Daily Current Affairs Quiz: January 30, 2025

Notes:
The Government of Tripura signed an MoU with Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) under MeitY to promote regional languages in governance. Bhashini, part of the Digital India initiative, enables real-time translation, speech-to-text, and voice-to-voice communication in 22 Indian languages. Bhashini will integrate with CM Helpline, eVidhan, Kisan Sahayata App, e-Districts, Amar Sarkar, and CCTNS for multilingual governance. Tripura becomes the first northeastern and eastern Indian state, and the eighth overall, to sign an MoU with Bhashini.

Notes:
The Asian Waterbird Census 2025 recorded 39,725 birds from 106 species in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby wetlands. It is a citizen-science program supporting wetland and waterbird conservation globally. Conducted annually, it is part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) and began in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent. In India, it is conducted in early January by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII). BNHS is an NGO engaged in biodiversity research and is a BirdLife International partner in India.

Notes:
A scene featuring Lezim dance in the film, based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has sparked controversy in Maharashtra. Lezim is a traditional folk dance of Maharashtra performed with a wooden stick fitted with jingling cymbals. It is both a dance and a rigorous physical drill, often performed in formations of twos, fours, or circles. The dance is accompanied by dhol or dholki, with no wind or string instruments. Lezim was traditionally used in all folk dances but is now mainly seen in Ganesha processions. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, took power in 1681 after a battle with his half-brother Rajaram.

Notes:
The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched the MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) initiative to help small businesses adopt digital commerce. It has a budget of ₹277.35 crore for three years and aims to onboard 5 lakh MSMEs onto Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The initiative focuses on inclusivity, targeting 50% women-led enterprises. MSMEs will get digital storefronts, payment solutions, and logistics support via ONDC. More than 150 workshops will educate MSMEs, especially women-led and SC/ST-led businesses. A dedicated portal will offer training, financial aid, and grievance support. The initiative aligns with India’s digital transformation goals and complements schemes like PM Vishwakarma and Digital MSME.

Notes:
IIT-Madras researchers have extracted silicon carbide (SiC) from simulated moon soil, aiding future lunar habitat construction. Silicon carbide (SiC), also called carborundum, is a synthetic crystalline compound of silicon and carbon. It is extremely hard, has high thermal conductivity, and offers excellent resistance to wear, oxidation, and chemical reactions.