Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath launched the All India Radio Kumbhvani FM channel (103.5 MHz) for Maha Kumbh 2025 at Circuit House, Prayagraj. The channel will bring Mahakumbh to remote areas, providing live commentary for those unable to attend. It aims to spread the ambience of the Mahakumbh globally, promoting India’s religious traditions and providing vital information to devotees.

Notes:
Zoological Survey of India scientists recently discovered a new pangolin species, the Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica), in Arunachal Pradesh. This species is genetically distinct from the Chinese (Manis pentadactyla) and Indian (Manis crassicaudata) pangolins. Genetic analysis shows an 8% difference from the Chinese pangolin, with divergence around 3.4 million years ago. The species is found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and possibly Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, at altitudes between 180-1830 meters. It has dark brown and olive-brown scales with a pinkish face, typical of Asian pangolins.

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China launched the world’s largest Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) project, “Nengchu-1”. It has begun full operation in Yingcheng, Hubei Province, China. It marks a milestone in China’s energy storage technologies and is the largest CAES facility globally. CAES stores electrical energy as potential energy by compressing air into sealed spaces like underground mines or salt rock caverns. Energy is stored during off-peak hours and released to the grid during peak demand.

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Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the International Overseas Uttarakhandi Conference in Dehradun, fostering ties with global migrants. The state seeks investment in tourism, agriculture, power, wellness, and manufacturing, emphasizing policy reforms and improved infrastructure. A migrant cell and venture fund were announced to support collaboration with migrants. CM Dhami urged migrants to adopt villages or children to address migration issues and preserve heritage.

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Russia has formed an emergency task force to address an oil spill in the Kerch Strait. The Kerch Strait links the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov and separates Crimea from Russia’s Taman Peninsula. It is 3 km long, 15 km wide, and 18 meters deep, with its narrowest point being 3-5 km. Kerch city is situated on the Crimean side of the strait. The Kerch Strait is a crucial global shipping route.

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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.

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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.

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.

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The Forest Department is urging residents of Sheribikanahalli Tanda, in the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, to relocate due to the area’s ecological sensitivity. Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kalburgi District, North Karnataka, and spans 134.88 sq.km. It was declared a sanctuary in 2011. It is the first dry land wildlife sanctuary in South India and is also referred to as the Ooty of Telangana. The sanctuary is home to the Chandrampalli dam and four smaller dams. It also shelters the Lambani Tandas, a protected tribal community living in the forest.