Current Affairs Quiz - May 2025

Notes:
The MADMAX collaboration recently published the first results of its search for dark photons using a prototype detector. MADMAX stands for Magnetised Disk and Mirror Axion Experiment. It is a research project focused on detecting dark matter particles like axions and dark photons. The MADMAX detector uses a system made of sapphire disks and a mirror to form a resonator that enhances detection signals. Dark photons are theoretical particles similar to light particles (photons) but have mass. They are believed to be part of galactic dark matter and can turn into ordinary photons under special conditions.

Notes:
The Indian archery team performed excellently at the Archery World Cup 2025 Stage-2 held in Shanghai, China, from 6 to 11 May 2025. India won a total of seven medals, including two gold, one silver, and four bronze. Madhura Dhamangaonkar earned a gold medal in the women’s individual compound event. Ojas Deotale, Abhishek Verma, and Rishabh Yadav secured a gold in the men’s team compound event. Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Madhura Dhamangaonkar, and Chikitha Taniparthi won a silver in the women’s team compound event. Deepika Kumari claimed a bronze medal in the women’s individual recurve. Parth Salunkhe earned a bronze in the men’s individual recurve. Abhishek Verma and Madhura Dhamangaonkar bagged a bronze in the mixed team compound. Rishabh Yadav took a bronze in the men’s individual compound. The third stage will be held in Antalya, Turkiye, from 3 to 8 June 2025.

Notes:
A former SpaceX employee has sued the company, claiming he was fired due to Crohn’s disease, a chronic health issue. Crohn’s disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that causes swelling and irritation in the digestive tract. It often affects the end of the small intestine and the start of the large intestine, but it can impact any part of the tract. The disease causes deep inflammation in the bowel walls, making it painful and hard to manage. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, and weight loss. There is no permanent cure, but treatment can ease symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and help patients live a normal life. This case has drawn attention to workplace rights for people living with chronic medical conditions like Crohn’s disease.

Notes:
Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed a high-pressure nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for seawater desalination. The project was carried out by Defence Materials Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur, under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This membrane is made to suit the needs of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), especially to resist chloride ion damage in salty seawater. It will be used on Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) of the Coast Guard to ensure a self-reliant supply of freshwater onboard. Desalination means removing salts from seawater to make it usable for drinking or industry.

Notes:
Recently, Maharashtra emerged as the overall champion at the seventh Khelo India Youth Games 2025 with 158 medals, including 58 gold and 47 silver. Haryana came second with 117 medals, winning 39 gold and 27 silver. Rajasthan secured third place with 60 medals, including 24 gold and 12 silver. On the final day, Uttar Pradesh won the boys’ basketball gold, while Karnataka won the girls’ basketball final against Haryana. Haryana showed dominance in fencing, winning 7 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals. New records were set in weightlifting, and in track events by Kadir Khan and Aditya Pisale. Host state Bihar made remarkable progress, winning 36 medals, especially in athletics.

Notes:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a U.S. government agency under the Department of Commerce, was established in 1970 to study oceans, atmosphere, and coastal regions. Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C. NOAA recently announced it will stop updating its main database that tracked the financial costs of climate change-related weather disasters such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and heatwaves. This database was widely used to understand economic impacts of extreme weather in the United States. NOAA also developed tools like the tsunami wave height model used for mapping major events like the 2011 Pacific tsunami after the Sendai earthquake in Japan.

Notes:
Gujarat recently launched two new digital portals to improve governance and law enforcement under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The Cyber Crime Refund Portal, named “Tera Tujhko Arpan,” helps cybercrime victims get faster refunds, making financial recovery quicker. The i-PRAGATI (Integrated Portal for Reporting and Grievance Analysis Through Technology Initiatives) portal provides real-time Short Message Service (SMS) updates to complainants on key actions like First Information Report (FIR) filings and arrests. These portals make police services more transparent and efficient. They show Gujarat’s strong focus on using technology for public safety and better citizen services.

Notes:
The Supreme Court has recently allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to carry out its ₹500 crore development plan for the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor in Vrindavan. Shri Banke Bihari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. The word “Banke” means bent in three places, and “Bihari” refers to the supreme enjoyer, describing the idol’s posture. The temple was established by Swami Haridas, guru of the legendary musician Tansen. Built in 1864, it showcases fine Indian craftsmanship with oil paintings of deities.

Notes:
The National Cooperative Spice Fair 2025 was held at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was organised by the Rajasthan Cooperative Department and Rajasthan State Cooperative Consumer Federation. The fair showcased healthy and traditional spices, millet products, and other cooperative goods. This year, products made from millet grains, called Shree Anna, were a special highlight. Many self-help groups, cooperative consumer associations, and local producers participated with diverse products. The fair allows consumers to buy pure, high-quality, and healthy products directly. It also supports local employment and economic empowerment in Rajasthan.

Notes:
A recent large-scale study from South Korea, published in the European Heart Journal, found that people vaccinated against shingles have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus stays dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate later in life when the immune system weakens. Shingles appears as a painful rash with blisters, usually on one side of the body, and can cause symptoms like burning, headache, and fever. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a nerve pain that can last for months. Shingles is not directly contagious but the virus can infect someone who never had chickenpox. It mainly affects people over 50 or those with weak immune systems.