Current Affairs 28th August 2025 : Daily GK Update in English
1. Which state has been declared India's first fully digitally literate state under the Digi Kerala project?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Kerala
c) Karnataka
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: b) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala was declared India's first fully digitally literate state after completing Phase I of the Digi Kerala project, which trained over 21.87 lakh people, including senior citizens, in basic digital skills. This milestone highlights Kerala's push towards digital inclusion and supports India's broader Digital India initiative.
2. What is the theme of National Space Day 2025, celebrated?
a) Chandrayaan to Gaganyaan
b) Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities
c) India's Leap to the Moon
d) Space for All
Answer: b) Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities
Explanation: National Space Day 2025, marking the second anniversary of Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing, honors ISRO's achievements from Aryabhatta to upcoming missions like Gaganyaan. The theme reflects India's fusion of ancient astronomy and modern space exploration, with goals like an Indian space station by 2035.
3. Who has been nominated by US President Donald Trump as the next US Ambassador to India?
a) Sergio Gor
b) Rajiv Gauba
c) Amit Shah
d) Rajnath Singh
Answer: a) Sergio Gor
Explanation: Trump nominated Sergio Gor, a 38-year-old political strategist and Director of Presidential Personnel, as US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. This move addresses US-India tensions over tariffs and Russian oil imports, strengthening bilateral ties.
4. What is the thrust capacity of the new jet engine India is developing with France's Safran for the AMCA fighter jet?
a) 90 Kilo Newton
b) 100 Kilo Newton
c) 110 Kilo Newton
d) 120 Kilo Newton
Answer: c) 110 Kilo Newton
Explanation: Announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, India-France collaboration will develop a 110 KN thrust engine for the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCa). Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, this Rs 15,000-crore project boosts India's aerospace self-reliance.
5. Who has been appointed as the new ex officio member of the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee?
a) Rajiv Ranjan
b) Indranil Bhattacharyya
c) TVS Swaminathan
d) Sumit Arora
Answer: b) Indranil Bhattacharyya
Explanation: The RBI appointed Indranil Bhattacharyya, Executive Director of the Monetary Policy Department, as an ex officio MPC member replacing Rajiv Ranjan. With 28 years of experience, he will influence interest rates, inflation targeting, and economic stability ahead of the October 2025 meeting.
6. Which country has been declared free of rubella by the WHO?
a) India
b) Nepal
c) Bhutan
d) Sri Lanka
Answer: b) Nepal
Explanation: Nepal became the first country in WHO's Southeast Asia Region to eliminate rubella as a public health problem through widespread MMR vaccination. Rubella, or German measles, poses risks like congenital rubella syndrome in pregnancies; India's efforts continue with sporadic cases reported.
7. What is the main objective of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025?
a) To ban mining in forests
b) To liberalise and modernise India's mineral sector for critical minerals
c) To increase export taxes on minerals
d) To privatize all mines
Answer: b) To liberalise and modernise India's mineral sector for critical minerals
Explanation: Passed by Parliament the bill amends the 1957 MMDR Act to allow multiple minerals in leases, expand the National Mineral Exploration Trust, and promote transparency. It ensures domestic availability of critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, reducing reliance on global supply chains.
8. Which film won Best Film and Best Director at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025?
a) Homebound
b) RRR
c) Laapataa Ladies
d) 12th Fail
Answer: a) Homebound
Explanation: Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound' won Best Film and Best Director at IFFM 2025. The festival highlights Indian cinema's global reach, with other awards recognizing diverse talents in a celebration of storytelling and cultural exchange.
9. What is the estimated cost of the 6-Lane Access-Controlled Capital Region Ring Road approved?
a) Rs 5,000 crore
b) Rs 8,307.74 crore
c) Rs 10,000 crore
d) Rs 15,000 crore
Answer: b) Rs 8,307.74 crore
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved the 110.875 km Bhubaneswar Bypass Ring Road in Odisha, under Hybrid Annuity Mode. Expected completion in 2.5 years, it enhances connectivity and economic growth in the capital region.
10. How many Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets were approved for purchase from HAL?
a) 26
b) 97
c) 114
d) 36
Answer: b) 97
Explanation: The Cabinet Committee on Security approved Rs 62,000 crore for 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A jets from HAL. Featuring 65% indigenous content, AESA radar, and BVR missiles, it replaces ageing MiG-21s under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
11. What is the revised target for additional coal-fired power capacity by FY35, as announced in August 2025?
a) 80 GW
b) 90 GW
c) 97 GW
d) 100 GW
Answer: c) 97 GW
Explanation: Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik informed Rajya Sabha, of the revised target for 97 GW coal/lignite capacity by FY35 (up from 90 GW by FY32). This supports 500 GW renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero by 2070, with current installed capacity at 485 GW.
12. Which weightlifter won gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad?
a) Sift Kaur Samra
b) Mirabai Chanu
c) Veda Krishnamurthy
d) Manika Vishwakarma
Answer: b) Mirabai Chanu
Explanation: Mirabai Chanu, Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, won gold at the Championships, in Ahmedabad. As one of India's top weightlifters, her victory underscores her continued dominance in the sport.
13. What is the name of the Made in India battery electric vehicle flagged off by PM Modi?
a) E-Vitara
b) Tata Nexon EV
c) MG ZS EV
d) Mahindra e-Verito
Answer: a) E-Vitara
Explanation: PM Modi flagged off the 'E-Vitara' BEVs from Hansalpur, Gujarat, and inaugurated a hybrid battery electrodes plant. This promotes electric mobility and supports India's green energy transition.
14. Which country approved Inga Ruginiene as Prime Minister?
a) India
b) Russia
c) Lithuania
d) Ukraine
Answer: c) Lithuania
Explanation: Inga Ruginiene, a Social Democrat and former labour leader, was approved as Lithuania's Prime Minister by parliament. Her appointment signals a focus on social welfare and economic reforms.
15. What is the investment amount announced by Suzuki Motor Corporation in India over the next five years?
a) Rs 50,000 crore
b) Rs 60,000 crore
c) Rs 70,000 crore
d) Rs 80,000 crore
Answer: c) Rs 70,000 crore
Explanation: Suzuki announced Rs 70,000 crore investment in India for expansion, including EV and hybrid tech. This boosts manufacturing and aligns with India's auto sector growth.
16. Which event is scheduled for, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh?
a) Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave
b) FIDE World Cup Chess
c) International Pali Conference
d) Commonwealth Games
Answer: a) Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave
Explanation: PHDCCI's 2nd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave, "Ruhmatic," will be inaugurated in Ujjain, by CM Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. It includes reports on spiritual tourism and sessions on temple economies.
17. Who won gold in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions at the 16th Asian Shooting Championships?
a) Mirabai Chanu
b) Sift Kaur Samra
c) Manika Vishwakarma
d) Veda Krishnamurthy
Answer: b) Sift Kaur Samra
Explanation: Sift Kaur Samra won gold, at the Championships, showcasing India's rising prowess in shooting sports and contributing to Olympic preparations.
18. What is the new role of Rajiv Ranjan, as announced in?
a) RBI Governor
b) Vice President of New Development Bank (NDb)
c) ISRO Chairman
d) Defence Minister
Answer: b) Vice President of New Development Bank (NDB)
Explanation: Rajiv Ranjan was appointed Vice President of the NDB. The NDB, founded by BRICS nations, funds infrastructure; his role strengthens India's multilateral financial ties.
19. Which volcano erupted with lava fountains up to 100 feet?
a) Mount Vesuvius
b) Kilauea
c) Mount Etna
d) Yellowstone
Answer: b) Kilauea
Explanation: Kilauea in Hawaii erupted, in its Halemaumau Crater, the 31st since December 2024. No threats to infrastructure, but it highlights ongoing volcanic activity in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
20. What is the focus of the 7th India-Kuwait Foreign Office Consultations held on August 26, 2025?
a) Trade and defence
b) Climate change
c) Space exploration
d) Sports diplomacy
Answer: a) Trade and defence
Explanation: Co-chaired in New Delhi, the consultations reviewed bilateral ties in trade (USD 10.2 billion annually), defence, energy, and culture, building on PM Modi's 2024 Kuwait visit.
21. Which project was launched by NHAI, for toll workers' children?
a) Project Aarohan
b) Digi Kerala
c) Viksit Bharat
d) Namami Gange
Answer: a) Project Aarohan
Explanation: NHAI launched 'Project Aarohan' with Vertis, to educate children of toll workers, promoting social welfare and skill development in infrastructure sectors.
22. What is Russia's new initiative for Indian workers announced?
a) 500,000 job slots
b) 1 million job slots
c) Visa-free entry
d) Free housing
Answer: b) 1 million job slots
Explanation: Amid tightening norms in UK/US/Canada, Russia opened 1 million job slots for Indian workers, focusing on sectors like construction and IT to boost bilateral labour ties.
23. Who is the new CEO of Grihum Housing Finance, as announced?
a) Teymur Abasguliyev
b) Arjun Chowdhry
c) Indranil Bhattacharyya
d) Rajiv Ranjan
Answer: b) Arjun Chowdhry
Explanation: TPG-backed Grihum Housing appointed ex-Citi banker Arjun Chowdhry as CEO, to drive mortgage lending growth and expand affordable housing access.
24. What survey did the RBI launch across 19 Indian cities?
a) Employment Survey
b) Inflation Expectations Survey
c) Digital Literacy Survey
d) Tourism Survey
Answer: b) Inflation Expectations Survey
Explanation: The RBI launched the September 2025 Inflation Expectations Survey, across 19 cities to gauge public perceptions on price rises, aiding monetary policy decisions.
25. Which cricketer announced retirement from IPL?
a) Ravichandran Ashwin
b) Virat Kohli
c) Rohit Sharma
d) Shubman Gill
Answer: a) Ravichandran Ashwin
Explanation: Legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retired from IPL, after a stellar career. Known for tactical brilliance, he leaves a legacy in Indian cricket.