11th March 2025 Current Affairs | Daily GK Update & Top News for Exams

National News

Government Initiatives to Promote Gas-Based Power Generation

Gas-based power plants in India are operating at a low Plant Load Factor (PLF), affecting their efficiency and energy contribution. To tackle this, the Government of India has introduced measures to boost the availability and affordability of natural gas, including placing LNG under the Open General License (OGL), expanding gas infrastructure, and implementing policy reforms. These initiatives aim to increase the share of natural gas in India’s energy sector.

Empowering Unorganised Workers: e-Shram at 30.68 Crore Registrations

The e-Shram portal, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on August 26, 2021, aims to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) and provide them with a Universal Account Number (UAN) for accessing social security schemes. As of March 3, 2025, over 30.68 crore workers have registered, with women constituting 53.68%. To enhance accessibility, the portal now offers multilingual support, a mobile app, and integration with welfare schemes. Additionally, the e-Shram – “One-Stop-Solution”, launched on October 21, 2024, streamlines access to multiple welfare programs for unorganised workers.

Muslim Literacy Rate Sees 9.4% Increase in a Decade

The literacy rate among Muslims in India has improved significantly, rising from 59.1% (Census 2001) to 68.5% (Census 2011) and further to 79.5% (PLFS 2023-24), though still slightly below the 80.9% literacy rate of all religious communities. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has implemented various educational, economic, and infrastructure development schemes to uplift Muslims and other minority communities in India.

Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: Key Provisions, Impact and Significance

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, introduced in Parliament by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, aims to modernize India’s immigration framework by replacing colonial-era laws with a structured and stringent system. The bill seeks to enhance national security, regulate foreign nationals, and introduce stricter penalties for violations. It proposes to repeal four existing laws—The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; The Foreigners Act, 1946; and The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000—to eliminate overlaps and streamline regulations.

State News

Assam Government to Launch Its Own Satellite ‘ASSAMSAT’

The Assam government has announced the launch of ASSAMSAT, its own satellite, to enhance data access for socio-economic initiatives and border security. Revealed by Finance Minister Ajanta Neog in the 2025-26 state budget, the satellite will support agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure, and security operations. This initiative makes Assam the first Indian state to launch its own satellite, marking a historic milestone in regional development.

Banking News

RBI Imposes ₹76.6 Lakh Penalty on Four NBFCs for Regulatory Violations

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalties of ₹76.6 lakh on four NBFCs for regulatory non-compliance under Section 58G of the RBI Act, 1934, and Section 30 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The violations included governance lapses, reporting issues, fair lending breaches, capital adequacy non-compliance, and fraud risk management failures. This action highlights the RBI’s commitment to financial discipline, consumer protection, and strengthened NBFC sector compliance.

SBI Life Insurance Expands Product Line with Two New Child Insurance Plans

SBI Life Insurance has introduced two new child insurance plans—‘SBI Life – Smart Future Star’ and ‘SBI Life – Smart Platina Young Achiever’—to help parents secure their child’s financial future. Designed to address the rising cost of education, career aspirations, and lifestyle expenses, these plans offer assured financial protection, ensuring children can achieve their dreams without financial barriers.

Business News

Salman Khan Teams with GRM for Wheat Flour Campaign

GRM Overseas Limited has introduced a marketing campaign for its 10X Classic Chakki Fresh Atta, featuring Salman Khan as the brand ambassador. Titled “Better Half Ki Better Choice,” the campaign highlights the atta’s quality, hygiene, and nutrition, positioning it as the top choice for households. With the tagline “10 Ka Dum,” the initiative promotes branded packaged wheat flour over traditional unpackaged alternatives.

Defense News

India Signs $248 Million Deal with Russia for Advanced Battle Tank Engines

India has signed a $248 million agreement with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to acquire 1,000 HP engines for its T-72 battle tanks, boosting the Indian Army’s mobility and combat capability. The deal also includes technology transfer to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd for licensed production, strengthening India’s defense manufacturing sector.

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Concludes Visit to Phuket, Thailand

The First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy, including INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, successfully completed its visit to Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand. The visit featured joint exercises, professional exchanges, and coordinated tactical maneuvers with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). A key highlight was the PASSEX exercise with HTMS Huahin on March 4, 2025, enhancing interoperability and operational coordination between the two navies.

Culmination of Indian Navy’s Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2025

The Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2025, the Indian Navy’s flagship combat drill, was conducted from January to March 2025 to validate operational strategies, assess combat readiness, and enhance joint-force coordination. Held across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal, the exercise saw extensive participation from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Appointments News

Takashi Nakajima Appointed as the New President & CEO of Honda Cars India

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) has appointed Takashi Nakajima as its new President and CEO, effective April 1, 2025, succeeding Takuya Tsumura, who will return to Honda’s Japan headquarters after a three-year tenure. This leadership change is part of Honda Motor Company’s annual management restructuring to enhance global leadership and operations.

Schemes News

PM Internship Scheme 2025: Apply Online, Eligibility, Benefits & Stipend Details

The PM Internship Scheme 2025, launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, aims to provide fresh graduates and young professionals with hands-on industry experience. This 12-month apprenticeship program offers 1,25,000 vacancies across various sectors, helping participants develop industry-relevant skills and soft skills like teamwork and communication. Eligible candidates (10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, Diploma, or Graduates) aged 21-24 years can apply online from October 12, 2024, to March 12, 2025. Selected interns will receive a ₹5000 monthly stipend and a one-time benefit of ₹6000.

Sports News

Commonwealth Games Federation Rebrands as ‘Commonwealth Sport’ on Commonwealth Day 2025

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has rebranded itself as Commonwealth Sport, officially announced on March 10, 2025, to mark Commonwealth Day. This move reflects its evolution from a sports federation to a global sports movement, promoting unity, development, and inclusion through sports. While the legal entity remains the Commonwealth Games Federation, its public identity and branding will now operate under Commonwealth Sport.

Important Days

CISF Raising Day 2025: History, Significance, and Celebrations

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising Day is observed annually on March 10 to recognize the CISF’s role in protecting critical government and private infrastructure. In 2025, India marks the 56th CISF Raising Day with a grand event in Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan, and CISF Director General Rajvinder Singh Bhatti. Established on March 10, 1969, under the CISF Act of 1968, the force began with 3 battalions and 2,800 personnel and has now expanded to 1,88,000 personnel.

54th National Safety Week 2025: Theme, Significance & Observance

The 54th National Safety Week (March 4-10, 2025), led by the National Safety Council (NSC) of India, promotes workplace safety, accident prevention, and employee well-being. With the theme ‘Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat’, it highlights safety as a key pillar for India’s development, urging industries to adopt risk prevention measures and health-conscious work environments.

Obituaries News

Legendary Classical Singer Garimella Balakrishna Prasad Passes Away at 76

Renowned classical singer and former Asthana Vidwan of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, passed away at 76 due to a heart attack at his residence in Tirupati. He was instrumental in popularizing Annamacharya’s compositions, leaving a lasting impact on Indian classical and devotional music.