Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry launched the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform at the Bharat Climate Forum 2025 in New Delhi. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s cleantech sectors, including solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage. The platform will help Indian firms collaborate, innovate, secure financing, and share technologies. India aims to achieve 500 GW of clean energy by 2030, with 200 GW already in place. India leads globally in renewable energy progress and has the largest interconnected grid.

Notes:
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 bamboo weave box with Kalamkari paintings by Nimmalakunta artisans will be showcased at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Kalamkari is a popular hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile art form from Andhra Pradesh. The art originated during the reign of Qutb Shahis in the 16-17th century in the Tilang region, now part of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. “Kalam” means pen and “Kari” means craftsmanship, highlighting the skillful artistry involved.

Notes:
India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics, focusing on using big data for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals. India’s involvement will help shape global standards in data science for official statistics. India’s initiatives like the Data Innovation Lab and use of satellite imagery and machine learning will be highlighted. The membership aligns India’s advancements in big data with international goals and positions the country as a leader in data transformation. India aims to modernize statistical processes, enhance data accuracy, and support evidence-based policy decisions through innovative data techniques.

Notes:
Ukraine’s Security Service and Navy used a Neptune missile to strike an ammunition depot in Russia’s Rostov region. The R-360 Neptune is a Ukrainian-made subsonic cruise missile, originally designed for anti-ship use and later adapted for land attacks. It is based on the Russian Kh-35 missile, known as AS-20 Kayak by NATO. The missile entered service with the Ukrainian Navy in March 2021. It weighs 870 kg, is 5.05 meters long, and has a 400 km range. It travels at 900 km/h, with altitudes from 10 to 300 meters, dropping to 3 meters in the final phase.

Notes:
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) conducted the engine ground run of the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior on January 11, 2025, ahead of Aero India 2025. Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) is an Indian unmanned and manned combat aircraft teaming system. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) developed this system. The system enhances surveillance, strike capabilities, and reduces human error.

Notes:
Rajasthan received an additional 5,000 MW allocation under the PM-KUSUM (Component A) scheme. The scheme targets commissioning projects by December 31, 2025, before sunsetting in March 2026. The scheme was launched in 2019. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme aims to reduce diesel usage in farming and boost farmers’ income. It supports India’s goal of achieving 40% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy oversees implementation, requiring progress updates via the PM-KUSUM portal.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Lunar landers by U.S. and Japanese companies launched together on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, showcasing private sector involvement in space exploration. The mission includes two lunar spacecraft: Blue Ghost by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.) and Resilience by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg, Japan). Blue Ghost carries 10 NASA instruments to study Earth’s magnetosphere, lunar dust, and Moon’s thermal properties while testing advanced navigation and computing. Resilience includes the Tenacious micro rover with a high-definition camera and regolith-scooping technology, exploring Mare Frigoris on the Moon’s far north. The mission promotes technological advances, global collaboration, and cost-effective strategies for future lunar sustainability under NASA’s Artemis program.

Notes:
India has developed the world’s most powerful hydrogen train engine with 1,200 horsepower. It was made by Indian Railways using indigenous technology. The first trial run will be conducted on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. This innovation supports hydrogen-powered trains and can be adapted for trucks, tugboats, and other vehicles.