Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
The Gurung community celebrates Tamu Lhosar, marking the New Year and bidding farewell to the past year. The festival is observed in Nepal’s hilly and mountainous districts, including Lamjung, Gorkha, Tanahun, and others. A special celebration is held at Tundikhel, Kathmandu, where Gurung women wear traditional attire, including Makhamali blouses, Ghalek shawls, Patuki, and sarees. Men dress in cultural outfits like Bhoto, Bhangra, and Kachhad, performing a vibrant dance. Tamu Lhosar is celebrated on the 15th of the Nepali month Push (December-January), with a public holiday announced.

Notes:
The Rajasthan government recently dissolved nine districts and three divisions created in 2023. Rajasthan now has 41 districts and seven divisions. The divisions of Pali, Sikar, and Banswara were annulled. Eight districts, including Dudu, Kekri, Shahpura, and others, were abolished due to administrative necessity. Retained districts include Balotra, Beawar, Didwana-Kuchaman, and others. A High-Level Committee report deemed the new districts unviable, and a Cabinet Sub-Committee was formed to review their status.

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 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:
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) released a report titled “Comparative Study of School Education System” (SES). The report analyzes India’s school education system in comparison with countries like the USA, UK, China, Sweden, and Australia. It focuses on various aspects, including education structures, teaching methods, funding, assessments, and equity measures. India spends only 2.7-2.9% of GDP on education, stagnating over six years, while global benchmarks suggest 5-7%. Developed countries like Sweden allocate 6.7-6.9% and the UK 5.3-5.6%, while developing nations like Indonesia and Thailand allocate 3.7-4.3% and 4.0-4.3%, respectively. Australia increased education spending by 8%, and China by 2.4%, highlighting India’s underinvestment. The study calls for raising India’s education spending to 6% of GDP and implementing NEP 2020 reforms, focusing on vocational and digital education.

Notes:
Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) launched the ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative to empower women entrepreneurs in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra. It focuses on training women in traditional snack production to build sustainable ventures. MBMC collaborates with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) under the ‘Award to Reward’ program. ‘Faral Sakhi’ set up a central kitchen, enabling SHG women to produce and sell snacks professionally, with municipal support for sales and advertising. The initiative aims to create sustainable employment and inspire societal transformation.

Notes:
PM Modi inaugurated the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Mahotsav runs from January 4 to 9, 2025, with the theme “Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047.” It focuses on enhancing rural infrastructure, financial inclusion, and sustainable agriculture, with special attention to North-East India. It promotes rural innovation, collaboration, and showcases cultural heritage through performances and exhibitions.

Notes:
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 Indian Army hosted the three-day ‘Know Your Army Mela 2025’ at Golconda Fort, Hyderabad. The event was organized by HQ Telangana and Andhra Sub Area with support from the Artillery Centre, Hyderabad. The event showcased the technological advancements and indigenous capabilities of the armed forces to connect with the public and inspire youth to consider military careers.

Notes:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the BHARATPOL portal, developed by the CBI, on January 7, 2025, in New Delhi. The portal enhances real-time information sharing for Indian law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to access international police assistance. CBI, as India’s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, manages international cooperation in criminal matters. BHARATPOL addresses growing transnational crimes like cybercrime, financial fraud, and human trafficking. It streamlines requests for INTERPOL notices and boosts field officers’ efficiency in handling crimes.