Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

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:
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report “Prospects for Children in 2025” warns of escalating crises affecting children globally. More than 473 million children, or 19%, lived in conflict zones in 2023, facing risks like displacement, starvation, and trauma. Nearly 400 million children are in countries burdened by debt, limiting education, healthcare, and social services. In low-income nations, debt servicing outpaces social spending, deepening poverty for 1.8 billion children. Climate change impacts children, with only 2.4% of climate finance directed to child-responsive initiatives. Digital inequality affects access to essential services, especially for youth in low-income countries and adolescent girls. UNICEF calls for increased financing to protect children’s health, education, and well-being.

Notes:
A family of four drowned in the Bharathapuzha River recently. Bharathapuzha is Kerala’s second longest river, flowing 209 km. The Bharathapuzha River flows through the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It’s also known as the Nila River or Ponnani River. The Bharathapuzha originates in the Annamalai hills in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. It flows northwest through the Pollachi taluk of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu It enters the Palghat district of Kerala through the Palghat gap It drains into the Arabian Sea near Ponnani town in Kerala. The Malampuzha dam is the largest dam on the river.

Notes:
The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report highlights the rising influence of Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs), led by China, India, and Brazil. EMDEs have significantly increased their global economic share from 2000 to 2025, with India maintaining leadership as the fastest-growing economy. India’s growth rate is projected at 6.7% annually for FY26–FY27, driven by robust services and manufacturing sectors. Services expansion and increased exports are enhancing South Asia’s trade integration, while manufacturing benefits from improved logistics and tax reforms. Private consumption is rising due to a strong labor market, better credit access, and declining inflation.

Notes:
The India Open 2025 badminton tournament concluded in New Delhi with outstanding performances. Viktor Axelsen of Denmark won his third India Open men’s singles title, defeating Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong China 21-16, 21-8. Axelsen previously won the India Open in 2017 and 2019. An Se-young of South Korea dominated the women’s singles final, defeating Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-12, 21-9 in just 39 minutes. Both champions are Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists, showcasing their world-class talent.

Notes:
The Commerce Ministry introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme to boost India’s diamond industry’s global competitiveness. Effective from April 1, 2025, it allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds under ¼ carat for export purposes. The scheme mandates a 10% value addition export obligation. It supports MSME exporters by creating a level playing field with larger players. Inspired by diamond beneficiation policies in countries like Botswana, it aims to maintain India’s global leadership in the diamond value chain.

Notes:
Karnataka is hosting the 6th edition of the international millets festival 2025 in Bengaluru from January 23. More than 300 millet product manufacturers and farmer organizations will showcase their products. A symposium on “Transformation of agrifood systems through agri-ecology” will be held, with experts from 10 countries. The event is in collaboration with GIZ Germany and FiBL Switzerland. Karnataka, a major producer of nutri cereals, grows millets on 18.37 lakh hectares. Ragi, jowar, and bajra are the major millets grown in the state, with minor millets covering 0.31 lakh hectares.

Notes:
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying hosted a two-day conclave in Shillong from January 23-24 to boost investment in North East India’s livestock sector. The conclave aimed to discuss strategies for the sector’s development, assess challenges, and explore growth opportunities through technological interventions and policy support. It focused on value chain strengthening, knowledge sharing, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Notes:
Parakram Diwas 2025 is celebrated from January 23-25 at Barabati Fort in Cuttack, the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The event commemorates Bose’s 128th birth anniversary and honors his contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Parakram Diwas, observed annually on January 23, aims to instill fearlessness and patriotism, particularly among the youth. The celebration seeks to inspire resilience and encourage standing strong against challenges in life.

Notes:
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has published the report on Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Agrifood systems. The report highlights the challenges of nitrogen use in agrifood systems. Humans add 150 teragrams (Tg) of reactive nitrogen annually through agriculture and industry, with climate change possibly increasing this to 600 Tg by 2100. Nitrogen loss occurs through ammonia, nitrogen oxides, nitrous oxide emissions, and nitrate leaching, harming ecosystems and contributing to air pollution. Livestock sectors, synthetic fertilizers, land-use changes, and manure emissions are key nitrogen polluters. Judicious nitrogen use boosts crop yields, while excess use worsens global warming and environmental degradation.