Daily Current Affairs Quiz: February 7, 2025

Notes:
Russia is reportedly starting large-scale production of Iskander-M tactical ballistic missiles. The Iskander (SS-26 Stone) is a road-mobile short-range ballistic missile system, first used in 2008 against Georgia. It is developed by Russia. It is designed for tactical strikes on small, high-value land targets. The missile is 7.3 meters long, weighs 3,750 kg, and has a 500 km range with a payload of 480-700 kg. It can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, travel at Mach 7, and reach over 30 miles in altitude. Equipped with decoys, maneuverable reentry, and self-targeting to bypass defense systems.

Notes:
A Parliamentary committee urged the government to develop a clear SOP and obtain approvals for timely completion of projects under the PRASHAD scheme. The PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014. It aims to enhance cultural preservation and spiritual tourism at pilgrimage sites across India. Key objectives include improving infrastructure, connectivity, and conservation of heritage sites. It promotes local employment through skill development and supports eco-friendly tourism. The scheme is 100% publicly funded, with additional support from CSR and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

Notes:
A new species of water flea, Bryospilus (Indobryospilus) bharaticus, was discovered on moss-covered walls of Korigad Fort near Pune. It belongs to the Bryospilus genus and is the first discovery of its kind in Tropical Asia. It uses antennae with large spines to crawl through thick, debris-filled water films. It lacks a main eye due to reduced light in its habitat. It is found in rainforests of West Africa, South and Central America, and New Zealand. Ancestors likely existed in India before Gondwanaland split 200 million years ago. Water fleas are tiny crustaceans that filter algae from water.

Notes:
Fort William in Kolkata, headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg. It was built by the British in 1773. It was named after King William III of England. The fort is located on the Hooghly River’s eastern bank and is now owned by the Indian Army. Originally built in 1696 by the English East India Company, it was known as the “black hole of Calcutta” after prisoners were held there. After being attacked in 1756, it was rebuilt by Robert Clive following the Battle of Plassey. The octagonal fort spans 70.9 acres and features arched windows and meticulous stonework.

Notes:
The upcoming India-US defence deal includes co-production of Stryker infantry combat vehicles. Stryker is an eight-wheel-drive combat vehicle developed for the US Army by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). It was the first new military vehicle inducted into the US Army since the 1980s. The Stryker family includes different variants like infantry carriers, mobile gun systems, and medical evacuation vehicles. It is known for speed and flexibility in urban warfare. The vehicle has a range of 483 km, top speed of 100 km/h, and is air-transportable by C-17 and C-130 aircraft.