Current Affairs Quiz – August 2025

Notes:
Recently, a rare convention of the Muthuvan community was held to protect their language and culture as part of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The Muthuvans, also called Mudugars, live in the border hill forests of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They are divided into Malayalam Muthuvan and Pandi Muthuvan, each with a slightly different dialect. They coexist with wildlife, possess rich traditional medicinal knowledge, and preserve it across generations. Their society has six clans (Koottams) with sub-clans, following community endogamy and clan exogamy.

Notes:
International Youth Day is celebrated globally every year on August 12 to recognize youth contributions, challenges, and potential. It was first proposed in 1991 at the World Youth Forum in Vienna, Austria. The World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth declared August 12 as International Youth Day in 1999. The United Nations General Assembly endorsed it in December 1999. The first celebration was held on August 12, 2000. The 2025 theme is “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond.”

Notes:
Pfizer recently launched its 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) for adults in India. PCV20 protects against 20 serotypes causing most pneumococcal diseases. Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause mild infections like ear infections and severe ones like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Around 90 serotypes exist globally; few cause most diseases. It is a major global health issue, especially affecting young children and the elderly in developing countries.

Notes:
South Korea and the United States will conduct major joint military drills called Ulchi Freedom Shield. It is an annual exercise to strengthen readiness and cooperation to defend the Korean Peninsula and the wider region. The drills originated in the 1960s as the Taeguk Exercise and evolved through Ulchi-Focus Lens before being renamed Ulchi-Freedom Guardian in 2008. This year’s drill will test upgraded responses to increased North Korean nuclear threats. It will also showcase advanced technologies used in modern warfare.

Notes:
The Mahatari Vandan Yojana is transforming women’s lives in Chhattisgarh by boosting economic and social empowerment. More than 69.19 lakh women across the state are currently benefiting from this initiative. It was launched by the Chhattisgarh government in March 2024 to empower women socially and economically. It aims to address gender discrimination, inequality, improve health and nutrition, promote economic independence, and strengthen women’s decision-making in families.

Notes:
On 14 August 2025, Madhya Pradesh witnessed a historic event for farmers as Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav released the second installment of the Chief Minister Kisan Kalyan Yojana (CMKKY) 2025-26 in Mandla. More than 83 lakh farmers will benefit, receiving ₹6,000 per year under CMKKY, in addition to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana benefits. The scheme was launched by Madhya Pradesh government in September 2020. The scheme has already transferred over ₹17,500 crore directly to farmers’ bank accounts till March 2025. The installment aims to boost financial stability for Kharif and Rabi seasons, support input purchases, and encourage investments in allied activities.

Notes:
IDFC FIRST Bank launched RemitFIRST2India, a zero-fee digital remittance platform for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to send money to India. It was introduced in partnership with SingX and currently operates from Singapore and Hong Kong. The service offers competitive foreign exchange (forex) rates, real-time transaction tracking, and fully digital, paperless transfers to any Indian bank account. Existing NRI customers can use it via the bank’s mobile app, while new users have a simple online onboarding process. The initiative reflects the bank’s customer-first approach, focus on digital innovation, and commitment to ethical, socially responsible, and inclusive banking.

Notes:
Indian Naval Ships INS Rana and INS Jyoti took part in the 12th edition of Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25). SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, started in 2005. It has enhanced maritime cooperation and interoperability for nearly two decades. The last edition was held in Visakhapatnam, India, in 2024. SLINEX-25 is conducted in two phases – Harbour phase and Sea phase. Harbour phase includes Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), cultural programs, yoga, sports, and best practice sharing. Sea phase covers gunnery firing, navigation, seamanship, fueling at sea, communication, and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS).

Notes:
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has opened nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025. National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) is one of the highest national honours in the livestock and dairy sector. It was launched in 2021 under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The awards encourage excellence among farmers, Dairy Cooperatives, Milk Producer Companies (MPCs), Dairy Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs). The focus is on promoting indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds that are robust and vital for the economy.

Notes:
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) inaugurated “Mauli,” India’s first all-women Clean Street Food Hub in Mumbai on August 17, 2025. The hub was inaugurated by Union Minister Piyush Goyal under FSSAI’s Eat Right India movement. It is fully operated by women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) trained under FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification). Women vendors are ensuring hygiene, food safety and high-quality street food delivery. FSSAI aims to expand Clean Street Food Hubs nationwide and deepen Eat Right India in schools, workplaces and communities.