Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways launched the One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP). ONOP aims to standardize port operations across India’s major ports. The initiative removes inconsistencies in documentation, reduces inefficiencies, lowers costs, and minimizes delays. The Ministry reduced container operation documents by 33%, from 143 to 96. Bulk cargo documents were cut by 29%, from 150 to 106.

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The Ministry of Ayush conferred the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards to three distinguished practitioners. Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav presented the awards in Mumbai on 20.02.2025. Awardees include Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma, an expert Nadi Vaidya and author; Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal, a Dravyaguna Vigyana scholar with 60 years of service; and Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni, founder of Vishwa Vyakhyanmala. Each recipient received a citation, a trophy featuring Lord Dhanwantari, and ₹5 Lakh. The awards highlight India’s commitment to holistic healthcare and preserving traditional medicine.

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.

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Shaurya Bhattacharya won the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) Rs. 1 crore Chhattisgarh Open golf championship at Fairway Golf and Lake Resort, Naya Raipur. He secured victory with a final round of six-under 63, finishing with a 27-under 249. The 22-year-old from Chandigarh had a five-shot lead overnight with earlier scores of 64, 61, and 61. This is his second professional title, following his maiden win in his rookie season last year.

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The UK hosted a European leaders’ summit to support Ukraine and discuss a ceasefire plan. Britain, France, and Ukraine agreed to draft a ceasefire proposal for the US. The summit followed a key meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump, raising concerns about US support. The summit included representatives from Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Romania. Britain, France, and Ukraine agreed to present the ceasefire proposal to the US.

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The U.S. Air Force is considering deploying the Harpoon anti-ship missile on its F-16s, signaling a shift in naval warfare strategy. The Harpoon (RGM-84/UGM-84/AGM-84) is a subsonic anti-ship cruise missile developed by Boeing for the U.S. Navy. Introduced in 1977, it is used by over 30 countries, including India. It has a range of 90-240 km and can be launched from ships, submarines, shore batteries, and aircraft.

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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.

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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.

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Ruellia elegans, also known as the Brazilian petunia, Christmas pride, or wild petunia, is native to Brazil and thrives in tropical wet biomes. Its elegant appearance gives it its name. It is one of the invasive plant species from the Acanthoideae sub-family in India, alongside Ruellia ciliatiflora, Ruellia simplex, and Ruellia tuberosa. It was introduced to the Andaman Islands and has spread to Odisha in India over the past decade. The study highlights the threat this plant poses to native biodiversity.

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs when the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. It affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S. and over 2.8 million worldwide. Genetics influence MS risk, but environmental factors like diet, infections, and gut health play a major role. Studies show gut bacteria imbalance can predict MS severity. MS patients have more Blautia and Akkermansia but lower Bifidobacterium and Prevotella. A lower Bifidobacterium-to-Akkermansia ratio is linked to worse disability. Findings may help improve MS diagnosis and treatment by focusing on gut microbiome health.