Current Affairs Quiz – August 2025

Notes:
Recently, Assam’s successful ‘Hargila Army’ model was introduced in Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve for stork conservation. The model is led by Purnima Devi Barman, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champion of the Earth and biologist at Aaranyak. A training was held on July 28 for 20 Cambodian women conservationists and park rangers at Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary. The training focused on protecting the endangered greater adjutant stork using community-led, women-centric strategies.

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, the Union Government highlighted the progress of Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) in Parliament. It was launched on 7th April 2016 under the National Health Mission (NHM) to provide free dialysis services to poor patients. It has two components: Hemodialysis (HD) services and Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) services. As of 30th June 2025, the programme is running in all 36 States and Union Territories (UTs) across 751 districts. A total of 1,704 dialysis centres are operational under this programme. The Government of India has advised setting up HD centres in all district hospitals and later expanding to Community Health Centres (CHCs) at taluka level.

Notes:
Scientists and tribal farmers from Northeast India urged the Central Government to include Mithun (Bos frontalis) under the National Livestock Mission (NLM). Mithun is a semi-domesticated bovine species native to Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and parts of Assam. India hosts 95% of the global mithun population, with 91% found in Arunachal Pradesh alone, as per the 2019 livestock census. Mithun is the state animal of both Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland and holds ecological, economic, and cultural importance.

Notes:
Recently, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari received the 43rd Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune. The award was instituted in 1983 by the Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust. It is given annually on 1st August, the death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak. The award honours individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the progress and development of the nation. Lokmanya Tilak was born as Keshav Gangadhar Tilak and was a key figure in India’s freedom struggle. He was a nationalist, social reformer, and strong advocate of Swaraj or Self-Rule.

Notes:
Recently, the ‘Matri Van’ initiative was launched by the Union Ministers for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Housing and Urban Affairs. It is part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ programme of the Government of India. Matri Van is a theme-based urban forest to be developed over 750 acres in the Aravalli Hill area. It aims to promote biodiversity, public well-being, and urban sustainability through mother-nature-inspired efforts. It includes removal of invasive Kabuli Kikar (Prosopis juliflora) and plantation of native Dhak and Amaltash trees.

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:
The Punjab government has lifted the ban on traditional heritage sports in August 2025. These include bullock cart races, dog races, horse races, and pigeon racing. The ban was in place since 1997 due to concerns over animal cruelty. Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann announced the decision during a public event in Ludhiana. New legislation ensures these events will be conducted without cruelty to animals. The move aims to reconnect people with Punjab’s cultural identity and rural heritage.

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:
India has revived the 1,856-MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Power Project on the Chenab River after keeping the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance since April. The project, first conceived in the 1960s, was delayed due to Indus Water Treaty restrictions and Pakistan’s objections. It is a 2,185 megawatt (MW) run-of-the-river hydroelectric project in Ramban District of Jammu and Kashmir. It will be the largest hydropower project in the Union Territory and one of the biggest in North India. It is being developed by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDC).