Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025
1. Which institution has developed Project Abhay to enhance health and safety of truck drivers?
[A] IIT Bombay
[B] IIT Delhi
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Roorkee
[B] IIT Delhi
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Roorkee
Correct Answer: B [IIT Delhi]
Notes:
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Project Abhay, an initiative to boost truck drivers’ health and safety. The project, developed by IIT Delhi’s Centre for Rural Development & Technology (CRDT), screens truck drivers’ health. Over 50,000 truck drivers across six states were screened, focusing on health and vision issues. More than half of drivers had vision problems, and the project successfully corrected many. The initiative improved drivers’ social security benefits and quality of life.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Project Abhay, an initiative to boost truck drivers’ health and safety. The project, developed by IIT Delhi’s Centre for Rural Development & Technology (CRDT), screens truck drivers’ health. Over 50,000 truck drivers across six states were screened, focusing on health and vision issues. More than half of drivers had vision problems, and the project successfully corrected many. The initiative improved drivers’ social security benefits and quality of life.
2. Leprosy, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which bacteria?
[A] Streptococcus pneumoniae
[B] Salmonella typhi
[C] Escherichia coli
[D] Mycobacterium leprae
[B] Salmonella typhi
[C] Escherichia coli
[D] Mycobacterium leprae
Correct Answer: D [Mycobacterium leprae]
Notes:
World Leprosy Day is observed on January 30 to raise awareness and remove misconceptions about leprosy. Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infection caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, affecting skin and nerves. If untreated, it leads to permanent disabilities and social stigma. Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease affecting over 120 countries, with 200,000 new cases annually. It spreads through prolonged close contact with untreated cases, not through casual contact.
World Leprosy Day is observed on January 30 to raise awareness and remove misconceptions about leprosy. Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infection caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, affecting skin and nerves. If untreated, it leads to permanent disabilities and social stigma. Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease affecting over 120 countries, with 200,000 new cases annually. It spreads through prolonged close contact with untreated cases, not through casual contact.
3. Which country won the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025 title?
[A] India
[B] South Africa
[C] Australia
[D] England
[B] South Africa
[C] Australia
[D] England
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
The Indian women’s U19 cricket team won the 2nd ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa by nine wickets. The final was played on 2 February 2025 at Bayuemas Cricket Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The team, led by Niki Prasad, had earlier won the inaugural ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup 2024 in Malaysia. The tournament, organised by the ICC, took place in Malaysia from 18 January to 2 February 2025.
The Indian women’s U19 cricket team won the 2nd ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa by nine wickets. The final was played on 2 February 2025 at Bayuemas Cricket Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The team, led by Niki Prasad, had earlier won the inaugural ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup 2024 in Malaysia. The tournament, organised by the ICC, took place in Malaysia from 18 January to 2 February 2025.
4. Which country recently launched the Michibiki 6 navigation satellite?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] Australia
[D] India
[B] Japan
[C] Australia
[D] India
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Notes:
Japan successfully launched the Michibiki 6 satellite on the new H3 rocket, aiming to improve its navigation system. The launch occurred at the Tanegashima Space Center, and the satellite separated successfully 29 minutes after liftoff. Michibiki 6 will be the fifth satellite in Japan’s quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS). The system supplements US GPS and improves positioning for various devices. Japan plans to expand to seven satellites by 2026 and an 11-satellite network by the late 2030s. The launch was the fourth successful flight for the H3 rocket system.
Japan successfully launched the Michibiki 6 satellite on the new H3 rocket, aiming to improve its navigation system. The launch occurred at the Tanegashima Space Center, and the satellite separated successfully 29 minutes after liftoff. Michibiki 6 will be the fifth satellite in Japan’s quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS). The system supplements US GPS and improves positioning for various devices. Japan plans to expand to seven satellites by 2026 and an 11-satellite network by the late 2030s. The launch was the fourth successful flight for the H3 rocket system.
5. What is the name of mission recently announced by Indian government for development of small modular reactors (SMRs)?
[A] Atmanirbhar Nuclear Mission
[B] Green Energy Nuclear Plan
[C] Nuclear Energy Mission
[D] Sustainable Atomic Energy Plan
[B] Green Energy Nuclear Plan
[C] Nuclear Energy Mission
[D] Sustainable Atomic Energy Plan
Correct Answer: C [Nuclear Energy Mission]
Notes:
The Finance Minister announced a ₹20,000 crore ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ to develop indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs are small nuclear reactors with a maximum output of 300 MWe, producing 7.2 million kWh per day. In comparison, large nuclear plants generate over 1,000 MWe and 24 million kWh per day. SMRs are small, modular, and reactor-based, generating low-carbon electricity. They have small footprints, lower capital costs, and can be factory-built. SMRs can be deployed in locations unsuitable for large nuclear plants. They support incremental power additions, energy hubs, industrial heating, district heating, and hydrogen production.
The Finance Minister announced a ₹20,000 crore ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ to develop indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs are small nuclear reactors with a maximum output of 300 MWe, producing 7.2 million kWh per day. In comparison, large nuclear plants generate over 1,000 MWe and 24 million kWh per day. SMRs are small, modular, and reactor-based, generating low-carbon electricity. They have small footprints, lower capital costs, and can be factory-built. SMRs can be deployed in locations unsuitable for large nuclear plants. They support incremental power additions, energy hubs, industrial heating, district heating, and hydrogen production.
6. Which country becomes the first nation to criminalise artificial intelligence child abuse tools?
[A] Britain
[B] France
[C] Australia
[D] India
[B] France
[C] Australia
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [Britain]
Notes:
Britain will be the first country to introduce laws against Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools used to generate sexual abuse images of children. Possessing, creating, or distributing these AI tools will be punishable by up to 5 years in prison. It will also be illegal to possess AI paedophile manuals, punishable by up to 3 years. The law will criminalize websites promoting child abuse content with up to 10 years in prison. AI is making it easier for predators to manipulate images and groom children. 500,000 children in the UK face abuse each year, with online abuse increasing.
Britain will be the first country to introduce laws against Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools used to generate sexual abuse images of children. Possessing, creating, or distributing these AI tools will be punishable by up to 5 years in prison. It will also be illegal to possess AI paedophile manuals, punishable by up to 3 years. The law will criminalize websites promoting child abuse content with up to 10 years in prison. AI is making it easier for predators to manipulate images and groom children. 500,000 children in the UK face abuse each year, with online abuse increasing.
7. Recently, which country has decided to discontinue its development programs in Bangladesh, Albania and Zambia?
[A] China
[B] Switzerland
[C] India
[D] France
[B] Switzerland
[C] India
[D] France
Correct Answer: B [Switzerland]
Notes:
Switzerland will end development aid for Bangladesh, Albania, and Zambia due to budget cuts in foreign aid. The Swiss parliament reduced its 2025 foreign aid budget by 110 million Swiss Francs, and another 321 million Swiss Francs for 2026-2028. These cuts will impact both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. However, Switzerland will still fund humanitarian efforts. This decision is part of Switzerland’s financial adjustments and shift in international aid priorities.
Switzerland will end development aid for Bangladesh, Albania, and Zambia due to budget cuts in foreign aid. The Swiss parliament reduced its 2025 foreign aid budget by 110 million Swiss Francs, and another 321 million Swiss Francs for 2026-2028. These cuts will impact both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. However, Switzerland will still fund humanitarian efforts. This decision is part of Switzerland’s financial adjustments and shift in international aid priorities.
8. Which team won the men’s Hockey India League 2024-25 title?
[A] Bengal Tigers
[B] Hyderabad Toofans
[C] Odisha Warriors
[D] Ranchi Rhinos
[B] Hyderabad Toofans
[C] Odisha Warriors
[D] Ranchi Rhinos
Correct Answer: A [Bengal Tigers]
Notes:
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers won the 6th Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25 title, defeating Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in the final. The final was held at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela, Odisha, on 1 February 2025. This was the first title win for the Bengal Tigers, earning them Rs 3 crore in prize money, while runners-up Hyderabad Toofans won Rs 2 crore. The league took place from 28 December 2024 to 1 February 2025. Odisha Warriors won the first Women’s Hockey India League title on 26 January 2025 in Ranchi.
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers won the 6th Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25 title, defeating Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in the final. The final was held at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela, Odisha, on 1 February 2025. This was the first title win for the Bengal Tigers, earning them Rs 3 crore in prize money, while runners-up Hyderabad Toofans won Rs 2 crore. The league took place from 28 December 2024 to 1 February 2025. Odisha Warriors won the first Women’s Hockey India League title on 26 January 2025 in Ranchi.
9. The Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton is mainly grown in which countries?
[A] Russia, Algeria and Vietnam
[B] China, Egypt, Australia and Peru
[C] Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore
[D] Japan, Germany, France and Vietnam
[B] China, Egypt, Australia and Peru
[C] Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore
[D] Japan, Germany, France and Vietnam
Correct Answer: B [China, Egypt, Australia and Peru]
Notes:
The Union Finance Minister announced a five-year mission to boost cotton farming productivity and promote Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton. ELS cotton, known as the gold standard in textiles, comes from the Gossypium barbadense species, also called Egyptian or Pima cotton. It has fibre lengths of 30 mm and above, making it stronger and finer. Originating in South America, it is mainly grown in China, Egypt, Australia, and Peru. In India, it is grown in parts of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
The Union Finance Minister announced a five-year mission to boost cotton farming productivity and promote Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton. ELS cotton, known as the gold standard in textiles, comes from the Gossypium barbadense species, also called Egyptian or Pima cotton. It has fibre lengths of 30 mm and above, making it stronger and finer. Originating in South America, it is mainly grown in China, Egypt, Australia, and Peru. In India, it is grown in parts of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
10. Who has been posthumously honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the Dogri language category?
[A] Madhav Kaushik
[B] Chaman Arora
[C] Gulzar Singh Sandhu
[D] Namita Gokhale
[B] Chaman Arora
[C] Gulzar Singh Sandhu
[D] Namita Gokhale
Correct Answer: B [Chaman Arora]
Notes:
The government posthumously honored Chaman Arora with the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the Dogri language category. He received the award for his book Ik Hor Ashwthama. The Ministry of Culture confirmed the selection based on a unanimous jury recommendation. Sahitya Akademi President Madhav Kaushik approved the decision. The award includes a casket with an engraved copper plaque and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Arora’s family will receive the award at a special event on March 8 in New Delhi.
The government posthumously honored Chaman Arora with the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the Dogri language category. He received the award for his book Ik Hor Ashwthama. The Ministry of Culture confirmed the selection based on a unanimous jury recommendation. Sahitya Akademi President Madhav Kaushik approved the decision. The award includes a casket with an engraved copper plaque and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Arora’s family will receive the award at a special event on March 8 in New Delhi.