Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

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:
Fort William in Kolkata, headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg. It was built by the British in 1773. It was named after King William III of England. The fort is located on the Hooghly River’s eastern bank and is now owned by the Indian Army. Originally built in 1696 by the English East India Company, it was known as the “black hole of Calcutta” after prisoners were held there. After being attacked in 1756, it was rebuilt by Robert Clive following the Battle of Plassey. The octagonal fort spans 70.9 acres and features arched windows and meticulous stonework.

Notes:
Janjati Sanskritik Samagam 2025 is held at Mahakumbh, Prayagraj, with more than 15,000 tribals attending. The event celebrates India’s tribal communities, their heritage, traditions, art, and contributions. Cultural performances, traditional dances, music, and handicraft exhibitions highlights tribal identities. 2025 is declared Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh to honor Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary.

Notes:
Ranikhet disease has caused the death of 1.5 lakh chickens in Andhra Pradesh. It is a contagious viral disease affecting poultry like chickens, turkeys, and ducks. It is caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1). The disease attacks birds’ respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. It leads to production drops and fertility issues in birds. Morbidity is high, and mortality ranges from 50 to 100%. It is a minor zoonosis, potentially causing mild conjunctivitis in humans, but usually self-limiting.

Notes:
A teenage member of the Kanjar nomadic tribe was beaten to death by fellow tribe members in East Champaran, Bihar. The Kanjar tribe is a nomadic group found in North India and Pakistan, mainly in the Indus River valley and Punjab. Historically labeled a “criminal tribe” during colonial rule, they were decriminalised after independence. With about 5,000 Kanjar in Pakistan and more in India, they lack permanent land or shelters and move between communities. Their occupations include hunting, fishing, basket weaving, and entertainment, and they speak several languages, including Kanjari, a language related to Romani.

Notes:
India’s largest solar cell and module manufacturing unit was inaugurated at Gangaikondan SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre, Tamil Nadu. The facility is set up by TATA Power’s TP Solar Limited with an investment of ₹3,800 crore. It will produce 30-GW photovoltaic cells and modules annually for solar power generation. Equipped with advanced robotic automation, it features TOPCon and Mono Perc technology for high efficiency. The plant will also manufacture raw materials for solar modules. Vikram Solar is setting up an additional 3-GW solar cell and 6-GW module facility at the same site.

Notes:
Lovlina Borgohain won a gold in the women’s 75kg boxing category at the 38th National Games, defeating Pranshu Rathore 5-0. Shiva Thapa won silver in the men’s 63.5kg category after losing 4-3 to Vanshaj. Ankushita Boro clinched gold in the 66kg event, marking her third consecutive win. Mandengbam Singh won gold in the 51kg flyweight division, while Jaismine Lamboria claimed gold in the 60kg category. Nivedita Kari and Divya Panwar won gold in the women’s 50kg and 54kg events, respectively. The National Games 2025 continue until February 14.

Notes:
The Indian Army and Indian Air Force conducted EX Winged Raiders in the Eastern Theater. The exercise focused on special airborne operations to improve inter-service synergy. It aimed at enhancing interoperability, crucial for the planned integrated theatre command. Interoperability allows different armed forces to use each other’s weapon systems efficiently. The exercise involved airborne insertion techniques using fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Chinook helicopters were used for special airborne operations. The training enhanced troop expertise, rapid deployment, and mission readiness.

Notes:
NASA will launch the Pandora mission in 2025 to study the atmospheres of distant exoplanets. It will focus on clouds, hazes, and water, key factors for habitability. Pandora aims to fill gaps left by existing telescopes like James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), focusing on planetary transits to improve exoplanet models. The mission will explore planetary formation, evolution, and habitability. Pandora will use a specialized telescope to study light interactions with atmospheric particles, enhancing knowledge of planetary climates and chemistry.