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 14-15 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.

Indian Railways Joins Mission Amrit Sarovar to Tackle Water Scarcity

The Indian Railways has become a key player in the Union Government’s Mission Amrit Sarovar, which was launched in April 2022 to address water scarcity and improve groundwater recharge across the country. The mission’s goal is to create or restore 75 ponds in each district, focusing on community engagement (Jan Bhagidari) and building climate resilience. By October 2024, over 68,000 ponds are expected to be revitalized. In the second phase, the Indian Railways will take on tasks like desilting, excavating, and constructing new water bodies near railway lines, using the excavated materials to strengthen railway embankments.

Mission Amrit Sarovar

• Launched: April 2022
• Objective: Construct or rejuvenate 75 ponds in each district to address water scarcity.
• Progress so far: 68,000+ ponds completed by October 2024.
• Phase 2 focus: Strengthening climate resilience and community participation (Jan Bhagidari).

The Role of Indian Railways

• Desilting and excavating water bodies.

• Creating new ponds alongside railway lines.

• Repurposing the excavated soil for railway embankments and various infrastructure projects.

• Partnering with the Rural Development Ministry and local authorities to pinpoint the right locations.

• Target for Phase 2: Completion by August 15, 2025.

Benefits of Indian Railways’ Involvement

• Boost groundwater recharge and surface water availability.
• Support climate resilience and ecological balance.
• Reduce soil disposal issues by using excavated material for railway embankments.
• Strengthen inter-departmental coordination between Railways and Rural Development Ministry.
• Involve local communities (Jan Bhagidari) for long-term maintenance.

Reliance Jio and SpaceX partner for Starlink internet in India after Bharti Airtel signs deal

In a groundbreaking move to bridge the digital divide in India, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have signed separate agreements with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch the Starlink satellite internet service in the country. As SpaceX’s application for security clearance is being reviewed by the Indian Home Ministry, this deal is anticipated to transform internet accessibility in remote and underserved regions. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network can deliver high-speed internet without depending on traditional fiber-optic cables or wireless infrastructure, which could be a real game-changer for the 670 million people in India who still don’t have internet access.

Key Highlights

What is Starlink?

• A satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX, launched in 2019.
• Aims to deploy 42,000 small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) (547 km altitude).
• Currently has around 7,000 satellites in operation and 4.6 million users worldwide by the end of 2024.

India Deal Details

Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have each signed their own deals with SpaceX’s Starlink. At the same time, SpaceX is working on getting security clearance from the Indian Home Ministry. This effort is aimed at providing high-speed internet access to rural and remote areas of India, where traditional infrastructure is often insufficient.

How does Starlink work?

• User device sends signals to a satellite in space, which relays data to a ground station connected to the internet.
• The data is sent back to the satellite and returned to the user’s modem and satellite dish, enabling a seamless connection.
• No need for cables, fiber, or phone lines.

Internet Speed & Cost

• In the US, speeds reach up to 220 Mbps.
• Monthly cost: $120 for standard service + $349 for equipment.
• Mobile plans are cheaper but offer slower speeds.

Why is this significant for India?

• India stands as the second-largest internet market, yet 670 million people still don’t have internet access (GSMA report 2024).

• Starlink has the potential to close the digital divide in rural and remote areas where traditional networks are hard to come by.

• Bharti Airtel has mentioned that Starlink will enhance nationwide connectivity and reach areas that have been overlooked for too long.

RBI Issues Framework for Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for Account Aggregators

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a framework to officially recognize a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for the Account Aggregator (AA) ecosystem. This initiative is all about making data exchange smoother, tackling operational issues, and ensuring compliance with different regulatory bodies. The expectation is that this will boost coordination, standardization, and the resolution of disputes within the AA framework.

Key Highlights

Objective

• To establish a dedicated SRO for the Account Aggregator (AA) ecosystem to streamline financial data exchange and resolve operational issues.

Background

• RBI introduced the AA framework in September 2016 to enable secure financial data sharing.
• August 2024: RBI recognised the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment as an SRO for the fintech sector.

Why an SRO for AAs?

The AA ecosystem is made up of various regulated entities that function across different financial sectors. Having a dedicated Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) will assist in resolving disputes, creating standardized agreements, and providing common services to enhance coordination among these entities.

Application Process

• Interested parties must apply via the Pravaah portal before June 15, 2025.
• The RBI’s decision will be final unless a resubmission is requested.

Entities Involved in the AA Ecosystem

• Financial Information Providers (FIPs) and Financial Information Users (FIUs) interact through NBFC-Account Aggregators (NBFC-AAs).
• Regulated by RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, and the Union Revenue Department (GST Network regulator).

Technical Specifications

• The Reserve Bank Information Technology (ReBIT) will continue to frame and publish technical specifications.

PM Surya Ghar Scheme Hits 10 Lakh Installations

In a significant step towards energy independence and environmental sustainability, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) has achieved a remarkable milestone of 10 lakh rooftop solar installations as of March 10, 2025. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, this ambitious program aims to solarize 1 crore households by 2026-27, which will help lower electricity costs and encourage the adoption of clean energy. With ₹4,770 crore in subsidies already distributed to 6.13 lakh beneficiaries and 3 GW of solar capacity installed, this initiative is propelling India’s transition to renewable energy while supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

Achievements So Far

• 10 lakh installations completed by 10th March 2025.
• 47.3 lakh applications received.
• ₹4,770 crore disbursed to 6.13 lakh beneficiaries.
• 3.10 lakh loan applications received, with 1.58 lakh sanctioned and 1.28 lakh disbursed.
• 3 GW solar capacity installed, targeting 30 GW by 2027.

Financial Support and Subsidy Details

• Subsidized Collateral-Free Loan up to ₹2 lakh at 6.75% interest rate from 12 Public Sector Banks.

Subsidy Structure Based on Monthly Consumption

• 0-150 units → 1-2 kW plant → ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 subsidy
• 150-300 units → 2-3 kW plant → ₹60,000 to ₹78,000 subsidy
• Above 300 units → Above 3 kW plant → ₹78,000 subsidy
• 15-day subsidy transfer process via National Portal.

State-Wise Performance

• Chandigarh and Daman & Diu: Achieved 100% rooftop solar targets on government buildings.
• Top Performing States: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

• Free electricity from rooftop solar installations.

• Save ₹75,000 crore each year in government electricity expenses.

• Cut carbon emissions—like planting 100 trees for every installation.

• Households can earn extra income by selling surplus power to DISCOMs.

• Create jobs for 17 lakh people in manufacturing, logistics, installation, and O&M sectors.

• Boost local manufacturing of solar panels, inverters, and other components.

World Consumer Rights Day 2025: Date, Theme

World Consumer Rights Day is observed every March 15, focusing on the promotion and protection of consumer rights around the globe. This day provides a platform to discuss consumer-related challenges, inform people about their rights, and advocate for fair practices in the marketplace. By recognizing this day, we highlight the significance of consumer protection, ethical business practices, and the need for sustainable consumption.

Date of World Consumer Rights Day 2025

World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March 15 every year. In 2025, it falls on a Saturday. The significance of this date stems from an iconic speech delivered by U.S. President John F. Kennedy on March 15, 1962, in which he was the first world leader to formally recognize the importance of consumer rights.

Theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2025

The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2025 is ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.’ This theme emphasizes the importance of making sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices available and affordable for everyone. It also stresses the need to ensure that these transitions honor people’s fundamental rights and needs, all while encouraging responsible consumption and protecting our environment.

Pi Day 2025: Exploring The History And Significance Of The Mathematical Constant

Pi Day, which we celebrate every year on March 14, is all about the mathematical constant π (Pi), roughly equal to 3.14159. The date, written as 3/14 in the month/day format, reflects the first three digits of Pi, making it a special day for mathematicians, scientists, and anyone who loves numbers around the globe.

Pi, pronounced like “pie,” is one of the most well-known irrational numbers and is essential in various fields like geometry, physics, and engineering. While there are plenty of other mathematical constants out there, such as Euler’s number (e) and the golden ratio (ϕ), Pi really stands out in both academic circles and popular culture.

This day not only honors the importance of Pi but also provides a great chance to boost mathematical understanding and spark curiosity about numbers and how they’re used in the world.

History of Pi Day

Origins of Pi Day

Pi Day was first celebrated in 1988, thanks to physicist Larry Shaw from the Exploratorium in San Francisco. He and his team made a fun connection between the digits of Pi (3.14) and March 14, leading them to organize a laid-back celebration filled with pie-eating and discussions about mathematics.

Official Recognition

• In 2009, the United States House of Representatives officially designated March 14 as National Pi Day to encourage students to engage in mathematics and science.
• In 2019, UNESCO recognized Pi Day as the “International Day of Mathematics”, further solidifying its global importance.

Famous Connections

• Albert Einstein, one of the greatest physicists of all time, was born on March 14, 1879, adding another layer of significance to Pi Day.
• The famous mathematician Leonhard Euler popularized the use of the Greek letter π to represent Pi in 1737, though the concept of Pi dates back to ancient civilizations.
• Archimedes of Syracuse, an ancient Greek mathematician, is credited with one of the earliest accurate calculations of Pi.

NASA’s SPHEREx Space Telescope Launches to Map the Universe’s Cosmic Glow

NASA has successfully launched its newest space telescope, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer), aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 11, 2025. This $488 million mission is designed to map the entire sky using infrared technology, allowing scientists to explore galaxy evolution, the early universe, and interstellar ice. Unlike traditional telescopes that focus on individual galaxies, SPHEREx will examine the combined cosmic glow of all galaxies throughout history, providing us with valuable insights into how the universe has expanded and formed.

Key Highlights of the SPHEREx Mission

Mission Purpose & Goals

• Map the entire sky in infrared light over six months.
• Conduct four full-sky surveys over two years from a 400-mile (650 km) polar orbit.
• Investigate how galaxies formed and evolved over billions of years.
• Study the cosmic glow from all galaxies, including the earliest ones after the Big Bang.
• Examine the rapid expansion of the universe in its initial moments.

Scientific Objectives

• Measure infrared light in 102 colors, invisible to human eyes.
• Identify missed sources of cosmic light to provide a more complete picture of the universe.
• Detect water and organic molecules in icy clouds between stars to understand the conditions for planet and life formation.

Mission Design & Features

SPHEREx tips the scales at 1,110 pounds (500 kg), which is roughly the size of a grand piano. It’s designed with three nested aluminum-honeycomb cones that act as a heat shield, giving it the look of a 10-foot (3-meter) protective collar. To work its magic, the telescope needs to maintain a super chilly temperature of -350°F (-210°C).

Google Unveils Gemma 3: The Next Evolution in Lightweight AI Models

Google has launched Gemma 3, the newest addition to its family of lightweight open AI models, designed to operate efficiently on devices like smartphones, laptops, and various other computing platforms. It’s built on the same cutting-edge research and technology that drives Google’s Gemini 2.0 models, aiming to improve user experiences with its low-latency processing capabilities that can run on a single GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) host. In this article, we’ll explore the features, capabilities, and comparisons of Gemma 3, examining how it stands out against other AI models currently available in the market.

Gemma 3: A Closer Look at Its Capabilities

Multi-Modal Processing with Text-Only Output

One of the most impressive things about Gemma 3 is its knack for handling both text and visual inputs, even though it can only produce text-based outputs. This makes it a perfect fit for tasks that involve analyzing text, automating AI processes, and working with data.

Scalability and Model Variants

The Gemma 3 series comes in four different model sizes to cater to various AI applications:

• 1 billion parameters
• 4 billion parameters
• 12 billion parameters
• 27 billion parameters

Each model variant is designed for different levels of computational power, ensuring that developers can select the most suitable model based on their processing needs.

Training and Token Capacity

Google has meticulously trained Gemma 3 models using massive datasets, though it has not disclosed the exact sources. Here’s an overview of the training data:

• 1B model trained with 2 trillion tokens
• 4B model trained with 4 trillion tokens
• 12B model trained with 12 trillion tokens
• 27B model trained with 14 trillion tokens

This extensive training allows Gemma 3 to process information with high accuracy and efficiency.

Large Context Window for Better Comprehension

One of the standout features of Gemma 3 is its impressive 128k-token context window. This allows it to handle and comprehend vast amounts of information all at once. It’s especially beneficial for creating long-form content, summarizing documents, and performing sophisticated AI-driven analytics.

Versatility and Use Cases of Gemma 3

Support for Over 140 Languages

With pre-trained support for 140+ languages, Gemma 3 is designed for global AI applications, making it useful for:

• Automated translation tools
• Multilingual customer support bots
• Cross-language content generation

AI Automation and Agent-Based Capabilities

Developers can leverage Gemma 3’s structured outputs and function-calling support to build:

• AI-powered automation tools
• Intelligent virtual assistants
• Chatbots for customer engagement

Support for Image, Text, and Short Video Analysis

Gemma 3 can analyze images, text, and short video clips, making it highly effective for applications in:

• Content moderation
• Video summarization
• Advanced data analytics

Availability and Deployment Options

Where to Access Gemma 3

Developers can download Gemma 3 models through multiple platforms, including:

• Kaggle
• Hugging Face
• Google Studio

Flexible Deployment Options

Google offers multiple deployment options for integrating Gemma 3 into AI applications. The model can be deployed via:

• Vertex AI
• Cloud Run
• Google GenAI API
• Local Environments
• Gaming GPUs

Fine-Tuning and Customization

Gemma 3 supports further fine-tuning and optimization using platforms like:

• Google Colab
• Vertex AI
• On-premise hardware (including gaming GPUs)

RBI Wins Digital Transformation Award 2025 for Pravaah and Sarthi Initiatives

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been honored with the Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking in London, UK. This significant accolade showcases RBI’s successful launch of its digital initiatives—Pravaah and Sarthi—developed by its dedicated IT team. These innovations have notably enhanced RBI’s internal workflow management and external regulatory processes, leading to improved operational efficiency and a decrease in paper-based submissions.

The Digital Initiatives of RBI

1. Sarthi: RBI’s Internal Digital Workflow System

Launched in January 2023, Sarthi was developed to streamline the RBI’s internal operations. It empowers employees to securely store and share documents, making record management and data analysis much more efficient with its advanced dashboards and reports.

Key Features of Sarthi:

• Elimination of paper-based processes: The system facilitates digital submission and storage, reducing paper dependency.
• Enhanced collaboration: Employees can share files securely across departments.
• Advanced analytics: Integration of dashboards and reports for better decision-making.
• Improved operational efficiency: Automation of processes streamlines task management and performance tracking.
• Unified database: Acts as a central repository for all documents, replacing fragmented manual and digital processes.

2. Pravaah: Digital Regulatory Application Portal

In May 2024, the RBI made a significant move in its digital transformation journey by introducing Pravaah. This new initiative is all about streamlining external regulatory applications, enabling users to submit their requests to the RBI digitally.

Key Features of Pravaah:

• Digitization of regulatory applications: So far, over 70 different regulatory applications have been digitized.
• Seamless integration with Sarthi: Documents submitted through Pravaah are processed within the Sarthi database.
• Centralized cybersecurity framework: Provides enhanced security and digital tracking.
• Mass adoption: By the end of 2024, over 2,000 applications had been filed through Pravaah.
• 80% increase in monthly applications: This significant rise is attributed to the system’s ease of use and efficiency.

India Successfully Tests Astra BVRAAM from LCA Tejas AF MK1 Prototype

India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has just hit a significant milestone by successfully testing the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas AF MK1 prototype, right off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha. This test not only showcased the missile’s impressive accuracy but also highlighted its advanced capabilities, representing a crucial leap forward in bolstering India’s homegrown defense systems.

Key Highlights

• Missile Tested: Astra BVRAAM (Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile)
• Launch Platform: Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas AF MK1 prototype
• Location of Test: Off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha
• Developed By: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Test Result: Direct hit on a flying target with all subsystems performing optimally
• Range: Over 100 kilometers
• Purpose: To enhance India’s air defense capabilities and boost indigenous missile technology

Supporting Agencies

• Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC)
• Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DG-AQA)
• Indian Air Force (IAF)

Reactions

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated all the teams involved.
• Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, praised the collaborative efforts of scientists and engineers.
• Significance: A major milestone towards the induction of the LCA Tejas MK1A variant into the Indian Air Force.

UN Chief Announces ‘UN80 Initiative’ to Boost Efficiencies Amid Uncertainty

In response to the mounting financial crisis and the global uncertainty we’re facing, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has rolled out the ‘UN80 Initiative.’ This initiative focuses on boosting efficiency and cost-effectiveness within the United Nations. Its mission is to tackle the issue of dwindling resources, streamline operations, and enhance the organization’s capacity to effectively deliver on its mandates.

Key Highlights

Purpose of the Initiative

• To identify efficiencies, review existing mandates, and implement structural changes within the UN system.

Led by Internal Task Force

• The task force will be headed by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder, with representatives from all UN bodies.

Reasons Behind the Initiative

• Shrinking financial resources.
• Liquidity crisis due to delayed and partial payments by member states.
• Rising global challenges and the need for better program alignment.

UN Budget Details

• 2025 UN Regular Budget: $3.72 billion.
• 2024-25 Peacekeeping Budget: $5.6 billion.
• The US is the largest contributor (22% of the regular budget and 27% of the peacekeeping budget).
• India paid $37.64 million for the 2025 regular budget, joining the “honor roll” of 35 countries that paid on time.

Impact of Funding Cuts

• Reduction in humanitarian aid and development programs.
• Layoffs of UN staff and limited support for vulnerable populations.

Guterres’ Vision

• To create a more efficient, cost-effective, and result-oriented UN that can address global crises effectively.