Current Affairs - August 19, 2025 Current Affairs

Assam Rifles entered into a collaboration with IIIT Manipur to promote drone technology specifically for defence and security applications. This partnership involved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at Mantripukhri and the launch of an Advanced Drone Training and Refresher Course. The program was designed to equip Assam Rifles personnel with skills in drone flight operations, proper maintenance, and DGCA-certified training. Such collaborations highlight the growing importance of academic–defence partnerships in advancing indigenous technological capabilities, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring that security forces remain well-trained in modern surveillance and defence tools.

World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on August 19 to pay tribute to humanitarian workers who lost their lives or were injured while serving others in crisis situations. The date was chosen in memory of the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 people, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN’s top humanitarian official in Iraq. The UN General Assembly formalised this observance in 2009 to highlight the importance of humanitarian efforts worldwide. This day not only commemorates fallen workers but also raises global awareness about humanitarian assistance and the challenges faced in delivering aid.

In July 2025, India’s unemployment rate fell to 5.2% for individuals aged 15 years and above, reflecting an improvement compared to 5.6% in June 2025. This decline indicated a positive trend in employment generation across the country. The data also revealed gender-specific figures, with the unemployment rate for females at 5.1% and males at 5.3%. Regionally, rural areas recorded a lower rate of 4.8%, significantly better than the urban unemployment rate of 6.8%. Such statistics provide insights into labor market dynamics and help policymakers design targeted interventions to sustain job growth and reduce regional disparities.

Indian Oil Corporation is set to begin sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in December 2025 at its Panipat refinery with a planned annual capacity of 35,000 tonnes. The initiative is designed to support India’s international airline SAF blending targets by 2027, helping reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint. Notably, the project will use used cooking oil as a feedstock, aligning with global sustainability practices. Indian Oil has also secured ISCC CORSIA certification, ensuring compliance with international carbon reduction and sustainability standards. This development highlights India’s commitment to green energy and its role in advancing cleaner aviation fuels.

The State Bank of India (SBI) introduced a special collateral-free personal loan scheme for Agniveers on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day. Under this initiative, Agniveers holding an SBI salary account can borrow up to ₹4 lakh with zero collateral, zero processing fee, and a flat interest rate of 10.50%. The repayment tenure is aligned with the Agnipath scheme, ensuring flexibility for beneficiaries after service. Alongside, SBI also revised its IMPS fee structure, imposing nominal charges on online transfers above ₹25,000 while continuing to offer exemptions for certain account holders. These measures strengthen SBI’s support for defence personnel and digital banking users.

Dubai has introduced an AI-powered passenger corridor at Dubai International Airport (DXB), marking a groundbreaking shift in air travel. This initiative, part of the “Travel Without Borders” vision, enables travelers to clear immigration in as little as 14 seconds without presenting passports or documents. The corridor uses artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and biometric verification to authenticate passengers seamlessly, while automatically flagging suspicious cases for review. Initially launched in Terminal 3’s First and Business Class lounges, the system supports up to 10 passengers at once. By removing traditional passport counters, Dubai sets a new global benchmark for frictionless and secure international travel.

Manika Vishwakarma from Ganganagar, Rajasthan, was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 in Jaipur, emerging victorious among 50 contestants from across the country. Her win secures her place as India’s representative at the 74th Miss Universe pageant to be held in Thailand. Manika’s journey has been remarkable, beginning with her title of Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024, which paved her way to the national stage. She credits her mentors and supporters for shaping her growth in pageantry, which she describes as a platform that develops character beyond competition. India now looks forward to continuing its legacy of Miss Universe triumphs through her.

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) collaborated with IIT Guwahati to work on developing biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics. This partnership is focused on addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution by creating sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for railway operations as well as passenger services. As part of the first phase of the project, eco-friendly green bed-roll bags were introduced on NFR trains, marking a significant step toward reducing non-biodegradable waste. This initiative not only strengthens India’s fight against plastic pollution but also demonstrates the role of academic–industry partnerships in driving impactful environmental innovation.

Kapil Bainsla from Palwal, Haryana secured India’s first gold medal at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. He triumphed in the 10m air pistol men junior final with a total score of 243.0, narrowly defeating Uzbekistan’s Ilkhombek Obidjonov by 0.6 points. His victory was significant as it set the momentum for India on the opening day of the tournament, where the country bagged one gold, two silvers, and one bronze overall. Kapil’s achievement highlights the rising talent in India’s shooting sport, showcasing determination and precision on the international stage.

World Photography Day is observed every year on August 19 to celebrate the art, science, and impact of photography across the globe. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge how photography influences culture, history, and communication. For 2025, the theme has been chosen as “My Favorite Photo,” encouraging individuals to reflect on and share images that hold personal meaning. Additionally, World Photography Week runs from August 12–26, motivating people to participate in global conversations by sharing impactful photographs using the hashtag #WorldPhotographyWeek. This celebration emphasises the role of photography as both a creative medium and a tool for storytelling.