Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Researchers have identified Stellaria bengalensis, an annual herb, in Kalimpong, West Bengal. It grows at altitudes of 2,245-2,450 meters in muddy soil slopes, similar to Stellaria mcclintockiae found in Kerala earlier this year. Stellaria bengalensis is an annual herb, 8-10.5 cm tall, with white flowers, no bracts, and sharp, pointed seeds. India has about 22 Stellaria species, mostly in the Himalayas, and the new species is currently assessed as ‘data deficient’ by IUCN.

Notes:
Total student enrollment dropped by over a crore in 2023-24, according to Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report. The ‘UDISE Plus’ Report was recently released by the Ministry of Education. UDISE+ is a large data system covering 14.72 lakh schools, 98.08 lakh teachers, and 24.8 crore students. It is an online portal managed by the Ministry of Education for school data on enrollment, infrastructure, and teachers. Boys’ enrollment fell by 4.87%, and girls’ by 4.48% from 2018-19 to 2023-24. States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra saw significant enrollment drops.

Notes:
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the 31st National Children’s Science Congress in Bhopal, held from January 3 to 6, 2025. More than 700 child scientists, teachers, and mentors from across India and Gulf countries like Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia participated in the event. The theme of the event is “Understanding Ecosystems for Health and Well-being.” The event aims to inspire children to develop scientific temper and solve societal problems through innovation. Activities include the Chandrayaan Mission Exhibition, Water Rocketry, Robotics, Hydroponics, Environmental Snakes and Ladders, Cheetah Conservation Exhibition, and scientific folk songs.

Notes:
IIT Bombay researchers developed a solution to tackle soil pollution using bacteria that consume toxic pollutants and produce essential nutrients. These bacteria degrade harmful substances, boost plant growth hormones, inhibit harmful fungi, and improve nutrient availability for plants. This innovation can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and enhance soil health and fertility. The bacteria, mainly from the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, were isolated from highly toxic environments and contaminated soils. They effectively break down aromatic pollutants like carbaryl, naphthalene, and phthalates, commonly found in pesticides and industrial by-products. The research offers an eco-friendly alternative to expensive traditional soil remediation methods.

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:
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:
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:
The Odisha government launches the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme to promote education among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. The scheme aims to reduce dropout rates by providing a one-time incentive of ₹5,000 to ST students enrolling in Class IX and Class XI. It is implemented for the 2024-2025 academic year and targets students with annual family incomes below ₹2,50,000. The incentive is available only for ST students in government and government-aided schools within the state. Eligible students receive ₹5,000 directly in their bank accounts, with applications processed through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.

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:
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the indigenously developed “Paracetamol” by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) during the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. CSIR’s new technology aims to produce paracetamol domestically, reducing dependence on imported raw materials. Karnataka-based Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd will manufacture affordable paracetamol using this breakthrough. The initiative supports India’s self-reliance in pharmaceutical production and aligns with PM Modi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision. The development addresses the current import dependency for key raw materials used in paracetamol production.