Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
The Union Home Ministry urged states to prevent the misuse of the State Emblem of India, emphasizing that the Lion Capital is incomplete without “Satyameva Jayate” in Devanagari. The emblem is an adaptation of Ashoka’s Lion Capital at Sarnath, featuring four lions on a circular abacus with Dharma Chakras, an elephant, horse, bull, and lion. Adopted on 26 January 1950, it shows three visible lions, omitting the bell-shaped lotus. “Satyameva Jayate”, meaning “Truth alone triumphs”, is from the Mundaka Upanishad. Its use is restricted under the 2005 Act and 2007 Rules.

Notes:
China has successfully demonstrated artificial photosynthesis in space, with their astronauts on the Tiangong space station producing oxygen and rocket fuel using this technology. The astronauts used a process mimicking natural photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and rocket fuel components using solar energy. The experiment was conducted on China’s Tiangong space station. This breakthrough is considered a major step forward in space exploration, as it could enable future missions to generate necessary resources in space.

Notes:
Romanian Tennis player Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1, announced her retirement at 33. Her comeback attempt was hampered by injuries after serving a doping ban. She retired after a first-round loss to Lucia Bronzetti at the Transylvania Open in Romania. Halep won Wimbledon 2019 and the French Open 2018. She secured 24 WTA singles titles and earned over $40 million in prize money.

Notes:
Andhra Pradesh launched ‘Mana Mitra’, India’s first WhatsApp-based governance platform. It provides 161 civil services, making government services easily accessible. Citizens can avail public services directly via WhatsApp, enhancing digital governance. Developed in collaboration with Meta, the platform marks a major innovation in service delivery. More services will be added in the future to further improve accessibility.

Notes:
Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025 was introduced in Lok Sabha to establish India’s first national cooperative university at Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) in Gujarat. The university is declared an institution of national importance and focuses on education, training, and research in the cooperative sector. It aims to develop skilled professionals for managerial, technical, and administrative roles in cooperatives. It will have sector-specific schools for dairy, fishery, banking, rural credit, and more. Affiliated colleges will be set up nationwide. Digital learning will be integrated with the SWAYAM e-learning platform.

Notes:
Santorini, a Greek island in the Southern Aegean Sea, is on high alert after experiencing over 200 undersea earthquakes in four days, with magnitudes up to 4.6. It’s part of the Cyclades archipelago and is controlled by Greece. Known for the Santorini Caldera, one of the most active volcanic centers in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. The island has historical volcanic activity, including the Minoan eruption around 3,600 years ago. Frequent seismic activity is due to tectonic movements between the African Plate and Aegean Sea Plate.

Notes:
Brucellosis, a bacterial disease, caused the death of an 8-year-old in Kerala. It is caused by Brucella bacteria, mainly infecting cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and dogs. Humans get infected through direct contact with animals, consuming contaminated animal products, or inhaling airborne agents. Unpasteurised milk and cheese from infected animals are the most common sources. Symptoms include fever, weakness, weight loss, and discomfort, often mild and undiagnosed.

Notes:
The US Navy successfully tested the High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) laser weapon on the USS Preble in 2024. HELIOS, developed by Lockheed Martin, can destroy targets (Hard Kill) or disable electronics (Soft Kill). It generates over 60 kilowatts of energy, with upgrades reaching 120 kilowatts. The test zapped an aerial drone, confirming operational capability. Lasers offer a cheaper alternative to missiles, crucial in regions facing drone and missile threats. Challenges include power supply, weather conditions, and system integration. The Navy plans to expand laser weapons, aiming for cost-effective and efficient defense.

Notes:
Bhopal has banned begging in all public places, following Indore’s similar move. The district collector issued orders prohibiting both begging and giving alms. Violators may face FIRs and legal action under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Disobeying the order can lead to imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to ₹2,500. If disobedience causes danger, imprisonment may extend to one year with a fine of ₹5,000. The Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959, was the first anti-begging law in India. In 2018, the Delhi High Court decriminalized begging.

Notes:
The Blue Ghost Lander is developed by Firefly Aerospace for lunar exploration. It will deliver scientific payloads to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis Program. The lander supports NASA’s Lunar Surface Operations Program for sustainable human exploration. It marks a significant step in private sector involvement in space missions. The mission aims to advance lunar research and exploration efforts.