Daily Current Affairs Quiz: February 21, 2025

Answer: B

It is celebrated annually on 21 February to raise awareness about linguistic diversity and promote multilingualism.

• Highlights the importance of language preservation and cultural diversity worldwide.
• First proclaimed by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it aims to protect endangered languages and encourage linguistic inclusivity.
• The 2025 theme for International Mother Language Day is “Silver Jubilee Celebration,” marking its 25th anniversary.

Answer: C

Rekha Gupta, a BJP leader and Shalimar Bagh MLA, has been appointed as the 9th Chief Minister of Delhi, bringing the party back to power after 27 years. The BJP won a decisive majority, securing 44 of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections on February 8, 2025.

• She is the fourth woman to hold the post in Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi Marlena.
• Delhi is the capital city of India.
• Situated in northern India, Delhi is bordered by the state of Haryana on three sides and Uttar Pradesh to the east.
• It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb.
• The Yamuna River flows through Delhi.

Answer: A

Haryana’s proposed 3,858-hectare Aravali Safari Park in Gurugram and Nuh, set to be the world’s largest, has sparked controversy.

• Currently, the largest curated safari park outside Africa is Sharjah Safari, spanning 2,000 acres, opened in February 2022.
• The Aravali Safari Park will feature animal enclosures, guest accommodations, dining, and recreational facilities. The Haryana Tourism Department has begun the tender process.
• The Aravalli Range, one of the world’s oldest fold mountains, now consists of residual hills with elevations between 300m to 900m.
• Stretching 800 km from Himmatnagar (Gujarat) to Delhi, it spans Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, with a 692 km stretch in India.
• The range is divided into Sambhar Sirohi and Sambhar Khetri ranges in Rajasthan.

Answer: D

Recently, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated India’s first vertical bi-facial solar plant at Okhla Vihar metro station, along with a 1 MW rooftop solar installation at Khyber Pass metro depot in Delhi.

• The event was organized by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) under the i-Metro banner, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
• The 50 KW vertical solar plant features bi-facial panels that capture sunlight from both sides, maximizing energy efficiency.
• By 2030, India aims for metro systems to be primarily powered by renewable energy, utilizing advancements in energy storage, smart grid integration, and sustainable construction.

Answer: C

The Similipal Tiger Reserve has deployed 100-150 AI-enabled cameras as part of the TrailGuard AI system to detect poachers and enhance wildlife protection.

• Nightjar Technologies, a Gurgaon-based company, developed the system for remote surveillance in wildlife conservation.
• The system features compact cameras with long-lasting batteries (6 months to 1 year) and provides real-time updates, aiding intelligence gathering and law enforcement raids.
• It can detect and identify humans, animals, and vehicles, sending alerts upon detecting poachers.
• Currently, it is deployed in Kanha Tiger Reserve and Dudhwa National Park.
• Simlipal Tiger Reserve, located in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, features waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani.
• Designated a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973, it became a wildlife sanctuary in 1979, with 303 sq. km proposed as a national park in 1980.
• UNESCO recognized it as a Biosphere Reserve in

Answer: B

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a key Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab, signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) at Aero India 2025 to develop MDN100, a high-strength, high-toughness steel for aeronautical applications, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

• MDN100 steel offers high strength, toughness, and excellent forgeability, making it ideal for stressed aircraft components.
• Its lightweight design enhances the performance and efficiency of modern combat aircraft.
• This initiative supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in defence manufacturing.
• MIDHANI, a key supplier for DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), also showcased SuperNi 41, a nickel-chromium-based superalloy for high-temperature aero engines.
• ADA leads the AMCA project and oversees the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 and Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) programs for the Indian Navy.

Answer: A

India and the United States have recently bolstered their defense partnership, announcing new procurements and co-production of the Javelin anti-tank guided missile.

• The FGM-148 Javelin, developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, is designed to destroy heavily armored vehicles, fortifications, and even helicopters.
• The FGM-148 Javelin has an effective range of 2.5 km and uses automatic infrared guidance for enhanced accuracy.
• The Javelin anti-tank missile is a portable, medium-range weapon system known for its fire-and-forget technology.
• After launch, it autonomously tracks the target, enabling the gunner to take cover and avoid counter-fire.