UPSC EXAM QUIZ 06.03.2025

Explanation:

• Prime Minister of India chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Gir National Park in Gujarat on World Wildlife Day (3rd March).The discussion in the meeting was focused on expanding protected areas, strengthening species-specific programs, and addressing human-wildlife conflict.
• The meeting assessed the progress of flagship conservation projects, including Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard.The Prime Minister also released a report on the country’s first riverine dolphin estimation.
• The foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife was laid in Junagadh.The 16th Asiatic Lion population estimation cycle was also announced for 2025.

World Wildlife Day (WWD)

• The world observes WWD on March 3rd annually to celebrate wild animals and plants.
• The theme for WWD 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”
• In 2013 at the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), March 3 was declared United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD).
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was also signed on 3rd March 1973.

Explanation:

• Union government approved the upgradation of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) as Navratna companies.
• With this upgrade, all seven listed Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) of Indian Railways now have Navratna status.The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) of the Ministry of Finance picks the CPSEs for Navratna status.Now, India has a total of 26 Navratna companies.

Benefits of ‘Navratna’ status

• They have greater independence in forming joint ventures and entering into technology or marketing agreements.
• This status grants them greater autonomy in decision-making, and allows them to compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.

Explanation:

• Central Government has amended the Indian Passport Rules. These amended rules will come into effect after being notified in the official gazette, bringing significant changes in the passport application process.

Passport (Amendment) Rules 2025

• The Ministry of External Affairs issued a public notification on 24 February 2025, giving information about the amended rules related to Indian passport.
• Birth Certificate Mandatory: Now Birth Certificate has been made mandatory in passport application for those born on or after 1 October 2023.
• Earlier applicants could submit other documents like driving license, PAN card, Aadhaar card, school leaving certificate to verify their date of birth, but now this option will not be available for the new generation. Under the amended rules, the name of the parents will not be written from the last page of the passport.
• Change in address: Now the residential address of the applicant will not be printed on the last page of the passport.

Explanation:

• Phosphorus levels in the River Thames (England) have fallen by 80% over the past four decades, but climate change is increasing the risk of algal blooms in the river, according to a study.
• Algal blooms are the overgrowth of microscopic algae or algae-like bacteria in fresh, saline or brackish water.
• Rising river temperatures are leading to an increase in diatoms in spring and cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) in summer, depleting oxygen, harming aquatic life, and increasing the cost of drinking water treatment.
• Algal blooms also restrict recreational activities such as fishing and swimming.
• Despite an 80% reduction in phosphorus since 1985, its concentration remains above safe limits, leading to continued algal blooms.
• Excess nitrogen and phosphorus blocks sunlight and depletes oxygen, which poses a threat to marine ecosystems.

Explanation:

• 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was inaugurated in Jaipur.
• The forum was held during March 3-5, 2025. The forum focused on sustainable waste management and circular economy solutions.
• The forum also focused on Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) principles.
• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, India, is hosted the forum in collaboration with the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), and Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
• The forum was supported by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Japan’s Ministry of Environment, and various other international and regional organizations.
• Cambodia hosted the last forum in 2023. India hosted the forum last time in 2018. This was the 8th edition and held in Indore.
• The Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) announced by Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs.
• It is a multi-nation alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships.
• A MoU for CITIIS 2.0 was signed for urban sustainability with ₹1,800 crores investment for 18 cities across 14 cities.
• CITIIS 2.0 is a flagship initiative driving integrated waste management and climate action.
• The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum was launched in 2009.
• It was launched to promote sustainable waste management and resource efficiency.
• Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023) outlined 33 voluntary goals for more resource-efficient and circular economy.
• The aim of new 3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034) is to catalyze transformational changes in resource and waste management.
• The theme of the forum is Realizing Circular Societies towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.
• Initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, GOBAR-Dhan Scheme, E-Waste Management Rules, and Extended Producer Responsibility for Plastic highlight India’s leadership in circular economy and 3R policies.
• India banned single use plastic on 1st July 2022.