Daily Current Affairs Quiz: 26th February 2025

Answer: [c] 1,500

Explanation:

India’s National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and Sri Lanka’s Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) have finalized the implementation of an MoU to train 1,500 Sri Lankan civil service officers over five years.

• First batch: 40 Sri Lankan officers to be trained soon.
• Prior training: Over 200 Sri Lankan officers were trained at NCGG before the MoU.

About NCGG:

• Mandate: Governance reforms, policy research, and civil servant training.
• Established: 2014
• Affiliated to: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Govt of India.

Answer: [b] Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Explanation:

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two major defence procurement contracts worth ₹1,917.47 crore to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce import dependency.

1) Software-Defined Radios (SDR)

• Contract Value: ₹1,220.12 crore
• Manufacturer: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru

Purpose:

• Multi-band, multi-mode, multi-role communication for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
• Enhances secure, high-speed communication and interoperability with the Indian Navy.
• Supports maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and fisheries protection.
• Aids in marine environmental protection and Blue Economy objectives.

2) Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks (RTFLT)

• Contract Value: ₹697.35 crore
• Manufacturers: ACE Limited & JCB India Limited

Purpose:

• Enhances combat logistics for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Eliminates manual handling of military supplies for better efficiency.

Key Features:

• Powerful engines & high ground clearance – Handles heavy loads with ease.
• All-terrain capability – Operates on rugged surfaces.
• All-wheel drive – Provides traction on steep inclines and slippery surfaces.

Answer: [b] Jogighopa, Assam

Explanation:

The Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) at Jogighopa, Assam, was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to boost regional connectivity and trade via inland waterways.

First Shipment: 110 metric tonnes of coal and stone chips sent to Bangladesh via vessels MV Padma Navigation-II and MV Trishul.

Project Cost & Development: ₹82.03 crore project under Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Constructed by National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Part of India-Bangladesh Economic Corridor under the Bharat Mala Program.

Strategic Trade & Connectivity: Port of Call under Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). Linked to DALU-TURA-GOALPARA-GELEPHU multimodal trade route. Projected Cargo Handling by 2027: 1.1 million tonnes annually.

Geopolitical Significance: 91 km from Gelephu, Bhutan;  108 km from Bangladesh border; 147 km from Guwahati.

Answer: [c] Uttar Pradesh

Explanation:

The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly has become India’s first state legislature to introduce a translation facility for legislative discussions. This initiative enhances accessibility and inclusivity, allowing members to express themselves in their regional languages without language barriers.Proposal for hiring translators and setting up the facility will be reviewed by the Ruling Committee before full execution.

Constitutional Framework: Members can use their mother tongue if they struggle with the official languages.

Article 120 (Language in Parliament): Business conducted in Hindi or English. Members may speak in their mother tongue if permitted by the presiding officer.

Article 210 (Language in State Legislatures): Allows proceedings in Hindi, English, or the regional language of the state.

Answer: [c] Purnima Devi Barman

Explanation:

Dr. Purnima Devi Barman has been named on TIME’s Women of the Year 2025 list, making her the only Indian woman among 13 global honorees. She is recognized for her extraordinary contributions to wildlife conservation, particularly in saving the endangered greater adjutant stork (locally called Hargila).

Hargila Army Initiative:

• Founded an all-female conservation group with 10,000 women to protect the greater adjutant stork.
• Engages in rescue missions, tree plantation, and community education.
• Provides economic empowerment to women through stork-themed embroidery.

Impact on Biodiversity: Now classified as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Efforts led to an improvement in the stork’s conservation status.

Answer: [c] Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme

Explanation:

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has partnered with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme’ to restore and conserve historic water bodies. This initiative is part of Bisleri’s CSR program ‘Nayi Umeed’, which focuses on heritage conservation and sustainable water management.

Adopted Water Bodies: Chand Baori (Abhaneri); Baori at Neemrana; Padma and Rani Talabs (Ranthambore Fort); Budha Budhi Pond (Kalinjar Fort)

Restoration Efforts Include:

• Installation of informative signages to promote tourism and community awareness.
• Desilting, cleaning, and ecological revival to restore water bodies.
• Landscaping and infrastructure improvements for sustainable conservation.

Answer: [c] Paytm

Explanation:

Paytm (One97 Communications Limited) has introduced the Paytm Solar Soundbox, India’s first solar-powered payment device aimed at small merchants, especially in rural and remote areas where power shortages are frequent. Key  Features include:

• Connectivity & Audio Alerts: 4G-enabled device with a 3-watt speaker for loud and clear payment confirmations, even in noisy surroundings.
• Eco-Friendly & Made in India: Supports India’s green energy goals by reducing reliance on conventional electricity. Helps street vendors and small shop owners with an affordable and sustainable digital payment solution.
• Dual Battery System: Solar-charged battery: Powers the device for a full day with just 2-3 hours of sunlight. Electricity-powered backup battery: Keeps it running for up to 10 days without charging.
• Integrated Payment Features: Includes Paytm QR Code for seamless UPI and Rupay Credit Card payments.

Answer: [b] Manohar International Airport (Goa)

Explanation:

Manohar International Airport (GOX), Goa, developed by GMR Goa International Airport Ltd. (GGIAL), has made history by becoming the first airport in India to receive the Sarvashreshtha Suraksha Puraskar (Golden Trophy) at the NSCI Safety Awards 2024 in the Service Sector category.

About the Sarvashreshtha Suraksha Puraskar: It is the highest safety honor given by the National Safety Council of India (NSCI).It recognizes exceptional workplace safety and health standards in organizations.

Evaluation Criteria for the Award:

• Safety performance and statistics (Zero fatal/non-fatal accidents).
• Safety awareness and training initiatives.
• Innovative workplace safety practices.

Answer: [b] “Our Story”

Explanation:

World Thinking Day is celebrated annually on February 22 by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide to promote global friendship and raise awareness about key global issues affecting young women.

Theme for 2025: “Our Story” – Focuses on shared experiences and collective identity among Girl Guides and Scouts.

Historical Background: Established in 1926 at the 4th International Conference of Girl Guides/Girl Scouts in the United States. Originally called “Thinking Day”, it was renamed “World Thinking Day” in 1999 to reflect its global significance. The date February 22 was chosen as it marks the birth anniversaries of Lord Robert Baden-Powell (Founder of the Scouting movement) and Olave Baden-Powell (First Chief Guide).