Current Affairs 19th November 2025 : Daily GK Update in English
1. The Union Cabinet recently expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to a terrorist car explosion near which landmark in Delhi?
A) India Gate
B) Red Fort
C) Lotus Temple
D) Qutub Minar
Answer: B) Red Fort
Explanation: The explosion targeted a high-traffic area near the Red Fort, prompting national mourning and heightened security measures.
2. Which minerals' royalty rates were recently revised by the Union Cabinet?
A) Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron
B) Caesium, Graphite, Rubidium, Zirconium
C) Coal, Limestone, Bauxite, Manganese
D) Diamond, Platinum, Uranium, Thorium
Answer: B) Caesium, Graphite, Rubidium, Zirconium
Explanation: The revision aims to boost mining efficiency and resource utilization for these critical minerals.
3. What is the primary focus of the newly approved Export Promotion Mission (EPM)?
A) Large corporations only
B) MSMEs and first-time exporters
C) Agricultural exports exclusively
D) Defense equipment exports
Answer: B) MSMEs and first-time exporters
Explanation: The EPM is designed to support small-scale businesses in entering global markets.
4. What is India's current rank as the world's largest patent filer?
A) 1st
B) 3rd
C) 6th
D) 10th
Answer: C) 6th
Explanation: India filed over 64,000 patent applications, reflecting a surge in innovation.
5. Where was the 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025 inaugurated?
A) Mumbai, Maharashtra
B) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
C) Bengaluru, Karnataka
D) Hyderabad, Telangana
Answer: B) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The summit promotes industry partnerships and economic growth in the region.
6. What directive did the Supreme Court issue regarding the Saranda forest?
A) Open for commercial logging
B) Declare it a wildlife sanctuary
C) Convert to agricultural land
D) Hand over to private mining
Answer: B) Declare it a wildlife sanctuary
Explanation: The ruling protects biodiversity in Jharkhand's ecologically sensitive area.
7. What is Ambaji Marble famous for, after receiving the GI tag?
A) Its red hue
B) Its milky white colour
C) Its black veins
D) Its green tint
Answer: B) Its milky white colour
Explanation: Sourced from Gujarat, it highlights India's artisanal heritage.
8. In which year will the 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) be held?
A) 2024
B) 2025
C) 2026
D) 2027
Answer: B) 2025
Explanation: The event showcases global cinema and Indian talent.
9. How much penalty did the RBI impose on Tamilnad Mercantile Bank?
A) ₹10 lakh
B) ₹39.60 lakh
C) ₹50 lakh
D) ₹1 crore
Answer: B) ₹39.60 lakh
Explanation: The penalty addresses regulatory non-compliance issues.
10. Where was the 10th edition of Axis Bank’s EVOLVE MSME Series held?
A) Delhi
B) Kozhikode
C) Chennai
D) Kolkata
Answer: B) Kozhikode
Explanation: It focuses on empowering MSMEs through financial and digital tools.
11. What was India’s wholesale inflation rate in September 2025?
A) -0.13%
B) 0.13%
C) 1.5%
D) 2.0%
Answer: B) 0.13%
Explanation: It turned negative in October, signaling deflationary pressures.
12. From which date will SBI discontinue its mCASH service?
A) November 1, 2025
B) December 1, 2025
C) January 1, 2026
D) March 1, 2026
Answer: B) December 1, 2025
Explanation: Users are advised to switch to newer digital banking options.
13. Which country completed its first CBDC government transaction using the Digital Dirham?
A) India
B) UAE
C) China
D) Singapore
Answer: B) UAE
Explanation: This marks a milestone in blockchain-based public finance.
14. Whose tenure as PESB Chairperson received a second extension?
A) Mallika Srinivasan
B) Nita Ambani
C) Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
D) Indra Nooyi
Answer:A) Mallika Srinivasan
Explanation: She continues leading public sector enterprise selections.
15. With which German-based group did NAM India sign a collaboration?
A) Siemens
B) DWS Group
C) Deutsche Bank
D) Volkswagen
Answer: B) DWS Group
Explanation: The partnership enhances investment and advisory services.
16. To which class does the warship INS Mahe belong?
A) Destroyer
B) ASW-SWC
C) Frigate
D) Submarine
Answer: B) ASW-SWC
Explanation: It specializes in anti-submarine warfare and shallow-water crafts.
17. Which command hosted the NES Conference 2025?
A) Western Naval Command
B) Eastern Naval Command
C) Southern Naval Command
D) Northern Naval Command
Answer: B) Eastern Naval Command
Explanation: The conference advances naval engineering and technology.
18. What is the value of the Defence Ministry's deal with BDL for the INVAR ATGM missile?
A) ₹1,000 crore
B) ₹2,095 crore
C) ₹3,500 crore
D) ₹5,000 crore
Answer: B) ₹2,095 crore
Explanation: It strengthens India's anti-tank guided missile capabilities.
19. In which region is the newly inaugurated Nyoma Airbase located?
A) Arunachal Pradesh
B) Ladakh
C) Sikkim
D) Uttarakhand
Answer: B) Ladakh
Explanation: It enhances strategic air operations along the border.
20. For what primary purpose did NSTL (DRDO) develop new MP-AUVs?
A) Surveillance
B) Mine Countermeasure (MCM) operations
C) Cargo transport
D) Passenger ferry
Answer: B) Mine Countermeasure (MCM) operations
Explanation: These autonomous underwater vehicles improve naval safety.
21. What is the focus of ISRO's major expansion plan announced recently?
A) Satellite repairs
B) Human spaceflight and the Indian Space Station
C) Lunar mining
D) Weather forecasting
Answer: B) Human spaceflight and the Indian Space Station
Explanation: It positions India as a leader in manned space exploration.
22. From which group did ISRO receive the first human-rated L110 Vikas Engine?
A) HAL
B) Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG)
C) Tata Advanced Systems
D) L&T
Answer: B) Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG)
Explanation: This engine is crucial for upcoming crewed missions.
23. What was Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka famous for?
A) Space research
B) Environmental conservation (Tree Woman of India)
C) Classical music
D) Olympic sports
Answer: B) Environmental conservation (Tree Woman of India)
Explanation: She planted thousands of trees, earning global recognition before her passing.
24. According to recent reports, what did the Centre tell the Supreme Court about the Delhi riot?
A) It was spontaneous
B) It was pre-planned
C) It was accidental
D) It was foreign-funded
Answer: B) It was pre-planned
Explanation: The statement highlights intelligence failures and conspiracy elements.
25. What significant action did the US House take regarding Jeffrey Epstein files?
A) Sealed them permanently
B) Voted to open them after Trump's change
C) Transferred to FBI archives
D) Destroyed all copies
Answer: B) Voted to open them after Trump's change
Explanation: This follows policy shifts post-election, aiming for transparency.
A) India Gate
B) Red Fort
C) Lotus Temple
D) Qutub Minar
Answer: B) Red Fort
Explanation: The explosion targeted a high-traffic area near the Red Fort, prompting national mourning and heightened security measures.
2. Which minerals' royalty rates were recently revised by the Union Cabinet?
A) Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron
B) Caesium, Graphite, Rubidium, Zirconium
C) Coal, Limestone, Bauxite, Manganese
D) Diamond, Platinum, Uranium, Thorium
Answer: B) Caesium, Graphite, Rubidium, Zirconium
Explanation: The revision aims to boost mining efficiency and resource utilization for these critical minerals.
3. What is the primary focus of the newly approved Export Promotion Mission (EPM)?
A) Large corporations only
B) MSMEs and first-time exporters
C) Agricultural exports exclusively
D) Defense equipment exports
Answer: B) MSMEs and first-time exporters
Explanation: The EPM is designed to support small-scale businesses in entering global markets.
4. What is India's current rank as the world's largest patent filer?
A) 1st
B) 3rd
C) 6th
D) 10th
Answer: C) 6th
Explanation: India filed over 64,000 patent applications, reflecting a surge in innovation.
5. Where was the 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025 inaugurated?
A) Mumbai, Maharashtra
B) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
C) Bengaluru, Karnataka
D) Hyderabad, Telangana
Answer: B) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The summit promotes industry partnerships and economic growth in the region.
6. What directive did the Supreme Court issue regarding the Saranda forest?
A) Open for commercial logging
B) Declare it a wildlife sanctuary
C) Convert to agricultural land
D) Hand over to private mining
Answer: B) Declare it a wildlife sanctuary
Explanation: The ruling protects biodiversity in Jharkhand's ecologically sensitive area.
7. What is Ambaji Marble famous for, after receiving the GI tag?
A) Its red hue
B) Its milky white colour
C) Its black veins
D) Its green tint
Answer: B) Its milky white colour
Explanation: Sourced from Gujarat, it highlights India's artisanal heritage.
8. In which year will the 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) be held?
A) 2024
B) 2025
C) 2026
D) 2027
Answer: B) 2025
Explanation: The event showcases global cinema and Indian talent.
9. How much penalty did the RBI impose on Tamilnad Mercantile Bank?
A) ₹10 lakh
B) ₹39.60 lakh
C) ₹50 lakh
D) ₹1 crore
Answer: B) ₹39.60 lakh
Explanation: The penalty addresses regulatory non-compliance issues.
10. Where was the 10th edition of Axis Bank’s EVOLVE MSME Series held?
A) Delhi
B) Kozhikode
C) Chennai
D) Kolkata
Answer: B) Kozhikode
Explanation: It focuses on empowering MSMEs through financial and digital tools.
11. What was India’s wholesale inflation rate in September 2025?
A) -0.13%
B) 0.13%
C) 1.5%
D) 2.0%
Answer: B) 0.13%
Explanation: It turned negative in October, signaling deflationary pressures.
12. From which date will SBI discontinue its mCASH service?
A) November 1, 2025
B) December 1, 2025
C) January 1, 2026
D) March 1, 2026
Answer: B) December 1, 2025
Explanation: Users are advised to switch to newer digital banking options.
13. Which country completed its first CBDC government transaction using the Digital Dirham?
A) India
B) UAE
C) China
D) Singapore
Answer: B) UAE
Explanation: This marks a milestone in blockchain-based public finance.
14. Whose tenure as PESB Chairperson received a second extension?
A) Mallika Srinivasan
B) Nita Ambani
C) Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
D) Indra Nooyi
Answer:A) Mallika Srinivasan
Explanation: She continues leading public sector enterprise selections.
15. With which German-based group did NAM India sign a collaboration?
A) Siemens
B) DWS Group
C) Deutsche Bank
D) Volkswagen
Answer: B) DWS Group
Explanation: The partnership enhances investment and advisory services.
16. To which class does the warship INS Mahe belong?
A) Destroyer
B) ASW-SWC
C) Frigate
D) Submarine
Answer: B) ASW-SWC
Explanation: It specializes in anti-submarine warfare and shallow-water crafts.
17. Which command hosted the NES Conference 2025?
A) Western Naval Command
B) Eastern Naval Command
C) Southern Naval Command
D) Northern Naval Command
Answer: B) Eastern Naval Command
Explanation: The conference advances naval engineering and technology.
18. What is the value of the Defence Ministry's deal with BDL for the INVAR ATGM missile?
A) ₹1,000 crore
B) ₹2,095 crore
C) ₹3,500 crore
D) ₹5,000 crore
Answer: B) ₹2,095 crore
Explanation: It strengthens India's anti-tank guided missile capabilities.
19. In which region is the newly inaugurated Nyoma Airbase located?
A) Arunachal Pradesh
B) Ladakh
C) Sikkim
D) Uttarakhand
Answer: B) Ladakh
Explanation: It enhances strategic air operations along the border.
20. For what primary purpose did NSTL (DRDO) develop new MP-AUVs?
A) Surveillance
B) Mine Countermeasure (MCM) operations
C) Cargo transport
D) Passenger ferry
Answer: B) Mine Countermeasure (MCM) operations
Explanation: These autonomous underwater vehicles improve naval safety.
21. What is the focus of ISRO's major expansion plan announced recently?
A) Satellite repairs
B) Human spaceflight and the Indian Space Station
C) Lunar mining
D) Weather forecasting
Answer: B) Human spaceflight and the Indian Space Station
Explanation: It positions India as a leader in manned space exploration.
22. From which group did ISRO receive the first human-rated L110 Vikas Engine?
A) HAL
B) Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG)
C) Tata Advanced Systems
D) L&T
Answer: B) Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG)
Explanation: This engine is crucial for upcoming crewed missions.
23. What was Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka famous for?
A) Space research
B) Environmental conservation (Tree Woman of India)
C) Classical music
D) Olympic sports
Answer: B) Environmental conservation (Tree Woman of India)
Explanation: She planted thousands of trees, earning global recognition before her passing.
24. According to recent reports, what did the Centre tell the Supreme Court about the Delhi riot?
A) It was spontaneous
B) It was pre-planned
C) It was accidental
D) It was foreign-funded
Answer: B) It was pre-planned
Explanation: The statement highlights intelligence failures and conspiracy elements.
25. What significant action did the US House take regarding Jeffrey Epstein files?
A) Sealed them permanently
B) Voted to open them after Trump's change
C) Transferred to FBI archives
D) Destroyed all copies
Answer: B) Voted to open them after Trump's change
Explanation: This follows policy shifts post-election, aiming for transparency.