Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
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.

Notes:
John Dramani Mahama was sworn in for a second term as Ghana’s president on January 7 in Accra. Mahama, 66, won the December 7 election by a wide margin, making a political comeback. He replaces Nana Akufo-Addo, who stepped down after two terms. Mahama promised to boost the economy and create jobs to address public discontent. The ceremony was attended by over 20 global leaders, marking a significant event in Ghana’s democratic tradition. Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer and maintains democratic stability in a region facing challenges.

Notes:
The artesian condition was recently observed in Taranagar village, Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The term “artesian” refers to water confined under pressure below layers of impermeable rock. This water is located deeper beneath the earth’s surface, surrounded by poorly permeable rocks, creating high underground pressure. Artesian conditions occur when groundwater moves from a recharge area to a discharge point at a lower elevation. Unlike normal tube wells, artesian water can naturally sprout from underground without any external assistance.

Notes:
The government shifted revenue secretary Arunish Chawla to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) ahead of the Union Budget. Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the DIPAM Secretary, is now appointed as the new revenue secretary and designated finance secretary. Chawla, a 1992-batch IAS officer from Bihar, was previously Secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals. Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer from Odisha, is known for his role in the disinvestment of Air India and Neelanchal Ispat Nigam Ltd to Tata Group. Chawla will also handle additional responsibilities as Secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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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Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The conference, organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), aimed to address drug trafficking and its impact on national security. Amit Shah launched the Drug Disposal Fortnight and inaugurated the new office complex of the Bhopal Zonal Unit of NCB. He also extended the MANAS-2 helpline to all 36 states and Union Territories. The conference focused on tackling drug trafficking in eight northern Indian states and union territories.

Notes:
The Lokpal of India has declared January 16 as “Lokpal Day,” with the first observance on January 16, 2025. The decision was made during a meeting on March 14, 2024. Lokpal Day highlights the establishment of the Lokpal and aims to raise awareness about its role in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

Notes:
The Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) to develop degraded and rainfed areas. Activities include ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, nursery raising, and pasture development. WDC-PMKSY 1.0 improved groundwater, surface water, crop productivity, and farmers’ income. In 2021-22, 1150 projects covering 50 lakh hectares were sanctioned under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 with ₹12,303 Crores. 56 new projects worth ₹700 Crores are sanctioned in 10 top-performing states, covering 2.8 lakh hectares to improve farmers’ income, combat land degradation, and enhance climate resilience.

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The Indian Railways organized a “Paint My City” campaign in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh to beautify the city’s railway stations for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. The campaign aimed to showcase the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage to pilgrims and tourists. The campaign transformed Prayagraj railway station into art and culture centers. The campaign featured murals depicting Hindu mythology, Indian traditions, and women’s empowerment.