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:
Dr. Anju Rathi Rana has become the first woman Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice. Her appointment marks an important step for gender diversity in top government positions. She has represented India at international forums, including the BRICS Ministers of Justice Meeting. She has contributed to legal reforms and gender representation in the judiciary.

Notes:
Indian scientists developed the Brahmastra Missile (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile), a hypersonic glide missile with a speed of 12,144 km/h. It was developed by DRDO. It surpasses missiles like China’s DF-17 in range and technology. The missile has a 1,500 km range and can destroy enemy ships within 7-8 minutes. It can be launched from land or sea, offering flexibility.

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 12th India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII held in Kyrgyzstan from 10 to 23 March 2025. It began in 2011 and has become an annual event, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan. The 2024 edition was held in India. The Indian Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade are participating. It focuses on Counter-Terrorism, Special Forces Operations, sniping, and mountain warfare. Cultural exchanges, including the Nowruz festival, will strengthen ties. It reinforces India-Kyrgyzstan cooperation in regional security and counterterrorism efforts.

Notes:
DRDO has unveiled the BM-04, a short-range ballistic missile with hypersonic speed. It enhances India’s military capability against anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) threats. The missile has a range of 400 to 1500 km and carries a 500 kg warhead. It has high accuracy with a circular error probability (CEP) of less than 30 metres. Designed for quick deployment using a mobile launcher. It places India among the few nations with hypersonic missile technology. BM-04 shares design similarities with Agni I-class missiles, showing progress in hypersonic weaponry.

Notes:
The Ministry of Defence signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for 1000 HP engines for T-72 tanks. The engines will be delivered in fully formed, completely knocked down, and semi knocked down conditions. T-72 tanks, a key part of the Indian Army’s fleet, currently have 780 HP engines. The Soviet-designed T-72 was introduced in 1971 and is widely used globally. It was designed by Uralvagonzavod in the Soviet Union. T-72 tanks are locally manufactured and upgraded at Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi. The tank features high-accuracy sighting systems and an automatic loading mechanism for efficient firing.

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:
A collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea caused a massive fire, injuring 32 people. A large-scale rescue operation was launched by the UK Coastguard, with firefighting vessels and emergency services responding. The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between Great Britain, Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.