Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
The World Economic Forum released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report in collaboration with Accenture. It highlights how geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies, and cybercrime sophistication are reshaping cybersecurity. Geopolitical conflicts, like the Ukraine war, increase vulnerabilities in critical sectors such as energy and nuclear power. Two-thirds of organizations expect AI to impact cybersecurity, but only one-third have tools to manage AI-related risks. The cybersecurity workforce faces a 4.8 million professional gap, with only 14% of organizations having skilled teams. Supply chain complexities and third-party vulnerabilities hinder cyber resilience for over 50% of organizations. Generative AI is being used for advanced phishing and social engineering, with 42% of organizations facing such attacks in 2024.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, on January 15, 2025. The temple is now the second-largest ISKCON temple in Asia. The design of the temple blends spirituality and knowledge, with various facilities reflecting ISKCON’s mission to serve society.

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A sudden flood on January 15 in Bihar’s Darbhanga district devastated Rabi crops like wheat, maize, lentils, and vegetables in Kiratpur block. The flood was triggered by rising water levels in the Genhua River, caused by the unintended opening of a small floodgate on NH-56 in Madhubani. The Genhua River is located in Bihar.

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The Union Ministry of Culture and the Gujarat Government inaugurated a state-of-the-art museum and archaeological interpretation center in Vadnagar. Vadnagar, a 2,500-year-old town, was a hub on ancient trade routes, boasting rich heritage sites like Kirti Toran, Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Sharmistha Lake. The museum complex spans 12,500 sq. m., features nine galleries, a 4,000 sq. m. excavation site, and highlights 5,000 artifacts. The ₹298 crore project integrates sustainability and includes five years of operations and maintenance.

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The United States opened its fifth consulate in India in Bengaluru, joining Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The consulate aims to strengthen US-India ties, especially with Karnataka’s thriving IT and business ecosystem. The consulate will reduce dependency on Chennai for visa services, benefiting Karnataka residents and businesses.

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India becomes the fourth country to successfully achieve Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), after the US, Russia, and China. The technology allows two satellites to dock in space, enabling the assembly of larger modules and overcoming rocket payload limits. This technology is crucial for long-duration missions, Mars exploration, lunar sample return, and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station for resupply and crewed missions.

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China launched Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite, PRSC-EO1. The launch occurred from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using a Long March-2D carrier rocket. The satellite is equipped with electro-optical sensors for collecting Earth observation data.

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ISRO successfully demonstrated the restart of its Vikas liquid engine at the Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. The test is a significant step towards developing reusable launch vehicle technologies to reduce future space mission costs. The Vikas engine, named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, was conceptualized and designed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). LPSC specializes in designing and developing liquid propulsion stages for ISRO’s launch vehicles. The Vikas engine powers the liquid stages of PSLV, GSLV, and GSLV Mk-III launch vehicles, enhancing their payload capacities.

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Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) identified 23 species of blood-sucking flies, 13 new to India, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These flies, called “bhusi flies,” feed on livestock and wild animals and are similar to mosquitoes. Five species transmit the bluetongue disease virus, threatening livestock and agricultural economies. The study found 17 of the 23 species bite humans, but no human disease transmission was reported. Researchers emphasize the need for surveillance and control measures, especially due to the region’s tourism significance. The study was conducted in 2022-2023, with plans for further surveys and genetic studies.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested an Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor for 120 seconds. Scramjets, an upgrade to ramjets, generate thrust via supersonic airflows and combustion. They operate at hypersonic speeds, exceeding Mach 5 (over 5,400 km/hr). Hypersonic missiles can bypass air defense systems for rapid, high-impact strikes. Countries like the USA, Russia, India, and China are advancing hypersonic technology. Scramjets are air-breathing engines sustaining supersonic combustion without moving parts. Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a DRDO lab in Hyderabad, developed this scramjet-powered hypersonic technology. This milestone boosts hypersonic missiles, fast air transport, and low-cost satellite launches.