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 24 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.

East Coast Railway Makes History: First Railway Zone to Reach 250 MT in Freight Loading for 2024-25

East Coast Railway (ECoR) has made history in Indian Railways by being the first railway zone in India to hit an impressive 250 million tons (MT) of originating freight for the financial year 2024-25. This remarkable achievement was accomplished on March 21, 2024, a full 11 days ahead of schedule, further establishing ECoR as the top freight-loading railway zone in the nation.

East Coast Railway’s Historic Milestone

East Coast Railway (ECoR) has once again highlighted its efficiency and dominance in freight transport, achieving over 250 million tons of originating freight loading for the second year in a row. This outstanding achievement reinforces its role as a key player in driving India’s logistics and economic growth.

Significance of the Achievement

• Highest Freight Loading Zone: ECoR’s freight loading record has surpassed all previous benchmarks of Indian Railways, making it the top-performing railway zone in terms of freight movement.
• Consistent Performance: This is the second consecutive year that ECoR has crossed the 250 MT mark.
• Sustained Growth: ECoR has achieved over 200 MT of freight loading for the sixth consecutive year, highlighting its operational efficiency and strategic planning.

C-DOT Launches ‘Samarth’ – A Cutting-Edge Incubation Program for Startups

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has launched ‘Samarth’, a specialized incubation program aimed at nurturing innovation in the telecommunications and IT sectors. This initiative is set to support startups and innovators focusing on Telecom Software Applications, Cybersecurity, 5G/6G, AI, IoT, and Quantum Technologies. Partnering with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), they’re working to create a dynamic and supportive environment for startups. The program will run in a hybrid format, with two cohorts each year, each consisting of 18 startups, offering funding, mentorship, and infrastructure support.

Key Highlights of ‘Samarth’ Incubation Program

• Launched by: C-DOT, an autonomous Telecom R&D Centre under DoT, Govt. of India.
• Focus Areas: Telecom Software, Cybersecurity, 5G/6G, AI, IoT, and Quantum Technologies.
• Implementation Partner: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) under MeitY.
• Cohort Size: 18 startups per batch, 36 startups per year.
• Duration & Mode: Two six-month cohorts in hybrid mode.

Benefits

• Grant up to ₹5 lakh per startup.
• Well-furnished office space at C-DOT Campus (for 6 months).
• Access to C-DOT Lab facilities.
• Mentorship from C-DOT technical leaders & industry experts.
• Potential collaboration opportunities under C-DOT’s Research Program.
• Eligibility: DPIIT-recognized startups.

World’s First ‘Supersolid’ Created from Light: A Groundbreaking Discovery

In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers have successfully transformed light into a supersolid—a new phase of matter that combines properties of both superfluids and solids. This discovery, published on March 5 in Nature, has profound implications for quantum computing, materials science, and energy storage. Scientists at CNR-INO, CNR-Nanotec, and the University of Pavia have demonstrated that this light-based supersolid maintains a coherent quantum droplet structure while allowing friction-free flow, a property unique to superfluids. This milestone opens up new possibilities for understanding light-matter interactions and may lead to cutting-edge photonic applications in the future.

Key Highlights of the Discovery:

1. What is a Supersolid?

A supersolid is a fascinating state of matter that combines the properties of both a solid and a superfluid. It features an organized crystalline structure but can flow without any friction, much like a superfluid. This newly discovered supersolid is made up of light, which challenges the conventional idea of light being just pure energy.

2. How Was the Light-Based Supersolid Created?

• Researchers used semiconductor nanostructures to manipulate light into a supersolid phase.
• The experiment involved quantum droplets arranged periodically, allowing them to flow without disruption while maintaining their spatial arrangement.
• This is a novel approach, differing from previous atomic-based supersolids.

Shaheed Diwas 2025: Honouring the Legacy of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev

Shaheed Diwas, also known as Martyrs’ Day, is observed every year on March 23 to honor the sacrifices of India’s great revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar. These brave young freedom fighters were executed by the British colonial government on March 23, 1931, for their pivotal roles in the struggle for independence. As we observe Shaheed Diwas in 2025, the nation reflects on their courageous contributions and revolutionary ideas, which continue to inspire countless generations.

What is Shaheed Diwas?

Shaheed Diwas is an important day in India’s history, dedicated to honoring the brave individuals who gave their lives for the nation’s independence. March 23 is particularly significant as it marks the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who valiantly fought against British oppression and inspired a wave of patriotism among the Indian people.

Impact of Shaheed Diwas on Modern India

The ideals of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev still play a significant role in shaping India’s social and political scene. Their views on freedom, justice, and equality are just as important today as they were back then, especially in conversations about governance and civil rights. Young activists and political leaders often look to Bhagat Singh’s writings and speeches for inspiration. Their sacrifices remind us to cherish democracy, combat corruption, and strive for social justice.

Vinod Kumar Shukla Selected for 59th Jnanpith Award

Eminent Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has been awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award, which is India’s highest literary honor. At the age of 88, he’s celebrated for his remarkable contributions to Hindi literature, showcasing a distinctive writing style that beautifully combines linguistic creativity with emotional depth. What’s more, he’s the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive this esteemed award and the 12th Hindi writer to be recognized in this way.

About Vinod Kumar Shukla:

• Award Name: Jnanpith Award (59th edition)
• Recipient: Vinod Kumar Shukla
• Age: 88 years
• Field: Short story writing, poetry, and essays
• First from Chhattisgarh: He is the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive the award.
• 12th Hindi Writer: The 12th author writing in Hindi to be honored.

Selection Committee

The Jnanpith Selection Committee, led by Pratibha Ray and including members such as Madhav Kaushik, Damodar Mauzo, Prabha Varma, Anamika, A Krishna Rao, Prafful Shiledar, Janki Prasad Sharma, and Madhusudan Anand, made the decision.

As for the award, it comes with a cash prize of ₹11 lakh, a bronze statue of Saraswati, and a citation.

SBI Mutual Fund Launches Two New PSU Bank-Focused Schemes

SBI Mutual Fund has launched two exciting new investment schemes: the SBI BSE PSU Bank Index Fund and the SBI BSE PSU Bank ETF. These funds are aimed at giving investors a slice of India’s public sector banking sector. They’ll both track the BSE PSU Bank Index, which means you’ll get a diversified investment in some of the leading PSU banks. Mark your calendars—the New Fund Offer (NFO) starts on March 17, 2025, and ends on March 20, 2025.

Key Highlights of the Schemes

Schemes Launched

• SBI BSE PSU Bank Index Fund (Open-ended index fund)
• SBI BSE PSU Bank ETF (Exchange-traded fund listed on NSE and BSE)

Investment Strategy

• At least 95% of the total assets will be directed towards securities that fall under the BSE PSU Bank Index.

• The remaining 5% will be set aside for government securities, triparty repos, and liquid mutual funds to ensure liquidity management.

• Benchmark Index: BSE PSU Bank TRI

Minimum Investment

• ₹5,000 during the NFO period.
• Subsequent investments in multiples of ₹1.
• Fund Manager: Viral Chhadva (Manages other SBI index funds).

World TB Day 2025: Theme, Significance

Every year on March 24, we observe World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to raise awareness about tuberculosis, one of the deadliest infectious diseases out there. TB has serious health, social, and economic impacts, which is why it’s such a pressing public health issue. The theme for World TB Day 2025 is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” which underscores the importance of stronger commitments, increased funding, and effective strategies to tackle TB head-on.

Key Highlights of World TB Day 2025:

• Date Observed: March 24 (every year).
• Theme 2025: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”
• Focus on commitment from governments and stakeholders.
• Increased investment to strengthen TB prevention and treatment.
• Effective delivery of TB control programs.