Current Affairs Quiz - February 2025

Notes:
The Ongole breed of cattle, native to Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, is neglected in India but highly valued abroad. Viatina-19, an Ongole cow, set a world record by selling for $4.82 million (~₹41 crore) in Brazil, making it the most expensive cow ever. It surpassed Japan’s Wagyu and India’s Brahman breeds in value. They are known for strength, disease resistance, and heat tolerance.

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, Singapore, and Oman are hosting the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman. The Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is an annual platform for regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean. It brings together leaders, officials, private sector representatives, and experts to discuss key issues. The Indian Ocean was historically a major trade route, influenced by Indian merchants and dynasties like the Pallavas, Cholas, and Andhras. The Indian Ocean handles 70% of global container traffic and 90% of India’s energy trade.

Notes:
International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is observed globally on February 15. The theme for ICCD 2025 is “Inspiring Action.” The day aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer. It focuses on supporting children with cancer and providing assistance.

Notes:
Kerala government allocated an additional Rs 300 crore for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASAP) health scheme. The total allocation for the scheme in the current financial year is Rs 978.54 crore. KASAP covers over 64 lakh vulnerable people, providing Rs 5 lakh health cover per family annually. The scheme benefits 41.99 lakh poor families (bottom 40% of Kerala’s population). It is available at 197 state-run, 4 central, and 364 private hospitals. Rs 700 crore is earmarked for KASAP in the upcoming state budget.

Notes:
India and the USA launched the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) initiative for Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) during the Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit to the USA. UDA involves using technology and strategies to monitor underwater activities. India is the first country to collaborate with the U.S. on UDA technologies. The initiative strengthens regional security by detecting threats like piracy and terrorism. It also supports economic interests in the blue economy and environmental management, while enhancing India’s regional diplomacy and maritime cooperation.

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:
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:
A volcano recently erupted at Mount Dukono in Indonesia. Mount Dukono, standing 1,087 meters above sea level, is one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes. It is located on Halmahera Island.