Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released findings from the second Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES). The survey collects data on household spending on goods and services. It helps assess economic well-being, update the Consumer Price Index, and measure poverty and inequality. The Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) is the main indicator for analysis. Urban-rural consumption differences declined in 2023-24 across major states. MPCE increased for all household types in both rural and urban areas. Kerala has the lowest urban-rural MPCE gap, followed by Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar. Consumption inequality declined across almost all major states. The Gini coefficient fell to 0.237 (rural) and 0.284 (urban) in 2023-24.

Notes:
Pune district in Maharashtra is the worst-hit region for Zika virus in India, with 125 out of 151 cases reported in 2024. Maharashtra recorded 140 cases, followed by Karnataka (10) and Gujarat (1). The Zika virus is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which also transmit dengue and yellow fever. It can cause microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. The virus was discovered in the Zika Forest, Uganda (1947), and the first human case was reported in 1952. A major Zika outbreak occurred in Brazil (2015).

Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member judicial committee to investigate the stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on 29 January 2025. The stampede, caused by a rush of millions for a holy dip, resulted in 30 deaths and 60 injuries. The committee is headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, with former DGP V K Gupta and retired IAS officer D K Singh as members. The committee will examine the causes and recommend preventive measures. It is required to submit its report to the government within a month.

Notes:
The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, is drifting toward South Georgia Island after breaking from Antarctica’s Filchner Ice Shelf. South Georgia Island is a mountainous, barren island in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the British overseas territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, covering 3,756 sq.km. The island has over 160 glaciers and peaks like Mount Paget (2,935 m).

Notes:
Gujarat declared the inland mangrove in Guneri village, Kutch, as its first Biodiversity Heritage Site. It is 45 km from the Arabian Sea and 4 km from Kori Creek, with no seawater inflow. The site is a rare inland mangrove forest, one of only eight globally. It may have originated after the Miocene marine transgression or along the lost Saraswati River. Limestone deposits in the region help sustain groundwater flow for the mangroves. The site was designated under The Biodiversity Act, 2002, after consultation with local bodies.

Notes:
The Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) was discovered for the first time in Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki, after a long gap. This omnivorous bird primarily feeds on insects, slugs, and grass seeds. It is found in grasslands in mountain ranges, particularly in Australia, parts of India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, northern Kerala), and Asia. Male birds have golden-orange plumage during breeding and distinctive calls. The bird is listed as Least Concern by IUCN. Mathikettan Shola is in the Western Ghats, Kerala.

Notes:
The Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Culture to promote traditional performing arts. It offers financial assistance to cultural organizations for training artists under the guidance of a Guru. Cultural organizations across India that follow the Guru-Shishya tradition can apply. The scheme supports shishyas aged 3 and above in music, dance, theatre, and traditional arts. It provides Rs. 15,000 per month for each Guru/Director, with up to 18 shishyas in theatre and 10 in music/dance. The objective is to ensure regular training in the traditional Guru-Shishya system.

Notes:
Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025 was introduced in Lok Sabha to establish India’s first national cooperative university at Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) in Gujarat. The university is declared an institution of national importance and focuses on education, training, and research in the cooperative sector. It aims to develop skilled professionals for managerial, technical, and administrative roles in cooperatives. It will have sector-specific schools for dairy, fishery, banking, rural credit, and more. Affiliated colleges will be set up nationwide. Digital learning will be integrated with the SWAYAM e-learning platform.

Notes:
A Parliamentary committee urged the government to develop a clear SOP and obtain approvals for timely completion of projects under the PRASHAD scheme. The PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014. It aims to enhance cultural preservation and spiritual tourism at pilgrimage sites across India. Key objectives include improving infrastructure, connectivity, and conservation of heritage sites. It promotes local employment through skill development and supports eco-friendly tourism. The scheme is 100% publicly funded, with additional support from CSR and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

Notes:
The Haryana government launched the “Mahri Laado” Radio Programme under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme. BBBP was launched by the Government of India on 22nd January 2015 in Panipat, Haryana. The scheme aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and ensure equal opportunities, care, and dignity for girls and women.