Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 16 August 2025

Q. The Trump–Putin summit of August 2025 in Alaska primarily focused on which issue?
A) NATO Expansion
B) Trade Agreements
C) Arms Control
D) Ukraine–Russia Conflict

Show Answer
Ans: D) Ukraine–Russia Conflict

Q. On 15 August 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered India’s longest-ever Independence Day speech. How long did it last?
A) 1 hour 20 minutes
B) 1 hour 30 minutes
C) 1 hour 43 minutes
D) 1 hour 50 minutes

Show Answer
Answer: C) 1 hour 43 minutes

Q. Who won the Masters Section of the Chennai Grand Masters 2025 chess tournament?
A) Arjun Erigaisi
B) Karthikeyan Murali
C) Vincent Keymer
D) Anish Giri

Show Answer
Answer: C) Vincent Keymer

Vincent Keymer Wins Chennai Grand Masters 2025

The Chennai Grand Masters 2025, held from August 7–15, marked the third edition of India’s premier classical chess tournament. Organized by MGD1 and sponsored by Quantbox, the event featured two elite round-robin sections—Masters and Challengers—with 10 players each, battling across nine rounds for a total prize pool of ₹1 Crore.

Masters Section Highlights

  • Champion: Vincent Keymer (Germany)
    • Clinched the title with a round to spare
    • Final score: 7/9
    • Earned ₹25 Lakhs and 24.5 FIDE Circuit points
  • Runner-ups (Joint Second – 5 points):
    • Arjun Erigaisi – third consecutive runner-up finish
    • Karthikeyan Murali
    • Anish Giri

PM Modi Sets Record with Longest Independence Day Speech

On 15 August 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the longest-ever Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, lasting 1 hour 43 minutes.

  • Surpassed his own 98-minute record of 2024; his shortest was 56 minutes in 2017.
  • This was his 12th consecutive Independence Day address since 2014 (65 minutes).
  • Previous PMs’ speeches: Nehru (1947 – under 20 min), Indira Gandhi (shortest 14 min in 1966), Manmohan Singh (longest ~55 min in 2007).
  • Modi’s 2025 speech highlighted economic reforms, digital sovereignty, youth empowerment, and India’s global role.

Trump–Putin Alaska Summit Ends Without Deal on Ukraine Conflict

The high-stakes summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska lasted nearly three hours but ended without a deal on the Ukraine–Russia conflict.

  • Putin called the war a tragedy, stressed removing the primary causes, and suggested the next meeting in Moscow. He also claimed the conflict would not have happened if Trump were president in 2022.
  • Trump termed the talks “extremely productive”, saying many points were agreed but “no deal until there’s a deal.” He added he would consult NATO allies and Ukraine’s Zelensky.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 14 August 2025

Q. Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed annually on which date?
a) 15 August
b) 14 August
c) 12 August
d) 9 August

Show Answer
Ans: b) 14 August

Q. Which city has been proposed as the lead host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India’s bid?
A) Delhi
B) Bhubaneswar
C) Ahmedabad
D) Mumbai

Show Answer
Answer: C) Ahmedabad

Q. When will the host nation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games be announced?
A) August 2025, Delhi
B) September 2025, Toronto
C) November 2025, Glasgow
D) December 2025, London

Show Answer
Answer: C) November 2025, Glasgow

Q. In 2025, India’s solar PV module manufacturing capacity reached what level, up from 2.3 GW in 2014?
A) 50 GW
B) 75 GW
C) 100 GW
D) 120 GW

Show Answer
Answer: C) 100 GW
India has reached 100 Gigawatt (GW) of solar PV module manufacturing capacity under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), up from 2.3 GW in 2014.

India Achieves 100 GW Solar PV Module Manufacturing Capacity

India has reached 100 Gigawatt (GW) of solar PV module manufacturing capacity under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), up from 2.3 GW in 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as a step towards self-reliance and clean energy adoption. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi credited the success to initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and the 2019 ALMM Order.

Capacity surged from 8.2 GW in 2019 to 100 GW in 2025, with 100 manufacturers operating 123 units (up from 21 in 2021). This achievement supports the 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030 and boosts India’s role in global decarbonization efforts.

India Bids to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on 14 August 2025 approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. India will submit its final proposal by 31 August 2025. The Games will mark 100 years since the first edition in 1930 and 20 years since India last hosted (Delhi, 2010).

India has proposed Ahmedabad as the lead host city, with Delhi and Bhubaneswar as alternatives. Plans include new sports complexes like the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, and the inclusion of kabaddi, kho kho, shooting, wrestling, and archery.

With Canada withdrawing its bid, India’s chances have increased. The host country will be announced by the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in November 2025 at Glasgow. The bid also supports India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day- August 14

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed annually on August 14, was instituted by the Government of India in 2021 to honor the victims and survivors of the 1947 Partition, which caused one of the largest forced migrations in history—nearly 15 million displaced and 1–2 million deaths.

The day serves to commemorate suffering, educate future generations, preserve survivor testimonies, and promote healing. Initiatives include museum exhibits, school discussions, and storytelling by survivors, ensuring the tragedies and resilience of that era are remembered to inspire unity and compassion today.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 13 August 2025

Q. The Income-Tax Bill, 2025 replaces which earlier law?
a) Direct Tax Code, 2010
b) Wealth Tax Act, 1957
c) Income Tax Act, 1961
d) Taxation Laws Act, 1980

Show Answer
Ans: c) Income Tax Act, 1961
On 12 August 2025, Parliament passed the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, replacing the Income Tax Act of 1961. The new law, effective from 1 April 2026.

Q. India Bans Jute Imports from Bangladesh via Land Routes in August 2025, which port is now the only entry point for the banned jute products from Bangladesh?
a) Haldia Port
b) Paradip Port
c) Kolkata Port
d) Nhava Sheva Seaport

Show Answer
Ans: d) Nhava Sheva Seaport
On 12 Aug 2025, India banned imports of certain jute products from Bangladesh via land routes, restricting them to Nhava Sheva Seaport in Maharashtra.

India Bans Jute Imports from Bangladesh via Land Routes, Allows Only Through Nhava Sheva Port

On 12 Aug 2025, India banned imports of certain jute products from Bangladesh via land routes, restricting them to Nhava Sheva Seaport in Maharashtra. The ban covers bleached/unbleached woven jute fabrics, jute twine/ropes, and jute sacks/bags.

This follows earlier 2025 trade curbs and the April 9 revocation of Bangladesh’s transhipment facility (except for Nepal and Bhutan), amid diplomatic tensions after remarks by Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus in China.

The move aims to protect India’s jute industry, apply diplomatic pressure, and regulate import routes, impacting bilateral trade worth USD 12.9 billion in 2023–24.

Parliament Passes Income-Tax Bill, 2025 – Major Overhaul of 1961 Act

On 12 August 2025, Parliament passed the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, replacing the Income Tax Act of 1961. The new law, effective from 1 April 2026, aims to simplify tax administration by reducing sections from 819 to 536, cutting chapters from 47 to 23, and introducing a single “tax year.”

It provides taxpayer reliefs such as late refunds, shorter TDS correction limits, and clearer pension/gratuity deductions, without changing tax rates. Drafted in six months and reviewed by a Parliamentary Select Committee chaired by Baijayant Panda, the bill was passed by voice vote despite an Opposition walkout.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 12 August 2025

Q. Namrata Batra reached the final in which sport at the 2025 World Games?
A) Boxing
B) Wrestling
C) Wushu
D) Judo

Show Answer
Answer: C) Wushu

Q. At which event will Australia formally recognize the State of Palestine in 2025?
A) G20 Summit
B) 80th UN General Assembly
C) Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
D) ASEAN Summit

Show Answer
Answer: B) 80th UN General Assembly

Q. The Merchant Shipping Bill 2024, passed by Parliament in August 2025, will replace which Act?
A) Merchant Navy Act 1962
B) Indian Shipping Act 1947
C) Merchant Shipping Act 1958
D) Marine Transport Act 1970

Show Answer
Answer: C) Merchant Shipping Act 1958

Merchant Shipping Bill 2024 Passed by Parliament

The Merchant Shipping Bill 2024 received Rajya Sabha approval on 11 August 2025, completing its passage in Parliament. It will replace the Merchant Shipping Act 1958 to align India’s laws with obligations under maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party.

The Bill aims to:

  • Promote the development of Indian shipping.
  • Ensure efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine.
  • Serve the national interest in maritime affairs.

Australia to Recognize Palestinian State at UNGA September 2025

Australian PM Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th UN General Assembly, joining nations like France, Britain, and Canada in supporting a two-state solution. Nearly 150 UN member states already recognize Palestine.

The move comes amid public pressure and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Recognition is conditional on no Hamas role, Gaza demilitarization, and holding general elections. Albanese said the step is a practical contribution toward peace, coordinated with leaders from Britain, France, New Zealand, and Japan.

Namrata Batra Becomes First Indian to Enter Wushu Final at World Games 2025

On 11 August 2025, Namrata Batra became the first Indian to reach the women’s 52 kg Wushu final at the World Games in Chengdu, China, defeating Philippines’ Krizan Faith Collado 2-0.

This assured India’s first-ever World Games medal in Wushu, with at least a silver guaranteed. She will face Mengyue Chen of China in the final.

Earlier, Rishabh Yadav secured India’s first individual medal at the 2025 Games with bronze in men’s compound archery. Batra recently won gold at the Moscow Star International Wushu Championship ahead of the Games.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 11 August 2025

Q. On which day is World Sanskrit Day (Vishva Samskrita Dinam) celebrated?
A) Ashadha Purnima
B) Shravana Purnima
C) Kartika Purnima
D) Chaitra Purnima

Show Answer
Answer: B) Shravana Purnima

Q. First Freight Train Reaches Kashmir Valley on 9 August 2025 — this is part of which railway project?
A) Konkan Railway Project
B) Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)
C) Himalayan Freight Corridor
D) Northern Railway Expansion Project

Show Answer
Answer: B) Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)

Q. What discount will passengers get under the new Railways round-trip package scheme, launched in August 2025?
A) 10%
B) 15%
C) 20%
D) 25%

Show Answer
Answer: C) 20%
The Ministry of Railways announced a new round-trip package scheme offering 20% discount on fares for passengers booking both onward and return journeys for the same set of passengers.

Indian Railways to Offer 20% Discount on Round-Trip Tickets

The Ministry of Railways announced a new round-trip package scheme offering 20% discount on fares for passengers booking both onward and return journeys for the same set of passengers.

Key points:

  • No fare refund will be allowed for tickets booked under this scheme.
  • Bookings start 14 August 2025 for travel from 13 October 2025 onwards.
  • The 60-day advance reservation rule will not apply for return journey tickets.

First Freight Train Reaches Kashmir Valley – Boost to Connectivity & Commerce

On 9 August 2025, the first-ever freight train arrived at the Anantnag Goods Shed, integrating the Kashmir Valley with India’s national freight network. Originating from Rupnagar, Punjab, it carried 21 BCN wagons of cement for infrastructure projects, covering ~600 km in under 18 hours via a WAG-9 electric locomotive.

Part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, this milestone promises lower transport costs, better market access for Kashmir’s produce, and year-round connectivity despite winter highway closures.

World Sanskrit Day 2025 – Celebrating India’s Ancient Language

World Sanskrit Day (Vishva Samskrita Dinam) is celebrated annually on Shravana Purnima (full moon day in Shravana), coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, to honor one of the world’s oldest languages.

First observed in 1969 by the Government of India, the day promotes Sanskrit learning and preserves its heritage. Sanskrit is the liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and the medium of ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.

In 2025, it is celebrated on 9 August, highlighting Sanskrit’s linguistic precision (Panini’s Ashtadhyayi), scientific relevance (AI and computational linguistics), and cultural continuity (Ayurveda, Yoga, astronomy, mathematics).

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 9 August 2025

Q. Where will US President Donald Trump meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15, 2025?
A) Washington D.C.
B) New York
C) Alaska
D) Moscow

Show Answer
Answer: C) Alaska
US President Donald Trump announced he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Q. What is the name of Asia’s longest freight train, 4.5 km long, that completed its trial run in August 2025?
A) Vajra
B) Rudrastra
C) Garuda
D) Agnivega

Show Answer
Answer: B) Rudrastra

Rudrastra: Indian Railways’ 4.5 km Long Freight Giant Completes Successful Trial Run

Indian Railways has conducted a successful trial run of Asia’s largest freight train ‘Rudrastra’, measuring 4.5 km in length. The trial covered 209 km from Ganjkhwaja (UP) to Garhwa (Jharkhand) in 5 hours 10 minutes at an average speed of 40.50 km/h.

Rudrastra comprises 345 wagons with a capacity of 72 tonnes per wagon, powered by 7 engines. It was formed by coupling three long haul racks (two goods trains each), effectively lining up five goods trains.

The train, flagged from the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Division to the Dhanbad Division, aims to speed up freight loading and transportation, saving both time and resources.

Trump–Putin Alaska Meeting on August 15 in Alaska

US President Donald Trump announced he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

This will be their first in-person meeting since Trump’s return to the White House in January, and Putin’s first US visit in a decade.
The announcement followed Trump’s unveiling of a peace framework between Armenia and Azerbaijan, part of his push to resolve multiple global conflicts.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 8 August 2025

Q. What is the scheduled date for polling, if required, in the Vice-Presidential Election 2025?
A. August 25, 2025
B. August 30, 2025
C. September 9, 2025
D. September 5, 2025

Show Answer
✅ Answer: C. September 9, 2025
The Election Commission of India has notified the schedule for the Vice-Presidential Election 2025.

Q. Who was the first recipient of the M.S. Swaminathan Award in 2025 for Food and Peace?
A) Dr. M.S. Swaminathan
B) Dr. Vandana Shiva
C) Professor Adenle of Nigeria
D) Professor Yuan Longping

Show Answer
👉 Answer: C) Professor Adenle of Nigeria
The M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference 2025 was held from August 7–9, 2025, at ICAR-PUSA, New Delhi.

Q. Parliament passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 on 7 August 2025. What is the main objective of this Bill?
A) To ban foreign ships from Indian waters
B) To privatize all Indian ports
C) To boost India’s coastal cargo movement and strengthen the coastal economy
D) To merge coastal and air transport authorities

Show Answer
👉 Answer: C) To boost India’s coastal cargo movement and strengthen the coastal economy

Parliament Passes Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 to Boost India’s Maritime Economy

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 7 August 2025, after clearance from the Lok Sabha on April 3, 2025.

  • The bill replaces Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 with a modern legal framework aligned with global cabotage norms.
  • Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who introduced the bill, stated it will help increase India’s coastal cargo share to 230 million metric tonnes by 2030.
  • Key Features:
    • Introduces a simplified licensing system for coastal shipping.
    • Provides a framework for regulating foreign vessels in coastal trade.
    • Mandates a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan to guide future policy and infrastructure.
    • Proposes a National Database for Coastal Shipping to support transparency and investment.
  • The bill aims to enhance supply-chain security, promote Indian vessel usage, reduce foreign dependence, and generate local employment.
  • With its passage, all three key maritime laws are now approved:
    1. Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025
    2. Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025
    3. Coastal Shipping Act, 2025

M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Conference: Honouring the Father of India’s Green Revolution

The M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference 2025 was held from August 7–9, 2025, at ICAR-PUSA, New Delhi with the theme “Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Biohappiness.”

The event marked the birth centenary of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, known as the Father of India’s Green Revolution, and celebrated his vision for sustainable agriculture, food security, and social equity.

👨‍🔬 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, released a commemorative coin and stamp, and launched the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.

🌍 The conference featured global participation, focusing on:

  • Climate-resilient, nutrition-sensitive farming
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Biohappiness – linking ecology with human well-being
  • Youth and women’s role in agriculture

🏆 The first Swaminathan Award was conferred on Prof. Adenle of Nigeria for work with marginalized communities.

The event emphasized a shift from food security to nutritional security, highlighting millets, soil health, and community seed banks as future priorities.

Vice-Presidential Election 2025: EC Announce Schedule

The Election Commission of India has notified the schedule for the Vice-Presidential Election 2025 on August 7, 2025.

📅 Key Dates:

  • Last date for nominations: August 21, 2025
  • Scrutiny of nominations: August 22, 2025
  • Last date for withdrawal: August 25, 2025
  • Voting date (if required): September 9, 2025

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 7 August 2025

Q. What was the theme of National Handloom Day 2025, Celebrated on 7th August 2025?
A) Handloom for the Future
B) Threads of Unity
C) Weaving Innovation into Tradition
D) Atmanirbhar Bharat

Show Answer
👉 Answer: C) Weaving Innovation into Tradition

Q. What is the current repo rate as per the RBI MPC meeting held on 6 August 2025?
A) 5.25%
B) 5.50%
C) 5.75%
D) 6.00%

Show Answer
👉 Answer: B) 5.50%

Q. What is the total tariff rate announced by the US on Indian imports after the additional 25% hike in August 2025?
A) 25%
B) 35%
C) 45%
D) 50%

Show Answer
👉 Answer: D) 50%

US Slaps Extra 25% Tariff on Indian Imports Over Russian Oil, Total Now 50%

On August 6, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising the total tariff to 50%. The move was in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which the US claims violates its foreign policy and national security interests.

India condemned the action as “unfair and unreasonable”, defending its energy security strategy. The Ministry of External Affairs warned of taking necessary countermeasures.

📉 Experts predict a 40–50% drop in Indian exports to the US, with sectors like textiles, pharma, and auto parts likely to suffer.

The tariff will take effect from August 27, 2025. India may explore WTO dispute resolution, diplomatic talks, or retaliatory tariffs, potentially reshaping India-US trade relations.

RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.5% – MPC Meet, August 2025

📅 RBI MPC Meeting – 4th, 5th, and 6th August 2025

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.5%, maintaining a neutral stance.

  • SDF rate: 5.25%
  • MSF & Bank Rate: 5.75%
  • Follows a 100 bps cut since February
  • Decision comes ahead of the festive season

📊 Projections:

  • FY26 GDP growth retained at 6.5%
  • FY26 inflation projected at 3.1% (down from 3.7% in June)
  • FY27 CPI expected to rise to 4.9%

11th National Handloom Day Celebrated on 7th August 2025

11th National Handloom Day was celebrated on 7th August 2025 with the theme “Weaving Innovation into Tradition”.

It marks the anniversary of the Swadeshi Movement (1905) and was first observed in 2015.

President Droupadi Murmu led celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, which included:

  • Awards to 24 weavers
  • Launch of “Haat on Wheels” and Handloom Expo
  • Handloom Hackathon 2025 at IIT Delhi

🧵 The handloom sector supports over 35 lakh workers, many of them women, and plays a key role in sustainable, eco-friendly fashion.

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