Daily Current Affairs Quiz: 18th March 2025

Q.1) Which organization hosted the 24th edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 in New Delhi?

[a] NITI Aayog

[b] The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

[c] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

[d] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

View Answer

Answer: [b] The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

Explanation:

The 24th edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 was held in New Delhi. The theme for this year was ‘Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions’. The summit served as a global platform for leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss sustainability and climate action. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) organized the event, continuing its efforts in advancing the global sustainable development agenda.

Q.2) Which Indian bank launched the ‘Asmita’ scheme, a collateral-free SME loan for women entrepreneurs?

[a] ICICI Bank

[b] HDFC Bank

[c] State Bank of India (SBI)

[d] Punjab National Bank (PNB)

View Answer

Answer: [c] State Bank of India (SBI)

Explanation:

The State Bank of India (SBI) launched ‘Asmita’, a collateral-free SME loan scheme for women entrepreneurs. The initiative was introduced on International Women’s Day 2025 to promote financial inclusion and women-led businesses.It offers additional interest benefits and provides working capital and term loans digitally.

SBI also launched ‘Nari Shakti’, a platinum debit card designed to enhance financial independence among women. These initiatives align with India’s efforts to support women entrepreneurs and boost financial empowerment.

Q.3) Which organization hosted GRIDCON 2025, a premier international conference on power grid resilience and innovations?

[a] NTPC

[b] Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID)

[c] Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)

[d] Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

View Answer

Answer: [b] Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID)

Explanation:

GRIDCON 2025, an international conference and exhibition on power grid resilience and innovations, was held at IICC, Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi. It was organized by POWERGRID, under the patronage of the Ministry of Power, in collaboration with CIGRE India.

The theme of the event was “Innovations in Grid Resilience”, focusing on new technologies, smart infrastructure, and future advancements in power transmission and distribution. The conference brought together global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the power sector. It highlighted emerging solutions for a more efficient, secure, and resilient power grid in India.

Q.4) Which country has India signed a $248 million contract with for the procurement of 1000 horsepower engines for T-72 tanks?

[a] France

[b] Israel

[c] Russia

[d] United States

View Answer

Answer: [c] Russia

Explanation:

The Union Ministry of Defence signed a $248 million contract with Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russia, for the procurement of 1000 horsepower engines for T-72 tanks. The engines will be supplied in fully formed, completely knocked down, and semi-knocked down conditions.

The contract includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) from RoE to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), specifically the Heavy Vehicle Factory, Avadi, Chennai. This agreement will enable local integration and licensed production of engines, boosting the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector. The deal enhances India’s self-reliance in military equipment manufacturing while strengthening defence cooperation with Russia.

Q.5) Which prestigious award was conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Barbados in recognition of his strategic leadership and assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic?

[a] Order of the Caribbean Community

[b] Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados

[c] Order of the Golden Ark

[d] Bharat Ratna

View Answer

Answer: [b] Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados

Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honored with the ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’, the highest award given to non-citizens of Barbados. The award recognizes his strategic leadership and valuable assistance to Barbados, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

India and Barbados established diplomatic relations in 1966 and have maintained strong bilateral ties, marked by development initiatives, trade cooperation, and diplomatic engagement. This recognition further strengthens India’s global goodwill and diplomatic outreach.

Q.6) Which state government launched Project Hifazat to enhance safety measures for women and children facing violence?

[a] Haryana

[b] Rajasthan

[c] Punjab

[d] Uttar Pradesh

View Answer

Answer: [c] Punjab

Explanation:

The Punjab Government launched ‘Project Hifazat’ on International Women’s Day 2025 to enhance the safety and support system for women and children facing violence. The initiative aims to strengthen the response mechanism for domestic violence and harassment cases, ensuring a safe reporting environment.

A key feature of the project is the 181 helpline, which offers round-the-clock assistance to victims. This initiative reflects Punjab’s commitment to women’s empowerment and child protection by promoting quick response services and legal support.

Q.7) Which Indian state launched the ‘Rapid Immunisation Skill Enhancement’ (RISE) app for digital monitoring of child vaccinations?

[a] Bihar

[b] Madhya Pradesh

[c] Uttar Pradesh

[d] Rajasthan

View Answer

Answer: [c] Uttar Pradesh

Explanation:

The Uttar Pradesh Government introduced the ‘Rapid Immunisation Skill Enhancement’ (RISE) app to digitally monitor routine vaccination among children. The app will be used by nurses, ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives), and health workers engaged in immunisation programs. This initiative aims to improve immunisation coverage and efficiency in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring better healthcare services for children.

Key Features of RISE App:

Incorporation of evolving guidelines and new immunisation technologies.

Digital tracking of child vaccinations to ensure timely immunisation.

Capacity building for health workers by enhancing their training and skills.

Q.8) Who has been appointed as India’s first woman Law Secretary?

[a] Leena Nair

[b] Anju Rathi Rana

[c] Ritu Jhingan

[d] Meenakshi Arora

View Answer

Answer: [b] Anju Rathi Rana

Explanation:

Anju Rathi Rana has been appointed as the first woman Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Law and Justice. She is an Indian Legal Service (ILS) officer and will hold the position for a maximum of two years from the date of assuming charge. She succeeds IAS officer Niten Chandra, making history as the first woman to lead this prestigious role. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in gender representation in India’s legal administration.

Q.9) Which Indian airline has been ranked as the world’s second fastest-growing airline in terms of seat capacity?

[a] Air India

[b] Vistara

[c] IndiGo

[d] SpiceJet

View Answer

Explanation:

IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest airline, has been recognized as the world’s second fastest-growing airline in terms of seat capacity. The airline witnessed a 10.1% year-on-year increase, reaching over 134.9 million seats in 2024.

It ranks only behind Qatar Airways, which recorded a 10.4% growth in the same period. The ranking is based on data from the Official Airline Guide (OAG), which analyzed the top 20 airlines globally in terms of seat capacity. This growth highlights IndiGo’s expansion strategy and its increasing dominance in the global aviation sector.

Q.10) What is the name of the world’s largest iceberg, which has run aground near South Georgia?

[a] A68a

[b] A23a

[c] A76

[d] B15

View Answer

Answer: [b] A23a

Explanation:

The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, weighing one trillion tonnes and covering 3,234 sq km, has run aground near South Georgia, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. The iceberg is nearly 300 meters tall and continues melting, shedding huge amounts of freshwater into the ocean. It poses a threat to marine life, including penguins, seals, and fish species, as melting could alter food availability in the region.

A23a calved from the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986 but was stuck in the Weddell Sea for decades. In 2020, it started drifting north and has now stalled near South Georgia after five years.

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