Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
The Supreme Court directed all States to address concerns on stockouts, procurement transparency, and drug quality of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) drugs for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). ART is a combination of medications that treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by reducing its levels in the body. HIV destroys CD4 cells (also called helper T-cells), weakening the immune system and increasing infection risk. ART cannot cure HIV but helps maintain a healthy immune system by preventing the virus from multiplying. A combination of two to four ART drugs improves effectiveness and reduces resistance. If viral load is low enough, HIV becomes undetectable in blood tests.

Notes:
Andhra Pradesh launched the Thalliki Vandanam Scheme 2025 to support students from financially unstable families. The scheme helps students from Class 1 to 12 continue their education without financial worries. Eligible students who struggle to pay fees can apply for assistance. The government aims to reduce dropout rates and ensure uninterrupted education. The scheme reflects the state’s commitment to education accessibility and financial support for underprivileged students.

Notes:
New Zealand’s High Court overturned the conviction of White Island’s owners after the 2019 volcanic eruption that killed 22 people. White Island (Whakaari) is an active composite stratovolcano in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, located 48 km off Whakatāne. It is New Zealand’s most active cone volcano, formed over 150,000 years. The 2019 eruption was its last major event, causing fatalities and injuries. The island, privately owned, was declared a private scenic reserve in 1953, attracting tourism and scientific research. It features hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles and was named by Captain James Cook in 1769.

Notes:
The Ministry of AYUSH launched the ‘One Day as a Scientist’ initiative to engage students in scientific research. It is inspired by PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ call to develop a scientific mindset among students. The program encourages students to explore research labs and gain hands-on experience. AYUSH institutions opened their doors to showcase modern technology and traditional medicine. The initiative aims to foster curiosity and promote interest in science and innovation.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Visitor’s Conference 2024-25 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, highlighting the role of higher education in India’s future. The first-ever Visitors Conference was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee in November 2015. She presented the 8th Visitor’s Awards to top researchers in quantum tech, pharmaceuticals, aquaculture, cancer research, and plastic-to-fuel conversion.

Notes:
The elusive marbled cat was recently spotted through camera traps at Dehing Patkai National Park, Assam. The marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) is a small wild cat found in South and Southeast Asia. It is closely related to the clouded leopard and bay cat. In India, it is found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. It has a marbled fur pattern for camouflage and is an excellent climber.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vantara Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on March 4, 2025. Vantara is a unique conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation initiative for animals. The centre spans 3,000 acres within the Jamnagar Refinery Complex. It serves as a sanctuary for abused, injured, and endangered animals. Vantara is India’s first initiative of its kind, conceptualized under Anant Ambani’s leadership. PM Modi highlighted India’s commitment to protecting wildlife and ecological sustainability.

Notes:
AIIMS launched ‘Payodhi’, a human milk bank for critically ill preterm babies in the NICU. Payodhi is a milk bank and lactation management centre at AIIMS, New Delhi. It collects, processes, and stores pasteurized donor milk for premature and ill newborns. The milk bank was launched in September 2024 at AIIMS’s Neonatology Division. Payodhi’s aim is to provide safe, processed human milk to NICU babies and support lactating mothers with counseling, milk donation, and storage facilities.

Notes:
The first-ever estimate of Gangetic dolphins in India recorded 6,327 individuals in the Ganga and its tributaries. Uttar Pradesh had the highest count with 2,397 dolphins, followed by Bihar (2,220), West Bengal (815 & 6235), Jharkhand (162), Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh (95), and Punjab (3). The Gangetic dolphin is a freshwater species found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems. Also known as Blind dolphin, Ganges susu, hihu, it is India’s National Aquatic Animal.

Notes:
Sweden has chosen the Taurus KEPD-350 cruise missile to enhance its Gripen fighter jets’ long-range strike capabilities. The Taurus KEPD-350 is an air-launched, precision-guided missile designed for deep penetration and high-accuracy attacks. The Taurus KEPD-350 missile is developed by a joint venture between Germany and Sweden, specifically by “Taurus Systems GmbH”, which is a partnership between MBDA Deutschland GmbH (Germany) and Saab Bofors Dynamics (Sweden). The missile can bypass dense air defense systems and destroy heavily fortified ground targets. It has been in operational service since 2005 and is used by the air forces of Germany, Spain, and South Korea.