Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

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:
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:
India’s first integrated API, Green Hydrogen, and 2G Ethanol manufacturing facility will be set up in Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Pradesh government signed a memorandum with M/s Spray Engineering Devices Limited on 5th March 2025 in Shimla. The project, worth ₹1400 crore, will create 1000 direct jobs. It supports the state’s goal to become India’s first green energy state by March 2026. A 30 MW green hydrogen plant will power the API facility, later expanding to 50 MW. Green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis using renewable energy sources like water, sun, and wind.

Notes:
The government will open “Pashu Aushadhi” stores nationwide to provide affordable veterinary medicines. It follows the model of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) for low-cost generic medicines. The initiative is part of the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). Stores will be run by cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK). Ethnoveterinary medicines based on traditional knowledge will also be available. ₹75 crore has been allocated to ensure affordable, high-quality veterinary medicines for farmers.

Notes:
The United States plans to build a Golden Dome missile defense system. Golden Dome is a missile defense program of the USA. It aims to protect against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles and other advanced aerial threats. The system is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Iron Dome is a multi-layered system designed to intercept short-range threats effectively.

Notes:
The Jammu and Kashmir government announced new rules for Bangus Valley to promote it as an ecotourism destination. Bangus Valley lies in the Trans-Himalayan region and has a unique mountain and grassland biome with Coniferous forests. It is located in Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 10,000 ft above sea level. The valley covers 300 sq. km and consists of Bodh Bangus (Big Bangus) and Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus). It is surrounded by Rajwar, Mawar, Shamasbury, Dajlungun, Chowkibal, and Karnah Guli with meadows and a flowing stream.

Notes:
Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development launched Project Hifazat on International Women’s Day. The initiative aims to create a safe environment for reporting domestic violence, workplace harassment, and abuse. The 181 helpline will be central to the project, providing immediate assistance. Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya will support a 24×7 helpline for emergency and non-emergency services. Coordination between departments (social security, police, health) will offer rescue, legal, medical, and psycho-social support. Victims will have access to one-stop centres, legal aid, and rehabilitation services.

Notes:
The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), shows a 45% surge in terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan in 2024. Pakistan is now the second-most terrorism-affected country, moving up from fourth place. Terrorism deaths rose from 748 in 2023 to 1,081 in 2024, marking one of the highest global increases. Terrorist attacks more than doubled, from 517 in 2023 to 1,099 in 2024, crossing 1,000 for the first time. A recent attack on Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed five soldiers and 13 civilians. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensified operations, linked to the Afghan Taliban’s rise in Kabul.

Notes:
The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to provide hands-on industry experience. It is a 12-month apprenticeship program with 1,25,000 vacancies across various sectors. The scheme helps participants develop industry-relevant and soft skills like teamwork and communication. Eligible candidates include 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, Diploma, or Graduates aged 21-24 years. Applications are open online from October 12, 2024, to March 12, 2025. Selected interns will receive a ₹5000 monthly stipend and a one-time benefit of ₹6000.

Notes:
The Global Engagement Scheme was recently discussed in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. It is initiated by the Ministry of Culture to promote India’s cultural heritage globally. The scheme showcases India’s folk, classical, and contemporary art forms on the international stage. It strengthens bilateral cultural ties by encouraging collaborations with foreign nations. Artists from Maharashtra have participated in international cultural festivals under this scheme.