Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
China unveiled the CR450, the world’s fastest high-speed train, with test speeds of 450 km/h and a commercial speed of 400 km/h. It surpasses the CR400 Fuxing trains (350 km/h) and reflects breakthroughs in speed, energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. Developed through 200,000 km of tests, 3,000 simulations, and 2,000 platform tests. Features include water-cooled traction, high-stability bogies, and a 20% reduction in energy use. Enhances passenger comfort with noise reduction, spacious cabins, and storage for bicycles and wheelchairs. Aligns with China’s plan to expand its rail network to 70,000 km by 2035.

Notes:
IIT Bombay developed a shockwave-based, needle-free syringe for painless drug delivery, reducing skin damage and infection risks. The syringe uses high-energy shockwaves to create a microjet of liquid drug that penetrates the skin without needles. It consists of a driver, driven section, and drug holder, powered by pressurized nitrogen gas. Effective in tests on rats, it showed deeper tissue penetration with minimal skin damage. The device supports over 1,000 uses, needing only nozzle replacements, making it cost-effective. It could accelerate immunization drives like Mission Indradhanush and lower risks of needle-related infections.

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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:
The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative democratizes access to global scholarly knowledge in India, aligning with NEP 2020 and ViksitBharat@2047 goals. A ₹6,000 crore budget is allocated for its first phase (2025–2027). The primary objective of the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) is to provide equitable access to scholarly research journals and articles from top international publishers to all eligible students, faculty, and researchers across India. The initiative promotes interdisciplinary research, particularly benefiting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. A unified portal will streamline digital processes for students, researchers, and faculty. The Department of Higher Education will lead awareness campaigns for maximum user adaptation.

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The Tobacco Board has initiated several strategic activities to ensure the sustainability and growth of the tobacco industry. The Tobacco Board of India was established on January 1, 1976, under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975. It is headed by a chairperson and works towards the development of the tobacco industry. Its main functions include promoting tobacco exports, regulating FCV tobacco production and distribution, and supporting domestic and international tobacco trade. India is the second-largest producer of tobacco globally, after China. India is also the second-largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco, after Brazil.

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Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the EU’s Schengen area on January 1, 2025. Previously, both countries held partial membership in the Schengen area. The Schengen area operates as a single jurisdiction with a common visa policy for international travel.

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Canada announced that the Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs) of 7.66 lakh international students will expire by the end of next year. The Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC) scheme offers a pathway for foreign nationals and students. It is launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in December 2024. The program aims to address labor shortages and encourage development in smaller rural communities. The scheme targets individuals willing to settle long-term in these areas to promote growth and address local workforce needs.

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World Braille Day is observed on January 4 to highlight the importance of Braille for blind and partially sighted individuals. The United Nations General Assembly declared January 4 as World Braille Day in 2018 to honor Louis Braille, the creator of the Braille system. Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and numerical symbols using six dots, including symbols for music, math, and science. According to the World Health Organization, 2.2 billion people globally have vision impairments, with nearly half being preventable or unaddressed cases.

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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.”

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India’s first organic fisheries cluster was launched in Sikkim’s Soreng District, promoting sustainable fish farming without harmful chemicals. The cluster focuses on sustainable fish farming, avoiding harmful chemicals and pesticides. It aims to protect aquatic ecosystems and cater to the rising demand for organic fish products in domestic and international markets. The project is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).