Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School Namchi, Sikkim, is the only school from Northeast India to receive a Green School Rating. The Green Carnival and Green School Award Ceremony 2025 was organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in New Delhi. This annual event engages young environmentalists and recognizes sustainable schools. Over 10,000 schools submitted Green School Audit reports (July-Dec 2024), but only 150 schools received the Green School rating. Schools are evaluated based on their sustainability practices under the Green School Programme Network.

Notes:
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal organized a national campaign on “Efficient and Balanced Use of Fertilizer,” including nano-fertilizers. Nano fertilizers were promoted during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) launched on November 15, 2023. The campaign aimed at educating farmers on the balanced and efficient use of fertilizers, highlighting the role of nano-fertilizers in agriculture.

Notes:
Dashavatar performances recently started in Maharashtra. Dashavatar is a traditional theatre form with an 800-year history. It represents the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vaman, Parashuram, Ram, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. Performers use bright makeup and costumes, accompanied by a paddle harmonium, tabla, and zanj (cymbals). It is popular in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra’s South Konkan region and North Goa district of Goa.

Notes:
The Department of Youth Affairs organized the BIMSTEC Youth Summit from 7th to 11th February 2025 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the event on 8th February 2025. The summit aims to bring together youth from BIMSTEC nations to share experiences on youth-led initiatives. The theme is “Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange,” focused on advancing regional goals and achieving SDGs by 2030.

Notes:
India has signed an agreement with Russia to acquire the Klub-S missile system for its submarine fleet. It is developed by Russia defence company NPO Novator. The Klub missile, also known as Kalibr, entered service in 1994. The Klub-S missile has a 400 kg warhead and can strike targets up to 300 km away, including surface ships, submarines, and land targets. It includes a fire control system, vertical launcher unit, and ammunition. It is known for its effectiveness in combat, it can reach supersonic speeds in the terminal phase, making interception difficult. The missile cruises at 10-15 meters, minimizing enemy defense response time.

Notes:
A US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed at Amritsar airport on 5th February 2025. The deportees spent between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 1 crore on expenses and agent fees to reach the US. They traveled through the “dunki route,” an illegal and dangerous immigration path. “Dunki” or “donkey journey” refers to long, risky routes taken due to a lack of legal permits or financial resources. American authorities deported individuals who used this illegal route to enter the US.

Notes:
The Union Minister for Education launched 41 new books under the PM YUVA 2.0 scheme. PM YUVA 2.0 (Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors) was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Education as part of the India@75 Project (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav). It is an Author Mentorship Programme to train young writers below 30 years of age. The scheme aims to promote reading, writing, and book culture while projecting India’s literature globally. It helps develop writers focusing on Indian heritage, culture, and knowledge systems.

Notes:
Hyderabad-based biotech company, Biovet has received Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) approval for its Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) vaccine, Biolumpivaxin, for dairy cattle and buffaloes. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is an infectious viral disease caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), part of the poxviridae family. LSD primarily affects cattle and, to a lesser extent, buffalo, with higher morbidity in cattle. The disease leads to reduced milk production, sterility in bulls, and damage to hides. It spreads through blood-feeding insects and contaminated water or fodder. LSD is not zoonotic, so humans cannot get infected by the virus.

Notes:
University of Florida scientists analyzed data from Burmese python contractors to find efficient ways to remove the species. Burmese pythons are one of the largest snakes, growing up to 20 feet and weighing over 250 pounds. They are non-venomous, solitary, nocturnal, and excellent swimmers. They are non-venomous, solitary, and nocturnal, living in various habitats like grasslands, swamps, and rainforests. Native to Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia, they are now invasive in Florida due to the pet trade. The species was recognized as distinct from Python molurus in 2009. They are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh’s Ladli Behna Yojana will increase monthly assistance from ₹1,250 to ₹3,000. The scheme aims to economically empower women in the state. ₹1,553 crore has been transferred to 1.27 crore women beneficiaries so far. With the increased amount, more women will benefit and improve their financial condition. The scheme was launched in May 2023, initially providing ₹1,000 per month. The assistance was later raised to ₹1,250 and will now be further increased to ₹3,000.