Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 1 March 2025, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

World NGO Day 2025: Date, Theme

World NGO Day is celebrated every year on February 27 to recognize and appreciate the vital contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in tackling important global challenges. This day serves as a platform to honor the roles of NGOs in areas such as humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, human rights, and environmental protection. The theme for World NGO Day 2025 is “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future,” highlighting the importance of local organizations in promoting sustainable development. Established in 2010 and first observed in 2014, this day continues to gain international recognition, with governments, businesses, and communities working together to support the efforts of NGOs around the world.

Theme for World NGO Day 2025

• “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future”.
• Highlights the role of local NGOs in promoting sustainability.
• Aligns with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

India’s Maritime Sector Set for Transformation: Sarbananda Sonowal Launches ‘One Nation-One Port Process’

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled a range of transformative initiatives designed to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure and strengthen its position in global trade. These announcements were made at a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai, in line with the Union Budget’s focus on revitalizing the maritime sector. The initiatives aim to streamline operations, enhance port efficiency, promote international trade, and advance India’s shipbuilding industry.

One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP): Standardizing Port Operations

One of the most important initiatives introduced is the ‘One Nation-One Port Process’ (ONOP), an innovative effort designed to remove inefficiencies and establish a cohesive operational framework across India’s major ports. By standardizing documentation and streamlining processes, ONOP is expected to:

• Reduce operational delays by ensuring uniform port procedures.
• Cut logistics costs by optimizing workflow and eliminating redundancies.
• Enhance India’s global competitiveness by aligning port operations with international standards.

This initiative is crucial for positioning India as a leading maritime hub, boosting economic growth, and strengthening the nation’s trade infrastructure.

World Civil Defence Day: Date, Theme

World Civil Defence Day, marked every year on March 1st, aims to promote awareness of civil protection, disaster preparedness, and emergency response. Created by the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), this day showcases the critical role that civil defence organizations play in safeguarding communities against natural and man-made disasters.

The 2025 theme, “Civil Defence, Guarantee of Security for the Population,” highlights the importance of strong disaster management strategies, community involvement, and proactive preparedness efforts to safeguard lives and property. Governments, organizations, and emergency response agencies carry out training programs, mock drills, and awareness campaigns to inform the public on how to respond effectively during crises.

NASA’s New Telescope to Unveil the Most Colorful Cosmic Map

NASA is on the verge of launching its SPHEREx telescope, which aims to generate the most comprehensive and colorful map of the universe to date. The telescope will use infrared spectroscopy to analyze light in 96 different bands, well beyond the capabilities of human vision. This will aid scientists in understanding how the universe formed, how galaxies evolve, and how life-forming molecules are distributed. Unlike the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which targets high-resolution views of specific regions, SPHEREx will map the entire sky in just a few months.

Key Features and Objectives of SPHEREx

Mission Overview

• Full Name: Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx).
• Mission Duration: Two years.
• Purpose: Create the most detailed and colorful infrared map of the universe.
• Data Collection: 8 million spectroscopic images covering the entire sky.

Advancements in Cosmic Mapping

• Will divide light into 96 bands (compared to the human eye’s three bands).
• Covers the entire sky, unlike JWST and Hubble, which observe small sections.
• Expected to map 1 billion galaxies, 100 million stars, and 10,000 asteroids.
• Provides large-scale data needed for understanding the structure and history of the universe.

Government Achieves 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) Goal

The Central Sector Scheme for the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 29, 2020, with a budget of ₹6,865 crore allocated until 2027-28. This initiative aims to empower small and marginal farmers by improving their access to markets, providing financial support, and enhancing their collective bargaining power. Recently, the 10,000th FPO was inaugurated in Khagaria, Bihar, focusing on crops like maize, banana, and paddy. Approximately 30 lakh farmers, including 40% women, are now part of FPOs, significantly contributing to the agricultural economy.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

About the Scheme

• Launched by: PM Narendra Modi on February 29, 2020
• Budget: ₹6,865 crore (2020-2027)
• Objective: Formation of 10,000 FPOs to boost farmers’ income through collective farming and marketing
• Latest Milestone: 10,000th FPO registered in Khagaria, Bihar
• Beneficiaries: 30 lakh farmers, with 40% women participation

Financial Assistance

• Equity grants: ₹254.4 crore to 4,761 FPOs
• Credit guarantee cover: ₹453 crore for 1,900 FPOs

Financial Support

• ₹18 lakh per FPO for management costs (3 years)
• Matching equity grant of ₹2,000 per farmer (up to ₹15 lakh per FPO)
• Credit guarantee facility up to ₹2 crore per FPO

Role of FPOs in Agriculture

• Definition: Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are registered groups of farmers working together for better market access and resource utilization.
• Regulated under: Companies Act (Part IXA) or Co-operative Societies Act
• Mandated by: Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC)

Objectives of FPOs

• Enhance farmers’ income through better market linkages
• Reduce input costs by providing collective access to seeds, fertilizers, and technology
• Ensure financial and credit support to small and marginal farmers
• Promote value addition through processing and branding
• Encourage sustainable farming practices
• Government Support & Ministry Convergence

Key Initiatives under the Scheme

• Credit Guarantee Fund (CGF): Provides financial security for banks to lend to FPOs.
• ONDC Integration: 5,000+ FPOs onboarded on the Open Network for Digital Commerce for online selling.
• CSC MoU: Agreement signed to convert 10,000 FPOs into Common Service Centers (CSCs), providing digital services in rural areas.

Activities & Services Provided by FPOs

• Supply of quality inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides at lower costs
• Access to machinery and equipment on rental basis
• Value addition & processing facilities (cleaning, grading, packaging)
• Storage & transportation support
• Better market linkages through collective selling and negotiation
• Additional income-generating activities (beekeeping, seed production, etc.)

World Seagrass Day 2025

World Seagrass Day is observed every year on March 1 to raise awareness about the crucial role seagrass plays in our ecosystems and to encourage conservation initiatives. Seagrass is essential for sustaining marine life, protecting coastlines, and serving as a significant carbon sink. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially recognized this day on May 22, 2022, after a resolution put forward by Sri Lanka highlighted the pressing need for seagrass conservation.

What is Seagrass?

Seagrass is a type of flowering plant that grows in shallow coastal waters around the world, with the exception of Antarctica. It is one of the rare plant species that has adapted to life underwater, offering food and habitat to many marine creatures. Unlike seaweed, seagrass has roots, stems, and leaves, which makes it more akin to land plants.

Types of Seagrass and Their Global Presence

There are 72 known species of seagrass distributed across 159 countries, covering an estimated 300,000 square kilometers of seabed. Some of the most common types of seagrass include:

• Eelgrass (Zostera marina) – Found in temperate regions, providing habitats for fish and crustaceans.
• Shoal Grass (Halodule wrightii) – Thrives in shallow waters and serves as a food source for marine herbivores.
• Star Grass (Halophila engelmannii) – Grows in tropical and subtropical regions, supporting diverse marine species.

Cape Vultures Spotted After 30 Years in South Africa’s Eastern Cape

The recent sighting of 85 Cape Vultures (Gyps coprotheres) in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after three decades is a significant milestone for conservationists. These vultures, which are native to Southern Africa, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by helping to prevent the spread of disease through the disposal of carrion. While conservation efforts have stabilized their population, vultures around the world still face numerous threats. This resurgence underscores the importance of ongoing conservation initiatives.

Key Points on Cape Vultures and Their Conservation

1. About Cape Vultures (Gyps coprotheres)

• Scientific Name:Gyps coprotheres
• Common Name: Cape Vulture
• Family: Accipitridae (Old World Vultures)
• Exclusive Habitat: Southern Africa
• Key Role: Prevents disease spread by consuming carrion

2. Recent Sighting in Eastern Cape

• First sighting in over 30 years near Mountain Zebra National Park, Spitskop Cradock
• 85 wild Cape Vultures spotted
• Conservationists view this as a positive sign of population recovery

India’s Economic Growth in Q3 of FY 2024-25: A Detailed Analysis

India’s economic growth has significantly improved in the third quarter (Q3) of FY 2024-25, with Real GDP rising to 6.2%, an increase from the previously reported 5.4% in the last quarter. This encouraging growth trend is supported by revised estimates, which now project India’s Real GDP growth at 6.5% for the entire financial year 2024-25. Additionally, the Nominal GDP is anticipated to grow at a rate of 9.9%, both figures being revised upwards from the First Advance Estimates.

This article delves into the various aspects of India’s economic performance, sectoral contributions, and projected growth trends for FY 2024-25.

India’s Real and Nominal GDP Growth in Q3 of FY 2024-25

Real GDP Growth

The Real GDP (GDP at Constant Prices) for the third quarter of FY 2024-25 is estimated to be Rs 47.17 lakh crore, up from Rs 44.44 lakh crore in the same quarter of FY 2023-24, indicating a growth rate of 6.2%. Furthermore, the growth rate for Real GDP in the second quarter of FY 2024-25 has been revised upward to 5.6%, an increase from the earlier estimate of 5.4%.

Nominal GDP Growth

In Q3 of FY 2024-25, the Nominal GDP (GDP at Current Prices) is estimated to reach Rs 84.74 lakh crore, an increase from Rs 77.10 lakh crore in Q3 of FY 2023-24, marking a growth rate of 9.9%. This positive adjustment in estimates highlights strong economic momentum, driven by essential sectors such as Manufacturing, Construction, and Financial Services.

Economic Performance in FY 2023-24

According to the First Revised Estimates, India’s Real GDP grew by 9.2% in FY 2023-24, marking the highest growth in the past 12 years, except for the post-pandemic FY 2021-22.

Key Contributors to Growth in FY 2023-24

1. Manufacturing Sector: Registered an impressive growth of 12.3%.
2. Construction Sector: Showed a growth rate of 10.4%.
3. Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services: Recorded a growth rate of 10.3%.

These double-digit growth rates played a crucial role in India’s overall economic expansion during FY 2023-24.

Sectoral Growth Projections for FY 2024-25

The sector-wise growth projections for FY 2024-25 highlight key drivers of the Indian economy:

1. Construction Sector

• Estimated to grow at 8.6% in FY 2024-25, showcasing continued expansion in infrastructure and real estate activities.

2. Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services

• Expected to observe a growth rate of 7.2%, indicating a robust financial and professional services industry.

3. Trade, Hotels, Transport, Communication & Services related to Broadcasting

• This sector is projected to grow by 6.4%, reflecting a positive trend in consumer-driven services.

Centre’s Proposal to Reduce States’ Share of Central Taxes from 2026

The Union government is considering a reduction in the share of central tax revenues allocated to states, from the current 41% to at least 40%. The recommendation will be submitted to the Finance Commission of India, chaired by economist Arvind Panagariya, which is set to present its report by October 31, 2025, for implementation from fiscal year 2026-27. The move, aimed at addressing the Union government’s rising expenditure needs, may escalate tensions between the central and state governments. Additionally, the Centre plans to impose conditions on revenue-deficit grants to curb freebies and debt waivers by state governments.

Key Highlights of the Proposal

Tax Share Reduction for States

• The Centre will propose reducing states’ tax share from 41% to at least 40%.
• The proposal is expected to be approved by the Union Cabinet by March 2025 before being sent to the Finance Commission.
• A 1% reduction in states’ share could provide the Centre with an additional ₹350 billion ($4.03 billion) in revenue.
• The Finance Commission’s recommendations are advisory and not legally binding on the government.

Reasons for Reducing States’ Share

• The federal government’s fiscal deficit for 2024-25 is estimated at 4.8% of GDP, while states’ fiscal deficit stands at 3.2%.
• The share of states in tax devolution has increased from 20% in 1980 to 41% now.
• The Centre’s spending requirements have increased, especially during economic slowdowns and after COVID-19.
• Rising cesses and surcharges (not shared with states) now account for over 15% of the Centre’s tax revenue, up from 9-12% earlier.

Digital Personal Data Protection Act and Disability Rights

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) is a significant piece of legislation in India. Its purpose is to regulate how digital personal data is processed, ensuring a balance between individual rights and the necessity for lawful data processing. Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been engaging with the public to gather feedback on the draft rules related to this Act. Disability rights activists have expressed concerns about a particular provision that they feel compromises the autonomy of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Key Provisions of the DPDP Act

Under the DPDP Act, data fiduciaries are obligated to obtain verifiable consent from the guardian of any child or adult with disabilities (PwD) before they can process personal data. This requirement is detailed in Section 9(1) of the Act. The Act characterizes data fiduciaries as those who handle personal data, while data principals are the individuals whose data is being gathered.

Concerns of Disability Rights Activists

Activists argue that Section 9(1) infantilises PwDs. It assumes that having a legal guardian equates to an inability to make decisions, which contradicts the principles of self-determination. They contend that this provision could restrict PwDs’ access to digital platforms, thereby infringing on their rights.

The Role of Guardians in Disability Rights

Legal guardianship for persons with disabilities (PwDs) is regulated by two main laws: the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act) and the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 (NT Act). The RPWD Act permits limited guardianship, which aids PwDs in making certain legal decisions, whereas the NT Act establishes full guardianship. This distinction often leads to confusion regarding the roles and responsibilities of guardians.

Implementation Challenges

The draft rules under the DPDP Act attempt to clarify how consent should be obtained from guardians. However, the lack of illustrative examples for PwDs raises doubts about practical implementation. Activists stress the need for clear guidelines to ensure that guardianship does not compromise the autonomy of PwDs.

Intersectionality and Digital Rights

When we consider intersectionality, issues related to gender and disability become significant. For instance, a woman with a disability may need a guardian’s consent to order sanitary products online. This restriction can limit her access to necessary services, raising doubts about whether the DPDP Act effectively protects the rights of all individuals with disabilities.

Data Privacy and Legal Responsibilities

Activists worry about the legal obligations placed on guardians regarding consent for data processing. Questions arise about the implications of guardianship on data privacy and the potential for conflicts of interest. If guardians act in their own interests, it could undermine the rights of the PwD they represent.

Accessibility of Digital Platforms

Despite the legal frameworks established, accessibility remains barrier for PwDs. A recent evaluation revealed that many popular digital platforms lack adequate accessibility features. This issue complicates the implementation of the DPDP Act, as inaccessible platforms can prevent PwDs from exercising their rights.