Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Suzetrigine, a new non-opioid painkiller. Opioids are drugs derived from the opium poppy plant or designed to mimic them. Examples include oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, and fentanyl. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and creating euphoric sensations. While effective for pain relief, opioids carry a high risk of addiction and dependence. Suzetrigine offers an alternative to opioids, reducing the risk of opioid addiction.

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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.

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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.

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Uganda and WHO launched a historic clinical trial for a vaccine against the Sudan species of Ebola virus. Ebola is a deadly disease caused by orthoebolaviruses (formerly ebolavirus). It was first discovered in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus mainly affects humans and primates like gorillas, monkeys, and chimpanzees. It is found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and poses a major health threat.

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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).

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The Ministry of Ayush launched the “Shatavari – For Better Health” campaign to promote awareness of medicinal plants. It was inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush. The campaign is led by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), which has previously promoted Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha. Financial assistance of ₹18.9 lakh will support eligible organizations in promoting Shatavari. The initiative strengthens India’s focus on traditional medicine and holistic well-being.

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The Defence Ministry signed contracts worth ₹10,147 crore for ammunition for the Army’s Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch Systems (MRLS). Pinaka is a battle-proven, all-weather artillery weapon system developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). It was first used in the Kargil War to neutralize enemy positions. The system delivers rapid and accurate fire on critical enemy targets. Each launcher carries 12 rockets, and a battery has six launchers (72 rockets total). It has a range of 60 to 75 km and can fire high-explosive and submunition warheads.

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Amphex 2025, a biennial tri-Services amphibious exercise, is conducted at Karwar, Karnataka. It focuses on interoperability and synergy between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exercise includes Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the Army’s Southern Command, along with key Navy and Air Force formations. The Navy deploys amphibious ships, Marine Commandos (MARCOS), helicopters, and aircraft. The Army participates with Special Forces, Artillery, and Armoured vehicles. The IAF supports with fighter and transport aircraft to enhance joint amphibious capabilities.

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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.

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A two-day crocodile counting in Gujarat’s Vishwamitri River in Vadodara ended on February 6, 2025. The Vishwamitri River originates in Pavagadh, Panchmahal District, and flows 200 km into the Gulf of Khambhat. Despite sewage and industrial pollution, the river supports a large population of mugger crocodiles. Vishwamitri’s banks have historical settlements dating back to 1000 B.C. The river has three major tributaries: Dhadhar, Khanpur, and Jambuva. Crocodiles in Vishwamitri are legally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.