Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Scientists discovered a new species of ‘supergiant’ sea bug in Vietnam, named Bathynomus vaderi, due to its resemblance to Darth Vader’s helmet. This species can grow up to 32.5 cm and weigh over a kilogram, making it one of the largest isopods. These sea bugs have become a delicacy in Vietnam, raising concerns about overfishing due to their slow reproduction rate.

Notes:
ISRO launched the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite for the NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) navigation system. NVS-02 is the second of five second-generation satellites to replace older ones in India’s navigation constellation. It weighs 2,250 kg, has a 3 kW power capacity, and includes navigation payloads in L1, L5, S, and C bands. The satellite features a Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard for precise timekeeping and has a 12-year lifespan.

Notes:
India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with a colorful parade in New Delhi, showcasing military strength, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the guest of honor. Indonesia was also India’s chief guest on its first Republic Day in 1950. India and Indonesia signed pacts on maritime security, health, traditional medicine, and are working on a defense cooperation framework. This includes technology sharing for surface-to-surface missiles, air defense systems, and submarine construction. India welcomed Indonesia’s decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure early.

Notes:
Alexander Lukashenko won a seventh term as Belarusian president with 86.8% of the vote, per the Central Election Commission. Lukashenko has won every presidential election since 1994, often amid controversy. Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. The capital and largest city of Belarus is Minsk.

Notes:
Serbia’s Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned after massive anti-corruption protests over a deadly canopy collapse in Novi Sad. The collapse in November killed 15 people and sparked public outrage against President Aleksandar Vucic’s rule. Vucevic said his resignation aims to ease tensions and restore dialogue in the country. Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric also resigned. The resignation may lead to early parliamentary elections.

Notes:
The Asian Waterbird Census 2025 recorded 39,725 birds from 106 species in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby wetlands. It is a citizen-science program supporting wetland and waterbird conservation globally. Conducted annually, it is part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) and began in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent. In India, it is conducted in early January by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII). BNHS is an NGO engaged in biodiversity research and is a BirdLife International partner in India.

Notes:
The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched the MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) initiative to help small businesses adopt digital commerce. It has a budget of ₹277.35 crore for three years and aims to onboard 5 lakh MSMEs onto Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The initiative focuses on inclusivity, targeting 50% women-led enterprises. MSMEs will get digital storefronts, payment solutions, and logistics support via ONDC. More than 150 workshops will educate MSMEs, especially women-led and SC/ST-led businesses. A dedicated portal will offer training, financial aid, and grievance support. The initiative aligns with India’s digital transformation goals and complements schemes like PM Vishwakarma and Digital MSME.

Notes:
Doordarshan received an award for its voter awareness campaign during the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. It won in the Electronic Media category for its special series “Chunav Ka Parv Desh Ka Garv”. The initiative helped educate first-time voters and strengthened India’s democratic process. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Doordarshan’s Director-General Kanchan Prasad on Republic Day 2025. The award recognizes Doordarshan’s commitment to responsible media outreach across India.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh’s Mahakumbh tableau won the best tableau award at the 76th Republic Day celebrations. Tripura’s tableau on Kharchi Puja secured second place, followed by Andhra Pradesh’s tableau on Etikoppaka Bommalu wooden toys. Jammu & Kashmir Rifles won best marching contingent among services, while Delhi Police topped in the CAPF/auxiliary forces category. Ministry of Tribal Affairs won for its Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh tableau. Special prizes were given to Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for its Constitution of India tableau and the Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam Dance Group.

Notes:
Andhra Pradesh launched ‘Mana Mitra’ with Meta to offer governance via WhatsApp. Minister Nara Lokesh initiated the service to bring government services directly to citizens. 161 civil services are available in the first phase, expanding to 360 in the second. An official WhatsApp number, 9552300009, has been assigned for access. 36 government departments are connected to the platform. Certificates come with QR codes linking to the AP government website to prevent fraud. Blockchain technology and AI-powered bots will be integrated in the next phase. The initiative aims to make governance seamless and accessible.