Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

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.

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The Finance Ministry launched the revamped ‘Baanknet’ e-auction portal as a one-stop platform for buyers and investors. It consolidates e-auction information from all Public Sector Banks (PSBs) on properties like flats, houses, plots, shops, industrial land, vehicles, and machinery. The portal simplifies property discovery and participation in auctions, enhancing transparency and efficiency. It aids PSBs in recovering distressed assets, improving their balance sheets, and boosting credit availability. More than 1,22,500 properties are listed, and PSB executives received training for effective use.

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Tularemia, also called ‘rabbit fever,’ has risen by over 50% in the US recently. It is a rare but potentially deadly infectious disease. It primarily affects children aged 5-9, older men, and American Indians or Alaska Natives. Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can infect various animals, especially rabbits and rodents. The disease is transmitted to humans through tick bites, contact with infected animals, or contaminated water. Symptoms can range from skin ulcers to severe respiratory issues.

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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.

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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.

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Major Wall Street banks have exited the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, a prominent group in global finance. The Alliance, led by banks and convened by the UN, commits members to align lending, investments, and capital activities with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) convenes the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). It is governed by a Steering Group, including member banks, UNEP FI Secretariat, and the UN. Banks in the alliance commit to transitioning GHG emissions in their portfolios and setting 2030 and 2050 targets with updates every five years. Members must annually publish emissions data. No Indian bank is currently part of this alliance.

Notes:
Assam government launched ‘Gunotsav 2025’ to assess more than 14 lakh students across 16,056 schools. The event runs from January 6-9, with 6,365 external evaluators. It aims to improve educational standards and create a better learning environment. The theme of ‘Gunotsav 2025’ is “Ensuring Quality Education.” The first phase evaluates 11 districts, covering 14,11,874 students with the help of external evaluators. This initiative reflects Assam’s commitment to improving education and student outcomes in the region.

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A male tiger from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, traveled 500 km to Solapur, an unusual journey. Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. It is called as the “Green Oasis” of southern Maharashtra. It is irrigated by rivers like Purna, Krishna, Bhima, and Tapti, providing abundant water. The sanctuary lies in a basalt region formed by ancient lava activity.

Notes:
Nadi Tarangini, India’s first Ayurvedic medical device, received approval from Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). It costs ₹55,000 and is manufactured by Atreya Innovations in Pune. The device analyzes 22 Ayurvedic parameters and provides a 10-page report in 10 Indian languages. It has an accuracy of 85% and is used in over 1250 Ayurvedic clinics. Nadi Tarangini received patents in the US, Europe, Indonesia, and India.

Notes:
NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) launched “EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan” in partnership with New Shop under its Award to Reward (ATR) program. The initiative provides mentorship and training in retail management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business development for women entrepreneurs. Fifty women aged 18–35 will be selected through an online application process based on specific criteria. The top 20 participants will receive a 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees, reducing barriers to owning retail businesses. The program targets women from Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.