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:
India Gate was illuminated in purple and orange on 30th January 2025 for World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day. World NTDs Day has been observed annually on 30th January since 2022. The day aims to raise awareness about NTDs and the need for global action. Iconic landmarks worldwide are lit up to highlight the cause. NTDs are infectious diseases that mainly affect poor communities in tropical regions. These diseases receive less attention compared to other major health issues.

Notes:
The Economic Survey projects 6.3-6.8% growth for 2025-26, driven by a strong external account, fiscal consolidation, and stable private consumption. It stresses that domestic growth drivers will be more crucial than external factors in the future. The Survey calls for deregulation and reforms to focus on economic freedom for individuals and organizations. India’s growth is estimated at 6.4% in 2024-25, the slowest in four years. The retreat of globalization means India must leverage its demographic dividend and strong domestic balance sheets for future growth.

Notes:
For the first time, India is fully funding its contingent for the Asian Winter Games under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme. The 9th Asian Winter Games will be held in Harbin, China, from 7-14 February 2025. An 88-member Indian contingent, including 59 athletes and 29 officials, will compete. Athletes in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, and Speed Skating (Long Track) will receive financial support. The ANSF scheme funds athlete training, foreign coaches, and support staff for international events.

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.

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:
The third annual Deepor Beel Winter Birding Festival 2025 recorded an increase in migratory and resident birds compared to 2024. Deepor Beel is a perennial freshwater lake on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam. It was once a channel of the Brahmaputra River and spans 4.1 sq. km. It serves as Guwahati’s major stormwater storage basin, with outflow into the Khandajan rivulet. It was declared a Ramsar Site in 2002 and an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2004. It is Assam’s only Ramsar site. The lake supports migratory birds, including globally threatened species like Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant Stork, and Baer’s Pochard.

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.

Notes:
Bart De Wever was sworn in as Belgium’s Prime Minister by King Philippe on 3rd February 2025. He replaced Alexander De Croo, who led a seven-party coalition government. The June 2024 elections did not give a decisive mandate to any party or coalition. Belgium has a complex political system, divided into Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia. De Wever is the first nationalist Flanders leader to become PM.

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.