Daily Current Affairs Quiz: March 08, 2025

Answer: (c)

• International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8, is a global celebration of women’s achievements while advocating for gender equality and women’s rights.
• Theme:For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
• Campaign theme:“Accelerate Action“
• Purpose: Celebrates women’s achievements while highlighting the ongoing fight for gender equity.
• Key Facts & History:
• Origins: First observed in 1909 in the United States, later adopted globally.
• Recognition: Officially recognized by the United Nations (UN) in 1977.
• Significance:
• Raises awareness about gender disparities.
• Encourages policy changes for women’s empowerment.
• Recognizes women’s contributions across various fields.

Answer: (b)

The Supreme Court has recently ordered the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, to carry out a tree census in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) to assess the region’s green cover and its impact on pollution control.

• About Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ):
• Purpose: A 10,400 sq. km trapezoidal-shaped area created to protect the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) from air pollution.
• Establishment:Formed in 1996 by the Supreme Court of India to regulate pollution affecting the Taj Mahal.
• Supreme Court Directives:
• Industries in TTZ must switch from coal and coke to cleaner fuels like natural gas.
• Strict regulations on construction, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants in the region.
• Significance:
• Helps in reducing air pollution around historical monuments.
• Plays a role in conserving cultural heritage from environmental damage.

Answer: (a)

• The Union Health Minister recently presided over the 9th Mission Steering Group (MSG) meeting of the National Health Mission (NHM) to review key health initiatives and progress.
• National Health Mission (NHM)
• The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in April 2005 to provide accessible, affordable, and quality health services to the poorest households in remote rural areas.
• In May 2013, the National Health Mission (NHM) was approved by the Cabinet, incorporating the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) as a sub-mission alongside NRHM.
• Key Achievements under NHM:

1. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): Achieved the National Health Policy target of 100 deaths per 1 lakh live births, with an 83% decline (1990–2020), surpassing the global rate.
2. Infant & Child Mortality:

• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) reduced by 69%.
• Under-5 Mortality Rate declined by 75%, both outperforming global averages.
• Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Declined from4 (1992-93) to 2.0 (2019-21).

1. Healthcare Expenditure:

• Out-of-pocket expenditure reduced from 69.4% (2004-05) to 4% (2021-22).
• Government health expenditure increased from 22.5% to 48%.

5. Healthcare Workforce: Increased from 23,000 (2006-07) to 5.23 lakh (2023-24) under NHM.

Answer: (b)

• India and Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, including waste management, to ensure better access to clean drinking water and sanitation for their populations.
• The agreement was signed at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of CR Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, and Pradeep Yadav, Nepal’s Minister of Water Supply.
• Key Highlights of the MoU:
• Training Programs: Indian expertise will be shared with Nepali personnel in water resource management and related fields.
• Technology Exchange: Both nations will collaborate on best practices and technological advancements in the WASH sector.
• Groundwater Management: Joint efforts in monitoring, assessment, and quality improvement of groundwater resources, including rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge.

Answer: d

• The Central Government has recently conferred Navratna status upon IRCTC and IRFC, elevating them to the ranks of India’s 25th and 26th Navratna CPSEs.
• Navratna Status –
• Definition: A prestigious classification for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) recognizing exceptional financial and operational performance.
• Authority: Granted by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance.
• Benefits: Provides greater investment autonomy and decision-making flexibility to eligible CPSEs.
• Eligibility Criteria for Navratna Status:

1. A CPSE must be a Miniratna-I company with a positive net worth.
2. Have an “Excellent” or “Very Good” MoU rating in three of the last five years.
3. Score 60+ points on financial indicators (net profit, net worth, manpower cost).
4. Have at least four independent directors on its board.

• Benefits of Navratna Status:

1. Investment Autonomy: Can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth without government approval.
2. Expansion & Diversification: Can form joint ventures, subsidiaries, and global alliances.
3. Market Credibility: Attracts investors and strategic partnerships, boosting growth.

• Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
• Definition: A public sector enterprise providing ticketing, catering, and tourism services for Indian Railways.
• Established: 1999
• Operates under: Ministry of Railways, Government of India
• Key Functions:

1. E-Ticketing: Manages online train reservations via portal & mobile apps.
2. Catering Services: Handles onboard catering & manages railway food plazas.
3. Tourism Services: Offers rail-based tourism packages, including luxury trains (Maharajas’ Express).
4. Rail Neer: Produces & supplies packaged drinking water for railway passengers.

• Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC)
• Definition: A public sector undertaking (PSU) responsible for raising financial resources for Indian Railways’ expansion & modernization.
• Established: 12 December 1986
• Operates under: Ministry of Railways, Government of India
• Key Functions:

1. Funding Indian Railways: Provides low-cost capital for railway expansion.
2. Market Borrowings: Raises funds via bonds, external borrowings, & public offerings.
3. Rolling Stock Leasing: Finances procurement of locomotives, coaches, & wagons.
4. Infrastructure Development: Supports modernization & electrification of railway networks.

Answer: (c)

• India’s Yuki Bhambri and Australia’s Alexei Popyrin secured the doubles title at the Dubai Tennis Championships 2025, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
• Key Highlights:
• Historic Victory: This was the maiden Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) 500 doubles final for both Bhambri and Popyrin.
• Final Match: They defeated the second-seeded duo of Finland’s Harri Heliovaara and Great Britain’s Henry Patten with a score of 3-6, 7-6 (12), 10-8.
• Giant-Killing Run: The duo displayed exceptional resilience, overcoming several higher-ranked opponents on their way to the title.
• Player Achievements:
• Yuki Bhambri: This was his fourth ATP Tour doubles title but his first ATP 500 win, with his previous three victories all coming at the ATP 250 level.
• Alexei Popyrin: This was his first ATP Tour doubles final at any level. However, he has won three singles titles, including the Canada Open Masters 1000.
• This victory marks a significant achievement for both players, boosting their presence in the ATP doubles circuit.

Answer: (d)

• Vidarbha defeated Kerala at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur, on March 2, 2025, securing their third Ranji Trophy title.
• Tournament History:
• Established in 1934-35 as the Cricket Championship of India, renamed Ranji Trophy the following year.
• Bombay (Mumbai) won the inaugural edition and holds a record 42 titles, including their latest win in 2024 against Vidarbha.
• Karnataka (formerly Mysore) is the second-most successful team with eight titles.
• Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy Journey:
• First final appearance: 2017-18, where they defeated Delhi.
• Back-to-back titles: Successfully defended the title against Saurashtra (2018-19).
• Only Mumbai (twice), Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Vidarbha have won consecutive titles since 2001.

Answer: (c)

• The Golden Dome missile defense shield is aS. initiative aimed at enhancing national security against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome system.
• Golden Dome Initiative
• Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, the initiative was later expanded to include broader missile defense technologies.
• Builds on previous missile defense initiatives, including Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (1983).
• Mechanism of Operation
• Utilizes satellites, ground-based radars, and interceptors to detect, track, and neutralize missile threats.
• Employs hit-to-kill technology, destroying incoming threats through direct collision.
• Technological Advancements
• Incorporates space-based sensors, advanced interceptors, and THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) technology.
• Aims to counter evolving missile threats with cutting-edge innovations.
• Private Sector Involvement
• The U.S. government is partnering with private companies to develop the system.
• Firms like Voyager are exploring edge computing solutions, but production challenges remain.
• Timeline & Future Steps
• The Trump administration set an aggressive timeline, with technology demonstrations expected by late 2026.

Answer: (a)

• The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme, launched in 2019 to provide pension security for unorganized workers, has completed six years.
• As of March 2025, the scheme has recorded 46.12 lakh enrollments across 36 States/UTs, with Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra leading in registrations.
• Background

1. India’s unorganized sector contributes nearly 50% of GDP, employing workers in street vending, construction, agriculture, and domestic work.
2. Financial insecurity after retirement remains a major challenge.
3. E-Shram Portal (Govt. of India’s flagship initiative) supports the unorganized workforce. As of 2024, over 30.51 crore workers are registered.
4. Registered workers receive a UAN linked to Aadhaar, ensuring seamless access to benefits.

• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Scheme
• Type: Voluntary & contributory pension scheme.
• Benefits:

1. Minimum ₹3,000 monthly pension after 60
2. 50% pension for spouses if the subscriber dies post-retirement.
3. Spouses can continue or exit the scheme if the beneficiary dies before 60.

• Implementation: Ministry of Labour & Employment, managed by LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India).
• Eligibility: Age: 18–40 years, income ₹15,000/month or less, not covered under Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), or National Pension System (NPS).
• Contribution: Monthly ₹55 to ₹200, depending on the age of joining.
• Enrollment: Through Common Service Centres (CSC) or the Maandhan portal.
• Implementation & Current Status

46. Total Enrollments: 46.12 lakh (as of March 2025) across 36 States/UTs.

Top 3 States: Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra