Daily Current Affairs Quiz: February 4, 2025

Notes:
DRDO successfully conducted three flight trials of the VSHORADS off Odisha’s Chandipur coast. Tests targeted high-speed, low-altitude aerial threats, simulating low-flying drones. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed India’s man-portable air defense missile system, known as the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). This system is designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at ranges up to 6 kilometers. The VSHORADS, which represents a significant advancement in India’s defense technology, is notable for its state-of-the-art uncooled imaging infrared seeker, making it technically superior to existing man-portable air defense systems in the Indian armed forces.

Notes:
World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4 to raise awareness about cancer and its prevention, detection, and treatment. It was established by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in 2000. The day unites communities, individuals, and organizations to tackle cancer-related challenges. The theme for World Cancer Day 2025 is “United by Unique.” It promotes a people-centered approach, recognizing that each cancer patient’s experience is unique. The campaign advocates for personalized care to ensure effective and compassionate treatment.

Notes:
The third annual Deepor Beel Winter Birding Festival 2025 recorded an increase in migratory and resident birds compared to 2024. Deepor Beel is a perennial freshwater lake on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam. It was once a channel of the Brahmaputra River and spans 4.1 sq. km. It serves as Guwahati’s major stormwater storage basin, with outflow into the Khandajan rivulet. It was declared a Ramsar Site in 2002 and an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2004. It is Assam’s only Ramsar site. The lake supports migratory birds, including globally threatened species like Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant Stork, and Baer’s Pochard.

Notes:
The Finance Minister announced a ₹20,000 crore ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ to develop indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs are small nuclear reactors with a maximum output of 300 MWe, producing 7.2 million kWh per day. In comparison, large nuclear plants generate over 1,000 MWe and 24 million kWh per day. SMRs are small, modular, and reactor-based, generating low-carbon electricity. They have small footprints, lower capital costs, and can be factory-built. SMRs can be deployed in locations unsuitable for large nuclear plants. They support incremental power additions, energy hubs, industrial heating, district heating, and hydrogen production.

Notes:
Camp Hill virus, a henipavirus related to Nipah, has been detected in North America, raising outbreak concerns. Henipaviruses are zoonotic RNA viruses from the Paramyxoviridae family, naturally hosted by fruit bats (Pteropus species). They can cross species barriers, infecting mammals, including humans, causing severe respiratory illness and encephalitis. Transmission occurs through infected animals, contaminated food/water, and human-to-human contact. Symptoms range from fever and headache to severe encephalitis, seizures, and coma. Henipaviruses block the innate immune response, aiding viral replication. No vaccine or antiviral drug is available; treatment is only symptomatic.