Current Affairs 26th August 2025 : Daily GK Update in English
1. Which state was declared India's first fully digitally literate state in August 2025?
a) Karnataka
b) Kerala
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: b) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala achieved this milestone through Phase I of the Digi Kerala project, training over 21.87 lakh people, including senior citizens, in basic digit al skills. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced it, highlighting Kerala's focus on digital inclusion as part of broader e-governance initiatives. This positions Kerala as a leader in India's digital transformation, aligning with national goals like Digital India.
2. What is the name of the world's largest tribal grassroots leadership programme launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in August 2025?
a) Janjatiya Gaurav Yojana
b) Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan
c) Viksit Bharat Tribal Initiative
d) Aadi Shakti Abhiyan
Answer: b) Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan
Explanation: Launched as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, this initiative aims to empower tribal communities by building a cadre of 20 lakh tribal change leaders across 1 lakh villages in 30 states and UTs. It focuses on responsive governance and local leadership to support Viksit Bharat by 2047, addressing challenges like education and economic inclusion in tribal areas.
3. Which Indian entity was elected Chairman of the Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) in August 2025?
a) Prasar Bharati
b) Doordarshan
c) All India Radio
d) NDTV
Answer: a) Prasar Bharati
Explanation: India secured the role during the 23rd AIBD General Conference in Phuket, Thailand, with the highest votes. This marks India's return to top leadership after a decade, strengthening its influence in regional broadcasting. Prasar Bharati's CEO, Gaurav Dwivedi, chaired the event under the theme "Media for People, Peace & Prosperity," promoting collaboration among 92 member organizations from 45 countries.
4. What major expansion was approved for the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal in August 2025?
a) Addition of 500 sq km
b) Addition of 1,044.68 sq km
c) Addition of 2,000 sq km
d) No expansion approved
Answer: b) Addition of 1,044.68 sq km
Explanation: The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) approved this addition, making Sundarbans India's second-largest tiger reserve after Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam. This enhances habitat protection for the Royal Bengal Tiger and mangrove ecosystems, addressing threats like climate change and human-wildlife conflict in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Which naval exercise did Iran conduct in the Gulf of Oman in August 2025, marking its first major drill since the June conflict with Israel?
a) Great Prophet 1404
b) Sustainable Power 1404
c) Maritime Shield 2025
d) Persian Gulf Unity
Answer: b) Sustainable Power 1404
Explanation: This two-day exercise involved missile drills and showcased Iran's naval capabilities post the June 2025 Israel conflict. It highlighted Iran's focus on regional power projection amid tensions, involving warships and submarines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz area.
6. What is the revised target for coal-fired power capacity addition in India by FY35, as announced by the Ministry of Power in August 2025?
a) 80 GW
b) 90 GW
c) 97 GW
d) 100 GW
Answer: c) 97 GW
Explanation: The Ministry revised the target upward from 90 GW by FY32 to support 500 GW renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero by 2070. As of June 2025, India's installed capacity is 485 GW, with this addition ensuring energy security while balancing thermal and green sources.
7. Who was appointed as the US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia by President Trump in August 2025?
a) Sergio Gor
b) Keith Kellogg
c) John Bolton
d) Mike Pompeo
Answer: a) Sergio Gor
Explanation: The 38-year-old political strategist and Director of Presidential Personnel was nominated amid US-India tensions over tariffs and Russian oil imports. This diplomatic move aims to strengthen ties in a region critical for US strategic interests.
8. What crisis was officially declared in the Gaza Strip by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification in August 2025?
a) Water shortage
b) Famine
c) Refugee overflow
d) Power blackout
Answer: b) Famine
Explanation: Over half a million people face extreme hunger and starvation, with conditions in North Gaza even worse. The report attributes it to Israeli actions, disputed by Israel, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict and calling for urgent international aid.
9. Which bill was passed by Parliament in August 2025 to liberalize India's mining sector?
a) Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025
b) Coal Nationalization Bill, 2025
c) Rare Earth Extraction Bill, 2025
d) Green Mining Act, 2025
Answer: a) Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025
Explanation: Amending the 1957 Act, it allows multiple minerals in leases, expands the National Mineral Exploration Trust for overseas funding, and promotes transparency for critical minerals like lithium. This supports India's green transition and reduces import dependence.
10. What is the theme of National Space Day 2025, celebrated on August 23 in India?
a) Chandrayaan to Gaganyaan
b) Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities
c) Space for All
d) India's Lunar Leap
Answer: b) Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities
Explanation: Marking the second anniversary of Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing, the day honors ISRO's achievements from Aryabhatta to future missions like Gaganyaan. It aims to inspire youth in STEM and highlights India's space journey toward a 2035 space station.
11. Which country declared itself free of rubella as a public health problem in August 2025, becoming the first in WHO's Southeast Asia Region?
a) India
b) Nepal
c) Bangladesh
d) Sri Lanka
Answer: b) Nepal
Explanation: WHO's announcement follows successful MMR vaccination drives, preventing congenital rubella syndrome. Rubella, a contagious virus, poses risks during pregnancy; Nepal's milestone underscores the impact of immunization in eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases regionally.
12. What was the focus of Iran's "Sustainable Power 1404" missile drills in the Gulf of Oman in August 2025?
a) Anti-submarine warfare
b) Ballistic missile testing post-Israel conflict
c) Joint exercises with Russia
d) Humanitarian aid simulation
Answer: b) Ballistic missile testing post-Israel conflict
Explanation: The first major exercise since June 2025, it demonstrated Iran's missile capabilities amid regional tensions. Involving naval assets, it signals deterrence strategies in the strategic Gulf area.
13. Which Indian shooter won gold in the 10m air rifle at the Asian Shooting Championships in August 2025?
a) Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar
b) Elavenil Valarivan
c) Manu Bhaker
d) Saurabh Chaudhary
Answer: a) Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar
Explanation: Tomar clinched the gold, contributing to India's strong performance. The championships highlight India's rising prowess in shooting, with multiple medals boosting preparations for global events like the Olympics.
14. What is the estimated annual bird deaths per 1,000 sq km near wind turbines in Rajasthan's Thar Desert, as per a Wildlife Institute of India study in August 2025?
a) 1,000
b) 4,464
c) 10,000
d) 500
Answer: b) 4,464
Explanation: The study across 90 turbines found 124 carcasses, estimating high raptor mortality, including endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard. It calls for better turbine siting on migratory routes to balance renewable energy growth with biodiversity.
15. Which framework was launched by India's Coal Ministry in August 2025 for mine closure and community development?
a) RECLAIM
b) Green Mine Initiative
c) Coal Legacy Project
d) Eco-Rehab 2025
Answer: a) RECLAIM
Explanation: RECLAIM (Revitalizing Ecosystems and Communities through Local Actions for Inclusive Mine-closure) focuses on sustainable closure of abandoned mines, community engagement, and environmental restoration, addressing legacy issues from coal mining.
16. What was the growth rate of India's pharmaceutical exports in Q1 FY26, as reported in August 2025?
a) 3.21%
b) 5.21%
c) 7.57%
d) 10%
Answer: b) 5.21%
Explanation: Exports reached USD 7.57 billion, driven by generics and APIs. This growth underscores India's role as the "pharmacy of the world," despite global supply chain challenges.
17. Which day is observed annually on August 19 to raise awareness about orangutan conservation?
a) World Lion Day
b) World Orangutan Day
c) World Elephant Day
d) World Tiger Day
Answer: b) World Orangutan Day
Explanation: The 2025 theme emphasizes saving orangutans, rainforests, and the planet from threats like logging and poaching. These great apes, sharing 97% DNA with humans, are critically endangered, with fewer than 1,000 Tapanuli orangutans left.
18. What is the name of the RBI's report on liquidity management framework released in August 2025?
a) Internal Working Group Report
b) Liquidity Stability Framework
c) Monetary Policy Review
d) Financial Inclusion Index
Answer: a) Internal Working Group Report
Explanation: From the IWG, it addresses post-pandemic challenges like surplus liquidity and recommends tools for better management, ensuring financial stability amid economic recovery.
19. Which country conducted the "Sustainable Power 1404" exercise in August 2025?
a) Saudi Arabia
b) Iran
c) UAE
d) Qatar
Answer: b) Iran
Explanation: The drill in the Gulf of Oman tested missiles and naval assets, signaling military readiness after the Israel conflict and amid US sanctions.
20. What addition was made to the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in August 2025?
a) 500 sq km for mangroves
b) 1,044.68 sq km approved by NBWL
c) New tiger safari
d) Research center
Answer: b) 1,044.68 sq km approved by NBWL
Explanation: This expansion by the National Board for Wildlife enhances conservation of the Bengal tiger habitat, now India's second-largest reserve, combating poaching and habitat loss.
21. Who leads the Group of Ministers on GST rate rationalization in India, as per August 2025 updates?
a) Samrat Choudhary
b) Amit Shah
c) Nirmala Sitharaman
d) Piyush Goyal
Answer: a) Samrat Choudhary
Explanation: Bihar's Deputy CM heads the GoM, accepting proposals to reduce slabs from four to two (5% and 18%), shifting 99% of 12% items to 5% and 90% of 28% to 18%, with 40% for sin goods.
22. What is the focus of the "July Declaration" unveiled by Bangladesh's interim government in August 2025?
a) Economic reforms
b) Recognizing the 2024 student-led uprising
c) Trade with India
d) Climate action
Answer: b) Recognizing the 2024 student-led uprising
Explanation: Marking one year since ousting Sheikh Hasina, it symbolizes a break from authoritarianism, promoting democratic renewal and anti-fascism under Muhammad Yunus's government.
23. Which Indian wrestler won silver at the U20 World Wrestling Championships in August 2025?
a) Sumit Malik
b) Aman Sehrawat
c) Vinesh Phogat
d) Bajrang Punia
Answer: a) Sumit Malik
Explanation: Malik lost 5-8 in the men's 57 kg final to Russia's Magomed Odzamiro in Bulgaria. India won 9 medals overall, showcasing youth talent in wrestling.
24. What volcanic event occurred after 600 years in August 2025?
a) Mount Vesuvius eruption
b) Krasheninnikov Volcano in Russia
c) Yellowstone activity
d) Icelandic fissure
Answer: b) Krasheninnikov Volcano in Russia
Explanation: Ash rose 4 km high, triggering alerts. This rare event in Kamchatka Peninsula highlights geological risks in the Ring of Fire.
25. Which agreement was signed between Power Finance Corporation and Germany's KfW in August 2025?
a) EUR 100 million for solar projects
b) EUR 150 million for RDSS projects
c) USD 200 million for wind energy
d) EUR 200 million for hydro
Answer: b) EUR 150 million for RDSS projects
Explanation: Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, it supports India's power distribution upgrades, promoting energy transition and bilateral ties with Germany.