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:
Maharashtra launched a 15-day campaign from January 1 to promote reading among students. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil announced the initiative. Students are encouraged to read books beyond their textbooks. Colleges and universities will organize events like group reading, storytelling, book discussions, workshops, and competitions. A government resolution outlines campaign details and mandates its annual observance in January. Committees at various levels will ensure effective implementation statewide. Final winners of activities will be honored at a special event.

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 Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has amended the rules for selecting experts for the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). GEAC is a statutory committee under the 1989 rules for hazardous and genetically engineered organisms framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It was renamed from the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee to Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee in 2010. GEAC operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

Notes:
Scientists have shown that a nano-formulation of melatonin enhances its antioxidative and neuroprotective properties, offering potential for treating Parkinson’s disease (PD). Melatonin is a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness, regulating sleep-wake cycles. It peaks secretion in the middle of the night, gradually reducing toward morning. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement, balance, and the nervous system. The average onset age for PD is 60 years, with men being more commonly affected than women. Risk of Parkinson’s naturally increases with age.

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Telangana government engaged IIT-Hyderabad experts to study the Polavaram project’s impact on the Godavari River. The Polavaram Project is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. It aims to address water scarcity, boost agriculture, and generate power. The dam spans 1.2 km, with 48 radial gates and a spillway designed to withstand massive floods. The project aims to develop 4.36 lakh ha of irrigation, generate 960 MW of power, supply water to 28.5 lakh people, and divert 80 TMC water to the Krishna basin.

Notes:
The Export Inspection Council (EIC) has launched a study on food testing infrastructure for exports. It was set up under the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963. It ensures quality control and inspection of Indian exports. EIC is the official certification body for exports, ensuring products meet quality and safety standards for importing countries. It provides mandatory certification for specific food products and voluntary certification for others. EIC operates through Export Inspection Agencies in major cities, with NABL accredited laboratories and 30 sub-offices. It works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

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The Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries launched the second round of the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel, called PLI Scheme 1.1. It will run from FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30. It covers five product categories: coated/plated steel, high-strength steel, specialty rails, alloy steel products, and electrical steel. These products serve sectors like white goods, transformers, automobiles, and niche industries. Changes include reduced investment thresholds, allowance for carrying forward excess production, and participation through capacity augmentation without new mills. The scheme aims to boost domestic specialty steel production, reduce imports, and attract investments, originally expanded to steel in November 2020.

Notes:
Assam government launched ‘Gunotsav 2025’ to assess more than 14 lakh students across 16,056 schools. The event runs from January 6-9, with 6,365 external evaluators. It aims to improve educational standards and create a better learning environment. The theme of ‘Gunotsav 2025’ is “Ensuring Quality Education.” The first phase evaluates 11 districts, covering 14,11,874 students with the help of external evaluators. This initiative reflects Assam’s commitment to improving education and student outcomes in the region.