Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025
21. Which government ministry funded the project to develop the silver nanowire-based conductive ink technology?
[A] Ministry of Heavy Industries
[B] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
[B] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ]
Notes:
Silver nanowire-based conductive ink technology was transferred to two startups at NIT Warangal. The startups are M/s Chematico Technologies Private Limited (incubated at IIT Ropar) and M/s Vasanthbala Functional Materials Pvt Ltd (incubated at NIT Warangal). The technology was developed under a project funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It aims to reduce dependency on foreign countries and tap into the growing demand for advanced electronic materials. The ink is used in flexible electronics, wearable devices, solar panels, RFID tags, and more. The global market for this ink is expected to surpass 16.87B by 2032. India imports conductive ink worth 15,72,000 annually from countries like the US, China, and Taiwan.
Silver nanowire-based conductive ink technology was transferred to two startups at NIT Warangal. The startups are M/s Chematico Technologies Private Limited (incubated at IIT Ropar) and M/s Vasanthbala Functional Materials Pvt Ltd (incubated at NIT Warangal). The technology was developed under a project funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It aims to reduce dependency on foreign countries and tap into the growing demand for advanced electronic materials. The ink is used in flexible electronics, wearable devices, solar panels, RFID tags, and more. The global market for this ink is expected to surpass 16.87B by 2032. India imports conductive ink worth 15,72,000 annually from countries like the US, China, and Taiwan.
22. Which country has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics in January 2025?
[A] Bhutan
[B] India
[C] Myanmar
[D] Bangladesh
[B] India
[C] Myanmar
[D] Bangladesh
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics, focusing on using big data for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals. India’s involvement will help shape global standards in data science for official statistics. India’s initiatives like the Data Innovation Lab and use of satellite imagery and machine learning will be highlighted. The membership aligns India’s advancements in big data with international goals and positions the country as a leader in data transformation. India aims to modernize statistical processes, enhance data accuracy, and support evidence-based policy decisions through innovative data techniques.
India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics, focusing on using big data for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals. India’s involvement will help shape global standards in data science for official statistics. India’s initiatives like the Data Innovation Lab and use of satellite imagery and machine learning will be highlighted. The membership aligns India’s advancements in big data with international goals and positions the country as a leader in data transformation. India aims to modernize statistical processes, enhance data accuracy, and support evidence-based policy decisions through innovative data techniques.
23. Kudankulam nuclear power plant, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Russia’s atomic agency has shipped the reactor vessel for the sixth unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant to India. The Kudankulam plant, located in Tamil Nadu, is India’s largest nuclear power plant with six reactors and a total capacity of 6,000 MW. The reactor vessel, weighing 320 tonnes, was manufactured by Rosatom’s division Atommash and shipped from Novorossiysk at the end of 2024. The reactor vessel will travel 6,000 miles by sea to reach the construction site.
Russia’s atomic agency has shipped the reactor vessel for the sixth unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant to India. The Kudankulam plant, located in Tamil Nadu, is India’s largest nuclear power plant with six reactors and a total capacity of 6,000 MW. The reactor vessel, weighing 320 tonnes, was manufactured by Rosatom’s division Atommash and shipped from Novorossiysk at the end of 2024. The reactor vessel will travel 6,000 miles by sea to reach the construction site.
24. Which ministry has created the cultural village “Kalagram” in Prayagraj?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Tourism
[C] Ministry of Culture
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Tourism
[C] Ministry of Culture
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
The Union Culture Ministry has created a Kalagram, a 10.24-acre cultural village near Prayagraj station, as part of Mahakumbh 2025. Kalagram, located 2 km from the station, offers free entry and showcases Indian art, heritage, food, and performances. The entrance features a 635-foot-wide façade depicting the 12 Jyotirlingas.
The Union Culture Ministry has created a Kalagram, a 10.24-acre cultural village near Prayagraj station, as part of Mahakumbh 2025. Kalagram, located 2 km from the station, offers free entry and showcases Indian art, heritage, food, and performances. The entrance features a 635-foot-wide façade depicting the 12 Jyotirlingas.
25. What is the primary objective of Mission Mausam?
[A] Develop new agricultural technologies
[B] Make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation
[C] Enhance disaster relief operations through satellite imaging
[D] Boost India’s space exploration capabilities
[B] Make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation
[C] Enhance disaster relief operations through satellite imaging
[D] Boost India’s space exploration capabilities
Correct Answer: B [Make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation]
Notes:
The Prime Minister will launch ‘Mission Mausam’ on the 150th foundation day of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The mission aims to make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation by advancing weather and climate science. It has a budget of Rs 2,000 crore over two years and will be implemented by India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting. It focuses on improving forecasting accuracy, real-time local weather updates, and weather management technologies. The program includes cutting-edge technologies like high-resolution observations, next-gen radars, satellites, and high-performance computers. It addresses climate change, improves air quality data, and prepares citizens for extreme weather events.
The Prime Minister will launch ‘Mission Mausam’ on the 150th foundation day of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The mission aims to make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation by advancing weather and climate science. It has a budget of Rs 2,000 crore over two years and will be implemented by India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting. It focuses on improving forecasting accuracy, real-time local weather updates, and weather management technologies. The program includes cutting-edge technologies like high-resolution observations, next-gen radars, satellites, and high-performance computers. It addresses climate change, improves air quality data, and prepares citizens for extreme weather events.
26. Which ministry recently inaugurated the National Turmeric Board (NTB) in New Delhi?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry recently inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi. The Board aims to lead turmeric-related matters and enhance coordination with the Spices Board and other government agencies. It will include a Chairperson, a Secretary from the Department of Commerce, members from various ministries, and representatives from top turmeric-growing states. The Board will focus on research, value addition, promoting turmeric’s medicinal properties, improving yield, logistics, and exploring international markets. Quality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports are also key goals. The headquarters is in Nizamabad, Telangana.
The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry recently inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi. The Board aims to lead turmeric-related matters and enhance coordination with the Spices Board and other government agencies. It will include a Chairperson, a Secretary from the Department of Commerce, members from various ministries, and representatives from top turmeric-growing states. The Board will focus on research, value addition, promoting turmeric’s medicinal properties, improving yield, logistics, and exploring international markets. Quality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports are also key goals. The headquarters is in Nizamabad, Telangana.
27. Which animals are primarily affected by Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), that was recently seen in news?
[A] Cows and goats
[B] Deer, elk, moose, and reindeer
[C] Birds
[D] Dogs and cats
[B] Deer, elk, moose, and reindeer
[C] Birds
[D] Dogs and cats
Correct Answer: B [Deer, elk, moose, and reindeer]
Notes:
Scientists are concerned about the potential for ‘zombie deer’ disease, or Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), to affect humans. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that primarily affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. Caused by prions, misfolded proteins that damage the brain, leading to severe dysfunction and spongy tissue. It spreads through body fluids like saliva, feces, blood, and urine, and can remain infectious in the environment for years. Symptoms include weight loss, behavioral changes, and increased drinking and salivation. There is no cure or vaccine, and although there’s no confirmed human transmission, experts remain cautious.
Scientists are concerned about the potential for ‘zombie deer’ disease, or Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), to affect humans. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that primarily affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. Caused by prions, misfolded proteins that damage the brain, leading to severe dysfunction and spongy tissue. It spreads through body fluids like saliva, feces, blood, and urine, and can remain infectious in the environment for years. Symptoms include weight loss, behavioral changes, and increased drinking and salivation. There is no cure or vaccine, and although there’s no confirmed human transmission, experts remain cautious.
28. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) was established under which institution?
[A] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
[B] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
[C] National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
[D] Ministry of Fisheries
[B] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
[C] National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
[D] Ministry of Fisheries
Correct Answer: A [Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)]
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.
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.
29. What does the term “Nautor Land” refer to?
[A] Fertile agricultural land owned by the government
[B] Government-owned barren or wasteland allocated for cultivation or productive use
[C] Forest land designated for conservation
[D] Privately owned uncultivated land
[B] Government-owned barren or wasteland allocated for cultivation or productive use
[C] Forest land designated for conservation
[D] Privately owned uncultivated land
Correct Answer: B [Government-owned barren or wasteland allocated for cultivation or productive use]
Notes:
The Union Home Ministry is considering a proposal to regularize nautor land in Ladakh, granting locals ownership of government wastelands they have used for years. Nautor Land refers to barren government land allocated for cultivation or productive use with official approval. It originated in 1932 under Hari Singh in Jammu and Kashmir and was later adopted in Himachal Pradesh in 1968 before being halted. The policy targets hilly and remote areas like Leh, Kargil, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Regularization ensures ownership for locals, safeguards resources from outsiders, and preserves cultural and economic traditions.
The Union Home Ministry is considering a proposal to regularize nautor land in Ladakh, granting locals ownership of government wastelands they have used for years. Nautor Land refers to barren government land allocated for cultivation or productive use with official approval. It originated in 1932 under Hari Singh in Jammu and Kashmir and was later adopted in Himachal Pradesh in 1968 before being halted. The policy targets hilly and remote areas like Leh, Kargil, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Regularization ensures ownership for locals, safeguards resources from outsiders, and preserves cultural and economic traditions.
30. Cyber Security Grand Challenge (CSGC 2.0) has been launched by which organizations?
[A] Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and Data Security Council of India
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs and National Informatics Centre
[C] NITI Aayog and National Informatics Centre
[D] Data Security Council of India and Indian Computer Emergency Response Team
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs and National Informatics Centre
[C] NITI Aayog and National Informatics Centre
[D] Data Security Council of India and Indian Computer Emergency Response Team
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and Data Security Council of India ]
Notes:
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and Data Security Council of India (DSCI) launched the second edition of the Cyber Security Grand Challenge (CSGC 2.0). The prize pool has been increased to Rs. 6.85 crores from Rs. 3.2 crores. Innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs are invited to address six key cybersecurity challenges, including API Security, Data Security, and AI for Threat Detection. Intellectual property rights for solutions developed will stay with startups. The competition has four stages, with winners receiving Rs. 25 lakh, and the overall winner getting Rs. 1 crore. The initiative supports Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and Data Security Council of India (DSCI) launched the second edition of the Cyber Security Grand Challenge (CSGC 2.0). The prize pool has been increased to Rs. 6.85 crores from Rs. 3.2 crores. Innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs are invited to address six key cybersecurity challenges, including API Security, Data Security, and AI for Threat Detection. Intellectual property rights for solutions developed will stay with startups. The competition has four stages, with winners receiving Rs. 25 lakh, and the overall winner getting Rs. 1 crore. The initiative supports Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
