Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Sangli district, Maharashtra, has 536 sambars and 295 cheetals (spotted deer). It has one of the highest deer populations among manmade wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuary covers 10.87 sq.km and has no permanent water supply. Most wildlife species, including 536 sambars and 295 cheetals, were introduced artificially. The sanctuary is known for a high deer population. It is named after the ancient Sagareshwar temple, with many other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva within the sanctuary.

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Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) launched the Samarth Incubation Programme to boost innovation in telecommunications and Information Technology (IT). It supports startups working in Telecom Software, Cybersecurity, 5G/6G, AI, IoT, and Quantum Technologies. The program provides up to Rs 5 lakh, 6 months of office space at C-DOT, lab access, and expert mentorship. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is the implementation partner to nurture high-impact startups. The program runs in a hybrid mode with two cohorts of 18 startups each.

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India Habitat Centre (IHC) organized special performances to celebrate World Puppetry Day on March 21. The day recognizes puppetry as a global art form and honors puppeteers worldwide. Puppetry involves making and manipulating puppets for theatrical performances on stage, television, or film. A puppet is a human, animal, or abstract figure moved by human effort, not mechanical aid. In India, puppetry is an ancient performing art used for storytelling, entertainment, and social commentary.

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The Supreme Court criticized the Uttarakhand government for slow action against senior officers accused of illegal constructions in Corbett Tiger Reserve. Corbett Tiger Reserve is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and renamed Corbett National Park in 1957 to honor Jim Corbett. The total area of the reserve is 1,288.31 sq. km, with undulating terrain and several valleys. Rivers Ramganga, Pallaen, and Sonanadi flow through it. The reserve lies in the Bhabar and lower Shivalik regions with a deep-water table and porous terrain.

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World Meteorological Day is observed on March 23 to mark the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950. It highlights the role of meteorological and hydrological services in public safety, economy, and environment. WMO was created by the United Nations (UN) to promote global cooperation in climate science, hydrology, and meteorology. The first World Meteorological Day was celebrated in 1961. Advances in satellite technology and climate modeling have transformed meteorology. The 2025 theme, ‘Closing the Early Warning Gap Together,’ emphasizes the importance of early warning systems as crucial investments.

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Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president on the country’s 35th independence anniversary. She succeeded Nangolo Mbumba, who was interim president after President Hage Geingob passed away in February 2024. After Geingob’s death, she was promoted to vice president before assuming the presidency. Nandi-Ndaitwah has been a lawmaker since 1990. She previously served as Namibia’s Foreign Minister before becoming vice president.

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India exported Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore for the first time, boosting the floriculture sector. Anthurium is a tropical flowering plant known for its ornamental value and air-purifying properties. It removes toxins like formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, xylene, and allergens from the air. NASA included Anthurium in its list of air-purifying plants for improving indoor air quality. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, promotes agricultural exports and facilitates global market linkages.

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Rajasthan government launched the One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) to support farmers and small entrepreneurs. The scheme aims to protect them from financial crises and stabilize land development banks. Borrowers who repay 100% of overdue medium and long-term loans by July 1, 2024, will get a 100% interest rebate. A 5% subsidy will help borrowers avail loans again. The scheme benefits 36,351 defaulting loan members with Rs. 760 crore overdue loans. The government will spend Rs. 200 crore to ease loan recovery and improve bank finances. It will boost new loans, production, and business recovery.

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The 6th edition of Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2025 was launched in Panchkula, Haryana on World Water Day, 22 March 2025. It focuses on 148 water-stressed districts across India. This was the first time the campaign was launched outside New Delhi. It promotes water conservation awareness and community participation. The campaign runs during the monsoon season. The initiative was launched by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in partnership with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Government of Haryana. The 2025 campaign theme is “Peoples’ Action for Water Conservation – Towards Intensified Community Connect.”

Notes:
The Farakka Barrage, commissioned in 1975, marks its 50th anniversary in 2025. It is located on the Ganga River in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, about 18 km from the Bangladesh border. The barrage diverts 40,000 cusecs of water to flush out silt from the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River, aiding Kolkata Port’s navigation. Built after 12 years of construction with a cost of ₹130 crores. India and Bangladesh have signed multiple agreements on Ganga water sharing, including the 1977 Farakka Agreement and the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty.