Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
Ministry of Culture launched an initiative to preserve Kamba Ramayana recitals in Tamil Nadu. Kamba Ramayana is a Tamil epic, based on Valmiki Ramayana, written by Kambar in the 12th century CE. The epic is celebrated for its poetic excellence and unique spiritual interpretations. Written in classical Tamil, it has 6 Kandams, 113 Padalams, and 10,569 verses. The epic integrates Tamil folk elements and spiritual symbolism, traditionally recited by Kamba Ramayana Mandali in temples. The initiative aims to revive and promote this cultural heritage.

Notes:
World TB Day is observed on March 24 to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB) and its impact. The United Nations’ SDG goal is to end TB by 2030 with a 90% reduction in incidence, 95% reduction in mortality, and zero catastrophic costs. The Global TB Report 2024 warns that these targets may not be met due to complex diagnostics, drug-resistant TB, and lack of healthcare access. India’s TB Treatment Coverage reached 92.4% (global target: 90% by 2027). Treatment Success Rate in 2022 was 87.6% (target: 92%). India accounts for 26% of global TB cases, with 195 cases per 100,000 population. 2.552 million TB cases were reported, missing the 2.762 million target.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The 2025 United Nations World Water Development Report was published by UNESCO. It highlights the crucial role of mountains and alpine glaciers (water towers) in sustaining ecosystems, economies, and societies. Forests cover 40% of mountain areas, with grasslands and alpine tundra at higher elevations. Two-thirds of global irrigated agriculture depends on mountain runoff. Mountain permafrost stores 66 Pg of soil organic carbon, 4.5% of the global pool. Mountains host 25 of 34 biodiversity hotspots, preserving vital plant gene pools. Glacier loss threatens water security, with Hindu Kush Himalayas projected to lose 50% of glaciers by 2100. Watermelon snow (glacier blood) effect accelerates melting due to red algae blooms. Urbanization disrupts the hydrological cycle and amplifies ecological disasters. Atmospheric pollution increases black carbon levels in ice cores and lake sediments.

Notes:
World Down Syndrome Day is observed globally on 21 March to raise awareness and support affected individuals and families. Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to developmental differences. Normally, a newborn has 46 chromosomes, but an extra chromosome 21 results in Down syndrome. The theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2025 is “Improve Our Support Systems.” The theme focuses on strengthening inclusive support systems to ensure better care, education, and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.

Notes:
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in Indonesia erupted frequently, sending an ash column 8,200 meters high. Authorities expanded the danger zone, but evacuation details are unavailable. It is located on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. It is part of a twin-volcano system, with Lewotobi Laki-Laki (male) and Lewotobi Perempuan (female). These are stratovolcanoes, formed by repeated lava layers. Indonesia frequently experiences volcanic eruptions as it lies on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ where tectonic activity causes earthquakes and tsunamis.

Notes:
Delhi became the 28th legislature in India to adopt the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) for a paperless legislative process. Nagaland was the first state to implement National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in 2022. Delhi Legislative Assembly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi on 22 March 2025. The MoU was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta. NeVA is a digital platform under the Digital India Initiative, developed to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s One Nation One Application vision. It is managed by the Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

Notes:
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) launched Samarthya: National Competition on Corporate Rescue Strategies 2025 at Manesar, Haryana. It provides a platform for students to develop turnaround strategies for financially distressed businesses. It focuses on real-world corporate rescue, strategic thinking, and expert engagement. Participants analyze financial statements, develop rescue strategies, and present solutions to a panel of judges. It offers networking opportunities with insolvency professionals, legal experts, and business leaders. It provides industry exposure, expert feedback, and recognition for innovative solutions.

Notes:
Telangana Assembly adopted a resolution to implement the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 (Central Act No. 42 of 1994). The Act regulates organ transplantation and prevents commercial dealings in human organs and tissues. Telangana had its own Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1995 (Act No. 24 of 1995) but opted for the Central Act due to its 2011 amendments. The 2011 amendments included tissue transplantation, establishment of state and national-level bodies, and stricter penalties for violations. The adoption allows Telangana to enforce the 2011 amendments effectively.

Notes:
Kerala has become the first state in India to pass a law creating a Senior Citizens Commission. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the law, which was enacted on 25 March. The commission will focus on protecting the rights, welfare, and rehabilitation of senior citizens. Kerala ranks first in elderly welfare and continues to set an example in this field. The Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill was passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The commission aims to ensure better rehabilitation, security, and welfare for senior citizens.