Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2025

Notes:
IIT-Madras has launched a zero-waste bioplastics initiative supported by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. The initiative aims to develop biodegradable, microplastic-free, and cost-effective alternatives to conventional plastics. Third-generation bioplastics use agricultural residues, algae, and waste materials, avoiding food security concerns linked to earlier food-based bioplastics. These bioplastics fully decompose, leaving no harmful particles behind, reducing the environmental footprint. The centre is also exploring bioplastics for food packaging and medical textiles, including biodegradable implants from agricultural waste.

Notes:
Researchers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory discovered an unusual black hole that might illuminate the development of supermassive black holes. Chandra X-ray Observatory is NASA’s most powerful X-ray telescope, offering eight times greater resolution and detecting sources over 20 times fainter than its previous X-ray telescope. It was launched on July 23, 1999. It is designed to detect X-ray emissions from extremely hot areas in the Universe, including exploded stars, galaxy clusters, and matter near black holes.

Notes:
Kashmir’s iconic Chinar trees (Platanus orientalis) have been geo-tagged and equipped with QR codes for digital protection. The trees reach up to 30 meters and take 30 to 50 years to mature, with vibrant seasonal leaf colors. The oldest Chinar, around 700 years old, was planted by Sufi Saint Syed Qasim Shah in Budgam. Its unique leaves change colors with the seasons and have various uses, including medicine, interior furniture, and dyeing. The project, led by the J&K Forest Research Institute, aims to track changes and address risk factors in the tree’s growth and health.

Notes:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Uttar Pradesh government to explain the delay in notifying the Dhanauri water body as a wetland. The Uttar Pradesh government must submit a status report in four weeks. Dhanauri Wetland is located in Dhanauri village, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, and is a bird-watching area. It is home to 217 bird species, with up to 50,000 waterfowl during migratory seasons (Nov-Mar). The wetland hosts around 150 Sarus Cranes, Uttar Pradesh’s state bird. It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International and documented by BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society).

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:
India hosted the Second BIMSTEC Expert Group Meeting on Cyber Security Cooperation on 21 January 2025 in New Delhi. The meeting aimed to finalize a 5-year Action Plan for strengthening cyber security among BIMSTEC Member States. Key focus areas include information sharing, cybercrime, protecting critical infrastructures, incident response, and global cyber norms. India presented its “Cyber Hygiene for School Children” initiative under Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). The Action Plan’s implementation will boost regional cyber security and resilience among BIMSTEC countries.

Notes:
ISRO launched the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite for the NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) navigation system. NVS-02 is the second of five second-generation satellites to replace older ones in India’s navigation constellation. It weighs 2,250 kg, has a 3 kW power capacity, and includes navigation payloads in L1, L5, S, and C bands. The satellite features a Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard for precise timekeeping and has a 12-year lifespan.

Notes:
SEBI plans to launch a “when-listed” platform for trading shares of companies after their initial public offering (IPO) but before listing on stock exchanges. This aims to reduce grey market activity, which is unregulated and influences IPO listings. Currently, shares are listed T+3 days after an IPO, with allotment on T+1. Between allotment and listing, trading occurs in the grey market, an unofficial, unregulated market where shares are traded based on supply and demand. Investors often check the grey market premium before deciding to invest in an IPO.

Notes:
The Union Minister for Labour & Employment launched State and Union Territory Microsites under the e-Shram initiative and the Occupational Shortage Index (OSI). e-Shram Microsites are state-specific platforms linked to the national e-Shram database, providing workers seamless access to welfare programs and employment opportunities. The microsites offer multilingual support, real-time updates, and data-driven insights for policy-making. The OSI uses real-time labour data to address job market demand-supply gaps, helping align skills with industry needs and support skill development and job matching.

Notes:
Jasprit Bumrah won the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024. He also won the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2024 for taking 71 wickets in 13 matches. He became the fifth Indian to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Award after Dravid, Tendulkar, Ashwin, and Kohli. Bumrah led India to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, taking 15 wickets at an 8.26 average. He became the fastest Indian pacer to 200 Test wickets with a record-low sub-20 average. He ended the year as the No.1 ICC Test bowler with 907 rating points.