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 11 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.

India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII

The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII is scheduled to occur in Kyrgyzstan from March 10 to March 23, 2025. Since it began in 2011, the KHANJAR exercise has developed into an important annual training event focused on strengthening military collaboration between the two countries. This exercise underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing their dedication to regional peace, stability, and security.

Participating Contingents

The Indian Army contingent in KHANJAR-XII includes troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), recognized for their exceptional capabilities in counter-terrorism and high-altitude warfare. Meanwhile, the Kyrgyzstan contingent is represented by the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade, a well-trained unit that focuses on special operations and mountain warfare.

Objectives and Key Focus Areas of KHANJAR-XII

The main goal of Exercise KHANJAR-XII is to promote the sharing of experiences and effective strategies in Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations and Special Forces missions, especially in urban and high-altitude mountainous environments. This training is designed to tackle the changing security threats, particularly those arising from international terrorism and extremism.

Key Focus Areas:

• Counter-Terrorism Operations: The participating troops will undergo specialized training in neutralizing terror threats in both urban and mountainous environments.
• Advanced Special Forces Skills: The exercise will emphasize skills such as sniping, complex building interventions, and mountain warfare.
• High-Altitude Warfare Training: Given the geographical landscape of Kyrgyzstan, special training will be conducted to enhance the endurance and operational capability of the troops in high-altitude conditions.
• Joint Planning and Execution: The forces will conduct coordinated mock operations, simulating real-time special operations to enhance interoperability and coordination.

Madhav National Park Declared as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve

In a notable move for wildlife conservation, Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh has been officially recognized as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve on March 9, 2025. The announcement was made by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, highlighting another important step in the country’s ongoing mission to protect and maintain its rich biodiversity. With this new designation, Madhya Pradesh now has nine tiger reserves, further establishing its reputation as the ‘Tiger State’ of India.

Madhav National Park- Location and Geographic Significance

The newly designated Madhav Tiger Reserve is situated in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, part of the Gwalior-Chambal region. This area boasts a rich ecosystem, featuring dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and water bodies that create a perfect habitat for tigers and various other wildlife species.

The total area of the Madhav Tiger Reserve spans 1,751 square kilometers, which includes:

• Core Area: 375 square kilometers
• Buffer Zone: 1,276 square kilometers

The inclusion of this reserve is expected to strengthen wildlife corridors and improve ecological balance in the region.

Razorpay Expands into Singapore to Revolutionize Digital Payments

Razorpay, a prominent fintech company, has officially launched its payment solutions in Singapore, representing a significant step in its expansion following successful ventures in India and Malaysia. This initiative aligns with Singapore’s digital-first economy and its expanding real-time payments landscape. Razorpay’s goal is to streamline cross-border transactions, lower payment costs, and provide AI-driven financial tools to support businesses in Singapore.

Key Highlights of Razorpay’s Expansion in Singapore

Expansion Strategy

Razorpay is set to enter Singapore’s vibrant digital payments market after achieving a staggering 10X growth in Malaysia through Curlec by Razorpay. The digital payments in Singapore are forecasted to reach $180 billion by 2029, establishing it as a crucial market. In 2024, real-time payments from Singapore are projected to represent 40% of Southeast Asia’s digital transactions.

Challenges in Singapore’s Payment Landscape

• High Cross-Border Transaction Fees: Businesses pay 4-6% per transaction, affecting scalability.
• Fragmented Payment Systems: SMEs struggle with limited real-time payment options across Asia.
• Need for Innovation: Digital commerce in Singapore is projected to reach $40 billion by 2028, demanding seamless financial connectivity.

Razorpay’s Key Offerings in Singapore

• Seamless Multi-Currency Transactions: Allows businesses to operate internationally while minimizing costs.

• Real-Time Payment Solutions: Compatible with Singapore’s PayNow, SGQR, and cross-border payment systems.

• Agentic-AI Toolkit: An AI-powered SDK that facilitates automated transactions and provides real-time financial insights.

• RAY AI Concierge: Automation driven by AI for managing payments, payroll, and vendor transactions.

• Magic Checkout: A one-click checkout feature designed to decrease cart abandonment and enhance conversion rates.

• Fraud Detection & Automated Reconciliation: Tools that offer advanced security and improve operational efficiency.

Leadership Statements

Shashank Kumar (MD & Co-founder, Razorpay)

• Singapore is a prime market for Razorpay’s next growth phase.
• AI-driven solutions will drive 30% higher conversions, boosting revenues for businesses.

Angad Dhindsa (SEA Head, Razorpay Singapore)

• Focus on solving SME challenges, reducing cross-border costs by 30-40%.
• Enabling businesses to scale with faster settlements and seamless financial operations.

Mark Carney Appointed as Canada’s New Liberal Party Leader and Prime Minister

Mark Carney has been appointed as the new leader of Canada’s Liberal Party and will be the country’s next Prime Minister, replacing Justin Trudeau in light of rising public dissatisfaction. The former central banker will now steer the party into the upcoming general elections and tackle Ottawa’s response to the growing challenges from US President Donald Trump.

Carney’s Victory in the Leadership Race

Carney achieved a significant win in the Liberal Party leadership contest, garnering 85.9 percent of the votes. This victory signals a new chapter for the party as it aims to restore public confidence after Trudeau’s time in office.

Why Did Trudeau Step Down?

The Liberal Party’s leadership race began when Justin Trudeau announced his resignation in early January. His choice was influenced by internal party dissent and Chrystia Freeland’s departure from the cabinet. With Trudeau stepping down, the opportunity for a new leader arose, and Carney quickly became a prominent contender.

Amul Ranked as the 3rd Most Valued Brand in India – YouGov India Value Rankings 2025

Amul, the top dairy cooperative in India, has proudly claimed the third spot in the esteemed YouGov India Value Rankings 2025, distinguishing itself as the sole FMCG brand among the top three. It stands alongside giants like Amazon and Flipkart, a testament to its strong consumer trust and value-for-money appeal. This milestone emphasizes the robustness of Amul’s cooperative model, which ensures fair pricing for farmers and delivers high-quality, affordable dairy products to households throughout India.

Key Highlights of the Ranking

• Amul’s Positioning in the YouGov India Value Rankings 2025
• Ranked 3rd overall among India’s most valued brands.
• The only Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brand in the top three.
• Stands alongside Amazon (1st) and Flipkart (2nd) in the rankings.

Factors Behind Amul’s Success

• Strong Cooperative Model – Supports countless farmers and ensures they receive fair prices.

• Affordable, High-Quality Dairy Products – Accessible to consumers from every segment.

• Trust and Brand Loyalty – A trusted household name in India with a loyal customer base.

• Consistent Innovation and Expansion – Regularly diversifying products and expanding market reach.

Amul’s Performance Across Consumer Segments

• No.1 position in Tier-2 cities and among the top three in Tier-1 and Tier-3 cities.
• Ranks 3rd among male consumers and 2nd among female consumers, showcasing its appeal across demographics.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi’s Appointment to the Supreme Court

In a major development, the Government of India has officially announced the appointment of Justice Joymalya Bagchi, a current judge of the Calcutta High Court, to the Supreme Court of India. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal made the announcement through a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the President of India appointed him after consulting with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

This appointment is significant as Justice Bagchi is set to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in 2031, succeeding Justice KV Viswanathan. His elevation is a reflection of his merit, integrity, and competence, which were key considerations for the Supreme Court collegium in making this recommendation.

Supreme Court Collegium’s Recommendation and Selection Process

On March 6, 2025, the Supreme Court collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna, recommended that Justice Joymalya Bagchi be elevated to the Supreme Court. The collegium’s statement, which was posted on the Supreme Court’s official website, highlighted that it had deliberated on the names of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges from various High Courts who were eligible for this elevation.

The collegium considered multiple factors, including:

• Merit
• Integrity
• Competence
• Plurality of considerations (diversity, representation, and experience in various areas of law)

After evaluating these factors, the collegium recommended Justice Joymalya Bagchi’s appointment as a Supreme Court judge, recognizing his vast legal experience and profound contributions to the Indian judiciary.

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Inaugurates GRIDCON 2025

In a major move to enhance India’s power grid and promote innovations in renewable energy integration, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, officially opened GRIDCON 2025 – The International Conference cum Exhibition on March 9, 2025. The event took place at IICC, Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, with the presence of Union Minister of State for Power & New & Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik.

GRIDCON 2025 is being organized by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) from March 9 to March 11, 2025, under the auspices of the Ministry of Power and in collaboration with CIGRE India.

GRIDCON 2025: A Global Confluence of Power Sector Experts

The inaugural event was attended by notable professionals from the power sector worldwide. Key attendees included:

• Shri R.K. Tyagi, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of POWERGRID, along with directors and senior officials from the Ministry of Power, POWERGRID, and various public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the energy sector.

• Leaders from the industry, researchers, academics, and global experts specializing in power transmission, distribution, and smart energy solutions.

• More than 2,000 conference delegates, 150 technical papers, 150 exhibiting companies, and representatives from 30 countries, making GRIDCON 2025 a genuinely international gathering.

Theme and Objectives of GRIDCON 2025

The main focus of GRIDCON 2025 is “Innovations in Grid Resilience.” It will highlight groundbreaking technologies, improvements in infrastructure, and intelligent solutions that are set to transform:

• Integration of Renewable Energy

• Resilience and Stability of the Grid

• Management of Smart Assets

• Digital Transformation within the Power Sector

The event aims to create a collaborative platform where industry experts, policymakers, and researchers can exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and discuss best practices for shaping the future of the power grid.

SBI Launches Collateral-Free Digital SME Loan for Women Entrepreneurs

On International Women’s Day 2025, the State Bank of India (SBI) introduced ‘SBI Asmita’, a digital SME loan that requires no collateral and is tailored for women entrepreneurs. This initiative is designed to make it easier for women-led MSMEs to access financing through a straightforward digital process. Furthermore, SBI launched the ‘Nari Shakti’ platinum debit card, which is specifically created for women and offers various benefits across different categories.

Key Highlights of SBI’s Initiatives

• SBI Asmita – Digital SME Loan for Women Entrepreneurs
• This is a collateral-free SME loan aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs.
• It utilizes a comprehensive API ecosystem for digital lending and automated data verification.
• There’s no need for physical documentation, as it gathers data from GSTIN, bank statements, and credit information companies (CICs).
• Loan approval is determined by the financial needs of the business and an assessment of its operations.
• As a special feature, top-performing women entrepreneurs from the SBI Asmita program will be offered training in entrepreneurship and management.

 ‘Nari Shakti’ Platinum Debit Card

• Eco-friendly RuPay-powered card made from 100% recycled plastic.
• Offers benefits in entertainment, shopping, travel, lifestyle, insurance, and more.
• Aims to enhance financial inclusion for women and promote green banking initiatives.

Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account’ for Women NRIs

On March 7, 2025, Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched the ‘bob Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account’, becoming the first public sector bank to offer an NRI account tailored specifically for women. This account is designed to empower women NRIs by providing them with premium banking privileges, lower loan rates, and insurance benefits. Furthermore, BoB has updated its ‘bob Premium NRE & NRO Savings Account’ to improve customer experience with additional features and benefits.

Key Features & Benefits

bob Global Women NRE & NRO Savings Account

• Custom Debit Card: No issuance fees and discounted renewal charges.

• Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access for both domestic and international lounges.

• Reduced Loan Rates: Lower interest rates and processing fees on home and auto loans.

•Locker Benefits: 100% concession on locker rent.

Isurance Coverage

• ₹50 lakh Air Accident Insurance.
• ₹5 lakh Personal Accident Insurance.
• Auto Sweep Facility: Available on demand to earn higher interest.

Minimum Balance Requirement

• ₹1 lakh in Current & Savings Accounts (CASA) or
  ₹10 lakh in CASA + Term Deposits.

Assam Government to Launch Its Own Satellite ‘ASSAMSAT’

In a significant development, the Assam state government has revealed plans to launch its own satellite, ASSAMSAT, aimed at improving data access for essential socio-economic programs and strengthening border security. This announcement was made by Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog during the presentation of the state budget for the financial year 2025-26. The satellite is expected to offer specialized services for agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure development, and security operations. This initiative represents a historic milestone, making Assam the first Indian state to launch its own satellite.

ASSAMSAT: Assam’s Step into Space Technology

The ASSAMSAT satellite is set to be developed in partnership with IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). This initiative is part of the BJP-led coalition government’s aim to strengthen technological capabilities and enhance governance through satellite-based surveillance and monitoring systems.

Objectives of ASSAMSAT

• Strengthening Border Control: The satellite will offer real-time oversight of the state’s borders, aiding in the detection of illegal activities, including unauthorized crossings.

• Natural Disaster Management: By providing early warning systems for floods and landslides, it will be crucial in reducing the impact of natural disasters, particularly along the Brahmaputra River.

• Advancements in Agriculture: The satellite will support farmers with weather forecasts, soil health insights, and crop monitoring data, improving overall productivity.

• Development of Infrastructure: It will assist in urban planning, oversee development projects, and identify gaps in infrastructure for better implementation.

• Law Enforcement and Security Operations: The satellite’s surveillance capabilities will help police and security agencies track criminal activities and enhance law enforcement effectiveness.

Budget Allocation and Cost Estimation

The Assam government has set aside a total budget of Rs 2.6 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26. This budget includes:

• Rs 1.55 lakh crore from the consolidated fund.

• Rs 1.02 lakh crore from the public account.

• Rs 2,000 crore from the contingency fund.

In relation to ASSAMSAT, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma mentioned that initial talks with ISRO have taken place. The satellite, which will be geostationary, is projected to cost between Rs 450 crore and Rs 500 crore.

Additional Landmark Projects Announced in the 2025-26 Budget

Apart from ASSAMSAT, the Assam government has unveiled several ambitious initiatives in the 2025-26 budget, reflecting a vision for technological and economic transformation. Some of these include:

India’s First AI-Powered Anti-Deepfake & Cyber-Surveillance Lab:

• Aims to combat digital misinformation and enhance cybersecurity.
• Will develop advanced AI-based surveillance to detect and prevent cyber threats.

India’s First Green Packaging Industrial Hub:

• Promotes sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
• Encourages investments in biodegradable packaging materials.

India’s First Bamboo Smart City:

• Leverages Assam’s abundant bamboo resources for sustainable urban development.
• Aims to create eco-friendly infrastructure and employment opportunities.

India’s First AI & Blockchain-Powered Tea Auction System:

• Enhances transparency and efficiency in tea trading.
• Uses AI algorithms to determine optimal pricing for Assam’s tea industry.

Government OTT Platforms for Assamese Art & Culture Preservation:

• Aims to digitally preserve Assamese cinema, literature, folk songs, music, and documentaries.
• Provides a dedicated platform for local artists and cultural heritage.

Empowering Unorganised Workers: e-Shram at 30.68 Crore Registrations

The Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the e-Shram portal on August 26, 2021, with the goal of creating a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). This portal is designed to provide unorganised workers with a Universal Account Number (UAN) and connect them to various social security and welfare schemes. As of March 3, 2025, over 30.68 crore unorganised workers have registered, with women making up 53.68% of the total. To improve accessibility, the Ministry has added multilingual support, a mobile app, and integration with several social welfare schemes. The e-Shram – “One-Stop-Solution,” launched on October 21, 2024, aims to consolidate various welfare programs into a single access point for workers.

Key Features of e-Shram Portal

• Launch Date: August 26, 2021
• Developed by: Ministry of Labour and Employment
• Purpose: To create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) linked with Aadhaar
• Registration Type: Self-declaration basis
• Document Required: Aadhaar Card
• Unique ID Provided: Universal Account Number (UAN)
• Language Support: 22 Indian languages using the Bhashini platform
• Mobile App Launched: February 24, 2025
• One-Stop-Solution Launch: October 21, 2024

Registration Statistics

• Total Registrations on e-Shram (as of March 3, 2025)
• Total Workers Registered: 30.68 crore (30,68,74,094)
• Women Workers: 53.68% (16.47 crore)
• Men Workers: 14.21 crore
• Other Gender: 7,355 workers

Integration with Social Welfare Schemes

To offer extensive benefits to unorganised workers, 13 central government schemes have been combined with e-Shram, including.

• Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi)
• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
• National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)
• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U)
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
• National Career Service (NCS) for employment opportunities
• Skill India Digital Portal for skill development
• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandan (PMSYM) pension scheme