Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
The Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad and Bhuj Historic Water Systems in Gujarat are listed in the 2025 World Monuments Watch by the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF). These sites face risks from climate change and water crises, highlighting the need for advocacy and preservation. WMF emphasizes heritage as a pathway for rejuvenation, sustainability, and resilience amid Hyderabad’s environmental challenges and rapid change.

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Indian and Argentine armies jointly summited Mt Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas at 6,995 meters, on Army Day, January 15, 2025. The expedition began on January 3, 2025, and featured 23 participants, including an eight-member Indian team led by Lt Col Manoj Joshi and a 15-member Argentine contingent. Mt Aconcagua, located in the Andes of Argentina, is the highest peak in South America and outside Asia, standing at 6,962 meters. The mountain is of volcanic origin but is not currently active.

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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.

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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 Startup India mission’s success owes much to funding mechanisms like the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS). FFS was launched in 2016 with a Rs 10,000 crore corpus, aligned with the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions. Its goal is to boost the Indian startup ecosystem and provide access to domestic capital. FFS does not invest directly in startups but funds SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which invest in startups via equity and equity-linked instruments. The scheme is operated by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

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Nepal’s Yala Glacier, a key glacier in the Langtang Valley, is projected to disappear by the 2040s. It is part of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region and is extensively studied in the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) database. Yala Glacier is the only Himalayan glacier on the Global Glacier Casualty List. Globally, there are over 275,000 glaciers, covering 700,000 sq km and storing 70% of Earth’s fresh water, including ice sheets. Yala Glacier is crucial for studying the cryosphere and understanding climate impacts on Himalayan glaciers.

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Tropical Cyclone Sean, currently Category 3, is affecting Western Australia, expected to weaken further by January 22, 2025. It peaked as a Category 4 cyclone, forming on January 20, 2025, due to warm sea temperatures and favourable atmospheric conditions. Karratha recorded its heaviest daily rainfall at 274 mm, causing flooding and infrastructure disruptions. Floodwaters impacted roads and homes; emergency services are managing rescues and power outages. The cyclone, now offshore about 400 km, poses no direct threat to the mainland. Authorities urge vigilance, though no additional cyclones are forecasted in the region.

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India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics, focusing on sustainable sports infrastructure. The first International Olympic Research Conference will be held at Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat from January 27-30, 2025. Organized by the Indian Olympic Association, the event aims to address financial challenges and create a sustainable roadmap for hosting the Olympics.

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A rare Umamaheshwara metal sculpture was found in Taggunje, Ajri village, Udupi district, Karnataka. Likely made in the 17th century using a 12th-century style, the idol is crafted from five metals. The sculpture uniquely combines Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult traditions. Lord Shiva is depicted seated with Parvati on his lap, Ganesha on the right, Shanmukha on the left, and Nandi below. Shiva’s features include Jatamukuta, a third eye, a parashu, a deer, and a five-headed serpent umbrella. The platform inscription in 17th-century Kannada mentions the use of 3 gadhyanas of gold (14% gold content).

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Kashmir’s iconic Chinar trees (Platanus orientalis) have been geo-tagged and equipped with QR codes for digital protection. The trees reach up to 30 meters and take 30 to 50 years to mature, with vibrant seasonal leaf colors. The oldest Chinar, around 700 years old, was planted by Sufi Saint Syed Qasim Shah in Budgam. Its unique leaves change colors with the seasons and have various uses, including medicine, interior furniture, and dyeing. The project, led by the J&K Forest Research Institute, aims to track changes and address risk factors in the tree’s growth and health.