Current Affairs Quiz – July 2025

Notes:
Recently, Hindustan Shipyard Limited delivered the ‘Nistar’ vessel to the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam. ‘Nistar’ is the first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel of India. The name ‘Nistar’ comes from Sanskrit, meaning liberation, rescue, or salvation. It has been constructed under the rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The ship can perform Deep Sea Diving and Rescue Operations, a rare capability globally. It will act as the Mother Ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) to rescue submarine personnel in emergencies.

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In July 2025, the 11th India Maize Summit was held in New Delhi, organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The summit recognized progressive maize farmers for their innovation and contributions. It emphasized the vital role of agriculture in India’s economy and the need for sustainable farming for future generations. Maize is now India’s third-largest crop, but its productivity per hectare needs improvement. India does not use Genetically Modified (GM) seeds for maize, yet production has increased through research and better practices.

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Recently, the Ambassador of Japan to India led a high-level business delegation to the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). The visit aimed to explore strategic cooperation in semiconductors and smart city development. Dholera SIR, India’s first greenfield smart industrial city, is located in Gujarat. The city focuses on advanced manufacturing, digital governance, and sustainable urban living. It is a key part of India’s vision to boost high-tech investments, particularly in the semiconductor sector

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Recently, on July 10, 2025, the Indian and Greek navies conducted a joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) off the coast of Mumbai to boost maritime interoperability and combat readiness. The Indian Navy deployed INS Tarkash, a stealth frigate, while the Hellenic Navy participated with HS Psara. Both navies validated communication procedures and shared best operational practices. The PASSEX is part of India’s broader strategy to enhance global naval cooperation, joint response capability, and maritime security.

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Recently, the Assam Forest Department began DNA profiling of rhino horns to add them to the Rhino DNA Index System (RhoDIS) India database. RhoDIS India was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), forest departments of Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) India. RhoDIS is a wildlife forensic tool designed to help in solving wildlife crime cases. It creates a unique genetic signature for each rhino using DNA indexing.

Notes:
Recently, Indian women’s rights activist Varsha Deshpande received the 2025 United Nations Population Award in the individual category for promoting gender equality and reproductive rights. She is the secretary of Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, a Maharashtra-based organisation she founded in 1990 to empower marginalised women. The award includes a gold medal, diploma, and monetary prize.

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Recently, activists and organisations urged the Telangana government to reconsider the plan to develop new islands under the Bhadrakali Lake beautification project. Bhadrakali Lake is an artificial lake located in Warangal, Telangana. It spans about 32 acres and stretches 2 km in length. The lake was built in the 12th century by Ganapati Deva of the Kakatiya dynasty. It is linked to the Maneru Dam through the Kakatiya Canal and was formed as a drinking water source.

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On Sushruta Jayanti (15th July 2025), Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, inaugurated Shalyacon 2025 in New Delhi. Shalyacon 2025 is the 3rd National Conference on Shalya Tantra, hosted by All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA). The theme is Innovation, Integration, and Inspiration, blending tradition with technology. It aims to showcase Ayurvedic surgical progress and promote collaborative learning and innovation.

Notes:
The 75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) is inaugurated at Government Medical College, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. It is launched by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) provides integrated services like assessment, counselling, distribution, and aftercare for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and senior citizens. It is implemented through Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).

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A 2023 false-color satellite image showed twin lava flows and a massive smoke plume from Klyuchevskoy Volcano, highlighting its active state. Klyuchevskoy is a stratovolcano located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in far eastern Russia. It is the tallest active volcano in Eurasia, with a height of 15,584 feet (4,750 meters). It features a truncated cone with a central crater and about 70 lateral craters and cones on its slopes. It has erupted over 50 times since 1700, often emitting continuous smoke.