Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Taiwan will deploy advanced National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) in North Taiwan to protect Taipei. NASAMS is a medium-range, ground-based air defense system developed by Raytheon (USA) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway). The system defends against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, UAVs, and air-to-surface threats. It protects high-value assets and population centers and has been part of the US capital’s air defense since 2005. NASAMS is the first networked short- and medium-range system, integrating with other defense equipment.

Notes:
China has completed the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest expressway tunnel at 22.13 kilometers. It forms part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, connecting northern Xinjiang to Yuli County, reducing travel time through the Tianshan Mountains from three hours to 20 minutes. The project faced challenges such as high-altitude conditions, complex geology, and environmental concerns near glaciers and water sources. This project supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative, fostering regional economic growth and integration.

Notes:
The 67th National Conference on Mission Viksit Bharat 1947-2047 was held on January 16 at the Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The event aimed to promote the growth and recognition of small businesses, start-ups, individuals, and corporations across India. It featured a panel discussion on ‘Fostering Collective Action: Multi-Sector Collaboration for Promoting Ethics and Responsible Business Practices.’ The summit recognized various professionals and business leaders for their contributions, presenting them with the Business and Community Award.

Notes:
The Asan Wetland in Dehradun, Uttarakhand hosted the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) in January 2025. The census recorded 5,225 birds from 117 species. The census is part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC), which is a global program that monitors waterbirds and their habitats. Asan Wetland is located in Dehradun district at the confluence of the Asan River and Eastern Yamuna Canal, near the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border. The wetland was created in 1967 due to the damming of the Asan River during the construction of the Dhalipur powerhouse.

Notes:
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Ladakh on 23 January. The event features 19 teams and includes ice hockey and skating contests. The second phase, focusing on snow sports, will be in Jammu and Kashmir from February 22-25. Ladakh is hosting for the second time, with 594 participants, including 428 athletes. The events will be broadcast live on Doordarshan Sports.

Notes:
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) observes January 24 as International Day of Education to highlight education’s role in peace and development. It was declared on December 3, 2018, through resolution 73/25, co-written by Nigeria and 58 other countries. The 2024 theme is “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” focusing on education’s role in adapting to AI and technology. The day emphasizes education’s power in promoting peace, achieving global goals like SDG 4, and fostering global collaboration. UNESCO leads the celebration to advocate for accessible, high-quality education worldwide.

Notes:
The Vishwamitri River in Vadodara is undergoing a flood mitigation project due to past severe flooding. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has launched a three-phase plan to desilt, dredge, and modify the river channel. The plan includes relocating nearly 300 crocodiles living in the river. The Vishwamitri River originates from Pavagadh in Gujarat’s Panchmahal District and flows through western Vadodara. The river, named after the saint Vishwamitra, is joined by two tributaries: Dhadhar and Khanpur, before merging with the Gulf of Khambhat.

Notes:
The M23 (March 23 Movement) is an armed rebel group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in North Kivu province. It originated in 2012 from a faction of the Congolese army, citing grievances over a 2009 peace agreement. The group is involved in territorial seizures, driven by local ethnic tensions and international backing, with UN reports linking Rwanda’s support, including military involvement. M23 recently captured key areas like Minova and poses a threat to Goma, the provincial capital. DRC’s capital is Kinshasa, and it is traversed by the Congo River, Africa’s second-longest river.

Notes:
The International Solar Conference celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The observatory, established in 1899, is currently owned and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. It is located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, in the Palani range of hills, chosen for its proximity to the equator and dust-free high-altitude setting. The observatory’s objective is to gather data on how the sun affects Earth’s atmosphere and to better understand monsoon patterns.

Notes:
The Hatti community’s ancient folk dance, Sinhtoo, has been selected for the 76th Republic Day parade in Delhi. Sinhtoo, a mask dance featuring lion masks, symbolizes wildlife conservation and environmental protection. 200 artists from Himachal Pradesh performed Sinhtoo at the event, part of a larger cultural showcase of 45 dance forms.