Current affairs 02 February 2025

Guneri Declared Gujarat's First Biodiversity Heritage Site.

• Guneri village in Kutch is now Gujarat's first Biodiversity Heritage Site to conserve its unique inland mangrove ecosystem.
• Unlike typical coastal mangroves, Guneri’s mangroves thrive in a non-tidal, flat terrain, covering 32.78 hectares.
• The Gujarat government plans conservation efforts, local community training, and ecological protection.

India to Host BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Meet in March.

• India will host the BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting from March 3-7, 2025, themed Youth Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth.
• The event will facilitate youth cooperation in entrepreneurship, policy exchange, and global networking among BRICS nations.
• Eight run-up events across India will prepare youth for the meeting, fostering discussions on entrepreneurship.

Rajasthan Teacher Shortlisted for Global Teacher Prize 2025.

• Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati, a teacher from Rajasthan, is shortlisted for the USD 1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025.
• Mewati's innovative use of technology and commitment to rural education earned him recognition.
• His efforts include tackling infrastructure challenges, training teachers, and promoting environmental stewardship.

New Zealand mountain is now recognised as a person by law.

• Mount Taranaki (Taranaki Maunga) has been granted personhood status by New Zealand's parliament.
• This recognition is part of the government's agreement to redress historical wrongs against the Maori people, restoring their connection to the mountain.
• The mountain, now named Te Kahui Tupua, will have legal rights and responsibilities, ensuring its protection and wellbeing.

Google Maps Renames "Gulf of Mexico" in US.

• Google Maps will rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America for U.S. users following a Trump administration directive.
• The change follows an executive order renaming North America's tallest peak from Denali to Mount McKinley.
• Outside the U.S. and Mexico, both names will appear, reflecting Google's approach to disputed geographic names.