Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
The ASEAN Secretary-General, Kao Kim Hourn, leads the ASEAN Secretariat’s delegation to the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand hosts the meeting as the ADGMIN chair for 2025. The meeting will focus on advancing ASEAN as a digital community and economic bloc, aligning with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025.

Notes:
The National Green Tribunal has directed a rejuvenation committee to set a new timeline for the action plan to reduce pollution in the Pavana River. The Pavana River flows in western Maharashtra, crossing Pune and dividing Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. It originates from the Western Ghats. It flows through Dehu, Chinchwad, Pimpri, and Dapodi before joining the Mula River near Pune. It is about 60 km long and feeds into the Bhima River.

Notes:
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and IIT Delhi signed an agreement to develop THz communication front ends for 6G under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF). TTDF is established under the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), now called Digital Bharat Nidhi, by the Department of Telecom. The fund supports research, design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing in telecommunications. It aims to foster rural-specific communication technologies, promote technology ownership, and encourage indigenous manufacturing. TTDF seeks to boost exports, reduce imports, enhance co-innovation, and support Intellectual Property creation in the telecom sector.

Notes:
The Indian Armed Forces conducted Exercise Devil Strike from January 16 to 19. It involved elite airborne soldiers from the Army and Air Force. The exercise was held in training areas and firing ranges. The focus was on refining logistics and sustaining troops in tough conditions. Advanced technologies ensured precise delivery of forces to remote locations. The exercise aimed to enhance operational readiness and adaptability. It emphasized the commitment to maintaining military excellence and preparing for future challenges.

Notes:
Odisha has launched a pension scheme providing ₹20,000 per month for individuals detained during the Emergency (1975–1977). The scheme also covers medical expenses for eligible recipients alive as of January 1, 2025. Similar pension schemes exist in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Assam. Those arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, Defence of India Rules, and related laws during the Emergency can apply. Over 300 people in Odisha are eligible, with an annual cost of ₹8 crore for the state government. Applications are required for pension and medical benefits.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The National Science Drama Festival 2024-25, organized by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), took place on January 18, 2025, at the National Science Centre, Delhi. The event was preceded by block, district, and state-level competitions across all 28 States and 8 Union Territories, involving over 40,000 students. Students presented creative science dramas on topics like Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change, Water Conservation, and medical breakthroughs. The festival highlighted the integration of science with literature and theatre, promoting cross-curricular learning and fostering scientific thinking. NCSM used drama as an innovative tool to engage audiences and combat misinformation, encouraging a scientific mindset among citizens.

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:
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 Pralay missile, India’s first tactical quasi-ballistic missile, will be showcased in the Republic Day parade. It is a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 150-500 km, developed to meet the Army’s tactical needs. Pralay can carry a 350-700 kg conventional warhead and strike enemy positions with high accuracy. It was developed by DRDO.