Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Bahadur Singh Sagoo was elected as the new president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), succeeding Adille Sumariwalla. Sumariwalla served as AFI president for over a decade, from 2012 to 2024. Sagoo, an Asian Games gold medallist (2002) and two-time Olympian, brings vast experience to the role. Sandeep Mehta was elected as the new secretary of the federation. India will host its first World Athletics Continental Tour event, the “Indian Open,” on August 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar.

Notes:
Punjab government has launched SHE COHORT 3.0 (Startups Handholding & Empowerment – Cohort 3.0) initiative in Mohali to empower female startups and students in building tech-based ventures. The initiative is supported by business incubators and ecosystem enablers. More than 250 startups, innovators, and students were briefed on StartUp Punjab’s growth plans. It offers a platform to showcase talent and ideas with potential for economic growth. Aims to contribute to India’s development by 2047.

Notes:
The Rubber Board launched two initiatives, iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber) and INR Konnect. iSNR ensures compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by streamlining the rubber supply chain for EU markets. It provides traceability certificates verifying the origin of rubber products and their compliance with EUDR standards. This initiative aims to make Indian natural rubber competitive and responsible globally, promoting sustainable production and industry growth. INR Konnect is a web-based platform connecting untapped rubber growers with adopters to improve plantation productivity. It certifies participants, offers training in sustainable practices, and maintains a database of certified tappers.

Notes:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) retained India’s growth projection at 6.5% for FY26 and FY27, citing it as “in line with potential.” Growth in India slowed due to an unexpected deceleration in industrial activity, with 5.4% growth reported for the September quarter. The World Bank maintained its higher growth projection for India at 6.7% for FY26 and FY27, predicting it to remain the fastest-growing major economy. The World Bank highlighted growth driven by the services sector, strengthened manufacturing, improved logistics, and tax reforms. NSO’s First Advance Estimates project FY25 growth to slow to 6.4%, below RBI’s 6.6% forecast for FY25.

Notes:
The Indian grey wolf gave birth to eight pups in Karnataka’s Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary. Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary is Karnataka’s first and India’s second protected area dedicated to wolves. The first such sanctuary is Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, established in 1976 in Jharkhand (formerly Bihar). Bankapur’s terrain consists of scrub forests, hills, and natural caves. It is home to diverse wildlife, including wolves, leopards, peacocks, blackbucks, foxes, hares, and porcupines.

Notes:
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is hosting its Annual Meeting from January 20 to 24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland, with the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.” WEF was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab. It introduced the concept of stakeholder capitalism. WEF fosters dialogue, debate, and action among organizations and leaders to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies and societies.

Notes:
The Philadelphi Corridor is a 14 km stretch between Gaza and Egypt, critical for Hamas’ smuggling activities. It includes the Rafah crossing and runs from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kerem Shalom crossing. After Israel’s 2005 withdrawal, it became a demilitarized zone managed by the Palestinian Authority and Egypt. Hamas’ control of Gaza in 2007 led to increased smuggling via tunnels. In the 2023 ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal from this area became a key issue. The corridor has been vital for Hamas’ weapon supplies and operatives’ movement.

Notes:
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu inaugurated the three-day Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF). The event celebrates heritage through folk songs, sports, and historic site expeditions. It offers a platform for local artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs to showcase their talent. The festival aims to foster economic growth and self-reliance. The festival is held annually in Nampong, Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh.

Notes:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) released its fourth edition of Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers, highlighting their crucial role in global economic growth. In 2022, international migrants made up 7% of the global labor force, with 167.7 million workers, an increase of over 30 million since 2013. Migrants face a gender gap, with 38.7% of female migrants employed, compared to 60.8% of male migrants. Most migrants work in the services sector (68.4%), followed by industry (3%) and agriculture (4%). High-income countries host 4% of migrants, with Europe and Northern America as key destinations.

Notes:
Penguin Awareness Day is observed on January 20 every year to raise awareness about penguins and their habitats. The day highlights the challenges penguins face, such as climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. The goal is to promote penguin conservation and protect their habitats. This day encourages global awareness about the decline in penguin populations and the urgent need for conservation efforts.