Current Affairs Quiz – July 2025

Notes:
The Indian Army will soon get the first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States. The Apache AH-64E, also called the Apache Guardian, is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. It is made by Boeing in the United States and used by many countries, including India, Egypt, Greece, and Japan. It can fly up to 300 kilometres per hour and has a range of 500 kilometres. It has advanced systems for communication, navigation, sensors, and weapons.

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, NITI Aayog released the report “Chemical Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains.” It highlights India’s chemical sector potential but notes challenges like infrastructure gaps, regulatory delays, and 30% skill shortfall. India has a 3.5% share in global chemical value chains with a trade deficit of USD 31 billion in 2023. The report proposes world-class chemical hubs, better port infrastructure, and an operating expense subsidy scheme. It suggests boosting research and development, fast-tracking environmental clearance, and leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Notes:
July is observed as Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month to highlight rare and misunderstood cancers. Sarcoma is a group of cancers starting in bones and soft tissues like fat, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and deep skin layers. Sarcomas are divided into soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas with over 70 subtypes. Sarcoma often appears as a painless lump that grows over time. Diagnosis is delayed because symptoms look like cysts or injuries. Sarcomas make up 1% of adult cancers and 15% of paediatric cancers but cause severe impacts due to poor awareness.

Notes:
Recently, 300 acres of encroached forest land were cleared in Bukkapatna Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Tumakuru district of Karnataka. This area was declared a sanctuary in 2019 to protect the Indian Gazelle, also called Chinkara. It is the second Chinkara sanctuary in Karnataka after Yadahalli in Bagalkot district, declared in 2016. The sanctuary has wood savannahs with plenty of grasses and scattered native trees. It supports rich wildlife and helps conserve the Chinkara population.

Notes:
Recently, a World Bank report ranked India fourth in the world for income equality with a Gini Index of 25.5. Only the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus have better equality indicators. India’s Gini Index shows moderately low inequality, between 25 and 30. The Gini Index measures income, wealth, or consumption inequality, with 0 as perfect equality and 100 as maximum inequality. India’s Gini Index is lower than China at 35.7 and the United States at 41.8.

Notes:
The Odisha government recently invited bids to build a high-level bridge over the Mahanadi River near Satkosia Tiger Reserve, raising ecological concerns. Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in Odisha across Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, Nayagarh districts. It includes Baisipalli Sanctuary and Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary. It is part of the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve. Satkosia lies at the junction of the Deccan Peninsula and Eastern Ghats biogeographic regions.

Notes:
India will Chair BRICS in 2026. BRICS nations have officially supported India’s Chairship for the 18th BRICS Summit. They also backed India’s bid to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) to the UNFCCC in 2028. China and Russia reaffirmed their support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). BRICS recognized India’s Startup Knowledge Hub initiative for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Notes:
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) recently recommended flushing 17 harmful drugs down the sink to avoid risks to people and pets. These drugs include narcotics like Fentanyl, Tramadol (a painkiller), and Diazepam (an anti-anxiety medicine). CDSCO is the Central Drug Authority under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Notes:
The three-day Sakambari festival began on July 7, 2025, at Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri hill, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity is decorated as Sakambari Devi, goddess of nourishment and vegetation, using vegetables, fruits, green leaves, and flowers. The festival is observed every year from ‘Ashada Shuddha Trayodashi’ to ‘Ashada Pournami’, aligned with the farming season.