This is the current affairs of 23 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. On which river is the country’s widest (34 meters) 6-lane expansion cable bridge, which was inaugurated by PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar?
a. Yamuna
b. Ganga
c. Gandak
d. Kosi
Answer: b. Ganga (Aonta-Simaria bridge, 8.15 km long, cost Rs 1,871 crore)
– PM Narendra Modi and CM Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Aunta-Simaria bridge on 22nd August 2025.
– With the first six-lane bridge built over the Ganga River at Aunta-Simaria, the travel time from Patna to Begusarai will now be only two hours.
About the Expansion Cable Bridge
– Length: 8.15 km
– Cost: ₹1,871 crore
– Number of lanes: 6 lanes
– Width: 34 meters wide (generally, a six-lane bridge is 29.5 meters wide)
– Built near which old bridge: Rajendra Bridge (rail-cum-road bridge inaugurated in 1959 by Jawaharlal Nehru)
– Features: This expansion cable bridge is supported by 18 pillars. This allows easy movement of cargo ships underneath the bridge. There are 3 lanes on each side.
– It will reduce travel time between districts of North Bihar like Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnia, and Araria, and districts of South Bihar like Sheikhpura, Nawada, and Lakhisarai.
– Constructed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), where the construction agency bears 60% of the cost and the government bears 40%.
– This bridge also improves access to Simaria Dham, an important pilgrimage site and birthplace of renowned poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.
Other Projects
– On 22nd August, the 660 MW Buxar Thermal Power Plant, built at a cost of ₹6,878 crore, was also inaugurated. It will strengthen Bihar’s electricity production capacity and energy security.
– Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Center in Muzaffarpur, constructed at a cost of ₹385 crore.
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2. Which neighbouring country’s former President and six-time PM Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested?
a. Bangladesh
b. Myanmar
c. Sri Lanka
d. Nepal
Answer: c. Sri Lanka
– Former Sri Lankan President and six-time Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested on 22nd August 2025.
– He was arrested on charges of using public funds for a private overseas trip during his presidential tenure.
– He was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sri Lanka Police shortly after being questioned in connection with a September 2023 trip to London.
– Most recently, in July 2022, Mr. Wickremesinghe was elected President through an urgent parliamentary vote after former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned following massive protests due to an economic crisis.
Sri Lanka
– President: Anura Kumara Dissanayake
– Prime Minister: Harini Amarasuriya
– Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative) and Colombo (executive and judicial)
– Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
– Official Languages: Sinhala and Tamil
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3. Where did the United Nations declare famine for the first time in the Middle East (West Asia)?
a. West Bank
b. Gaza
c. Iraq
d. Iran
Answer: b. Gaza
– The United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza on 22nd August 2025.
– This is the first famine in the Middle East.
– UN experts stated that 500,000 people are facing “catastrophic” hunger.
– UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said the famine was entirely preventable, adding that “due to systematic obstruction by Israel,” food could not reach the Palestinian territory.
– It is estimated that by the end of September, the famine will spread to the Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis provinces, covering nearly two-thirds of the Palestinian territory.
– In early March, Israel imposed a total ban on aid supplies to Gaza, and by the end of May, allowed only very limited aid, leading to severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.
Definition of Famine Includes Three Elements
– First, at least 20% of households — one in five — face extreme food shortages.
– Second, at least 30% of children under the age of five — one in three — are suffering from severe malnutrition.
– And third, at least two out of every 10,000 people are dying each day from starvation or a combination of malnutrition and disease.
Israel’s Rebuttal
– However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry immediately hit back, stating that “there is no famine in Gaza.”
– In a statement, it criticized the Rome-based IPC panel’s report, calling it “based on Hamas propaganda spread through organizations with vested interests.”
Destruction in Gaza from the Israel–Hamas War
– The war began in October 2023 after Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of whom were civilians.
– According to figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is operated by Hamas, at least 62,192 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, the majority of them civilians.
– The United Nations has considered these figures to be credible.
Note – Israel announced full control over Gaza in August 2025.
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4. Which nth amendment bill of the Constitution has the Lok Sabha referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament, which provides for the removal from office of the PM, CM, central or state ministers who have been in continuous custody for at least 30 days on charges of corruption or serious crimes?
a. 125
b. 129
c. 130
d. 131
Answer: c. 130
Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025: Key Points
Introduction of the Bill
– Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha in 2025, which provides for the removal of Union or State ministers from office if they are in continuous custody for at least 30 days on charges of corruption or serious criminal offenses.
– The Bill and two related statutory amendments (for Union Territories) have been referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament for review.
– To be passed, the Bill requires a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.
What Does the Bill Propose?
– Proposes amendments to Article 75 (Council of Ministers at the Centre), Article 164 (Council of Ministers in States), and Article 239AA (Ministers in Union Territories) of the Constitution.
– New Clause: If a minister is arrested and remains in custody for 30 consecutive days for an offense punishable by imprisonment of 5 years or more, he/she shall be removed from office by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister by the 31st day.
– The removal decision can be reversed if the minister is released from custody.
– Both Chief Ministers and the Prime Minister will be covered under this law.
– Purpose and Rationale: To establish a legal framework for ministers arrested on serious criminal charges, as such individuals may undermine constitutional morality and the principles of good governance, leading to a loss of public trust in the Constitution.
Current Legal Framework vs. the Bill
– Current Scenario: Under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA), legislators are disqualified from contesting elections or holding office only upon conviction for certain criminal offenses with a minimum sentence of two years.
– Disqualification is based on conviction, and it can be suspended if the conviction is stayed by a higher court.
– Ministers do not have separate qualifications from legislators, but their responsibilities are different.
– Difference in the Bill: The basis for removal is not conviction, but 30 consecutive days of arrest and custody.
– Issue: Arrest and custody are part of the preliminary stage of a criminal investigation, which raises concerns about due process. India’s constitutional framework is based on the presumption of innocence, where the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.
– Procedure: The police file a chargesheet within 90 days of arrest, after which the court frames charges. The trial then begins, ending in either acquittal or conviction.
Debate on Disqualification of Legislators
– Concern over the rising criminalization of politics: There is growing support for disqualifying legislators even before conviction, since waiting for conviction often defeats the purpose.
– Data: Since September 2013, only 27 MPs/MLAs have been disqualified after conviction. Many of them were reinstated after their sentence was stayed by a High Court.
– Constitutional Principle: According to the principle of natural justice, a person must be given a fair chance to be heard. Disqualification affects not only the rights of the legislator but also the will of the voters.
Law Commission Recommendations:
– 170th Report (1999): Disqualification should apply upon framing of charges in offenses punishable with 5 years or more, and should remain until acquittal or for 5 years, whichever is earlier.
– 244th Report (2014): Supported disqualification at the stage of framing of charges, as this reflects judicial satisfaction that sufficient material exists.
– Argued that disqualification based on mere police chargesheets or court cognizance would violate principles of natural justice.
(Note – Framing of charges means that the trial judge has found a prima facie case against the accused based on the material in the chargesheet. It does not mean that the accused has committed the alleged offense — it only indicates that there is enough basis to proceed with the trial.)
Supreme Court Judgments and Observations
– 2018 Judgment (Public Interest Foundation PIL): On the demand for disqualification upon framing of charges in serious offenses, the Court said it cannot add new grounds for disqualification—this is the domain of Parliament.
Recommendation to Parliament: Enact a law requiring political parties to revoke membership of such individuals and not give them election tickets.
2014 Judgment (Manoj Narula vs Union of India):
– The Court ruled there is no constitutional bar on appointing individuals with a criminal background as ministers, but emphasized that the Prime Minister should avoid selecting such individuals, especially when charges have been framed in serious offenses.
Recent Cases
– V. Senthil Balaji (Tamil Nadu Minister): Arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2023, remained in custody for 14 months. After being released on bail, he was reappointed as a minister.
In 2025, the Supreme Court stated: “Choose between freedom or office.” Balaji resigned from the post.
– Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi Chief Minister): Out on bail in the liquor policy case.
The Supreme Court barred him from signing official documents, attending office, etc., but did not compel him to resign.
– Kejriwal resigned voluntarily. The Court remarked that prolonged custody without trial is unjust.
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5. When is ‘National Space Day’ celebrated in India
a. 14 July
b. 17 August
c. 23 August
d. 20 August
Answer: c. 23 August
Theme 2025
“Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities”
– This day was celebrated for the first time in 2024. The announcement was made in 2023.
Why is this day celebrated on August 23?
– Because India achieved a historic milestone on August 23, 2023.
– On this day, the Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully completed a soft landing on the Moon.
– With this landing, India became the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon.
– It also became the first country to land near the south pole of the Moon.
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
– Full Name: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
– Established: 15 August 1969
– Headquarters: Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka
– Current Chairman: Dr. V. Narayanan (assumed office on 14 January 2025)
– Primary Objective: To develop space science, engineering, and technology; and contribute to national development through indigenous space programs such as communication, weather forecasting, disaster management, and exploration.
Major Achievements:
– Aryabhata (1975): India’s first satellite
– Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Discovered water on the Moon
– Mangalyaan (2013): First Asian mission to reach Mars orbit
– Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successful soft landing on the Moon’s south pole
– Projects: Gaganyaan (India’s first crewed space mission, targeted for 2025–26); Aditya-L1 (solar observation mission); NISAR (Earth observation mission in collaboration with NASA).
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6. In which city will the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit be held?
a. Delhi
b. Mumbai
c. Tokyo
d. Patiala
Answer: c. Tokyo
– The Ministry of External Affairs announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Japan and China later this month for high-level engagements.
29–30 August
– The 15th India–Japan Annual Summit will be held in Tokyo, the capital of Japan.
– PM Modi will hold his first summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
– The two leaders will review the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, covering regional and global issues, as well as cooperation in defense, trade, technology, innovation, and people-to-people ties.
31 August to 1 September
– The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit will be held in Tianjin, China.
– PM Modi will visit Tianjin at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
– During the summit, he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders.
– India has been a member of the SCO since 2017.
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7. Major International Sporting Events in Ahmedabad
1. Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship
– Dates: 24–30 August, 2025
– Venue: Naranpura Sports Complex, Ahmedabad
– Participants: Over 350 athletes from 29 countries
2. Asian Aquatics Championship
– Tentative schedule: September–October 2025
– Expected participants: Swimmers from China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries
3. AFC Under-17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
– Dates: 22–30 November, 2025
– Venue: The Arena by TransStadia, Ahmedabad
– Group D Teams: India, Iran, Chinese Taipei, Lebanon
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8. Which of the following was declared valid by the Supreme Court apart from 11 documents for voters during the Election Commission’s SIR (Special Intensive Revision) in Bihar?
a. Voter card
b. Aadhar card
c. Credit card
d. Ration card
Answer: b. Aadhar card
– Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Supreme Court has ruled that the Election Commission must accept Aadhaar cards in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state.
– On 22 August 2025, the Court clarified that during the SIR process for the voter list, either the 11 documents provided by voters or Aadhaar must be accepted.
– The Court also said that for Bihar, it will allow online submission of claims by voters removed from the list with Aadhaar or any other acceptable documents.
– In fact, after the special intensive revision drive in the election-bound state, an estimated 6.5 million names were removed from the draft voter list. Many of these were declared deceased or lacked the required 11 documents.
11 documents required for SIR
1) Identity card/Pension Payment Order issued to a regular employee/pensioner of Central/State Government/Public Sector Undertakings
2) Identity card/certificate/document issued by Government/Local Authority/Bank/Post Office/LIC/Public Sector Undertakings in India before 01.07.1987
3) Birth certificate issued by competent authority
4) Passport
5) Matriculation/Educational Certificate from a recognized Board/University
6) Permanent Residence Certificate issued by competent State Authority
7) Forest Rights Certificate
8) OBC/SC/ST or any caste certificate issued by competent authority
9) National Register of Citizens (wherever it exists)
10) Family Register prepared by State/Local Authorities
11) Land/House Allotment Certificate by Government
Note: You must have any one of these 11 documents.
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9. Indian-origin British industrialist Lord Swaraj Paul passed away on 21 August 2025 at the age of 94, he was the founder of which industrial group?
a. Eicher Group
b. Reliance Group
c. Caparo Group
d. Hero Group
Answer: c. Caparo Group
– Lord Paul, who moved to the UK in 1966, founded the Caparo Group in Britain in 1968. The Caparo Group is headquartered in London and operates in the UK, India, the USA, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
Lord Swaraj Paul
Early Life
– Born: 18 February 1931, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
– Education: Early education from Forman Christian College, Lahore.
– Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Punjab University).
– M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (MIT, USA).
Professional Life
– Moved to England in 1966.
– Founded Caparo Group (1968), a major British steel engineering and automotive company.
– Headquarters of Caparo Group: London.
– Company operations: Steel, automotive, engineering, renewable energy.
Awards and Honors
– 1983: Padma Bhushan (Government of India).
– 2009: Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
– Honorary degrees from several universities.
Lord Swaraj Paul and Indian Industry Controversy
– In the 1980s, Lord Swaraj Paul began making significant investments in Indian companies through his Caparo Group.
– At that time, Indian law (FERA – Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973) imposed strict restrictions on foreign investments.
– He started investing in Escorts Ltd. (agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturer, Delhi-based) and DCM Ltd. (Delhi Cloth Mills – a major industrial company).
– Swaraj Paul bought large amounts of shares of these companies on the stock market.
– Objective: To gain control over the management of these companies (Hostile Takeover).
– Indian industrialists (such as Dr. Charanjit Singh, Dr. Laxmi Narayan, and others) opposed this.
– The Indian industry called it a “foreign capital takeover of Indian companies.”
– The issue became politically and media-wise very controversial.
– Ultimately, the Indian government (Indira Gandhi government) intervened and strictly enforced FERA regulations.
– Swaraj Paul had to retreat, and his attempt failed.
– In later decades (post-1990s liberalization), India developed new rules and institutional frameworks for FDI.
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10. When is World Gujarati Language Day celebrated?
a. 24 August
b. 23 August
c. 22 August
d. 21 August
Answer: a. 24 August
– This day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great Gujarati writer ‘Veer Narmad’ in Gujarat.
– Poet Veer Narmad is considered the creator of the Gujarati language.
– Veer Narmad was born on 24 August 1833 in Surat, Gujarat.
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