Current Affairs Quiz - May 2025

Notes:
New research shows that the rare giant shrimp Alicella gigantea is found in 59% of the world’s oceans. Alicella gigantea is a giant amphipod crustacean growing up to 34 cm long. It is one of the largest deep-sea amphipods ever recorded and was thought to be very rare. An early sighting involved a 28 cm specimen found at 5,304 meters depth in the North Pacific. The new study collected 195 records from 75 locations in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. This proves that Alicella gigantea is globally distributed, not rare or local. The Pacific Ocean is its main habitat, with 75% of its seafloor suitable for the species.

Notes:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and others. The case involves corruption in the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project (KHPP). KHPP is a Run-of-River hydroelectric scheme launched in 2019. It is expected to start commercial operation by July 2025. The project is located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. KHPP lies between Kirthai II (upstream) and Kwar (downstream) power projects. KHPP aims to strengthen renewable energy infrastructure in northern India. The project site is near the confluence of the Chenab River with Singad and Bela streams, close to Patharnakki and Kiru villages.

Notes:
PKM1 is a variety of Moringa oleifera that has gained global recognition, especially in African countries like Senegal, Rwanda, and Madagascar. Moringa oleifera is native to India, mainly found in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is now widely grown in South Asia, Africa, and tropical parts of Central and South America. The plant prefers deep sandy loam soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0 and grows best in temperatures between 25–30°C. It is drought-resistant, fast-growing, and can be harvested several times a year. In Ayurveda, it is used to treat over 300 conditions. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic properties. Its seeds can purify water because of their natural coagulating ability.

Notes:
On May 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Indian Railways’ first 9,000 Horsepower (HP) electric locomotive engine in Dahod, Gujarat. This was part of his two-day Gujarat visit to launch projects worth over ₹24,000 crore in Dahod, Bhuj, and Gandhinagar. The locomotive was manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative at the Dahod rolling stock workshop. The workshop’s foundation was laid in 2022 and built in just three years with an investment of ₹21,405 crore. The engine can haul 4,600 tonnes of freight and the facility can produce 120 locomotives annually, expandable to 150. Around 1,200 engines will be manufactured over the next decade for both domestic and export purposes.

Notes:
Recently, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister for Communications and Development of North East Region, unveiled the theme “Innovate to Transform” for the 9th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025. India Mobile Congress 2025 will be held from 8th to 11th October 2025 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi. The event will focus on innovation as a driving force for digital transformation across sectors like infrastructure, society, and sustainability. IMC 2025 is organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

Notes:
The government has allocated ₹18,233 crore under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for 2025 to benefit over 10,750 product categories. As of March 31, 2025, total disbursements under RoDTEP have crossed ₹57,976.78 crore. From June 1, 2025, benefits under RoDTEP are also restored for goods exported from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export-Oriented Units (EOUs). RoDTEP refunds various central and state duties, taxes, and levies that are not otherwise refunded to exporters. The current refund rates range from 0.3% to 4.3% depending on the product. This scheme was launched by amending the Foreign Trade Policy 2015–20 and came into effect on January 1, 2021. The aim is to boost Indian exports by reducing hidden tax costs on exported goods. RoDTEP is administered by the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.

Notes:
Every year on May 29, the United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of UN Peacekeepers to honour those who work for peace in difficult areas. India is the fourth largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping missions. India currently sends over 5,300 military and police personnel to United Nations peace operations in Abyei and the Central African Republic. Two Indian peacekeepers, Brigadier General Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh will be honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal. This ceremony takes place at the UN headquarters on May 29, 2025, to mark Peacekeepers Day.

Notes:
Recently, scientists unearthed large stromatolites dating back 600 million years in the pine-covered ridges of Chambaghat in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Stromatolites are organo-sedimentary structures formed by algae and cyanobacteria trapping calcium carbonate in shallow marine environments. These structures show thin layers that are flat, dome-shaped, or hummocky in form. They were especially common during the Precambrian period, which is over 542 million years ago. While most stromatolites formed in marine seas, some from the Proterozoic era, over 2.5 billion years ago, lived in intertidal zones and freshwater bodies.

Notes:
Recently, the Battery Aadhaar Initiative was launched under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) at the Battery Summit 2025. Tata Elxsi showcased a technology demonstrator of Battery Aadhaar using its MOBIUS+ platform, which acts as a Digital Product Passport for batteries. Each battery pack will get a unique digital identity under this initiative. This helps track manufacturing origin, battery chemistry, safety certifications, and lifecycle performance. It allows monitoring of key parameters like charge-discharge cycles, enabling predictive maintenance and efficient recycling. The initiative also aims to prevent counterfeit batteries, increase consumer trust, and promote a circular economy.

Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government plans to export Kalanamak rice, also called ‘Buddha rice,’ to countries with majority Buddhist populations. Kalanamak rice is a traditional non-basmati aromatic variety known for its high nutritional value. It is mainly grown in eastern Uttar Pradesh, especially Siddharthnagar, as part of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has recognized Kalanamak rice as a specialty rice of the world. This rice has been cultivated since the Buddhist period around 600 BC, with grains found in archaeological excavations at Aligarhwa.