Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extended the deadline for the Vivad Se Vishwas scheme to January 31, 2025, from December 31, 2024. The scheme was announced in Union Budget 2023-24. The Vivad Se Vishwas scheme is modeled on the 2019 Sabka Vishwas Scheme for indirect taxes. It facilitates the settlement of disputed tax, interest, and penalties. The scheme also grants immunity from prosecution under the Income-tax Act for matters included in the declaration.

Notes:
Google launched the quantum processor ‘Willow,’ advancing quantum computing to solve practical problems. Willow has 105 physical qubits and operates at near absolute zero temperatures (-273.15°C). It features better error correction and faster performance than other quantum computers. The coherence time of Willow’s qubits is around 100 microseconds, improved by error correction. Willow’s architecture enables lower error rates with more qubits. It outperformed classical computers in testing, completing a Random Circuit Sampling task in minutes.

Notes:
Quad nations (India, US, Australia, Japan) reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The pledge commemorates 20 years of Quad cooperation, initially formed after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Quad aims to counter challenges like China’s growing influence in the region. The coalition emphasizes the centrality of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific framework. The grouping focuses on upholding international order based on the rule of law.

Notes:
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting to review progress on defense reforms and projects. 2025 has been declared the ‘Year of Reforms’ for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The goal is to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force. Key focus areas include improving Jointness & Integration, enhancing cyber and space capabilities, and integrating emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and hypersonics. Acquisition procedures will be simplified, and public-private partnerships will be promoted. The reforms aim to improve defense exports, optimize resources, and ensure veterans’ welfare.

Notes:
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions issued guidelines for the 28th National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025. The NAeG is one of the most prestigious awards for digital governance in India. The National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) scheme aims to promote excellence in e-Governance initiatives. The awards include a Trophy, Certificate, and cash incentives—Rs 10 lakh for Gold Awardees and Rs 5 lakh for Silver Awardees. 16 awards will be given this year, with 10 Gold and 6 Silver. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions is the nodal ministry.

Notes:
Chhattisgarh became the first state in India to link its forest ecosystem with Green GDP. Chhattisgarh has introduced a plan linking forest ecosystem services to Green GDP, highlighting environmental contributions like clean air, water conservation, and biodiversity. The initiative aims to balance economic development with environmental preservation for future generations. Forest services, including climate regulation, soil enrichment, water purification, and carbon absorption, will be integrated into economic planning. With 44% forest cover, Chhattisgarh’s forests support livelihoods, provide forest products, and mitigate climate change. The plan aligns with the ‘Developed India 2047’ vision, emphasizing ecological and economic sustainability. Forest valuation will include CO2 absorption, water provision, biodiversity, and eco-tourism contributions.

Notes:
The Finance Ministry launched the revamped ‘Baanknet’ e-auction portal as a one-stop platform for buyers and investors. It consolidates e-auction information from all Public Sector Banks (PSBs) on properties like flats, houses, plots, shops, industrial land, vehicles, and machinery. The portal simplifies property discovery and participation in auctions, enhancing transparency and efficiency. It aids PSBs in recovering distressed assets, improving their balance sheets, and boosting credit availability. More than 1,22,500 properties are listed, and PSB executives received training for effective use.

Notes:
Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, key figure in India’s nuclear tests of 1974 and 1998, passed away at 88. Born in 1936, Chidambaram studied at Presidency College, Chennai, and Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.. He served as Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (2001-2018) and director of BARC (1990-1993). Chidambaram was chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, DAE (1993-2000). He also chaired the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1994-1995.

Notes:
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention takes place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025. The theme is ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’, celebrating the diaspora’s role in India’s development. Prime Minister Modi inaugurates the event on January 9, and President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad & Tobago addresses virtually. More than 50 countries’ diaspora members participate, and Modi flags off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express tourist train.

Notes:
Bangladesh is reportedly considering purchasing Abdali Short Range Ballistic Missiles (Hatf 2) from Pakistan amid rising India-Bangladesh tensions. Abdali (Hatf 2) is a short-range, road-mobile ballistic missile developed by Pakistan’s Space Research Commission (SUPARCO). The missile is 6.5 m long, 0.56 m in diameter, weighs 1,750 kg, and has a range of 180-200 km. It carries a 250-450 kg high explosive or submunition warhead with a CEP of 150 m. It targets military bases, airfields, and critical infrastructure.