Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
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:
Sevdalinka, a traditional Bosnian love song, has been included in UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Originating in the 16th century, it blends South Slavic poetry with Ottoman music, reflecting a melancholic essence. Traditionally passed down through generations during family gatherings, it is often performed a cappella or with instruments like the lute. Younger musicians are revitalizing Sevdalinka, keeping its essence alive while reaching global audiences. UNESCO recognition highlights Sevdalinka’s cultural and historical significance.

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:
Russia has introduced a new tourist tax, replacing the previous resort fee, effective today. Travelers will pay an additional 1% of their lodging costs to support regional tourism infrastructure. The tax was added to the Russian Tax Code in July 2024 under a new chapter, “Tourist Tax.” Regional authorities can implement the tax as a local levy, with many regions already adopting it. The tax starts at 1% in 2025 and will increase to 3% by 2027.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet extended a one-time special package for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme. DAP is the second most-used fertilizer in India after urea and is rich in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Phosphorus in DAP promotes root development and accelerates plant growth. It dissolves quickly in soil, releasing essential nutrients for plants. The NBS scheme provides subsidies based on nutrient content to ensure affordable fertilizers for farmers. The scheme promotes balanced fertilization, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers oversees the NBS scheme.

Notes:
Scrub typhus cases have been reported in several districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Vellore, with 5,000 cases in 2024. The disease is caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi and transmitted through infected mites. Symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, and sometimes a rash. Severe cases can lead to respiratory distress, organ failure, and death. Factors like vector abundance, climate, farming, and sanitation impact its spread. The Elisa test is used for detection. Control measures include cold fogging, clearing bushes, and reducing rodent populations.

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 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.

Notes:
Researchers from IIT Guwahati and Bose Institute, Kolkata, created an advanced injectable hydrogel for localized cancer treatment. The hydrogel acts as a stable reservoir, releasing anti-cancer drugs in a controlled way. It minimizes harm to healthy cells while targeting cancer effectively. The breakthrough is expected to revolutionize breast cancer therapy. The hydrogel is made from protein-based ultra-short peptides, stable at injection sites, and insoluble in body fluids. The peptides are biocompatible and biodegradable, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

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.