Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
India has successfully tested the Bhargavastra, its first micro-missile system to counter swarm drones. It is designed to counter the threat of swarm drones. It was developed by Economic Explosives Ltd. Bhargavastra detects small flying machines over 6 km and hits targets over 2.5 km. It uses guided micro-munitions and can fire more than 64 micro missiles simultaneously. The system operates in all terrains, including high-altitude areas. It fulfills Army Air Defence requirements, marking India’s first counter-drone system with micro missiles.

Notes:
Around 100 tribal people from Pulicat will receive training in pearl spot culture, crab fattening, and clownfish aquaculture, organized by the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR). NBFGR was established in 1983 under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), focuses on fish germplasm conservation. Its infrastructure was set up in Lucknow in 1999. NBFGR’s vision includes the sustainable utilization and conservation of fish genetic resources. The bureau works on documenting fish diversity, developing databases, genotyping, and genebanking to support fish population health and sustainability.

Notes:
Satellite images show a nearly completed airstrip on Yemen’s Abd al-Kuri Island, likely built by the UAE. Abd al-Kuri Island is 65 miles southwest of Socotra, in the Indian Ocean, part of the Socotra Archipelago. Although it belongs to Yemen, the island is geographically closer to Somalia, about 110 km northeast of Cape Gwardafuy. The island is rocky, 35 km long, and 5 km wide, with its highest point at 700 meters, Mount Jebel Saleh. With fewer than 500 residents, its inhabitants mainly rely on fishing, and settlements are connected by dirt roads. The island features the endemic Euphorbia abdalkuri plant.

Notes:
The Indian men’s and women’s teams won the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 titles at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The men’s team defeated Nepal 54-36, while the women’s team beat Nepal 78-40 in their respective finals. The tournament, backed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), featured 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams. Both finals showcased India’s dominance, with strong attacking and defensive performances.

Notes:
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released a report titled “Embracing the Quantum Economy: A Pathway for Business Leaders.” The report highlights the economic potential of quantum technologies and their transformative impact. WEF’s Quantum Economy Network (QEN) helps stakeholders prepare for the economic influence of quantum advancements.

Notes:
The Pralay missile, India’s first tactical quasi-ballistic missile, will be showcased in the Republic Day parade. It is a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 150-500 km, developed to meet the Army’s tactical needs. Pralay can carry a 350-700 kg conventional warhead and strike enemy positions with high accuracy. It was developed by DRDO.

Notes:
India is now the seventh-largest coffee producer globally, with exports reaching $1.29 billion in the last financial year, nearly double the $719 million in 2020-21, according to the Commerce and Industry Ministry. In the first half of this month, over 9,300 tonnes of coffee were exported, with top buyers being Italy, Belgium, and Russia. India primarily exports unroasted beans, but there is increasing demand for roasted and instant coffee. Karnataka leads coffee production, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Domestic consumption has risen from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023, driven by café culture and higher incomes.

Notes:
The India Open 2025 badminton tournament concluded in New Delhi with outstanding performances. Viktor Axelsen of Denmark won his third India Open men’s singles title, defeating Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong China 21-16, 21-8. Axelsen previously won the India Open in 2017 and 2019. An Se-young of South Korea dominated the women’s singles final, defeating Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-12, 21-9 in just 39 minutes. Both champions are Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists, showcasing their world-class talent.

Notes:
The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 took place on January 20, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It was organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW). The event is part of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, aiming to address health and well-being challenges of India’s tribal communities. It focuses on improving healthcare access and outcomes for tribal populations facing unique health challenges.

Notes:
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has published the report on Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Agrifood systems. The report highlights the challenges of nitrogen use in agrifood systems. Humans add 150 teragrams (Tg) of reactive nitrogen annually through agriculture and industry, with climate change possibly increasing this to 600 Tg by 2100. Nitrogen loss occurs through ammonia, nitrogen oxides, nitrous oxide emissions, and nitrate leaching, harming ecosystems and contributing to air pollution. Livestock sectors, synthetic fertilizers, land-use changes, and manure emissions are key nitrogen polluters. Judicious nitrogen use boosts crop yields, while excess use worsens global warming and environmental degradation.