Current affairs 12 March 2025

India ranked 5th Most Polluted in 2024 Air Pollution Rankings:.

• India, 5th in the smog rankings behind Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Democratic Republic of Congo, saw average PM2.5 fall 7% on the year to 50.6 mg/cu m.
• But it accounted for 12 of top 20 most polluted cities, with Byrnihat, in a heavily industrialised part of India’s northeast, in 1st place.
• The WHO recommends levels of no more than 5 mg/cu m, a standard met by only 17% of cities last year.

Over 50% of Indians Face Sleep Issues Due to Irregular Bedtime.

• A survey by YouGov and Amazon reveals 53% of Indian adults suffer from sleep-related disorders due to an inconsistent bedtime routine.
• Conducted in February 2025 with over 1,000 respondents from major cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, the survey highlights the impact of irregular sleep schedules.

Over 30.68 Crore Workers Registered on e-Shram Portal.

• Over 30.68 crore unorganised workers have registered on the e-Shram portal, with women making up 53.68% of the total.
• Launched in August 2021, the e-Shram portal creates a National Database of Unorganised Workers, offering access to social security schemes.
• The e-Shram-One-Stop-Solution, launched in 2024, integrates 13 central government welfare schemes for easier access.

APEDA Showcases India's Organic Excellence at Expo West 2025.

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) showcased India's agricultural heritage and organic sector at Natural Products Expo West 2025 in California, featuring 13 leading Indian exporters.
• APEDA also organized an International Buyer-Seller Meet in San Francisco, fostering global collaborations and business opportunities.

40% of Adults with Chronic Pain May Suffer from Anxiety & Depression.

• A study reveals that 40% of adults with chronic pain may also experience anxiety or depression, with women, young adults, and those with fibromyalgia being most affected.
• Fibromyalgia, characterized by widespread body ache without physical injury, is commonly associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression.