Daily Current Affairs Quiz: March 21, 2025

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:
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) launched the Samarth Incubation Programme to boost innovation in telecommunications and Information Technology (IT). It supports startups working in Telecom Software, Cybersecurity, 5G/6G, AI, IoT, and Quantum Technologies. The program provides up to Rs 5 lakh, 6 months of office space at C-DOT, lab access, and expert mentorship. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is the implementation partner to nurture high-impact startups. The program runs in a hybrid mode with two cohorts of 18 startups each.

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:
Trade Ministry recommends a 12% duty on steel imports to address trade diversion concerns. Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) was established on May 17, 2018, replacing the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties. It operates under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. DGTR ensures fair trade by investigating dumping, subsidies, and import surges. It conducts anti-dumping and anti-subsidy (Countervailing Duty – CVD) investigations. It examines safeguard measures, manages litigation, and engages with WTO on trade issues. DGTR also runs outreach programs to raise awareness about trade remedies.

Notes:
The Ministry of Ayush launched the first batch of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme to create a more accountable and citizen-centric workforce. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry, inaugurated the program under the Capacity Building Commission initiative. The program promotes “Seva Bhav” (service) and helps public servants upskill and broaden their perspectives. It focuses on service, self-improvement, stress reduction, and efficient service delivery.