Current Affairs Quiz - May 2025

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A groundbreaking study has recently offered new hope for treating Lafora Disease, a rare and deadly genetic disorder. Lafora Disease seriously affects the brain and nervous system, leading to severe health issues. It is part of a group of disorders called autosomal recessive progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME), which causes seizures, mental decline, and loss of motor skills. It is more common in areas where marriages between close relatives, called consanguineous marriages, are practiced. It is mainly seen in Mediterranean countries, Northern Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Southern India.

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Recently, illegal sand mining in the Chambal River region has become a serious issue across states, harming biodiversity and putting officials and journalists at risk. It threatens conservation in the National Chambal Sanctuary, which protects rare species like the Gharial and the Ganges dolphin. The Chambal River originates from Bhadakla Falls near Janapav Hills in Indore district, Madhya Pradesh, at an elevation of 843 metres. It flows about 1,024 kilometres before joining the Yamuna River in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh. The river passes through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Major right-bank tributaries include Banas, Kali Sindh, Parbati, and Shipra.

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Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan, a renowned fisheries scientist and Padma Shri awardee, was found dead in the Cauvery River near Srirangapatna, Karnataka, on May 10, 2025. He was known as the architect of India’s Blue Revolution, which boosted fish production through scientific aquaculture. He was 70 years old at the time of his death.

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A new species of ribbon worm called Pararosa vigarae was discovered off the coast of Galicia, Spain, in the Ría de Arosa estuary. It is nicknamed the “accordion worm” because it can contract its body into ring-like folds like an accordion’s bellows. The discovery was confirmed using both external features and molecular genetic analysis. The study was published in Royal Society Open Science on May 7, 2025. This worm is unique in its physical traits and behavior, adding to the biodiversity of the Nemertea phylum. Ribbon worms are predatory and venomous but have simple anatomy, making traditional classification difficult. Understanding marine biodiversity is crucial amid the current biodiversity crisis. Only about 1,350 ribbon worm species are known, but experts estimate 1,400 more may remain undiscovered. This highlights the need to protect marine habitats from environmental threats to conserve unknown species.

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Recently, Cambodia and China launched their largest-ever Golden Dragon joint military exercise. Golden Dragon is a yearly bilateral military drill between China and Cambodia started in 2016 to boost strategic and defense cooperation. The 2025 edition focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian relief, showcasing peace and capacity-building goals. It is being held at the Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, which was inaugurated in April 2025 with the arrival of Chinese warships. The exercise includes high-tech tools like reconnaissance and attack drones, surgical robots, and robot dogs, showing a move towards tech-driven warfare.

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Recently, the Chhattisgarh High Court has been closely monitoring development works at Madku Dweep due to its cultural and historical value. Madku Dweep is located on the Shivnath River, the longest tributary of the Mahanadi River, in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. The island covers about 24 hectares and is named Madku because its shape resembles a frog. It is also called Kedar Tirth and Harihar Kshetra Kedar Dweep. Archaeologists have found ancient stone tools, coins, and inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century BC.

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The Telangana government recently sanctioned 10,000 Indiramma houses for Chenchu tribal families to improve their living conditions. The Chenchus are a food-gathering tribe mainly living in the Nallamalai forests of Andhra Pradesh. They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the government due to their isolated lifestyle and low development indicators. Chenchus are also found in Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha. Their language, also called Chenchu, belongs to the Dravidian language family, and many speak Telugu as well. A Chenchu village is called a “Penta”, with huts spaced based on family closeness. They live in small families, with men and women having equal social roles.

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Recently, Rajasthan’s famous sangri bean from the Thar Desert received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This tag officially links the sangri bean to its region, recognising it as a unique product of Rajasthan’s harsh desert climate. Sangri, from the khejri tree, is used in the traditional dish ker sangri, which is slow-cooked with regional spices and curd. The GI tag gives sangri global recognition and legal protection, ensuring authenticity and boosting local pride and economy.

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The International Day of Light 2025 is observed globally on May 16 with the theme “Light, Innovation, Society.” Events were held at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Headquarters and worldwide to highlight light’s role in science and sustainability. The day was first celebrated in 2018 after being proposed by Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand, and Russia, and approved by UNESCO in 2017. It aims to raise awareness about light-based technologies and promote science, innovation, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), along with the World Monuments Fund India (WMFI) and the TCS Foundation, has recently completed the conservation of Rajon ki Baoli. Rajon ki Baoli, also called Rajon ki Bain, is a 16th-century stepwell located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, South Delhi. It was built in 1506 CE by Daulat Khan during the rule of Sikander Lodi of the Lodi dynasty, the last dynasty before the Mughals. The stepwell showcases Lodi-era architecture and traditional water conservation techniques. It served as a water source and summer retreat, mainly used by masons for drinking and cooking.