Daily & Latest Current Affairs in 2025

Correct Answer :   37th Place

---

India's financial capital Mumbai has been ranked 37th in the global list of movement in luxury home price rise as it saw an appreciation of 6.4% in luxury home prices in 2022, according to a Knight Frank India report. One can buy 113 square metres of prime property in Mumbai for $1 million.

* Property prices in Mumbai are expected to rise by 3% in 2023, says the report, adding the city is the 18th most expensive prime residential market globally. Also, it ranked among the five most expensive ones in Asia-Pacific.

* Monaco holds on to its title as the "most expensive residential market" globally. However, in 2022, the strong currency rewarded the US dollar-based buyer with two extra square metres for their money compared with a year ago.

* The report says New York (33 sq m) has leapfrogged London (34 sq m), again due to the strength of the greenback, making it the “third priciest city”, although the two cities along with Singapore (34 sq m) are pretty evenly tied.

* New York also retained its crown as the most “active super-prime market”, with 244 sales of $10 million or more. Los Angeles and London complete the top three with 225 and 223 respectively.

* Dubai’s 44% annual price growth may conjure up notions of high prices, but values are rising from a low base, the report adds. “Here, $1 million buys 105 sq m, five times as much space as in Hong Kong. For real value, head to Cape Town or São Paulo where the same budget bestows more than 200 sq m.”

* The Covid pandemic-induced boom in prime, super-prime and ultra-prime markets globally continued into 2022, the report finds. Some 1,392 sales were transacted at or above US$10 million across 10 global markets. While this represents a decline compared with the record-breaking 2,076 transactions recorded in 2021, it is still 49% above 2019 levels and equates to US$26.3 billion in sales...

Source : Fortune India

Correct Answer :   India and Australia

---

India and Australia signed a Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications that will help ease the mobility of students and professionals between the two countries.

* The agreement was signed following a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on 2nd Mar 2023 between India’s Education Minister "Shri Dharmendra Pradhan" and the Australian Education Minister "Mr. Jason Clare".

* This agreement is part of the commitment by Prime Ministers of both countries at the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit held on 21st March 2022, wherein they had agreed to establish a Joint Taskforce for mutual recognition of qualifications. 

* Secretary, School Education, Shri Sanjay Kumar; Secretary, Higher Education, Shri Sanjay Murthy and Secretary, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari attended the meeting.

* A Task Force was accordingly set up consisting of senior officials of education and skill ministries and regulators on both sides. It  has come up with a comprehensive mechanism  that covers both education and skill qualifications of the two countries and will help facilitate two way mobility of young people for education and employment purposes by mutually recognizing various levels of education and skill qualifications.

* Shri Pradhan also invited Minister for the 7th Australia India Education and Skill Council (AIESC)  meeting to be held in September and for the G20 Education Ministers’ Meeting in June this year (2023).

* The signing of G-to-G mechanism for mutual recognition of qualifications, the announcement of the IEIF Critical Skills Project and 11 institutional MoUs mark a landmark moment in educational relations between  India and Australia.

* The developments today will create more opportunities for two-way mobility of students and professionals for the purpose of education and employment, and pave the way for making education the biggest enabler in taking India-Australia bilateral relationship to greater heights  realise shared aspirations.

* The Ministers had good conversations on further deepening our long-standing bilateral relations, invigorating our vibrant partnership and boosting engagements in education, skill development, deep-tech research and areas of mutual interest.

* Mr Clare said that the Australian government will be contributing 1.89 million dollars for running skills programme in India in the area of agriculture which is a critical sector for India. He further informed that Australia is working on top priority basis to clear the pendency of education visas for Indian students. Mr Clare expressed his gratitude to Shri Pradhan for the kind welcome and hospitality and said that he looks forward to their meeting later in the year.

* In today’s bilateral meeting the two sides also discussed issues like promoting student mobility and  enhancing research and academic collaborations between Indian and Australian universities through the mechanism of Joint/ Dual/ Twinning degrees that have been brought in recently under NEP2020...

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Tata Steel Mining Limited

---

In order to reduce carbon footprint in its operations, Tata Steel Mining Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAIL (India) Limited for supply of natural gas to its Ferro Alloys Plant at Athgarh in Odisha's Cuttack district.

* According to the MoU, GAIL will supply the agreed quantity of natural gas through its pipeline from Gujarat to Athgarh.

* Signing the MoU, Tata Steel Mining MD Pankaj Satija said, “As a responsible mining company, we are committed to protect the environment by using cleaner fuels and signing of the MoU with GAIL (India) Limited will further help us in this direction.”

* Furnace oil emits more carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides than natural gas does. Natural gas emits 27 per cent less CO2 and has lower levels of other pollutants, the company said in a statement.

* The project will lead to Green House Gas emission reduction by 968 tons..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   Jishnu Baruah

---

Jishanu Barua has been appointed as the new chairman of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).

* Union Minister for Power "R K Singh" administered the oath of office and secrecy to Jishnu Barua in New Delhi on 3 March 2023.

* Barua has been the Chief Secretary of Assam from October 2020 to August 2022.

* Earlier, he also served as Additional Chief Secretary of Assam to take care of various departments of the state from August 2017 to October 2020.

* After retirement, Barua took charge as the Chairman of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited.

* Barua has obtained M. Phil degree in defense and strategic studies, he is also a post graduate in history and graduation in Philosophy.

About Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) :

* It has been established by the Government of India under the provisions of the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, 1998.

* It is a regulator of the power sector in India.

* The commission consists of a chairperson and four other members, including the chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority.

* Its main functions are -regulating the tariffs of power generation of companies owned by the government, regulating tariffs of other power generation companies, regulating electricity inter -state transmission and determining tariffs for such transmission of electricity, Etc.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

---

Quad Foreign Ministers will be hosted by India on 3rd March 2023 in New Delhi," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

* External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar chaired the meeting.

* The Foreign Ministers of Australia and Japan and the Secretary of State of the US participated in the meeting.

* It is an opportunity for the Ministers to continue their discussions held at their last meeting in New York in September 2022.

* QUAD : It is a strategic security dialogue between Australia, India, Japan, and the US..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Vo Van Thuong

---

Vietnam's National Assembly on Thursday (2nd March 2023) elected Vo Van Thuong as the country's new President, in a reshuffle of the country's top leadership amid an anti-graft campaign.

In an extraordinary session, lawmakers confirmed Thuong after the ruling Communist Party nominated him on Wednesday (1st March 2023) as President.

Thuong's election follows the sudden resignation of his predecessor Nguyen Xuan Phuc in January 2023, who the Party blamed for wrongdoing and Violations.

In his first speech to Parliament as the new President, Thuong said that he would resolutely continue the fight against corruption. Thuong is the youngest member of the Party's Politburo, the country's top decision-making body...

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   3rd March

---

Every Year 3rd March, wildlife is celebrated all over the world for the UN World Wildlife Day. This date was chosen as it is the birthday of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed in 1973.

This global event is marked annually to celebrate and promote awareness of the planet’s wild fauna and flora. The date also marks the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.

Aim : CITES aims to prevent international trade from threatening species’ survival.

This World Wildlife Day 2023 falls on the 50th Anniversary of CITES coming into being. Since its inception, CITES has stood at the junction of trade and conservation. It has sought to build partnerships and reconcile differences between the groups that are guided and governed by its regulations.

World Wildlife Day History :

* In 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was adopted. Its aim was to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of wild fauna and flora species.

* On March 16, 2013, the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP16) was held in Bangkok. It was during this meeting that the Kingdom of Thailand sponsored a resolution. This resolution designates March 3 as World Wildlife Day.

* On December 20, 2013, the Sixty-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed March 3 as World Wildlife Day. It was to be marked to celebrate and raise awareness of the planet’s wild fauna and flora. This date coincides with the day CITES was adopted in 1973.

* The Secretariat of CITES, along with other relevant United Nations organizations, is responsible for facilitating the implementation of World Wildlife Day.

* CITES, with 183 member states, remains one of the world’s most powerful tools for biodiversity conservation by regulating the trade in wild fauna and flora.

World Wildlife Day 2023 Theme : World Wildlife Day will be celebrated in 2023 under the theme “Partnerships for wildlife conservation”, honoring the people who are making a difference.

World Wildlife Day 2023 Significance : The day is marked to celebrate and raises awareness of the world’s diverse wild fauna and flora. This day is an opportunity to highlight the importance of wildlife and their habitats. It is also a day of global significance to promote the need for their protection and conservation. Each year, the United Nations carefully select a theme to draw attention to specific challenges faced by wildlife populations and ecosystems.

The day holds significance as it coincides with the adoption of CITES, an international agreement that aims to prevent the trade of endangered species from threatening their survival. World Wildlife Day is a reminder that the conservation of biodiversity is crucial for the survival of all species, including humans.

Correct Answer :   Droupadi Murmu

---

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated 7th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh (MP) on 3rd March 2023.

* Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will also be present at the conference.

* The three-day International Dharma-Dhamma conference, focused on the principle of humanism in the new era, will conclude on 5th March 2023.

* More than 350 scholars from 15 countries are participating in this conference, which provides a platform for global views of Dharma-Dhamma.

* Representatives of Bhutan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, South Korea, Mauritius, Russia, Spain, France, America and Britain will participate in this conference.  

* 25 scholars will address in 4 main sessions while 115 research papers will also be presented. .

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   NTPC

---

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), the country’s largest integrated energy utility, has started commercial operation of 1st Unit of 660 MW at North Karanpura (3*660 MW), in Jharkhand on 01st March-2023.

* NTPC has commissioned India’s first Air cooled condenser installed Super Critical plant to demonstrate its Commitment towards water conservation through reduce, reuse and recycle.

* This project has been envisaged with Air Cooled Condenser (ACC) which has almost 1/3rd water footprint as compared to a conventional Water Cooled Condenser (WCC).

* This would result in water saving of around 30.5 mcm annually thus fulfilling the needs of around 1.5 million people in the region annually.

* NTPC has already taken a series of measures across its plant locations on sound water management. NTPC will further imbibe the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) for water conservation and management while carrying out its core business activity of power generation.

* NTPC Ltd, is a signatory to the prestigious UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate.

* NTPC is committed to proactively address water sustainability issues through implementing Water Policy, which will serve as a directive for establishing water management strategies, systems, processes, practices and research initiatives.

* The North Karanpura plant will have a total capacity of 1980 MW, 3 Units of 660 MW each. This plant is based on one of the Most efficient Supercritical Technology and being a pit head plant (10 Km from coal source)  will supply economical power to the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.

* NTPC has been at the forefront in leveraging technology and have pioneered adoption of new technologies in power sector. NTPC is currently meeting 24% of country’s demand through coal, gas, hydro, solar and wind plants..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Sarbananda Sonowal

---

Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the first B2B Global Conference & Expo on Traditional Medicine under Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at Guwahati, 2nd March 2023.

* More than 150 delegates from 17 SCO (4 virtually) countries and partners attended the inaugural ceremony. The four days Expo on Traditional Medicine was also inaugurated by Shri Sonowal here 2nd Mar 2023 in the same premises.

* India has made best use of available natural resources through Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine to provide healthcare to people as well as towards achieving the goal of Universal Health Coverage.

* The Global Center for Traditional Medicine of World health Organisation (WHO-GCTM) being set up at Jamnagar with the support of India will help member countries in taking enabling steps in their respective countries for strengthen education and practices of Traditional Medicine.

* The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Union Minister of State for Ayush and Women & Child Development, Dr. Mahendrabhai Munjpara; His Excellency Union Minister of Health, Govt of Myanmar, Dr Thet Khaing Win; His Excellency Deputy Minister of Health, Govt of Maldives, Safiyya Mohamed Saeed and Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha among others.

* Union Minister of State for Ayush and Women & Child Development, Dr. Mahendrabhai Munjpara said, “India lays a lot of emphasis on quality assurance of education and practices of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-rigpa and the Homeopathy (Ayush).

* Many regulatory provisions as well as accreditation mechanism are in place to ensure quality of Ayush products. India has also taken lead to develop country’s “integrative Medicine Policy” to integrate Traditional systems of medicine and western medicine, while ensuring their training, research and safetyz.”

* Health Minister of Myanmar Dr. Thet Khaing Win said, “In Myanmar traditional medicines have been regarded as an invaluable national heritage, it has a significant role in our culture. With the increasing demand of Traditional Medicines we are supporting the development of Traditional Medicines in every aspect.”

* Deputy Health Minister of Maldives "Safiya Mohamed Saeed" talked about how Traditional Medicines used to be the main source of income for millions, especially for the rural areas in developing countries. She emphasized on need for best practices as currently we lack a legal framework and guidelines to assist the industry.

* Which includes high level delegates such as Health ministers, official delegates, and foreign buyers from SCO & partner countries.

* The total 75 foreign officials and business delegates from 13 countries are participating in physical mode. Official delegates from China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan joint virtually..

Source : PIB