Current Affairs Quiz 6th March 2025 Quiz

Exp. India and Nepal Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Cooperation in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Sector

The Government of India and the Government of Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, including waste management.

The agreement aims to promote collaboration between the two nations and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation in the WASH sector, ensuring better access to clean drinking water and sanitation for their populations.

The comprehensive MoU outlines a collaborative framework encompassing several key areas:-

• Capacity Building: Training programs for Nepali personnel in water resource management and related fields.
• Technology & Knowledge Transfer: Sharing of technological expertise and best practices between India and Nepal in WASH sector.
• Groundwater Management: Joint efforts in monitoring, assessment, and management of groundwater resources, including quality improvement, artificial recharge, and rainwater harvesting.

This MoU marks a new chapter in the India-Nepal partnership, ensuring that both countries work together for the well-being of their people and for a sustainable future.

Exp. PM Modi inaugurates Vantara in Jamnagar, feeds lion cubs, giraffes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue and rehabilitation initiative in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The initiative provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare.

It is established by Reliance Industries with Reliance Foundation

Exp. India’s river dolphin population stands at 6,327, survey finds

India’s first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report has recorded 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the report during his visit to Gir National Park in Gujarat, where he chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife.

The dolphin population survey, conducted under Project Dolphin, spanned 8,500 kilometers across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river systems over two years.

The survey, conducted from 2021 to 2023, was a joint effort by the Wildlife Institute of India, state forest departments of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan, and non-profit organizations including Aaranyak, World Wildlife Fund, Turtle Surviva l Alliance, and Wildlife Trust of India.

Exp. Uttarakhand Cabinet approves implementation of Unified Pension Scheme

The Uttarakhand Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved the implementation of the Central Government’s Unified Pension Scheme for officers and employees in the state.

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) has been introduced as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) by the Central Government for the Central Government employees covered under NPS so that they may receive an assured payout after their retirement. The Unified Pension Scheme will be operational from April 1, 2025

About Uttarakhand

• Capital – Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer)
• Chief Minister – Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Governor – Gurmit Singh

Exp. Chinese Architect Liu Jiakun Receives the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize

Chinese architect and educator Liu Jiakun has won the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most important award in architecture.

This prize honors him for combining traditional Chinese styles with modern design and for his efforts to create fair and inclusive spaces.

Jiakun, who was born and still works in Chengdu, China, is the second Chinese architect to receive this award after Wang Shu in 2012.

Liu, 68, becomes the 54th laureate of the prize, considered akin to a Nobel in the field of architecture.

Previous winners include Riken Yamamoto (2024), David Chipperfield (2023), and Francis Kéré (2022).

The award ceremony will take place this spring at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel.

Recent Award

• Laureus World Sports Award 2025 (in comeback of the year category) – Rishabh Pant
• Icon of Excellence award at Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025 -ICC Chairman Jay Shah
• Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskar (Golden Trophy) – Manohar International Airport, Goa
• Time Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025 – Purnima Devi Barman
• Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE)- Sunil Bharti Mittal

Exp. MRF appoints Shubman Gill as brand ambassador

India batter Shubman Gill has signed a deal with renowned tyre brand MRF as his new bat sponsor.

Gill was signed by his previous sponsor Ceat during his Under-19 days and the association has finally ended during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

With his deal, Gill now follows the footsteps of his idols Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli to have signed deal with MRF.

Recent Brand Ambassador

• Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh – American clothing brand, Levi’s
• PV Sindhu – PUMA India
• Tata Mumbai Marathon – Mo Farah
• MS Dhoni – Eurogrip Tyres
• Rashmika Mandanna – Chennai-based real estate developer, DRA
• Sonu Sood – Brand Ambassador and Honourary Tourism Advisor for Thailand

Exp. Paytm introduces UPI Trading Blocks with auto payment from bank accounts

Paytm has launched a new feature in Paytm UPI called UPI Trading Blocks (also known as Single Block Multiple Debits). This feature allows automatic payments directly from bank accounts for stock trading.

With this update, investors can block money in their bank accounts instead of transferring large amounts to broker apps in advance. This makes trading safer and more convenient.

Built on NPCI’s UPI system, the feature ensures that users’ money stays in their bank accounts and continues earning interest until a trade happens. Once a trade is completed, the exact amount needed is deducted automatically. This reduces the need for manual transfers and makes stock trading more transparent.

Currently supported for UPI handles of Axis Bank (@ptaxis) and Yes Bank (@ptyes), this feature will soon extend to other UPI handles, including those of State Bank of India (@ptsbi) and HDFC Bank (@pthdfc). It allows investors to keep funds in their bank accounts while providing a seamless and convenient way to manage and pay for trades.

What are UPI trading blocks?

• Also known as Single Block Multiple Debits, UPI Trading Blocks allow investors to authorise fund blocking directly from their bank accounts while placing trade requests on brokerage apps.
• The feature eliminates the need for repeated UPI PIN entries and offers greater flexibility by keeping funds accessible until required.

Exp. Jio Financial buys out SBI’s stake in payments bank JV

State Bank of India (SBI) has decided to divest its entire 17.8 per cent stake in Jio Payments Bank Limited, a joint venture between the state-owned bank and Jio Financial Services (JFS).

JFS will acquire the SBI’s stake for ₹104.5 crore, after which Jio Payments Bank will become its wholly-owned subsidiary. Currently, JFS holds 82.17 per cent stake in Jio Payments Bank.

Jio Payment Bank is a joint venture of Jio Financial Service Limited and SBI, and it started its operation in April 2018.

Jio Financial Services Limited holds 82.17% of the paid-up equity share capital of Jio Payments Bank Limited, while SBI holds 17.8 % of the shares.

Chairman and MD of Jio Financial Services – Hitesh Kumar Sethia

Chairman and MD of Jio Payment Bank – Vinod Easwaran  

Exp. JCD ties up with EPH to manufacture tank turrets

Belgium’s John Cockerill Defence (JCD), a leading global manufacturer of tank turrets, has teamed up with Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics (EPH), a company based in Pune, India, to form a joint venture (JV).

The initial focus of this partnership is the Indian Army’s Light Tank project, particularly the Zorawar tank, which is being developed by DRDO and L&T. This tank is currently in advanced testing stages, and the new JV will supply turrets for it.

This collaboration is part of a larger effort to strengthen defense ties between India and Belgium, with both countries planning to sign a defense cooperation agreement by the end of 2025.

In this JV, JCD will hold 60% and EPH will hold 40%. JCD will provide the technology, while EPH will handle the manufacturing. According to JCD’s CEO, Thierry Renaudin, the project aims to create a world-class turret, and at least 50% of the components must be made in India.

Exp. Ambuja Cements gets CCI nod for 72.8% stake acquisition in Orient Cement

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of up to 72.8 per cent shareholding in Orient Cement Ltd by Ambuja Cements Ltd, marking a significant consolidation move in the Indian cement sector.

With this acquisition, Ambuja aims to strengthen its market presence by adding Orient Cement’s three manufacturing facilities in Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra to its portfolio. These facilities serve 10 States, ensuring a stronger regional footprint.

Exp. RBI appoints Ajit Ratnakar Joshi as Executive Director

The Reserve Bank has appointed Ajit Ratnakar Joshi as Executive Director (ED) who will look after Department of Statistics and Information Management and Financial Stability Department.

Prior to being promoted as ED, Mr. Joshi was serving as principal adviser in Department of Statistics and Information Management.

He has over thirty years of experience in statistics, information technology, and cyber risk management. He has served as a member of the faculty at the Institute of Development and Research in Banking Technology, Hyderabad.  

Exp. Ajay Bhadoo appointed as CEO of Government e Marketplace

The Government of India has appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Ajay Bhadoo, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace (GeM). He will assume this role in addition to his existing responsibilities in the Department of Commerce.

An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1999 batch from the Gujarat cadre, Bhadoo brings over two decades of experience in policy formulation and implementation across diverse sectors, including urban infrastructure development.

Recent Appointments

• Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) – Dr Mayank Sharma
• Chairman of Bar Council of India (BCI) – Manan Kumar Mishra (7^th time)
• Chairman of Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation – N Chandrasekaran
• Head of Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) – Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi (extension one year)
• CEO of NITI Aayog – B V R Subrahmanyam (extension one year)

Exp. Table Tennis legend A. Sharath Kamal announces retirement

Indian table tennis legend A. Sharath Kamal announced that he will retire later this month, ending a career spanning more than 22 years at the top of the sport.

Sharath will bid farewell in front of friends and family in Chennai, where the WTT Star Contender event, his final tournament, will take place from March 25 to 30.

His impact on the sport extends beyond his achievements, which include seven Commonwealth Games gold medals, two historic Asian Games bronze medals, and five Olympic appearances.

Recently Retired Players

• Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – International cricket
• Rishi Dhawan (India) – Cricket
• Moeen Ali (England) – International Cricket
• Shannon Gabriel (West Indies) – International Cricket
• Dawid Malan (England) – International Cricket
• Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka) -International cricket
• Marcelo (Brazil) – International Football

Exp. 5 March – International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness

International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed on March 5 each year.

This day aims to raise global awareness about the importance of disarmament and the prevention of the spread of weapons, particularly weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) like nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.