08th March 2025 Current Affairs | Daily GK Update & Top News for Exams

State News

Bangalore City University to be Renamed After Dr. Manmohan Singh

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced that Bangalore City University will be renamed as Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru University in honor of the late former PM Manmohan Singh. The government plans to develop it into a model university, incorporating Government Arts College and Government RC College as constituent institutions.

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

Punjab’s Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur launched ‘Project Hifazat’ on March 7, 2025, to enhance women and child safety. The initiative features a 24×7 helpline (181), coordinated government support, and rapid response mechanisms to combat gender-based violence. Dr. Kaur urged women to use the helpline, emphasizing empowerment and swift action against crimes.

Assam Names Electronics City After Ratan Tata

The Assam government has named the upcoming Electronics City in Jagiroad as Ratan Tata Electronic City, honoring Ratan Tata’s contributions to the state’s industrial and economic growth. Announced after Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit (Feb 2025), the move recognizes the Tata Group’s impact in semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, and investment in Assam.

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

Uttar Pradesh has launched the ‘Rapid Immunisation Skill Enhancement’ (RISE) app to strengthen its immunization program. Designed for nurses, ANMs, and health workers, the app enhances vaccination tracking, training, and safety management. It provides real-time updates on vaccination schedules, cold chain management, and adverse effect monitoring, replacing traditional training with digital learning for improved efficiency and outreach.

International News

Trump Announces Reciprocal Tariffs on India and Other Nations

On March 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump, in his first congressional address of his second term, announced reciprocal tariffs on countries with high tariffs on U.S. goods. Effective April 2, the policy targets India, China, the EU, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada, aiming to ensure a “level playing field” for American businesses. Trump cited “very unfair” trade practices as the reason, potentially impacting U.S.-India trade relations.

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

The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, has run aground near South Georgia, a British overseas territory. Scientists are monitoring its impact, as it may disrupt wildlife feeding routes but also boost ocean productivity by releasing nutrients. A23a broke off from Antarctica in 1986 and has drifted for decades before lodging on the continental shelf. Its future movement remains uncertain due to oceanic conditions.

Eyal Zamir Appointed as Israel’s New Military Chief Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israel has appointed Eyal Zamir as its new Chief of Staff amid ongoing military operations and rising regional tensions. A former tank commander and defence ministry director, Zamir succeeds Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who resigned after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. His leadership will focus on Gaza operations, Iran tensions, and West Bank security. Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed confidence in Zamir’s ability to achieve “absolute victory” against Hamas.

Defence News

Sea Dragon 2025 Naval Exercise: Strengthening Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities

Sea Dragon 2025, a multilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise, has begun off the Guam coast from March 4 to March 19, 2025. Hosted by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, it includes India, Japan (JMSDF), Australia (RAAF), and South Korea (ROKN). The drill aims to enhance maritime security coordination and strengthen tactical interoperability among allies.

Ranks & Reports News

LIC Ranked World’s 3rd Strongest Insurance Brand

LIC has been ranked 3rd strongest insurance brand globally with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88/100, as per the Brand Finance Insurance 100 (2025) report. Poland’s PZU secured the top spot (BSI: 94.4), followed by China Life Insurance (BSI: 93.5). LIC also holds the 12th position in brand value, while SBI Life is the only other Indian insurer in the top 100, ranking 76th. The insurance sector grew by 9% in 2025, driven by higher investment returns, economic recovery, and rising demand.

IndiGo Becomes the World’s Second Fastest-Growing Airline in Seat Capacity

IndiGo Airlines is the world’s second fastest-growing airline in seat capacity, with a 10.1% YoY increase to 134.9 million seats in 2024, as per the OAG report. It follows Qatar Airways (10.4% growth). The report highlights IndiGo’s flight frequency growth, expanding international operations, strong financial performance, and future plans.

Agreements News

Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum: Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Sports

Science & Technology News

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

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the IndiaAI Compute Portal and AIKosha Dataset Platform under the IndiaAI Mission to accelerate AI innovation in India. The Compute Portal provides access to 18,000+ GPUs, cloud storage, and AI-related services, supporting students, startups, researchers, and government departments. It aims to offer affordable, high-performance AI computing and facilitate the development of India’s own foundational AI model.