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 8 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.

IWAI Signs MoU with J&K Government for Boosting River Cruise Tourism in J&K

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) government to foster river cruise tourism in the Union Territory. This agreement aims to enhance tourism, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and promote river-based leisure activities. The signing occurred during the Chintan Shivir event in Srinagar, attended by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. The initiative will target three national waterways in J&K: River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49), and River Ravi (NW-84), focusing on developing infrastructure and improving navigation to facilitate cruise operations.

Key Highlights of the MoU

Objective

• To promote river cruise tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.
• To create employment and enhance economic growth in the region.
• To develop waterway infrastructure for tourism and leisure travel.

National Waterways in Jammu & Kashmir

• River Chenab (NW-26)
• River Jhelum (NW-49)
• River Ravi (NW-84)

Infrastructure Development

• 10 Floating Jetties and Landside Infrastructure (including waiting halls and passenger amenities).

PM Modi Conferred ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honored with the ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’, a prestigious award that acknowledges his strategic leadership and assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita accepted the award on his behalf at a ceremony held at Government House in Bridgetown, in the presence of Barbadian President Dame Sandra Mason, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, and Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds. This honor reflects the robust diplomatic ties between India and Barbados, emphasizing their cooperation in challenging times and a shared commitment to global development.

Key Highlights of the Event

Award Details

• Award Recipient: PM Narendra Modi (accepted by Pabitra Margherita).
• Award Title: ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’.

Reason for Recognition

• PM Modi’s strategic leadership during global challenges.
• India’s crucial assistance to Barbados during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sahitya Akademi’s Festival of Letters 2025

Sahitya Akademi, India’s leading literary institution under the Ministry of Culture, is set to host its annual Festival of Letters 2025 at Rabindra Bhavan in New Delhi, running from March 7 to March 12, 2025. The event will be inaugurated by the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and will showcase prominent figures from the literary community. Mahesh Dattani, a celebrated English playwright, will serve as the chief guest at the award ceremony, where the esteemed Sahitya Akademi Awards will be presented in 23 languages. This year’s Samvatsar Lecture will be delivered by the distinguished writer and scholar, Upamanyu Chatterjee.

Recognized as Asia’s largest literature festival, this event will bring together 700 writers from over 50 languages across 100 sessions. With a focus on Indian Literary Traditions, the festival will include a National Seminar with prominent thinkers and authors. A variety of literary and cultural activities will ensure participation from young, women, Dalit, North-East, tribal, and LGBTQ writers, making it India’s most inclusive literary festival since 1985. Additionally, the festival will feature storytelling programs for children, author readings, discussions, and cultural performances by well-known artists.

 Key Highlights of Festival of Letters 2025

• Organized by: Sahitya Akademi (under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India).
• Dates & Venue: 7th March – 12th March 2025, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.
• Inauguration: By Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
• Chief Guest: Mahesh Dattani, eminent English playwright.
• Samvatsar Lecture Speaker: Upamanyu Chatterjee, distinguished writer and scholar.

Festival Theme: Indian Literary Traditions.

• National Seminar: A three-day discussion on Indian Literary Traditions with eminent thinkers and authors.

World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025

Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 in New Delhi. This event, hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), aimed to enhance global collaborations for promoting sustainable development and addressing climate challenges. Yadav highlighted India’s pivotal role in climate action, pointing out initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE). The summit saw participation from prominent international figures, including Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillip, and Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva.

Key Highlights of WSDS 2025

Inauguration & Theme

• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the summit.
• Theme: “Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions.”
• Organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

India’s Climate Leadership

• India reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 7.93% in 2020.

Focus on transformative climate initiatives, including,

• International Solar Alliance (ISA)
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
• Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

India Ranks 4th in Global Wealth Rankings: Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2025

In March 2025, Knight Frank, a global property consultancy firm based in London, published the 19th edition of ‘The Wealth Report 2025’. This report offers an in-depth look at the global distribution of wealth. It emphasizes the increasing number of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) around the world, with India ranking 4th globally, having approximately 85,698 HNWIs in 2024, which represents a 6% rise from the previous year.

India, representing 3.7% of the world’s wealthy population, is strengthening its presence among the leading wealth-generating nations. The United States leads with 905,413 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), followed by China with 471,634 HNWIs and Japan with 122,119 HNWIs.

Key Global Findings from The Wealth Report 2025

The Growth of High Net-Worth Individuals Worldwide

The report identifies high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) as those who have a minimum of USD 1 million in investable assets. The findings reveal that the global population of HNWIs grew by 4.4% in 2024, totaling 2,341,378, an increase from 2,243,300 in 2023.

The top three regions that experienced the highest percentage growth in their HNWI populations are:

• United States – 5.2% growth
• Asia – 5% growth
• Africa – 4.7% growth

Other notable regional HNWI population growth rates:

• Australasia – 3.9% (owing to strong ties with Asian and North American markets)
• Middle East – 2.7%
• Latin America – 1.5%
• Europe – 1.4%

HDFC Bank Signs MoU with Indian Air Force and CSC Academy; Launches Project HAKK

HDFC Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and CSC Academy as part of its Parivartan initiative to launch Project HAKK (Hawai Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra). This initiative focuses on supporting defence pensioners, veterans, and their families by providing them with financial services, skill development opportunities, and fostering economic inclusiveness. The MoU was signed in the presence of senior officials from HDFC Bank, the Indian Air Force, and CSC e-Governance Limited.

Key Highlights of Project HAKK and MoU

• Objective: To serve defence pensioners, veterans, and their families by providing financial services and skill development.
• Implementation: Initially, 25 centres will be established at Air Force units in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Pune, Secunderabad, Guwahati, Jodhpur, Chandigarh, and other locations.

Support for Ex-Servicemen

• HDFC Bank will focus on promoting economic inclusiveness for defense veterans and their families through its Parivartan program.
• CSC Academy will offer training and skill development in financial products and services.

G2C & B2C Services Available (500+)

• Aadhaar services, NPS, PAN Card, passport applications.
• Utility bill collection, digital banking services.
• Pension settlement and support through SPARSH pension services.

Role of HDFC Bank

• Set up service centres to assist pensioners with pension and settlement-related issues.
• Provide access to HDFC Bank’s digital banking products and financial services.
• Offer financial training and support to ensure veterans’ economic stability.

Kerala Police Strengthens Cybersecurity with Advanced Security Operations Centre (SOC)

In a major move to strengthen cybersecurity measures, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the Advanced Cybersecurity Operations Centre (SOC) for the Kerala Police Cyber Division through video conferencing. This SOC aims to improve the security of police systems and vital infrastructure, providing strong defense against cyber threats.

C-DOT’s Role in Developing TRINETRA

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), which is the leading research and development center under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has created TRINETRA, a state-of-the-art Cyber Security Operation Centre for the Kerala Police. This project highlights India’s dedication to creating homegrown cybersecurity solutions.

What is TRINETRA?

TRINETRA is an AI-based, indigenous, integrated cybersecurity platform developed to cater to the cybersecurity defense needs of businesses and critical sectors. This innovative system allows organizations to build a robust Security Operations Centre (SOC), providing the means to:

• Monitor endpoints, network traffic, and user behavior.
• Identify vulnerabilities and detect anomalies proactively.
• Mitigate cyber threats effectively.

Objectives and Functionality of the SOC

The newly inaugurated SOC will play a crucial role in securing computers and critical infrastructure within the Kerala Police system. The centre will provide round-the-clock (24×7) cybersecurity monitoring and will focus on:

• Identifying and mitigating cyber threats.
• Protecting police headquarters, city commissionerates, and police stations.
• Ensuring robust data protection and safeguarding sensitive information.

This initiative marks a major leap in Kerala’s cybersecurity infrastructure, fortifying the state’s digital assets against potential cyberattacks.

Assam Names Electronics City After Ratan Tata

In a significant move acknowledging Ratan Tata’s impact on Assam’s growth, the state cabinet has decided to name the forthcoming Electronics City in Jagiroad as Ratan Tata Electronic City. This decision underscores the Tata Group’s longstanding involvement in Assam’s industrial and economic development. The announcement comes in the wake of remarks made by Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment Summit in February 2025, where he highlighted Ratan Tata’s strong ties to the state. The Tata Group has played a crucial role in advancing Assam’s economy and technology, especially in the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industries.

Key Highlights

Naming of Ratan Tata Electronic City

• The Assam government has decided to rename the upcoming Electronics City in Jagiroad to Ratan Tata Electronic City.
• This decision is a tribute to Ratan Tata’s significant contributions to the industrial growth and economic development of Assam.
• It comes after N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons, recognized the long-standing relationship between the Tata Group and Assam.

Tata’s Vision for Assam’s Semiconductor Industry

• In March 2024, Ratan Tata outlined a vision to make Assam a semiconductor industry hub.
• Tata Electronics is investing ₹27,000 crore to establish India’s first indigenous semiconductor assembly and test facility in Assam.
• The plant is designed to produce 48 million chips per day and generate 30,000 jobs.
• Tata also plans a mobile phone technology facility, creating additional 30,000 jobs.

Tata Group’s Expanding Presence in Assam

• Tata Group has a significant presence in Assam across industries such as tea, healthcare, and electronics.
• Over 55,000 people are currently employed by Tata companies in the state.
• Tata Trusts partnered with the Assam government to build 17 cancer hospitals, improving healthcare access.
• Tata Consumer Company operates 21 assets and 20 manufacturing & packaging units in Assam, strengthening the tea industry.

Uttar Pradesh Adopts Digital Monitoring for Routine Child Vaccination Through RISE App

The state of Uttar Pradesh has made a significant move to improve its immunization program by introducing the ‘Rapid Immunisation Skill Enhancement’ (RISE) app. This digital platform will be employed by staff nurses, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and health workers to effectively monitor and manage routine vaccinations for children.

The goal of this initiative is to boost vaccination coverage, identify families hesitant to vaccinate their children, and ensure that all immunization processes are executed properly. By moving away from traditional training methods and embracing real-time digital learning, the state aims to improve vaccination outreach, safety, and efficiency.

What is the RISE App?

The RISE app serves as a digital training and monitoring platform aimed at supporting health workers in the implementation and management of vaccination programs.

It offers real-time updates on:

• Vaccination schedules and session management

• Vaccine safety protocols and cold chain management

• Monitoring adverse effects following vaccination

• Training healthcare professionals on the most current immunization guidelines

With this app, health workers can access immediate updates and essential training, effectively addressing the delays often associated with traditional training methods.

The objective of the RISE App Implementation

The main goal of the RISE app is to make sure that immunization programs are carried out effectively, safely, and punctually. The key objectives are:

1. Enhancing vaccination monitoring: By digitizing the immunization process, authorities can monitor real-time data on vaccination coverage and ensure timely interventions.

2. Improving healthcare worker training: The app allows for quick training, providing nurses and ANMs with the latest guidelines.

3. Ensuring vaccine safety and cold chain management: Proper storage and handling of vaccines are essential to maintain their effectiveness.

4. Addressing vaccine hesitancy: Health workers can identify and counsel families who are hesitant to vaccinate their children, thus boosting immunization rates.

5. Reducing delays in information dissemination: Traditional training methods often lead to delays in updating health workers, while the RISE app offers instant access to the most current information.

IndiaAI Mission: Union IT Minister Launches Compute Portal and AIKosha Dataset Platform

In a major step forward for artificial intelligence (AI) in India, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has unveiled the IndiaAI Compute Portal and the AIKosha Dataset Platform, among other initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission. These initiatives are designed to improve access to AI resources, foster innovation, and strengthen India’s AI capabilities.

Launch of IndiaAI Compute Portal: A Game-Changer for AI Development

One of the major announcements was the introduction of the IndiaAI Compute Portal, which will offer access to more than 18,000 GPUs, cloud storage, and a range of AI-related services.

Key Features of the Compute Portal:

• Designed to assist students, startups, researchers, academia, and government departments.

• Provides access to high-performance AI computing resources at a cost-effective rate.

• Supplies the infrastructure needed to build and train AI models efficiently.

• Aims to foster the development of India’s own foundational AI model.

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pointed out that this initiative will greatly cut down the costs of AI development, similar to how India’s Chandrayaan mission was carried out at a much lower expense compared to other countries. He noted that the cost of using GPUs through this portal is expected to remain below Rs 100 per hour, making it one of the most economical AI computing solutions in the world.

Furthermore, the minister shared that 67 applications have already been received for the development of India’s own foundational AI model. He expressed confidence that within 3-4 years, India will have its own GPUs that can compete globally.

AIKosha: India’s All-in-One Dataset Platform for AI Innovation

Alongside the Compute Portal, the AIKosha Dataset Platform was also launched, marking a major step toward data-driven AI research and innovation.

Objectives of AIKosha:

• Serves as a one-stop platform for accessing high-quality non-personal datasets.
• Provides resources, tools, and expert mentorship for AI developers and model builders.
• Enables the creation of India-specific AI models by offering curated datasets.
• Supports AI startups, academia, and government bodies in developing cutting-edge AI solutions.

The platform is expected to streamline AI model development by providing structured and verified datasets essential for training AI systems. By facilitating data access, AIKosha will contribute to the growth of India’s AI ecosystem, enabling researchers and businesses to build robust AI applications.

Strategic Importance of the Mission

The IndiaAI Mission is designed to:

• Accelerate AI research and development.
• Strengthen India’s AI capabilities to compete with global AI giants.
• Provide accessible AI infrastructure to startups, researchers, and enterprises.
• Foster AI-driven solutions for various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance.

Punjab Launches ‘Project Hifazat’ to Strengthen Women and Child Safety

In a major step towards improving the safety and protection of women and children impacted by violence, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, officially launched ‘Project Hifazat’ on Thursday, March 7, 2025. This initiative is designed to offer immediate support to victims through a comprehensive 24/7 helpline, coordinated assistance from multiple departments, and effective on-ground response strategies.

A Step Towards Ensuring Safety and Empowerment

During the launch event, Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted the crucial need for women to feel safe when reporting crimes. She encouraged the women of Punjab to save the emergency helpline number ‘181’ on their mobile phones for assistance in times of distress.

This project represents a significant advancement in the fight against gender-based violence by bringing together government agencies and offering comprehensive support.

Key Features of ‘Project Hifazat’

1. 24×7 Women and Child Helpline for Immediate Support

Under the initiatives ‘Mission Shakti’ and ‘Mission Vatsalya’, the project introduces two specialized helplines:

• Women Helpline: 181 – This helpline is designed to support individuals facing domestic violence, workplace harassment, and other offenses against women.

• Child Helpline: 1098 – This service aims to assist children who are experiencing abuse, exploitation, or any type of violence.

These helplines will be available 24/7, ensuring that women and children can access help whenever they need it. In emergency situations, calls will be routed directly to the ‘Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112)’, allowing for prompt police action.

2. Multi-Departmental Coordination for Efficient Action

To improve the effectiveness of ‘Project Hifazat’, there will be collaboration among various government departments to ensure comprehensive support for victims. The main departments involved are:

• Punjab Police – Responsible for immediate law enforcement actions and rescue operations.

• Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development – To offer shelter, rehabilitation, and financial aid.

• Department of Health and Family Welfare – For providing medical assistance, trauma care, and mental health counseling.

• Legal Aid Authorities – To help victims with filing cases, securing protection orders, and navigating the legal system.

This coordinated approach will guarantee that victims receive timely legal, medical, and psychological support.

3. Deployment of Rescue Vehicles for On-Ground Assistance

To strengthen the emergency response system, dedicated rescue vehicles will be stationed in every district. These vehicles will be equipped to:

• Reach distress locations swiftly after receiving calls on the helpline.
• Ensure immediate medical aid and transportation to safe shelters.
• Provide psycho-social support to victims on the spot.

This initiative is aimed at reducing response time and ensuring that victims feel safe and protected in their most vulnerable moments.

4. Monitoring and Supervision for Effective Implementation

The implementation of ‘Project Hifazat’ will be closely monitored at multiple levels:

• Supervision by Deputy Commissioners (DCs) – DCs will oversee execution and ensure coordination among various departments.
• District Program Officers (DPOs) as Nodal Officers – DPOs will be responsible for ground-level operations and response mechanisms.
• State-Level Control Room in Chandigarh – A modern 24×7 control room will be set up in Chandigarh to:
  • Monitor distress calls and response time.
  • Track case resolutions and follow-ups.
  • Provide information on government welfare schemes for women and children.
  • Generate reports for analysis and policy improvements.

By using data analytics and real-time tracking, the project will ensure continuous improvements in safety measures.

World’s Largest Iceberg A23a Runs Aground Near South Georgia Island

The largest iceberg in the world, A23a, has become stuck near South Georgia, a remote British overseas territory famous for its rich wildlife. Scientists are keeping a close eye on the situation to assess its effects on local ecosystems. While the iceberg might interfere with wildlife feeding patterns, it could also boost ocean productivity by releasing nutrients as it melts. A23a, which broke away from Antarctica in 1986, has been drifting for many years and has finally settled on the continental shelf near South Georgia. Scientists are still unsure if it will stay in place or drift again due to changing ocean conditions.

Key Highlights

Iceberg A23a and Its Journey

A23a is the largest iceberg in the world, roughly the size of Rhode Island and weighing close to a trillion tonnes. It broke off from Antarctica’s Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986 and remained stuck in the Weddell Sea for over 30 years. In 2020, it finally broke free and started drifting northward past the Antarctic Peninsula. For several months, it was caught in a Taylor Column vortex before it continued its journey toward South Georgia. Satellite images taken on March 1, 2025, show that it has now run aground on the continental shelf, just 73 km from South Georgia.

Potential Impact on Wildlife

• South Georgia is home to millions of seals and penguins.
• Scientists fear A23a may block access to key feeding areas, forcing wildlife to travel longer distances and potentially reducing food supply for young animals.
• Seals, penguins, and seabirds could be affected by the obstruction of migration routes.

Potential Environmental Benefits

• Melting icebergs release essential micronutrients into the ocean.
• The mixing of ocean layers could boost phytoplankton growth, increasing food availability for marine species.
• This could enhance populations of local predators like seals and penguins.

Scientific Research Opportunities

• Scientists are studying how icebergs impact marine ecosystems and carbon capture in the ocean.
• Researchers are examining underwater geological changes, including possible seafloor scars and landslides caused by A23a’s grounding.
• The event provides insights into climate change effects on ice shelves and ocean circulation.

Possibility of Movement

• Canadian ice specialist Donavan Tremblay suggests that A23a may move again due to strong storms and ocean currents.
• A previous megaberg, A68a, also ran aground near South Georgia in 2020, later breaking apart and releasing 152 gigatonnes of fresh water into the ocean.