Daily Current Affairs Quiz: March 20, 2025

Answer: c)

• International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20 to promote global happiness, well-being, and a more inclusive world.
• It is organized by the United Nations in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)

Answer: c)

• World Sparrow Day is observed annually on March 20 to raise awareness about the declining sparrow population and their conservation.
• Theme for 2025: “A Tribute to Nature’s Tiny Messengers,” highlighting sparrows’ ecological significance and the urgent need for their protection.
• Initiated in 2010 by the Nature Forever Society, it aims to address threats like urbanization, pollution, and habitat loss.

Answer: c)

• World Oral Health Day is observed annually on March 20 to promote good oral hygiene practices and encourage regular dental check-ups.
• Organized by the FDI World Dental Federation, it involves government, educational, and healthcare organizations conducting awareness events and free dental check-ups.
• Theme for 2025: “A Happy Mouth is A Happy Mind,” emphasizing the link between oral health and overall well-being.

Answer: c)

• Mayank Sharma took charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA).
• Service Background: A 1989-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS).

Answer: b)

• Atul Kumar Goel appointed as Chief Executive of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
• Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) is an apex body representing banks in India, established in 1946.

Answer: b)

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and local governments are launching a programme to promote sustainable livelihoods around Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake.

Location & Geographical Features

• Situated in northern Kenya, extending into Ethiopia.
• Lies in the Eastern Rift Valley.
• Three rivers (Omo, Turkwel, and Kerio) feed the lake, with Omo River providing 90% of the inflow.
• Africa’s fourth-largest lake and the largest permanent desert lake globally.

Ecological & Cultural Significance

• UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
• Supports local communities despite its hot, arid, and remote environment.
• Requires sustainable resource management for long-term ecological and economic stability.

Answer: b

• Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first grand temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi, Thane.

About the Temple

• Designed by architect Vijaykumar Patil, covering 2,500 sq. ft. with a 5,000 sq. ft. fort-like boundary.
• Features a 6.5-foot statue of Shivaji Maharaj by Arun Yogiraj (sculptor of the Ram temple idol in Ayodhya).
• Fort elements include a 42-foot entrance, bastions, and surveillance pathways.
• 36 sections inside the boundary depict key moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s life.

About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

• Born in 1627 at Shivneri, he was the founder of the Maratha Empire.
• Advocated Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule) and national independence.
• Established the Astapradhan council for efficient administration.
• Ensured peasant welfare by abolishing hereditary offices and regulating middlemen.
• Known for religious tolerance, patriotism, and strong governance.

Answer: d)

• The 23rd edition of the India-France naval exercise VARUNA will take place from March 19–22, 2025, in the Arabian Sea, strengthening naval cooperation between the two nations.
• Established in 2001, VARUNA enhances maritime interoperability and operational synergy between the two nations.

About VARUNA 2025

• Participants: Indian & French Navies
• Key Assets:
  • INS Vikrant (India) & Charles de Gaulle (France) – Aircraft carriers
  • MiG-29K (India) & Rafale-M (France) – Fighter aircraft
  • Destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine
• Focus Areas: Air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, maritime patrol, and replenishment-at-sea

Significance

• Strengthens naval cooperation and Indo-Pacific security.
• Promotes a rules-based maritime order.

Answer: c)

• Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd successfully completed Contractor Sea Trials (CSTs) for Himgiri (Advanced Frigate, Project 17A) and Androth (ASW Shallow Water Craft), marking a key milestone in India’s naval shipbuilding.

About the Vessels

• Himgiri: First of three Advanced Frigates under Project 17A, enhancing stealth & combat capabilities.
• Androth: Second of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare vessels, improving India’s coastal defence.

Significance of Project 17A

• Boosts India’s maritime strength with modern, indigenously designed ships.
• 80% indigenous materials, supporting 2000+ Indian firms & MSMEs, promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• First gas turbine propulsion vessels at GRSE, featuring stealth & advanced weapon systems.

Answer: a)

• The Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2024-2025, released by UNEP and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction on March 17, 2025, highlighted that global emissions from the building sector stabilized in 2024 for the first time since 2020.

About the Report

• The building and construction sector accounts for over one-third of global emissions.
• In 2024, the energy intensity of buildings decreased by nearly 10%.
• Renewable energy share in final energy demand increased by 5%.
• 50% of future buildings are yet to be constructed, mostly in emerging economies lacking energy efficiency policies.

Key Measures & Policy Recommendations

• Zero-Carbon Building Energy Codes:
• Major carbon-emitting countries should implement these codes by 2028.
• Other countries should adopt them by 2035 to align with global climate goals.

Investment Needs:

• Building energy efficiency investment must double from $270 billion to $522 billion by 2030.
• Focus on circular construction, green leases, and retrofitting for sustainability.