In Current Affairs for 19 August 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 19 August 2025
PM Narendra Modi Chairs High-level Meeting
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the roadmap for Next-Generation Reforms, with a focus on accelerating measures to enhance Ease of Living, improve Ease of Doing Business, and foster inclusive prosperity. Officials briefed the Prime Minister on steps being planned to simplify governance, strengthen economic growth, and ensure citizens benefit directly from these measures.
- This high-level meeting came after the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address, where he promised a “Diwali gift” in the form of GST reforms and a lighter tax burden. Following the meeting, the Prime Minister took to the social media platform X, stating that the government remains committed to implementing rapid reforms across sectors, aimed at improving ease of living, enhancing ease of doing business, and fostering overall prosperity.
- Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal attended the meeting aimed at formulating strategic policies to bolster India’s economy, improve infrastructure, and strengthen governance.
ILO Report
- International Labour Organisation (ILO) has ranked Pakistan among the worst in South Asia for wage disparities between men and women, confirming long-standing concerns about structural discrimination in the country’s labour market.
- The ILO’s latest Global Wage Report states that women in Pakistan earn an average of 34 per cent less than their male counterparts, a pay gap significantly wider than the global average and worse than in other countries in the region, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
- While some countries have shown gradual improvement in narrowing the divide, Pakistan has made no progress with its deeply embedded socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors continuing to drive the disparity. A significant portion of female employment in Pakistan is concentrated in the low-wage informal economy that includes agricultural labour, domestic work and home-based manufacturing, with limited protections and virtually no access to formal contracts or benefits.
- The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report has also placed Pakistan at 151st out of 156 countries, ahead of only a handful of nations in terms of economic participation and opportunity for women.
India Achieves Historic Deep Ocean Dives In Atlantic
- India reached a new milestone in ocean exploration in August 2025. Two Indian aquanauts descended to depths of 4,025 and 5,002 metres in the Atlantic Ocean. This achievement places India among fewer than six nations to explore such extreme ocean depths.
- The expedition was part of an Indo-French collaboration using the French submersible Nautile. It sets the stage for India’s upcoming Samudrayan Mission, which aims to reach 6,000 metres using the indigenous submersible MATSYA-6000 by 2027.
- The dives mark India’s first ventures beyond 4,000 metres depth. They demonstrate India’s growing scientific and technological capabilities in deep ocean research. The missions contribute to the understanding of deep-sea environments and resource potential. The success boosts India’s global standing in marine exploration and supports its goal of becoming a leading economy.
- The expedition was conducted with IFREMER, the French marine research institute. Indian aquanauts boarded the Nautile submersible from the research ship L’Atalante near Portugal. This collaboration provided valuable experience in deep-sea operations.
- It helped Indian scientists gain expertise in piloting, sample collection, and managing submersible systems. Such partnerships enhance knowledge transfer and encourage international scientific cooperation. The MATSYA-6000 is India’s indigenously developed deep-sea human submersible. It is designed to reach 6,000 metres depth with 12 hours operational endurance.
- The submersible includes advanced features like titanium hull, lithium-polymer batteries, acoustic communication, and emergency escape mechanisms. Successful wet trials were completed in early 2025. Shallow water trials up to 500 metres are planned for 2026.
- Deep ocean tests and scientific missions will follow in 2027–28. India’s long coastline and vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) provide access to rich marine resources. The Deep Ocean Mission aims to explore and utilise these resources sustainably. This includes deep-sea mining of minerals at depths of 4,000 to 5,500 metres, for which India has signed contracts with the International Seabed Authority.
- The mission also focuses on ocean climate change advisory services and blue economy development. The deep ocean achievements complement India’s space exploration successes. Together, they represent twin pillars of future economic growth. The government envisions harnessing ocean and space resources to elevate India’s global economic rank. The Samudrayan Mission and Deep Ocean Mission reflect this vision. They also showcase India’s transition from follower to leader in high-technology scientific domains.
Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana
- Centre launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY). The scheme aims to boost formal employment by providing financial incentives to both first-time employees and employers. Operated by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the scheme has a budget of ₹99,446 crore and targets the creation of over 3.5 crore jobs in two years.
- The scheme seeks to formalise jobs and increase job creation in the organised sector. It offers direct cash incentives to encourage employers to hire new workers and motivate employees to retain jobs. The initiative also promotes financial literacy and long-term savings among workers.
- Employees joining an EPFO-registered establishment for the first time after 15 August 2025 and earning up to ₹1 lakh per month are eligible. They receive up to ₹15,000 in two instalments. The first instalment is paid after six months of employment. The second instalment is given after 12 months, contingent on completing a financial literacy module.
- A portion of the second instalment is credited to a designated savings account to encourage future savings. Employers registered with EPFO who hire additional eligible staff can receive up to ₹3,000 per month per new hire. The benefit lasts for two years for most sectors and up to four years for manufacturing companies.
- To qualify, companies with fewer than 50 employees must hire at least two extra workers, while those with 50 or more employees must hire at least five additional workers. Employees must create a Universal Account Number (UAN) linked to Aadhaar using face authentication via the UMANG app. No separate application is required for employees; eligibility is automatic upon first-time EPFO registration.
- Employers must obtain an EPFO code through the Shram Suvidha Portal and register on the EPFO employer login portal. They must submit monthly Electronic Challan cum Return (ECR) with provident fund contributions on time and maintain new hires for at least six months.
- Employee incentives are directly transferred to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Employer incentives are credited every six months to PAN-linked company bank accounts. The scheme links financial benefits to employment retention and compliance with formal sector regulations.
- PM-VBRY aims to strengthen the formal labour market and support small and medium enterprises. It encourages stable employment and financial inclusion. By integrating financial literacy, the scheme prepares workers for a dynamic economy and encourages long-term financial security.
Kargil’s Apricots Debut In Saudi Arabia
- In a landmark moment for India’s agricultural exports, fresh apricots from Kargil district in Ladakh made their debut in Saudi Arabia. The ceremonial launch was held at Lulu Hypermarket in Riyadh, symbolizing a vibrant new chapter in India-Saudi trade relations, especially in the field of agriculture.
- Kargil’s apricots are renowned for their natural sweetness, nutritional richness, and unique taste developed in the high-altitude climate of Ladakh. These premium-quality apricots have traditionally been cultivated by small farmers in the region, and until recently, were mainly sold domestically or dried for local markets.
- Their international debut reflects a strong step forward for both regional empowerment and India’s global export ambitions. By showcasing these fruits in a competitive global market like Saudi Arabia, India not only elevates its agri-brand but also highlights the diversity of its agricultural produce.
- The launch was facilitated under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, a flagship initiative of the Indian government aimed at promoting unique regional products from each district. The goal is to foster self-reliant rural economies by providing global platforms to local artisans and farmers.
- Kargil’s apricot selection as the ODOP for Ladakh has been instrumental in,
- Encouraging value-added processing
- Improving packaging and logistics
- Creating direct international market linkages
- Launch Ceremony at Lulu Hypermarket
- The event formed a part of “India Utsav” celebrations at Lulu Hypermarket, one of the Gulf’s largest retail chains. Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, presided over the launch, emphasizing the symbolic and economic significance of the moment.
- Ambassador Khan commended the efforts of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Lulu Group for their cooperation. Bringing Kargil’s produce to international consumers is a testament to India’s expanding agri-export capabilities.
Asian Shooting Championship
- Kapil Bainsla from Palwal, Haryana won India’s first gold at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, winning the 10m air pistol men junior final with a score of 243.0. He left behind Uzbekistan’s Ilkhombek Obidjonov by 0.6 points in a thrilling finish.
- India’s Jonathan Gavin Antony secured bronze with a score of 220.7. Kapil and Jonathan also combined with Vijay Tomar to win the team silver in the event with a total of 1723.
- In seniors event, India claimed team silver with Anmol Jain, Aditya Malra, and Saurabh Chaudhary. India thus ended day one with one gold, two silvers and one bronze.
India’s Girish Gupta
- India’s Girish Gupta has clinched gold in the 10m air pistol men youth event of the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. The 17-year-old shot 241.3 in the final, surpassing compatriot Dev Pratap, who at 14 years old shot 238.6 to win silver. India concluded Day One with two gold and three silver medals.
- Kapil Bainsla achieved gold in the junior men’s air pistol, and both the senior and junior men’s teams earned silver medals. Earlier, Kapil Bainsla from Palwal, Haryana, won India their first gold of the event, firing 243.0 in the 10m air pistol men junior final, leaving Uzbekistan’s Ilkhombek Obidjonov 0.6 behind in second. Kapil’s compatriot Jonathan Gavin Antony won bronze, shooting 220.7. Kapil and Jonathan also combined with Vijay Tomar to win the team silver in the event with a total of 1723.
- Korea won gold with 1734, and host Kazakhstan won bronze. In the senior men’s event, Anmol Jain, along with Aditya Malra and Saurabh Chaudhary, won the team silver with a combined effort of 1735.
Current Affairs 19 August 2025 Question
- Recently Apricots Of Which Area Made Debut In Saudi Arabia
A. Kargil
B. Kullu
C. Garkone
D. Shimla
ANSWER: C - Girish Gupta Clinched ____In 10m Air Pistol Event Of 16th Asian Shooting
Championship
A. Gold
B. Silver
C. Bronze
D. None
ANSWER: A - AT World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report Rank of India
A. 125
B. 131
C. 142
D. 147
ANSWER: B - Under ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’, What Will India’s Critical Establishments Be
Protected With?
A. Foreign Defence Imports
B. Private International Partnerships
C. Nuclear Deterrence Systems
D. Establishments with Indigenous Technology
ANSWER: D - By Which Year Does NASA Plan To Build A Nuclear Reactor On The Moon?
A. 2028
B. 2030
C. 2032
D. 2035
ANSWER: B - Which State Secured Overall Team Titles In Both Boys’ & Girls’ Categories At
4th Sub Junior (U-15) National Boxing Championships
A. Haryana
B. Punjab
C. Maharashtra
D. Uttar Pradesh
ANSWER: A - Burevestnik Nuclear-powered Cruise Missile Was Developed By Which Country
A. Russia
B. China
C. France
D. United States
ANSWER: A - Palamau Tiger Reserve Is Located In Which State
A. Karnataka
B. Kerala
C. Jharkhand
D. Maharashtra
ANSWER: C - Name Of The AI- Powered Tool Launched By The Government To Generate
Structured Minutes Of Gram Sabha Meetings
A. SabhaSaar
B. SarpanchSamvaad
C. eGramMision
D. ViksitPanchayat
ANSWER: A - JP Senani Pension Scheme Was Launched By Which State Government
A. Gujarat
B. Rajasthan
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Bihar
ANSWER: D - What Is “Ideonella Sakaiensis”
A. Bacterium
B. Invasive weed
C. Fish
D. Traditional medicine
ANSWER: A - What Is Australopithecus
A. A Newly Discovered Species Of Fish
B. Traditional Medicine
C. A Group Of Extinct Primates
D. A Flowering Plant
ANSWER:C - PM SVANidhi Yojana Was Launched By Which Ministry
A. Ministry of Finance
B. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
C. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
D. Ministry of Rural Development
ANSWER: B - Exercise SLINEX Is A Bilateral Naval Exercise Between India And Which
Country
A. Singapore
B. Sri Lanka
C. Australia
D. Bangladesh
ANSWER: B - Name Of The Scheme Announced By PM On Independence Day To Boost
Formal Job Creation
A. Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana
B. Atmanirbhar Rozgar Yojana
C. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiya
D. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana
ANSWER: A - Antitrisuloides Catocalina , Belongs To Which Species
A. Invasive weed
B. Frog
C. Fish
D. Moth
ANSWER: D - Which Institution Has Launched The Ai-powered Climate Advisory Project For
Small Farmers In Hyderabad
A. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
B. Food Corporation of India (FCI)
C. Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA)
D. National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM)
ANSWER: A - Mahanadi River, Flows Through Which States
A. Bihar and Jharkhand
B. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
C. Rajasthan and Gujarat
D. Chhattisgarh and Odisha
ANSWER: D - Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme Was Launched Under Which
Mission
A. National Health Mission
B. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
C. Ayushman Bharat
D. Universal Health Coverage Scheme
ANSWER: A - Paigah Tombs, Which Are Currently Undergoing Restoration, Are Located In
Which City
A. Bhopal
B. Hyderabad
C. Lucknow
D. Gandhinagar
ANSWER: B
