This is the current affairs of 14 to 16 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 river has ‘virtually non-existent’ in Delhi as per the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources in its report (March 2025)?
a. Hindon
b. Sahibi
c. Yamuna
d. Ganga
Answer: c. Yamuna
– Report of which committee of Parliament – Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources
– Report Name – Review of Upper Yamuna River Cleaning Project Up to Delhi and River Bed Management in Delhi
– This report was presented in the Parliament in March 2025.
What is said in the report:
– The committee found that the dissolved oxygen levels in the Yamuna River in Delhi are “virtually non-existent” due to inadequate levels of dissolved oxygen in the river.
– The panel found that “for 9 months out of the 12 months of the year, there is virtually zero environmental flow available downstream of the Wazirabad Barrage…”
– Even if the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) treats all its sewage according to the required standards, it will still remain polluted due to the lack of freshwater flow downstream of Wazirabad. (After this, Delhi’s sewage flows into the Yamuna River).
– “Even if the Delhi Jal Board treats all the sewage generated in Delhi to a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 10 mg/liter, the desired water quality in the Yamuna River with less than 3 mg/liter of BOD and more than 5 mg/liter of dissolved oxygen (DO) cannot be achieved due to the unavailability of fresh water downstream of Wazirabad.” (Note – For safe drinking water, the ideal BOD level should be less than 1 mg/liter (or 1 PPM).)
– Out of the 33 locations on the Yamuna River, 23 (six each in Haryana and Delhi, and 11 in Uttar Pradesh) – where water quality is being assessed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) – are unsuitable for bathing.
– According to CPCB’s primary water quality criteria for bathing, DO should be 5 mg/l or more, BOD should be 3 mg/l or less, and fecal coliform should be less than 2,500 MPN/100 ml.
– In the approximately 40 km stretch of the Yamuna in Delhi (excluding Palla River), there is no dissolved oxygen, and only after the confluence with the Chambal River (in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh) does the water quality begin to improve.
Water Shortage in the Yamuna:
– The National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) had recommended increasing the e-flow to 23 cumecs during the lean season, but the Haryana government refused, citing the 1994 interstate water-sharing agreement.
– However, this issue is set to be reviewed after 2025.
– There was no response from the Haryana Irrigation Department on the committee’s previous recommendation.
– According to the 1994 agreement, there was an agreement to maintain an environmental flow of up to 10 cumecs (cubic feet per second).
– Therefore, the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) informed the committee that this issue might be considered for review after 2025.
Conclusion of the Report:
– The central government has spent Rs 1,514.70 crore under the Yamuna Action Plan since 1993 for the construction of STPs in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. The committee’s findings indicate that such steps are being taken, but the primary concern of maintaining adequate environmental flow remains unresolved.
– The committee reiterated that the Ministry of Environment, in coordination with the National Mission for Clean Ganga, should conduct a study to assess the damage caused to the river’s ecology and its aquatic life.
– The committee had previously recommended managing the riverbed through dredging in light of the presence of heavy metals like lead, copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, and chromium in the Yamuna River.
– While DJB did not respond, the NMCG referenced the 2017 Chitle Committee report, which advised against large-scale dredging of rivers.
– The committee repeats that the department could take active steps for controlled dredging of sludge at least.
What is a Parliamentary Standing Committee?
– A parliamentary committee is a panel of MPs appointed or elected by the house or nominated by the Speaker/Chairperson.
– The committee works under the direction of the Chairperson and submits its report to the house or the Speaker/Chairperson.
– Parliamentary committees originated in the British Parliament.
– They derive their authority from Articles 105 and 118. Article 105 deals with the privileges of MPs, and Article 118 grants Parliament the power to make rules to regulate its procedures and conduct of business.
– These committees help organize, scrutinize, and control the functioning of Parliament.
– They are permanent and regular, formed annually or periodically, and work on an ongoing basis.
– These committees aim to organize, scrutinize, and control the functioning of Parliament.
– They investigate various issues such as government assurances, subordinate legislation, papers laid on the table, welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, women empowerment, etc.
– There are 24 department-related standing committees that cover all ministries/departments of the Government of India.
– These committees simplify and regulate Parliament’s functioning and directly connect Parliament with the public.
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2. When is the International Day of Action for Rivers celebrated?
a. 12 March
b. 13 March
c. 14 March
d. 15 March
Answer: c. 14 March
Theme 2025
– Our rivers, our future
– Every year on March 14, the International Day of Action for Rivers is celebrated.
– This day is dedicated to highlighting the importance of river protection, conservation of water resources, and the rights of communities affected by dams and other water projects.
Objective and Importance:
– The main objective of this day is to raise global awareness about the need for river conservation and to stop the illegal exploitation of water resources.
– Rivers are not only a source of drinking water but also play a crucial role in agriculture, electricity generation, biodiversity, and ecological balance.
Challenges:
– Today, rivers around the world are struggling with problems such as pollution, encroachment, uncontrolled industrialization, and climate change.
– Large dams and water projects have caused many communities to face displacement.
– In India, major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and others are affected by pollution, which is adversely impacting aquatic life and human health.
Solutions and Efforts:
– River cleaning and rejuvenation projects.
– A ban on plastic and industrial waste.
– Strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
– Increasing the participation of local communities.
– The International Day of Action for Rivers reminds us that rivers are not just water channels, but lifelines. We need to raise awareness for their conservation and take steps toward sustainable development.
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3. Which university has ranked first in the QS World University Rankings 2025?
a. Cambridge University
b. Stanford University
c. Oxford University
d. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Answer d. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Top-10 Global Universities:
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
2. Imperial College London, UK
3. Oxford University, UK
4. Harvard University, USA
5. Cambridge University, UK
6. Stanford University, USA
7. ETH Zurich, Switzerland
8. National University of Singapore, Singapore
9. University College London, UK
10. California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA
Criteria (Parameters) for Ranking:
– Academic reputation, employer reputation, teacher-student ratio, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, international research network, students’ job opportunities.
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4. Which Indian institution got the best ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2025?
a. JNU
b. IISc Bangalore
c. IIT Madras
d. IIT Bombay
Answer d. IIT Bombay (Global Ranking 118)
– IIT Bombay is ranked 118th.
– Last time (in 2024), IIT Bombay was ranked 149th. However, in 2025, it improved its position to 118th.
– This institution is considered one of the best in India.
– More than 1400 institutions from around the world are included in this ranking. Among them, 79 Indian institutions have made their place.
– No Indian institution is in the top 100 list globally.
– However, nine Indian institutions have secured 12 positions in the top 50 in subject rankings and across major faculty areas.
– In the engineering and technology category, IIT Delhi is ranked 26th, and IIT Bombay is ranked 28th.
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5. Which Indian institution has ranked 20th globally in the ‘Engineering-Minerals & Mining’ category of the QS World University Rankings 2025, making it the highest-performing subject area in the country?
a. IIT Dhanbad (Indian School of Mines)
b. IISc Bangalore
c. IIT Madras
d. IIT Bombay
Answer: a. IIT Dhanbad (Indian School of Mines)
– Nine Indian institutions have secured 12 positions in the top 50 in subject rankings and across major faculty areas.
Global Rankings in Some Subjects and Faculty Areas:
– Engineering – Minerals and Mining: IIT Dhanbad (Indian School of Mines) {Rank 20}
– Engineering and Technology: IIT Delhi {Rank 26}, IIT Bombay {Rank 28}, and IIT Kharagpur {Rank 45}
– Business and Management Studies: IIT Ahmedabad {Rank 27}, IIT Bangalore {Rank 40}
– Development Studies: JNU {Rank 26}
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6. How many Indian institutions are included in the top 200 list of QS World University Rankings 2025?
a. IIT Bombay and JNU
b. IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi
c. IISc Bangalore and IIT Bombay
d. IIT Madras and IIT Rohtak
Answer: b. IIT Bombay (Rank 118) and IIT Delhi (Rank 150)
Which Institutions?
Rank and Institution
– 118: IIT Bombay
– 150: IIT Delhi
Top Indian Universities in the Top 1000 Global Rankings:
Ranking – University: Score
– 118: IIT Bombay
– 150: IIT Delhi
– 211: IISc Bangalore
– 222: IIT Kharagpur
– 227: IIT Madras
– 263: IIT Kanpur
– 328: Delhi University
– 335: IIT Roorkee
– 344: IIT Guwahati
– 383: Anna University
– 477: IIT Indore
– 531: IIT BHU, Varanasi
– 580: JNU
– 587: Shoolini University Biotechnology and Management Science
– 631-340: Savitribai Phule Pune University
– 641-650: Symbiosis International, Pune
– 681-690: IIT Hyderabad
– 691-700: Chandigarh University
– 701-710: IIT Tiruchirappalli
– 711-720: Mumbai University
– 721-730: Jadavpur University
– 751-760: Calcutta University
– 791-800: VIT Vellore
– 801-850: BITS Pilani
– 801-850: Hyderabad University
– 801-850: UPES
– 851-900: Jamia Millia Islamia
– 851-900: Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology
– 901-950: Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka
– 951-1000: IIT Bhubaneswar
– 951-1000: Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thiruvallur
Note: In the subject category “Development Studies,” JNU ranks 20th in the world and 1st in India. However, in the overall university ranking, it is ranked 601-610 globally.
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7. PM Modi attended the 57th National Day celebrations of which island country of the Indian Ocean as the chief guest?
a. Maldives
b. Seychelles
c. Reunion
d. Mauritius
Answer: d. Mauritius
Mauritius
– Capital: Port Louis
– President: Prithvirajsing Roopun
– Prime Minister: Pravind Jugnauth
– Currency: Mauritian Rupee
– Ocean where the country is located: Indian Ocean (This country is located near Africa.)
– Population: 1.235 million
– Languages Spoken: 90.0% Mauritian Creole, 5.1% Bhojpuri, 4.4% French
– Ethnic Groups: 67% Indian, 28% Creole, 3% Chinese, 2% French
– Mauritius gained independence from the British on March 12, 1968.
– It gained independence under the leadership of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, of Indian origin.
– The country became a republic on March 12, 1992.
– This day is celebrated as Mauritius National Day.
PM Modi participated in the National Day celebrations:
– During the National Day celebrations of Mauritius (on March 12, 2025), a contingent of the Indian Army, a warship of the Navy, and the Air Force’s Akash Ganga Sky Diving Team also participated.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India-Mauritius partnership has been given the status of “Enhanced Strategic Partnership.”
– India will assist Mauritius in constructing a new Parliament building.
– PM Modi referred to this as a gift from India, the “Mother of Democracy,” to Mauritius.
India – Mauritius Relations
– India has had a relationship with Mauritius for 191 years.
– During that time, the British took Indians to Mauritius as indentured laborers. This is why the Indian population in Mauritius is significant.
– The term ‘Girmitya’ is derived from the English word ‘Agreement,’ as these indentured laborers were given a contract (Girmit) to work for a specified period.
Arrival of Indentured Laborers in Mauritius
– In 1834, after the British government abolished slave trade, there was a need for labor for Chinese and other plantation activities.
– For this reason, the British government contracted laborers from India and sent them to Mauritius.
– For the first time, 36 Indian laborers were sent to Mauritius 191 years ago. These laborers were called Girmityas. On September 10, 1834, 36 laborers were sent from Kolkata aboard a ship named Atlas. After a journey of 53 days, the ship reached Mauritius on November 2. All these laborers were from Bihar but worked in Kolkata.
– In memory of this event, Immigrant Day is celebrated in Mauritius on November 2.
Why Were Indians, Especially From Bihar, Taken to Mauritius?
– In the 18th century, due to famine and hunger in India, nearly 30 million people lost their lives. Given the poverty in the country, the British conducted an experiment called ‘The Great Experiment.’ The British lured laborers to work elsewhere in exchange for debt relief. According to the British, any laborer who agreed to work would have their debt forgiven. In this way, the British took Indian people to Mauritius.
Bilateral Trade Between India and Mauritius
– In 2022-23, the bilateral trade between India and Mauritius amounted to ₹4,800 crores.
– India’s exports to Mauritius: ₹4,000 crores
– Imports from Mauritius to India: ₹800 crores
India’s Military Relations with Mauritius
– India and Mauritius have had close cooperation on maritime security and other aspects.
– Indian defense officials are deputed to the Mauritius Defense Forces.
– An Indian Navy officer serves as the head of the Mauritius National Coast Guard.
– An Indian Air Force officer commands the police helicopter squadron.
– An Indian Navy officer is the head of the Mauritius Hydrographic Services.
– Around 20 officers from the Indian Armed Forces are deputed in Mauritius.
– The relations between India and Mauritius have been longstanding and are deeply connected on historical, cultural, and economic levels.
India Builds Runway and Jetty on Agalega Island
– On February 29, 2024, PM Modi and the then Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, jointly inaugurated a runway, jetty, and several other development projects.
– The upgraded runway and jetty are key strategic projects that can help expand India’s reach in the Indian Ocean and enhance coverage of the waters off the eastern coast of Africa. This is particularly important as India seeks to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region, including the Maldives.
– From this location, India and Mauritius will be able to jointly monitor Chinese military ships and submarines in the western Indian Ocean.
– Location of the runway: The Agalega Islands, a dependency of Mauritius, consists of two islands—the main northern island and the smaller southern island. The runway built by India is located 1,100 kilometers north of Mauritius’s capital, Port Louis, and 2,500 kilometers southwest of the capital of the Maldives, Malé.
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8. How many agreements were signed between the two countries during Indian PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius for its 57th National Day celebrations?
a. 2
b. 8
c. 12
d. 24
Answer: b. 8
– India-Mauritius 8 Agreements Signed During the 57th National Day Celebration
– Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated as the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ 57th National Day celebrations.
– During the event, bilateral talks were held between the Prime Ministers of India and Mauritius.
– 8 agreements were signed between the two countries.
The 8 Agreements between India and Mauritius
1. Local Currency Settlement System
– Between: RBI (Reserve Bank of India) and the Central Bank of Mauritius.
– Objective: Both countries will use their local currencies in trade, reducing dependency on the US dollar.
2. Financial Assistance for Water Projects
– Between: Government of Mauritius and SBI (State Bank of India).
– Objective: Loan facilities for Mauritius’ water supply projects under the pipe replacement program.
3. Diplomatic Training
– Between: Indian Foreign Service Institute and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius.
– Objective: Diplomatic training will be provided to Mauritius’ diplomats in India.
4. Maritime Security Cooperation
– Between: Indian Navy and Mauritius Police Force.
– Objective: Agreement on sharing white shipping information, which will strengthen maritime security.
5. Cooperation in Investigating Economic Crimes
– Between: Financial Crimes Commission of Mauritius and India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED).
– Objective: Cooperation in preventing money laundering and other financial crimes.
6. Cooperation in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
– Between: Ministry of Industry of Mauritius and the Ministry of MSME, India.
– Objective: Collaboration to support the development of startups, small industries, and traders.
7. Administrative Reforms and Training
– Between: Public Service Ministry of Mauritius and India’s National Centre for Good Governance.
– Objective: Training programs for Mauritian government officials.
8. Maritime Research and Information Sharing
– Between: Indian Ocean Information Service Center and the Maritime Department of Mauritius.
– Objective: Collaboration in ocean science, weather, and maritime information sharing.
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9. Which island country awarded PM Modi ‘The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’ award?
a. Maldives
b. Seychelles
c. Reunion
d. Mauritius
Answer: d. Mauritius
– PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian to receive this honor.
– This honor was given to him by Mauritius President Dharam Gokhool.
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10. Who took oath as the 24th Prime Minister of Canada in March 2025?
a. Joni Mitchell
b. Bryan Adams
c. Mark Carney
d. Justin Trudeau
Answer: c. Mark Carney
– He took the oath on March 14, 2025.
– Mark Carney has stated that he aims to improve relations with India.
– He wants to end the tensions that have arisen between the two countries.
– Before the elections, he had said that if he became Prime Minister, he would restore trade relations with India.
– Mark Carney replaced Justin Trudeau.
About Mark Carney:
– Born: March 16, 1965
– Bank of Canada: 2008-2013 (Governor)
– Bank of England: 2013-2020 (Governor)
– Citizenship: Canadian, British, and Irish
– He played a crucial role in helping Canada recover from the 2008 financial crisis.
What is the India-Canada Dispute?
– Recently, a major diplomatic dispute has occurred 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 then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India could be involved in the murder.
Canada:
– Population: Approximately 40 million
– New Prime Minister: Mark Carney
– Capital: Ottawa
– Currency: Canadian Dollar
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11. When is the International Day of Mathematics (IDM) celebrated?
a. 12 March
b. 13 March
c. 14 March
d. 15 March
Answer: c. 14 March
Theme 2025
– Mathematics, Art, and Creativity
– This day is declared by UNESCO.
– Earlier this day was celebrated only as Pi Day, but now it is widely celebrated as a celebration of all aspects of mathematics.
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12. Madhav Tiger Reserve of which state was declared the 58th reserve of the country?
a. Bihar
b. Karnataka
c. Uttar Pradesh
d. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: d. Madhya Pradesh
Madhav Tiger Reserve:
– Madhav National Park is located in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh, in Shivpuri district.
– It was notified as a national park in 1958.
– It is the 9th tiger reserve of Madhya Pradesh.
– Under the Tiger Reintroduction Project, three tigers, including two females, were brought to Madhav National Park in 2023.
– The southern part of Madhav Tiger Reserve has two lakes – Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar.
– These lakes not only enhance the region’s natural beauty but also provide a permanent water source for wildlife, offering an excellent wetland habitat for aquatic life, including thousands of migratory waterfowl.
– Sakhya Sagar has been designated as a Ramsar site since 2022.
MP’s 9 Tiger Reserves:
1. Kanha Tiger Reserve:
– Established as a national park in 1955 and declared a tiger reserve in 1973.
– Home to 80 tigers.
– Total area: 940 square kilometers.
2. Pench Tiger Reserve:
– Located in the Seoni region, spreading across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
– Core area: 4.33 square kilometers; Buffer area: 768.3 square kilometers.
3. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:
– Known for the highest population of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world.
– Located in Umaria district, declared a tiger reserve in 1968.
– Area: 448 square kilometers.
4. Satpura Tiger Reserve:
– Located in Narmadapuram district.
– Area: 524 square kilometers.
– Declared a tiger reserve in 1981.
– Home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs.
5. Panna Tiger Reserve:
– Located in Panna district.
– Area: 5763 square kilometers.
– Established in 1981 and declared a tiger reserve in 1994.
6. Nauradehi Tiger Reserve:
– Located in Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts.
– Core area: 23.97 square kilometers.
– Declared a tiger reserve on 20th September 2023.
7. Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve:
– Located in Sidhi district.
– Famous for the discovery of the white tiger by the then Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa in 1951.
– Area: 82.58 square kilometers.
– Tiger reserve established in 1975.
8. Ratapani Tiger Reserve:
– Located near Bhopal, covering Sehore and Raisen districts.
– Core area: 763.82 square kilometers; Buffer area: 50.76 square kilometers.
– Total area of the reserve: 27.46 square kilometers.
9. Madhav National Tiger Reserve:
– Located in Shivpuri district.
– Declared as a national park in 1958.
– Area: 1651 square kilometers.
– Core area: 3751 square kilometers; Buffer area: 276 square kilometers.
– Declared a tiger sanctuary in March 2025.
58 Tiger Reserves of the country
1. Bandipur (Karnataka)
2. Corbett (Uttarakhand) [Amangarh Buffer – Uttar Pradesh]
3. Kanha (Madhya Pradesh)
4. Manas (Assam)
5. Melghat (Maharashtra)
6. Palamu (Jharkhand)
7. Ranthambore (Rajasthan)
8. Simlipal (Odisha)
9. Sundarban (West Bengal)
10. Periyar (Kerala)
11. Sariska (Rajasthan)
12. Buxa (West Bengal)
13. Indravati (Chhattisgarh)
14. Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh)
15. Nagarjunasagar Sagar (Andhra Pradesh)
16. Dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh)
17. Kalakad Mundanthurai (Tamil Nadu)
18. Valmiki (Bihar)
19. Pench (Madhya Pradesh)
20. Tadobha Andhari (Maharashtra)
21. Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh)
22. Panna (Madhya Pradesh)
23. Dampa (Mizoram)
24. Bhadra (Karnataka)
25. Pench – MH (Maharashtra)
26. Pakke (Arunachal Pradesh)
27. Nameri (Assam)
28. Satpura (Madhya Pradesh)
29. Anamalai (Tamil Nadu)
30. Udanti Sitanadi (Chhattisgarh)
31. Satkosia (Odisha)
32. Kaziranga (Assam)
33. Achanakmar (Chhattisgarh)
34. Kali (Karnataka)
35. Sanjay Dhubri (Madhya Pradesh)
36. Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu)
37. Nagarhole (Karnataka)
38. Parambikulam (Kerala)
39. Sahyadri (Maharashtra)
40. Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (Karnataka)
41. Kawal (Telangana)
42. Satyamangalam (Tamil Nadu)
43. Mukundra (Rajasthan)
44. Navegaon Nagzira (Maharashtra)
45. Amrabad (Telangana)
46. Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh)
47. Bor (Maharashtra)
48. Rajaji (Uttarakhand)
49. Orang (Assam)
50. Kamalang (Arunachal Pradesh)
51. Srivilliputhur Megamalai (Tamil Nadu)
52. Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan)
53. Ranipur Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh)
54. Veerangana Durgawati Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
55. Karauli Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan)
56. Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh)
57. Ratapani Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
58. Madhav National Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
Madhya Pradesh:
– Chief Minister – Mohan Yadav
– Governor – Mangubhai C. Patel
– Capital – Bhopal
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
– Established in December 2005.
– Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and Chairman: Bhupender Yadav
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