Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

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The first astronomical observatory in Eastern India has been inaugurated in Garpanchkot Hills, Purulia, by the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS). This is the sixth such observatory in India and is named after Satyendra Nath Bose. The observatory, located 600 meters above sea level at approximately 86° E longitude, fills a key gap in astronomical observations. It aims to aid scientific observations, student training, and foster national and international research collaborations. The observatory is strategically placed to observe transient astronomical phenomena. Satyendra Nath Bose Centre has partnered with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University for its operation.

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Experts link the severity of wildfires in the USA to hydroclimate whiplash, intensified by climate change. Hydroclimate whiplash is a rare condition where a wet season is followed by an extremely dry one. This leads to increased hazards like flash floods, wildfires, landslides, and disease outbreaks. It can harm water quality due to harmful algal blooms and excess organic or mineral content. It also affects food security by reducing plant productivity, causing crop failures, and leading to livestock mortality.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, on January 15, 2025. The temple is now the second-largest ISKCON temple in Asia. The design of the temple blends spirituality and knowledge, with various facilities reflecting ISKCON’s mission to serve society.

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India ranks second after the US in the QS World Future Skills Index 2025 for job market preparedness in AI, digital, and green sectors. India scores highly in the “Future of Work” indicator, trailing the US by less than a point. The country excels in readiness for digital roles alongside Mexico. However, India faces challenges in its higher education system, industry collaboration, and equipping graduates with in-demand skills. Despite strong GDP growth and a youthful population, India lags in sustainability and innovation metrics. To unlock potential, India needs better integration between education and industry.

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A sudden flood on January 15 in Bihar’s Darbhanga district devastated Rabi crops like wheat, maize, lentils, and vegetables in Kiratpur block. The flood was triggered by rising water levels in the Genhua River, caused by the unintended opening of a small floodgate on NH-56 in Madhubani. The Genhua River is located in Bihar.

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New research reveals that genetic mutations in Huntington’s Disease (HD) can have delayed effects, impacting disease progression over time. Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a genetic condition causing gradual loss of brain cell function, leading to their death. It affects brain regions regulating voluntary movement, memory, and decision-making, primarily the basal ganglia and brain cortex. HD is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which produces huntingtin protein crucial for neuron function. Mutated huntingtin proteins have abnormal shapes, damaging and killing neurons. HD is inherited; each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of developing the disease. It affects 3 to 7 out of 100,000 people, primarily of European ancestry.

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Indian and Argentine armies jointly summited Mt Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas at 6,995 meters, on Army Day, January 15, 2025. The expedition began on January 3, 2025, and featured 23 participants, including an eight-member Indian team led by Lt Col Manoj Joshi and a 15-member Argentine contingent. Mt Aconcagua, located in the Andes of Argentina, is the highest peak in South America and outside Asia, standing at 6,962 meters. The mountain is of volcanic origin but is not currently active.

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Kokborok Day is celebrated on January 19 annually. It holds great importance for the indigenous Tripuri people, especially in Tripura, India. The day honors the cultural heritage, history, and linguistic contributions of the Kokborok language. Kokborok is the mother tongue of the Tripuri community. The celebration promotes the language, traditions, and unity of the Tripuri people. It also raises awareness about preserving and promoting Kokborok.

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Jharkhand Forest Department is studying ways to revive the declining Bison (Gaur) population at Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR). It is located in the western part of Latehar district on the Chhotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand. It is part of the Betla National Park and was one of the first nine tiger reserves under ‘Project Tiger.’ It holds historical significance as the first reserve where a tiger census was conducted in 1932 using pugmark counting.

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The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report highlights the rising influence of Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs), led by China, India, and Brazil. EMDEs have significantly increased their global economic share from 2000 to 2025, with India maintaining leadership as the fastest-growing economy. India’s growth rate is projected at 6.7% annually for FY26–FY27, driven by robust services and manufacturing sectors. Services expansion and increased exports are enhancing South Asia’s trade integration, while manufacturing benefits from improved logistics and tax reforms. Private consumption is rising due to a strong labor market, better credit access, and declining inflation.