Daily Current Affairs Quiz: March 16-17, 2025

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for Low-level Transportable Radar (LLTR), Ashwini. Ashwini is an active electronically scanned phased array radar using solid-state technology. It tracks high-speed aircraft, UAVs, and helicopters. Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), it has integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems. It offers 4D surveillance with electronic scanning in azimuth and elevation. The radar is mobile, with advanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) and works across various terrains for automatic target detection.

Notes:
Parents and activists fear the Ministry of Education’s Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID may be difficult to opt out of, despite being voluntary. APAAR is a unique identification system for all students in India. It is part of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ program under the National Education Policy 2020. The APAAR ID acts as a lifelong academic passport, storing achievements and credentials. It assigns a permanent 12-digit ID to students, recording degrees, scholarships, and awards. This ID ensures a seamless transition across educational levels.

Notes:
The bridge over the Brahmani river near Brahmabarada remains unfinished after eight years, causing inconvenience to over 20 villages in Rasulpur and Jajpur blocks. The Brahmani River, flowing through Odisha, is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers. It flows through Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, draining a total area of 39,033 sq.km. before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river is 799 km long, with 541 km in Odisha, and forms part of a large delta with the Mahanadi and Baitarani rivers. The Brahmani delta includes Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, home to estuarine crocodiles.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
India topped the medals table at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 with 134 medals, including 45 golds, 40 silvers, and 49 bronzes. Indian athletes excelled across track and field events, proving their strength in global para-athletics. India’s dominance in field events and multiple podium finishes confirmed their rising status in para-athletics. The event was held in New Delhi.