Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
After 40 years, the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary saw the return of one-horned rhinos and is attracting more water birds than Assam’s Deepor Beel Ramsar site. The sanctuary is located in Nagaon District, Assam, covering 70.13 sq.km. It was designated a buffer zone of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in 2007 and is part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem. The sanctuary is surrounded by human-dominated areas on all sides except the north.

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:
China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) reactor set a world record by sustaining plasma for 1,066 seconds at 100 million degrees Celsius. EAST is crucial for advancing nuclear fusion research, aiming to provide clean, sustainable energy. It is a superconducting tokamak, a donut-shaped reactor developed by China for controlled nuclear fusion. EAST is the only tokamak in the world using both toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields for plasma confinement.

Notes:
Russia has developed an mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine, set for free distribution by early 2025. mRNA vaccines provide genetic instructions to help the body produce antigens that trigger an immune response. Unlike traditional vaccines, this is not preventive but treats existing cancer by targeting tumor-specific antigens. It trains the immune system to attack cancer cells by producing proteins similar to tumor antigens.

Notes:
Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo set a new world half-marathon record in Barcelona. He finished the race in 56 minutes and 42 seconds, reclaiming his 2021 title. Kiplimo broke the previous record by 48 seconds, which was set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in November 2024. This marks the greatest single improvement in the men’s world half-marathon record.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh assembly becomes the first in the country with a translator facility. The proposal will be reviewed by the Ruling Committee and implemented after approval. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath oversaw translation rehearsals in Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhand, and English.

Notes:
Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first ‘Open-Air Art Wall Museum’ at Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi. The museum marks the 150-year journey of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). It is developed in collaboration with ‘Delhi Street Art’. It transforms IMD’s Lodhi Road headquarters into a visual narrative. The artwork showcases India’s meteorological advancements and the role of weather science in society.

Notes:
LIC launched the ‘One Man Office’ (OMO) initiative on February 17, 2025. It is a digital initiative to enhance LIC agents’ efficiency with 24×7 digital services. The initiative aligns with LIC’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047.’ It provides online tools for policy sales, customer service, and business management. LIC aims to make its agents independent and productive through digital transformation. The initiative eliminates the need for a traditional office setup. It benefits both policyholders and LIC by integrating technology into insurance services.

Notes:
A proposal to transfer water from Manikaran to Kasol for a hot bath facility has sparked local opposition. Manikaran is a small town in Himachal Pradesh, known for its hot springs and religious significance. It is situated in Parvati Valley along the Parvati River at 1,829 meters altitude. The town is famous for natural hot springs believed to have healing properties. The water is said to be radioactive and beneficial for rheumatism. Manikaran is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs, home to a Shiva temple, Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, and a Rama temple.

Notes:
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini announced Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana benefits for potato growers to protect them from price fluctuations. ₹46.34 crore has been disbursed to farmers under the scheme for 2023-24. The scheme safeguards farmers from financial losses due to falling market prices. It covers 21 horticultural crops, including 5 fruits, 14 vegetables, and 2 spices. The Haryana government launched the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana to protect farmers from financial losses due to declining market prices.