Daily Current Affairs Quiz: March 14-15, 2025

Notes:
The Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) under the National Water Mission (NWM), Ministry of Jal Shakti, organized the “Water Sustainability Conference 2025” in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The conference focused on Industrial Water Use Efficiency and was held on 12th March 2025 at NDMC Convention Centre, Palika Kendra, Sansad Marg, New Delhi. Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the government’s commitment to water conservation. The event brought together Ministries, Policymakers, Industry Leaders, and Experts to discuss innovative technologies and strategies for efficient industrial water use.

Notes:
Andhra Pradesh is considering increasing the monthly pension for thalassemia patients and extending it to those above the poverty line due to high treatment costs. Currently, treatment is provided to below-poverty-line patients under the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder where the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, leading to severe anemia. Patients require blood transfusions every 2-3 weeks for survival. Symptoms include weak bones, slow growth, iron overload, poor appetite, enlarged spleen or liver, and pale skin.

Notes:
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) successfully tested India’s Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype off Chandipur, Odisha. The Astra missile made a direct hit on a flying target, proving its accuracy and effectiveness. All missile subsystems performed optimally, meeting mission objectives. Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Astra can engage targets over 100 km away with advanced guidance and navigation systems. Already inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF), it enhances India’s air defense. The test brings India closer to inducting the LCA AF MK1A variant and strengthening indigenous defense systems.

Notes:
World Health Organization (WHO) released the report titled “Compassion and Primary Health Care”. The report highlights compassion as a key factor in transforming health care. Compassion improves patient recovery rates, mental well-being, and doctor-patient relationships, while reducing burnout among healthcare workers. Research shows compassionate care leads to faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. A study from Johns Hopkins Hospital found that a 40-second compassionate conversation helps reduce patient anxiety and speeds recovery, especially in cancer patients. For healthcare providers, compassionate care reduces stress and enhances job satisfaction and patient relationships.

Notes:
The Ministry of Education launched the third edition of the Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0) scheme to mentor young authors under 30. The program promotes reading, writing, and book culture in India while providing mentorship and publishing opportunities. It focuses on three themes: Indian Diaspora’s role in nation-building, the Indian Knowledge System, and Makers of Modern India (1950-2025). The scheme aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to build a knowledge-driven ecosystem. The National Book Trust, India, will implement PM-YUVA 3.0.