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 19 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.

Maharashtra Inaugurates First-Ever Temple Dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi

In a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has inaugurated the state’s first-ever temple dedicated to this iconic king. The event took place in Bhiwandi, Thane, coinciding with Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary. This temple stands as a powerful reminder of his heroism, courage, and lasting legacy, providing a sacred space for devotees to honor his significant contributions to India’s history.

A Monument of Heroism and Legacy

The newly inaugurated Shivaji Maharaj Temple is a groundbreaking structure in Maharashtra, dedicated solely to the revered Maratha ruler. Its design reflects the architectural splendor of Maratha forts, capturing the military precision, courage, and strategic genius of Shivaji Maharaj.

Speaking at the event, CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that the temple will soon be designated as a pilgrimage site, emphasizing its cultural and spiritual importance. He further explained that the temple was built in recognition of Shivaji Maharaj’s battles for God, country, and religion, which helped shape the identity of Hindus in India.

Architectural Marvel: A Tribute to Maratha Fortifications

The temple, designed by architect Vijaykumar Patil, stretches over 2,500 square feet and is encircled by a striking 5,000-square-foot wall that resembles a fortress. This impressive boundary includes bastions, pathways for monitoring, and a stunning entrance gate, echoing the military structures built by Shivaji Maharaj.

Key Architectural Highlights:

• The temple features a 42-foot-tall entrance, reflecting the majesty of Maratha-era military structures.
• Inside, a sabha mandap (assembly hall) of the same height has been built, showcasing the grand vision of Maratha architecture.
• At the heart of the temple stands a 6.5-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sculpted by renowned artist Arun Yogiraj, who also crafted the idol of Lord Ram for the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
• Surrounding the temple are 36 intricately designed sections featuring large sculptures depicting key moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s life.

Human Coronavirus HKU1 Detected in Kolkata Woman

A new case of the human coronavirus HKU1 has been reported in Kolkata, causing some concern among the public. However, medical experts want to clarify that HKU1 isn’t a new virus; it was first identified in 2005 and is generally associated with mild respiratory illnesses. Unlike Covid-19, this virus doesn’t pose a pandemic threat, and the patient in Kolkata is stable. The virus spreads like other coronaviruses, mainly through respiratory droplets and surface contact. While it’s usually self-limiting, vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems should take precautions.

Key Highlights 

Symptoms of HKU1 Infection

Mild symptoms similar to the common cold or flu, including,

• Cough
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Fatigue and headaches
• Low-grade fever
• In severe cases, it may lead to pneumonia or bronchitis, especially in vulnerable individuals.

Who is at Risk?

• Generally self-limiting and resolves on its own.

Higher risk for,

• Elderly individuals
• Children
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses

How Does HKU1 Spread?

• Spreads like other coronaviruses through:
• Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.
• Direct contact with infected individuals.
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, mouth, or nose.

 Union Finance Minister Launches PM Internship Scheme Mobile App to Boost Youth Employment

In New Delhi, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, introduced a new mobile application for the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS). The app is crafted to simplify the registration and application process for aspiring candidates, giving them real-time updates and a smooth, intuitive interface. This launch is part of the government’s ongoing effort to boost employment, skill-building, and opportunities for the youth.

Introduction to the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme Mobile App

The recently launched PMIS mobile app is designed to make the internship application process more accessible and efficient. This initiative hopes to connect what students learn in the classroom with what industries are looking for, ultimately helping to improve youth employability in India.

Key Features of the PMIS App

• User-Friendly Interface: Designed for effortless navigation and a clean layout.
• Easy Registration: Candidates can register seamlessly using Aadhaar face authentication.
• Real-Time Updates: Ensures candidates stay informed about new internship opportunities.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Provides a smooth and transparent process for internship applications.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pointed out that this scheme plays a key role in nation-building, calling on industries to step up and help cultivate a skilled workforce. Additionally, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, noted that the PMIS App will make it much easier to find internship opportunities across different sectors.

About the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS)

The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme was introduced in the Union Budget for 2024-25, aiming to create internship opportunities for one crore young people across India’s top 500 companies in the next five years.

Pilot Project of PMIS:

Before the full-scale launch, a pilot project was initiated in October 2024, targeting 1.25 lakh internship opportunities. The scheme has been rolled out in multiple rounds to ensure smooth implementation.

Progress of the Pilot Project:

Round-I (October 2024 – December 2024)

• Total Opportunities: 1.27 lakh internships posted
• Participating Companies: 280 companies from 25 sectors
• Internship Locations: Across 745 districts in India
• Offers Extended: 82,000+ offers provided to candidates

Round-II (January 2025 – March 2025)

• Total Opportunities: 1.18 lakh internships posted
• Participating Companies: 327 companies
• Application Window: Open until the end of March 2025

The government continues to encourage corporate participation, recognizing their role in providing meaningful training experiences to young professionals.

Telangana Government Launches ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam’ Scheme to Boost Self-Employment

In a bold step to boost self-employment and drive economic growth, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unveiled the ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam’ Scheme right at the Telangana Legislative Assembly. This initiative is all about offering financial support to unemployed young people from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes (BC), and Minority communities. With a hefty budget of ₹6,000 crore, the government is setting its sights on creating self-employment opportunities for half a million youth throughout the state.

Objectives of the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme

The main goal of this program is to help unemployed young people by giving them financial support to start their own businesses. This initiative also fits into the government’s broader vision for economic growth and social improvement, especially for underprivileged communities.

Key Goals:

• Provide self-employment loans to eligible youth.
• Reduce unemployment rates among SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities.
• Promote entrepreneurial spirit and economic self-sufficiency.
• Ensure equitable distribution of financial support across various sections of society.

Financial Assistance and Subsidy Structure

Under the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme, individuals can get financial support of up to ₹3 lakh to kickstart their own self-employment ventures. This subsidy setup aims to provide substantial financial help, making sure that loans are both affordable and easy to obtain.

Subsidy Breakdown:

• Loans up to ₹1 lakh – 80% subsidy provided by the government.
• Loans up to ₹2 lakh – 70% subsidy provided.
• Loans up to ₹3 lakh – 60% subsidy provided.

This tiered structure allows greater financial support for smaller loans, encouraging youth to take up small and medium-scale entrepreneurial ventures.

Himachal Pradesh Budget 2025-26: Detailed Analysis

Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, recently unveiled the annual budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, which totals a whopping Rs 58,514 crore. This budget puts a strong focus on boosting tourism, enhancing rural development, and promoting green energy. It also tackles some financial hurdles, including a cut in the Revenue Deficit Grant and the end of GST compensation.

Financial Challenges and Debt Liability

While unveiling his third budget, CM Sukhu shed light on the tough financial challenges the state is grappling with. The Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) has seen a drastic cut, plummeting from Rs 10,949 crore in 2021-22 down to just Rs 3,257 crore by 2025-26. To make matters worse, Himachal Pradesh has already faced a staggering loss of Rs 9,478 crore up until 2023-24, all thanks to the central government halting GST compensation.

The state’s debt has now reached a staggering Rs 1,04,729 crore, with Rs 29,046 crore borrowed during the current government’s term. Alarmingly, 70% of this debt has been used to pay off earlier loans and interest, leaving only Rs 8,093 crore for new development projects.

Boosting Tourism: Religious and Eco-Tourism Focus

Tourism is getting a significant boost in the budget this year. The government is focusing on promoting both religious tourism and eco-tourism, while also shining a light on some hidden gem destinations. Plus, there are plans to transform tea estates into eco-tourism hubs to draw in more visitors.

• Eco-Tourism Expansion: Seven eco-tourism sites were allocated in 2024, and 78 new eco-tourism sites will be allocated in the next phase.
• Revenue Generation: The government anticipates revenue of Rs 200 crore over the next five years through eco-tourism initiatives.

Green Energy and Environmental Conservation

CM Sukhu emphasized that the forest cover in Himachal Pradesh serves as the “lungs of North India,” playing a crucial role in providing essential ecological services like soil conservation, water purification, clean air, and climate stability. These services are estimated to be worth around Rs 90,000 crore each year. The government is currently making its case to the 16th Finance Commission, seeking financial backing for its environmental efforts. On top of that, there are plans to introduce 500 electric buses in 2025-26 to help cut down on carbon emissions. The Shimla Ropeway Project is also set to kick off in the next fiscal year, aimed at promoting sustainable urban transport.

Support for Farmers and Agriculture

The government has introduced multiple schemes to benefit farmers and agriculturalists:

• Increase in Milk MSP:

1. Cow milk: From Rs 45 to Rs 51 per litre
2. Buffalo milk: From Rs 55 to Rs 61 per litre

• Natural Farming: A target of bringing one lakh farmers under natural farming has been set for 2025-26. So far, 1.58 lakh farmers have adopted this practice.
• MSP for Raw Turmeric: Farmers growing kachi haldi (raw turmeric) naturally will receive an MSP of Rs 90 per kg.
• Spice Park in Hamirpur: The state will set up a Spice Park in Hamirpur to boost spice farming and processing.

Employment and Wage Hike

The budget also brings good news for workers engaged in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

• Daily wage increased by Rs 20, from Rs 300 to Rs 320 per day.
• Several new schemes for employment generation will be introduced, focusing on rural development and infrastructure.

Social Welfare Initiatives

CM Sukhu announced several schemes benefiting pensioners, women, disabled individuals, and children:

• Pension Arrears for Senior Citizens:

1. Pensioners aged 70-75 years will receive their arrears in May 2025.
2. The previous BJP government left liabilities of Rs 10,000 crore related to government employee arrears.

• New Directorates for Education: Separate Directorates for Schools and Colleges will be established to streamline educational governance and policy-making.

Combating Drug Abuse and Organized Crime

To address the rising concern of drug abuse and organized crime in the state, the government has announced the following measures:

• Special Task Force (STF) to be formed for tackling drug-related issues.
• Introduction of the Himachal Pradesh Prevention of Continuing Unlawful Activity and Control of Organized Crime Act, 2025, aimed at preventing illegal activities and organized crime.

Stuart Young Sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

Stuart Young is about to be officially sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago in a formal ceremony at the President’s House in St. Ann’s. He’ll be taking the reins from the outgoing Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, who has officially stepped down from his role.

Stuart Young: The New Prime Minister

Stuart Young, the current Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, has been selected to take over from Dr. Rowley. This change is part of a smooth transition after Dr. Rowley announced his decision to step down before his term wraps up.

Dr. Keith Rowley’s Departure and Statement

Dr. Keith Rowley made his last public appearance as Prime Minister at the People’s National Movement (PNM)’s Special Convention at City Hall. While speaking to the audience, he reassured everyone that although he’s resigning, his love for Trinidad and Tobago is unwavering. Earlier in January, Dr. Rowley had announced his plans to step down and later appointed Stuart Young as his successor.

The Swearing-in Ceremony

The official swearing-in ceremony will take place at the President’s House in St. Ann’s, marking the beginning of Stuart Young’s tenure as Prime Minister. The event is expected to be attended by government officials, party members, and dignitaries.

Sunita Williams’ Return: From Starliner snag to SpaceX splashdown

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams returned safely to Earth on March 18, 2025 (March 19 in India) after an incredible nine-month journey in space, which was prolonged due to delays in the Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission. Their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, known as Freedom, splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico near Tallahassee, Florida, concluding a mission that attracted worldwide attention.

NASA Astronauts’ Return: A Detailed Overview

1. Background of the Mission

NASA’s Crew Flight Test (CFT) was all about putting Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft through its paces for future astronaut missions.

• The Starliner took off on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

• Initially, the plan was for a 10-day visit to the International Space Station (ISS).

• But due to some technical hiccups, the mission ended up lasting over nine months.

2. Starliner’s Malfunctions and Delays

The mission was plagued by technical issues, leading to multiple delays:

• On June 6, 2024, Starliner encountered some thruster issues that pushed back its docking with the ISS. Thankfully, four out of the five malfunctioning thrusters were fixed, paving the way for a successful second docking attempt.

• By June 18, 2024, NASA decided to delay Starliner’s return to look into helium leaks and other technical problems.

• On July 2, 2024, NASA chose to extend the mission past the initial 45-day mark to take a closer look at how Starliner was performing.

• Finally, on August 24, 2024, NASA revealed that Starliner would be returning to Earth without any astronauts on board due to safety worries.

3. Decision to Return via SpaceX Crew Dragon

Since Starliner was deemed unsafe for astronaut transport, NASA decided to bring Wilmore and Williams back using Crew-9’s SpaceX Dragon capsule:

• August 30, 2024: NASA adjusted Crew-9’s manifest to reserve two seats for Wilmore and Williams.
• September 22, 2024: Sunita Williams took over as Commander of the ISS, following the departure of Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko.
• September 28, 2024: Crew-9 launched aboard SpaceX Falcon 9, with Nick Hague (NASA) and Aleksandr Gorbunov (Roscosmos), ensuring return seats for Wilmore and Williams.

4. Extended Stay and Activities in Space

During their extended stay, Williams and Wilmore continued science experiments and spacewalks:

• November 12, 2024: Williams confirmed she was physically fit despite her extended stay in microgravity.
• January 30, 2025: Williams conducted a 5.5-hour spacewalk with Wilmore, setting a record for the most cumulative EVA time by a female astronaut.
• February 11, 2025: NASA accelerated Crew-10’s launch using a flight-proven SpaceX Dragon capsule, Endurance, to facilitate Crew-9’s return.

5. The Final Return Journey

• March 14, 2025: Crew-10 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, allowing Crew-9’s departure.
• March 18, 2025 (March 19 in India):

1. Crew-9’s Dragon capsule, Freedom, undocked from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. EDT.
2. 5:57 p.m. (2157 GMT): The capsule safely splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico.
3. Astronauts emerged smiling and waving before heading for routine medical checks.

VARUNA 2025: Strengthening India-France Naval Cooperation

The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise VARUNA, which showcases the strong maritime partnership between India and France, is scheduled to take place from March 19 to March 22, 2025. Since its inception in 2001, this annual exercise has evolved into a vital platform for boosting naval interoperability and operational collaboration between the two countries. VARUNA 2025 promises to deliver an impressive exhibition of maritime capabilities across various domains, featuring aircraft carriers Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, along with fighter jets, destroyers, frigates, and a Scorpene-class submarine. The exercise is designed to enhance coordination in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat, further solidifying the shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and secure maritime environment.

Naval Assets Involved

• Aircraft carriers INS Vikrant (India) & Charles de Gaulle (France)
• Fighter aircraft MiG-29K (India) and Rafale-M (France)
• Destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine

Major Exercises & Drills

• Air Defence & Fighter Exercises: Mock air-to-air combat between Rafale-M and MiG-29K
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Enhancing underwater domain awareness
• Surface Warfare Operations: Coordinated fleet manoeuvres and combat simulations
• Maritime Patrol Aircraft Operations: Boosting situational awareness
• Replenishment-at-Sea Exercises: Strengthening logistical cooperation

Ayushmann Khurrana Named ‘Fit India Icon’ by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

Bollywood superstar Ayushmann Khurrana has just been honored with the title of ‘Fit India Icon’ by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. This exciting announcement took place at the launch event of the Fit India Movement in New Delhi. At 40 years old, Ayushmann is now part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, which encourages everyone to focus on their health and well-being.

The Fit India Movement: A National Initiative for Health

What is the Fit India Movement?

The Fit India Movement is a nationwide initiative that was kicked off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 29, 2019. This campaign aims to create a culture of fitness and healthy living among the people of India. Its main goals are:

• Inspiring individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle

• Encouraging fun and easy ways to weave physical activity into everyday life

• Breaking down barriers to fitness, ensuring it’s accessible for everyone

Through various awareness campaigns, fitness challenges, and events, the movement seeks to highlight the significance of both physical and mental well-being in our society.

Ayushmann Khurrana’s Role as ‘Fit India Icon’

As the newly appointed Fit India Icon, Ayushmann Khurrana is set to make a significant impact by promoting fitness, mental health, and the value of staying active. With his celebrity status, he’s poised to motivate countless individuals, especially the youth, to get involved in the Fit India campaign.

UIDAI Partners with Sarvam AI to Enhance Aadhaar Services with AI-Powered Solutions

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with Sarvam AI, a local Generative AI (GenAI) firm from Bengaluru, to enhance the Aadhaar service experience. This collaboration, set to kick off on March 18, 2025, will bring in AI-driven voice interactions, real-time fraud detection, and support for multiple languages, making Aadhaar services more accessible, secure, and efficient. The custom GenAI system will run within UIDAI’s secure infrastructure, ensuring that data privacy and sovereignty are upheld. This one-year agreement, which can be extended for an additional year, highlights UIDAI’s commitment to technological progress and user-focused innovations.

Key Highlights of the UIDAI-Sarvam AI Partnership

• Partnership Objective: Enhance Aadhaar service accessibility, security, and user experience

AI-Powered Voice Interactions

• Enables near real-time feedback from Aadhaar users
• Helps detect overcharging during enrollment and updates

Real-Time Fraud Detection

• AI-driven alerts for suspicious authentication requests
• Strengthens security and prevents misuse of Aadhaar data

Multilingual AI Support

• Supports 10 languages: Hindi, English, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, and Malayalam
• More languages to be added in the coming months

Data Security Measures

• AI solution hosted on-premise in UIDAI’s air-gapped infrastructure
• Ensures no data leaves UIDAI’s secure environment, maintaining compliance with data sovereignty

Collaboration Framework

• Developed through UIDAI’s volunteer policy, fostering industry participation
• Sarvam AI’s volunteers worked closely with UIDAI’s Technology Centre in Bengaluru
• UIDAI retains full ownership of the GenAI solution

Agreement Validity

• Initially for one year, extendable by another year

Statements from Leadership

• Bhuvnesh Kumar (CEO, UIDAI): GenAI marks the next phase in UIDAI’s innovation journey
• Vivek Raghavan (Co-Founder, Sarvam AI): AI can drive public good through collaborations like this