Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
Delhi launched solar-hybrid river cruises on the Yamuna River, covering a 22 km stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. The initiative promotes eco-friendly tourism, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances sustainable urban mobility. The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas at 4,421 meters altitude.

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The Department of Pharmaceuticals organized an industry dialogue in Mumbai on the Pharma MedTech sector (PRIP) Scheme to boost R&D and innovation in the Pharma-MedTech sector. The event brought together industry leaders, research institutes (ICMR, CSIR, NIPERs), and associations to discuss collaborations and industry-academia partnerships. The PRIP Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, aims to make India a global leader in Pharma-MedTech R&D.

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Gold Mercury International awarded the Gold Mercury Award 2025 to Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. The award recognizes his efforts in promoting peace, compassion, and sustainability. The Dalai Lama urged world leaders to unite for global peace, cooperation, and environmental protection. He emphasized non-violence, wisdom, and environmental harmony as key values. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy, he advocates for all living beings and ecological balance. He remains a global symbol of non-violence and a strong voice for Tibetan rights and environmental conservation.

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Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Uttar Pradesh is set to become a new sanctuary for rhinos from Nepal. PTR is located in Uttar Pradesh. The river Gomti originates from PTR, with other rivers like Sharda, Chuka, and Mala Khannot flowing through it. The reserve features sal forests, tall grasslands, and swamps maintained by periodic flooding. The 22 km-long Sharda Sagar Dam marks its boundary. It has a dry and hot climate, with a mix of dry teak forests and Vindhya Mountain soils.

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New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon, foreign ministers from 18 countries, global firm executives, and foreign policy experts will attend the Raisina Dialogue. It is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, addressing global challenges. It is modeled after the Munich Security Conference and Shangri-La Dialogue. It has been held annually in New Delhi since 2016. The event features multi-stakeholder discussions with heads of state, ministers, and thought leaders from various sectors. Hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs, India. The 2025 theme is “Kalachakra: People. Peace. Planet.”

Notes:
Hola Mohalla is an important festival for the Sikh community which is celebrated after Holi.   This festival promotes unity, bravery and brotherhood. The festival was organized in Roopnagar district, with the first three days in Kiratpur Sahib and the last three days in Anandpur Sahib. This festival includes processions, sports and cultural programs.

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National Vaccination Day is observed on March 16 to highlight India’s commitment to immunisation. It marks the first dose of the oral polio vaccine given on March 16, 1995, under the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme. This programme played a key role in eliminating polio from India. The day emphasises the need for universal vaccination coverage. It reflects on India’s immunisation achievements. The focus remains on protecting future generations through vaccines.

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The OAMS (Online Assurances Monitoring System) is a digital platform developed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) to track and monitor assurances made by Ministers in Parliament. These assurances are promises or undertakings made during debates or questions and must be fulfilled within three months. Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA), under the 1961 Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, ensures the proper implementation and follow-up of these assurances. The platform helps in systematically tracking and fulfilling government commitments.

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The Supreme Court has ordered the Rajasthan government to demolish the illegal Seven Wonders Park near Ana Sagar Lake within six months due to environmental concerns and wetland law violations. Ana Sagar Lake is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and was constructed between 1135-1150 AD by King Arnoraja. The lake has historical significance, with Mughal emperor Jahangir’s Daulat Bagh garden and Shah Jahan’s five marble pavilions nearby. The lake is not yet designated as a Ramsar site.

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Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal brain disorder linked to measles (rubella) infection. It can develop years after measles recovery, affecting children and adolescents, with men at higher risk. Low measles vaccination coverage in Uttar Pradesh has made SSPE a serious health concern. SSPE cases are reported worldwide but remain rare in Western countries.