Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Researchers have identified Stellaria bengalensis, an annual herb, in Kalimpong, West Bengal. It grows at altitudes of 2,245-2,450 meters in muddy soil slopes, similar to Stellaria mcclintockiae found in Kerala earlier this year. Stellaria bengalensis is an annual herb, 8-10.5 cm tall, with white flowers, no bracts, and sharp, pointed seeds. India has about 22 Stellaria species, mostly in the Himalayas, and the new species is currently assessed as ‘data deficient’ by IUCN.

Notes:
The Election Commission of India released 42 statistical reports for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and 14 reports for assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. This initiative aims to boost public trust and enhance transparency in the electoral system. In 2024, 47.63 crore women electors were registered, accounting for 48.62% of the total electors. Puducherry and Kerala had the highest female electors at 53.03% and 51.56%.

Notes:
K S Manilal, a renowned taxonomist and Padma Shri awardee, passed away on 1st January 2025 in Thrissur, Kerala. He is celebrated for translating and annotating Hortus Malabaricus, a 17th-century Latin botanical treatise on the flora of Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa. Manilal spent 35 years making the 12-volume work accessible to academics during his tenure as a botany professor at the University of Calicut (1976–1999). His contributions include 198 research papers, 15 books, and extensive work on medicinal plants and taxonomy. He played a key role in conserving Kerala’s Silent Valley rainforest in the 1980s.

Notes:
The Mahabharata Vatika, developed by the Uttarakhand forest department at Haldwani, features 37 plant species mentioned in the epic. It spans over one acre and aims to highlight ecological wisdom from the Mahabharata, particularly emphasizing the interdependence of nature and wildlife. The garden underscores the importance of forests, as depicted in the epic, and serves as a bridge between historical, cultural, and environmental conservation efforts.

Notes:
The Gujarat government approved the creation of Vav-Tharad district by bifurcating Banaskantha district. The new district will have its headquarters in Tharad town. This raises the total number of districts in Gujarat to 34. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The move addresses a longstanding public demand and aims to improve administrative efficiency.

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:
Scientists discovered that the dark markings on the Brazilian Velvet Ant absorb nearly all visible light, reflecting less than 1%. Velvet ants, a group of parasitic wasps, are known for bright coloration and a powerful sting. They are wingless, with distinct black and white markings, and are mainly found in Brazil’s Caatinga shrub desert. Velvet ants are highly mobile, covering long distances to find hosts, and are most active in early morning and late afternoon. The ultra-black pigmentation helps them absorb light and enhances their unique appearance in the animal kingdom.

Notes:
Registrations for Yuva Nidhi Scheme has started in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka. Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah launched the Yuva Nidhi scheme in January 2024. The scheme provides financial aid to unemployed graduates and diploma holders for two years. The scheme is managed by the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Livelihood. Applications can be submitted on the Seva Sindhu portal, Karnataka One, Grama One, and Bapuji Seva Kendra.

Notes:
Maharashtra is reviewing beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Scheme, launched in June 2024. Scheme supports women from economically weaker sections with ₹1,500 per month. Only women with an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh are eligible. Budget also included free LPG cylinders for BPL families and free electricity for farmers. Scheme’s annual cost is ₹46,000 crore, raising concerns over financial sustainability. Finance department warned the expenses could affect payment of government salaries. Government aims to reduce beneficiaries to ease the financial burden.

Notes:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is using the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform to enhance transparency and accountability in public spending. ODK is a secure digital platform for designing, collecting, and managing data. It is integrated with CAG’s Operating System (OIOS) and provides end-to-end encryption. The platform helps identify problem areas and launch multilingual surveys. Beneficiary surveys support audit planning and evidence collection. ODK was used to assess patient satisfaction and audit the performance of AIIMS Mangalagiri and AIIMS Bibinagar.