August 2025

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.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 6 August 2025

Q. Which area was most affected by the sudden rise in water levels during the Uttarkashi cloudburst in August 2025?
A. Yamunotri
B. Kheer Gadh near Dharali
C. Kedarnath Valley
D. Tehri Reservoir

Show Answer
👉 Answer: B. Kheer Gadh near Dharali
A powerful cloudburst struck Dharali near Harsil in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand on 5 August 2025, causing a sudden surge in water levels and sweeping away a village.

Q. Where is Kartavya Bhavan-3 located, which houses key ministries like Home, External Affairs, MSME, Rural Development, DoPT, and Petroleum, and was inaugurated by PM Modi in August 2025?
A. Raisina Hill, New Delhi
B. Rajpath, New Delhi
C. Kartavya Path, New Delhi
D. Sansad Marg, New Delhi

Show Answer
👉 Answer: C. Kartavya Path, New Delhi

PM Modi Inaugurates Kartavya Bhavan-3 at Central Vista

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan-3 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on 6 August 2025.

🔹 Key Features:

  • First of several Common Central Secretariat buildings under Central Vista Project
  • Spread over 1.5 lakh sq. meters, includes 2 basements + 7 floors
  • Will house key ministries: Home, External Affairs, MSME, Rural Development, DoPT, Petroleum, and more
  • Equipped with IT-ready secure workspaces, electronic surveillance, and centralized control systems

🌱 Sustainability Highlights:

  • 30% energy savings, generates 5 lakh+ units of electricity annually
  • Features solar panels, HVAC systems, rainwater harvesting, and zero-discharge waste management
  • Promotes eco-conscious infrastructure with e-vehicle charging, recycled materials, and solid waste processing

Cloudburst in Uttarkashi’s Dharali Area Causes Major Destruction

A powerful cloudburst struck Dharali near Harsil in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand on 5 August 2025, causing a sudden surge in water levels and sweeping away a village.

  • Kheer Gadh stream overflowed, severely damaging the local market and nearby areas.
  • Multiple people are reported missing; exact casualties are yet to be confirmed.
  • Rescue operations are underway by teams from the Uttarakhand Police, SDRF, NDRF, Fire Department, and the Indian Army.
  • CM Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern and said agencies are working on a war footing.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 5 August 2025

Q. What was the final result of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test series 2025?
A. India won 3–2
B. England won 3–2
C. India won 2–1
D. Series drawn 2–2

Show Answer
👉 Answer: D. Series drawn 2–2
On 4 August 2025, India defeated England by 6 runs in final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, London, leveling the five-match series 2–2.

Q. Which two global entities criticized India for importing oil from Russia, prompting a response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in August 2025?
A. NATO and UN
B. China and Russia
C. United States and European Union
D. Australia and Japan

Show Answer
👉 Answer: C. United States and European Union
On 4 August 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended India’s continued oil imports from Russia, calling U.S. and EU criticism unjustified and unreasonable.

Q. According to IATA’s 2024 report, what position did India hold in the list of the world’s largest aviation markets?
A. 3rd
B. 5th
C. 6th
D. 4th

Show Answer
👉 Answer: B. 5th
India handled 211 million air passengers in 2024, becoming the 5th largest aviation market globally, as per IATA’s World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) report.

India Becomes World’s 5th Largest Aviation Market in 2024

India handled 211 million air passengers in 2024, becoming the 5th largest aviation market globally, as per IATA’s World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) report.

This marks an 11.1% increase from 2023, overtaking Japan (205 million passengers).

The top aviation markets in 2024 were:

  1. USA – 876 million
  2. China – 741 million
  3. UK – 261 million
  4. Spain – 241 million
  5. India – 211 million

The Mumbai–Delhi route was ranked the 7th busiest airport pair in the world, with 5.9 million passengers. The busiest route globally was Jeju–Seoul (South Korea) with 13.2 million passengers.

MEA Defends India’s Oil Imports from Russia Amid Western Criticism

On 4 August 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended India’s continued oil imports from Russia, calling U.S. and EU criticism unjustified and unreasonable.

India clarified that it began importing more oil from Russia only after traditional supplies were diverted to Europe due to the Ukraine conflict. The MEA emphasized that such imports are necessary for national interest and affordable energy for Indian consumers.

The MEA highlighted Western hypocrisy, noting that:

  • The U.S. still imports uranium, palladium, fertilizers, and other goods from Russia.
  • The EU had trade worth €67.5 billion in goods and €17.2 billion in services with Russia in 2024.
  • European LNG imports from Russia hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing previous years.

India asserted that its trade is a strategic compulsion, while others trade despite sanctions, undermining their own criticism.

India Beat England by 6 Runs in Final Test, Series Ends 2–2

On 4 August 2025, India defeated England by 6 runs in a thrilling final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, London, leveling the five-match series 2–2.

Chasing 374, England was bowled out for 367, with Mohammed Siraj starring for India by taking 9 wickets in the match, including 5 in the second innings. He was named Player of the Match.

India had scored 396 in their second innings, after trailing in the first. Shubman Gill (India) and Harry Brook (England) were named Players of the Series.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 4 August 2025

Q. Where was India’s first Make-in-India Green Hydrogen Plant in the port sector inaugurated?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Maharashtra
B. Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla
C. Paradip Port, Odisha
D. Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh

Show Answer
👉 Answer: B. Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla

Q. What is the theme of the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival, held in New Delhi on 4 August 2025?
A. Rhythm of the Bay
B. Seven Sounds of Asia
C. SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody
D. Musical Unity of Asia

Show Answer
👉 Answer: C. SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody
India host the first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival on 4 August 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Titled ‘SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody’.

Q. Who is the President of the Philippines who visited India for a State Visit in August 2025?
A. Rodrigo Duterte
B. Benigno Aquino III
C. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
D. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Show Answer
👉 Answer: C. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines will arrive in New Delhi on 4 August 2025 for his first State Visit to India.

Philippines President Marcos Jr. on 5-Day State Visit to India from 4 August 2025

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines will arrive in New Delhi on 4 August 2025 for his first State Visit to India, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation.

During the visit, he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meet President Droupadi Murmu, and be called upon by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. President Marcos will also visit Bengaluru.

This visit marks the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines diplomatic ties and aims to boost cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, maritime security, healthcare, and digital technologies under India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.

First BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in New Delhi on 4 August 2025

India will host the first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival on 4 August 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Titled ‘SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody’, the event will be inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Artists from all seven Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries—India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—will showcase their unique musical traditions. Organized by ICCR, this festival reflects India’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties in the region. The event is free and open to all, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis.

India’s First Make-in-India Green Hydrogen Plant Commissioned at Kandla Port

On 31 July 2025, India commissioned its first Make-in-India Green Hydrogen Plant at Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, Gujarat. Developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the 1 MW facility will produce 140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually.

This fully indigenous project aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and supports India’s Net Zero emissions goal. It will power port operations like electric buses and street lighting, showcasing rapid execution (in just 4 months) and India’s push toward green port infrastructure.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 2 August 2025

Q. The Durand Cup, established in 1888, holds what distinction in football history?
A. First FIFA-sanctioned event in India
B. Oldest tournament in the world
C. Oldest football tournament in Asia and fifth oldest in the world
D. First tournament played under floodlights

Show Answer
👉 Answer: C. Oldest football tournament in Asia and fifth oldest in the world

Q. Which Hindi film won the Best Film award at the 71st National Film Awards?
A. Jawan
B. Sam Bahadur
C. 12th Fail
D. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Show Answer
👉 Answer: C. 12th Fail
71st National Film Awards were announced on 1 August 2025 in New Delhi.

71st National Film Awards 2025: 12th Fail Wins Best Film, SRK & Rani Mukerji Among Top Winners

71st National Film Awards were announced on 1 August 2025 in New Delhi by the Jury Chairpersons Ashutosh Gowariker (Feature Film) and P. Sheshadri (Non-Feature Film).

  • Best Film: 12th Fail
  • Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
  • Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway)
  • Best Non-Feature Film: Flowering Man (Dir: Soumyajit Ghosh Dastidar)
  • Best Direction: Piyush Thakur
  • Best Documentary: God Vulture and Human
  • Best Popular Film for Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
  • Best Film Promoting National, Social, Environmental Values: Sam Bahadur
  • Best Music Direction: GV Prakash Kumar (Vaathi – Tamil)
  • Best Playback Singers: Shilpa Rao (Jawan – Hindi), PVN S Rohit (Baby – Telugu)
  • Best Editing: Pookalam (Malayalam)
  • Best Children’s Film: Naal 2 (Marathi)
  • Best Cinematography: The Kerala Story
  • Best Film Critic: Utpal Dutta

Durand Cup: Asia’s Oldest Football Tournament

Durand Cup 2025: from July 23 – August 23, 2025.

📜 Historical Legacy

  • Established in 1888, the Durand Cup is the oldest football tournament in Asia and the fifth oldest in the world.
  • Originally started as an Army Cup for British Indian Army troops, it later opened up to civilian teams, becoming a prestigious event in Indian football.
  • Named after Sir Mortimer Durand, the then Foreign Secretary of British India.

📍 Format & Participation

  • The tournament features 24 teams, including top clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, and armed forces teams.
  • Teams are divided into six groups, with group winners and two best runners-up advancing to the knockout stage.
  • Matches are hosted across five cities: Kolkata, Shillong, Jamshedpur, Kokrajhar, and Imphal.

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