Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
Zero Discrimination Day is observed on March 1 every year to promote equality and dignity for all. The day is led by UNAIDS, which raises awareness against discrimination based on sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, race, and gender. The theme for 2025 is “We Stand Together,” emphasizing collective action against discrimination. The day highlights the importance of social justice and sustainable health. UNAIDS organizes events to spread awareness and encourage efforts toward a discrimination-free society.

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World Civil Defence Day is celebrated annually on March 1 to raise awareness about civil defence strategies and people’s protection. The day highlights the importance of civil defence in safeguarding people and property from accidents, natural disasters, and crises. It was first observed in the 20th century during times of social, technological, and political upheaval, especially due to nuclear weapons concerns. The United Nations created the International Civil Defence Organisation to coordinate global civil defence efforts. The ninth General Assembly in 1990 designated March 1 as World Civil Defence Day.

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Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) , Bengaluru, has developed a new technique to improve next-gen lighting. Organic LEDs (OLEDs), Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode (QLEDs), and Micro/Mini-LEDs are shaping future lighting but face challenges like cost, toxicity, and production limits. Perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) combine the benefits of OLEDs and QLEDs but struggle with heat, moisture sensitivity, and color instability. CeNS researchers minimized anion migration in perovskite nanocrystals using applied argon-oxygen plasma treatment. This method enhances stability, slows anion exchange, and improves color stability. The breakthrough, published in Nanoscale, advances durable and efficient optoelectronic devices.

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The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is celebrating its 175th year of geoscientific legacy. It was established in 1851 by Sir Thomas Oldham to locate coal deposits for the Railways. GSI provides geological expertise for policy-making, commercial, and socio-economic needs. It documents geological processes across India’s land and offshore areas. The organization conducts geological, geophysical, and geochemical surveys with advanced techniques. Its primary functions include updating geoscientific data and assessing mineral resources. GSI operates under the Ministry of Mines as an attached office.

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A new species of spined loach, Cobitis beijingensis, has been discovered in Beijing, China, after 40 years. This is the first time a fish species has been named globally using the pinyin “Beijing.” The Beijing loach is about 5 cm long, with a body covered in yellow and black patterned markings. The species was confirmed by a research team from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. It was collected from the Chaobai River in Shilipu Town, Miyun District, Beijing.

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The Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and NITI Aayog launched the Swavalambini initiative to promote women entrepreneurship. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary launched it on 1st March 2025 at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. The initiative empowers female students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with an entrepreneurial mindset, resources, and mentorship.

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Forest officials restricted entry along a 5-km stretch from Gokharakuda to Bateswar near the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam to protect Olive Ridley turtle eggs. The Rushikulya River is a major river in Odisha, flowing through Kandhamal, Ganjam, and Boudh districts. It originates from the Daringbadi hills in the Eastern Ghats at about 1000 meters elevation. The river flows 165 km before entering the Bay of Bengal near Ganjam without forming a delta. Its basin covers around 7500 sq. km, with tributaries like Baghua, Dhanei, and Badanadi. Rushikulya Beach is a key nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles.

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Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully landed in the Mare Crisium region of the Moon after a controlled descent. It carries 10 NASA payloads under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program to boost private-sector lunar exploration. The mission aims to study the lunar environment, using a vacuum for soil collection and a drill measuring temperatures up to 3 meters deep. It will analyze heat flow, plume-surface interactions, and the Moon’s magnetic and electric fields to understand its geological history. The lander will function for 14 Earth days to conduct scientific studies and tech demonstrations.

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A study suggests Mars’ red color may be due to the iron-containing mineral ferrihydrite. Ferrihydrite is a poorly crystalline nanomineral made of 20% (FeO₄) and 80% (FeO₆) polyhedra. It forms through rapid oxidation and hydrolysis and exists in a disordered structure. It is an initial corrosion product of iron, leading to goethite and hematite formation. Found in soils, weathered rocks, and around iron-rich springs, especially with iron-metabolizing bacteria. It traps water, protects organic molecules, and forms rapidly in cool water. Present in meteorites as a pre-terrestrial weathering product.

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National Safety Day is celebrated in India on March 4 to promote safety, health, and environmental well-being. It was launched in 1971 by the National Safety Council of India (NSC) to raise awareness and reduce accidents. The event has expanded into National Safety Week (March 4-10) with campaigns and safety activities. The 54th National Safety Day (2025) theme is “Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat”, emphasizing safety’s role in India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.