Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
The Ministry of Mines reclassified Barytes, Feldspar, Mica, and Quartz as major minerals through a gazette notification. Major minerals are regulated by the Central Government under the MMDR Act, 1957 and have high economic and strategic significance. These minerals are now governed by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) with a lease period of up to 50 years and revenue accruing to state governments.

Notes:
Purnima Devi Barman, an Indian biologist and wildlife conservationist, is named in TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025 list. She is the only Indian woman on the list, alongside global figures like Nicole Kidman and Gisele Pelicot. The award recognizes extraordinary leaders working for a more equitable and sustainable world. Barman is known for her efforts in conserving the greater adjutant stork (Hargila). Her work has transformed both environmental and social landscapes, making a significant impact on wildlife conservation.

Notes:
The UNCCD released a report on Land Restoration for International Peace and Security. It highlights that cooperation in managing shared natural resources can help prevent conflicts and foster political agreements. Land degradation causes economic loss, pushing affected communities into criminal activities like smuggling and human trafficking. Food insecurity due to crop failures and inflation can trigger political and economic instability, as seen in Somalia. It increases migration and displacement. Marginalized groups face discrimination and inequality. Weak land governance can escalate conflicts, as seen in disputes over the Amazon rainforest between Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.

Notes:
Indonesia launched a new sovereign wealth fund, Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara), to manage state assets worth over USD 900 billion. Danantara is set to become the largest sovereign wealth fund in Southeast Asia. A sovereign wealth fund (SWF) is a state-owned investment fund used to manage national savings. SWFs are funded by surplus revenues from natural resources, state-owned enterprises, or other public wealth sources. These funds invest in stocks, bonds, infrastructure, and real estate to grow national wealth. This marks a significant step in Indonesia’s economic strategy.

Notes:
Denmark announced the Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI) initiative in February 2025. The GTAI is an initiative to strengthen collaboration between Denmark and India on sustainable energy solutions. The goal is to accelerate the commitment to global carbon neutrality.

Notes:
Former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has been appointed Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His selection was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. He is a 1980-batch IAS officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre. His tenure will last until the Prime Minister’s term ends or until further orders.

Notes:
Mahashivratri is a major festival for Shiva devotees worldwide. In Kashmir, it is uniquely celebrated as “Herath” by the Kashmiri Pandit community. The festival begins on the 13th day of Phalgun (February/March) and lasts until the new moon. “Herath” comes from “Hara” (Shiva) and “Ratri” (night). It symbolizes the unity of divine forces, consciousness, and feminine energy. The festival honors the sacred union of Shiva and Parvati, reflecting the broader significance of Mahashivratri.

Notes:
Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 30th Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) report for January 2025, analyzing public grievances in States/UTs. A total of 58,586 grievances were resolved in January 2025. Pending grievances stood at 1,88,408 as of 31st January 2025. 56,214 new users registered on the CPGRAMS portal in January 2025, with the most registrations from Uttar Pradesh (8,843). The report details types of grievances and how they were addressed by States/UTs.

Notes:
National Science Day is celebrated on February 28 every year. It marks Sir C.V. Raman’s discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ in 1928. Raman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, becoming the first Indian Nobel laureate in science. The celebration started in 1987 to promote scientific inquiry and innovation. The 2024 theme is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT.” It highlights youth’s role in making India a global science leader. The day aims to raise awareness, showcase achievements, and inspire future scientists.

Notes:
A child died of measles in rural West Texas, marking the first US measles death in 10 years. The outbreak began last month, with 124 cases reported across nine counties. It started in a rural Mennonite community in Gaines County, where many children are unvaccinated and home-schooled. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory tract. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash covering the body. Severe cases can be fatal. The virus spreads through breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Vaccination is an effective protection against measles.