Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
The Denmark Strait Cataract is an underwater waterfall that defies traditional waterfall characteristics. The Denmark Strait Cataract is the largest waterfall on Earth, located between Iceland and Greenland. It has a vertical drop of 2,000 meters, more than three times the height of Angel Falls. The cataract spans 480 kilometers across the Denmark Strait. Despite its massive size, it remains hidden underwater and cannot be seen from the surface. This invisible waterfall influences global ocean circulation and plays a role in shaping ecosystems.

Notes:
Sevdalinka, a traditional Bosnian love song, has been included in UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Originating in the 16th century, it blends South Slavic poetry with Ottoman music, reflecting a melancholic essence. Traditionally passed down through generations during family gatherings, it is often performed a cappella or with instruments like the lute. Younger musicians are revitalizing Sevdalinka, keeping its essence alive while reaching global audiences. UNESCO recognition highlights Sevdalinka’s cultural and historical significance.

Notes:
Global Family Day, also called World Peace Day, is observed annually on January 1 to promote peace and unity worldwide. It emphasizes the idea that all people are interconnected regardless of nationality, borders, or ethnicity. The concept originated in 1997 when the UN General Assembly declared the International Decade for the Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for Children of the World. The UN officially recognized Global Family Day in 2001 after its initial success in 1999.

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:
India is promoting compressed biogas (CBG) as a future fuel to reduce fossil fuel usage and transition to renewable energy. CBG is produced from agricultural waste, animal waste, municipal solid waste, press mud, and sewage sludge. However, adoption of CBG plants has been slow, with only 115 plants operational as of December 2024, far from the 5,000 plant target by 2030. The GOBARdhan scheme, launched in 2018 under Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen-Phase II, focuses on converting cattle dung, agricultural waste, and organic materials into Biogas, CBG, and bio-fertilizers. It promotes a circular economy by turning waste into wealth. The scheme is managed by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Notes:
The National Saras Mela will be held at Chengannur, Kerala, from January 20 to 31, at the Chengannur municipal stadium. Organized by the Kudumbashree Mission, it will promote rural products on a unified platform. The mela features 300 stalls from 28 States, including 200 from Kerala, showcasing handcrafted items, jewellery, textiles, and home decor. It provides self-help groups, neighborhood groups, and artisans a platform to reach urban markets.

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 24th Rashtriya Vanvasi Krida Pratiyogita held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Tribal athletes from across India, including the Andaman-Nicobar Islands and Manipur, participated in the event. The event was organized by the Vanvasi Vikas Samiti under the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. More than 800 tribal youth from 33 provinces are competing in sports like football and archery.

Notes:
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), Amulya and Akshay, for the Indian Coast Guard. The launch highlights GSL’s focus on technological and operational excellence. GSL achieved a 100% growth in Gross Revenue, surpassing ₹2,000 crore. The shipyard is recognized as a leading Indian shipbuilder with advanced indigenous capabilities.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) building in Rohini, Delhi. The state-of-the-art facility spans 2.92 acres, costs ₹187 crore, and will be completed in 30 months. The institute will include a 100-bed research hospital with advanced clinical research, education, and treatment facilities. The project supports the “Heal in India” initiative and aims to make India a global health and wellness hub. CARI, established in 1979, focuses on Ayurvedic research, particularly in preventive cardiology.