This is the current affairs of 22 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. Who was made the first woman and first African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)?
a. Kirsty Coventry
b. David Lappartient
c. Johan Eliasch
d. Damilola Odufuwa
Answer: a. Kirsty Coventry
– Kristy Coventry was elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on March 21, 2025.
– She became the first woman and the first African to hold the highest position in the World Games.
– After voting by 97 IOC members, she was selected from among seven candidates for this position.
– Coventry will assume office on June 23, 2025.
– She will hold this position until 2033.
Kristy Coventry
– Coventry is originally from Harare, Zimbabwe.
– She is Africa’s most successful Olympian, having won seven Olympic medals.
– She won a gold medal in the 200-meter backstroke at Athens 2004 and successfully defended it at Beijing 2008.
IOC Headquarters: Lausanne (Switzerland)
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2. In which country the volcano ‘Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’ erupted with an explosion and its ash reached a height of 8000 meters?
a. America
b. Indonesia
c. India
d. Australia
Answer: b. Indonesia (This volcano is located in the southeastern part of Flores Island of Indonesia.)
– The volcano “Mount Levotobi Laki-Laki” erupted three times on March 21, 2025.
– As a result, its ash was propelled 8,000 meters high, and lava was seen spreading to considerable heights.
– Earlier, in 2024, this volcano had erupted three times.
Twin Volcano
– Levotobi Laki-Laki is a twin volcano.
– These volcanoes are located in the southeastern part of Flores Island in Indonesia, which is a popular destination for tourists.
– The volcano stands 1,584 meters (5,197 feet) tall.
How Many People Were Evacuated
– Amid increasing volcanic activity, more than 15,000 people have been moved to temporary shelters.
– Due to the volcanic eruption, several airlines have canceled flights between the tourist island of Bali in Australia and Indonesia.
Most Active Volcanoes in Indonesia
– There are 1,500 active volcanoes in the world.
– The largest number of 130 active volcanoes are in Indonesia.
– Seven volcanoes have been continuously erupting for the past two years. These are: Krakatoa, Merapi, Levotolok, Karangetang, Semeru, Ibu, and Dukono.
– In December 2023, Mount Merapi (the “Mountain of Fire”) on Sumatra Island erupted, killing 23 people.
– Additionally, the Anak Krakatoa volcano located in the Sunda Strait in Indonesia erupted in November 2023.
– In 2024, ‘Mount Levotobi Laki-Laki’ erupted three times.
Ring of Fire
– Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
– This region experiences the most geographical and geological activity.
– In the area where Indonesia is situated, the Eurasian tectonic plate is sliding southwards.
– The Indian-Australian tectonic plate is moving northwards, and the Philippine plate is moving westwards.
– The continuous collision or shifting of these three plates causes frequent volcanic eruptions.
What is a Volcano and How Does It Erupt?
– Before discussing volcanic eruptions, it is important to understand what a volcano is.
– A volcano is an opening or crack in the Earth’s surface through which magma – a hot liquid and semi-liquid rock – as well as volcanic ash and gases are expelled.
– In other words, a volcano is a vent or crack on the Earth’s surface through which lava, ash, molten rocks, and gases from the Earth’s interior are released.
– There is a weak area in the Earth’s mantle (one of the three layers of the Earth) called the asthenosphere, where magma is present.
– Volcanic hotspots are locations found where the Earth’s tectonic plates meet.
– There are an estimated one million volcanoes beneath the ocean, and most of them are located near tectonic plates.
– When tectonic plates collide, the temperature and pressure increase, leading to the formation of magma, which is molten material beneath the Earth’s surface.
– When this magma escapes from the Earth’s interior, it is called lava.
Effects of Volcanic Eruptions:
1. Seismic Activity (Earthquakes):
– The movement of lava beneath the volcano can trigger earthquakes, which can cause cracks in the ground and destruction, especially in populated areas.
2. Climate Impact:
– Volcanic eruptions release gases that can disrupt weather patterns, potentially leading to unpredictable climate changes.
3. Pyroclastic Flow:
– Hot, fast-moving clouds of gas and debris (pyroclastic flow) can destroy everything in their path due to their high speed and temperature.
4. Volcanic Ash:
– Ash particles, when inhaled, can cause severe respiratory problems, and in high concentrations, they can be fatal.
5. Health Hazards:
– Volcanic gases and ash can cause long-term health problems, including lung damage and respiratory diseases.
Indonesia:
– Capital: Jakarta
– President: Joko Widodo (Prabowo Subianto was previously mentioned, but Joko Widodo is the current President)
– Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
– Population: Approximately 280 million
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3. When is World Water Day celebrated?
a. 20 March
b. 21 March
c. 22 March
d. 23 March
Answer: c. 22 March
Theme 2025
– Glacier Preservation
Theme Explanation:
– Glaciers store about 70% of Earth’s freshwater and provide water to rivers, lakes, and ecosystems. They also play a significant role in cooling the climate.
– This day has been celebrated every year since 1993.
– It is declared by the United Nations.
– The aim of the day is to focus on the availability of clean water, water scarcity, and challenges in water management.
Importance:
– Water Scarcity: Over 2 billion people around the world live without safe drinking water. Every two minutes, a child under the age of five dies due to diarrhea caused by contaminated water and poor sanitation.
– Melting Glaciers: Due to climate change, glaciers are melting rapidly, which could have a severe impact on water supply and environmental stability.
– Situation in India: India has approximately 16,627 glaciers in the Himalayan region, which play a vital role in the country’s water supply. Their melting could affect the water levels of rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, impacting the livelihoods of millions of people.
Government Efforts:
– The Indian government has launched several initiatives for water conservation, such as the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’, ‘Atal Bhujal Yojana’, and ‘Namami Gange’.
– The objective of these schemes is to ensure sustainable management and conservation of water resources.
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4. What is India’s ranking among happy countries according to the United Nations (UN) World Happiness Index 2025?
a. 12
b. 118
c. 126
d. 167
Answer: b. 118
– This report was published on March 20, 2025, by the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University in partnership with Gallup, the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the editorial board of WHR.
– India’s ranking is 118. In the previous report, this ranking was 126.
– Compared to India, Pakistan is a happier country with a ranking of 109.
On what standards is the ranking determined?
– The World Happiness Report 2025 includes an index of 147 countries.
– To measure the happiness of these 147 countries, questions were developed based on several standards.
– These include the country’s GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and the perception of corruption.
– By analyzing these factors, the report presents a complete picture of happiness worldwide.
Neighboring Countries of India:
– China: 68
– Nepal: 92
– Pakistan: 109
– Bangladesh: 134
– Myanmar: 126
– Afghanistan: 147 (This country is at the very bottom of the list.)
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5. Which is the happiest country in the world according to ‘World Happiness Index 2025’?
a. India
b. Denmark
c. Finland
d. Iceland
Answer: c. Finland
– Finland has secured the first position for the 8th consecutive time in the list of the world’s happiest countries.
– Afghanistan remained at the bottom of the list, ranking 147th.
Top 10 countries in the index
1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Iceland
4. Sweden
5. Netherlands
6. Costa Rica
7. Norway
8. Israel
9. Luxembourg
10. Mexico
118. India
Finland:
– Capital: Helsinki
– President: Alexander Stubb
– Prime Minister: Petteri Orpo
– Currency: Euro
– Population: 5.6 million
– Neighboring Countries: Sweden, Norway, Russia
Finland and Sweden are the 32nd and 31st members of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
– World Happiness Day: March 20
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6. “On 22nd March 2025, which Bihar Day was celebrated?”
a. 110th
b. 111th
c. 113th
d. 115th
Answer: c. 113th
Theme 2025
– Advanced Bihar, Developed Bihar
– In fact, on this day (March 22) in 1912, Bihar was separated from the Bengal Presidency and granted the status of an independent state.
– The 113th Bihar Day was celebrated in 2025.
History and Cultural Heritage:
– Ancient Civilization: The history of Bihar dates back to the Neolithic period, where evidence of a civilization from 2500 BC was found at sites like Chirand.
– Mahajanapads and Empires: Bihar, which was the center of the Magadh Empire, gave rise to great empires like the Maurya and Gupta, which played an important role in the history of the Indian subcontinent.
– Center of Education: Nalanda and Vikramshila Universities made Bihar a global education hub, where students from all over the world came to gain knowledge.
– Spiritual Heritage: This land was the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and Mahavir, who delivered the messages of peace, non-violence (ahimsa), and compassion (karuna) to the world.
Modern Bihar’s Challenges and Progress:
– Growth Rate: In recent years, Bihar has achieved a growth rate of over 10%, which is higher than many developed states.
– Infrastructure Development: Significant improvements have been made in roads, electricity, and digital infrastructure, reflecting the state’s overall progress.
– Education and Health: The government has taken several initiatives in the education and healthcare sectors, resulting in improvements in literacy rates and healthcare facilities.
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7. The President of which country closed his federal education department?
a. France
b. Japan
c. USA
d. UK
Answer: c. USA
– In March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to close the U.S. Department of Education.
– Trump believes that the department has failed to improve student performance and is negatively impacting the education system due to excessive bureaucracy.
How Education Will Be Provided Now:
– According to Trump’s plan, the rights and responsibilities related to education will be handed over to the states and local administrations.
– This will allow each state to establish education policies according to its own needs and priorities.
– Additionally, some specific programs will be transferred to other federal agencies.
– For example, the responsibility for student loan management will be transferred to the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the responsibility for special education programs will be handed over to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
– After this change, education for students will primarily be managed at the state and local levels. State governments and local school boards will determine the curriculum, standards, and policies for education.
– The Trump administration is encouraging private and charter schools, which could provide alternative options for students. However, these may not be accessible or affordable for all students.
How the Department of Education Worked Previously:
– The U.S. Department of Education was established in 1979. The main objective of its creation was to improve the quality of education nationwide and provide equal educational opportunities for all students.
– The federal government’s role was considered essential to ensure that students from low-income, disabled, and disadvantaged backgrounds receive equal opportunities.
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8. When is World Poetry Day celebrated?
a. 24 March
b. 23 March
c. 22 March
d. 21 March
Answer: d. 21 March
– In 1999, at the 30th session of UNESCO held in Paris, it was declared to observe this day.
– The purpose of this day is to honor the creative glory of poets and poetry.
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9. Which Indian scholar was honored with Norway’s ‘Holberg Prize 2025’?
a. Arundhati Roy
b. Gayatri Spivak
c. Mridula Garg
d. Mahasweta
Answer: b. Gayatri Spivak
– This award was announced in March 2025.
About Gayatri Spivak:
– Her full name is Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak.
– She is a renowned literary critic and postcolonial scholar.
– She was born in 1942 in Kolkata.
– She became famous for her book “Can the Subaltern Speak?” (1988).
– Since 2007, she has been a professor of humanities at Columbia University.
– She is a founding member of the Institute for Comparative Literature and Society.
– She earned her PhD from Cornell University in 1967.
– In 1959, she graduated from the University of Calcutta.
– Her works have been translated into more than 20 languages.
About the Holberg Prize:
– The Holberg Prize is an international award given by the Norwegian government every year to scholars who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of arts, humanities, social sciences, law, and theology.
– The award is named after Danish-Norwegian author and teacher Ludwig Holberg (1684-1754).
– The Holberg Prize is accompanied by a cash award of 6 million Norwegian kroner (NOK) (approximately $566,000 or around ₹4.88 crores).
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10. When is World Puppetry Day celebrated?
a. 23 March
b. 22 March
c. 21 March
d. 20 March
Answer: c. 21 March
– The purpose of this day is to spread this ancient folk art to the masses and make the upcoming generation aware of it.
– Puppet art is a blend of many arts, including writing, drama, painting, costume design, sculpture, woodcraft, textile production, makeup, music, dance, and more.
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11. When was World Sleep Day celebrated in the year 2025?
a. 12 March
b. 13 March
c. 14 March
d. 21 March
Answer: d. 21 March
– This day is celebrated every year on the third Friday of March.
Theme 2025
– Make Sleep Health a Priority
– World Sleep Day is celebrated to raise awareness about sleep worldwide.
– Its purpose is to make people aware of the importance of sleep, helping them understand how significant sleep is in life.
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