Daily Current Affairs Quiz: February 2-3, 2025

Notes:
Niger has become the first African country to eliminate onchocerciasis, or river blindness. It joins Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Guatemala as WHO-verified onchocerciasis-free nations. Onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease affecting the eyes and skin, causing severe disability. It leads to disfiguring skin conditions, vision loss, and permanent blindness in severe cases. The disease has severely impacted livelihoods for decades. Over 99% of cases still occur in 31 African countries.

Notes:
World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2nd February every year. India added four new Ramsar sites on World Wetlands Day, February 2. The total number of Ramsar sites in India has now reached 89. The new sites include Sakkarakottai and Therthangal Bird Sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand. Sikkim and Jharkhand have received their first-ever Ramsar sites. Wetlands support diverse aquatic life and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Notes:
For the first time, India is fully funding its contingent for the Asian Winter Games under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme. The 9th Asian Winter Games will be held in Harbin, China, from 7-14 February 2025. An 88-member Indian contingent, including 59 athletes and 29 officials, will compete. Athletes in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, and Speed Skating (Long Track) will receive financial support. The ANSF scheme funds athlete training, foreign coaches, and support staff for international events.

Notes:
The elusive rusty-spotted cat was recently spotted in the jungles of West Bengal’s Purulia district for the first time. It is the world’s smallest and lightest cat, weighing less than 1.5 kilograms. Scientifically known as Prionailurus rubiginosus, it features a fawn-grey coat with rusty spots, a short rounded head with white streaks by the eyes, and a moderately long, unmarked rusty tail. Its large eyes aid its nocturnal habits, while short legs and black-soled feet enhance agility. India holds 80% of its population, and it is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Notes:
The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to provide digital textbooks in Indian languages. It aims to make learning more accessible for students in schools and universities. The scheme will offer study materials in multiple regional languages to support diverse linguistic backgrounds. It seeks to bridge the gap in educational resources for students across India. This initiative complements the ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing) program, which focuses on translating and developing academic content in Indian languages.