Current Affairs 19th August 2025 : Daily GK Update in English
1. The 'E-Jagriti' platform, an initiative to computerize and network all consumer commissions in India, is an initiative of which ministry?
a) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution
b) Ministry of Science and Technology
c) Ministry of Agriculture
d) Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: a) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution
Explanation: The E-Jagriti platform was launched on January 1, 2025, to ensure transparency, efficiency, and speedy resolution of consumer disputes by allowing consumers to file complaints and track cases online.
2. Which region of India is the primary source of the 'Halman' apricot, recently sent in a consignment to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar?
a) Maharashtra
b) Ladakh
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Karnataka
Answer: b) Ladakh
Explanation: The Halman apricot is a premium variety found in the Sham region of Ladakh. This was the first time a consignment of this apricot was exported to Gulf countries.
3. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is located in which state of India?
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Nagaland
c) Manipur
d) Assam
Answer: d) Assam
Explanation: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam. A recent study found native plant species were altering its riverine ecosystem.
4. The 'Arogyam Health and Wellness Centre' in Arunachal Pradesh was launched under which Indian Army initiative?
a) Operation Maitri
b) Operation Sadbhavana
c) Operation Rakshak
d) Operation Vijay
Answer: b) Operation Sadbhavana
Explanation: The Arogyam Health and Wellness Centre, equipped with basic life-saving facilities, was inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Indian Army's Operation Sadbhavana, an initiative to provide social support in remote areas.
5. Mount Elbrus, recently climbed by an Indian mountaineer, is located in which country?
a) India
b) China
c) France
d) Russia
Answer: d) Russia
Explanation: Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe and is located in the Caucasus Mountains of southwestern Russia. Kabak Yano from Arunachal Pradesh recently successfully climbed it.
6. Which country is set to host the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025?
a) India
b) Japan
c) China
d) South Korea
Answer: a) India
Explanation: India will host its first-ever international winter sports event, the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, from August 20-23, 2025.
7. Who among the following won the 'Best Film Director' award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025?
a) Prabhu Deva
b) Chandralila Bhansali
c) Anurag Kashyap
d) Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Answer: b) Chandralila Bhansali
Explanation: Chandralila Bhansali won the Best Film Director award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025.
8. Which company, a major manufacturing partner for Apple, recently began production of the iPhone 17 in India?
a) Wistron
b) Pegatron
c) Foxconn
d) Luxshare
Answer: c) Foxconn
Explanation: Foxconn, one of Apple's largest manufacturing partners, has begun producing the iPhone 17 at its new plant in Devanahalli, Bengaluru, strengthening India's role in Apple's global supply chain.
9. In July 2025, India's unemployment rate dropped to what percentage?
a) 6.1%
b) 5.8%
c) 5.2%
d) 4.9%
Answer: c) 5.2%
Explanation: According to data released on August 19, 2025, India's unemployment rate fell to 5.2% in July 2025.
10. Which famous cricketer, who passed away recently at the age of 89, was a prominent player of his sport?
a) Shane Warne
b) Bob Simpson
c) Ricky Ponting
d) Mark Waugh
Answer: b) Bob Simpson
Explanation: Bob Simpson, a famous cricketer, passed away at the age of 89.
11. Which country is preparing for fresh tests of the 'Burevestnik' nuclear-powered cruise missile?
a) Russia
b) China
c) France
d) United States
Answer: a) Russia
Explanation: Russia is preparing for new tests of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, a weapon system known for its potentially unlimited range.
12. The Tato-II Hydroelectric Project is located in which state of India?
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Assam
c) Sikkim
d) West Bengal
Answer: a) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently approved the Tato-II Hydroelectric Project, which is located in Arunachal Pradesh.
13. The species 'Kasargodia sheebae' and 'Pilarta vaman', recently seen in the news, belong to which animal group?
a) Frog
b) Spider
c) Crab
d) Fish
Answer: c) Crab
Explanation: These two new species of crabs were recently discovered and named by scientists in India.
14. A new plant species named 'Heptapleurum assamicum' was recently discovered in which Indian state?
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Assam
c) Nagaland
d) Tripura
Answer: b) Assam
Explanation: Scientists recently discovered this new plant species, named after the state it was found in, Assam.
15. 'Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project' is located in which state?
a) Odisha
b) Uttarakhand
c) Himachal Pradesh
d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: b) Uttarakhand
Explanation: This hydroelectric project is located in Uttarakhand, a state known for its numerous river-based power projects.
16. Which of the following is an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by Russia?
a) RS-28 Sarmat
b) DF-41
c) LGM-30 Minuteman
d) Agni-V
Answer: a) RS-28 Sarmat
Explanation: The RS-28 Sarmat is a heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed and deployed by Russia.
17. The 'HQ-16' is a Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system developed by which country?
a) China
b) France
c) Israel
d) Russia
Answer: a) China
Explanation: The HQ-16 is a medium-range air defense missile system developed by China.
18. What is 'Australopithecus', which was in the news recently?
a) A newly discovered species of Fish
b) Traditional medicine
c) A group of extinct primates
d) A flowering plant
Answer: c) A group of extinct primates
Explanation: Australopithecus is a genus of extinct hominins. Recent discoveries related to this genus have been in the news.
19. Which ministry is responsible for the 'PAHAL' scheme, aimed at providing a direct subsidy for LPG cylinders?
a) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
b) Ministry of Science and Technology
c) Ministry of Agriculture
d) Ministry of Finance
Answer: a) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Explanation: The PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to directly transfer the LPG subsidy to the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
20. Which two countries signed the 'India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement' (CETa) of 2025, which includes a chapter on digital trade?
a) India and the United Kingdom
b) India and the United States
c) India and Japan
d) India and Germany
Answer: a) India and the United Kingdom
Explanation: The CETA agreement, signed in 2025, is a significant step toward strengthening economic ties between India and the UK, with a specific focus on digital trade.
21. Where has the 'Samudrayaan Mission' been launched to develop a self-propelled manned submersible to carry human beings to a water depth of 6,000 meters?
a) India
b) China
c) Japan
d) Russia
Answer: a) India
Explanation: The Samudrayaan Mission is India's first manned deep-sea mission. It aims to develop a submersible named 'Matsya 6000' for deep-ocean exploration.
22. Which two Indian states are associated with the 'Pralay' missile, which was recently flight-tested by DRDO?
a) Odisha and Tamil Nadu
b) Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
c) Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
d) Gujarat and Maharashtra
Answer: b) Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The Pralay missile is a tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile. It has been flight-tested from a testing range in Odisha.
23. Which Indian state has launched the 'Nari Adalat' (Women's Court) initiative?
a) Rajasthan
b) Gujarat
c) Haryana
d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: b) Gujarat
Explanation: The 'Nari Adalat' initiative, a community-based system for addressing minor disputes and issues, was launched in Gujarat to provide speedy justice for women.
24. The 'World Photography Day' is celebrated every year on which date?
a) August 19
b) August 15
c) August 12
d) August 10
Answer: a) August 19
Explanation: World Photography Day is celebrated every year on August 19 to promote photography as a form of artistic expression.
25. Which Indian city will host the 'Bharat Steel' international conference-cum-exhibition on the steel ecosystem?
a) Mumbai
b) Bengaluru
c) New Delhi
d) Bhopal
Answer: c) New Delhi
Explanation: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy unveiled the official logo for 'Bharat Steel', which is set to be held in New Delhi.