Daily Current Affairs Quiz: March 12, 2025

Notes:
According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the second-largest arms importer from 2020-24, though its imports fell by 9.3% compared to 2015-19. Ukraine became the world’s largest arms importer, with imports rising nearly 100 times. India’s arms imports from Russia fell to 36% in 2020-24 from 55% in 2015-19. India was the top arms buyer from both Russia and France. The U.S. led global arms exports with 43%, while Russia’s exports dropped by 64%. China exited the top 10 arms importers list for the first time since 1990-94, showing domestic production growth.

Notes:
On March 9, 2023, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda launched two welfare schemes for girls in Tripura—Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana. Under the Balika Samriddhi Yojana, BPL families will receive a Rs 50,000 bond for newborn girls, expected to grow to Rs 10 lakh by the time they turn 18. The Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana will provide free scooties to 140 meritorious girls in Higher Secondary from all education boards.

Notes:
A rare sighting of the Sarus Crane was reported in Saikhowa, Tinsukia, Assam, drawing bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) is the tallest flying bird in the world. It is found in Southeast Asia, northern India, and northern Australia. In India, it is mainly seen along the Gangetic plain and eastern Rajasthan, with fewer in southern regions. The species is non-migratory. It primarily inhabits wetlands like canals, marshes, and ponds, sometimes near human settlements.

Notes:
The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to provide hands-on industry experience. It is a 12-month apprenticeship program with 1,25,000 vacancies across various sectors. The scheme helps participants develop industry-relevant and soft skills like teamwork and communication. Eligible candidates include 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, Diploma, or Graduates aged 21-24 years. Applications are open online from October 12, 2024, to March 12, 2025. Selected interns will receive a ₹5000 monthly stipend and a one-time benefit of ₹6000.

Notes:
China deployed a powerful Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province near the China-Myanmar border. It has a surveillance range of over 5,000 km, covering the Indian Ocean and deep into Indian territory. It can detect and track ballistic missile launches in real time. Unlike traditional radars, it uses electronically controlled antennas for instant scanning. It can track multiple targets, including ballistic missiles, with high precision. LPARs play a key role in early warning systems and air defense networks.