Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025
1. Which Indian institution has developed a new method to predict solar storms’ impact on Earth?
[A] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
[B] Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
[C] Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)
[D] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
[B] Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
[C] Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)
[D] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Correct Answer: B [Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)]
Notes:
Indian researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru developed a new method to measure solar storms’ size and speed. The method improves predictions of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which can disrupt Earth’s communication systems and power grids. It measures CME radial size and expansion speed, crucial for understanding their impact on Earth’s magnetic field. The approach estimates instantaneous expansion speed using a single observation point, making it more efficient. The method was tested on a 2010 CME event and will be used with Aditya-L1 for better space weather forecasting.
Indian researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru developed a new method to measure solar storms’ size and speed. The method improves predictions of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which can disrupt Earth’s communication systems and power grids. It measures CME radial size and expansion speed, crucial for understanding their impact on Earth’s magnetic field. The approach estimates instantaneous expansion speed using a single observation point, making it more efficient. The method was tested on a 2010 CME event and will be used with Aditya-L1 for better space weather forecasting.
2. Caimanera and Boquerón Ports, which were seen in news, are located in which water body?
[A] Black Sea
[B] Guantánamo Bay
[C] Red Sea
[D] Hudson Bay
[B] Guantánamo Bay
[C] Red Sea
[D] Hudson Bay
Correct Answer: B [Guantánamo Bay]
Notes:
The US President signed an executive order to prepare a large-scale migrant detention center at Guantánamo Bay. Guantánamo Bay, located in southeastern Cuba, is a sheltered inlet with strategic importance, near the Windward Passage. It is served by the ports of Caimanera and Boquerón. “Gitmo” has housed terrorism suspects since 9/11 and has a Migrant Operations Centre for migrants from Haiti and Cuba. The current facility is small and cannot accommodate the 30,000 detainees expected in the new center.
The US President signed an executive order to prepare a large-scale migrant detention center at Guantánamo Bay. Guantánamo Bay, located in southeastern Cuba, is a sheltered inlet with strategic importance, near the Windward Passage. It is served by the ports of Caimanera and Boquerón. “Gitmo” has housed terrorism suspects since 9/11 and has a Migrant Operations Centre for migrants from Haiti and Cuba. The current facility is small and cannot accommodate the 30,000 detainees expected in the new center.
3. Indosticta deccanensis, which was seen in news, belongs to which species?
[A] Damesfly
[B] Spider
[C] Frog
[D] Fish
[B] Spider
[C] Frog
[D] Fish
Correct Answer: A [Damesfly]
Notes:
The saffron reedtail damselfly, also known as Indosticta deccanensis, was recently spotted for the first time in Karnataka along the Netravati River. This rare species is endemic to the Western Ghats and is part of the shadow damselfly family (Platystictidae). It has slender bodies with saffron coloration and thrives in pristine, slow-moving forest streams. Previously found in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this discovery extends its known range. Damselflies are predatory, aerial insects found near freshwater habitats, and their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem.
The saffron reedtail damselfly, also known as Indosticta deccanensis, was recently spotted for the first time in Karnataka along the Netravati River. This rare species is endemic to the Western Ghats and is part of the shadow damselfly family (Platystictidae). It has slender bodies with saffron coloration and thrives in pristine, slow-moving forest streams. Previously found in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this discovery extends its known range. Damselflies are predatory, aerial insects found near freshwater habitats, and their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem.
4. Samudrayaan Project, which was seen in news, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[C] Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
[D] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[C] Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
[D] Ministry of Defence
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Earth Sciences]
Notes:
The Samudrayaan project under the Deep Ocean Mission received Rs 600 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26. It is managed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The aim is to develop a self-propelled manned submersible capable of carrying 3 people to a depth of 6,000 meters for deep ocean exploration. It will have an operational endurance of 12 hours and 96 hours in emergencies. The project focuses on biodiversity assessment and exploring mineral resources like manganese, cobalt, and copper, contributing to the Blue Economy.
The Samudrayaan project under the Deep Ocean Mission received Rs 600 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26. It is managed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The aim is to develop a self-propelled manned submersible capable of carrying 3 people to a depth of 6,000 meters for deep ocean exploration. It will have an operational endurance of 12 hours and 96 hours in emergencies. The project focuses on biodiversity assessment and exploring mineral resources like manganese, cobalt, and copper, contributing to the Blue Economy.
5. Who won the title of Tata Steel Chess Masters 2025?
[A] D Gukesh
[B] R Praggnanandhaa
[C] Arjun Erigaisi
[D] Vidit Gujrathi
[B] R Praggnanandhaa
[C] Arjun Erigaisi
[D] Vidit Gujrathi
Correct Answer: B [R Praggnanandhaa]
Notes:
Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won the Tata Steel Masters title for the first time in his career. The 19-year-old from Chennai defeated world champion D Gukesh in a tiebreaker. Both players tied with 8.5 points after the 13th round. Praggnanandhaa came from behind to win 2-1 in the tiebreaker.
Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won the Tata Steel Masters title for the first time in his career. The 19-year-old from Chennai defeated world champion D Gukesh in a tiebreaker. Both players tied with 8.5 points after the 13th round. Praggnanandhaa came from behind to win 2-1 in the tiebreaker.
6. SPHEREx Telescope, which was seen in news, is associated with which space agency?
[A] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[B] European Space Agency (ESA)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[B] European Space Agency (ESA)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
Correct Answer: A [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]
Notes:
NASA is set to launch SPHEREx, a revolutionary space telescope, to explore the universe’s origins. It will cost $488 million, far less than the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Unlike JWST, which zooms in on deep-space objects, SPHEREx will survey the entire sky in 102 infrared colors. The telescope will take 600 images daily, completing four full sky scans in 27 months. SPHEREx will map 450 million galaxies, revealing how the universe evolved after the Big Bang. It will also study 100 million Milky Way stars, tracing life’s building blocks in space.
NASA is set to launch SPHEREx, a revolutionary space telescope, to explore the universe’s origins. It will cost $488 million, far less than the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Unlike JWST, which zooms in on deep-space objects, SPHEREx will survey the entire sky in 102 infrared colors. The telescope will take 600 images daily, completing four full sky scans in 27 months. SPHEREx will map 450 million galaxies, revealing how the universe evolved after the Big Bang. It will also study 100 million Milky Way stars, tracing life’s building blocks in space.
7. Which ministry has launched the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.O?
[A] Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Cooperation
[D] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Cooperation
[D] Ministry of Defence
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs]
Notes:
The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs launched the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.O. The scheme aims to strengthen democracy, promote discipline, tolerance, and awareness of parliamentary practices. The NYPS 2.0 web portal allows citizens to participate through three categories. Under Institution Participation, schools (Kishore Sabha) and colleges (Tarun Sabha) can organize Youth Parliament sessions. Group Participation allows groups to conduct sessions following portal guidelines, while Individual Participation enables citizens to take a quiz on ‘Bhartiya Democracy in Action.’
The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs launched the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.O. The scheme aims to strengthen democracy, promote discipline, tolerance, and awareness of parliamentary practices. The NYPS 2.0 web portal allows citizens to participate through three categories. Under Institution Participation, schools (Kishore Sabha) and colleges (Tarun Sabha) can organize Youth Parliament sessions. Group Participation allows groups to conduct sessions following portal guidelines, while Individual Participation enables citizens to take a quiz on ‘Bhartiya Democracy in Action.’
8. Indravati River, which was seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Kerala
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Indrayani River in Pune is covered with toxic white foam amid rising Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases linked to water contamination. It is located in Maharashtra. It originates from the Western Ghats near Lonavala and flows 103.5 km through Pune district before merging into the Bhima River, a tributary of the Krishna River. The river is rain-fed and supports irrigation and agriculture. It has religious significance, with Alandi (samadhi of Dnyaneshwar) and Dehu (hometown of Saint Tukaram) on its banks. Valvan Dam at Kamshet on the river is used for hydroelectric power generation.
Indrayani River in Pune is covered with toxic white foam amid rising Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases linked to water contamination. It is located in Maharashtra. It originates from the Western Ghats near Lonavala and flows 103.5 km through Pune district before merging into the Bhima River, a tributary of the Krishna River. The river is rain-fed and supports irrigation and agriculture. It has religious significance, with Alandi (samadhi of Dnyaneshwar) and Dehu (hometown of Saint Tukaram) on its banks. Valvan Dam at Kamshet on the river is used for hydroelectric power generation.
9. Which company has launched a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool named Deep Research?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Meta
[C] OpenAI
[D] Amazon
[B] Meta
[C] OpenAI
[D] Amazon
Correct Answer: C [OpenAI]
Notes:
OpenAI launched a new AI tool called Deep Research on February 2. It is the first major release after the DeepSeek controversy. Deep Research gathers information from the internet and creates reports like a research analyst. OpenAI showcased its capabilities in a YouTube demonstration video. The tool was also privately presented to US lawmakers and government officials in Washington, DC.
OpenAI launched a new AI tool called Deep Research on February 2. It is the first major release after the DeepSeek controversy. Deep Research gathers information from the internet and creates reports like a research analyst. OpenAI showcased its capabilities in a YouTube demonstration video. The tool was also privately presented to US lawmakers and government officials in Washington, DC.
10. Kanjar Tribe is primarily found in which regions?
[A] Bhutan and Nepal
[B] Sri Lanka and Myanmar
[C] Nepal and Afghanistan
[D] North India and Pakistan
[B] Sri Lanka and Myanmar
[C] Nepal and Afghanistan
[D] North India and Pakistan
Correct Answer: D [North India and Pakistan]
Notes:
A teenage member of the Kanjar nomadic tribe was beaten to death by fellow tribe members in East Champaran, Bihar. The Kanjar tribe is a nomadic group found in North India and Pakistan, mainly in the Indus River valley and Punjab. Historically labeled a “criminal tribe” during colonial rule, they were decriminalised after independence. With about 5,000 Kanjar in Pakistan and more in India, they lack permanent land or shelters and move between communities. Their occupations include hunting, fishing, basket weaving, and entertainment, and they speak several languages, including Kanjari, a language related to Romani.
A teenage member of the Kanjar nomadic tribe was beaten to death by fellow tribe members in East Champaran, Bihar. The Kanjar tribe is a nomadic group found in North India and Pakistan, mainly in the Indus River valley and Punjab. Historically labeled a “criminal tribe” during colonial rule, they were decriminalised after independence. With about 5,000 Kanjar in Pakistan and more in India, they lack permanent land or shelters and move between communities. Their occupations include hunting, fishing, basket weaving, and entertainment, and they speak several languages, including Kanjari, a language related to Romani.