This is the current affairs of 11 to 13 March 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Which state government replaced the rupee symbol ‘₹’ with ‘ரூ’ in the budget document?
a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Punjab
c. Kerala
d. Tamil Nadu
Answer: d. Tamil Nadu
– The Tamil Nadu government has changed the symbol for ₹ to Tamil script in the state’s Budget 2025-26.
– In fact, there is a dispute between the Tamil Nadu government and the central government regarding the new education policy (NEP) and the three-language policy. This includes Hindi, English, and the local language. The Tamil Nadu government is opposed to Hindi.
– The DMK government is in power in Tamil Nadu, and the CM is M. K. Stalin.
– The government has replaced the symbol of ₹ with the Tamil script symbol ‘ரூ’ in the 2025-26 Budget. This is the Tamil letter ‘ru’.
Tamil Youth Designed the ₹ Symbol
– The ₹ symbol was designed by Thiru Uday Kumar from Tamil Nadu. He is the son of a former DMK MLA.
– The ₹ symbol was created by combining the Devanagari letter ‘र’ and the Latin letter ‘R’, with a vertical line formed in the middle. This line reflects our national flag and the equality symbol. The Indian government adopted this symbol on July 15, 2010.
– Uday Kumar was awarded a reward of ₹2.5 lakh by the RBI.
What is the Three-Language Formula?
– Under the new Education Policy 2020, three languages will be taught in all government and private schools across the country. These will include two Indian languages and one other language.
– First language: The student’s mother tongue / local language / regional language. Primary education will, where possible, also be in this language.
– Second language: Generally Hindi or another Indian language of the state.
– Third language: English or any other Indian/foreign language.
– However, no language is mandatory. States and schools are free to decide which three languages they wish to teach. There is no provision for the mandatory teaching of any language.
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2. In which neighbouring country, a separatist militant group hijacked a train and several army personnel were killed in the rescue operation?
a. China
b. Sri Lanka
c. Pakistan
d. Bangladesh
Answer: c. Pakistan
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3. Which separatist militant group in Pakistan hijacked a train in March 2025 and several army personnel were killed in the rescue operation?
a. Pakistan Taliban (PL)
b. Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)
c. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
d. Tehreek-e-Taliban (TAT)
Answer: b. Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)
– Who hijacked the train: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)
– Which train was hijacked: Jafar Express
– Where did the incident take place: Balochistan Province, Pakistan
– When did the incident occur: March 11, 2025
– How many Pakistani soldiers were killed: More than 30
– What is BLA: An armed organization fighting for the separation of Balochistan from Pakistan. It has been declared a terrorist organization by Pakistan.
Note: It is reported that most of the hostages have been rescued. The train hijack operation lasted almost 36 hours.
How the incident happened:
– The Jafar Express was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, Pakistan.
– There were 500 people on board, including Pakistani soldiers and police officers.
– The Baloch Liberation Army attacked the train in the Bolan area.
– This is a mountainous region with 17 tunnels, making it necessary for the train to travel at low speed. Taking advantage of this, BLA attacked the train.
– First, the Baloch Army blew up the railway track at Tunnel No. 8 in Mashkaf. This caused the Jafar Express to derail.
– After that, BLA started firing.
– On the train, security forces, police, and ISI agents were traveling, all heading to Punjab. They responded to BLA’s attack, but BLA took control of the train. Several security personnel were killed during this.
– Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) took 214 passengers hostage and killed 30 Pakistani soldiers.
– It is reported that most of the hostages have been freed. The train hijack operation lasted nearly 36 hours.
– BLA referred to the hostages as prisoners of war and demanded the unconditional release of Baloch activists, political prisoners, missing persons, fighters, and separatist leaders from Pakistani jails in exchange for the hostages.
– However, the Pakistani military and air force carried out a rescue operation.
Why did BLA attack?
– BLA’s main demand is the creation of an independent Balochistan by separating from Pakistan.
– The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Balochistan. BLA opposes this project, which is worth nearly $500 billion.
– They claim that the rights of local Baloch people at the Gwadar port are being suppressed. Over the past 4 years, BLA has carried out 76 attacks, killing 1156 Pakistani soldiers.
What is the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)?
– Many people in Balochistan believe that after the partition of India and Pakistan, they wanted to live as an independent country.
– However, they were incorporated into Pakistan without their consent, leading to an ongoing struggle between the military and people in Balochistan.
– There are many organizations in Balochistan that demand independence. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is the most powerful of these organizations. It came into existence in the 1970s, but its influence has grown in the 21st century.
– 44% of Pakistan’s land area is in Balochistan, yet only 3.6% of Pakistan’s total population, about 14.9 million people, live in this vast area.
– Beneath this land are vast reserves of copper, gold, coal, uranium, and other minerals.
Current Situation:
– In fact, the recent deaths in the fight between Baloch separatists and the Pakistani military, along with the hostage situation involving many soldiers and the train hijacking, mark one of the most horrific chapters in the country’s history.
– Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan and Iran.
– It has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea. – However, in Pakistan, dominated by Punjabis and Sindhis, Baloch people have been treated as second-class citizens.
– Due to the exploitation by the Pakistani government and military, they have continued to resist.
Pakistan:
– Prime Minister: Shehbaz Sharif
– President: Asif Ali Zardari
– Capital: Islamabad
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4. Which Ratna status did the Central Government give to “Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation” (IRCTC)?
a. Maharatna
b. Navratna
c. Miniratna Category-1
d. Miniratna Category-2
Answer: b. Navratna
– The central government approved IRCTC on March 3, 2025.
Company’s Turnover:
– Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways.
– IRCTC’s annual turnover is ₹4,270.18 crores, profit after tax (PAT) is ₹1,111.26 crores, and the net worth for the financial year 2023-24 is ₹3,229.97 crores.
– Establishment: September 1999
– Headquarters: New Delhi
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5. Which Ratna status was given by the Central Government to “Indian Railway Finance Corporation” (IRFC)?
a. Maharatna
b. Navratna
c. Miniratna Category-1
d. Miniratna Category-2
Answer: b. Navratna
– The central government approved IRCTC on March 3, 2025.
Company’s Turnover:
– Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways, with an annual turnover of ₹26,644 crores, profit after tax (PAT) of ₹6,412 crores, and net worth for the financial year 2023-24 amounting to ₹49,178 crores.
– Establishment: December 1986
– Headquarters: New Delhi
– The Navratna status is granted by the Department of Public Enterprises under the Ministry of Finance.
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Full List of Navratna Companies in India 2025
1. Bharat Electronics Limited
2. Container Corporation of India Limited
3. Engineers India Limited
4. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited
5. National Aluminium Company Limited
6. National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited
7. Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited
8. NMDC Limited
9. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
10. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
11. Shipping Corporation of India Limited
12. ONGC Videsh Limited
13. Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited
14. IRCON
15. RITES Limited
16. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA)
17. National Fertilizers Limited (NFL)
18. Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO)
19. Central Warehousing Corporation
20. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
21. RailTel Corporation of India Limited
22. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Limited
23. National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
24. Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN)
25. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
26. Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC)
List of names of Maharatna companies
1. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
2. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
3. Coal India Limited
4. GAIL India Limited
5. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
6. Indian Oil Corporation Limited
7. NTPC Limited
8. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC)
9. Power Finance Corporation
10. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
11. Rural Electrification Corporation Limited
12. Steel Authority of India Limited
13. Oil India Limited
14. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Categories of PSU / CPSE in the country
– Maharatna, Navratna, Miniratna Category-1, and Miniratna Category-2
– The status of Maharatna and Navratna is for CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises). Private sector companies cannot be included in this.
When was the status of Navratna companies introduced in India?
– In the year 1997
When was the status of Maharatna companies introduced in the country?
– In the year 2009
What are the benefits of getting the status of Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna?
– They get more opportunities for development. Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna companies are granted administrative autonomy, rights for investment and mergers, and the freedom to formulate other policies for expansion.
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6. Famous player Sharath Kamal announced his retirement from which sport?
a. Cricket
b. Table Tennis
c. Football
d. Chess
Answer: b. Table Tennis
– His last competition was held at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai from March 25 to 30, 2025.
– He played for more than two decades.
– His full name is Achanta Sharath Kamal.
Significant Achievements in Sports
– He is currently ranked 42nd in the WTT rankings.
– Sharath Kamal won his first national title in 2003.
– He has won 11 gold medals in the Commonwealth Games so far.
– He is a 10-time National Champion.
– He is the first Indian to receive the Sports Ratna in Table Tennis.
– He was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2022.
– He received the Padma Shri in 2019.
– He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2004.
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7. Who has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Canada?
a. Joni Mitchell
b. Bryan Adams
c. Mark Carney
d. Justin Trudeau
Answer: c. Mark Carney
– Mark Carney has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Canada.
– The majority Liberal Party elected him as Prime Minister on March 9, 2025.
About Mark Carney
– He was born on March 16, 1965, and is 59 years old.
– Carney is a highly educated economist and a former central banker.
– He served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada from 2008 to 2013 and as the Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020.
– He played a crucial role in helping Canada recover from the 2008 financial crisis.
What is the India-Canada dispute?
– A major diplomatic dispute recently arose between India and Canada, primarily related to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and pro-Khalistan activities.
– The dispute escalated in 2023 when Canada’s then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India might have been involved in this murder.
Note: 45-year-old Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead on June 18 outside a Sikh Gurudwara in Canada. The Gurudwara was located in the Surrey area of Vancouver, where a large Sikh population resides.
Canada
– Population: 40 million (approximately 4 crores)
Canada is a country in North America. It spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward to the Arctic Ocean, with ten provinces and three territories.
– Its border with the United States is the longest international land border in the world.
New Prime Minister: Mark Carney
– Capital: Ottawa
– Currency: Canadian Dollar
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8. What did the Commonwealth Games Federation change its name to?
a. Commonwealth Sports
b. Commonwealth
c. Federation
d. Sports Federation
Answer: a. Commonwealth Sports
– The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) announced this new name on March 10, 2025, on the occasion of Commonwealth Day.
– The Federation’s CEO stated that this brand development organization’s shift from ‘Sports Federation’ to ‘Sports Movement’ reflects this change.
– Meanwhile, the patron of the Commonwealth Games, King Charles, officially launched the Commonwealth Games King’s Baton Relay for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at Buckingham Palace.
– This relay will last for 500 days and will travel across 74 nations and territories.
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9. Which movie won the maximum 10 awards including the Best Movie at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards ceremony?
a. Chhava
b. Lapata Ladies
c. Bhool Bhulaiya 3
d. Article 370
Answer: b. Lapata Ladies
– At the ceremony on March 10, 2025, Kiran Rao’s social drama film ‘Lapata Ladies’ emerged as the biggest winner, taking home ten trophies, including Best Movie.
– The ceremony began on March 8, 2025, in Jaipur, recognizing the best talents in OTT cinema and series.
Other Awards Received:
– Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female) – Nitanshi Goyal (Lapata Ladies)
– Best Direction – Kiran Rao (Lapata Ladies)
– Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Male) – Ravi Kishan (Lapata Ladies)
– Best Story (Original) – Popular Category – Biplab Goswami (Lapata Ladies)
– Best Debut (Female) – Pratibha Ranta (Lapata Ladies)
– Best Music Director – Ram Sampath (Lapata Ladies)
– Best Song – Prashant Pandey (Sajni from Lapata Ladies)
– Best Screenplay – Sneha Desai (Lapata Ladies)
– Best Editing – Jabeen Merchant (Lapata Ladies)
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10. Who won the Best Performance in a Leading Role (Male) trophy at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards?
a. Akshay Kumar
b. Arjun Kapoor
c. Kartik Aaryan
d. Vicky Kaushal
Answer: c. Kartik Aaryan
– Kartik Aaryan won the Best Performance in a Leading Role (Male) trophy for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
In addition, the following movies and actors received awards:
– Best Performance in a Negative Role – Raghav Juyal (Kill)
– Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Female) – Janaki Bodhiwala (Shaitan)
– Best Story (Adapted) – Sriram Raghavan, Arijit-Vishwas, Pooja Ladha Surti, and Anukriti Pandey (Meri Christmas)
– Best Directorial Debut – Kunal Khemu (Madgaon Express)
– Best Debut (Male) – Lakshya Lalwani (Kill)
– Best Male Singer – Jubin Nautiyal (Dua from Dhara 370)
– Best Female Singer – Shreya Ghoshal (Ami Je Tomar 3.0 from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)
– Best Sound Design – Subhash Sahu, Boloy Kumar Doley, Rahul Karpe (Kill)
– Best Dialogue – Arjun Dhawan, Aditya Dhar, Aditya Suhas-Jambhale, Monal Thacker (Anuchhed 370)
– Best Cinematography – Rafe Mahmood (Kill)
– Best Choreography – Bosco-Ceaser (Tuba Tuba, Bad News)
– Best Special Effects – Red Chillies VFX (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3)
– Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema – Rakesh Roshan
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11. With which country did India sign a $248 million deal to purchase 1000 HP engines for T-72 tanks?
a. Japan
b. America
c. Russia
d. China
Answer: c. Russia
– The Ministry of Defence has signed a $248 million deal with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to purchase 1000 HP engines for the Indian Army’s T-72 tanks.
– These engines will be in a semi-ready state, fully prepared and assembled.
Note: Rosoboronexport (RoE) is a Russian government company that exports defense products and military technology.
– The special feature of this agreement is that the Russian company will transfer technology, and the production of these tanks will take place at the Armored Vehicle Company in Chennai. This agreement will promote ‘Make in India.’
How updated will the engine be?
– The T-72 is the main tank of the Indian Army, which is currently equipped with a 780 HP engine.
– Upgrading the tank fleet to 1000 HP engines will enhance the Indian Army’s combat mobility and offensive capability.
– Features of the T-72 Tank:
– Weight: 41,000 kilograms
– Crew: 3 soldiers can sit
– Cannon Length: 9,530 mm
– Height: 2,190 mm
– Width: 3,460 mm
– Maximum Speed (on road): 60 km/h
– Speed on rough terrain: 35-45 km/h
– Fuel Capacity: 1,590 liters
– Operational Range: 420-600 km
About Russia:
– Russia is a country that spans Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world by area.
– Capital: Moscow
– President: Vladimir Putin
– Currency: Russian Ruble
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12. In which city of India will the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 be organized?
a. Chennai
b. Hyderabad
c. New Delhi
d. Mumbai
Answer: c. New Delhi
– The FIDE World Cup will be held in New Delhi at the end of this year.
– This event, which will run from October 31 to November 27, is likely to be held at India Mandapam or Yashobhoomi.
– According to the Indian Express, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has confirmed this.
– Previously, the FIDE World Cup was held in Chennai in 2022 and in Hyderabad in 2002.
How challenging is it to win the World Cup?
– 206 players are participating in this competition, making it so challenging to win the FIDE World Cup that even Carlsen won it for the first time in 2023.
– The World Cup is played in a knockout format across eight rounds. The top 50 seeded players enter the action from the second round.
– In the FIDE World Cup, each head-to-head match is played as a set of two classical games, with colors being exchanged between Game 1 and Game 2. If the two games don’t decide a winner, tiebreakers are held.
Some Important Records:
– Viswanathan Anand is the only Indian player to have won the FIDE World Cup.
– He won the title consecutively in 2000 and 2002.
– In 2023, R. Praggnanandhaa made history by winning the silver medal. He lost to Magnus Carlsen in the final, but his achievement garnered global attention from chess enthusiasts.
Note: The FIDE World Cup and the FIDE World Championship are separate events. In 2024, D. Gukesh became the youngest ever World Champion, winning at the age of 18.
FIDE Headquarters: Lausanne (Switzerland)
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13. Roshni Nadar Malhotra became the richest woman in India in March 2025, she is the chairperson of which company?
a. Reliance Industries Limited
b. HCL Technologies
c. Tata Motors Limited
d. Adani Green Energy
Answer: b. HCL Technologies
– Roshni Nadar, born in 1982, is the only child of Malhotra Shiv and Kiran Nadar.
– She inherited around 47% of her father Shiv Nadar’s stake in HCL Corporation and Vama Sundari Investments (Vama Delhi), making her one of the billionaires in India.
– Shiv Nadar, a Padma Bhushan awardee, is the founder of HCL, which has played a crucial role in transforming India’s IT sector. Note: In 2020, Roshni Nadar took over the position of Chairperson of HCL Technologies from her father, Shiv Nadar.
Who are the richest people in India?
– According to the Bloomberg Billionaires – India List, Mukesh Ambani is the richest Indian with a net worth of $88.1 billion.
– Gautam Adani is second, with a net worth of $68.9 billion.
– Shiv Nadar Malhotra was in third place with a net worth of $35.9 billion, but he transferred his stake.
– In addition, Malhotra will have voting rights on 12.94% of HCL Infosystems and 49.94% of HCL Corp. Vama Sundari Investments holds a 44.71% stake in HCLTech, valued at ₹186,782 crore.
HCL Technologies Limited:
– It is an Indian multinational information technology (IT) consulting company.
– Founded: August 11, 1976
– Chairperson: Roshni Nadar Malhotra
– Founder: Shiv Nadar
– Headquarters: Uttar Pradesh
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14. When was the World Kidney Day observed in the year 2025?
a. 9 March
b. 13 March
c. 11 March
d. 14 March
Answer: b. 13 March
Theme 2025
– “Are your kids okay? Detect early, protect kidney health.”
– World Kidney Day is observed every year on the second Thursday of March.
– In 2025, this day was observed on March 13.
– The celebration of this day began in 2006 by the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations.
– The kidney is one of the most important organs of the body. You may be surprised to know that this small organ filters a quarter of the blood every day.
– Additionally, the kidney’s job is to remove excess water, fluids, toxins, and waste materials from the body.
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15. When is No Smoking Day celebrated?
a. Fourth Wednesday of March
b. Third Wednesday of March
c. Second Wednesday of March
d. First Wednesday of March
Answer: c. Second Wednesday of March (12 March in 2025)
– This day is observed to raise awareness about smoking among people in the country, the world, and society.
– Smoking affects the body’s nervous system, respiratory tract, cardiovascular system, digestive system, hair, skin, and nails.
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