Current Affairs Quiz – August 2025

Notes:
Recently, Ladakh declared August 12 as Safai Andolan Day to clean and conserve the Indus River. It marks the first-ever government-supported clean-up movement for the Indus River’s biodiversity conservation. The initiative involves collective efforts from Union Territory administration, Hill Councils, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Paramilitary forces, Border Roads Organisation, NGOs, and students. It strengthens the ongoing Mission Indus Clean-Up Movement, launched by Leh Hill Council in June 2025.

Notes:
Recently, Sikkim became the first Indian state to launch a formal Sabbatical Leave scheme for its government employees. The scheme was introduced in August 2023 for regular employees with at least five years of continuous service. Eligible employees can take leave from 365 days up to 1,080 days with 50% of their basic pay during leave. Their seniority and continuity of service are protected during the leave period. The government can recall an employee anytime with a one-month notice.

Notes:
Recently, World Lung Cancer Day 2025 was observed on 01 August to spread awareness about lung cancer and promote global support for research and care. Lung cancer causes around 18 lakh deaths globally, accounting for 20% of total cancer-related deaths. It is a leading cancer type among males in developing countries. The disease mainly affects smokers and but can also affect non-smokers. The day also aims to empower patients, fight stigma, and enhance lung cancer outcomes through advocacy and awareness.

Notes:
Recently, Telangana Police rescued over 7,600 children under the nationwide Operation Muskaan-XI initiative. The month-long drive ended on 31st July and was led by the Women Safety Wing. It was conducted in coordination with the Women Development and Child Welfare Department, Labour Department, health officials, NGOs, and child protection units. Out of the rescued children, 529 were girls.

Notes:
Recently, the first phase of the Darwin Tree of Life (DToL) project is nearing completion. The project aims to sequence the genomes of 70,000 eukaryotic species in Britain and Ireland. It is part of the global Earth BioGenome Project which targets sequencing all complex life on Earth. The project collects species samples and uses advanced DNA sequencing technologies to create high-quality genomes. It applies modern computational tools to study how DNA sequences relate to biodiversity.

Notes:
Odisha and Chhattisgarh, after a long legal battle in the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal, have now agreed to resolve the river water dispute mutually. Mahanadi River is a major east-flowing peninsular river in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It originates from the Sihawa range in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh. It flows eastward, enters Odisha near Cuttack, and drains into the Bay of Bengal near Paradip. Major tributaries include Seonath, Hasdeo, Ib, Ong, Mand, Tel, and Jonk. It is known for high silt deposition capacity.

Notes:
India ranks second in global fish production, after China. Union Minister of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry stated this at a recent programme in Kolkata. Fish production in India rose by 103% in 2024–25 compared to 2013–14. Inland fisheries contribute nearly 75% of total fish production in India. Fisheries sector forms 1.12% of national Gross Value Added (GVA) and 7.26% of agricultural GVA. Around 30 million people are involved in the fisheries value chain. Union Budget 2025–26 proposed the highest ever financial support for fisheries sector.

Notes:
Russia recently signed a key nuclear agreement with Niger, strengthening its influence in the Sahel region of West Africa. The Sahel region is located in Africa, forming a 5,000-kilometre-long semi-arid belt. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east. It lies between the Sahara Desert in the north and the humid savannas in the south. It passes through African countries like Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea.

Notes:
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Government of Telangana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up India’s first FIFA Talent Academy for girls. The academy will be located at the Gachibowli Stadium Complex in Hyderabad, Telangana. The MoU was signed during the Telangana Sports Conclave. AIFF will manage operations, technical framework, talent scouting, and training curriculum in coordination with Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG) will handle infrastructure, logistics, education, finances, and welfare.

Notes:
Assam Rifles and Indian Air Force (IAF) jointly launched a relief mission called Operation Sahyog in Manipur. The mission targeted 18 remote villages in Henglep sub-division of Churachandpur district, Manipur. These villages were inaccessible since July 17 due to landslides along National Highway-2 (NH-2). More than 6 tons of rations including rice, pulses, and essentials were delivered. Supplies reached over 1,500 stranded villagers via designated drop zones. Assam Rifles ensured fair and fast ground distribution of aid. Operation shows strong commitment to humanitarian support in tough terrain.