This is the current affairs of 19 August 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Who won the title of Miss Universe India 2025?
a. Shweta Sharda
b. Riya Singha
c. Manika Vishwakarma
d. Olivia Culpo
Answer: c. Manika Vishwakarma
– Manika Vishwakarma won the title of Miss Universe India 2025.
– She was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 at the grand finale held in Jaipur (Rajasthan) on August 18, 2025.
– She will represent India at the 74th Miss Universe competition to be held in Thailand later this year (2025).
Introduction
– Place of Birth: Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan
– Current Residence: Delhi
– Education: Final year student of Bachelor’s in Political Science and Economics
– NCC Cadet: An NCC graduate and an excellent public speaker
– Previous Title: Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024
– Earlier, Manika Vishwakarma was among the Top 20 finalists of Miss Universe India 2024.
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2. Amid the ‘vote theft’ controversy, under which article of the Constitution does the Opposition plan to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar?
a. Article 63
b. Article 324 (5)
c. Article 68
d. Article 124 (5)
Answer: b. Article 324 (5)
Current Context
– Current CEC: Gyanesh Kumar is the current Chief Election Commissioner.
– Recent Controversy: The opposition INDIA alliance is planning to bring an impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of ‘vote theft’. These allegations were raised by Rahul Gandhi, who claimed manipulation in the voter list.
– Initiation of the Process: The alliance has decided to introduce the motion during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, but passing it is difficult as the NDA holds the majority. The CEC rejected the allegations and demanded either an affidavit or an apology from Rahul Gandhi.
– Challenges: A two-thirds majority is required for impeachment, which the opposition lacks. This reflects political tension but has a low likelihood of success.
– Impact: This has intensified the debate over the impartiality of the Election Commission, especially after the recent elections.
– Various surveys show that the credibility of the Election Commission is consistently declining in the public eye. After Gyanesh Kumar’s press conference on Sunday, the mistrust has grown further.
Removal Process of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
– The Election Commission is constituted under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, which includes the position of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
– The procedure for removing the CEC is similar to that of a judge of the Supreme Court, ensuring independence and impartiality.
Constitutional Provisions
– Article 324(5): The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court. This provision safeguards the autonomy of the Election Commission.
– Grounds for Removal: Proved misbehaviour or incapacity. These grounds must be established through an inquiry by Parliament.
– Act: Under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the removal procedure is equated with that of a Supreme Court judge. The CEC’s tenure is 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
– Difference from Other Election Commissioners: Other Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the recommendation of the CEC, but for the CEC, a parliamentary process is mandatory.
Step-by-Step Impeachment Process
– Initiation of Proposal: An impeachment motion can be introduced in either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) on grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity.
– Required Support: The motion must be passed by a majority of the total membership (absolute majority) and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
– Second House Procedure: If passed in one House, the same procedure must be followed in the other House. Once passed in both Houses, the motion is sent to the President.
– Role of the President: Based on the address by Parliament, the President can remove the CEC from office. This process is akin to the impeachment of Supreme Court judges (Article 124(4)).
– Inquiry Process: Parliament may constitute an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations, which includes examination of evidence and hearings.
– Note: The CEC cannot be removed without following this process, which ensures the independence of the Election Commission.
Past Attempts
– No Successful Removal: No CEC has ever been removed through impeachment in independent India.
– 2009 Attempt: The BJP-led NDA filed a petition with the President to remove Election Commissioner Naveen Chawla, but no action was taken on the recommendation of then CEC N. Gopalaswami. The matter did not reach the stage of impeachment.
– Controversies in the 1990s: Several controversies occurred during T.N. Seshan’s tenure (CEC, 1990–1996), but no formal impeachment process was initiated.
– Other Instances: In 2023, there was controversy over a bill that removed the CJI from the committee for appointing Election Commissioners. However, it was unrelated to the removal process. Overall, past attempts have been political but not constitutionally successful.
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3. Red alert in Mumbai due to rain
– The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad.
– This red alert has been issued for August 19.
– A red alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall.
– Following this, authorities have declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Thane and Palghar on Tuesday.
– Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a warning about bad weather in the state, especially in Mumbai, due to the heavy rains.
– Several areas in Mumbai have come to a standstill because of the rainfall.
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4. Where did US President Trump meet with Zelski and European leaders after the ‘Alaska Summit’ with Putin in order to prevent the Ukraine-Russia war?
a. New York
b. Washington DC
c. Alaska
d. Kiev
Answer: b. Washington DC (White House)
– U.S. President Trump held a meeting at the White House on August 18, 2025, with Ukrainian President Zelensky and European leaders.
– No agreement was reached on a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Trump stated that a ceasefire is not possible so soon, and that the war must come to a complete end.
– However, there was discussion on security guarantees for Ukraine during the meeting.
– Trump said that the United States and European countries will work together on this.
– Meanwhile, the Russian President’s Office (Kremlin) reported that Trump paused the meeting to speak with Putin over the phone for 40 minutes.
– During the call, Putin expressed support for direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives.
– German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed that during the call with Trump, Putin agreed to meet Zelensky within 15 days.
America Gains the Upper Hand in War Diplomacy
– After the meeting, Zelensky held a press conference and announced that Ukraine will purchase $90 billion worth (approx. ₹8 lakh crore) of American weapons, funded by Europe, in exchange for security guarantees.
European Countries Oppose Ceding Ukrainian Territory to Russia
– Before the meeting, Trump pressured Ukraine to give up Crimea and abandon its goal of joining NATO—both major demands from Mr. Putin.
– On August 18, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that if Putin does not move toward peace with Ukraine, sanctions against Russia will be increased.
– Finnish President Alex Stubb said that “Putin cannot be trusted.”
– Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine should not be forced to cede its Donbas region to Russia during the negotiations.
– Speaking to reporters, Merz remarked: “Russia’s demand that Kyiv give up the independent parts of Donbas is, frankly, equivalent to the United States being asked to surrender Florida.”
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5. After the death of La. Ganesan, who got the additional charge of Governor of Nagaland in August 2025?
a. Laxman Acharya
b. Ajay Kumar Bhalla
c. Indrasena Reddy
d. Vijay Pratap
Answer: b. Ajay Kumar Bhalla (Governor of Manipur)
– La. Ganesan, the then Governor of Nagaland, passed away on August 15, 2025.
– Following his demise, the President of India assigned Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Governor of Manipur, additional charge of Nagaland.
Who is Ajay Kumar Bhalla?
– Retired IAS officer
– Served in various senior positions in the Ministry of Home Affairs, including as Union Home Secretary
– Serving as the Governor of Manipur since 2024
Nagaland – At a Glance
– Chief Minister – Neiphiu Rio
– Capital – Kohima
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6. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally approved India’s bid to host which year’s Commonwealth Games?
a. 2026
b. 2030
c. 2034
d. 2038
Answer: b. 2030
– The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally approved the country’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games during its Special General Meeting (SGM) in August 2025.
– India has already submitted an Expression of Interest, proposing Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2030 Games.
– However, India is now in the process of submitting its final bid proposal before the August 31 deadline.
– With Canada dropping out of the race, India’s chances of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games have significantly increased.
Commonwealth Games in India – A Brief History
– India previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010, in New Delhi.
– The 2010 Games remain the only Commonwealth Games held in India to date.
– A total of 6,081 athletes from 71 countries participated in the 2010 edition.
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7. When is World Photography Day celebrated?
a. 18 August
b. 19 August
c. 20 August
d. 21 August
Answer: b. 19 August
Theme 2025
– My Favorite Photo
– The celebration of World Photography Day started on January 9, 1839 in France.
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8. 2025 Grand Slam winners – by events
1) Australian Open 2025
Men’s Singles
– Winner: Jannik Sinner (Italy)
– Runner-up: Alexander Zverev (Germany)
Women’s Singles
– Winner: Madison Keys (USA)
– Runner-up: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
Men’s Doubles
– Winners: Harri Heliövaara (Finland) & Henry Patten (Great Britain)
Women’s Doubles
– Winners: Kateřina Siniaková (Czech Republic) & Taylor Townsend (USA)
Mixed Doubles
– Winners: Olivia Gadecki (Australia) & John Peers (Australia)
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2) French Open 2025
Men’s Singles
– Winner: Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
– Runner-up: Jannik Sinner (Italy)
Women’s Singles
– Winner: Coco Gauff (USA)
– Runner-up: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
Men’s Doubles
– Winners: Marcel Granollers (Spain) & Horacio Zeballos (Argentina)
Women’s Doubles
– Winners: Sara Errani (Italy) & Jasmine Paolini (Italy)
Mixed Doubles
– Winners: Sara Errani (Italy) & Andrea Vavassori (Italy)
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3) Wimbledon 2025
Men’s Singles
– Winner: Jannik Sinner (Italy)
– Runner-up: Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
Women’s Singles
– Winner: Iga Świątek (Poland)
– Runner-up: Amanda Anisimova (USA)
Men’s Doubles
– Winners: Julian Cash (Great Britain) & Lloyd Glasspool (Great Britain)
Women’s Doubles
– Winners: Veronika Kudermetova (Russia) & Elise Mertens (Belgium)
Mixed Doubles
– Winners: Sem Verbeek (Netherlands) & Kateřina Siniaková (Czech Republic)
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4) US Open 2025
– Event Dates: August 24 – September 7, 2025
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9. When is the World Mosquito Day observed?
a. 19 August
b. 20 August
c. 21 August
d. 22 August
Answer: b. 20 August
– The main objective is to raise awareness among people about diseases caused by mosquito bites and how to prevent them.
– According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak of dengue-causing virus is increasing.
– On the occasion of World Mosquito Day (August 20), it stated that by 2023, around 6 million dengue cases and over 7,000 dengue-related deaths were reported in more than 80 countries and regions.
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10. The central government has given the status of National Expressway to the proposed Patna-Purnia Expressway, what is its number?
a. National Expressway 5
b. National Expressway 6
c. National Expressway 8
d. National Expressway 9
Answer: d. National Expressway 9
– This will be Bihar’s first expressway constructed entirely within the state’s borders.
– The Central Government has granted National Expressway status to the Patna-Purnia Expressway.
– The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has declared this as National Expressway-9 (NE-9).
– Separate connecting roads will be built to link the expressway with district headquarters of Samastipur, Saharsa, and Madhepura.
– Recently, the Bihar Government approved the six-lane greenfield expressway project.
Construction Agency to Bear 60% of the Cost
– The project will be built under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on a HAM (Hybrid Annuity Model) basis, meaning the construction agency will bear 60% of the project cost.
– The Central Government will cover 40% of the cost.
– The construction agency will recover its investment through toll collection.
– The agency will maintain the expressway for 15 years.
Project at a Glance
– The expressway will be 244.930 km long.
– It will be a 6-lane greenfield expressway.
– The road will pass through 6 districts, 47 blocks, and 650 villages.
– The project cost is estimated at ₹2845.63 crore.
– The travel time from Patna to Purnia will be reduced to 3 hours.
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