Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

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The Betwa joins the Yamuna at Hamirpur in Uttar Pradesh. It flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

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Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) Annual Conference-2025 in New Delhi. The theme of the conference is “Anti-Doping Science: Innovations and Challenges”. The event brings together scientists, coaches, physical education professionals, sports federations, and students. Discussions focus on advancements and challenges in anti-doping science. It highlights the role of scientific innovation in doping detection. The conference addresses the evolving nature of prohibited substances and emphasizes collaborative efforts to maintain sports integrity.

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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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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.

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Veteran sculptor Ram Sutar has been selected for the Maharashtra Bhushan 2024, the highest civilian award of Maharashtra. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the award on March 20, 2025, in the state legislative assembly. A committee led by the Chief Minister unanimously chose him for the honor. Ram Sutar, a gold medalist from J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, is a master of bronze sculpting. He designed the Statue of Unity, a 182m tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kevadia, Gujarat. He created the seated Mahatma Gandhi statue in India’s Parliament and Gandhi busts in 450+ cities worldwide. His 108-ft statue of Kempa Gowda stands at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. Previously, he received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contributions to art.

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India will host the 11th Asian Swimming Championship at Naranpura Sports Complex, Ahmedabad. The Swimming Federation of India received approval from the Gujarat government and Asia Aquatics. The championship will take place from October 1 to 15. Events will include swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo. Top swimmers from Japan and South Korea are expected to participate. This is the first time India is hosting the championship. The last international swimming event in India was the 10th Asian Age Group Championships in 2019.

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Haryana government launched a One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for small traders. The scheme offers tax relaxation and penalty waivers on outstanding tax dues. For tax disputes under ₹10 lakh, taxpayers will pay 40% of the amount. For disputes between ₹10 lakh and ₹10 crore, they must pay 50%. For disputes above ₹10 crore, full payment is required, but penalties are waived. The scheme takes effect from April 7, 2024. It addresses pending tax payments before GST implementation. The government aims to support small businesses and boost Haryana’s tax collection.

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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.”

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Noma is a severe, gangrenous disease of the mouth and face, also called cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis. The World Health Organization classified it as a neglected tropical disease in December 2023. It mostly affects children aged 2–6 years suffering from malnutrition, infections, extreme poverty, poor oral health, or weakened immunity. It starts as a gum sore and rapidly destroys soft tissues, hard tissues, and facial skin. It is non-contagious and caused by polymicrobial organisms. Early treatment includes antibiotics, oral hygiene support, mouthwash, and nutrition supplements.

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Vikramshila University, an ancient learning center in Bihar, is set for revival after Nalanda University. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is developing the site to boost tourism. Bihar government allocated 202.14 acres in Antichak village, Bhagalpur, for a Central University. The project was approved in 2015 with ₹500 crore but faced land acquisition delays. It was founded by King Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty in the 8th-9th century AD.