Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to provide digital textbooks in Indian languages. It aims to make learning more accessible for students in schools and universities. The scheme will offer study materials in multiple regional languages to support diverse linguistic backgrounds. It seeks to bridge the gap in educational resources for students across India. This initiative complements the ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing) program, which focuses on translating and developing academic content in Indian languages.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Budget 2025-26 expanded the Tonnage Tax Scheme to include inland vessels under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021. Previously, the scheme was only for sea-going ships. The Indian Vessels Act, 2021 promotes safe, economical inland water transport and ensures legal uniformity. The scheme falls under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. It was introduced in 2004 under the Indian Finance Act. The expansion encourages cargo movement and incentivizes shipping companies to invest in inland waterways vessels.

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.

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Brucellosis, a bacterial disease, caused the death of an 8-year-old in Kerala. It is caused by Brucella bacteria, mainly infecting cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and dogs. Humans get infected through direct contact with animals, consuming contaminated animal products, or inhaling airborne agents. Unpasteurised milk and cheese from infected animals are the most common sources. Symptoms include fever, weakness, weight loss, and discomfort, often mild and undiagnosed.

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Russia is reportedly starting large-scale production of Iskander-M tactical ballistic missiles. The Iskander (SS-26 Stone) is a road-mobile short-range ballistic missile system, first used in 2008 against Georgia. It is developed by Russia. It is designed for tactical strikes on small, high-value land targets. The missile is 7.3 meters long, weighs 3,750 kg, and has a 500 km range with a payload of 480-700 kg. It can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, travel at Mach 7, and reach over 30 miles in altitude. Equipped with decoys, maneuverable reentry, and self-targeting to bypass defense systems.

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The Blue Ghost Lander is developed by Firefly Aerospace for lunar exploration. It will deliver scientific payloads to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis Program. The lander supports NASA’s Lunar Surface Operations Program for sustainable human exploration. It marks a significant step in private sector involvement in space missions. The mission aims to advance lunar research and exploration efforts.

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The Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) approved the use of Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) technology for research inside Dibru Saikhowa National Park. Dibru Saikhowa is both a National Park and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam, located on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River. It is bordered by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and the Dibru River in the south. The park consists of moist mixed semi-evergreen and deciduous forests.