Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

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.

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World Pulses Day is celebrated every year on February 10. The day highlights the importance and nutritional benefits of pulses. It is recognized by the United Nations to promote awareness. The theme for 2025 is “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agri-food systems.”

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Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh will become India’s second cheetah habitat. Six to eight cheetahs from South Africa are expected to arrive before summer 2025. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in northwestern Madhya Pradesh. It lies in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion along the Chambal River. Declared a sanctuary in 1974, it covers 368 sq. km and is recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). The sanctuary features diverse topography, including hills, plateaus, and the catchment area of the Gandhi Sagar Dam, enhancing its ecological richness.

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Russia has offered India the R-37M missile, one of the world’s best air-to-air missiles. It was developed by Russia. The R-37M is designed to target enemy fighter jets and drones beyond visual range (BVR). It evolved from the R-33 missile and targets high-value platforms like tanker aircraft. Its guidance system includes inertial navigation, radar homing, and semi-active radar for the terminal phase. The missile has a range of 300-400 km and speeds up to Mach 6, making it highly effective for long-range interception.

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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.

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India ranked 96 out of 180 in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with a score of 38. India’s score dropped from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022, ranking 93rd in 2023. Among neighbors, Pakistan ranked 135, Sri Lanka 121, Bangladesh 149, and China 76. Denmark topped the list, followed by Finland and Singapore. Corruption threatens climate action by misusing funds and obstructing policies. 32 countries improved since 2012, but 148 stagnated or worsened. Over two-thirds of countries scored below 50, with a global average of 43. Corruption fuels authoritarianism, instability, and human rights violations.

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A study traces the Fulani people’s history back to the ‘Green Sahara’ period (12,000–5,000 years ago). The Fulani are among Africa’s largest pastoral populations, including nomadic herders and farmers. They mainly reside in Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and Niger but are spread across several other countries. Their language, Fula, belongs to the Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The Fulani are divided into three groups: Makiyaya (herders), Fulanin Soro (town dwellers), and Bararo (forest dwellers with ancestral rituals).

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The first-ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice will be held on February 24-25 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It is organized by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Employers’ Federation of India (EFI). It supports the Global Coalition for Social Justice, launched by the ILO in 2023. India is leading the Asia Pacific Group in promoting responsible businesses for inclusive societies.

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Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted again, sending lava 300 feet high into the air. This marks its ninth eruption since December 2024. Kilauea volcano is located in the United States, on the island of Hawaii. It’s part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea is the world’s most active volcano. It’s located on the southeastern part of Hawaii’s Big Island. Kilauea is a shield volcano, and the youngest and most active of the Hawaiian shield volcanoes.

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President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav 2025 at Major Dhyanchand Stadium, New Delhi. The event celebrates tribal entrepreneurship, crafts, culture, cuisine, and commerce. It provides a platform for tribal artisans and entrepreneurs from different states to showcase their creations. Cultural and traditional programs will be featured, promoting unity and diversity in the nation.