Current Affairs & G.K. 16/08/2025
1. On which Indonesian island were 1.48-million-year-old stone tools discovered?
Answer : Sulawesi
Archaeologists recently discovered 1.48-million-year-old stone tools on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, making them the oldest evidence of human presence in the Wallacea region. These tools, found at the Calio site in South Sulawesi, suggest that an unknown ancient hominin species reached the island long before modern humans ever appeared. The discovery pushes back the timeline of human migration in Southeast Asia by hundreds of thousands of years, showing that early humans were capable of sea crossings much earlier than previously thought. Although no fossils of the toolmakers have yet been found, scientists believe they could have been related to Homo erectus, or possibly another yet-unknown human species. This find significantly reshapes our understanding of early human dispersal across Asia and the Pacific.
2. The giant virus PelV-1 infects which marine organism?
Answer : Dinoflagellate Pelagodinium
The newly discovered giant virus PelV-1 infects the marine dinoflagellate Pelagodinium, a tiny planktonic organism that plays a key role in ocean ecosystems. Isolated from the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, PelV-1 is remarkable for its unusual structure: it has a large capsid about 200 nanometers in size and an extremely long tail that can extend more than 2 micrometers, making it one of the longest viral appendages ever observed. Its genome is also unusually large, containing hundreds of genes and several tRNAs, some of which are rare in viruses. This discovery not only adds to our understanding of giant viruses but also highlights the complexity of virus–host interactions in marine environments, where such infections can influence plankton populations and, in turn, global ocean ecosystems.
3. How much solar PV module manufacturing capacity did India reach?
Answer : 100 GW
India has achieved a major milestone in its renewable energy journey by reaching 100 GW of solar PV module manufacturing capacity under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). This marks a dramatic rise from just about 2.3 GW in 2014, reflecting the government’s strong push for self-reliance and rapid growth in the solar industry. The ALMM ensures that only quality-certified modules are used in government-backed projects, boosting both reliability and domestic production standards. While the country’s overall installed module manufacturing capacity is around 90 GW, the ALMM-approved 100 GW highlights India’s position as one of the world’s largest solar manufacturing hubs. This achievement is expected to reduce import dependence, create new jobs, and accelerate India’s progress towards its clean energy targets.
4. Which organisation operates the PM-Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY)?
Answer : EPFO
The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) is a flagship employment scheme launched in August 2025 to encourage formal job creation and provide support to first-time employees. The scheme is implemented and operated by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which manages registrations, compliance, and financial incentives. Under this programme, employers receive benefits for creating new jobs, while eligible first-time employees registering with EPFO get financial support to boost formal employment opportunities. With a total outlay of nearly ₹99,446 crore for two years, PM-VBRY is expected to significantly expand India’s formal workforce, reduce unemployment, and strengthen the social security net for workers.
5. Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile was developed by which country?
Answer : Russia
The Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, also called SSC-X-9 “Skyfall” by NATO, is an experimental long-range missile developed by Russia. Unlike conventional missiles that rely on liquid or solid fuel, the Burevestnik is powered by a small nuclear reactor, which in theory gives it unlimited range and the ability to stay airborne for extended periods. This makes it capable of flying along unpredictable routes and bypassing modern missile defense systems. First announced by President Vladimir Putin in 2018, the missile is part of Russia’s effort to strengthen its strategic deterrence capabilities. However, its development has been controversial due to concerns about safety risks from nuclear propulsion and the potential for accidents during testing.
6 What is “Ideonella sakaiensis” that was recently seen in news?
Answer : Bacterium
Ideonella sakaiensis is a unique bacterium that has attracted global attention because of its ability to break down and “eat” plastic. First discovered in 2016 at a recycling plant in Sakai, Japan, this microorganism can degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic widely used in bottles and packaging. It does this with the help of two enzymes—PETase and MHETase—which convert plastic into its basic building blocks, terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, that the bacterium then uses as food. Recently, it has been in the news again as scientists are trying to genetically engineer its enzymes and even transfer them into other fast-growing microbes to speed up plastic degradation, including in marine environments. This discovery is seen as a potential breakthrough in tackling the growing problem of plastic pollution worldwide.