Current Affairs Quiz – August 2025

Notes:
Recently, at Ramsar COP15 held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, India introduced a resolution on ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands’. The resolution was adopted with support from 172 Ramsar Contracting Parties, 6 International Organisation Partners, and other observers. It highlights the importance of individual and societal choices in wetland conservation and promotes a pro-planet lifestyle. It urges countries to integrate lifestyle-based interventions into wetland policies, plans, and investments. The resolution calls for public-private collaboration, education at all levels, and awareness to promote wise use of wetlands.

Notes:
Recently, African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak was confirmed at a pig farm in Ravas Brahmanan village, Patiala, Punjab. District authorities have taken immediate action to contain the spread. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars. It does not affect humans or other animal species. It causes high mortality (up to 90–100%) and severely impacts pig farming. It originated in sub-Saharan Africa and has spread to Europe, Asia, and Africa. In India, it was first detected in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in Feb–Mar 2020.

Notes:
Odisha launched a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Shree Anna Abhiyan (SAA) to conserve landraces and empower smallholder farmers. Landraces are genetically diverse traditional seed varieties adapted to local conditions with traits like pest resistance and climate resilience. The SOP bridges the gap between formal seed systems and community-led traditional seed systems. It expands beyond millets to include pulses, cereals, and tubers. Surveys will identify valuable landraces based on farmers’ knowledge and scientific traits.

Notes:
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the mascot of Asia Rugby Under-20 (Sevens) Championship on 3rd August 2025. The Championship will be held for the first time in Bihar at Rajgir Sports Complex on 9th and 10th August. It is a seven-member team event featuring both Men’s and Women’s teams from Asia. Top 8 Asian countries including India, Hong Kong, China, UAE, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Nepal will participate. The mascot named Ashoka, a rabbit, symbolizes agility which is vital in rugby.

Notes:
Recently, red panda cubs were born at Himalayan Zoological Park near Gangtok, Sikkim after a gap of 7 years under a conservation programme. Red panda is also called the lesser panda. It is a shy, solitary, herbivorous and tree-dwelling (arboreal) animal. It uses its long bushy tail for balance and warmth during winter. It is an indicator species that signals ecological changes. It is mainly found in mountain forests of India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar. It is listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently approved the recruitment of 58,000 more personnel for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This move prepares CISF for securing future industrial hubs in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas. CISF is a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, headquartered in New Delhi. CISF was established in 1969 through the CISF Act, 1968, with an initial strength of just three battalions. It was declared an Armed Force of the Union in 1983 after amending the Act.

Notes:
Delhi Legislative Assembly became India’s first legislature fully powered by solar energy on August 4, 2025. A 500-kilowatt rooftop solar power plant was commissioned on the Assembly building. The solar plant is expected to cut electricity bills by Rs 15 lakh monthly, saving about Rs 1.75 crore annually. Surplus electricity will be generated through net metering and used efficiently. The Assembly also launched the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) to shift towards paperless functioning.

Notes:
Slovenia became the first European Union (EU) country to ban all weapons trade with Israel. The arms embargo was announced by Prime Minister Robert Golob after a cabinet meeting. The decision was taken due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Slovenia acted independently as the EU failed to agree on a joint position due to internal divisions. No military export permits to Israel have been issued by Slovenia since October 2023.

Notes:
Punjab became the first state in India to empanel sign language interpreters, translators, and special educators under the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015. The aim is to ensure accessible and sensitive justice for children with hearing and speech impairments. Experts will be deployed district-wise and compensated as per legal provisions. They will assist in routine and urgent cases involving specially-abled children. Punjab already broadcasts Punjab Vidhan Sabha proceedings in sign language. Initiative aligns with Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012

Notes:
Moldova became the 107th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global initiative launched in 2015 by India and France during COP21 in Paris. Moldova handed over the Instrument of Ratification in New Delhi. It aims to unlock solar investments by 2030 and lower technology and finance costs. It promotes solar energy use in agriculture, health, transport, and power sectors.