Current Affairs Quiz - March 2025

Notes:
Gum Arabic, used in products like Coca-Cola and M&M’s, is increasingly trafficked from rebel-held regions in Sudan, disrupting supply chains. It is a water-soluble exudate from Acacia senegal and A. seyal species. It is native to North Africa, also grows in Australia, India, and South America. Major producers include Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Nigeria, and Sudan. Sudan is the world’s largest producer of gum arabic, accounting for 70% of the market. Gum Arabic is non-toxic, odourless, and dissolves in water, forming a clear solution. It is used as a stabilizer and emulsifier in food products.

Notes:
Punjab has fully utilized ₹4,713 crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. It ranks number one in India for AIF implementation. The state has received an additional ₹2,337 crore allocation. AIF was launched in July 2020 to finance agriculture infrastructure projects. The scheme supports post-harvest infrastructure, including storage, processing, and supply chain improvements. It provides medium to long-term financing to farmers, FPOs, and agri-entrepreneurs. Punjab’s effective use of AIF aims to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance value addition in agriculture.

Notes:
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, discovered a new soil-dwelling nematode species, Crassolabium dhritiae, in Keonjhar district, Odisha. It was found in the Deccan Peninsular biogeographic zone. The species is named after Dhriti Banerjee, director of ZSI, for her contributions to zoology and taxonomy. It has a slender body, rounded lip region, wide odontostyle, long pharynx, distinctive female reproductive structures, and a uniquely shaped tail.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the second edition of ‘Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on March 5, 2025. This edition highlights the cultural heritage of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Around 500 artisans and weavers are participating. The festival includes cultural performances, handicraft exhibitions, literary events, workshops, and food courts. The Mahotsav has seven editions, each dedicated to different regions of India. It aims to promote cultural diversity and boost the morale of artists and artisans.

Notes:
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia represented India at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. He engaged with industry leaders, addressed key sessions, and explored tech innovations. India showcased its rapid 5G expansion, lowest data tariffs, indigenous telecom infrastructure, and strong cybersecurity framework. Scindia stressed the importance of tech governance, balancing innovation with regulation, and fostering global partnerships. The event included the unveiling of India Mobile Congress 2025 and the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion, highlighting India’s telecom capabilities.

Notes:
Assam’s opposition raised concerns over the plight of ‘D’ (Doubtful) voters and demanded the closure of the state’s only detention centre. D-voters are individuals who couldn’t prove their Indian nationality and have cases pending with the Foreigners Tribunals. The D-Voter concept is specific to Assam, where migration and citizenship are major political issues. The Election Commission of India introduced the D-voter category in 1997. D-voters cannot vote or contest elections as their citizenship is unverified. The Citizenship Act, 1955, and Citizenship Rules, 2003, do not define ‘doubtful voter.’ A decision on D-voters must be made within a specific timeframe, and they may be deported or detained if found to be foreign nationals.

Notes:
The government will open “Pashu Aushadhi” stores nationwide to provide affordable veterinary medicines. It follows the model of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) for low-cost generic medicines. The initiative is part of the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). Stores will be run by cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK). Ethnoveterinary medicines based on traditional knowledge will also be available. ₹75 crore has been allocated to ensure affordable, high-quality veterinary medicines for farmers.

Notes:
The United States plans to build a Golden Dome missile defense system. Golden Dome is a missile defense program of the USA. It aims to protect against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles and other advanced aerial threats. The system is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Iron Dome is a multi-layered system designed to intercept short-range threats effectively.

Notes:
New research suggests that gut-friendly bacteria may help slow vitiligo progression, offering hope for people with this autoimmune disease. Vitiligo causes loss of skin color in patches, often starting on the hands, feet, face, or forearms. It occurs when the immune system destroys melanocytes, cells that produce skin color. Around 30% of cases are genetic, and 1% of the global population is affected. Vitiligo is not life-threatening or contagious, and while treatments can restore color, they can’t prevent its recurrence.

Notes:
Sahitya Akademi is hosting its annual Festival of Letters at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi. It is Asia’s largest literature festival, featuring 700 writers from over 50 languages across 100 sessions. The theme is Indian Literary Traditions, with a National Seminar in the last three days. The festival includes Young Writers, Women Writers, Dalit Writers, North-East Writers, Tribal Writers, LGBTQ Writers, and Poets, ensuring diverse representation.