Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
The Karnataka government’s plan to open Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) for a wildlife safari has triggered controversy and environmentalist backlash. It is located in Belgaum district, Karnataka, spanning the Western Ghats. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in December 2011 and is named after Bhimgad Fort. It was built by Shivaji in the 17th century. The sanctuary shares boundaries with multiple protected areas, including Dandeli and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuaries. It is the source of rivers like Tillari, Malaprabha, and Mhadei.

Notes:
Tripura CM Manik Saha launched the ‘Skill Uday Tongai’ skill development training programme at Tripura Institute of Technology, Agartala. The programme aims to empower 80,000 school and college students. He also inaugurated the State MIS Portal, a Career Guidance Programme for 70,000 girl students, the NSDC Programme for 7,000 college students, and the English Employability and Entrepreneurship (EEE) programme.

Notes:
The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry Chennai has granted a new logo for the Kashmir hand-knotted carpet to preserve its exclusivity. Kashmir hand-knotted carpets, locally called “Kal baffi”, date back to the 15th century. Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin introduced carpet weaving in Kashmir by bringing artisans from Persia and Central Asia. Farsi baff and Persian Sehna knots are traditionally used in Kashmir carpets. Simple tools like wooden or metal combs and short scissors are used in weaving. Other GI-tagged Kashmir crafts include Papier Mache, Pashmina, Kani, Sozni, Khatamband, and Walnut Wood Carving.

Notes:
Assam will host the world’s largest Jhumur (Jhumoir) dance performance on February 24. The event aims to set a Guinness World Record with over 7,500 dancers. It is part of an investment summit in the state. The festival highlights Assam’s rich cultural heritage. It also serves as a global platform to attract investors.

Notes:
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Elimination. The campaign was launched via video conference with State Health Ministers and officials from 13 LF-endemic States. It covers 111 districts with door-to-door administration of anti-filarial medication. Lymphatic Filariasis, also called “Hathi Paon”, is spread by mosquitoes and can cause lymphoedema and hydrocele, leading to severe disabilities.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 3rd India Energy Week in New Delhi on 11th February 2025. The event highlights India’s significance as a global energy market. The first India Energy Week took place in Bengaluru (Feb 2023), and the second in Goa (Feb 2024). The 3rd edition runs from 11-14 February 2025 in New Delhi. It offers a platform for global energy companies to network, showcase technologies, and explore sustainable energy solutions.

Notes:
The UN declared February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015. The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of this observance. The day promotes full and equal participation of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. India has taken key steps to ensure gender parity in STEM. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the (Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN) scheme. This scheme supports women at different stages of their scientific careers. The initiative aims to strengthen women’s role in science, engineering, and research.

Notes:
BHU zoologists confirmed around 1,000 pollutants in the Varuna River. Research found 580 pollutants in Varuna and 349 in Assi River. Toxic chemicals like Tert alkylphenols, Octylphenols, Butylphenols, and Hexadecylphenols were detected. Varuna River is a tributary of the Ganga, originating from Phulpur in Prayagraj. It merges with the Ganga near Sarai Mohana in Varanasi. Varanasi is named after the Varuna and Assi rivers. Sarnath is located at the confluence of the Ganga and Varuna rivers.

Notes:
The state plans to build a village for tribals in the buffer zone of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, raising safety and wildlife conflict concerns. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats, Kodagu district, Karnataka. It spans 181 sq. km and is named after Brahmagiri peak, which stands at 1,607m. The Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of the Cauvery River, originates in the sanctuary.

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Meghalaya will host the 39th National Games in February/March 2027. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha informed Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma about the decision. Meghalaya will receive the IOA flag at the closing ceremony of the 38th National Games in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.