Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Project Abhay, an initiative to boost truck drivers’ health and safety. The project, developed by IIT Delhi’s Centre for Rural Development & Technology (CRDT), screens truck drivers’ health. Over 50,000 truck drivers across six states were screened, focusing on health and vision issues. More than half of drivers had vision problems, and the project successfully corrected many. The initiative improved drivers’ social security benefits and quality of life.

Notes:
The saffron reedtail damselfly, also known as Indosticta deccanensis, was recently spotted for the first time in Karnataka along the Netravati River. This rare species is endemic to the Western Ghats and is part of the shadow damselfly family (Platystictidae). It has slender bodies with saffron coloration and thrives in pristine, slow-moving forest streams. Previously found in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this discovery extends its known range. Damselflies are predatory, aerial insects found near freshwater habitats, and their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem.

Notes:
The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, is drifting toward South Georgia Island after breaking from Antarctica’s Filchner Ice Shelf. South Georgia Island is a mountainous, barren island in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the British overseas territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, covering 3,756 sq.km. The island has over 160 glaciers and peaks like Mount Paget (2,935 m).

Notes:
World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4 to raise awareness about cancer and its prevention, detection, and treatment. It was established by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in 2000. The day unites communities, individuals, and organizations to tackle cancer-related challenges. The theme for World Cancer Day 2025 is “United by Unique.” It promotes a people-centered approach, recognizing that each cancer patient’s experience is unique. The campaign advocates for personalized care to ensure effective and compassionate treatment.

Notes:
United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Suzetrigine, a new non-opioid painkiller. Opioids are drugs derived from the opium poppy plant or designed to mimic them. Examples include oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, and fentanyl. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and creating euphoric sensations. While effective for pain relief, opioids carry a high risk of addiction and dependence. Suzetrigine offers an alternative to opioids, reducing the risk of opioid addiction.

Notes:
Bart De Wever was sworn in as Belgium’s Prime Minister by King Philippe on 3rd February 2025. He replaced Alexander De Croo, who led a seven-party coalition government. The June 2024 elections did not give a decisive mandate to any party or coalition. Belgium has a complex political system, divided into Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia. De Wever is the first nationalist Flanders leader to become PM.

Notes:
Indrayani River in Pune is covered with toxic white foam amid rising Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases linked to water contamination. It is located in Maharashtra. It originates from the Western Ghats near Lonavala and flows 103.5 km through Pune district before merging into the Bhima River, a tributary of the Krishna River. The river is rain-fed and supports irrigation and agriculture. It has religious significance, with Alandi (samadhi of Dnyaneshwar) and Dehu (hometown of Saint Tukaram) on its banks. Valvan Dam at Kamshet on the river is used for hydroelectric power generation.

Notes:
Russia is reportedly starting large-scale production of Iskander-M tactical ballistic missiles. The Iskander (SS-26 Stone) is a road-mobile short-range ballistic missile system, first used in 2008 against Georgia. It is developed by Russia. It is designed for tactical strikes on small, high-value land targets. The missile is 7.3 meters long, weighs 3,750 kg, and has a 500 km range with a payload of 480-700 kg. It can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, travel at Mach 7, and reach over 30 miles in altitude. Equipped with decoys, maneuverable reentry, and self-targeting to bypass defense systems.

Notes:
Ranikhet disease has caused the death of 1.5 lakh chickens in Andhra Pradesh. It is a contagious viral disease affecting poultry like chickens, turkeys, and ducks. It is caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1). The disease attacks birds’ respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. It leads to production drops and fertility issues in birds. Morbidity is high, and mortality ranges from 50 to 100%. It is a minor zoonosis, potentially causing mild conjunctivitis in humans, but usually self-limiting.

Notes:
The Blue Ghost Lander is developed by Firefly Aerospace for lunar exploration. It will deliver scientific payloads to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis Program. The lander supports NASA’s Lunar Surface Operations Program for sustainable human exploration. It marks a significant step in private sector involvement in space missions. The mission aims to advance lunar research and exploration efforts.