Current Affairs 13st August 2025 : Daily GK Update in English
1. Which phase of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project was approved by the Union Cabinet on August 12, 2025?
a) Phase-2
b) Phase-1A
c) Phase-1B
d) Phase-3
Answer: c) Phase-1B
Explanation: On August 12, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved Phase 1B of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project, adding an 11.165 km route with 12 stations (7 underground, 5 elevated) at a cost of ₹5,801 crore. This expansion will extend Lucknow’s metro network to 34 km, improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion
2. Which Indian telecom PSU signed MoUs with global tech giants for advanced training in 5G and AI?
a) MTNL
b) BSNL
c) Jio
d) Airtel
Answer: b) BSNL
Explanation: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) signed MoUs with Ericsson India, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to provide training in 5G, AI/ML, networking, and cybersecurity at its BRBRAITT institute in Jabalpur. This initiative aims to train over 2,000 students annually and establish a Telecom Innovation, Research, and Training Centre.
3. In which states were new semiconductor manufacturing units approved by the Union Cabinet on August 12, 2025?
a) Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat
b) Odisha, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh
c) Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi
d) Haryana, Bihar, West Bengal
Answer: b) Odisha, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved four semiconductor units under the India Semiconductor Mission in Odisha (two units), Punjab (one unit), and Andhra Pradesh (one unit). These projects, with a total investment of ₹1.6 lakh crore across six states, aim to boost India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
4. Where was India’s first animal stem cell biobank inaugurated on August 9, 2025?
a) Bengaluru
b) Hyderabad
c) Mumbai
d) Pune
Answer: b) Hyderabad
Explanation: India’s first Animal Stem Cell Biobank was inaugurated at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. This facility advances regenerative veterinary biotechnology in India.
5. Which country hosted the inaugural Asia-Pacific Mid-Amateur Golf Championship in August 2025?
a) India
b) Indonesia
c) Thailand
d) Malaysia
Answer: b) Indonesia
Explanation: The first Asia-Pacific Mid-Amateur Golf Championship was held at Gading Raya Golf Club, Jakarta, Indonesia, from August 12 to 14, 2025. India sent a four-member team, including Arjun Singh, Simarjeet Singh, and Col. Varoon Parmar.
6. How many total medals did India win at the Asian U19 and U22 Boxing Championships 2025?
a) 17
b) 27
c) 21
d) 10
Answer: b) 27
Explanation: India secured 27 medals at the Asian U19 and U22 Boxing Championships 2025 in Bangkok, with 14 medals in the U19 division (3 gold, 7 silver, 4 bronze) and 13 in the U22 division (1 gold by Ritika in the women’s 80+ kg category, 4 silver, 8 bronze).
7. Which international day is observed on August 12 to promote conservation?
a) World Tiger Day
b) World Elephant Day
c) World Lion Day
d) World Wildlife Day
Answer: b) World Elephant Day
Explanation: World Elephant Day, observed on August 12, focuses on raising awareness about elephant conservation and protecting these animals from threats like habitat loss and poaching
8. What is the name of Sakshi Malik’s memoir released in 2025?
a) Fighting Spirit
b) Witness
c) The Mat of Fear
d) A Fighter
Answer: b) Witness
Explanation: Sakshi Malik’s memoir, “Witness,” co-authored with Jonathan Selvaraj, details her journey as India’s first female Olympic wrestling medalist, her struggles, and her advocacy against sexual harassment in Indian sports.
9. Which Central Armed Police Force approved its first all-women battalion in November 2024?
a) BSF
b) ITBP
c) CISF
d) SSB
Answer: c) CISF
Explanation: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) approved its first all-women battalion in November 2024 to handle security for critical infrastructure like airports, metro rails, and VIP protection, promoting women’s empowerment in security rol
10. Who was appointed as the Chairman of the Inter-State Council’s Standing Committee in November 2024?
a) Home Minister Amit Shah
b) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
c) President Droupadi Murmu
d) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Answer: a) Home Minister Amit Shah
Explanation: Union Home Minister Amit Shah was appointed Chairman of the Inter-State Council’s Standing Committee in November 2024 to facilitate coordination between the central government and states.
11. Which G7 country announced recognition of Palestine in September 2025?
a) Italy
b) Germany
c) France
d) Japan
Answer: c) France
Explanation: France announced the recognition of Palestine as a state in September 2025, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy.
12. Which organization developed India’s first indigenous photonic radar?
a) Bharat Dynamics
b) BrahMos Aerospace
c) DRDO
d) Larsen & Toubro
Answer: c) DRDO
Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed India’s first indigenous photonic radar, advancing the country’s defense technology capabilities.
13. Which country will host the World Junior Shooting Championship 2028?
a) Australia
b) China
c) India
d) USA
Answer: a) Australia
Explanation: Australia was selected to host the World Junior Shooting Championship in 2028, a prestigious international sporting event.
14. What is the name of the second stealth frigate inducted under Project 17A by the Indian Navy?
a) INS Samudragupta
b) INS Udaygiri
c) INS Shaurya
d) INS Pratap
Answer: b) INS Udaygiri
Explanation: INS Udaygiri, the second stealth frigate under Project 17A, was inducted into the Indian Navy, enhancing its maritime capabilities.
15. Who was appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Medical Commission in 2025?
a) Dr. Soumya Swaminathan
b) Dr. Abhijat Sheth
c) Dr. Harsh Vardhan
d) Dr. Randeep Guleria
Answer: b) Dr. Abhijat Sheth
Explanation: Dr. Abhijat Sheth was appointed as the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission in 2025, overseeing medical education and practice regulations.
16. What was the total value of India’s defense production in FY25?
a) ₹1.27 lakh crore
b) ₹1.51 lakh crore
c) ₹79,071 crore
d) ₹2.00 lakh crore
Answer: b) ₹1.51 lakh crore
Explanation: India’s defense production reached a record ₹1.51 lakh crore in FY25, an 18% increase from FY24 and a 90% rise since FY20, with contributions from DPSUs (77%) and the private sector (23%).
17. Which company signed an MoU with DPIIT for the ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge?
a) Hero MotoCorp
b) Zepto Private Limited
c) NLC India Limited
d) BARC
Answer: b) Zepto Private Limited
Explanation: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with Zepto Private Limited to launch the ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge, supporting startups in hardware, IoT, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing.
18. Which organization signed an MoU with NLCIL for rare earth extraction from fly ash?
a) DRDO
b) BARC
c) ISRO
d) HAL
Answer: b) BARC
Explanation: NLC India Limited (NLCIL) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) signed an MoU for a pilot project in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, to extract rare earth elements from fly ash, reducing import dependency.
19. Which country signed a trade cooperation pact with India on August 12, 2025?
a) Brazil
b) Zambia
c) Saudi Arabia
d) China
Answer: b) Zambia
Explanation: India signed a trade cooperation agreement with Zambia on August 12, 2025, to enhance cooperative trade alliances between the two nations.
20. How many LPG connections have been provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana as of July 2025?
a) 8 crore
b) 9 crore
c) 10.33 crore
d) 12 crore
Answer: c) 10.33 crore
Explanation: As of July 2025, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has provided over 10.33 crore LPG connections to rural households, with a subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 9 refills per year in FY26.
21. Which state government launched the ‘Garud Drishti’ social media monitoring and cyber intelligence project?
a) Maharashtra
b) Gujarat
c) Odisha
d) Rajasthan
Answer: c) Odisha
Explanation: The Odisha government launched the ‘Garud Drishti’ project to enhance social media monitoring and cyber intelligence, aiming to improve cybersecurity and track online activities effectively.
22. Which state government conducted India’s first drone-based artificial rain trial?
a) Rajasthan
b) Gujarat
c) Punjab
d) Haryana
Answer: d) Haryana
Explanation: Haryana pioneered India’s first drone-based artificial rain trial, a significant step toward addressing water scarcity and supporting agricultural innovation.
23. What is the name of the operation launched by the Border Security Force along the Rajasthan border ahead of Independence Day 2025?
a) Operation Suraksha
b) Operation Eagle
c) Operation Vijay
d) Operation Alert
Answer: d) Operation Alert
Explanation: The Border Security Force launched ‘Operation Alert’ along the Rajasthan border to strengthen security measures ahead of Independence Day 2025, ensuring heightened vigilance.
24. What is the theme of International Youth Day 2025?
a) Local Youth Actions for the SDGs
b) Green Skills for Youth
c) Intergenerational Solidarity
d) Transforming Food Systems
Answer: a) Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond
Explanation: International Youth Day 2025, observed on August 12, focuses on empowering youth to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through local actions and global impact.
25. Which treaty did Russia withdraw from in August 2025?
a) Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
b) Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
c) Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
d) Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
Answer: b) Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
Explanation: Russia withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in August 2025, citing strategic shifts in global security dynamics.