Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of India’s first Green Hydrogen Hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). NGHM was announced in January 2023 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Its objective is to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export. The target is to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

Notes:
The government shifted revenue secretary Arunish Chawla to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) ahead of the Union Budget. Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the DIPAM Secretary, is now appointed as the new revenue secretary and designated finance secretary. Chawla, a 1992-batch IAS officer from Bihar, was previously Secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals. Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer from Odisha, is known for his role in the disinvestment of Air India and Neelanchal Ispat Nigam Ltd to Tata Group. Chawla will also handle additional responsibilities as Secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises.

Notes:
Ayodhya will host the Pratishtha Dwadashi festival from January 11 to 13, marking the first anniversary of Ram Lalla’s installation in the grand temple. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will perform Ram Lalla’s ‘abhishek’ on January 11 and inaugurate a cultural programme at Angad Tila. A three-day Shri Ram Raag-Seva programme will feature music, dance, and instrumental performances near the temple’s sanctum. Renowned artistes like Usha Mangeshkar, Rakesh Chaurasia, and Shobhana Narayan will perform throughout the festival.

Notes:
India launched the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessible globally. The data set enables advancements in genomics, personalized healthcare, and medicine. IBDC supports seamless access to genetic data, aiding researchers in studying genetic variations and developing precise genomic tools. The Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) ensures ethical and secure genomic data sharing under Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines. The GenomeIndia project, led by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), creates a comprehensive genetic diversity database for cutting-edge research. India plans to sequence 10 million genomes, enhancing innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology.

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Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, to the Indian Navy on Jan 9, 2025. This marks the completion of Project P-75, enhancing India’s submarine fleet. INS Vaghsheer underwent rigorous trials and features advanced stealth technology, precision-guided weapons, and indigenous systems. The submarine strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence technology. MDL is poised for Project 75(I), building nuclear-powered submarines. The shipyard now has the capacity to build up to 10 capital warships and 11 submarines simultaneously, advancing India’s naval capabilities.

Notes:
Project ‘Veer Gatha 4.0’ has received a huge nationwide response as part of Republic Day celebrations. It was launched in 2021 under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The project aims to spread awareness of Gallantry awardees’ bravery and life stories, instilling patriotism and civic values in students. It is a joint initiative by the Ministries of Defence and Education. The initiative’s inspiring journey has expanded its reach nationwide.

Notes:
A group of 12 critically endangered Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) was recently spotted at Desert National Park (DNP) in Rajasthan, boosting conservation efforts. Desert National Park (DNP) is located in the Thar Desert near Jaisalmer and spans over 3,160 sq. km, making it one of India’s largest national parks. The park lies in an extremely arid region with annual rainfall below 100 mm. Its terrain includes craggy rocks, salt lake bottoms, dunes (20% of the park), and three main lakes: Rajbaugh, Malik Talao, and Padam Talao.

Notes:
Scientists at the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported 2024 as the hottest year since global temperature tracking began in 1850. Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) is part of the European Union’s (EU) Copernicus Earth Observation Programme and is managed by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). It provides free access to climate data on past, present, and future climates globally. C3S’s Climate Data Store offers updated datasets, tools, and expert guidance for visualizing climate information. The service supports a wide range of users, including scientists, policymakers, and the public.

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:
Researchers at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, China, developed Electrokinetic Mining (EKM) for eco-friendly extraction of rare earth elements (REEs). EKM uses an electric field to concentrate REEs, simplifying their separation. REEs are 17 metallic elements with critical properties for modern technologies, including magnetic, electronic, and chemical applications. EKM relies on electrokinetics, which involves the movement of particles or fluids under an electric field to extract REEs from ore.