Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
The World Economic Forum released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report in collaboration with Accenture. It highlights how geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies, and cybercrime sophistication are reshaping cybersecurity. Geopolitical conflicts, like the Ukraine war, increase vulnerabilities in critical sectors such as energy and nuclear power. Two-thirds of organizations expect AI to impact cybersecurity, but only one-third have tools to manage AI-related risks. The cybersecurity workforce faces a 4.8 million professional gap, with only 14% of organizations having skilled teams. Supply chain complexities and third-party vulnerabilities hinder cyber resilience for over 50% of organizations. Generative AI is being used for advanced phishing and social engineering, with 42% of organizations facing such attacks in 2024.

Notes:
Australian scientists discovered a larger, more venomous Sydney funnel-web spider species, named Atrax christenseni. The new species, called “Big Boy,” is 9 cm (3.54 inches) long and was first found in the early 2000s near Newcastle. It is dark brown to black with finger-like spinnerets at the abdomen’s end. Its venom glands are bigger, and its fangs are longer. Only male funnel-web spiders cause human deaths due to their stronger venom. Found in bushy suburban areas, forests, and shady gullies. Funnel-web spiders are among the most dangerous, with venom containing 40 toxic proteins.

Notes:
Cabo Verde, an archipelago off West Africa, needs to invest 842 million from 2024-2030 (140 million per year) to tackle climate and development challenges. The World Bank’s report, Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025, launched on January 15, 2025, outlines these needs for enhancing climate resilience and sustainable development. World Bank released the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025. The CCDRs aim to integrate climate change considerations into development planning. These reports utilize extensive data and research to identify key climate vulnerabilities and potential pathways for action.

Notes:
India has developed the world’s most powerful hydrogen train engine with 1,200 horsepower. It was made by Indian Railways using indigenous technology. The first trial run will be conducted on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. This innovation supports hydrogen-powered trains and can be adapted for trucks, tugboats, and other vehicles.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2nd Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 on 17 January 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The first expo was held in February 2024 in New Delhi. The event unites the entire mobility sector, including automobiles, transportation infrastructure, electric vehicles, and digital technologies. It highlights India’s role as a global mobility hub, showcasing cutting-edge innovations. The expo is hosted at Bharat Mandapam, Yashoboomi in Delhi, and Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, from 17-22 January 2025.

Notes:
The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs launched the toolkit for the 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey. A new category, the “Super Swachh League,” has been introduced to recognize cities excelling in cleanliness. Cities are now categorized into five groups based on population, with awards for top cities in each group. Assessment will focus on parameters like waste management, sanitation, and cleanliness at tourist spots. The field assessment phase will run from February 15 to March 2025.

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 National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) launched the Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme. The program aims to create awareness and develop expertise in internet governance (IG) among Indian citizens. The initiative will build a pool of Indian talent to address emerging IG issues. The program offers bi-annual internships: six-month and three-month tracks. Interns receive mentorship from global experts and a stipend of ₹20,000/month, along with support for mandatory outreach programs.

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:
Assam police chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh is appointed as Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The CRPF, India’s premier central police force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, ensures internal security. It was established in 1939 as the Crown Representative’s Police during political unrest in princely states.