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:
Bharat Parv has been organized annually since 2016 at Red Fort, New Delhi from January 26-31 as part of Republic Day celebrations. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, it takes place at Lawns and Gyan Path in front of the Red Fort. Bharat Parv 2025 features Republic Day tableaux, Armed Force Band performances, cultural shows, regional cuisines, crafts bazaar, and government pavilions. The theme for 2025 is ‘Dekho Apna Desh’, encouraging citizen participation through People’s Choice Voting.

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.

Notes:
The elusive rusty-spotted cat was recently spotted in the jungles of West Bengal’s Purulia district for the first time. It is the world’s smallest and lightest cat, weighing less than 1.5 kilograms. Scientifically known as Prionailurus rubiginosus, it features a fawn-grey coat with rusty spots, a short rounded head with white streaks by the eyes, and a moderately long, unmarked rusty tail. Its large eyes aid its nocturnal habits, while short legs and black-soled feet enhance agility. India holds 80% of its population, and it is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Notes:
The Ministry of Railways has launched the ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp, designed to streamline various railway services. The app offers services like reserved and unreserved ticket bookings, as well as platform ticket bookings. A major focus of the app is enhancing user experience with a clean and seamless interface. It has been developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS).

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:
Uttar Pradesh implemented ‘Operation Eleven’ for crowd management during the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan at Maha Kumbh. The plan ensures one-way traffic and smooth movement on pontoon bridges. Additional police forces and barricades have been deployed to prevent overcrowding at Triveni ghats. Special monitoring is in place at key locations for enhanced security. The initiative follows strict instructions from CM Yogi Adityanath under the state’s “zero-error” programme.

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.

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.