Daily Current Affairs Quiz: April 16, 2025

Answer: b)

Current Context: Mount Spurr near Anchorage, Alaska, is showing increased volcanic activity with over 50 earthquakes reported in a week (April 2024), indicating possible magma movement. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) warns of a potential eruption.

About

• Type: Stratovolcano with a 5 km-wide caldera
• Location: 130 km west of Anchorage, Alaska
• Height: Highest volcano in the Aleutian Arc
• Last eruption: 1992 (caused ashfall in Anchorage)

Key Facts:

• Crater Peak: Younger dome (2,309 m), source of 1953 & 1992 eruptions
• Caldera origin: Formed by massive collapse in late Pleistocene/Holocene
• Hazard potential: Ash clouds may reach 50,000 ft, affecting air travel

Answer: a)

Current Context: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has finalized the world’s first global carbon pricing agreement for the shipping industry to curb carbon emissions.

About the IMO Framework:

• Adoption: Passed through a rare vote, breaking IMO’s usual consensus-based tradition
• India’s Stance: India voted in favor of the agreement
• Objective: Aligns with the IMO’s 2023 Revised Strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050

Key Features

• Carbon Pricing: Ships exceeding emissions thresholds will pay fees:
• $380/tonne for high-intensity emissions
• $100/tonne for lower threshold excess emissions
• IMO Net-Zero Fund: Fees collected will fund clean shipping and help vulnerable nations

Implementation:

• Framework enters force by March 2027
• Compliance by 2028 for ships >5,000 gross tonnage
• Revenue Target: Expected to raise $10 billion annually by 2030

Answer: B.

Current Context: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 has been passed by the Parliament and received President’s assent. The Act amends the Waqf Act, 1995 to enhance regulation of Waqf properties and resolve disputes efficiently.

Key Provisions :

• Separation of Trusts from Waqf: Muslim trusts not considered Waqf, ensuring individual control.
• Eligibility for Waqf Dedication: Only practicing Muslims (5+ years) can dedicate property.
• Women’s Rights: Women must inherit before dedicating property to Waqf, with provisions for widows, divorced women, and orphans.
• Ending Arbitrary Claims: Section 40 of Waqf Act (1995) removed, preventing arbitrary property declarations by Waqf Boards.
• Waqf Tribunals: Composed of 3 members: district judge, government officer, and Muslim law expert. Appeals can be made to High Court within 90
• Government Land & Waqf Disputes: Officer above Collector rank will investigate government land claims to prevent misuse.
• Reduced Annual Contributions: Waqf institutions’ contribution to boards reduced from 7% to 5%.
• Annual Audit Reforms: Waqf institutions earning >Rs 1 lakh must undergo State-appointed audits.
• Technology: Centralized portal for Waqf property management and
• Diverse Representation: Boards to include 2 non-Muslim members and at least 2 women from diverse Muslim communities (Shia, Sunni, Bohra, etc.).
• Limitation Act: Application of Limitation Act, 1963 for time-bound property claims and quicker legal proceedings.

Answer: C)

Current Context: Recently, India introduced a new Integrated Generation, Transmission, and Storage Expansion Planning Model to enhance resource adequacy in the power sector.

• Collaboration: Developed by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), The Lantau Group (TLG), and the Asian Development Bank (ABD)

Purpose

• Helps states develop Resource Adequacy plans in line with the Ministry of Power’s guidelines (2023).
• Supports annual updates to plans, with CEA’s projections up to 2034-35.

Key Features

• Considers chronological operation of the power system.
• Integrates unit commitment constraints, demand response, and ancillary services.

Benefits

• Targets zero load shedding and minimal stressed capacity.
• Focuses on least-cost power generation and operation solutions.

Answer: B)

Current Context: On April 13, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system, placing India among nations with advanced laser weapon capabilities.

About the System:

• Developed by Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), a DRDO lab in Hyderabad
• The system uses laser beams at light speed to neutralize drones, missiles, and surveillance equipment
• Targets are tracked via radar or Electro-Optic (EO) systems

Key Features & Significance:

• Cost–effective: Firing cost ≈ price of a few litres of petrol
• High precision: Causes structural failure with minimal collateral damage
• Counter-drone capability: Engages multiple drones and asymmetric threats
• A step towards replacing traditional kinetic defence systems

Answer: b)

Current Context: Ernakulam district in Kerala has been declared the first fully digital literate district in the state under the Digi Keralam project.

About

• Digi Keralam Project:
• Launched by: Local Self Government Department, Kerala
• Objective: Achieve 100% digital literacy among people aged 14 to 65 years
• Inspired by: 1991 campaign for total literacy
• Structure: Three phases —Information Gathering,Training&Formal Recognition
• Digital Literacy: Ability to effectively navigate, evaluate, and create information using digital tools like computers, smartphones, and the internet.

Answer: b

Current Context: The Telangana Government has launched the ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025’ to promote economic self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among marginalized youth from SC, ST, BC, Minority, and EBC/EWS communities.

Key Details

• Objective: Empowering marginalized youth by providing financial support to boost entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
• Target Groups: Youth from SC, ST, BC, Minority, and EBC/EWS communities.
• Loan Facility: Eligible beneficiaries can avail subsidized loans of up to ₹4 lakh to start businesses.
• Implementation: The scheme will be implemented through respective community welfare corporations.

Answer: c)

Current Context: Mohun Bagan Super Giant has clinched the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 title after a 2-1 victory over Bengaluru Football Club (FC )at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata.

Key  Facts:

• Title Victory: Mohun Bagan Super Giant won their second ISL title.
• Previous Title: Their first title was in the 2022-23 season.
• Match Score: Mohun Bagan defeated Bengaluru FC 2-1.
• Historical Achievement: Mohun Bagan became only the second team after Mumbai City to secure multiple ISL titles.

Answer: b)

Current Context: Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has been re-appointed as the Chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket Committee. This announcement comes after the tenure of his predecessor, Anil Kumble, who stepped down after serving three terms.

Answer: b)

Current Context: The Union Government has allocated Rs 15 crore for the construction of Himachal Pradesh’s longest bridge over the Beas River near Pong Reservoir in the Fatehpur Assembly constituency. The bridge, part of the Setu Bharatam Scheme, is expected to improve interstate connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

Key Details

• Bridge Length: 800 meters
• Project Cost: Rs 104 crore
• Funding Source: Central Roads and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF)
• Location: Downstream of Pong Reservoir, connecting Sthana (Fatehpur) and Sansarpur-Terrace (Jaswan Pragpur constituency)

Implementation Details:

• Construction Timeline: Expected completion within 2 years post commencement.
• Approval Process: No-objection certificate (NOC) needed from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for land usage.