Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
India ranked 22nd in International Shipments and 38th in the overall Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023. Indian Ports’ “Turn Around Time” is 0.9 days, better than countries like the USA, Australia, and Singapore. The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aligns with the blue economy and aims to transform India’s maritime sector. Key initiatives include expanding port capacity, enhancing operational efficiency, sustainability through green projects, and promoting coastal tourism. The vision also focuses on shipbuilding, workforce training, and enhancing India’s global maritime presence.

Notes:
Greece’s parliament elected Constantine Tassoulas as president, a largely ceremonial role. His nomination sparked protests over the 2023 train crash, as critics say parliament failed to investigate political responsibility. The judicial probe into the disaster is still ongoing. Tassoulas, 66, has been a lawmaker since 2000 and served as culture and deputy defense minister. He won 160 votes in the 300-seat parliament and will succeed Katerina Sakellaropoulou in March. His nomination is seen as strengthening Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ power amid rising opposition pressure. He will be sworn in on March 13.

Notes:
SEBI has introduced the digital platform MITRA (Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant). MITRA helps investors track and reclaim inactive or unclaimed mutual fund folios. It addresses issues like lost investments due to outdated contact details or unawareness. Investors can identify overlooked investments and update KYC details. It is developed by Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTAs), it provides a searchable database at the industry level. SEBI has revised the Unit Holder Protection Committee (UHPC) mandate to review inactive folios, unclaimed dividends, and redemptions.

Notes:
Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to maintain communal harmony at Thiruparankundram hill. Thiruparankundram hill is located in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu and has historical and religious significance. It houses the rock-cut Thiruparankundram temple, built in the 8th century by the Pandyas. It is one of six temples of Lord Muruga, the son of warrior goddess Korravai. The hill also has a Muslim shrine of Sikandar Shah, the last Sultan of the Madurai Sultanate. Jain caves are also found here, adding to its religious diversity.

Notes:
Ranchi will host the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships at Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium from May 3 to 5, 2025. This is the first time in 17 years that India is hosting the event, last held in 2008. The event was originally planned for October 2023 but was postponed. Athletes from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives will participate.

Notes:
Karnataka launched its Clean Mobility Policy 2025-2030 to boost the EV sector with ₹50,000 crore investments and create 1 lakh jobs. The policy aims to make Karnataka Asia’s top clean mobility hub with incentives like 25% subsidy on investments and 20% for Bengaluru. Karnataka has 2.5 lakh EVs and 5,403 charging stations, ranking 3rd in India for EV adoption. It plans 2,600 more charging stations and 3 mobility clusters for innovation. The policy supports training programs and aims to reduce carbon emissions while improving air quality.

Notes:
Indian Navy’s INS Shardul and P8I aircraft are in Bali, Indonesia, for the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 and Exercise Komodo. Exercise Komodo, launched in 2014, is a non-combat multilateral naval drill by the Indonesian Navy. It promotes maritime cooperation and regional security among friendly nations. The 2025 theme is “Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability.” The fifth edition features fleet reviews, naval drills, officer exchanges, bilateral meetings, and a defense exhibition. It involves 39 countries, with 34 foreign and 18 Indonesian Navy warships participating.

Notes:
The loggerhead turtle can remember the magnetic signature of an area and associates certain locations with food, performing a “turtle dance” when in those areas. It belongs to the Cheloniidae family and is the world’s largest hard-shelled turtle. Loggerheads use the geomagnetic field to navigate long distances. They have a wide distribution, found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea. The turtle is omnivorous, feeding on bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Its conservation status is “Vulnerable” according to the IUCN.

Notes:
Environmentalists have raised concerns over rising pollution in the Souparnika River near Kollur Mookambika Temple. The river flows westward in Karnataka, originating from the Kodachadri Hills in the Western Ghats. It passes through Byndoor taluk and near the Mookambika Temple before reaching the Arabian Sea. The river is linked to Hindu mythology, named after Garuda (“Suparna”), who is believed to have performed penance on its banks.

Notes:
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launched G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) initiative to support underprivileged Antyodaya families by promoting livelihoods and women’s empowerment. The scheme targets 50,000 Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholder families across 25 talukas in 10 districts over five years. Implemented by Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Ltd., it provides financial aid, skill training, and social development support.