Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Amit Shah chaired the 7th Island Development Agency (IDA) meeting in New Delhi, reviewing development initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. The focus was on achieving 100% renewable energy generation through solar panels and windmills. The ‘PM Surya Ghar’ scheme will install solar panels in all households across both island groups. The Union Government established the Island Development Agency (IDA) on June 1, 2017. The agency focuses on the development of islands.

Notes:
India’s first organic fisheries cluster was launched in Sikkim’s Soreng District, promoting sustainable fish farming without harmful chemicals. The cluster focuses on sustainable fish farming, avoiding harmful chemicals and pesticides. It aims to protect aquatic ecosystems and cater to the rising demand for organic fish products in domestic and international markets. The project is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Notes:
The Miyawaki Technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, accelerates forest growth by planting native species closely together. This method enhances biodiversity, improves soil quality, and creates lush green spaces even in urban areas. In Prayagraj, over 1.2 lakh trees of various species have been planted using this technique, contributing to better air quality and environmental conservation ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025. The dense forests help absorb carbon, reduce pollution, and restore ecological balance, showcasing an effective approach to urban greening and sustainability.

Notes:
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts AI, big data, and security management specialists as the fastest-growing jobs. The report is based on data from over 1,000 global companies, covering 14 million workers in 22 sectors across 55 economies. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 was published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). By 2030, 170 million new jobs will be created, but 92 million jobs will be displaced, leading to a net increase of 78 million jobs. Drivers of change include technology, digital access, economic shifts, green transition, and demographic trends. Fastest-growing roles include FinTech engineers, software developers, and autonomous vehicle specialists. India focuses on AI, robotics, energy technologies, and semiconductors, with AI adoption surpassing the global average.

Notes:
Goa launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana, becoming the second state after Haryana to implement this scheme under PM Modi’s vision. The scheme aims for “insurance for all” and empowers women aged 18–70 years, who have passed Class X. Women receive training to become LIC agents, a stipend of ₹7,000 in the first year, ₹6,000 in the second, and ₹5,000 in the third year, totaling ₹2.16 lakh over three years. Graduates may qualify for LIC development officer roles. The scheme focuses on financial literacy, women’s empowerment, and expanding life insurance coverage at the grassroots level.

Notes:
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has moved 33 border outposts (BOPs) closer to the India-China border under its forwardisation plan. It was raised in 1962 after the Sino-Indian War. ITBP is a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. ITBP guards the 3,488 km India-China border with 197 outposts at altitudes of 9,000 ft to 18,750 ft. It became a full-fledged force in 2004 under the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force Act, 1992. The force’s motto is “Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha” (Valour, Determination, Devotion to Duty).

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of India’s first Green Hydrogen Hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). NGHM was announced in January 2023 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Its objective is to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export. The target is to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

Notes:
World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report was recently released by the UN. According to this report, the Indian economy is projected to grow by 6.6% in 2025 and 6.7% in 2026, supported by private consumption and investments. The UN report highlighted the public sector’s role in funding infrastructure, digital connectivity, and social infrastructure projects. Capital expenditure on infrastructure will have strong multiplier effects, boosting growth. Manufacturing, services, and strong export growth in pharmaceuticals and electronics will drive economic activity. Favorable monsoon rains in 2024 are expected to boost agricultural output in 2025. Risks include geopolitical tensions, debt challenges, and climate hazards affecting growth.

Notes:
Former New Zealand cricketer Martin Guptill retired from international cricket after a 14-year career (2009–2022). He played 367 matches (198 ODIs, 122 T20Is, 47 Tests) and scored 23 international centuries. Guptill is New Zealand’s leading T20I run-scorer (3,531 runs) and third-highest ODI run-scorer (7,346 runs). He scored New Zealand’s first ODI double-century (237*) in the 2015 ICC World Cup and a century on ODI debut in 2009. Known for spectacular fielding, he famously ran out MS Dhoni in the 2019 World Cup semifinal.

Notes:
HIMKAVACH is a multi-layer clothing system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed for extreme cold conditions ranging from +20°C to -60°C. It has successfully passed user trials and is specifically tailored for use in the Himalayan region. The system ensures optimal protection and functionality for soldiers facing harsh weather. Its effectiveness emphasizes India’s commitment to improving military preparedness in challenging environments, especially in border areas with extreme cold conditions.