Current Affairs 25rd August 2025 : Daily GK Update in English

1. ch state has recently become the first in India to implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics-based road safety pilot project?
A. Haryana
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Odisha
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: The government of Uttar Pradesh has initiated a pilot project using AI and Big Data Analytics to improve road safety. The system analyzes accident reports, weather, and other data to identify causes and 'black spots' on roads.
2. The Government of India has constituted two High-Powered Groups (HPGs) to drive next-generation reforms. Who chairs these groups?
A. N.K. Singh
B. Shaktikanta Das
C. Rajiv Gauba
D. P.K. Mishra
Answer: C. Rajiv Gauba
Explanation: The HPGs, chaired by Rajiv Gauba, a full-time member of NITI Aayog, were formed following the Prime Minister's Independence Day speech to focus on next-gen and non-financial sector reforms.
3. The "Saksham Niveshak" campaign has been launched by which Indian institution?
A. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
B. Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)
C. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
D. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Answer: B. Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)
Explanation: The IEPFA, which operates under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, launched the "Saksham Niveshak" campaign. This 100-day drive aims to help investors reclaim unclaimed dividends and update their KYC details.
4. What is the name of the automatic train protection system being commissioned by Indian Railways to enhance safety and efficiency?
A. RailGuard 1.0
B. Kavach 4.0
C. Suraksha 5.0
D. TrackShield 2.0
Answer: B. Kavach 4.0
Explanation: Developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) of Indian Railways, Kavach 4.0 is a train protection system designed to reduce accidents by controlling train speeds and minimizing human error.
5. Which Indian state has declared August 12 as "Safai Andolan Day" for the conservation of the Indus River?
A. Himachal Pradesh
B. Punjab
C. Jammu and Kashmir
D. Ladakh
Answer: D. Ladakh
Explanation: Ladakh has designated August 12 as "Safai Andolan Day" to organize a government-supported clean-up movement aimed at conserving the biodiversity of the Indus River.
6. The Dao Division of the Indian Army has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with which company to enhance digital and mobile connectivity in parts of Arunachal Pradesh?
A. Reliance Jio
B. Vodafone Idea
C. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
D. Bharti Airtel
Answer: D. Bharti Airtel
Explanation: This MoU was signed to improve cellular network coverage in the remote forward areas of the Dibang Valley and Anjaw districts, which are strategically important border regions.
7. Which Indian bank recently launched "SIB Gold Xpress," a new gold loan product?
A. Federal Bank
B. South Indian Bank (SIB)
C. HDFC Bank
D. Axis Bank
Answer: B. South Indian Bank (SIB)
Explanation: SIB Gold Xpress is a gold loan product designed by South Indian Bank to offer customers quick and convenient access to credit, with loan amounts ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹25 lakhs.
8. The Department of Posts has temporarily suspended most international postal services to which country, effective August 25, 2025?
A. United Kingdom
B. United States
C. China
D. Canada
Answer: B. United States
Explanation: This decision was made in response to a new U.S. executive order that withdraws the duty-free exemption for low-value goods, creating new complexities for international postal shipments.
9. Which state government recently launched the "Brindavan Gram Scheme" to develop model villages focused on cow protection and rural development?
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Gujarat
D. Haryana
Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Madhya Pradesh government's scheme aims to select one gram panchayat from each of the state's 313 blocks to be renamed "Brindavan Gram," where a gaushala (cow shed) will be established to promote cow welfare.
10. The "Cancer Mukt Kannapuram" program, recently recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), was launched in which Indian state?
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: A. Kerala
Explanation: The WHO has recognized the "Cancer Mukt Kannapuram" program, a community-led initiative focused on cancer awareness and prevention, which was launched in Kannapuram, Kerala.
11. Which country recently conducted the "Sustainable Power 1404" missile drills in the Gulf of Oman?
A. Saudi Arabia
B. Iran
C. Qatar
D. United Arab Emirates
Answer: B. Iran
Explanation: Iran conducted these military drills in a strategically important waterway to demonstrate its naval and missile capabilities.
12. 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 have recently discovered this new plant species in the state of
Assam, adding to the region's rich biodiversity.
13. Which organization is building an internet-from-space network through its satellite broadband initiative, Project Kuiper?
A. SpaceX
B. Blue Origin
C. Amazon
D. IN-SPACe
Answer: C. Amazon
Explanation: Project Kuiper is Amazon's initiative to create a satellite broadband network using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas globally.
14. The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) was created by which organization?
A. World Bank
B. World Health Organization (WHO)
C. United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
D. Global Health Council
Answer: B. World Health Organization (WHO)
Explanation: GARDP is a non-profit organization founded by the WHO and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) to develop new antibiotic treatments to combat the global antimicrobial resistance crisis.
15. Which country currently holds the position of President of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) General Conference?
A. China
B. Russia
C. India
D. Australia
Answer: C. India
Explanation: India has held the presidency of the AIBD General Conference since 2022, a position that is set to conclude in August 2025.
16. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope recently discovered the 29th moon of Uranus. What is its name?
A. S/2025 U1
B. S/2025 J1
C. S/2023 U3
D. S/2024 U2
Answer: A. S/2025 U1
Explanation: The new moon, temporarily named S/2025 U1, was discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope and is the 29th confirmed moon orbiting Uranus.
17. Which country has been accused by Russia of launching a drone attack that sparked a fire at a nuclear power plant in its western Kursk region?
A. Belarus
B. Ukraine
C. Georgia
D. Poland
Answer: B. Ukraine
Explanation: Russia has accused Ukraine of a drone attack on a nuclear power plant, a claim made as Ukraine was celebrating its Independence Day.
18. The Department of Posts (DoP) has signed an MoU for mutual fund distribution with which organization?
A. Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)
B. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
C. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
D. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Answer: A. Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)
Explanation: The MoU between DoP and AMFI aims to facilitate mutual fund investments across India, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, to promote financial inclusion.
19. The “Breaking Barriers Fellowship,” launched in August 2025, is a joint initiative of DEPwD, Nipman Foundation, and which other organization?
A. NITI Aayog
B. UNDP India
C. Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC)
D. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Answer: C. Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC)
Explanation: This fellowship, a collaboration between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Nipman Foundation, and YLAC, aims to support initiatives for people with disabilities.
20. Which Indian wrestler won the first gold medal for India in the women's 57 Kg category at the U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025?
A. Priya Malik
B. Kajal
C. Tapasya Gahlawat
D. Srishti
Answer: C. Tapasya Gahlawat
Explanation: Tapasya Gahlawat secured India's first gold medal in her category at the U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025.
21. Which veteran Indian cricketer recently announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket?
A. Cheteshwar Pujara
B. Ravichandran Ashwin
C. Ajinkya Rahane
D. Ishant Sharma
Answer: A. Cheteshwar Pujara
Explanation: Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his long and successful career in Test cricket, has announced his retirement.
22. What is the name of the new nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) set to be inducted into the Indian Navy?
A. INS Arihant
B. INS Chakra
C. INS Aridhaman
D. INS Karanj
Answer: C. INS Aridhaman
Explanation: The INS Aridhaman is the second of India's indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, marking a significant step in the nation's naval defense capabilities.
23. Which animal is the primary source of Ambergris, a substance whose trade is banned in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972?
A. Blue Whale
B. Sperm Whale
C. Humpback Whale
D. Killer Whale
Answer: B. Sperm Whale
Explanation: Ambergris, often referred to as "floating gold," is a rare substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales and is highly sought after for its use in perfumes.
24. A rare, vividly orange nurse shark was recently discovered off the coast of which country?
A. Costa Rica
B. Australia
C. South Africa
D. Brazil
Answer: A. Costa Rica
Explanation: This peculiar orange coloration is a result of a rare genetic condition called xanthism, which affects the pigmentation of the animal.
25. Which state was recently declared the first 'fully digitally literate state' in India?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B. Kerala
Explanation: Kerala has achieved the milestone of becoming the first state in India to be declared fully digitally literate, marking a significant step in its e-governance initiatives.