Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
IIT Bombay and Monash University, Australia, have developed a cost-effective sensor to detect toxic metals in water. The project received funding from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India. The sensor uses a copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF) called copper-tetra carboxyphenyl porphyrin (Cu-TCPP) for efficient detection. It can detect lead, cadmium, and mercury even in trace amounts. The MOF structure allows metal ion replacement without collapsing, improving detection capability. Tests on tap and lake water confirmed its accuracy. The sensor performs as well as or better than DNA-based sensors, with simpler design and efficiency.

Notes:
The Indian women’s Kabaddi team won their fifth Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship title. They defeated Iran 32-25 in the final held in Tehran on 8th March 2025. The 6th Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship 2025 took place in Tehran from 6th to 8th March 2025. Iran hosted the tournament for the third time, previously in 2007 and 2017.

Notes:
The All India Conference of Women Advocates was held in New Delhi on International Women’s Day. More than 1,200 participants attended the event. It was organized by the Akhil Bhartiya Adhivakta Parishad and the National Commission for Women. The conference focused on women’s historical contributions and their empowerment. The discussions revolved around the impact of the Indian Constitution on women’s rights and progress.

Notes:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has started work on its Seventh Assessment Report. It was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It has 195 member countries. The IPCC assesses scientific, technical, and socio-economic data on climate change, its impacts, and mitigation strategies. It provides scientific input for global climate policies but does not conduct new research. The Sixth Assessment Report was completed in 2023. IPCC reports play a key role in UN climate negotiations (UNFCCC).

Notes:
A Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, was recently sighted in Dehing Patkai National Park using a camera trap. The park is located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam. Known as the ‘Amazon of the East’, it has India’s largest stretch of tropical lowland rainforests covering 231.65 sq. km. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2004 and upgraded to a national park in 2020. The park is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Tai Phake, Singpho, Ahom, and Moran.

Notes:
The U.S. has withdrawn from the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), a setback for global climate justice efforts. The fund was created at the 2022 UNFCCC Conference (COP27) in Egypt. LDF provides financial aid to regions facing losses due to climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather, and crop failures. Developing nations, especially small island states, sought compensation from richer countries. Around $750 million has been pledged, with the U.S. contributing $17.5 million before withdrawing. The fund is managed by a Governing Board, with the World Bank as an interim trustee for four years.

Notes:
New Delhi is hosting its first-ever World Para-Athletics Grand Prix 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event takes place from March 11 to March 13, featuring over 280 para-athletes from 20 countries. The tournament includes over 90 competitions with nations like Saudi Arabia, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Nepal, and Japan participating.

Notes:
On March 9, 2023, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda launched two welfare schemes for girls in Tripura—Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana. Under the Balika Samriddhi Yojana, BPL families will receive a Rs 50,000 bond for newborn girls, expected to grow to Rs 10 lakh by the time they turn 18. The Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana will provide free scooties to 140 meritorious girls in Higher Secondary from all education boards.

Notes:
A rare sighting of the Sarus Crane was reported in Saikhowa, Tinsukia, Assam, drawing bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) is the tallest flying bird in the world. It is found in Southeast Asia, northern India, and northern Australia. In India, it is mainly seen along the Gangetic plain and eastern Rajasthan, with fewer in southern regions. The species is non-migratory. It primarily inhabits wetlands like canals, marshes, and ponds, sometimes near human settlements.

Notes:
The 54th National Safety Week is being observed across India. It is celebrated annually from March 4 to March 10 to raise awareness about safety precautions in various sectors. This year’s theme is ‘Safety and Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat’, emphasizing the role of safety in a developed India.