Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
China has approved the construction of a deep-sea research facility in the South China Sea. This facility, also known as a “deep-sea space station”, is expected to be operational by 2030. The facility will be located 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) below the ocean’s surface.  It will be one of the deepest and most technologically advanced underwater installations ever attempted.  The facility will study cold seep ecosystems, which are methane-rich hydrothermal vents.  It will accommodate six scientists for missions lasting up to a month.

Notes:
Ukraine has acquired the Gravehawk hybrid surface-to-air missile system to counter Russia’s missile attacks. It is developed by the United Kingdom. It targets short-range threats, especially fast-moving airborne objects. Missiles can reach Mach 2.5 and engage targets up to 12 miles away. It is effective against drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft.

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:
A faunal survey by the Forest Department in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve recorded 15 new species. The reserve is located in Kerala’s Palakkad and Thrissur districts and covers 391 sq. km. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2009 under Project Tiger. The Parambikulam, Sholayar, and Thekkady rivers flow through the reserve, supporting its biodiversity. The reserve is home to four tribal communities—Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar, and Mala Malasar—living in six colonies within the protected area.

Notes:
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports, completed India’s first-ever commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia by sea. APEDA was established in 1985 under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act. It replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC) and functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. APEDA promotes and develops the export of scheduled products, requiring exporters to register. It provides financial assistance, information, and guidelines to support scheduled product exports.

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:
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:
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change inaugurated the ‘Waste Recycling and Climate Change 2025’ conference. It is organized by Recycling and Environment Industries Association of India (REIAI). India generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with plastic, electronic, and hazardous waste rapidly increasing. The program aims to encourage product redesign, invest in recycling technologies, strengthen supply chains, and increase consumer awareness.

Notes:
India has been elected Vice President of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore. T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, led the Indian delegation. The 1st General Assembly of IALA marks its transition from an NGO to an inter-governmental organization (IGO). IALA, founded in 1957, sets global maritime navigation standards. India will host the IALA Council meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in September 2027 in Mumbai. This highlights India’s leadership in maritime safety and international cooperation.