Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
A Lancet Global Health study found that over a third of newborns with sepsis could die. Neonatal sepsis is a blood infection in infants under 90 days old, caused by bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, and Streptococcus. It is classified into early-onset (within 72 hours) and late-onset (after 3 days). Symptoms include temperature changes, breathing issues, and diarrhea. Treatment involves intravenous antibiotics in hospitals. Neonatal sepsis causes 5,50,000 deaths globally yearly, with India accounting for nearly one-fourth of these deaths.

Notes:
Yuki Bhambri (India) and Alexei Popyrin (Australia) won the doubles title at the Dubai Tennis Championships 2025. It was their first ATP 500 doubles title. Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) won the singles title. The Dubai Open, an ATP 500 event, had a prize pool of $3,237,670. It was held from 24 February to 1 March 2025 in Dubai, UAE.

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:
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:
A six-day survey in Majuli River Island, Assam, highlights rising human-wildlife conflict (HWC) concerns. Majuli is the world’s largest river island in Assam, covering 421 sq. km, formed by the Brahmaputra and Subansiri Rivers. It became India’s first island district in 2016 and is known for its lush greenery, water bodies, and paddy fields. The island is a hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, with Satras preserving dance, literature, theatre, and mask-making.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the second edition of ‘Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on March 5, 2025. This edition highlights the cultural heritage of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Around 500 artisans and weavers are participating. The festival includes cultural performances, handicraft exhibitions, literary events, workshops, and food courts. The Mahotsav has seven editions, each dedicated to different regions of India. It aims to promote cultural diversity and boost the morale of artists and artisans.

Notes:
HDFC Bank launched Project HAKK (Hawai Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra) to support Indian Air Force (IAF) pensioners, veterans, and families. The bank signed an MoU with IAF through the Assistant Chief of Air Staff – Accounts & Air Veterans and CSC (Common Service Centre) Academy. 25 centres will be set up across Air Force units in cities like New Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Guwahati, and Chandigarh. In collaboration with CSC Academy, the bank will offer skill development and financial training to help veterans and their families become financially independent.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados award. The award recognizes his strategic leadership and assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is one of the highest national honors of Barbados, given for significant contributions to the country or international relations.