Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

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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).

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The Union Minister of Jal Shakti released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for 2024. The total annual groundwater recharge in India is 446.90 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM), with 406.19 BCM being extractable. The country’s groundwater extraction is 245.64 BCM, with an average extraction rate of 60.47%. Out of 6746 assessment units, 73.4% are categorized as ‘Safe’, while 11.1% are ‘Over-exploited’. Groundwater recharge has increased by 15 BCM since 2017, and extraction has decreased by 3 BCM. Recharge from tanks, ponds, and water conservation structures has significantly improved.

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Major Wall Street banks have exited the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, a prominent group in global finance. The Alliance, led by banks and convened by the UN, commits members to align lending, investments, and capital activities with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) convenes the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). It is governed by a Steering Group, including member banks, UNEP FI Secretariat, and the UN. Banks in the alliance commit to transitioning GHG emissions in their portfolios and setting 2030 and 2050 targets with updates every five years. Members must annually publish emissions data. No Indian bank is currently part of this alliance.

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Residents of Srirangam have requested the installation of lights beneath the outer gopurams of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The measure aims to ensure safety amid a heavy turnout of devotees visiting the temple. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, located in Srirangam near Trichy, Tamil Nadu, is India’s largest functioning Hindu temple. Spanning 156 acres, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining form, Ranganatha. Its history dates back to 2nd century BC, with inscriptions from the 10th century CE. The temple showcases Dravidian architecture with 21 gopurams, 7 enclosures, and a 236-feet Rajagopura, India’s tallest temple tower. It features a golden Vimana over the sanctum and a 1000-pillar hall with intricate sculptures from the Vijayanagara period.

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Karnataka launched the ‘Garudakshi’ online FIR system to curb wildlife crimes. Garudakshi allows the public to register complaints about forest offenses via mobile phones or emails. The system is similar to the Police Department’s FIR system. It was developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India.

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India’s passport ranking has dropped to 85th in the Henley Passport Index 2025, down from 80th in 2024. The index evaluates passports based on visa-free access to global destinations. India now allows visa-free travel to 57 countries. The top-ranking passport belongs to Singapore, which offers access to 195 destinations. Over the past two decades, India’s ranking has fluctuated significantly, peaking at 71st in 2006. The index relies on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to assess travel access.

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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.

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Researchers developed the first nanobody-based inhibitors targeting the Ebola virus. Ebola is caused by ortho ebola viruses, discovered in 1976 in the Congo, primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. The virus gets its name from the Ebola River in Congo. Fruit bats are natural hosts, and it spreads through contact with infected animals or humans. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, and often death. The average fatality rate is around 50%. There is no cure exists for Ebola. Experimental treatments like monoclonal antibodies have been used. Treatment focuses on fluid balance, blood plasma, and early intervention for better recovery chances.

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Germany recently faced its first foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in nearly 40 years, affecting water buffalo near Berlin. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease impacting livestock like cattle, swine, sheep, and goats but not horses, dogs, or cats. The disease severely affects livestock production and disrupts trade in animals and animal products. It circulates in 77% of global livestock, mainly in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of South America. FMD is not a human health risk and is transmitted through excretions, secretions, and aerosolized virus from infected animals.

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Zoological Survey of India scientists recently discovered a new pangolin species, the Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica), in Arunachal Pradesh. This species is genetically distinct from the Chinese (Manis pentadactyla) and Indian (Manis crassicaudata) pangolins. Genetic analysis shows an 8% difference from the Chinese pangolin, with divergence around 3.4 million years ago. The species is found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and possibly Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, at altitudes between 180-1830 meters. It has dark brown and olive-brown scales with a pinkish face, typical of Asian pangolins.