Daily Current Affairs Quiz: 28th February 2025

Answer: [b] February 27

Explanation:

World Protein Day is celebrated every year on February 27 to emphasize the importance of protein in nutrition and to combat protein deficiency globally. It highlights the role of protein in: Muscle development, Immune function, Hormone regulation and Overall well-being. The day aims to raise awareness about protein deficiency and malnutrition and promotes the inclusion of protein-rich foods (both plant-based and animal-based) in daily diets. The day was initiated by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) as part of a larger global nutritional awareness campaign. The “Right To Protein” initiative was launched by USSEC, with the theme “Solve With Protein”, encouraging efforts to improve protein accessibility, especially in India and South Asia.

Answer: [c] Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI)

Explanation:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully developed a 10-tonne Vertical Planetary Mixer, the largest of its kind in the world for mixing solid propellants. This major advancement was achieved in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru.

World’s Largest Solid Propellant Mixing Equipment:

• A critical component for solid rocket motor production, ensuring precise and safe mixing of solid propellant ingredients.
• Enhances productivity, quality, and safety in rocket propulsion.

Technical Specifications:

Factory-Level Acceptance Tests Completed: Successfully tested and ready for operational use.

Weight: ~150 tonnes

Dimensions: 5.4m (length), 3.3m (breadth), 8.7m (height)

Answer: [d] Madhya Pradesh

Explanation:

 Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a Navratna CPSU under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has signed a MoU with the Government of Madhya Pradesh for setting up 200 MW Solar Project in Dhar under the CPSU Scheme and a 1000 MWh Battery Storage Project in the state.  The MoU was signed at the two-day Global Investors Summit 2025 ongoing at Bhopal from 24th to 25th February 2025. The 200 MW Solar Project is part of a 500 MW agreement signed in 2023 with MP Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL) for a 25-year supply of electricity to Madhya Pradesh. Phase-wise capital expenditure of Rs 2,500 crore has been proposed by SECI for renewable energy expansion and development in the state.

Answer: [b] Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED)

Explanation:

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rooftop to enhance the skills of tribal artisans and expand their market reach. The MoU was signed during the Aadi Mahotsav, held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from 16th to 24th February 2025.

Key Highlights of MoU:

• Strategic Shift from B2C to B2B: The partnership aims to transition tribal marketing from a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) model to a Business-to-Business (B2B) model. This will help tribal artisans integrate into larger business networks, improving their market exposure and income opportunities.
• Skill Enhancement & Training: Rooftop will provide specialized skill development programs for tribal artisans. Workshops & training sessions will focus on both traditional and contemporary art forms. Tribal artisans will be connected to national and international markets through digital platforms and strategic collaborations.

About TRIFED:

• Works towards sustainable livelihoods, fair trade practices, and market access for tribal artisans.
• TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd.) functions under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
• It focuses on socio-economic development of tribal communities by promoting and marketing tribal products.

Answer: [b] Friedrich Merz

Explanation:

The conservative Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) have won Germany’s national election, making their leader Friedrich Merz the likely next Chancellor of Germany. This marks the first time the 69-year-old politician will hold a government position.

Key Outcomes of the German Election:

Victory for Conservative and Right-Wing Parties:

• CDU/CSU won 28.5% of the vote, securing 208 seats in the Bundestag (German Parliament).
• Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to second place with 20.8%, doubling their 2021 support and securing 152 seats.
• Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, fell to third place with 16.4% (120 seats).
• Greens (11.6%) and The Left (8.8%) also crossed the 5% threshold to enter parliament.

Who is Friedrich Merz?

A social conservative, advocating for a stronger European defense coalition and reducing European dependence on the U.S..

A multimillionaire lawyer, first elected to the European Parliament in 1989.

Rose to CDU leadership in 2000, but was sidelined by Angela Merkel.

Left politics in 2009, worked for BlackRock Germany, and returned in 2022 as CDU leader.

Solution: [c]

Explanation: India

India will host the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific. The Forum will take place at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur in March 2025. The event will centre on the theme of “Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.” It will conclude with the adoption of the ‘Jaipur Declaration’ for enabling a transition to a resource-efficient, circular economy in Asia-Pacific countries.

Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum was launched in 2009 by the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD). It aims to provide strategic policy inputs to Asia-Pacific countries for mainstreaming 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) principles and circular economy. The last Forum was hosted in 2023 by Cambodia. India has previously hosted the Forum in 2018, when the 8^th edition was held in Indore.

Answer: [b] Assam

Explanation:

The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government in Assam has recognized Bathouism as an official religious option in government application forms, including admission forms for educational institutions and birth and death certificates under the Health & Family Welfare Department. Assam government earlier declared the second Tuesday of the month of Magh as a state holiday for Bathou Puja.

What is Bathouism?

Based on five elements (Bar (Air), San (Sun), Ha (Earth), Or (Fire), Okhrang (Sky)), similar to the Panchatatva in Hinduism.

Ancestral faith of the Bodos, Assam’s largest plains tribe.

Worships Bathoubwrai (or Sibwrai), the supreme god of the Bodos.

Derived from “Ba” (five) and “Thou” (deep philosophy).

Solution: [d] Union Ministry of Home Affairs

Explanation:

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, recently interacted with 250 children from J&K under the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme in New Delhi. These children, including 62 girls and 188 boys aged 9-18 years, traveled to Jaipur, Ajmer, and Delhi as part of their exposure tour.

‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme is an initiative aimed at introducing the youth and children of Jammu and Kashmir to India’s development, social fabric, and cultural diversity.  Organized by the Social Welfare Department of J&K in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This Youth Exchange Programme seeks to instill a strong sense of social, cultural, and emotional integration among the participants.

Solution: [b] MyGov

Explanation

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with MyGov has launched hackathon titled “Innovate with GoIStats”. It is centered around the theme “Data-Driven Insights for Viksit Bharat”.  

It aims to inspire India’s young and brightest minds – students and researchers to utilize official statistics generated by the National Statistics Office (NSO) for creating innovative data driven insights. will take place on the MyGov platform, from 25th February 2025 to 31st March 2025. 

Solution: [b] Ministry of Labour and Employment

Explanation

It was organised by Ministry of Labour and Employment and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in collaboration with Global Coalition for Social Justice and International Labour Organization, with the support Confederation of Industry (CII) – Employers Federation of India (EFI).

Launched in 2023, the Global Coalition for Social Justice calls for a collaborative approach and commitment towards promoting decent work, social protection, responsible business conduct and fair work. It has around 340 members of the Global Coalition including Governments, academia, private sector, financial institutions, etc.

Answer: [b] To assess how individuals allocate their time to daily activities

Explanation:

The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation has released the results of the Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024, conducted between January – December 2024. This survey helps understand how men and women spend their time on paid and unpaid activities such as domestic work, caregiving, learning, leisure, and self-care.

Key Highlights of Time Use Survey (TUS):

• A statistical tool that measures time allocation for different activities in daily life.
• Helps distinguish paid, unpaid, and personal activities, unlike traditional household surveys.

India is among the few countries that conduct National Time Use Surveys, along with Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the USA, and China. To analyze the participation of men and women in different activities, including: Paid employment, Unpaid domestic and caregiving work, Volunteer work and Leisure and self-care activities. Conducting Agency:- Conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO). The first all-India TUS was conducted in 2019, followed by TUS 2024.

Answer: [c] First Regional Dialogue on Social Justice

Explanation:

India hosted the first-ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice in New Delhi, coinciding with the 74th Foundation Day of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), established on 24th February 1952. This pivotal event was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Employers’ Federation of India (EFI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, International Labour Organization (ILO), and ESIC. This event reflects India’s commitment to driving social justice reforms and fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society.

Coincided with the 74th Foundation Day of ESIC, adding to its prominence.

Purpose:

• Emphasized social protection, labor rights, and fair work practices.
• Aimed to strengthen inclusive and sustainable development in line with global efforts.

Global Coalition for Social Justice:

• Launched in 2023 by the ILO to address social justice deficits and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Advocates for decent work, responsible business conduct, and global solidarity.

Event Significance:

• Marked the first such dialogue in the Asia-Pacific region.