Best Current Affairs Questions

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Scientists are using two telescopes as part of the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT) to detect high-energy neutrinos beneath the Mediterranean Sea. The Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT) is located at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. Neutrinos are tiny, electrically neutral particles, discovered in 1959, and the second most abundant particles after photons. They rarely interact with matter, earning the nickname “ghost particles.” Detecting neutrinos is challenging due to their minimal interactions. KM3NeT, an underwater telescope, detects neutrino interactions via Cherenkov radiation in the sea, which provides ideal conditions for detection.

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The 24th Rashtriya Vanvasi Krida Pratiyogita held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Tribal athletes from across India, including the Andaman-Nicobar Islands and Manipur, participated in the event. The event was organized by the Vanvasi Vikas Samiti under the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. More than 800 tribal youth from 33 provinces are competing in sports like football and archery.

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India has officially banned nimesulide after research confirmed its toxic impact on endangered vultures. Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation relief in conditions like osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and fever. The drug was widely used for treating animals like cattle, pigs, and horses. It causes kidney damage in vultures, leading to health issues and a decline in their population. Symptoms like visceral gout indicate kidney damage in vultures. Nimesulide is banned for pediatric use in several countries and now in India under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

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Mira Bhayander in Maharashtra launched its City Climate Action Plan 2024-2047, becoming the fifth city in the state with a climate-resilient roadmap. Four other cities are Mumbai, Sholapur, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad). The plan targets a 36% reduction in emissions by 2047 through renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and improved waste management. The city’s emissions in 2023 were 1.34 million tonnes CO2e, with 62% from stationary energy, 22% from transport, and 16% from waste. Six priority sectors include energy, water, urban flooding, greening, mobility, and waste management. Measures include flood early warning systems, rooftop solar adoption, green retrofitting, and decentralized wastewater treatment.

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Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Elimination. The campaign was launched via video conference with State Health Ministers and officials from 13 LF-endemic States. It covers 111 districts with door-to-door administration of anti-filarial medication. Lymphatic Filariasis, also called “Hathi Paon”, is spread by mosquitoes and can cause lymphoedema and hydrocele, leading to severe disabilities.

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PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahiis) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is approved for five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to provide skill training through Short-Term Training, Upskilling/Re-skilling, and Entrepreneurship Development Programs. Training is conducted by empanelled institutes. It targets SCs, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Karamcharis, including waste pickers. A Union minister recently emphasized its importance in empowering marginalized communities.

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the 10th Financial Literacy Week (FLW) 2025 with the theme “Financial Literacy: Women’s Prosperity.” The event will be observed from February 24 to 28, 2025. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra inaugurated the event, emphasizing women’s role in inclusive and sustained economic growth. RBI planned multimedia campaigns to promote financial literacy for women. Banks were encouraged to conduct awareness activities. The initiative aligns with RBI’s goal of financial inclusion and gender equality in economic participation.

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The Green Credit Programme (GCP) was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) despite concerns from the Law Ministry over its legal validity. Green Credit (GC) is an incentive unit for engaging in environmentally positive activities and can be traded like carbon credits. The Green Credit Programme (GCP) operates under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It aims to increase forest cover, promote sustainable practices, and reward pro-environmental actions. Individuals, communities, and industries can earn Green Credits by participating in afforestation, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture. These credits can be sold to industries needing to meet environmental obligations like compensatory afforestation.

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A rare Binturong was captured on a camera trap by the Wildlife Trust of India’s Garo Green Spine project team in Narang Wari Village Reserve Forest, Meghalaya. The forest is in the buffer zone of Balpakram National Park. The Binturong, also known as the bearcat, is the largest civet in India. It is an omnivorous mammal found in dense forests of Southeast Asia. Its range extends from Nepal, India, and Bhutan to Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. Balpakram National Park, located in Meghalaya, is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. It is situated in the West Garo Hills district, about 134 km from Shillong. The park is called the “Land of Perpetual Winds” due to strong winds across the plateau.

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The Cradle of Humankind in South Africa has reopened to the public after being closed for three years due to flooding. It is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site known for its underground limestone caves. It is located near Johannesburg, South Africa. It includes several significant sites such as Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Taung Skull Fossil Site. The site provides critical scientific insight into human evolution, dating back over 3.5 million years.