Daily Current Affairs Quiz: 2nd-3rd March 2025

Answer: [b] To simplify and accelerate the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests

Explanation:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the Aadhaar Good Governance Portal to streamline and fast-track the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests. This initiative aims to make Aadhaar more user-friendly, improving ease of living by enabling trusted digital authentication. The portal supports Face Authentication for seamless integration into private sector applications and enhances transparency and inclusivity in service delivery. It became operational following the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Amendment Rules, 2025, under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.

Answer: [b] Rajmahal Hills, Jharkhand

Explanation:
A rare petrified wood fossil, estimated to be 100-145 million years old, was discovered in the Rajmahal Hills near Barmasia village, Pakur, Jharkhand. This marks the first in-situ discovery of its kind in India, offering significant geological and paleontological insights. The fossilized tree, 20 feet in length and divided into 14 parts, dates back to the Cretaceous period.

Petrification is a process where organic material is completely replaced by minerals, turning it into stone. Permineralization occurs when minerals impregnate plant tissues, bones, and shells, preserving their structure. This process allows for the detailed preservation of tissue structures, offering valuable insights into prehistoric life.

Answer: [c] Kazakhstan

Explanation:

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water, often classified as both a lake and a sea due to its unique characteristics. It is bordered by five countries: Kazakhstan (has the longest coastline), Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkmenistan and Iran.

Environmental activists have raised concerns over the rapidly declining water levels in the Caspian Sea.  The sea has experienced its water area shrink by 7.1% over the past 15 years. From 2005 to 2023, the Caspian Sea’s water level dropped by 185 centimeters, resulting in a loss of 31,000 sq km of water area. The shrinking sea is a result of climate change, excessive water use, and pollution, highlighting the need for urgent intervention.

Answer: [c] Environmental sustainability regulations

Explanation:

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) released a report titled “Raising the Standard: Quality Transformation in Indian Manufacturing”, which emphasizes the importance of continuous quality improvement and proactive quality assurance.

According to the report, 77% of companies reported a significant improvement in quality consciousness over the last decade. The Key drivers for quality transformation include Regulatory compliance, Building strong brand reputation and customer trust, Competitive market pressures and Technological advancements. However, environmental sustainability regulations were not listed as a direct driver of quality transformation in the report.

Answer: [c] 2005

Explanation:

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is one of the most widely adopted treaties under the United Nations (UN). It marked its 20th anniversary this week, highlighting its impact on global tobacco control efforts.

The treaty was adopted in 2003 under WHO’s leadership. It came into force in 2005, making it the first-ever public health treaty by the World Health Organization (WHO). 183 parties covering 90% of the global population have ratified the treaty. As a result, 5.6 billion people are now covered by at least one WHO FCTC policy, leading to a decline in global smoking rates. Ratified in 2004, India has been a key advocate for tobacco control and served as South-East Asia’s regional coordinator.

Answer: [c] Battle of Karnal (1739)

Explanation:

The Battle of Karnal, fought on February 24, 1739, was a decisive conflict between Nadir Shah, the ruler of Afsharid Persia, and Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah Rangila. In this battle the Mughal army was defeated in less than three hours, and Emperor Muhammad Shah was taken captive by Nadir Shah. Aftermath, Nadir Shah sacked Delhi, looted the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond, and ordered a massacre in the city. The Mughal Empire never recovered from this defeat, leading to its gradual decline and eventual subjugation by the British in 1857. The Battle of Karnal marked a turning point in Indian history, weakening the Mughal Empire and paving the way for regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and British to rise in prominence.

Answer: [b] CBD COP16 in Colombia

Explanation:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the Colombian government and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), launched the Agri-NBSAPs initiative at the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16) held in Colombia. The initiative was further expanded at CBD COP16.2 in Rome, Italy.

Agri-NBSAPs (Agrifood National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans) aim to help governments integrate agrifood systems (AFS) into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and ensure their effective implementation. NBSAPs (National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans) provide a framework for biodiversity conservation and enable the sustainable use of biological resources. Countries develop NBSAPs under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Agri-NBSAPs offer a collective mechanism to help governments build capacity, identify strategic levers, and implement biodiversity-friendly policies within agrifood systems.

Answer: [c] Ministry of Panchayati Raj

A committee constituted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has submitted a report titled “Transforming Women’s Representation and Roles in Panchayati Raj Systems and Institutions: Eliminating Efforts for Proxy Participation.” The committee was formed following a 2023 Supreme Court directive in the Mundona Rural Development Foundation vs UoI case to examine and address proxy participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) established a three-tier Panchayati Raj system. It mandated one-third reservation for women in PRIs, later increased to 50% in 21 states (Bihar was the first to implement it). At present, 46.6% of elected representatives in Panchayats are women.

Answer: [b] Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

Explanation:

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has announced the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony to recognize individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to animal welfare and protection. This initiative aims to promote awareness and inspire collective efforts in fostering a more humane and compassionate society for animals.

These awards aim to honor outstanding contributions to animal welfare, to encourage compassion and kindness towards animals and to raise awareness about humane treatment of animals. They comprise of two categories viz Prani Mitra Award (5 sub-categories) for individuals, organizations, and corporate bodies and Jeev Daya Award (3 sub-categories) for individuals, schools, institutions, and animal welfare organizations.

Answer: [a] It is 422 meters long and designed for speeds up to 1,200 kmph using low-pressure tubes.

Explanation:

IIT Madras, with support from the Ministry of Railways, has developed India’s first hyperloop test track—a significant step toward futuristic, high-speed transportation. Key details include:

Test Track Specifications:

• Length: 422 meters
• Technology: High-speed pods travel in low-pressure vacuum tubes, eliminating air resistance and friction, allowing speeds up to 1,200 kmph (around Mach 1).

Hyperloop Overview:

Originally conceptualized in the 1970s by Swiss professor Marcel Juffer, with subsequent development attempts like those by Swissmetro SA.

Considered the fifth mode of transportation, hyperloop involves electromagnetically levitated pods that can potentially travel at twice the speed of aircraft while consuming less energy.

The concept was popularized by Elon Musk in 2013 (via his whitepaper, Hyperloop Alpha) and has global projects led by companies like Virgin Hyperloop and TransPod.

Answer: [b] To enhance data analytics, AI-driven capacity building, and cybersecurity in auditing.

Explanation:

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Madras to enhance data analytics, cybersecurity, and AI-driven auditing capabilities.

Key Highlights of MoU:

• Collaboration Focus: Data security, AI-driven capacity building, governance, and environmental auditing.
• Objective: Strengthen technology-driven governance and improve auditing efficiency using modern tools.
• Cybersecurity & Digital Audits: Addresses the need for updating auditing protocols as data governance increasingly shifts to digital platforms.
• Strategic Collaboration: Aims to develop guidance for auditing entities that operate with digital data.

Additionally, a second MoU was signed between IIT Madras and the International Centre for Environment Audit and Sustainable Development (iCED), Jaipur, to integrate AI, machine learning, and technology-driven advancements in environmental auditing.

About CAG of India:

• Established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.
• Head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department and guardian of the public purse.
• Plays a crucial role in financial oversight at both Central and State levels.
• Considered one of the pillars of India’s democracy, alongside the Supreme Court, Election Commission, and UPSC.
• CAG Act, 1971: Governs CAG’s duties, powers, and service conditions, with major amendments in 1976, 1984, and 1987.

Current CAG of India:

K. Sanjay Murthy has been appointed as the new CAG of India, succeeding Girish Chandra Murmu.

Answer: [b] A fully digital personal loan platform for new customers.

Explanation:

South Indian Bank has launched ‘SIB QUICKPL’, a fully digital personal loan platform designed to offer quick and hassle-free loans to new customers.

Key Features of SIB QUICKPL:

• Instant Loan Approval: Borrowers can avail unsecured personal loans in just 10 minutes.
• Seamless & Paperless Process: No need for physical documents, ensuring quick and hassle-free processing.
• Direct Credit to Account: Approved loans are credited directly to the applicant’s savings account.
• Integration with Digital Verification Systems: Uses Account Aggregator framework and Income Tax portal for instant verification, eliminating the need for document uploads.

About South Indian Bank (SIB):

First Private Bank in Kerala to Get RBI License: 1957.

Established: 1929, in Thrissur, Kerala, during the Swadeshi movement.

Became a Scheduled Bank: 1946.

Answer: [c] To strengthen the role of women in UN peacekeeping through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Explanation:

India hosted the first-ever Conference for Women Peacekeepers from the Global South in New Delhi with the theme: “Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective.” It was organized by Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence & Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK). Its objective is to strengthen the role of women in UN peacekeeping, foster dialogue and collaboration among the 35 participating Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) of the Global South and promote gender inclusivity in UN peacekeeping missions.

India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping:

India has been a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping missions for over 70 years.
Over 300,000 Indian troops have served in 50+ UN peacekeeping missions since the 1950s.
Currently, over 5,000 Indian troops are deployed in 9 out of 11 active UN peacekeeping missions, including high-risk zones. India has lost 180 peacekeepers in service—the highest sacrifice among all troop-contributing nations.

About United Nations Peacekeeping:

Founded: 1945
Purpose: Helps conflict-ridden countries transition to peace.
Personnel: UN Peacekeepers (“Blue Berets” or “Blue Helmets”) include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.

Financial Contributions: The United States is the largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.
Top Troop-Contributing Countries (as of July 2023):

India: Among the top contributors, participating in 49+ peacekeeping missions with 200,000+ troops deployed over the years.

Bangladesh: 7,300 personnel.

Nepal: 6,300 personnel.

Answer: [b] Anmol Savings Account

Explanation:

HDFC Bank has introduced ‘Anmol Savings Account’, India’s first salary account exclusively designed for Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees. This initiative enhances banking benefits for PSU employees and their families, offering financial security, insurance coverage, and special privileges.

Key Features of ‘Anmol Savings Account’

Cyber Fraud Protection: Customers are insured against cyber frauds up to ₹25,000.

Family Benefits:

• Zero Balance Salary Family Account for up to 5 family members.
• Locker benefits for safe storage.

Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance with OPD cover and top-up plans up to ₹30 lakh. Zero-cost accident insurance worth ₹15 lakh.

Home Loan Benefits: Additional home loan facility beyond the company’s existing loan limits, specifically for Maharatna PSU employees.

Answer: [c] Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI)

Explanation:

Denmark has launched the Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI) to enhance cooperation with India on sustainable energy solutions and global carbon neutrality. The initiative builds upon the Green Strategic Partnership (GSP) signed in 2020 and aims to assist India in achieving net zero emissions by 2070 while Denmark targets net zero by 2045.

Key Features of the GTAI Initiative:

Led by: Embassy & Consulate General of Denmark in India.

Objective: To foster collaboration in renewable energy, green fuels, and energy efficiency.

Strategic Platform: Unites businesses, government agencies, financial institutions, and research organizations from both India and Denmark.

Supports Climate Goals: Strengthens efforts under the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership (GSP) 2020.

Three Core Working Groups: Renewable Energy, Green Fuels, Energy Efficiency

Answer: [c] Digit Insurance

Explanation:

Go Digit General Insurance Limited (Digit Insurance), in partnership with KM Dastur Reinsurance Brokers (KMD), has introduced India’s first AQI-based parametric insurance for migrant construction workers in Delhi NCR. This initiative aims to compensate workers financially when construction activities are halted due to hazardous air pollution levels.

Key Features of Digit Parametric Insurance Policy:

Eligibility: Covers 6,200 migrant construction workers in Delhi NCR.
Payout Criteria:

There must be a minimum gap of 25 days between each strike.
Compensation Amount: Up to ₹6,000 for affected workers.
Automatic Claim Settlement: No paperwork required—claims are triggered automatically based on AQI levels.

A claim is triggered if Delhi’s AQI exceeds 400 for three out of five consecutive days (considered a “strike”).

Answer: [b] Six Sigma, Quality, Reliability, Data Analytics, and Industry 4.0

Explanation:

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on leadership and technical training programs. This initiative aims to enhance skill development and professional excellence among employees of both companies.

Key Highlights of HAL-BEML MoU:

Training by HAL Management Academy:

• Induction training, middle and senior management training.
• Specialized workshops and certification in Six Sigma, Quality, Reliability, Data Analytics, and Industry 4.0.

Skill Enhancement & Collaboration:

• Industrial visits, knowledge-sharing sessions, joint conferences, internships, and project-based learning for BEML professionals.

About BEML Limited:

Formerly known as: Bharat Earth Movers Limited.
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Sector: Mining, Construction, and Heavy Equipment.
Asia’s second-largest manufacturer of earth-moving equipment.

About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):

Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Established: 23 December 1940.

Sector: Aerospace & Defense.
Key Contributions: Fighter jets, helicopters, jet engines, avionics, and marine gas turbine engines.
Status: Awarded Maharatna status in 2024.

Answer: [c] Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Explanation:

Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 League Winners Shield after a 1-0 victory over Odisha FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata. With this win, Mohun Bagan became the first team to defend their ISL title successfully and achieved several historic milestones.

Key Records & Highlights from Mohun Bagan’s ISL 2024-25 Triumph:

Winning Goal: Dimitrios Petratos scored in second-half additional time to seal the victory.
Historic Points Record: Mohun Bagan became the first team to breach the 50-point mark in ISL history.
Most Wins in a Season: 16 wins – the highest ever by any team in a single ISL season.
Most Home Wins in a Season: Mohun Bagan achieved the most victories at their home ground, showcasing dominance.

Answer: c) To prevent Indian professionals from making dual contributions to social security funds in the UK

Explanation:

Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK often have to contribute to both India’s and the UK’s social security systems, which can be financially burdensome. The Double Contribution Convention Agreement aims to eliminate this requirement, allowing Indian professionals to avoid unnecessary contributions and ensuring financial ease.