CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED ON THE ASSAM TRIBUNE AND INDIAN EXPRESS
1. Which West Indian cricketer will end his international career after the 2nd T20I against Australia on July 22, 2025?
A. Chris Gayle
B. Kieron Pollard
C. Andre Russell
D. Dwayne Bravo
Answer: C. Andre Russell
Explanation: Russell played 15 years of international cricket, won two T20 World Cups (2012, 2016), and will retire after the Australia match. His final game will be held at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
Related Info: He played 84 T20Is, 56 ODIs, and 1 Test for West Indies. Sabina Park is a historic venue in Caribbean cricket.
Also See: Italy Makes History: Qualifies for the first time in T20 World Cup
2. Earth is predicted to spin a little faster—shortening the day by about 1.5 milliseconds—on which of the following dates?
A. Jan 1, Feb 14, Mar 21
B. Apr 22, May 5, Jun 9
C. Jul 9, Jul 22, Aug 5
D. Sep 10, Oct 20, Nov 30
Answer: C. Jul 9, Jul 22, Aug 5
Explanation: Earth's rotation is expected to speed up slightly on these days, making them shorter by 1.3 to 1.51 milliseconds. This is tracked using atomic clocks and geophysical data.
Related Info: These fluctuations are due to changes in Earth’s core, atmosphere, and ocean movements.
3. India’s first “Digital Nomad Village” was inaugurated in which state?
A. Himachal Pradesh
B. Uttarakhand
C. Sikkim
D. Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: C. Sikkim
Explanation: The Digital Nomad Village was launched in Yakten village, Pakyong district, Sikkim. It supports remote workers with internet, co-working spaces, and a serene lifestyle.
Related Info: Sikkim promotes sustainable and eco-tourism, attracting digital nomads and nature lovers.
4. Which small town in Manipur won the “Most Promising Town” award at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2024?
A. Moirang
B. Jiribam
C. Churachandpur
D. Thoubal
Answer: B. Jiribam
Explanation: Jiribam, located 220 km west of Imphal, won the title in the small city category for the North East. This is its fifth cleanliness award for strong community sanitation efforts.
Related Info: The award was presented in Delhi and received by Manipur officials, attended by President Murmu.
5. Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) won which award under the 3–10 lakh population category?
A. Smart City Gold Award
B. Clean Air City Award
C. Promising Swachh Shehar Award
D. Green Transport City Award
Answer: C. Promising Swachh Shehar Award
Explanation: GMC ranked 44th nationally and also achieved ODF+ and 1-Star Garbage-Free City certifications. However, citizens raised concerns over irregular garbage collection.
Related Info: Guwahati’s waste management still faces issues like lack of dustbins and illegal dumping.
6. The 5-year India-ASEAN action plan (2026–2030) aims to boost trade and tourism in which region of India?
A. Western India
B. Southern Peninsula
C. North-East India
D. Central Plains
Answer: C. North-East India
Explanation: Union Minister Pabitra Margherita stated that the North East could be India’s gateway to ASEAN under the Act East Policy. The region will be promoted in tourism campaigns.
Related Info: Assam recently featured at a major tourism event in Malaysia, boosting ties with ASEAN.
7. Which global leader warned India of secondary sanctions over its oil trade with Russia?
A. Joe Biden
B. Jens Stoltenberg
C. Mark Rutte
D. Antony Blinken
Answer: C. Mark Rutte
Explanation: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned India, Brazil, and China about sanctions due to continued trade with Russia. India rejected the warning, calling it double standards.
Related Info: These remarks came alongside similar threats from former US President Donald Trump.
8. India recently test-fired the Akash Prime missile at high altitude in which region?
A. Thar Desert
B. Bay of Bengal
C. High-altitude Ladakh
D. Andaman & Nicobar
Answer: C. High-altitude Ladakh
Explanation: The Akash Prime successfully hit aerial targets above 4,500 meters in Ladakh. The missile has upgraded technology, including a new radio frequency seeker.
Related Info: The trial marked the start of production series; DRDO developed it with Army collaboration.
9. CBSE has asked schools to install “oil boards” to raise awareness about what?
A. Cooking methods
B. Healthy eating
C. Mental health
D. Physical education
Answer: B. Healthy eating
Explanation: Oil boards aim to inform students about harmful fats and promote healthier food choices. This follows the earlier initiative of installing “sugar boards.”
Related Info: According to NFHS-5, over 20% of urban adults are overweight or obese; childhood obesity is rising.
10. What major change did the Assam Cabinet make regarding oil exploration in the state?
A) Nationalized all oil fields
B) Introduced subsidies for oil companies
C) Exempted oil exploration from land reclassification law
D) Banned private oil drilling
Answer: C) Exempted oil exploration from land reclassification law
Explanation:
The Cabinet removed oil and gas projects from the Assam Regulation of Reclassification of Lands Act, 2015, allowing faster land access for exploration.
Related Info:
ONGC and OIL can now negotiate land deals directly with owners at market rates.
11. What is the estimated cost of the AMCH expansion project approved by the Assam Cabinet?
A) ₹200.50 crore
B) ₹500.00 crore
C) ₹357.28 crore
D) ₹150.75 crore
Answer: C) ₹357.28 crore
Explanation:
The Cabinet approved a ₹357.28 crore project to build teachers’ quarters and student hostels at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), Dibrugarh.
Related Info:
The built-up area will be 85,509 sq.m. and aims to improve facilities for staff and students.
12. Which town won the 'Best Swachh Survekshan 2025' award for cities under 1 lakh population?
A) Diphu
B) Tezpur
C) North Lakhimpur
D) Silchar
Answer: C) North Lakhimpur
Explanation:
North Lakhimpur Municipality Board topped the Swachh Survekshan 2025 rankings in its category, based on sanitation standards.
Related Info:
The award was presented in New Delhi by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
13. What recent development made Diphu railway station more significant?
A) It became a freight hub
B) It was electrified
C) It became a Rajdhani Express stoppage
D) A new metro station was built
Answer: C) It became a Rajdhani Express stoppage
Explanation:
Northeast Frontier Railway added Diphu as a stop for the Dibrugarh–New Delhi Rajdhani Express, improving direct access to premium train services.
Related Info:
The train covers over 2,400 km in 37 hours and benefits the Karbi Anglong region.
14. Why did Perplexity AI surpass ChatGPT on the Apple App Store?
A) Its chatbot became open-source
B) It launched a new phone
C) Partnership with Airtel offering free Pro access
D) It replaced Google as search engine
Answer: C) Partnership with Airtel offering free Pro access
Explanation:
Perplexity’s alliance with Airtel provided free Pro subscriptions, boosting downloads and helping it top Apple App Store rankings.
Related Info:
Despite this, ChatGPT remains the most downloaded app on Google Play Store.