Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
Researchers from western Maharashtra discovered a new endemic frog species named Minervarya ghatiborealis. It was found in Mahabaleshwar, in the north-western Ghats of Sahyadri, Maharashtra. The name comes from ‘Ghati’ (Sanskrit for western) and ‘Borealis’ (Latin for northern), meaning ‘from the north-western Ghats’. It belongs to the Minervarya genus, commonly known as ‘Cricket frogs’. These frogs have parallel lines on their abdomens and nest near standing water or small springs. Their calls resemble nightingales, and the male’s breeding vocalisation is unique within the genus.

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.

Notes:
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched a centralized database portal for corporate bonds called Bond Central. It serves as a single, authentic source of information on corporate bonds in India. It is developed by the Online Bond Platform Providers Association (OBPP Association) with collaboration from Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) like stock exchanges and depositories. The portal is free to access and acts as an information repository for the public. It aims to enhance transparency and help investors make informed decisions.

Notes:
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion held a discussion on Diyaslai. Diyaslai is the autobiography of Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, detailing his journey from Vidisha to his fight for child rights. Kailash Satyarthi, born in 1954 in Madhya Pradesh, has led global efforts against child slavery and exploitation in 140 countries. His organization has rescued over 1,38,000 children from child labour and trafficking. He highlighted that compassion is the key to solving global issues.

Notes:
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) became India’s first urban body to include a separate climate chapter in its 2025-26 budget. The “sustainable and climate budget” allocates ₹5,619.58 crore (over a third) of AMC’s ₹15,502 crore budget for climate action. The fund will support a net-zero, climate-resilient city action plan aligned with India’s net-zero target of 2070. Other metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Coimbatore have been slow to institutionalize climate action in their budgets, though Mumbai has allocated 33% for climate projects in 2024-25.

Notes:
International Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day is observed annually on March 5. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2022 to promote awareness, especially among youth. The day highlights threats from weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) like nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. The initiative began with a resolution proposal in 2021 and was officially recognized on December 7, 2022. The first observance took place on March 5, 2023, emphasizing global peace and security.

Notes:
The Wallace Line is an invisible boundary separating Asian and Australian animal species. It was first identified by English naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century. The line runs through the Malay Archipelago, between Bali and Lombok, and between Borneo and Sulawesi. Asian side species (Borneo, Bali) resemble mainland Asian animals like tigers and monkeys. Australian side species (Sulawesi, Lombok) resemble Australian wildlife like kangaroos and cuscuses. Scientists now view it as a transition zone rather than a strict boundary. Climate change and habitat destruction threaten these ecosystems and species adaptation.

Notes:
The Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise began off the Guam coast in the western Pacific Ocean. Hosted by the U.S. Navy’s 7th fleet, it runs from March 4-19, 2025. The exercise involves five nations, including the Indian Navy, focusing on anti-submarine warfare. Participating countries include India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the US. It aims to improve tactical and command interoperability among allies and partners of the U.S. Each country is deploying its Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance aircraft. The Indian Navy is using the P8I aircraft, a Boeing-made maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

Notes:
Gum Arabic, used in products like Coca-Cola and M&M’s, is increasingly trafficked from rebel-held regions in Sudan, disrupting supply chains. It is a water-soluble exudate from Acacia senegal and A. seyal species. It is native to North Africa, also grows in Australia, India, and South America. Major producers include Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Nigeria, and Sudan. Sudan is the world’s largest producer of gum arabic, accounting for 70% of the market. Gum Arabic is non-toxic, odourless, and dissolves in water, forming a clear solution. It is used as a stabilizer and emulsifier in food products.

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the high-altitude trials of the Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas aircraft. The trials were conducted at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet above Mean Sea Level. The ILSS is an advanced system that generates and regulates breathable oxygen for pilots during flight.  The ILSS is based on the On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS).  The ILSS includes 10 line replaceable units, including the low-pressure breathing regulator, BOS, emergency oxygen system, oxygen sensor, and anti-G valve.