Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
China unveiled the CR450, the world’s fastest high-speed train, with test speeds of 450 km/h and a commercial speed of 400 km/h. It surpasses the CR400 Fuxing trains (350 km/h) and reflects breakthroughs in speed, energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. Developed through 200,000 km of tests, 3,000 simulations, and 2,000 platform tests. Features include water-cooled traction, high-stability bogies, and a 20% reduction in energy use. Enhances passenger comfort with noise reduction, spacious cabins, and storage for bicycles and wheelchairs. Aligns with China’s plan to expand its rail network to 70,000 km by 2035.

Notes:
IIT Bombay developed a shockwave-based, needle-free syringe for painless drug delivery, reducing skin damage and infection risks. The syringe uses high-energy shockwaves to create a microjet of liquid drug that penetrates the skin without needles. It consists of a driver, driven section, and drug holder, powered by pressurized nitrogen gas. Effective in tests on rats, it showed deeper tissue penetration with minimal skin damage. The device supports over 1,000 uses, needing only nozzle replacements, making it cost-effective. It could accelerate immunization drives like Mission Indradhanush and lower risks of needle-related infections.

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Karnataka government announced a ₹100 crore plan to develop Yadgir Fort under the “One District, One Spot” initiative to boost tourism. ₹33 crore comes from the MLA grant, and ₹67 crore from the state government. Yadgir Fort is located in Yadgir district, one of the largest forts in Karnataka. The fort is built on a monolith, measuring 850m in length, 500m in width, and 100m in height. It has inscriptions from various dynasties like Kalyana Chalukyas, Yadavas, Bahmani Sultans, and others.

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Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin inaugurated India’s first-ever glass bridge at Kanyakumari. The bridge connects the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue. It is part of a Rs 37-crore initiative by the Tamil Nadu government. The bridge enhances the region’s tourism infrastructure.

Notes:
Global Family Day, also called World Peace Day, is observed annually on January 1 to promote peace and unity worldwide. It emphasizes the idea that all people are interconnected regardless of nationality, borders, or ethnicity. The concept originated in 1997 when the UN General Assembly declared the International Decade for the Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for Children of the World. The UN officially recognized Global Family Day in 2001 after its initial success in 1999.

Notes:
The Gujarat government approved the creation of Vav-Tharad district by bifurcating Banaskantha district. The new district will have its headquarters in Tharad town. This raises the total number of districts in Gujarat to 34. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The move addresses a longstanding public demand and aims to improve administrative efficiency.

Notes:
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting to review progress on defense reforms and projects. 2025 has been declared the ‘Year of Reforms’ for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The goal is to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force. Key focus areas include improving Jointness & Integration, enhancing cyber and space capabilities, and integrating emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and hypersonics. Acquisition procedures will be simplified, and public-private partnerships will be promoted. The reforms aim to improve defense exports, optimize resources, and ensure veterans’ welfare.

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Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) launched the ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative to empower women entrepreneurs in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra. It focuses on training women in traditional snack production to build sustainable ventures. MBMC collaborates with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) under the ‘Award to Reward’ program. ‘Faral Sakhi’ set up a central kitchen, enabling SHG women to produce and sell snacks professionally, with municipal support for sales and advertising. The initiative aims to create sustainable employment and inspire societal transformation.

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SJVN Ltd, formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, signed an MoU with the Bihar Government to develop the 1000 MW Hathidah Durgawati Pumped Storage Project (PSP) in Kaimur district, Bihar. The project will generate 2,308.65 million units annually and cost ₹5,663 crore. It will create around 5,000 jobs and boost Bihar’s renewable energy and storage capabilities. SJVN plans to invest ₹10,000 crore for PSP development in Bihar. Four PSPs were allocated to SJVN, with Hathidah Durgawati prioritized for its viability. SJVN is also developing 12,000 MW of PSPs across other states to support India’s renewable energy goals.

Notes:
Telangana government engaged IIT-Hyderabad experts to study the Polavaram project’s impact on the Godavari River. The Polavaram Project is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. It aims to address water scarcity, boost agriculture, and generate power. The dam spans 1.2 km, with 48 radial gates and a spillway designed to withstand massive floods. The project aims to develop 4.36 lakh ha of irrigation, generate 960 MW of power, supply water to 28.5 lakh people, and divert 80 TMC water to the Krishna basin.