Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025
21. Martin Guptill, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, belongs to which country?
[A] New Zealand
[B] Australia
[C] South Africa
[D] England
[B] Australia
[C] South Africa
[D] England
Correct Answer: A [New Zealand]
Notes:
Former New Zealand cricketer Martin Guptill retired from international cricket after a 14-year career (2009–2022). He played 367 matches (198 ODIs, 122 T20Is, 47 Tests) and scored 23 international centuries. Guptill is New Zealand’s leading T20I run-scorer (3,531 runs) and third-highest ODI run-scorer (7,346 runs). He scored New Zealand’s first ODI double-century (237*) in the 2015 ICC World Cup and a century on ODI debut in 2009. Known for spectacular fielding, he famously ran out MS Dhoni in the 2019 World Cup semifinal.
Former New Zealand cricketer Martin Guptill retired from international cricket after a 14-year career (2009–2022). He played 367 matches (198 ODIs, 122 T20Is, 47 Tests) and scored 23 international centuries. Guptill is New Zealand’s leading T20I run-scorer (3,531 runs) and third-highest ODI run-scorer (7,346 runs). He scored New Zealand’s first ODI double-century (237*) in the 2015 ICC World Cup and a century on ODI debut in 2009. Known for spectacular fielding, he famously ran out MS Dhoni in the 2019 World Cup semifinal.
22. What is the name of the DRDO’s clothing system designed for extreme cold weather operations?
[A] HIMKAVACH
[B] ARCTIC SHIELD
[C] SNOWGUARD
[D] WINTER WARRIOR
[B] ARCTIC SHIELD
[C] SNOWGUARD
[D] WINTER WARRIOR
Correct Answer: A [HIMKAVACH]
Notes:
HIMKAVACH is a multi-layer clothing system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed for extreme cold conditions ranging from +20°C to -60°C. It has successfully passed user trials and is specifically tailored for use in the Himalayan region. The system ensures optimal protection and functionality for soldiers facing harsh weather. Its effectiveness emphasizes India’s commitment to improving military preparedness in challenging environments, especially in border areas with extreme cold conditions.
HIMKAVACH is a multi-layer clothing system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed for extreme cold conditions ranging from +20°C to -60°C. It has successfully passed user trials and is specifically tailored for use in the Himalayan region. The system ensures optimal protection and functionality for soldiers facing harsh weather. Its effectiveness emphasizes India’s commitment to improving military preparedness in challenging environments, especially in border areas with extreme cold conditions.
23. Project Veer Gatha 4.0 a joint initiative of which ministries?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Youth Affairs
[B] Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education
[C] Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sports
[B] Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education
[C] Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sports
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education]
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.
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.
24. What is Trichophyton indotineae that was recently seen in news?
[A] Invasive weed
[B] Asteroid
[C] Fungal pathogen
[D] Newly discovered species of Fish
[B] Asteroid
[C] Fungal pathogen
[D] Newly discovered species of Fish
Correct Answer: C [Fungal pathogen]
Notes:
More than 30 dermatologists suggest renaming the fungus Trichophyton indotineae as its origin in India is unconfirmed despite reports from over 40 countries. Trichophyton indotineae is a fungal pathogen causing severe, treatment-resistant skin infections. It was named after India in 2020 based on isolates from India and Nepal. The fungus belongs to the dermatophyte group, causing dermatophytosis, which affects the skin, hair, and nails. It causes itchy, inflammatory infections on the groin, gluteal region, trunk, and face, affecting all ages and genders. It spreads via direct skin contact or contaminated objects and is resistant to terbinafine.
More than 30 dermatologists suggest renaming the fungus Trichophyton indotineae as its origin in India is unconfirmed despite reports from over 40 countries. Trichophyton indotineae is a fungal pathogen causing severe, treatment-resistant skin infections. It was named after India in 2020 based on isolates from India and Nepal. The fungus belongs to the dermatophyte group, causing dermatophytosis, which affects the skin, hair, and nails. It causes itchy, inflammatory infections on the groin, gluteal region, trunk, and face, affecting all ages and genders. It spreads via direct skin contact or contaminated objects and is resistant to terbinafine.
25. A rare carnivorous plant ‘Utricularia’ has been found at which national park in Rajasthan?
[A] Darrah National Park
[B] Desert National Park
[C] Keoladeo National Park
[D] Ranthambore National Park
[B] Desert National Park
[C] Keoladeo National Park
[D] Ranthambore National Park
Correct Answer: C [Keoladeo National Park]
Notes:
A rare carnivorous plant, Utricularia, has been found in large numbers at Rajasthan’s Keoladeo National Park. Utricularia, or bladderwort, belongs to the family Lentibulariaceae and includes 220 species found in temperate and tropical habitats worldwide. These plants lack roots and have floating stems with simple or divided leaves. They produce small carnivorous bladders that range from dark to transparent and trap tiny animals like insect larvae and water fleas. The trap door mechanism activates within milliseconds, capturing prey efficiently. Utricularia plants are found in lakes, streams, and waterlogged soils, with some species being invasive.
A rare carnivorous plant, Utricularia, has been found in large numbers at Rajasthan’s Keoladeo National Park. Utricularia, or bladderwort, belongs to the family Lentibulariaceae and includes 220 species found in temperate and tropical habitats worldwide. These plants lack roots and have floating stems with simple or divided leaves. They produce small carnivorous bladders that range from dark to transparent and trap tiny animals like insect larvae and water fleas. The trap door mechanism activates within milliseconds, capturing prey efficiently. Utricularia plants are found in lakes, streams, and waterlogged soils, with some species being invasive.
26. The first International Overseas Uttarakhandi Conference was organized in which city?
[A] Almora
[B] Dehradun
[C] Haldwani
[D] Nainital
[B] Dehradun
[C] Haldwani
[D] Nainital
Correct Answer: B [Dehradun]
Notes:
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.
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.
27. What is the IUCN status of Clouded Leopard that was recently seen in news?
[A] Critically Endangered
[B] Endangered
[C] Least Concern
[D] Vulnerable
[B] Endangered
[C] Least Concern
[D] Vulnerable
Correct Answer: D [Vulnerable]
Notes:
A new study highlights gaps in understanding the Clouded Leopard’s habitat, fragmentation, and connectivity, offering a conservation roadmap. The Clouded Leopard is a wild cat found in dense forests of the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and South China. There are two species: the mainland Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi). They are ancient cats but neither true great nor small cats, as they cannot roar or purr. Clouded Leopards prefer tropical rainforests but can also be found in woodlands and mangrove swamps. They are found in India’s northeastern states and are the state animal of Meghalaya. Both species are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN Red List.
A new study highlights gaps in understanding the Clouded Leopard’s habitat, fragmentation, and connectivity, offering a conservation roadmap. The Clouded Leopard is a wild cat found in dense forests of the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and South China. There are two species: the mainland Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi). They are ancient cats but neither true great nor small cats, as they cannot roar or purr. Clouded Leopards prefer tropical rainforests but can also be found in woodlands and mangrove swamps. They are found in India’s northeastern states and are the state animal of Meghalaya. Both species are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN Red List.
28. What is Hydroclimate Whiplash, that was recently highlighted in news?
[A] A sudden drop in atmospheric pressure
[B] A condition where an extremely wet season is followed by an extremely dry season
[C] A phenomenon of rising sea levels
[D] A rapid temperature drop over a short period
[B] A condition where an extremely wet season is followed by an extremely dry season
[C] A phenomenon of rising sea levels
[D] A rapid temperature drop over a short period
Correct Answer: B [A condition where an extremely wet season is followed by an extremely dry season]
Notes:
Experts link the severity of wildfires in the USA to hydroclimate whiplash, intensified by climate change. Hydroclimate whiplash is a rare condition where a wet season is followed by an extremely dry one. This leads to increased hazards like flash floods, wildfires, landslides, and disease outbreaks. It can harm water quality due to harmful algal blooms and excess organic or mineral content. It also affects food security by reducing plant productivity, causing crop failures, and leading to livestock mortality.
Experts link the severity of wildfires in the USA to hydroclimate whiplash, intensified by climate change. Hydroclimate whiplash is a rare condition where a wet season is followed by an extremely dry one. This leads to increased hazards like flash floods, wildfires, landslides, and disease outbreaks. It can harm water quality due to harmful algal blooms and excess organic or mineral content. It also affects food security by reducing plant productivity, causing crop failures, and leading to livestock mortality.
29. Which day is observed as Kokborok Day in Tripura?
[A] 18 January
[B] 19 January
[C] 20 January
[D] 21 January
[B] 19 January
[C] 20 January
[D] 21 January
Correct Answer: B [19 January]
Notes:
Kokborok Day is celebrated on January 19 annually. It holds great importance for the indigenous Tripuri people, especially in Tripura, India. The day honors the cultural heritage, history, and linguistic contributions of the Kokborok language. Kokborok is the mother tongue of the Tripuri community. The celebration promotes the language, traditions, and unity of the Tripuri people. It also raises awareness about preserving and promoting Kokborok.
Kokborok Day is celebrated on January 19 annually. It holds great importance for the indigenous Tripuri people, especially in Tripura, India. The day honors the cultural heritage, history, and linguistic contributions of the Kokborok language. Kokborok is the mother tongue of the Tripuri community. The celebration promotes the language, traditions, and unity of the Tripuri people. It also raises awareness about preserving and promoting Kokborok.
30. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) works under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs participated in the 20th Raising Day ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. NDRF was established in 2006 under Section 44 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, for specialized disaster response. It is a multi-skilled force equipped to handle natural and man-made disasters, including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and accidents. NDRF operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is led by a Director General.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs participated in the 20th Raising Day ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. NDRF was established in 2006 under Section 44 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, for specialized disaster response. It is a multi-skilled force equipped to handle natural and man-made disasters, including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and accidents. NDRF operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is led by a Director General.