Current Events T3 W2 2025

Which part of New Zealand is in clean-up mode after being hit by severe flooding, leading to evacuations and a state of emergency?

• Nelson/Tasman

• Canterbury

• Otago

Answer explanation

a. Nelson/Tasman – The Nelson Tasman region declared a state of emergency after relentless rainfall caused widespread flooding, power cuts, road closures and landslides. Officials say the damage is worse than previous events, with parts of farms washed away and major recovery needed.

What major change is the UK government planning to do before the next national election?

• Allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in all UK elections

• Use online voting for the first time

• Make voting compulsory for all adults

Answer explanation

a. Allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in all UK elections - The UK government is proposing to lower the voting age from 18 to 16, which would give around 1.6 million more young people the right to vote. The Labour Party’s large majority in Parliament makes it likely the changes will be approved before the next general election.

According to a new study, what household appliance could release over 33 million plastic particles into wastewater each year?

• Microwave

• Dishwasher

• Vacuum cleaner

Answer explanation

b. Dishwasher – Researchers from the University of Queensland found that dishwashers can release more than 33 million micro and nanoplastic particles each year, mostly from common plastic containers run through hot cycles. These particles are small enough to enter wastewater systems and may eventually end up in the food chain.

Which US state has been in the news following devastating flash floods in early July?

• Texas

• Florida

• Colorado

Answer explanation

a. Texas – Central Texas was hit by deadly flash floods over the July Fourth weekend, taking the lives of more than 130 people and leaving over 100 still missing. The worst-affected area was Kerr County, where youth camps like Camp Mystic were overwhelmed by fast-moving floodwaters.

Who is backing a project to bring back the extinct Moa?

• Christopher Luxon

• Taika Waititi

• Sir Peter Jackson

Answer explanation

c. Sir Peter Jackson – The film-maker is supporting a project led by Colossal Biosciences, Ngāi Tahu, and Canterbury Museum aiming to genetically recreate the South Island giant moa. While the technology is advancing quickly, scientists caution that any resulting animal would be a close approximation, not a true moa. Colossal Biosciences recently genetically engineered the first dire wolf to live in over 10,000 years.

What is the name of the Red Bull Formula 1 team principal who was just sacked?

• Christian Horner

• Toto Wolff

• Charles Leclerc

Answer explanation

a. Christian Horner – Christian Horner had been with Red Bull since 2005, serving as team principal for 20 years. He was recently sacked and replaced by Laurent Mekies, following a poor season and internal team issues.

Which drama series received the most nominations at the 2025 Emmy Awards?

• Severance

• The Penguin

• The Last of Us

Answer explanation

a. Severance – The AppleTV+ series Severance led the 2025 Emmy nominations with 27 nods, including Best Drama Series, Best Lead Actor and Actress, and multiple technical categories.

Its total beat out The Penguin with 24 nominations. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on September 15.

To which country is New Zealand sending fire-fighters to help battle wildfires?

• Brazil

• Canada

• South Africa

Answer explanation

b. Canada – New Zealand is sending 43 fire fighters, alongside seven fire specialists, to help tackle severe wildfires in Manitoba, where over 1.2 million hectares have already burned. Fire and Emergency NZ says the deployment offers valuable experience, as fires of this scale are rare in New Zealand.

The global demand for matcha has been surging. What is matcha?

• A type of spicy fermented cabbage dish from Korea

• A sweet red bean paste used in Japanese cakes

• A powdered green tea often used in lattes and desserts

Answer explanation

c. A powdered green tea often used in lattes and desserts – Matcha is made from shade-grown tencha leaves that are stone-ground into a fine powder. It has become globally popular, especially among younger generations, but its rising demand has caused a worldwide shortage and price surge.

Donald Trump said Coca-Cola has agreed to do what to its soft drink in the US?

• Add vitamins to make it healthier

• Replace high-fructose corn syrup with real cane sugar

• Stop producing it in Mexico

Answer explanation

b. Replace high‑fructose corn syrup with real cane sugar – President Trump claimed via his social media platform that he spoke with Coca‑Cola and they agreed to switch the US formula from high‑fructose corn syrup to cane sugar, matching how Coke is made in other countries like Mexico, Australia and NZ. Coca‑Cola thanked him for his enthusiasm but didn’t confirm any official change, and corn farmers warned the move could negatively impact American agriculture jobs.

Trump is a regular drinker of Diet Coke - which uses the artificial sweetener aspartame. He had a button installed in the Oval Office's Resolute desk so he can be served the soda.