CURRENT AFFAIRS
13 March, 2025
1. STARLINK’S ENTRY INTO INDIA: A GAME-CHANGER FOR INTERNET CONNECTIVIT –
• India is on the brink of a major transformation in internet connectivity as SpaceX’s Starlink prepares to launch its satellite-based broadband services in the country.
• With major telecom players like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel already signing agreements with SpaceX to offer high-speed internet, Starlink’s arrival could revolutionize the digital landscape, particularly in rural and remote areas.
• However, before Starlink can roll out its services, it must obtain regulatory approvals from the Indian government. The question remains—how will Starlink impact India’s broadband market, and what can consumers expect in terms of speed, pricing, and availability.
2. PAKISTAN JAFFAR EXPRESS: WHAT IS THE BALOCH LIBERATION ARMY –
• The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a separatist group active in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. It aims for an independent Baloch state and has carried out several attacks over the years.
• The BLA recently hijacked a passenger train, the Jaffar Express and took over 100 people hostage. This deadly attack resulted in the death of at least six soldiers. The incident has brought global attention to the group and its activities.
3. DIGITAL PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS GROW BY 46% FROM FY 2021-22 TO FY 2023-24 –
• The total digital payment transactions in India increased from 8,839 crore in FY 2021-22 to 18,737 crore in FY 2023-24, registering a 46% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate).
• This growth was primarily driven by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which grew at a CAGR of 69%, reaching 13,116 crore transactions in FY 2023-24, capturing over 70% of total digital payments.
• The “Incentive Scheme for the promotion of RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M)” has played a key role in driving this growth by encouraging digital transactions across the country.
4. PM SURYA GHAR SCHEME HITS 10 LAKH INSTALLATIONS –
• In a remarkable stride toward achieving energy self-reliance and environmental sustainability, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) has crossed a historic milestone of 10 lakh rooftop solar installations as of 10th March 2025.
• Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13th February 2024, this ambitious initiative aims to solarize 1 crore households by 2026-27, significantly reducing electricity costs and promoting clean energy adoption.
• With ₹4,770 crore in subsidies already disbursed to 6.13 lakh beneficiaries and 3 GW solar capacity installed, the scheme is accelerating India’s transition to renewable energy while supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
5. TAMIL NADU GOVT REPLACES RUPEE SYMBOL WITH TAMIL LETTER: A LANGUAGE DEBATE INTENSIFIES –
• The Tamil Nadu government’s decision to replace the Indian Rupee symbol (₹) with the Tamil letter ‘ரூ’ in the state budget logo has reignited the language debate in India.
• This move, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, aligns with Tamil Nadu’s stance against the imposition of Hindi and reflects the ongoing resistance to the National Education Policy (NEP), which the state government views as “saffronized.”
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, what is the rank of India for air pollution ?
a) First
b) Second
c) Third
d) Fifth
Q2. What is the main objective of the “RBI Kehta Hai” campaign ?
a) Promoting cashless transactions
b) Educating people about cryptocurrency investments
c) Encouraging citizens to open bank accounts
d) Promoting safe banking practices through multi-media channels
Q3. Recently, Bharti Airtel Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India. Which ministry in India is reviewing SpaceX’s application for Starlink authorization ?
a) Ministry of Communications
b) Ministry of Science and Technology
c) Ministry of Electronics and IT
d) Ministry of Home Affairs
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the differences between cheetahs, leopards, and jaguars:
1. Cheetahs have solid black spots, while leopards and jaguars have rosettes.
2. Jaguars have a stronger bite force compared to cheetahs and leopards, enabling them to crush the skulls of their prey.
3. Leopards have a relatively larger head compared to cheetahs and jaguars.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is correct; cheetahs have solid black spots on their coat, which is distinct from the rosettes found on leopards and jaguars.
• Statement 2 is also correct; jaguars are known for having the strongest bite force among big cats, which allows them to bite directly through the skulls of their prey, a trait not shared by cheetahs or leopards.
• Statement 3 is incorrect; leopards have a relatively smaller and more angular head compared to jaguars, which have a larger, rounded head. Cheetahs have a small, rounded head with distinctive tear marks, which help them in hunting during the day.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Project Tiger and Tiger Reserves in India:
1. All Tiger Reserves in India are legally designated under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
2. The buffer zone of a Tiger Reserve allows regulated human activities for livelihood and conservation purposes.
3. The NTCA is empowered to disband a Tiger Reserve if it fails to maintain minimum tiger population thresholds.
How many of the above statements is/are correct ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Explanation-
Statement 1 is incorrect – Tiger Reserves are designated under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, ot the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Statement 2 is correct – Buffer zones allow regulated activities like eco-tourism, grazing, and sustainable forest use.
Statement 3 is incorrect – NTCA does not have the power to disband a Tiger Reserve, though it can recommend conservation interventions.
Procedure to Designate a Tiger Reserve in India
Proposal & Identification:-The State Government proposes a region based on the viability of the tiger population, habitat conditions, and biodiversity value.
Approval by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):-NTCA evaluates the proposal, considering factors such as tiger presence, ecological balance, and community impact.
Central Government Notification:- After NTCA’s approval, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) declares the area as a Tiger Reserve under Section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Core & Buffer Zone Demarcation:
The reserve is divided into:
Core Zone: Strictly protected for wildlife, with zero human disturbance.
Buffer Zone: Allows regulated human activities to support conservation while considering local livelihoods.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
D | D | D | C | A |