Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

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 Election Commission of India released 42 statistical reports for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and 14 reports for assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. This initiative aims to boost public trust and enhance transparency in the electoral system. In 2024, 47.63 crore women electors were registered, accounting for 48.62% of the total electors. Puducherry and Kerala had the highest female electors at 53.03% and 51.56%.

Notes:
The World Bank launched the Business Ready (B-READY) report, replacing the paused Ease of Doing Business report. The Ease of Doing Business report was suspended in 2020 due to data manipulation and ranking integrity concerns. B-READY serves as a benchmarking tool to evaluate the global business climate and promote inclusive private sector growth. It focuses on ten core topics: Business Entry, Location, Utility Services, Labor, Financial Services, International Trade, Taxation, Dispute Resolution, Market Competition, and Insolvency.

Notes:
Quad nations (India, US, Australia, Japan) reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The pledge commemorates 20 years of Quad cooperation, initially formed after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Quad aims to counter challenges like China’s growing influence in the region. The coalition emphasizes the centrality of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific framework. The grouping focuses on upholding international order based on the rule of law.

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.

Notes:
The Territorial Army has formed a new task force to rejuvenate and protect the Gomti River. Gomti River is a tributary of the Ganga, flowing entirely through Uttar Pradesh. It originates from Gomat Taal (Fulhaar Jheel) in Pilibhit district. The river flows through Lucknow, Barabanki, Sultanpur, Faizabad, and Jaunpur before joining the Ganga. It stretches about 900 km and drains a basin of approximately 18,750 square km. The Gomti is a perennial river, providing continuous water flow throughout the year.

Notes:
Tripura recorded the Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) for the first time in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a lycaenid butterfly found in South and Southeast Asia, including forests in Northeast India. Three subspecies exist in India: macantia (Southwest India to Goa), tarpina (Andamans), and indra (Orissa to West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Jharkhand). Males have deep purple sheen; females are brownish with white markings. The underwings are pale brown with white bands, giving a “banded” look.

Notes:
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways announces the completion of the 2.35 km Banihal Bypass on NH-44 in Jammu & Kashmir. Built at a cost of ₹224.44 crore, it is a four-lane bypass addressing traffic bottlenecks in Banihal town. The bypass eliminates congestion caused by roadside markets and shops, ensuring smoother traffic flow. It significantly reduces travel time for tourists and defense vehicles heading to the Kashmir Valley.

Notes:
Bangladesh is reportedly considering purchasing Abdali Short Range Ballistic Missiles (Hatf 2) from Pakistan amid rising India-Bangladesh tensions. Abdali (Hatf 2) is a short-range, road-mobile ballistic missile developed by Pakistan’s Space Research Commission (SUPARCO). The missile is 6.5 m long, 0.56 m in diameter, weighs 1,750 kg, and has a range of 180-200 km. It carries a 250-450 kg high explosive or submunition warhead with a CEP of 150 m. It targets military bases, airfields, and critical infrastructure.

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.”