Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Researchers have identified Stellaria bengalensis, an annual herb, in Kalimpong, West Bengal. It grows at altitudes of 2,245-2,450 meters in muddy soil slopes, similar to Stellaria mcclintockiae found in Kerala earlier this year. Stellaria bengalensis is an annual herb, 8-10.5 cm tall, with white flowers, no bracts, and sharp, pointed seeds. India has about 22 Stellaria species, mostly in the Himalayas, and the new species is currently assessed as ‘data deficient’ by IUCN.

Notes:
Sevdalinka, a traditional Bosnian love song, has been included in UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Originating in the 16th century, it blends South Slavic poetry with Ottoman music, reflecting a melancholic essence. Traditionally passed down through generations during family gatherings, it is often performed a cappella or with instruments like the lute. Younger musicians are revitalizing Sevdalinka, keeping its essence alive while reaching global audiences. UNESCO recognition highlights Sevdalinka’s cultural and historical significance.

Notes:
The ‘Sanskriti Utsava’ is set to celebrate Uttar Pradesh’s foundation day with the theme ‘Uttar Pradesh Parv: Hamari Sanskriti-Hamari Pehchaan’. Scheduled from January 2 to January 26, 2025, the festival aims to promote classical, semi-classical, and folk arts through competitions at various levels. It seeks to discover emerging talents and enrich the state’s cultural heritage, showcasing diverse genres like Khayal, Dhrupad, and various folk music styles, along with classical dance forms such as Kathak and Bharatnatyam.

Notes:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Blue Origin a commercial space launch license for the New Glenn rocket. The New Glenn rocket was developed by Blue Origin, an American space technology company. New Glenn is a heavy-lift, two-stage rocket named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. It stands 320 feet tall and has a 7-meter-wide payload fairing. The first stage is reusable, powered by seven BE-4 engines, producing over 3.8 million pounds of thrust. The second stage uses two BE-3U engines, powered by liquid hydrogen and oxygen, generating over 320,000 pounds of vacuum thrust.

Notes:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Drugs Control Directorate, West Bengal, seized spurious drugs worth ₹6.6 crore in a Kolkata raid. The owner of the wholesale firm was arrested in connection with the case. CDSCO is India’s National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for the medical devices industry. It operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and enforces the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) heads the CDSCO. CDSCO’s headquarters are in New Delhi.

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.

Notes:
Gujarat government and Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG) conducted India’s first coastal and wader bird census from January 3 to 5, 2025, at the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in Jamnagar. Jamnagar district in Gujarat hosts 300+ bird species, including 50+ wader bird species. The three-day event includes expert talks on Day 1, bird counting on Day 2, and a closing ceremony with knowledge sharing on Day 3. The census will focus on wader and coastal bird species in the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary.

Notes:
Scientists have shown that a nano-formulation of melatonin enhances its antioxidative and neuroprotective properties, offering potential for treating Parkinson’s disease (PD). Melatonin is a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness, regulating sleep-wake cycles. It peaks secretion in the middle of the night, gradually reducing toward morning. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement, balance, and the nervous system. The average onset age for PD is 60 years, with men being more commonly affected than women. Risk of Parkinson’s naturally increases with age.

Notes:
IIT Madras is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture on Project VISTAAR to enhance agricultural extension through digitalization. Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) aims to strengthen the agricultural extension system. The project highlights opportunities for start-ups to innovate and improve agriculture and allied sectors. Start-ups can help farmers with technologies for better productivity and market information. IIT Madras’ Centre for Research on Start-ups developed a platform with data on 12,000 agriculture-related start-ups. The MoU enables farmers and stakeholders to access start-up capabilities and improve agricultural efficiency.

Notes:
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.