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:
“Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (BBBP) was launched in 2015 to address gender imbalance and child sex ratio issues in India. Odisha implemented several schemes under BBBP, including “Nirbhaya Kadhi” in Ganjam, “Kalpana Avijan” in Dhenkanal, “Swarna Kalika” in Keonjhar, and “Veerangana Yojana” in Deogarh. “Nirbhaya Kadhi” in Ganjam covered 183,933 adolescent girls, leading to the district being declared child marriage-free in 2022. “Kalpana Avijan” in Dhenkanal tracked and prevented 343 child marriages from 2019-2024. “Swarna Kalika” in Keonjhar reduced child marriages by 50% through awareness campaigns. “Veerangana” in Deogarh trained 6,000 girls in self-defense and won the SKOCH Award.

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:
IIAS-DARPG India Conference 2025 is held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 10-14, 2025. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the event. IIAS-DARPG stands for International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) and Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). 240 delegates from 55 countries have registered. The theme is “Next Generation Administrative Reforms – Reaching the Last Mile.” The event focuses on public administration, governance, and policymaking innovations. India is hosting the IIAS Conference for the first time, making it the first South Asian country to do so.

Notes:
Former Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne retired after his 100th Test against Australia in Galle. He scored 36 and 14 in his farewell match, which Australia won by nine wickets. Karunaratne is the seventh Sri Lankan to play 100 Tests and scored 7,222 runs at an average of nearly 40. He captained Sri Lanka in 30 Tests (2019-2023), winning 12 matches. He led Sri Lanka to a historic 2-0 Test series win over South Africa in 2019. His 16 Test centuries as an opener is a Sri Lankan record, shared with Marvan Atapattu.

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:
The 12th World Government Summit held in Dubai, UAE, on February 10, 2025, and runs until February 13, 2025. It gathers global leaders, experts, and decision-makers to shape the future of governments. The summit’s theme is “Shaping Future Governments.” It is organized by a non-governmental organization founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2013.

Notes:
The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) ballot opens next week. The scheme was created through the India-U.K. Migration and Mobility MoU signed in May 2021. It was launched in February 2023. It allows Indian citizens aged 18-30 to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Applicants must be selected in the ballot before applying for a visa. They can study, be self-employed, and set up a business with certain restrictions. The visa must be used within six months of issuance.

Notes:
Digital India Corporation (DIC) is showcasing initiatives at Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile event. The event takes place from February 12-15, 2025 at India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida, and February 14-17, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. DIC is supporting artisans through three key projects and the BharatKeKaarigar campaign. The campaign helps artisans reach a larger audience, celebrate their craft, and share the stories behind their handmade products.

Notes:
The Indian para-archery team won six gold medals at the 2025 Para Archery Asia Cup – World Ranking Tournament. India topped the medals tally with a total of 12 medals, including six gold, three silver, and three bronze. The tournament took place in Bangkok, Thailand, from February 2-11, 2025.