Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Punjab Government has launched a dedicated Post-Matric Scholarship portal for students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) communities. The portal is part of the PM-YASASVI Scheme for the academic year 2024-25. It consolidates previous initiatives like the Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship Scheme for EBCs and DNTs into one program since 2021-22. The scheme aims to create a streamlined and impactful approach to support disadvantaged students’ educational needs. Its goal is to promote educational empowerment and help students overcome financial barriers. It is implemented by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Notes:
IIT-Madras has commissioned Asia’s largest shallow wave basin research facility at its Discovery campus in Thaiyur. The facility handles complex wave and current interactions, addressing challenges in Indian ports, waterways, and coastal engineering. Developed indigenously, it is supported by the National Technology Centre for Ports Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC). The facility can test coastal structures, post-impact analysis, solar floating plants, and climate change effects. It is equipped with a mobile wave maker, enabling multiple projects and international research collaborations. This facility strengthens IIT-Madras as a global leader in marine science and engineering.

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.

Notes:
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:
Kiran Jadhav of the Navy won the 10m air-rifle gold at the 15th Lakshya Cup. Jadhav scored 251.7 points, securing his first victory after years of finals since 2018. Maharashtra’s Gajanan Khandagale came second with 250.9 points, and Mohit Gowda took third with 229.3 points. Paris Olympics finalist Arjun Babuta finished fourth with 208.2 points. National champions Shahu Mane and Ananya Naidu failed to qualify for the finals. Mohit Gowda topped the qualifiers with 630.5 points, while Olympians Divyansh Singh Panwar and Sandeep Singh also missed the finals.

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.

Notes:
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has moved 33 border outposts (BOPs) closer to the India-China border under its forwardisation plan. It was raised in 1962 after the Sino-Indian War. ITBP is a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. ITBP guards the 3,488 km India-China border with 197 outposts at altitudes of 9,000 ft to 18,750 ft. It became a full-fledged force in 2004 under the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force Act, 1992. The force’s motto is “Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha” (Valour, Determination, Devotion to Duty).

Notes:
India launched the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessible globally. The data set enables advancements in genomics, personalized healthcare, and medicine. IBDC supports seamless access to genetic data, aiding researchers in studying genetic variations and developing precise genomic tools. The Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) ensures ethical and secure genomic data sharing under Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines. The GenomeIndia project, led by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), creates a comprehensive genetic diversity database for cutting-edge research. India plans to sequence 10 million genomes, enhancing innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Notes:
India has officially banned nimesulide after research confirmed its toxic impact on endangered vultures. Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation relief in conditions like osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and fever. The drug was widely used for treating animals like cattle, pigs, and horses. It causes kidney damage in vultures, leading to health issues and a decline in their population. Symptoms like visceral gout indicate kidney damage in vultures. Nimesulide is banned for pediatric use in several countries and now in India under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Notes:
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to promote youth participation in nation-building. It is organized by the Department of Youth Affairs under Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya from January 10-12. It reimagines the National Youth Festival, providing a platform for youth to present ideas for a developed India and engage with policymakers and global icons. 3,000 participants were selected, including 1,500 from State Championships, 1,000 from cultural programs, and 500 for groundbreaking contributions.