Current Events: T2 W5 2025

Which New Zealand alert system was tested on Sunday?

• Emergency mobile alert system

• Tsunami siren network

• Earthquake early warning system

Answer explanation

a. Emergency mobile alert system - The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) tested New Zealand’s emergency mobile alert system on Sunday, 25 May. The test checks the ability of networks and devices to receive alerts, ensuring the system functions properly during actual emergencies.

Researchers have developed contact lenses which allow wearers to ...?

• Change eye colour as their mood changes

• Zoom in on distant objects like binoculars

• See infrared light even with their eyes closed

Answer explanation

c. See infrared light even with their eyes closed - Researchers have developed contact lenses that convert normally invisible infrared light into visible light. Because infrared light can pass through eyelids, wearers can detect infrared signals even with their eyes closed. Scientists hope to improve resolution in the future so the lenses could be used for night vision and security applications.

Why was former US President Joe Biden in the news last week?

• He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer

• He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

• He published a memoir about his presidency

Answer explanation

a. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer - Joe Biden, who served as the 46th President of the United States, was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasised to his bones. The disease has a high Gleason score of 9, indicating a serious and advanced stage of cancer.

Air New Zealand has announced it will resume flights to New Caledonia from November 2025. Why were the flights suspended?

• Due to volcanic activity on the island

• Due to riots and civil unrest in New Caledonia

• Due to severe weather damaging airport infrastructure

Answer explanation

b. Due to riots and civil unrest in New Caledonia - Air New Zealand paused its flights to New Caledonia in June 2024 after violent unrest broke out following changes to French voting laws. The service is set to resume following a downgrade in New Zealand’s travel advisory for the region.

A British climber broke his own record last week by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for the ...?

• 5th time

• 10th time

• 19th time

Answer explanation

c. 19th time - Kenton Cool, a 51-year-old mountain guide from south-west England, climbed Mount Everest for the 19th time, breaking his own record for the most ascents by a non-Sherpa climber.

Only Nepali Sherpas have scaled the world’s highest mountain more times than him (some up to 30 times).

New Zealand will hold a second Supercar Championship race next year in Christchurch. Where has the existing event been held?

• Auckland

• Taupō

• Queenstown

Answer explanation

b. Taupō - The Supercars Championship has confirmed that in addition to a new race in Christchurch from 2026, it will continue to hold events in Taupō through to 2028.

Taupō has successfully hosted Supercars events in both 2024 and 2025.

Whose awareness campaign is urging New Zealander’s to "please ignore it"?

• Blind Low Vision NZ

• Epilepsy New Zealand

• Tourette’s Association of New Zealand

Answer explanation

c. Tourette’s Association of New Zealand - The Tourette’s Association launched an “anti-awareness” campaign for Tourette’s Awareness Month. The campaign encourages people to ignore tics (uncontrolled movements or sounds) rather than react, as this helps reduce anxiety and builds a more supportive environment for those with the condition.

What is the name of the ambitious new missile defence system announced last week by US President Donald Trump?

• Silver Shield

• Diamond Fortress

• Golden Dome

Answer explanation

c. Golden Dome - President Donald Trump unveiled plans for the Golden Dome, a massive missile defence system designed to counter advanced aerial threats including ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles. It is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome but will be vastly larger, incorporating space-based interceptors and sensors.

New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is warning travellers about an increased risk of detention and deportation at which country’s border?

• China

• United States

• India

Answer explanation

b. United States - New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advice to caution about a higher risk of being detained or deported at the US border. The update follows a rise in immigration-related issues and stricter border enforcement since Donald Trump’s return to office.

Why is Jennifer Lopez facing a lawsuit after attending a Hollywood party earlier this year?

• She posted photos of herself without the photographer’s permission

• She broke a contract with a fashion designer by wearing a different dress

• She disrupted the event with unapproved performances

Answer explanation

a. She posted photos of herself without the photographer’s permission - Jennifer Lopez is being sued by photographer Edwin Blanco and agency Backgrid for sharing images of herself at a party without obtaining permission. The lawsuits argue the images were used for self promotion and brand endorsement, and demand damages for copyright infringement.