Current Events: T2 W7 2025

Thousands of people have been queuing to buy which games console that just launched worldwide this week?

• Xbox One Ultra

• Nintendo Switch 2

• PlayStation 6

Answer explanation

b. Nintendo Switch 2 – Nintendo has just released the Switch 2, a follow-up to one of the best-selling consoles of all time. Stores opened at midnight and tens of thousands of fans queued or picked up pre-orders, eager to try the new Mario Kart World and upgraded games.

What taxpayer-funded facility was recently completed and opened at Parliament for MPs?

• A gym and wellness centre

• A private cinema

• A pub

Answer explanation

c. A pub - The new pub, called Pint of Order, was built using public money and is located within the Parliament complex. The move has drawn criticism from journalists and the public, who question whether such a perk is appropriate for elected officials.

Last week, Ukraine launched a major drone operation deep inside Russia. What was the primary target of this attack?

• Russian oil refineries

• Russian military aircraft at air bases

• Russian communication satellites

Answer explanation

b. Russian military aircraft at air bases - On June 1, 2025, Ukraine executed "Operation Spiderweb", deploying 117 drones to strike five Russian air bases, destroying or damaging 41 aircraft, including strategic bombers like the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3. This operation marked Ukraine's most extensive longrange attack, reaching as far as Siberia, and inflicted an estimated $7 billion in damages.

Known for her advice during the Covid-19 pandemic, which pink-haired scientist was just awarded a $205,000 payout from the University of Auckland?

• Siouxsie Wiles

• Michelle Dickinson

• Juliet Gerrard

Answer explanation

a. Siouxsie Wiles - The Employment Court ruled that the University of Auckland breached its contractual obligation to protect Siouxsie Wiles from harassment, which escalated during the pandemic due to her public health advice. She was awarded over $205,000 to cover legal costs after the university initially disputed her claim and offered a much smaller settlement.

Hundreds of people were arrested last week in France after sports fans celebrated which major victory?

• PSG winning the Champions League final

• The Tour de France being won by a French cyclist

• A French player winning the French Open in tennis

Answer explanation

a. PSG winning the Champions League final - Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League for the first time with a 5–0 victory over Inter Milan. While many fans celebrated peacefully, riots in Paris and other French cities led to hundreds of arrests, dozens of injuries, and at least two deaths.

Last week, Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning travel to the United States from 12 countries. What reason did he give for the ban?

• To prevent the spread of disease

• To manage overpopulation in cities

• To protect against terrorism and security threats

Answer explanation

c. To protect against terrorism and security threats - Donald Trump said the ban was necessary because some countries had a large terrorist presence, poor visa security, and weak systems for verifying travellers’ identities. Countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia are affected, and the restrictions come as part of a wider immigration crackdown.

Last week, the New Zealand government announced the launch of a new hotline for reporting what issue?

• Road cone overuse

• Workplace bullying

• Illegal dumping

Answer explanation

a. Road cone overuse - The government launched a new "road cone" hotline as part of wider reforms to WorkSafe New Zealand, aiming to address over compliance in temporary traffic management. Critics argue the focus is misplaced given the country’s high rate of workplace fatalities.

Last week the United States increased its tariffs on steel and aluminium to ...?

• 20%

• 50%

• 100%

Answer explanation

b. 50% - The United States doubled its tariffs on imported steel and aluminium to 50% in an effort to protect domestic industries from cheap foreign imports. The UK was temporarily exempted from the increase, pending finalisation of a new trade agreement.

Last week, Paul Henry was announced as the host of the New Zealand version of which show?

• Deal Or No Deal

• Tipping Point

• The Chase

Answer explanation

c. The Chase - Paul Henry will host the new four-episode series The Chase NZ, which will be filmed in Sydney using the set of The Chase Australia. The show remains hugely popular in New Zealand, with two-thirds of the population tuning in during 2024. Casting for the show opened back in April after the show was announced.

Who was in the news last week after releasing their memoir titled A Different Kind of Power?

• Taika Waititi

• Jacinda Ardern

• Lorde

Answer explanation

b. Jacinda Ardern - Ardern's memoir, A Different Kind of Power, reflects on her personal journey from her Mormon upbringing to becoming the world’s youngest female head of government and leading New Zealand through major crises. Critics say it focuses more on emotional insight and humour than political analysis.