22 March 2025 Current Affairs: Essential Insights for APO & JLO Exam Prep

Stay updated with 22 March 2025 current affairs for Judiciary, APO, and JLO exams! From India hosting the 11th Asian Swimming Championship in Gujarat to Bihar’s Sepak Takraw World Cup, the ₹7,000-crore artillery deal, and Japan’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, this blog covers critical events for legal aspirants.

Introduction

For Judiciary, Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO), and Junior Legal Officer (JLO) exam aspirants, staying updated with 22 March 2025 current affairs is crucial for excelling in general knowledge sections. On this date, several significant events unfolded, from India hosting international sporting events like the 11th Asian Swimming Championship in Gujarat and the ISTAF Sepak Takraw 2025 World Cup in Bihar, to the Cabinet approving a ₹7,000-crore deal for locally made artillery guns. Additionally, global developments such as Germany reopening its embassy in Syria, Günter Blöschl winning the 2025 Stockholm Water Prize, and Japan qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup made headlines. This blog provides a detailed overview of these events, tailored for legal professionals and exam candidates, to help you stay informed and prepared.

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1. India to Host 11th Asian Swimming Championship in Gujarat

India is set to make history by hosting the 11th Asian Swimming Championship in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, marking the first time the country will host this prestigious event.

Organizers: The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) has secured in-principle approval from the Gujarat government and Asia Aquatics to organize the championship.
Date and Venue: The event will take place from October 1 to 15, 2025, at the Naranpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad.
Sports Included: The championship will feature swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo, showcasing a wide range of aquatic disciplines.
Participants: Top swimmers from Asian powerhouses like Japan and South Korea are expected to compete, promising a high level of competition.
Significance: Hosting this event underscores India’s growing prominence in international sports and its capability to manage large-scale tournaments. The last international swimming event India hosted was the 10th Asian Age Group Championships in 2019, making this a significant step forward.
Key Question for Exams: Which Indian state will host the 11th Asian Swimming Championship in 2025? Answer: Gujarat.

This development highlights India’s commitment to promoting sports, a topic often relevant in legal exams under national policy and governance sections.

2. Bihar Hosts ISTAF Sepak Takraw 2025 World Cup

Bihar has taken a historic step by hosting the ISTAF Sepak Takraw 2025 World Cup for the first time, inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on March 20, 2025, in Patna.

Venue: The matches are being held at the Pataliputra Sports Complex Indoor Stadium in Kankarbagh, Patna, from March 20 to 25, 2025.
Participants: The six-day event features 20 countries, including India, with over 300 players and trainers competing.
Match Highlights:
- In the men’s quad category, Thailand defeated Singapore in the inaugural league match.
- The Indian women’s team excelled in the quad category, securing victories against China and Iran on the opening day.
Total Matches: The World Cup will host 150 matches across categories like quad, regular, doubles, and mixed doubles, offering a diverse range of competitions.
Significance: Sepak Takraw, a sport with Southeast Asian origins, is gaining global popularity, especially after its inclusion in the Asian Games. Bihar hosting this event not only boosts its international profile but also promotes cultural exchange through sports.
Key Question for Exams: Which Indian state is hosting the ISTAF Sepak Takraw 2025 World Cup for the first time? Answer: Bihar.

This event reflects India’s growing role in global sports, a potential discussion point in legal exams under current affairs or sports policy.

3. Cabinet Approves ₹7,000-Crore Deal for Locally Made Artillery Guns

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a ₹7,000-crore deal on March 19, 2025, for procuring 307 locally manufactured artillery guns, reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in defence.

Gun Specifications: The 155mm/52-calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) has a range of 48 km, designed to modernize the Indian Army’s artillery and enhance operational readiness.
Manufacturers:
- The project, initiated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 2013, aims to replace older army guns.
- Bharat Forge (lowest bidder) will produce 60% of the guns, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will supply 40%.
Significance: This deal follows a ₹7,629-crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for 100 K9 Vajra-T guns, emphasizing the “Buy (Indian)” category. The ATAGS will improve mobility, precision, and strike capabilities of artillery regiments.
Self-Reliance Measures: India has implemented phased import bans, increased FDI in defence from 49% to 74%, and allocated 75% of its modernisation budget to domestic purchases. The 2025 defence budget of ₹6.81 lakh crore includes ₹1.8 lakh crore for modernisation.
Historical Context: In 2022, an ATAGS prototype was used for the 21-gun salute at the 75th Independence Day ceremony at Red Fort, alongside traditional British guns, showcasing its capabilities.
Key Question for Exams: What is the range of the 155mm/52-calibre ATAGS approved under the ₹7,000-crore deal? Answer: 48 km.

This development is crucial for exams, as it ties into national security, defence policies, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, often tested in legal and policy-related questions.

4. Germany Reopens Embassy in Syria After 13 Years

Germany has reopened its embassy in Damascus, Syria, on March 21, 2025, after a 13-year closure due to the Syrian civil war.

Context: The embassy was shut in 2012 during the early stages of the conflict. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reopened it during her second visit to Damascus since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024.
European Involvement: Italy reopened its embassy in 2024 before Assad’s fall, and Spain followed suit after his ouster, reflecting a broader European re-engagement with Syria.
Objective: Baerbock emphasized that the reopening aims to foster a political new beginning between Europe and Syria, focusing on freedom, security, and opportunities for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.
Recent Conflict: Violent clashes between Assad loyalists and Syria’s new ruling forces have resulted in around 1,000 deaths, primarily from Assad’s Alawite minority community, highlighting ongoing instability.
Key Question for Exams: Which country reopened its embassy in Damascus, Syria, after 13 years? Answer: Germany.

This event is significant for international relations and human rights discussions in legal exams, as it touches on diplomatic ties and post-conflict governance.

5. DPIIT and YES BANK Partner to Strengthen India’s Startup Ecosystem

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with YES BANK on March 21, 2025, to bolster India’s startup ecosystem.

Objective: The partnership aims to support product startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs by providing market linkages, funding opportunities, mentorship, and infrastructure support.
Key Initiative: YES BANK’s HeadStartup program will offer tailored banking solutions, working capital, credit access, and cash flow management to startups.
Significance: This collaboration will help early-stage ventures scale operations, attract investments, and drive innovation-led growth in India’s manufacturing and startup sectors.
About DPIIT: Established in 1995 (renamed in 2019), DPIIT functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, led by Minister Piyush Goyal and Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
About YES BANK: Founded in 2004 by Rana Kapoor and Ashok Kapur, YES BANK is headquartered in Mumbai, with Prashant Kumar as CEO and the tagline “Experience Our Expertise.”
Key Question for Exams: Which bank partnered with DPIIT to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem? Answer: YES BANK.

This partnership aligns with India’s economic policies and startup initiatives, a frequent topic in legal exams under governance and economic development.

6. India’s GDP Projected to Grow by 6.7% in FY25: S&P Global

S&P Global Ratings projected India’s GDP growth at 6.7% for FY25, positioning it as the fastest-growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Factors: Low US exposure reduces trade tariff risks, while strong domestic fundamentals and infrastructure spending enhance economic resilience.
Corporate Performance: Indian companies are expected to see median revenue and EBITDA growth of nearly 8%, with steel, chemicals, and airport sectors leading.
Renewable Energy Expansion: India aims to increase its renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2032, up from 200 GW, with Power Grid Corporation planning to double its annual capex to over ₹300 billion.
Funding Strategy: Most firms will fund onshore due to better domestic liquidity, with selective offshore funding via dollar bonds.
Sector Impact: Steel producers will benefit from declining input prices, and the chemicals sector is set to recover from the 2024 downturn.
Key Question for Exams: What is the projected GDP growth rate of India for FY25 according to S&P Global? Answer: 6.7%.

This economic update is vital for legal exams, as it relates to national economic policies, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth, often tested in current affairs sections.

7. Mumbai Cricket Association Honours Former India Captains

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards to former India captains Dilip Vengsarkar and Diana Edulji on March 21, 2025.

Dilip Vengsarkar: A key member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, he captained India in 10 Tests and 18 ODIs, later serving as MCA Vice-President and BCCI Selection Committee Chairman.
Diana Edulji: With a 17-year international career, she played a pioneering role in promoting women’s cricket in India.
Other Honourees: Former MCA Vice-President Ratnakar Shetty and Pravin Barve were also awarded for their contributions to cricket administration.
Individual Awards: Ajinkya Rahane, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Sayali Satghare, and Sanika Chalke were recognized for their performances.
Team Achievements: MCA celebrated the Ajinkya Rahane-led Ranji Trophy champions and other Mumbai teams for their 2022-23 and 2023-24 domestic season successes.
Scholarship: The Sharad Pawar Scholarship was awarded to 15 young exceptional players.
Key Question for Exams: Which former India captains were conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mumbai Cricket Association in 2025? Answer: Dilip Vengsarkar and Diana Edulji.

This event is relevant for exams under sports and awards, often linked to questions on national achievements and gender equality in sports.

8. Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Female IOC President

Kirsty Coventry made history as the first woman and first African to be elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, on March 21, 2025.

Cricket at the Olympics: Cricket will return to the Olympics after 128 years in the T20 format at the 2028 LA Games, following the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA, which expanded the sport’s reach.
Other Sports: Baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash will also feature in the 2028 Olympics.
Significance: Cricket’s Olympic inclusion is a major opportunity to globalize the sport, aligning with the IOC’s goal of inclusivity.
Key Question for Exams: Who became the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2025? Answer: Kirsty Coventry.

This development is crucial for legal exams, as it touches on international sports governance, gender equality, and India’s role in global sports like cricket.

9. Günter Blöschl Wins 2025 Stockholm Water Prize

Günter Blöschl, a renowned hydrologist, was awarded the 2025 Stockholm Water Prize for his pioneering work in hydrology.

Contribution: Blöschl’s comprehensive database and analysis have advanced global knowledge on flood risk reduction and water resource management, revealing that the last two decades have been more flood-prone due to climate change.
Professional Background: He is a professor at the Vienna University of Technology, heads the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management, and directs the Doctoral Programme of Water Resources Systems.
International Experience: Blöschl has conducted research in the US, Canada, and Australia, collaborating with previous laureates Taikan Oki and Andrea Rinaldo.
Award Ceremony: The prize, awarded by the Stockholm Water Foundation and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, will be presented by King Carl XVI Gustaf during World Water Week in Stockholm in August 2025.
Key Question for Exams: Who won the 2025 Stockholm Water Prize for his contributions to flood risk reduction and water resource management? Answer: Günter Blöschl.

This award is significant for environmental law and policy questions in legal exams, highlighting climate change and sustainable development.

10. Japan Qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Japan became the first non-host team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on March 20, 2025, after a 2-0 victory over Bahrain.

Match Highlights: Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) scored in the 66th minute, followed by Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) in the 87th minute.
Tournament Details: The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the US, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams, the largest edition ever, from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Japan’s Performance: Japan secured six wins and one draw in seven AFC qualification matches, scoring 24 goals and conceding only 2, leading Group C with a nine-point and 22-goal difference advantage over Australia.
World Cup History: Japan has reached the round of 16 in the last four World Cups since 2002, showcasing consistent performance.
Key Question for Exams: Which country became the first non-host team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Answer: Japan.

This event is relevant for sports-related current affairs in legal exams, especially with India’s ongoing efforts to improve its football ranking, as seen in its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification journey.

Conclusion

The 22 March 2025 current affairs provide a wealth of information for Judiciary, APO, and JLO exam aspirants. India’s hosting of the 11th Asian Swimming Championship in Gujarat and the Sepak Takraw World Cup in Bihar highlights its growing role in global sports, while the ₹7,000-crore artillery deal underscores its push for defence self-reliance. Internationally, Germany’s embassy reopening in Syria, Günter Blöschl’s Stockholm Water Prize, and Japan’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification reflect significant global developments. For legal professionals, these events tie into governance, international relations, environmental law, and economic policies—key areas often tested in exams. Stay informed, connect these events to legal frameworks, and leverage this knowledge to excel in your preparation.

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FAQs

What are the key events in 22 March 2025 current affairs for Judiciary exams?
The 22 March 2025 current affairs include India hosting the 11th Asian Swimming Championship, Bihar’s Sepak Takraw World Cup, the ₹7,000-crore artillery deal, Germany’s embassy reopening in Syria, and Japan’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Which state will host the 11th Asian Swimming Championship in 2025?
Gujarat will host the 11th Asian Swimming Championship at the Naranpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad.
What is the significance of Bihar hosting the Sepak Takraw 2025 World Cup?
It’s the first time Bihar is hosting this event, promoting the sport globally and boosting the state’s international profile.
What is the range of the ATAGS approved in the ₹7,000-crore deal?
The 155mm/52-calibre ATAGS has a range of 48 km, enhancing the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities.
Which country reopened its embassy in Damascus, Syria, after 13 years?
Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus, aiming to foster a political new beginning in Syria.
Which bank partnered with DPIIT to support India’s startup ecosystem?
YES BANK partnered with DPIIT to provide funding, mentorship, and market linkages to startups.
What is India’s projected GDP growth rate for FY25 according to S&P Global?
S&P Global projects India’s GDP to grow by 6.7% in FY25, making it the fastest-growing economy in the Asia-Pacific.
Who were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mumbai Cricket Association?
Former India captains Dilip Vengsarkar and Diana Edulji received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the MCA.
Who became the first female president of the IOC in 2025?
Kirsty Coventry became the first female and first African president of the International Olympic Committee.
Who won the 2025 Stockholm Water Prize, and for what contribution?
Günter Blöschl won the 2025 Stockholm Water Prize for his work on flood risk reduction and water resource management.