Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

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:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Blue Origin a commercial space launch license for the New Glenn rocket. The New Glenn rocket was developed by Blue Origin, an American space technology company. New Glenn is a heavy-lift, two-stage rocket named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. It stands 320 feet tall and has a 7-meter-wide payload fairing. The first stage is reusable, powered by seven BE-4 engines, producing over 3.8 million pounds of thrust. The second stage uses two BE-3U engines, powered by liquid hydrogen and oxygen, generating over 320,000 pounds of vacuum thrust.

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The Prime Minister emphasized Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC’s) role in empowering small businesses and transforming e-commerce. ONDC was launched in 2022 by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce. It aims to provide equal opportunities for MSMEs in digital commerce and democratize the e-commerce sector. ONDC promotes open networks for exchanging goods and services through digital platforms. Partners like Paytm, Meesho, Magicpin, Mystore, Craftsvilla, and Spice Money enable users to order food or products from businesses listed on the ONDC platform.

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India clarified the use of methylcobalamin (MeCbl), an active form of Vitamin B12. Methylcobalamin, structurally distinct from other Vitamin B12 forms, contains a methyl group bonded to a cobalt atom. It is found in supplements and food sources like fish, meat, eggs, milk, and milk products. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and neurological function. Deficiency can cause severe health issues, often requiring supplementation. It supports vital functions like cell growth, blood formation, and protein synthesis.

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State Bank of India launched two new deposit schemes, Har Ghar Lakhpati and SBI Patrons, to provide better financial options. SBI Patrons is a fixed deposit scheme specifically for senior citizens aged 80 and above. It offers higher interest rates, acknowledging the loyalty of senior customers. Both new and existing term deposit customers can avail the SBI Patrons scheme. Depositors under this scheme earn an additional 10 basis points higher interest than standard rates for senior citizens.

Notes:
A male tiger, T-2402, left Sariska Tiger Reserve and injured three people. Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Rajasthan, covering 800 sq km in the Aravali Hills. It was a hunting ground for the Maharaja of Alwar before becoming a reserve in 1955 and a national park in 1979. It was the first reserve globally to successfully relocate tigers. The area is known for temples, palaces, and lakes like Pandu Pol, Bhangarh Fort, Siliserh Lake, and JaiSamand Lake.

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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:
Aero India 2025, Asia’s biggest biennial air show, will be held at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, from February 10-14, 2025. The first edition was in 1996, and the 14th edition was held in 2023. The event will showcase India’s aerospace and defence advancements, featuring air displays and exhibitions of military aircraft on February 13-14. It is organized by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. The theme of Aero India 2025 is “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities.”

Notes:
Golden jackals, also called common jackals, are medium-sized wolf-like canids. They are adapting to environmental changes and are less inclined to avoid humans. In human-inhabited areas, they are strictly nocturnal but may be partly diurnal in other regions. They inhabit valleys, rivers, lakes, canals, and seashores, but are rare in low mountains. They are found in parts of Africa, Europe, South Asia, and India. Their conservation status is “Least Concern” under IUCN.

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Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren transferred ₹1,415.44 crore to 56.61 lakh women under the Maiya Samman Yojana on January 6, 2024. Jharkhand’s government launched the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana in August 2024. The scheme aims to empower women by improving access to education, health, and daily necessities. CM encouraged women to use the funds for nutritious food to combat anaemia and for gas cylinders, festival clothes, and school supplies for children.