Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
Amazon launched a quantum computing chip named Ocelot. It is a prototype with limited computing power. It consists of two integrated silicon microchips. Its high-quality oscillators are made from superconducting Tantalum. It uses cat qubits, inspired by Schrödinger’s cat experiment. Ocelot can reduce quantum error correction costs by up to 90% compared to current methods.

Notes:
The Cape Vulture has returned to South Africa’s Eastern Cape after three decades. It is an Old World vulture species in the Accipitridae family and is endemic to southern Africa. It is mainly found in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and parts of northern Namibia. There are 23 vulture species globally—16 Old World vultures in Africa, Europe, and Asia, and 7 New World vultures in the Americas. Vultures prevent disease spread by disposing of carcasses efficiently. Their decline increases disease risks from scavengers like feral dogs and rats. The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Notes:
Auroville recently celebrated its 57th anniversary with bonfire meditation at the Matrimandir Amphitheatre. It is an experimental international township in Tamil Nadu, near Pondicherry, with residents from over 60 countries. It was founded by Mirra Alfassa (‘The Mother’) on February 28, 1968, as an international cultural township. It was designed by architect Roger Anger, it is the world’s largest and oldest intentional community. Auroville has transformed from barren land into a 3,000-acre green township with biodiversity, schools, and social enterprises. UNESCO endorsed Auroville through resolutions in 1966, 1968, 1970, and 1983. It is administered by the Ministry of Education under the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
NITI Aayog launched the report “From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story.” The report, released by CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, highlights the rise in women’s financial awareness. By December 2024, 27 million women were monitoring their credit, a 42% increase from the previous year. The report was published by TransUnion CIBIL, NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), and MicroSave Consulting (MSC). WEP works on financial literacy, credit access, mentorship, and market linkages for women. Financing Women Collaborative (FWC) was formed to ensure inclusive financial access and seeks financial sector participation.

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:
India’s Astra MK-III missile has been renamed Gandiva, inspired by Arjuna’s legendary bow from the Mahabharata. It is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile designed for fighter aircraft. It is developed by DRDO, it aims to revolutionize BVR aerial combat. It will be deployed on IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Tejas aircraft.

Notes:
Russia is launching repeated assaults to cross the Dnipro River in Kherson, despite heavy casualties, aiming to seize more territory before potential peace talks. The Dnipro River is one of Europe’s major transboundary rivers. It is the fourth-longest river in Europe, after the Volga, Danube, and Ural. The river flows through Eastern Europe, draining much of Belarus and Ukraine. Historically, it served as an important natural barrier, dividing Ukraine into right and left banks.

Notes:
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia represented India at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. He engaged with industry leaders, addressed key sessions, and explored tech innovations. India showcased its rapid 5G expansion, lowest data tariffs, indigenous telecom infrastructure, and strong cybersecurity framework. Scindia stressed the importance of tech governance, balancing innovation with regulation, and fostering global partnerships. The event included the unveiling of India Mobile Congress 2025 and the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion, highlighting India’s telecom capabilities.

Notes:
State Bank of India (SBI) launched ‘Asmita’, a collateral-free, low-interest loan program for women entrepreneurs. The scheme aims to boost business borrowings for women-led MSMEs. It offers quick financial support through a digital process. SBI also introduced the ‘Nari Shakti’ platinum debit card.