Current Affairs Quiz 22nd and 23rd March 2025 Quiz

Exp. Hydrologist Günter Blöschl wins 2025 Stockholm Water Prize

Austrian hydrologist Günter Blöschl has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Stockholm Water Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to flood risk management and water resource engineering.

Blöschl, recognized as the world’s leading flood hydrologist, was honoured for his innovative work linking climate change to increased flood risks, advancing global understanding of regional flood processes.

The award will be presented to Blöschl by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during World Water Week in Stockholm in August 2025.

His research has significantly influenced sustainable water management practices, earning praise from the Stockholm Water Prize Committee for its impact on addressing climate-related challenges.

The Stockholm Water Prize is awarded by the Stockholm Water Foundation in cooperation with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.  

Exp. Sustainable Eri Silk from Northeast India Secures Global Recognition with Oeko-Tex Certification from Germany

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) secured the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification from Germany for Eri silk.

The certification ensures international buyers that eri silk meets international safety and quality standards, boosting consumer confidence and facilitating its acceptance in high-end markets.

Known as the world’s only vegan silk, Eri silk from Northeast India, particularly Assam, is produced ethically without harming silkworms, aligning with global demands for chemical-free, environmentally responsible fabrics.

Exp. India to host third Central Asian youth delegation under International Youth Exchange Programme

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports will host the third Central Asian Youth Delegation to India from March 22 to 28, as part of the International Youth Exchange Programme (IYEP).

This initiative aims to foster youth collaboration, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and the five Central Asian nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The youth exchange program is in line with the vision articulated during the India-Central Asia Summit in January 2022, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed an annual youth exchange initiative to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation among young leaders from the region.

These meetings will emphasize the importance of youth diplomacy and underscore the need for strengthened international cooperation.

Exp. India to host 11th Asian Swimming Championship in Ahmedabad

India will host the 11th Asian Swimming Championship at the Naranpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The Swimming Federation of India announced that it has received in-principle approval from both the Gujarat government and Asia Aquatics to organize the championship.

The event will take place from October 1 to 15. The championship will feature swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo.

Swimmers from Japan and South Korea are expected to compete at the continental meet, marking the event’s first-ever edition in the country. The 10th Asian Age Group Championships in 2019 was the last international swimming event hosted by India.

Exp. CSIR-IIIM & HAPICO Industries Sign MoU for Collaborative Biopesticide Development

The CSIR – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, signed an MoU with M/S HAPICO Industries Private Limited on 20 March 2025 to jointly develop novel biopesticides.

This strategic partnership aims to address the detrimental impact of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment.

Given the rich biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants, the collaboration seeks to harness their potential for developing innovative and sustainable biopesticide solutions.

The agreement signing ceremony was jointly organized by the RMBD&IST and FMB Divisions, under the overall supervision of Er Abdul Rahim, Head, RMBD&IST Division, and under the CSIR-IIIM, Jammu.

Exp. 21 March – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, marked annually on 21 March raises awareness about the ongoing fight against racism and promotes equality worldwide.

The date commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa, where 69 peaceful anti-apartheid protesters were killed, galvanizing global efforts to end racial discrimination.

The 2025 theme of the International Day is “60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms Racial of Discrimination (ICERD)”. On December 21, 1965, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) through Resolution 2106 (XX).

Exp. Fitch retains FY26 India growth at 6.5%

Fitch Ratings has maintained its GDP growth forecast for India at 6.5% for the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26), reflecting confidence in India’s economic resilience despite global trade uncertainties, driven by strong domestic spending and business confidence.

The agency raised its GDP growth projection for India in fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27) to 6.3%, up from the previous 6.2%, citing sustained investment growth fueled by high government capital expenditure and a lower cost of capital.

Indian economy gained momentum in the December quarter, expanding 6.2% from a seven-quarter low of 5.6% in the quarter before, led by improved consumer spending.

Updated GDP List

• CRISIL – 6.5% (FY26)
• Moody’s Analytics – 6.4% (FY25)
• RBI –6.6% (FY25), 6.7% (FY26)
• Deloitte – 6.5-6.8 (FY25)
• FICCI – 6.4% (FY25)

Exp. IDFC FIRST Bank introduces “Ace” feature on its mobile app to provide 2500 plus MF options

IDFC FIRST Bank has incorporated an “Ace” feature on its mobile banking app that will provide details on more than 2500 mutual funds. This is aimed at promoting ‘do-it-yourself’ investing among its customers.

The private sector bank’s customers can browse through various fund categories (like Equity, Debt, Tax-Saving, Hybrid, and Index funds) and choose the right need-based fund to build a diversified portfolio.

They can also access detailed information – like historical fund performance (1Y, 3Y & 5Y), holding patterns (by sectors, companies, and market cap), and expert ratings on each fund (Morningstar Rating).

Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector

• SBI Mutual Fund launches two new PSU bank-focused investment schemes named “SBI BSE PSU Bank Index Fund and SBI BSE PSU Bank ETF”
• Canara Bank becomes the first bank to introduce Online Digital Balance Confirmation Certificate through the PSB Alliance Pvt. Ltd portal.
• Avanse Financial Services Ltd. (Avanse) launched ‘SWALAKSH’, a specialised education loan tailored for female students aspiring to study abroad.
• RBIH Launches DesignShaala™ to Drive Financial Innovation Through Human-Centered Design (launched by Nandan Nilekani)
• SBI Life Insurance launched two new child insurance plans, “SBI Life – Smart Future Star” and “SBI Life – Smart Platina Young Achiever,” aimed at helping parents secure their children’s financial future.

Exp. Veteran Sculptor Ram Sutar Chosen for Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024

Veteran sculptor Ram Sutar the maker of the Statue of Unity, will be honoured by Maharashtra Bhushan, the state’s highest civilian award.

Mr. Ram Sutar is a Padma Bhushan awardee and designed the Statue of Unity which is the world’s tallest statue with a height of 182 metres.

The award comprises 25 lakh rupees and a memento. Sutar is a centenarian but is still working on the Ambedkar statue at the Indu Mill Memorial project in Mumbai.

Mr Sutar, who works with his son, has also been associated with many major projects like the 251-metre-tall statue of Lord Ram at Ayodhya, a 153-feet high statue of Lord Shiva in Bengaluru and a 100-feet tall statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at Moshi in Pune.

Q.10. Who has been elected as the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2024?

2024 में अंतर्राष्ट्रीय ओलंपिक समिति (IOC) के अध्यक्ष के रूप में किसे चुना गया है?

(a) Sebastian Coe

(b) Thomas Bach

(c) Kirsty Coventry

(d) Anita DeFrantz

(e) John Coates

Exp. Kirsty Coventry becomes 1st female president of IOC

Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry has been elected as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She has become the first female President in IOC history.

The 41-year-old Zimbabwean was elected at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.

Coventry will succeed the ninth IOC President, Thomas Bach, whose 12-year tenure will officially end after June 23.

Kirsty Coventry secured 49 votes out of the 97 votes cast and was declared elected.

The term of the IOC President is eight years. The President is eligible for re-election once for a period of four years.

About International Olympic Committee (IOC)

• Founded- 23 June 1894
• Headquarters- Lausanne, Switzerland
• Founder- Pierre de Coubertin
• Motto- “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter” (Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together)

Exp. 21 March – International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests is observed annually on March 21 to promote awareness about the importance of forests and trees.

The day highlights the crucial role of forests in sustaining biodiversity, providing livelihoods, and combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Theme 2025 – Forests and Food

The International Day of Forests was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2012.  

Exp. 21 March – World Day for Glaciers

World Day for Glaciers is observed annually on March 21 to highlight the critical role of glaciers in the global ecosystem.

The day aims to raise awareness about glacier retreat due to climate change and its impact on freshwater supply, sea level rise, and ecosystems.

Glaciers store nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater, making their preservation essential for sustaining life on Earth.

The first World Day for Glaciers, declared by the UN in its resolution A/RES/77/158 along with the International Year of Glaciers 2025, encourage us all to act to preserve the vital role of glaciers in sustaining life on Earth for generations to come.

Exp. 21 March – World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed annually on March 21 to raise awareness about Down Syndrome and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with the condition.

Theme 2025 – Improve Our Support Systems

The day promotes early intervention, education, and healthcare access to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down Syndrome.

In December 2011, the General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (A/RES/66/149). The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year.

Exp. 21 March – World Poetry Day

World Poetry Day is celebrated every year on 21 March.

It was established by UNESCO in 1999 to promote the reading, writing, and teaching of poetry, recognizing its role in cultural and linguistic expression worldwide.

The day supports linguistic diversity by encouraging poetic expression in endangered languages, honoring poets and strengthening ties between poetry and other arts like music and dance.

Exp. 20 March – French Language Day

French Language Day, observed on March 20, is an annual celebration established by the United Nations to promote the French language and its cultural significance worldwide.

The day coincides with the International Day of La Francophonie, recognizing the global community of French-speaking nations.

The UN created Language Days to highlight multilingualism and cultural diversity, assigning March 20 to French in 2010.

The date marks the foundation of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) in 1970, which promotes cooperation among French-speaking countries.

French is an official language in 29 countries and one of the six official languages of the UN.