Current Affairs 21th August 2025 : Daily GK Update in English
1. Which country recently announced its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2025?
a) France
b) Germany
c) United States
d) None of these
Answer: C
Explanation: The United States, under a policy shift, announced its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2025, citing economic priorities. This move has sparked global debates on climate commitments, as the U.S. is a significant emitter of greenhouse gases.
2. What is the theme of the Tri-services tableau showcased during the 76th Republic Day Parade in 2025?
a) United India, Strong India
b) Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat
c) India’s Defence Heritage
d) Bharat’s Joint Defence Vision
Answer: B
Explanation: The theme "Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat" (Empowered and Secure India) reflects India’s focus on strengthening its defense capabilities and ensuring national security, as displayed during the Republic Day Parade 2025.
3. The PM JANMAN scheme, recently in the news, is associated with which group?
a) MSME Owners
b) Farmers
c) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
d) Non-Resident Indians
Answer: C
Explanation: The PM JANMAN scheme aims to uplift Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by providing basic amenities like housing, education, and healthcare, addressing their socio-economic challenges.
4. Which Indian state celebrated Kokborok Day on January 19, 2025?
a) Tripura
b) Ladakh
c) Arunachal Pradesh
d) Rajasthan
Answer: A
Explanation: Kokborok Day is observed annually in Tripura to promote the Kokborok language, a significant part of the state’s cultural heritage, on January 19.
5. Who won the India Open 2025 men’s singles badminton title?
a) Kidambi Srikanth
b) H.S. Prannoy
c) Viktor Axelsen
d) Anthony Ginting
Answer: C
Explanation: Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen clinched the India Open 2025 men’s singles title, showcasing his dominance in international badminton.
6. Which heritage site from India was included in the World Monuments Watch List 2025?
a) Kaziranga National Park
b) Taj Mahal
c) Ajanta-Ellora Caves
d) Historic Buildings along the Musi River
Answer: B
Explanation: The Taj Mahal was included in the 2025 World Monuments Watch List due to its cultural significance and the need for conservation efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. What is the primary objective of the Indian Army’s Exercise Devil Strike?
a) Testing new technologies
b) Expanding international military alliances
c) Enhancing combat preparedness and operational capabilities
d) Conducting humanitarian assistance missions
Answer: C
Explanation: Exercise Devil Strike focuses on improving the Indian Army’s combat readiness and operational efficiency, ensuring robust defense capabilities.
8. Which Indian state inaugurated the International Saraswati Mahotsav in 2025?
a) Andhra Pradesh
b) Haryana
c) Karnataka
d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: B
Explanation: Haryana hosted the International Saraswati Mahotsav in 2025 to celebrate its cultural heritage, focusing on art, literature, and education.
9. Which G7 country announced recognition of Palestine in September 2025?
a) Italy
b) Germany
c) France
d) Japan
Answer: C
Explanation: France announced its recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, aligning with efforts to support a two-state solution in the Middle East.
10. India’s first indigenous photonic radar was developed by which organization?
a) Bharat Dynamics
b) BrahMos Aerospace
c) DRDO
d) Larsen & Toubro
Answer: C
Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed India’s first indigenous photonic radar, advancing the country’s defense technology capabilities.
11. Which city will host the AI Action Summit 2025?
a) New York
b) Paris
c) Geneva
d) Tokyo
Answer: B
Explanation: Paris was selected to host the AI Action Summit 2025, focusing on global AI governance and innovation.
12. How many individuals were honored with the Padma Vibhushan Award in 2025?
a) 4
b) 5
c) 7
d) 6
Answer: C
Explanation: Seven individuals received the Padma Vibhushan in 2025, recognizing their exceptional contributions in various fields.
13. The Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), launched in 2025, was developed by which institute?
a) IIT Hyderabad
b) IIT Delhi
c) IIT Bombay
d) IITM Pune
Answer: D
Explanation: The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, developed the Bharat Forecasting System, the world’s highest-resolution weather forecasting system at 6 km x 6 km, launched on May 26, 2025.
14. Which country approved the first malaria medicine for small babies in July 2025?
a) Switzerland
b) United States
c) India
d) Brazil
Answer: A
Explanation: Switzerland’s Swissmedic approved the world’s first malaria medicine for infants weighing 2–5 kg, developed by Novartis, on July 9, 2025, targeting vulnerable populations in Africa.
15. The ‘Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao’ campaign was launched by which ministry in July 2025?
a) Ministry of Urban Development
b) Ministry of Rural Development
c) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
d) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Answer: C
Explanation: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the ‘Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao’ campaign from July 1–31, 2025, under the Swachh Bharat Mission to promote hygiene and reduce disease risks.
16. Who won the 2025 Shakti Bhatt Prize for her debut memoir?
a) Kiran Desai
b) Shashi Deshpande
c) Geetanjali Shree
d) Zara Chowdhary
Answer: D
Explanation: Zara Chowdhary won the 2025 Shakti Bhatt Prize for her memoir The Lucky Ones, which narrates her survival of the 2002 Gujarat riots.
17. Which city has been selected as the national host for the 11th International Day of Yoga in 2025?
a) Mumbai
b) Visakhapatnam
c) Jaipur
d) Bhopal
Answer: B
Explanation: Visakhapatnam was chosen as the national host for the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025, highlighting its scenic coastline and infrastructure.
18. What is the primary objective of the Gyan Bharatam Mission announced in 2025?
a) Promoting digital literacy
b) Enhancing scientific research
c) Advancing knowledge and education
d) Improving agricultural productivity
Answer: C
Explanation: The Gyan Bharatam Mission, highlighted in the 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat, aims to advance knowledge and education across India, fostering intellectual growth.
19. Which Indian state is drafting a new leather and footwear policy to boost exports by 2030?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Gujarat
d) Maharashtra
Answer: B
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh is drafting a new leather and footwear policy to enhance exports, aiming for $50 billion by 2030, aligning with central schemes.
20. Which organization runs the Football for Schools (F4S) programme in collaboration with FIFA?
a) World Health Organization
b) UNESCO
c) World Bank
d) UNDP
Answer: B
Explanation: The Football for Schools (F4S) programme, run by FIFA and UNESCO, aims to educate and empower children through football, as seen in its implementation at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kolkata.
21. The National Games 2025 were held in which Indian state?
a) Haryana
b) Uttarakhand
c) Maharashtra
d) Gujarat
Answer: B
Explanation: The 38th National Games 2025, held in Uttarakhand from January 26 to February 14, saw participation from 28 states and eight union territories, with Services topping the medal tally.
22. Which Indian city introduced a nursery initiative where prisoners cultivate ornamental plants?
a) Bengaluru
b) Mangaluru
c) Chennai
d) Kolkata
Answer: B
Explanation: Mangaluru district jail launched a nursery program involving 30 inmates to grow ornamental plants, aiding rehabilitation and skill development.
23. 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
Explanation: INS Udaygiri, inducted under Project 17A, is the second stealth frigate enhancing the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities.
24. Which electric vehicle company signed an MoU with DPIIT under the Build in Bharat initiative?
a) Tesla
b) Ola Electric
c) Tata Motors
d) Mahindra Electric
Answer: B
Explanation: Ola Electric signed an MoU with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to promote indigenous EV manufacturing under the Build in Bharat initiative.
25. What is the projected GDP growth rate for India for FY26, according to the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook?
a) 6.0%
b) 6.2%
c) 6.4%
d) 6.6%
Answer: C
Explanation: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised India’s GDP growth projection to 6.4% for FY26 and FY27, citing a favorable external environment and reduced global trade frictions.