Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry launched the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) to promote ease of operations and transparency for stakeholders, including farmers. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) implements NPOP to strengthen India’s organic certification system. The event unveiled key portals, including NPOP, Organic Promotion Portal, TraceNet 2.0, revamped APEDA, and AgriXchange, for improving operations, traceability, and market access.

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Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, to the Indian Navy on Jan 9, 2025. This marks the completion of Project P-75, enhancing India’s submarine fleet. INS Vaghsheer underwent rigorous trials and features advanced stealth technology, precision-guided weapons, and indigenous systems. The submarine strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence technology. MDL is poised for Project 75(I), building nuclear-powered submarines. The shipyard now has the capacity to build up to 10 capital warships and 11 submarines simultaneously, advancing India’s naval capabilities.

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LingoSat, a joint project of Japan’s Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, is the first wooden satellite launched into orbit. It uses wood from honoki, a magnolia tree native to Japan, and is assembled using traditional Japanese crafts without screws or glue. The satellite’s name comes from the Latin word “Ligno,” meaning wood. LignoSat 1 is a CubeSat measuring 10 cm on each side and weighing 900 grams. LignoSat 2, a 2U CubeSat, is planned for launch in 2026.

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The overestimation of gold import figures from April to November was due to a data migration error. The error occurred during the shift from the SEZ Online system to ICEGATE, causing double counting of imports into Special Economic Zones and domestic zones. As a result, the gold import figures for November were revised down by 5 billion, from 14.8 billion to $9.9 billion. ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) is an online portal that offers electronic services for customs-related activities. It is a part of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). It facilitates the electronic filing of import and export documents.

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The Indian High Commission launched Sri Lanka’s first Hindi Certificate Course through open and distance learning on World Hindi Day 2025. The launch occurred during the Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan, organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC). The initiative marks the 50th anniversary of World Hindi Day celebrations. A collaboration between the Open University of Sri Lanka and SVCC, the course aims to make Hindi learning accessible across the country. This programme highlights the growing demand for Hindi as a global language and strengthens academic ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Notes:
A rare carnivorous plant, Utricularia, has been found in large numbers at Rajasthan’s Keoladeo National Park. Utricularia, or bladderwort, belongs to the family Lentibulariaceae and includes 220 species found in temperate and tropical habitats worldwide. These plants lack roots and have floating stems with simple or divided leaves. They produce small carnivorous bladders that range from dark to transparent and trap tiny animals like insect larvae and water fleas. The trap door mechanism activates within milliseconds, capturing prey efficiently. Utricularia plants are found in lakes, streams, and waterlogged soils, with some species being invasive.

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A new study highlights gaps in understanding the Clouded Leopard’s habitat, fragmentation, and connectivity, offering a conservation roadmap. The Clouded Leopard is a wild cat found in dense forests of the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and South China. There are two species: the mainland Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi). They are ancient cats but neither true great nor small cats, as they cannot roar or purr. Clouded Leopards prefer tropical rainforests but can also be found in woodlands and mangrove swamps. They are found in India’s northeastern states and are the state animal of Meghalaya. Both species are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN Red List.

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Bihar will host the 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC) on January 20-21, 2025. The theme is “75th anniversary of the Constitution: The contribution of the Parliament and state legislatures in strengthening the constitutional values.” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will preside over the event, with Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh present. Over 264 parliamentarians, legislators, and officials will attend. Bihar last hosted AIPOC in 1982 and before that in 1964. The event will be held at the Bihar Legislative Assembly premises. It aims to enhance coordination and share best practices among legislative bodies.

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The ASEAN Secretary-General, Kao Kim Hourn, leads the ASEAN Secretariat’s delegation to the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand hosts the meeting as the ADGMIN chair for 2025. The meeting will focus on advancing ASEAN as a digital community and economic bloc, aligning with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025.

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The Gaan Ngai festival is celebrated by the Zeliarong community in Manipur after the harvest season. It marks gratitude for a good harvest, prayers for prosperity, and the beginning of the new year. The festival includes music, dance, and spiritual rituals, promoting unity and joy. The Zeliarong community, comprising the Rongmei, Liangmei, and Zeme tribes, is one of Manipur’s prominent tribal groups. Gaan Ngai lasts for five days and is typically celebrated in December or January, with the date varying each year.