Current Affairs Quiz – July 2025

Notes:
Forest officials in Arunachal Pradesh recently discovered a new flowering plant species named Begonia nyishiorum in the East Kameng district. Begonia nyishiorum is a flowering plant that grows only in East Kameng, making it an endemic species. It grows on moist, shaded mountain slopes at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,000 metres above sea level. The name “nyishiorum” honours the Nyishi tribal community for their forest protection efforts.

Notes:
The Shakti Bhatt Prize 2025 was awarded to debut author Zara Chowdhary for her memoir The Lucky Ones, about surviving the 2002 Gujarat riots. She will receive a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh with the award. This year marks the final Shakti Bhatt Prize, which started in 2008 to honour debut authors in memory of publisher Shakti Bhatt, who died in 2007. The prize celebrated South Asian literature from countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, remaining independent and free from corporate sponsorship.

Notes:
Recently, the Union government ordered fast-tracking of 52 surveillance satellites under the Space-Based Surveillance-III (SBS-III) programme. The SBS-III was approved in October 2023 by the Cabinet Committee on Security led by the Prime Minister. It plans 21 satellites by Indian Space Research Organisation and 31 by private companies. The first launch is due by April 2026, with the full network ready by 2029. The Defence Space Agency under Integrated Defence Staff leads this project and coordinates with Indian Space Research Organisation, Defence Research and Development Organisation, and the armed forces for space security.

Notes:
Recently, Ayush Shetty from Karnataka won the prestigious United States Open badminton title at Council Bluffs, Iowa, becoming the first Indian to win a men’s singles title there since Lakshya Sen’s 2023 Canada Open win. Ayush’s first international title followed consistent performances against top players like Loh Kean Yew and Kidambi Srikanth. Ayush earlier won a bronze at the 2023 World Junior Championships and was runner-up in other tournaments.

Notes:
Recently, the ‘Raj Bhavan Annadhan’ scheme was launched in Goa by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The scheme is an initiative by Governor Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai. Under this scheme, the Governor will donate his book royalties to support the cause. On the occasion, financial help from the Governor’s Discretionary Funds was given to around 40 patients suffering from cancer and undergoing dialysis. Each patient received ₹25,000 as assistance under this program.

Notes:
International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed every year on on July 3. It raises awareness about the harmful effects of single-use plastic bags on the environment. The day encourages people to reduce plastic use and choose eco-friendly options like cloth and paper bags. It began under the Bag Free World Movement by environmental groups in Europe in the early 2000s. The campaign’s message spread globally over time. International Plastic Bag Free Day was officially established to highlight the growing danger of plastic pollution.

Notes:
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed Kesavan Ramachandran as Executive Director (ED) from July 1, 2025. As Executive Director, he will oversee the Department of Regulation (Prudential Regulation Division). Earlier, Kesavan was Principal Chief General Manager in the Risk Monitoring Department. He has over 30 years of experience in currency management, banking and non-banking supervision, training, and administration. He served as RBI’s nominee on the Board of Canara Bank for more than five years.

Notes:
Recently, Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia became the first woman to enter the fighter stream of Naval Aviation, marking a historic first for the Indian Navy. She was awarded the prestigious Wings of Gold along with Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam. Her induction into the fighter stream breaks barriers and opens doors for more women in frontline combat aviation. This highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender inclusivity and promoting Nari Shakti, meaning women empowerment.

Notes:
Recently, an equestrian statue of Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao I was unveiled at the National Defence Academy (NDA) campus in Pune. The statue aims to inspire future Army, Navy, and Air Force officers training at NDA. Bajirao Peshwa was known for leading 41 victorious campaigns in 20 years and turning defeats into victories. The event highlighted the timeless values of patriotism, dedication, and sacrifice in warfare. Leaders emphasized that heroic legacies like Bajirao’s should motivate the younger generation. Operation Sindoor was mentioned as part of fulfilling the vision of India inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Notes:
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the “3 by 35” Initiative to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It urges countries to raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to achieve at least a 50% real price increase by 2035. NCDs like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes cause over 75% of global deaths. Higher taxes could prevent 50 million premature deaths over 50 years and generate USD 1 trillion in public revenue in the next decade. Between 2012 and 2022, around 140 countries already raised tobacco taxes, showing large-scale change is achievable.