Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
The Ministry of AYUSH launched the ‘One Day as a Scientist’ initiative to engage students in scientific research. It is inspired by PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ call to develop a scientific mindset among students. The program encourages students to explore research labs and gain hands-on experience. AYUSH institutions opened their doors to showcase modern technology and traditional medicine. The initiative aims to foster curiosity and promote interest in science and innovation.

Notes:
A A US Marine Corps (USMC) F-35B Lightning II recently conducted its first test missions with the Meteor air-to-air missile. Meteor is a radar-guided, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by MBDA for six European nations (UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden). It has a ramjet engine, enabling controlled flight speed, complex maneuvers, and a range of over 100 km. It flies at Mach 4+ with a large no-escape zone.

Notes:
A study suggests Mars’ red color may be due to the iron-containing mineral ferrihydrite. Ferrihydrite is a poorly crystalline nanomineral made of 20% (FeO₄) and 80% (FeO₆) polyhedra. It forms through rapid oxidation and hydrolysis and exists in a disordered structure. It is an initial corrosion product of iron, leading to goethite and hematite formation. Found in soils, weathered rocks, and around iron-rich springs, especially with iron-metabolizing bacteria. It traps water, protects organic molecules, and forms rapidly in cool water. Present in meteorites as a pre-terrestrial weathering product.

Notes:
NITI Aayog launched the report “From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story.” The report, released by CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, highlights the rise in women’s financial awareness. By December 2024, 27 million women were monitoring their credit, a 42% increase from the previous year. The report was published by TransUnion CIBIL, NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), and MicroSave Consulting (MSC). WEP works on financial literacy, credit access, mentorship, and market linkages for women. Financing Women Collaborative (FWC) was formed to ensure inclusive financial access and seeks financial sector participation.

Notes:
National Safety Day is celebrated in India on March 4 to promote safety, health, and environmental well-being. It was launched in 1971 by the National Safety Council of India (NSC) to raise awareness and reduce accidents. The event has expanded into National Safety Week (March 4-10) with campaigns and safety activities. The 54th National Safety Day (2025) theme is “Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat”, emphasizing safety’s role in India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Notes:
Uttarakhand government launched the Chief Minister Single Women Self-Employment Scheme. The scheme aims to support women’s economic independence. Single, deserted, or widowed women will receive financial assistance up to ₹2 lakh. The initiative helps women start their own businesses and achieve self-reliance.

Notes:
A rare civet cat, usually found in the Seshachalam forests near Tirumala, was recently spotted in Tadepalli, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. Civets belong to the Viverridae family, which includes genets, oyans, and linsangs. There are about 15-20 species of civets found across Africa, southern Europe, and Asia. India has eight wild civet species, with Common Palm civets and Small Indian civets seen nationwide. The Malabar large-spotted civet, endemic to the Western Ghats, is the rarest and classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Yojana offers a monthly pension for unorganized sector workers after 60 years of age. It ensures a minimum ₹3,000 monthly pension for workers earning up to ₹15,000. The scheme is aimed at the unorganized workers contributing around 50% of India’s GDP, including street vendors, domestic workers, and agricultural workers. Over 30.51 crore unorganized workers are registered on the e-Shram portal as of December 2024. It was launched in the Interim Budget 2019. PM-SYM is administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment with with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Common Service Centres e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV) for implementation.

Notes:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP) initiative on March 5, 2025, in New Delhi. It aims to promote women’s participation, safety, and leadership in local governance. The initiative is part of International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations. One model panchayat will be selected in each district across India.

Notes:
Tropical Cyclone Alfred hits Australia recently and it brings heavy rain and winds. It is strengthening as it nears southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Warmer coastal waters and low wind shear have intensified the cyclone. Cyclones are large air masses rotating around a low-pressure center.