Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025
1. Point Nemo, which was seen in news, is located in which ocean?
[A] Atlantic Ocean
[B] Pacific Ocean
[C] Arctic Ocean
[D] Indian Ocean
[B] Pacific Ocean
[C] Arctic Ocean
[D] Indian Ocean
Correct Answer: B [Pacific Ocean]
Notes:
Two young Indian Navy officers aboard INSV Tarini recently crossed Point Nemo in the southern Pacific during Navika Sagar Parikrama-II. Point Nemo is the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, the farthest point from any landmass on Earth. It is located in the South Pacific Ocean and is named after Captain Nemo from Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. It lies about 2,688 km from the nearest land. The closest human presence is often astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The region has minimal marine life and is used for space junk disposal due to its remoteness.
Two young Indian Navy officers aboard INSV Tarini recently crossed Point Nemo in the southern Pacific during Navika Sagar Parikrama-II. Point Nemo is the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, the farthest point from any landmass on Earth. It is located in the South Pacific Ocean and is named after Captain Nemo from Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. It lies about 2,688 km from the nearest land. The closest human presence is often astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The region has minimal marine life and is used for space junk disposal due to its remoteness.
2. The elusive Rusty-Spotted Cat was recently spotted in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
Notes:
The elusive rusty-spotted cat was recently spotted in the jungles of West Bengal’s Purulia district for the first time. It is the world’s smallest and lightest cat, weighing less than 1.5 kilograms. Scientifically known as Prionailurus rubiginosus, it features a fawn-grey coat with rusty spots, a short rounded head with white streaks by the eyes, and a moderately long, unmarked rusty tail. Its large eyes aid its nocturnal habits, while short legs and black-soled feet enhance agility. India holds 80% of its population, and it is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
The elusive rusty-spotted cat was recently spotted in the jungles of West Bengal’s Purulia district for the first time. It is the world’s smallest and lightest cat, weighing less than 1.5 kilograms. Scientifically known as Prionailurus rubiginosus, it features a fawn-grey coat with rusty spots, a short rounded head with white streaks by the eyes, and a moderately long, unmarked rusty tail. Its large eyes aid its nocturnal habits, while short legs and black-soled feet enhance agility. India holds 80% of its population, and it is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
3. The Araku Utsav tiled ‘Chali’ is organized in which state?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Araku Utsav titled “Chali” is organized in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh. The valley is part of the Eastern Ghats and sits between 600 m and 900 m above sea level. It houses the biodiverse Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forests, known for bauxite mining. Often called the “Ooty of Andhra,” it is home to various tribes, mainly the Araku Tribes. Araku Arabica Coffee, famous in the valley, earned a GI Tag in 2019. The valley is surrounded by mountains such as Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta, and Chitamogondi.
Araku Utsav titled “Chali” is organized in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh. The valley is part of the Eastern Ghats and sits between 600 m and 900 m above sea level. It houses the biodiverse Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forests, known for bauxite mining. Often called the “Ooty of Andhra,” it is home to various tribes, mainly the Araku Tribes. Araku Arabica Coffee, famous in the valley, earned a GI Tag in 2019. The valley is surrounded by mountains such as Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta, and Chitamogondi.
4. Which state government has launched the Satellite Township scheme to promote urban development?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
[B] Karnataka
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Karnataka Cabinet has approved the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Satellite Township, covering 8,032 acres between Bidadi and Harohalli. The project aims to decongest Bengaluru and will span 10 villages in Ramanagara district. Satellite towns, including Devanahalli and Magadi, will be developed with improved road and rail connectivity. The vision includes reducing urban congestion, creating jobs, and building sustainable infrastructure. A committee will oversee implementation, with a global tender for designing the township based on the “work-live-play” concept. The Greater Bangalore Development Authority will manage all development activities in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region.
Karnataka Cabinet has approved the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Satellite Township, covering 8,032 acres between Bidadi and Harohalli. The project aims to decongest Bengaluru and will span 10 villages in Ramanagara district. Satellite towns, including Devanahalli and Magadi, will be developed with improved road and rail connectivity. The vision includes reducing urban congestion, creating jobs, and building sustainable infrastructure. A committee will oversee implementation, with a global tender for designing the township based on the “work-live-play” concept. The Greater Bangalore Development Authority will manage all development activities in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region.
5. National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) is regulated and supervised by which institution?
[A] National Housing Bank (NHB)
[B] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[C] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
[D] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
[B] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[C] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
[D] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Correct Answer: B [Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]
Notes:
The Finance Minister announced that National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) will establish a partial credit enhancement facility for corporate bonds in the infrastructure sector. NaBFID is a specialized Development Finance Institution (DFI) supporting infrastructure development in India. It was established in 2021 under the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021. Its objectives include filling gaps in long-term infrastructure financing, developing bond and derivatives markets, and boosting economic growth. NaBFID is regulated and supervised by the RBI as an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI). It focuses on long-term credit solutions for infrastructure projects in India.
The Finance Minister announced that National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) will establish a partial credit enhancement facility for corporate bonds in the infrastructure sector. NaBFID is a specialized Development Finance Institution (DFI) supporting infrastructure development in India. It was established in 2021 under the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021. Its objectives include filling gaps in long-term infrastructure financing, developing bond and derivatives markets, and boosting economic growth. NaBFID is regulated and supervised by the RBI as an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI). It focuses on long-term credit solutions for infrastructure projects in India.
6. The Uttar Pradesh government has recently implemented ‘Operation Eleven’ in which city?
[A] Prayagraj
[B] Ayodhya
[C] Varanasi
[D] Gorakhpur
[B] Ayodhya
[C] Varanasi
[D] Gorakhpur
Correct Answer: A [Prayagraj]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh implemented ‘Operation Eleven’ for crowd management during the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan at Maha Kumbh. The plan ensures one-way traffic and smooth movement on pontoon bridges. Additional police forces and barricades have been deployed to prevent overcrowding at Triveni ghats. Special monitoring is in place at key locations for enhanced security. The initiative follows strict instructions from CM Yogi Adityanath under the state’s “zero-error” programme.
Uttar Pradesh implemented ‘Operation Eleven’ for crowd management during the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan at Maha Kumbh. The plan ensures one-way traffic and smooth movement on pontoon bridges. Additional police forces and barricades have been deployed to prevent overcrowding at Triveni ghats. Special monitoring is in place at key locations for enhanced security. The initiative follows strict instructions from CM Yogi Adityanath under the state’s “zero-error” programme.
7. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM) is administered by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Urban Development
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Urban Development
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Labour and Employment]
Notes:
The budget allocation for PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM) in 2025-26 increased by 37% compared to last year. PM-SYM provides old-age protection and social security for unorganized workers in India. It is a Central Sector Scheme administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, with LIC managing pensions. The scheme is implemented through Life Insurance Corporation and CSC eGovernance Services.
The budget allocation for PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM) in 2025-26 increased by 37% compared to last year. PM-SYM provides old-age protection and social security for unorganized workers in India. It is a Central Sector Scheme administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, with LIC managing pensions. The scheme is implemented through Life Insurance Corporation and CSC eGovernance Services.
8. “Ekuverin” is the joint military exercise between India and which country?
[A] Australia
[B] China
[C] Maldives
[D] France
[B] China
[C] Maldives
[D] France
Correct Answer: C [Maldives]
Notes:
The 13th edition of the India-Maldives military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ held in Maldives from 2-15 February 2025. The opening ceremony took place at the MNDF Official Composite Training Center in Maafilaafushi on 2 February 2025. ‘Ekuverin’ means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language. It is an annual bilateral exercise, held alternately in India and the Maldives since 2009. The 12th edition was held in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from June 11-24, 2023. A platoon-level contingent from both nations participates. The exercise enhances coordination for counter-insurgency, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.
The 13th edition of the India-Maldives military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ held in Maldives from 2-15 February 2025. The opening ceremony took place at the MNDF Official Composite Training Center in Maafilaafushi on 2 February 2025. ‘Ekuverin’ means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language. It is an annual bilateral exercise, held alternately in India and the Maldives since 2009. The 12th edition was held in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from June 11-24, 2023. A platoon-level contingent from both nations participates. The exercise enhances coordination for counter-insurgency, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.
9. Which country has recently approved a new non-opioid painkiller, Suzetrigine?
[A] France
[B] United States
[C] Australia
[D] Russia
[B] United States
[C] Australia
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: B [United States]
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.
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.
10. Which country has topped in Global Digital Well-Being Index 2025?
[A] India
[B] France
[C] Australia
[D] China
[B] France
[C] Australia
[D] China
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India leads the global index in digital well-being with a score of 67 out of 100. 58% of Indians are satisfied with their digital experiences, the highest among major countries. India has the strongest support networks for youth, with 9-12 sources of guidance. 78% of Indian Gen Z sought support, up from 65% in 2023. Parental engagement increased, with 70% of parents monitoring teens’ online activities.
India leads the global index in digital well-being with a score of 67 out of 100. 58% of Indians are satisfied with their digital experiences, the highest among major countries. India has the strongest support networks for youth, with 9-12 sources of guidance. 78% of Indian Gen Z sought support, up from 65% in 2023. Parental engagement increased, with 70% of parents monitoring teens’ online activities.