Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu inaugurated the three-day Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF). The event celebrates heritage through folk songs, sports, and historic site expeditions. It offers a platform for local artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs to showcase their talent. The festival aims to foster economic growth and self-reliance. The festival is held annually in Nampong, Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh.

Notes:
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai launched the ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana’ in Raipur. More than 5.62 lakh landless agricultural labourers, including Baigas and Gunias, will get Rs 10,000 annually under the scheme. Rs 562 crores were disbursed to beneficiaries during the launch.

Notes:
Madras High Court directed local bodies to submit an action plan to prevent pollution in the Vaigai River. Vaigai River originates from Varusanadu and Megamalai hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. It flows southeast through the Pandya Nadu region, rarely flooding, and drains into the Palk Strait near Pamban Bridge. The river is 258 km long, with a basin area of 7,741 sq. km entirely in Tamil Nadu. Vaigai is fed by the Periyar Dam in Kerala, with water diverted through a tunnel in the Western Ghats. Vaigai is mentioned in Sangam literature and is central to Madurai, the ancient Pandya kingdom’s capital.

Notes:
The India Open 2025 badminton tournament concluded in New Delhi with outstanding performances. Viktor Axelsen of Denmark won his third India Open men’s singles title, defeating Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong China 21-16, 21-8. Axelsen previously won the India Open in 2017 and 2019. An Se-young of South Korea dominated the women’s singles final, defeating Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-12, 21-9 in just 39 minutes. Both champions are Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists, showcasing their world-class talent.

Notes:
The Commerce Ministry introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme to boost India’s diamond industry’s global competitiveness. Effective from April 1, 2025, it allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds under ¼ carat for export purposes. The scheme mandates a 10% value addition export obligation. It supports MSME exporters by creating a level playing field with larger players. Inspired by diamond beneficiation policies in countries like Botswana, it aims to maintain India’s global leadership in the diamond value chain.

Notes:
India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics, focusing on sustainable sports infrastructure. The first International Olympic Research Conference will be held at Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat from January 27-30, 2025. Organized by the Indian Olympic Association, the event aims to address financial challenges and create a sustainable roadmap for hosting the Olympics.

Notes:
The US President signed an executive order renaming Denali to Mount McKinley. It is the highest peak in North America, located in south-central Alaska in the Alaska Range. Denali is a massive granite block uplifted by tectonic activity about 60 million years ago. It rises 18,000 feet from the Denali Fault to its southern summit. The upper half is covered with snowfields feeding glaciers like Kahiltna, Muldrow, Peters, Ruth, and Traleika. Denali is the central feature of Denali National Park and Preserve.

Notes:
A rare Umamaheshwara metal sculpture was found in Taggunje, Ajri village, Udupi district, Karnataka. Likely made in the 17th century using a 12th-century style, the idol is crafted from five metals. The sculpture uniquely combines Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult traditions. Lord Shiva is depicted seated with Parvati on his lap, Ganesha on the right, Shanmukha on the left, and Nandi below. Shiva’s features include Jatamukuta, a third eye, a parashu, a deer, and a five-headed serpent umbrella. The platform inscription in 17th-century Kannada mentions the use of 3 gadhyanas of gold (14% gold content).

Notes:
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism inaugurated the ‘Bhagwat’ exhibition at the Prayagraj Museum, showcasing miniature paintings. The exhibition blends art, culture, Lord Ram and Krishna, and Kumbh traditions. The exhibition highlights India’s unity, serving as proof against historical divisions. The Minister emphasized the Kumbh as a symbol of India’s unity, bringing together people of various faiths and cultures.

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.