Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Gujarat government and Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG) conducted India’s first coastal and wader bird census from January 3 to 5, 2025, at the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in Jamnagar. Jamnagar district in Gujarat hosts 300+ bird species, including 50+ wader bird species. The three-day event includes expert talks on Day 1, bird counting on Day 2, and a closing ceremony with knowledge sharing on Day 3. The census will focus on wader and coastal bird species in the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary.

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:
China is experiencing an outbreak of respiratory infectious diseases, including rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). HMPV cases, especially among children under 14 in northern provinces, are rising. HMPV symptoms include cough, congestion, fever, fatigue, and breathing difficulties; it can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia in vulnerable groups. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV; preventive measures like handwashing and avoiding contact are advised.

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India clarified the use of methylcobalamin (MeCbl), an active form of Vitamin B12. Methylcobalamin, structurally distinct from other Vitamin B12 forms, contains a methyl group bonded to a cobalt atom. It is found in supplements and food sources like fish, meat, eggs, milk, and milk products. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and neurological function. Deficiency can cause severe health issues, often requiring supplementation. It supports vital functions like cell growth, blood formation, and protein synthesis.

Notes:
Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, key figure in India’s nuclear tests of 1974 and 1998, passed away at 88. Born in 1936, Chidambaram studied at Presidency College, Chennai, and Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.. He served as Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (2001-2018) and director of BARC (1990-1993). Chidambaram was chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, DAE (1993-2000). He also chaired the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1994-1995.

Notes:
Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurates ‘Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0’ at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. It is organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) with the Lok Sabha Secretariat and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The event commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda. It gathers 502 elected women representatives from Scheduled Tribes across 22 states and Union Territories. Its primary focus is to empowering women representatives by enhancing their knowledge of constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, and governance.

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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.

Notes:
Indonesia officially joined BRICS as a full member, announced by Brazil. Indonesia called its membership a strategic step for partnerships with developing nations. As the fourth most populous country, Indonesia aimed to strengthen Global South alliances. BRICS focuses on strengthening cooperation among nations in the Global South. BRICS has recently expanded its membership. New members include Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. This expansion showcases BRICS’ increasing influence among developing nations.

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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.