on glaciers, which are crucial "water towers" that supply freshwater to millions. Due to climate change, glaciers are retreating at alarming rates, threatening water security, ecosystems, and livelihoods.
- Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, was appointed as the Chancellor of NIIT University on March 10, 2025, succeeding K Kasturirangan. Known for leading transformative initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission, he aims to enhance NU’s focus on innovation and industry-aligned education.
- Anuj Kumar Singh, a 2009-batch IRSEE officer, was appointed Joint Secretary (Director level) in the UPSC, Delhi, on March 18, 2025, under the Central Staffing Scheme. Recommended by the Ministry of Railways, his tenure is for five years or until further orders, bringing his railway expertise to enhance UPSC operations.
- Goibibo appointed Rishabh Pant as its brand ambassador on 18th March 2025, launching a campaign also featuring cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. The campaign humorously incorporates Gavaskar’s iconic phrase, "Stupid, Stupid, Stupid", to engage audiences. It aims to connect with younger generations while appealing to all age groups.
- Shri Ashok Singh Thakur was elected as the Chairman of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 22nd March 2025 in New Delhi. He will serve a term of three years. INTACH, established in 1984, is dedicated to preserving India's cultural and natural heritage.
Questions:
Q.1 Which country became the first to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the AFC Asian Qualifiers?a) South Korea
b) Japan
c) Australia
d) Iran
Answer: b) Japan secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on March 20, 2025, by defeating Bahrain 2-0 in an AFC Asian Qualifiers Group C match.
Q.2 Which shipbuilding company signed an MoU with PWD Nagaland to supply modular steel bridges?
a) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
b) Cochin Shipyard Limited
c) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE)
d) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
a) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
b) Cochin Shipyard Limited
c) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE)
d) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Answer: c) On March 19, 2025, GRSE signed an MoU with PWD Nagaland to supply eight double-lane modular steel bridges to improve regional connectivity.
