Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
The Finance Minister announced that National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) will establish a partial credit enhancement facility for corporate bonds in the infrastructure sector. NaBFID is a specialized Development Finance Institution (DFI) supporting infrastructure development in India. It was established in 2021 under the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021. Its objectives include filling gaps in long-term infrastructure financing, developing bond and derivatives markets, and boosting economic growth. NaBFID is regulated and supervised by the RBI as an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI). It focuses on long-term credit solutions for infrastructure projects in India.

Notes:
The Finance Minister announced the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana in her 8th Union Budget presentation. It aims to support farmers in 100 districts struggling with low crop yields and financial issues. The scheme will benefit around 1.7 crore farmers through collaboration with state governments. It seeks to create rural opportunities so migration becomes optional, not necessary. The focus areas include boosting agricultural productivity, improving irrigation, increasing credit access, promoting crop diversification, and enhancing post-harvest storage at Panchayat and block levels.

Notes:
World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4 to raise awareness about cancer and its prevention, detection, and treatment. It was established by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in 2000. The day unites communities, individuals, and organizations to tackle cancer-related challenges. The theme for World Cancer Day 2025 is “United by Unique.” It promotes a people-centered approach, recognizing that each cancer patient’s experience is unique. The campaign advocates for personalized care to ensure effective and compassionate treatment.

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.

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.

Notes:
Andhra Pradesh launched ‘Mana Mitra’, India’s first WhatsApp-based governance platform. It provides 161 civil services, making government services easily accessible. Citizens can avail public services directly via WhatsApp, enhancing digital governance. Developed in collaboration with Meta, the platform marks a major innovation in service delivery. More services will be added in the future to further improve accessibility.

Notes:
Santorini, a Greek island in the Southern Aegean Sea, is on high alert after experiencing over 200 undersea earthquakes in four days, with magnitudes up to 4.6. It’s part of the Cyclades archipelago and is controlled by Greece. Known for the Santorini Caldera, one of the most active volcanic centers in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. The island has historical volcanic activity, including the Minoan eruption around 3,600 years ago. Frequent seismic activity is due to tectonic movements between the African Plate and Aegean Sea Plate.

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.

Notes:
Gujarat appointed a panel to draft the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai. The five-member panel includes experts from different fields. The panel is expected to submit its report within 45 days. This move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of implementing UCC for equal rights. Gujarat becomes one of the active states working on UCC legal reforms.

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).