Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
India ranked 24th out of 33 countries in the Free Speech Index, according to a survey by The Future of Free Speech, a U.S.-based think tank. The report, “Who in the World Supports Free Speech?”, highlights a global decline in support for controversial speech. India scored 62.6, ranking between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8). The findings suggest a gap between public perception and actual free speech conditions in India.

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.

Notes:
Serbian government is accused of using a banned sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade. Sonic weapons, also called acoustic weapons, emit loud, painful sounds over long distances. They can use audible or inaudible sound waves to disrupt, disorient, or incapacitate people. Some versions amplify voices for crowd control. It was first developed for military use. The U.S. used them in Iraq in 2004. They work with transducers that convert energy into sound waves. Highly concentrated sound beams can cause discomfort, pain, and disorientation. Authorities control frequency, volume, and duration for targeted impact.

Notes:
A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests Fijian iguana ancestors traveled 8,000 km across the Pacific on floating vegetation from the Americas. Iguanas are large, stout lizards mainly found in tropical regions of the Americas. They have scaly skin with warts, spines along their back, and a dewlap under their necks. They exhibit color variations like green, blue, and grey. Iguanas are herbivores and adapt to diverse habitats, from deserts to rainforests. They are native to Central and South America but have established populations in Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. They are the largest lizards in the USA.

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The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) received Oeko-Tex certification for eri silk from Germany. Oeko-Tex ensures textiles are free from harmful substances. Eri silk, produced by the Samia Cynthia Ricini worm, is a natural protein fiber. The worms feed on castor oil plant leaves, and the process doesn’t kill the silkworm, making it Ahimsa Silk. Eri silk is primarily found in the northeastern region of India, particularly in Assam, but also in neighboring states like Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Manipur.

Notes:
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the 2nd Khelo India Para Games 2025 at at KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, New Delhi. Raksha Nikhil Khadse introduced the mascot ‘Ujjwala,’ inspired by the house sparrow, symbolizing resilience. Devendra Jhajharia and Sminu Jindal unveiled the Games logo featuring Delhi landmarks. Khelo India Para Games 2025 takes place from March 20-27 across three venues in Delhi. The event promotes inclusivity and provides a major platform for para-athletes. Khelo India Para Games is part of the Khelo India mission to support talented athletes. The 1st edition was held in December 2023 in New Delhi across three venues. It featured seven sports disciplines and provided a national platform for para-athletes.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Assam Cabinet approved Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) for the Moran community living in Arunachal Pradesh. The Moran community has long demanded PRCs and recognition as residents of Arunachal Pradesh. They are an indigenous group from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman-origin Kachari family. Historically, they spoke the Moran language, which is closely related to Dimasa. Now, they predominantly speak Assamese. Their traditional customs have merged with Vaishnavism after conversion.

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Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) exported the first consignment of GI-tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands. Dalle Chilli, also known as Dalle Khursani, is primarily cultivated in the Himalayan regions, specifically in Sikkim, the Darjeeling hills. It is known for its intense pungency and bright red color. It is highly nutritious, rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and contains potassium. Its Scoville Heat Units (SHU) range from 100,000 to 350,000, making it one of the hottest chillies.

Notes:
The government proposed abolishing the 6% Equalisation Levy (EL) on online ads from April 1, 2025. The move benefits advertisers on platforms like Google, X, and Meta. Equalisation Levy (EL) was introduced in 2016 for online ads and extended in 2020 to e-commerce services. It imposed a 6% tax on non-residents for online ads and a 2% tax on e-commerce, which was removed in 2024. The decision aims to ease US trade tensions, as the US threatened reciprocal tariffs from April 2.