Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
The 32nd Indian Art History Congress was held from 8 to 10 February 2025 at the Indian Institute of Heritage, Noida. The theme was “Rendering Indian Epics in Art and Culture”, focusing on artistic expressions based on the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The event was organized by the Indian Heritage Institute, Noida, under the Ministry of Culture. The conference aimed to preserve and protect Indian art and cultural heritage. The Indian Art History Congress (IAHC) promotes research in Indian art and culture.

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:
India and the U.S. launched the TRUST (Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative to boost cooperation in critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements. Announced during PM Modi’s visit to Washington, it aims to strengthen supply chains for essential materials. The initiative focuses on critical minerals, advanced materials, and pharmaceuticals. It aims to reduce barriers to technology transfer by streamlining regulations. It seeks to address export controls for smoother trade in strategic resources. It also promotes high-tech commerce, enhancing collaboration in advanced sectors.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new type of brain cell called Ovoid cells. These neurons help in recognition memory by differentiating between new and familiar objects. They are named for their egg-like shape and are found in the hippocampus of humans, mice, and other animals. Ovoid cells activate when encountering something new, triggering memory storage. This discovery could help treat brain conditions like Alzheimer’s, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Epilepsy.

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:
Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), replacing Rajiv Kumar. He is a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre and senior to the other commissioners. Vivek Joshi has been appointed as Election Commissioner; he was the former Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner. This is the first appointment under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioner Act, 2023.

Notes:
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Intel India launched the ‘AI for Entrepreneurship’ micro-learning module. It aims to simplify AI concepts and encourage entrepreneurial thinking among young innovators. The programme targets training 1 lakh youth by 2025 to help them succeed in a technology-driven economy. The module focuses on AI for business growth, entrepreneurial strategies, and problem-solving. It is designed for both urban and rural learners to ensure inclusivity.

Notes:
Axis Bank became the first Indian bank to implement compliance for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) 2023 in partnership with Privy by IDfy. The DPDP Act 2023 sets new standards for data protection and accountability. It requires privacy notices in 22 languages, maintaining consent records, obtaining parental consent for minors, and reporting privacy breaches. The initiative reflects Axis Bank’s commitment to customer privacy, ethics, and transparency.

Notes:
Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited launched a 14-day awareness campaign called SAKSHAM. The campaign focuses on green energy and fuel conservation. It aims to promote fuel conservation and responsible use of petroleum products for a safer environment and sustainable energy future.

Notes:
INSV Tarini reached Port Stanley on February 18, 2025, completing the third phase of Navika Sagar Parikrama II. The expedition highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender empowerment and maritime excellence. It is crewed by two women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. The voyage, covering over 21,600 nautical miles, started from Goa on October 2, 2024. Route includes Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland), Cape Town (South Africa), and back to Goa. INSV Tarini, a 56-foot sailing vessel, has previously completed Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017.