Current Affairs Quiz – June 2025

Notes:
World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31 to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. It was established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1987 and first observed in 1988. The theme for this year is “Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal”, highlighting how attractive-looking tobacco products hide serious health dangers. Tobacco causes over 8 million preventable deaths globally each year. The day encourages stronger policies, public awareness, and quitting support to reduce tobacco use. It also aims to protect people, especially youth, from the health, economic, and environmental harm caused by tobacco.

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Recently, a United States federal court blocked President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs, stating that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not allow him to impose sweeping import taxes. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) was legislated on 28 October 1977. It gives the US president the power to regulate financial transactions after declaring a national emergency. The IEEPA allows the president to act against unusual and exceptional threats to national security, foreign policy, and the economy, especially if the threat comes from outside the country. It empowers the president to freeze assets and restrict transactions.

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Recently, concerns were raised that low tobacco prices in India are making it hard to control tobacco use, unlike in other countries where higher prices have reduced smoking. This weakens the World Health Organization’s (WHO) MPOWER framework, which aims to reduce tobacco-related diseases, including cancer. The MPOWER framework was introduced by WHO in 2008 under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). It includes six key measures: Monitoring tobacco use, Protecting people from smoke, Offering help to quit, Warning about dangers, Enforcing bans on promotion, and Raising taxes. These steps are proven to reduce tobacco demand and help smokers quit.

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The Ministry of Ayush launched the AyushSuraksha Portal to boost consumer protection and regulation in traditional medicine. Union Minister of State Shri Prataprao Jadhav unveiled it at Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi, highlighting its role in ensuring transparency and safety. The portal allows citizens and professionals to report misleading advertisements and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in real time. Developed with support from the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), it aligns with the National Pharmacovigilance Program. It connects State Licensing Authorities, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Notes:
The Archaeological Survey of India recently found one of the earliest rock grooves in Kanniyakumari district, made during the Neolithic Age to sharpen weapons. The Neolithic Age, also known as the New Stone Age, was the last phase of prehistoric human development. It marked the shift from hunting and gathering to farming and animal domestication. This period began around 10,000 BCE during the Holocene Epoch. The Neolithic Revolution started in the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East and later spread to India and other regions.

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The National Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Empowering Persons with Disabilities was held in Bengaluru, Karnataka on 30 May 2025. It brought together experts, technologists, officials, and disability advocates to explore how AI can improve accessibility and inclusion. Four major initiatives were launched: Mission AI Accessibility, Mission AI for Assistive Technologies, National Disability Support AI Chatbot, and United Benefits Interface (UBI). These initiatives aim to use AI to create inclusive digital tools and support systems. The event was organised by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO).

Notes:
World Milk Day is celebrated every year on June 1 to highlight the importance of milk in our lives. It was established in 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to promote milk as a global food. The theme for World Milk Day 2025 is “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy,” focusing on its role in nutrition, livelihoods, and the economy.

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Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the Sanchar Mitra Scheme to improve the connection between the telecom sector and citizens. The scheme focuses on building better communication and understanding between telecom users and service providers. The scheme supports skill development in digital and telecom sectors. It aligns with current government efforts to strengthen digital connectivity across India. The initiative promotes youth participation in technology-driven growth and digital inclusion.

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Recently, the Birch Glacier in Switzerland collapsed, causing a huge landslide that partly buried Blatten village. The landslide also affected the flow of the Lonza River, increasing local risk. Birch Glacier is located in the Lötschental valley in northern Switzerland. Experts say that climate change played a key role in this disaster. Switzerland, which has the most glaciers in Europe, has lost nearly 40% of its glacial volume since 2000. This incident highlights the urgent impact of global warming on mountain ecosystems.

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Recently, Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana took charge as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN). The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is India’s first integrated theatre command, established in 2001. It is headquartered in Port Blair and integrates the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The command plays a crucial role in securing India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region. The post of Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) rotates among the three armed services.