Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025
1. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
A three-day off-season faunal survey in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary recorded 14 new bird species, 15 butterflies, and 8 odonates. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976 and is located in Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks, Idukki District, Kerala. It spans 77 sq.km. of forests surrounding the Idukki Arch Dam. The terrain includes steep mountains, valleys, and hills, with altitudes ranging from 450 to 1272 m. Vanjur Medu is the highest peak at 1272 m. The Periyar and Cheruthoniar rivers flow through the sanctuary, which includes a 33 sq.km. waterbody of the Idukki reservoir.
A three-day off-season faunal survey in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary recorded 14 new bird species, 15 butterflies, and 8 odonates. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976 and is located in Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks, Idukki District, Kerala. It spans 77 sq.km. of forests surrounding the Idukki Arch Dam. The terrain includes steep mountains, valleys, and hills, with altitudes ranging from 450 to 1272 m. Vanjur Medu is the highest peak at 1272 m. The Periyar and Cheruthoniar rivers flow through the sanctuary, which includes a 33 sq.km. waterbody of the Idukki reservoir.
2. Which organization has released the report titled “Becoming a high-income economy in a generation”?
[A] World Bank
[B] United Nations Development Programme
[C] International Monetary Fund
[D] United Nations Environment Ptogramme
[B] United Nations Development Programme
[C] International Monetary Fund
[D] United Nations Environment Ptogramme
Correct Answer: A [World Bank]
Notes:
India must grow at 7.8% annually until 2047 to reach high-income status, says the World Bank. World Bank released the report titled “Becoming a High-Income Economy in a Generation”. The report highlights the need for “accelerated reforms.” India’s growth averaged 7.2% in the past three years, but further policy action is required. Investment must rise to 40% of GDP by 2035, supported by ICT and physical capital. Key reforms include stronger financial regulations, easier credit for MSMEs, and simpler FDI policies. Female workforce participation should reach 55% by 2050. Growth-focused sectors include agro-processing, hospitality, transport, and care economy. Efficient land, labour, and capital allocation can boost productivity. A “business as usual” scenario would limit growth to 6.6% per year, making high-income status unattainable.
India must grow at 7.8% annually until 2047 to reach high-income status, says the World Bank. World Bank released the report titled “Becoming a High-Income Economy in a Generation”. The report highlights the need for “accelerated reforms.” India’s growth averaged 7.2% in the past three years, but further policy action is required. Investment must rise to 40% of GDP by 2035, supported by ICT and physical capital. Key reforms include stronger financial regulations, easier credit for MSMEs, and simpler FDI policies. Female workforce participation should reach 55% by 2050. Growth-focused sectors include agro-processing, hospitality, transport, and care economy. Efficient land, labour, and capital allocation can boost productivity. A “business as usual” scenario would limit growth to 6.6% per year, making high-income status unattainable.
3. What is Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) that was recently seen in news?
[A] A rare genetic disorder
[B] A respiratory disease
[C] A viral infection targeting the nervous system
[D] None of the Above
[B] A respiratory disease
[C] A viral infection targeting the nervous system
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: A [A rare genetic disorder ]
Notes:
Scientists have developed a new gene therapy for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), a rare genetic disorder. MSUD is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme complex needed to break down branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, requiring both parents to pass on the gene mutation. The disorder prevents proper amino acid metabolism, leading to neurological symptoms and life-threatening brain damage.
Scientists have developed a new gene therapy for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), a rare genetic disorder. MSUD is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme complex needed to break down branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, requiring both parents to pass on the gene mutation. The disorder prevents proper amino acid metabolism, leading to neurological symptoms and life-threatening brain damage.
4. As per recent report, which state has emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation under the ‘MISHTI’ scheme?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Odisha
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Gujarat]
Notes:
Gujarat leads India in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in two years under the MISHTI scheme. MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) was launched in 2023 to expand mangrove forests and support coastal livelihoods. The initiative aims to strengthen coastal ecosystems across India’s coastal states and union territories. Gujarat’s rapid afforestation efforts have made it the top performer in the scheme.
Gujarat leads India in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in two years under the MISHTI scheme. MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) was launched in 2023 to expand mangrove forests and support coastal livelihoods. The initiative aims to strengthen coastal ecosystems across India’s coastal states and union territories. Gujarat’s rapid afforestation efforts have made it the top performer in the scheme.
5. A new species of spined loach, officially named the Cobitis beijingensis, has been discovered in which country recently?
[A] India
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] Japan
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
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.
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.
6. Which ministry has announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) initiative?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Evironment
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[B] Ministry of Evironment
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3). It is a global alliance promoting city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships. The announcement was made at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur. C-3 aims to boost resource efficiency and support a low-carbon economy. It will enhance cooperation among policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers. The initiative focuses on building a sustainable future through circular economy principles.
The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3). It is a global alliance promoting city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships. The announcement was made at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur. C-3 aims to boost resource efficiency and support a low-carbon economy. It will enhance cooperation among policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers. The initiative focuses on building a sustainable future through circular economy principles.
7. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Karnataka
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Madhya Pradesh, home to the highest wolf population, is studying their ecology at Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary spans Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. It serves as a corridor for Panna and Satpura Tiger Reserves and connects Bandhavgarh via Rani Durgawati Wildlife Sanctuary. It falls under the Deccan Peninsula biogeographic region and is part of the Ganga and Narmada basins.
Madhya Pradesh, home to the highest wolf population, is studying their ecology at Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary spans Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. It serves as a corridor for Panna and Satpura Tiger Reserves and connects Bandhavgarh via Rani Durgawati Wildlife Sanctuary. It falls under the Deccan Peninsula biogeographic region and is part of the Ganga and Narmada basins.
8. According to recent report, which state has recorded the highest number of Gangetic dolphins in the country?
[A] Bihar
[B] West Bengal
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Uttar Pradesh
[B] West Bengal
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh]
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.
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.
9. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Yojana is administered by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Law and Justice
[D] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Law and Justice
[D] Ministry of Labour and Employment
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Labour and Employment ]
Notes:
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Yojana offers a monthly pension for unorganized sector workers after 60 years of age. It ensures a minimum ₹3,000 monthly pension for workers earning up to ₹15,000. The scheme is aimed at the unorganized workers contributing around 50% of India’s GDP, including street vendors, domestic workers, and agricultural workers. Over 30.51 crore unorganized workers are registered on the e-Shram portal as of December 2024. It was launched in the Interim Budget 2019. PM-SYM is administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment with with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Common Service Centres e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV) for implementation.
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Yojana offers a monthly pension for unorganized sector workers after 60 years of age. It ensures a minimum ₹3,000 monthly pension for workers earning up to ₹15,000. The scheme is aimed at the unorganized workers contributing around 50% of India’s GDP, including street vendors, domestic workers, and agricultural workers. Over 30.51 crore unorganized workers are registered on the e-Shram portal as of December 2024. It was launched in the Interim Budget 2019. PM-SYM is administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment with with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Common Service Centres e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV) for implementation.
10. Where was the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 organized?
[A] Mumbai
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Hyderabad
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Hyderabad
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 in New Delhi. The summit, organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), focused on the theme “Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions.” He highlighted India’s 7.93% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, showcasing the country’s strong commitment to fighting climate change.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 in New Delhi. The summit, organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), focused on the theme “Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions.” He highlighted India’s 7.93% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, showcasing the country’s strong commitment to fighting climate change.