Daily Current Affairs Quiz: February 22, 2025

Notes:
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a major global birding event where birdwatchers count species. Bengal led India in bird species recorded for the third consecutive year. The event took place from February 14 to 17, 2025, with India documenting 1,068 species. Bengal recorded 543 species, showcasing its rich bird diversity. Rare species like the Ibisbill and Common Starling were spotted.

Notes:
A study identified 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC), a cholesterol metabolite, as a key factor in Parkinson’s disease progression. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement. It weakens and damages nerve cells, leading to tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. As it worsens, patients struggle with walking, talking, and daily tasks. The disease mainly affects the substantia nigra, a brain region producing dopamine.

Notes:
India became the second country after China to launch an Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu launched the EPL on 20 February 2025 at Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi. The EPL is part of the Digital India initiative and aims to improve Ease of Doing Business. It replaces the existing smart card with a digital license accessible through the eGCA Mobile App.

Notes:
A proposal to transfer water from Manikaran to Kasol for a hot bath facility has sparked local opposition. Manikaran is a small town in Himachal Pradesh, known for its hot springs and religious significance. It is situated in Parvati Valley along the Parvati River at 1,829 meters altitude. The town is famous for natural hot springs believed to have healing properties. The water is said to be radioactive and beneficial for rheumatism. Manikaran is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs, home to a Shiva temple, Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, and a Rama temple.

Notes:
The 34th International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)- Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) Asian Cup table tennis tournament is held from February 19–23, 2025 at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center in Shenzhen, China. Athletes from various countries are participating in the event. India’s men’s team is led by veteran player Sharath Kamal. The tournament’s mascot was “Peng Peng”, named after Shenzhen’s nickname “Pengcheng”.