Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Thaipusam. Thaipusam is named after the Tamil month “Thai” and the star “Poosam.” It honors Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, victory, and wisdom. The festival marks the day when Goddess Parvati gave Lord Murugan the divine vel (spear) to defeat the demon Surapadma. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month Thai. It is widely observed by Tamils in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries.

Notes:
Pankaj Advani won his 36th national title and 10th men’s snooker crown at the Yashwant Club. He defeated Brijesh Damani, who won only the first frame before Advani dominated the match. The tournament is the sole selection event for the Asian and World Championships.

Notes:
February 13th marks World Radio Day, celebrating radio’s role in communication, entertainment, education, and community connection, especially in remote areas. Radio, invented in the early 19th century, became widely used for mass media in India in the 20th century. UNESCO declared World Radio Day in 2011, with the UN General Assembly adopting it in 2012. The day highlights radio’s resilience, its importance in emergencies, and its role in tackling global issues like climate change. The 2025 theme is “Radio and Climate Change,” focusing on radio’s role in addressing this critical issue.

Notes:
Mission Amrit Sarovar has rejuvenated or built over 68,000 ponds, helping address water scarcity. It was launched in 2022 under “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.” It aims to develop or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district, targeting around 50,000 ponds nationwide.

Notes:
The oldest known Jurassic bird fossil was recently found in China’s Fujian Province. The fossil is of a species called Baminornis zhenghensis and is estimated to be 149 million years old. The discovery of Baminornis zhenghensis is considered a landmark discovery and one of the most important bird fossils ever found. It shows that birds and dinosaurs lived alongside each other in China during the Jurassic period.

Notes:
Uganda and WHO confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Virus Disease (SVD). It is a viral hemorrhagic fever, related to Ebola, caused by the Sudan virus (SUDV). It was first identified in Sudan in 1976. It exists in animal reservoirs in the region. It has a high fatality rate and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms start with fever, fatigue, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and bleeding. There are no approved treatments or vaccines, but early supportive care improves survival chances.

Notes:
India and the U.S. launched the U.S.-India COMPACT initiative to boost defense, trade, and technology ties. COMPACT stands for Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology for the 21st century. It aims to strengthen the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Focus areas include defense collaboration, co-production, and technology exchange. The initiative targets $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 (Mission-500). Key sectors include AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and space exploration. This marks a major step in advancing Indo-U.S. cooperation across strategic areas.

Notes:
Researchers recorded the first-ever sighting of an adult abyssal anglerfish (also known as black demon fish or black seadevil fish) in broad daylight. The Black Seadevil Fish is a deep-sea predator known for its terrifying appearance and unique hunting adaptations. It has dark coloration, sharp teeth, and a monstrous shape, giving it the nickname “black devil.” It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Notes:
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.

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.