Current Affairs & G.K. 18/08/2025
1. Which Chinese official is visiting India on 18 August 2025 for border talks?
Answer : Wang Yi
On 18 August 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister and Politburo member Wang Yi is visiting India to hold crucial border talks with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval under the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism. This marks the 24th round of SR-level discussions on the India–China boundary question, aimed at reducing tensions and finding ways to maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). During the visit, Wang Yi is also expected to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for broader bilateral talks. The discussions come at a time when both countries are looking to stabilize relations after years of friction following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, and this visit is being seen as a possible step toward paving the way for future high-level engagements, including a potential visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China.
2. Which historical artifact is returning to India on 18 August 2025?
Answer : Raghuji Bhonsle’s sword
The historical artifact returning to India on 18 August 2025 is Raghuji Bhonsle’s sword. This 18th-century weapon, once belonging to the powerful Maratha ruler Raghuji Bhonsle I of Nagpur, had been outside India for over two hundred years before being acquired in a London auction. The sword, crafted in the firangi style with a European straight blade and Maratha decorative hilt, bears inscriptions in gold Devanagari script honoring Raghuji Bhonsle. It reached Mumbai on 18 August, where it was received with a ceremonial welcome and cultural celebrations. Starting 19 August, the sword has been placed on public display in Maharashtra, symbolizing the return of a significant piece of Maratha heritage and pride.
3. The Special Representatives mechanism is
Answer : Diplomatic dialogue channel
The Special Representatives (SR) mechanism is a diplomatic dialogue channel established between India and China in 2003 to address the long-standing boundary dispute and other related strategic issues. Under this mechanism, India is represented by its National Security Adviser (NSA), while China is represented by a senior leader, often its Foreign Minister or Politburo member. The SR talks provide a high-level platform where both sides can discuss sensitive border matters in a structured manner, build confidence, and explore frameworks for a long-term resolution. Over the years, this channel has also been used to strengthen bilateral relations and manage tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
4. Which country has recently passed the Digital Democracy Bill 2025?
Answer : UK
The United Kingdom has recently passed the Digital Democracy Bill 2025, a landmark legislation aimed at modernizing the democratic process in the digital age. The bill focuses on ensuring transparency in online political campaigns, regulating the use of digital platforms in elections, curbing the spread of misinformation and fake news, and protecting cybersecurity of electoral systems. It also promotes the use of digital tools to increase citizen participation in governance and to make parliamentary processes more accessible to the public. With this bill, the UK seeks to strengthen trust in democracy and set a global example of how democratic institutions can adapt effectively to new digital challenges.
5. Which country recently hosted the Global Cyber Security Forum 2025?
Answer : Saudi Arabia
The Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) 2025 was hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh under the patronage of King Salman. The forum serves as an international platform to address pressing issues in the field of cybersecurity, bringing together government leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and technology innovators from across the world. Its main aim is to enhance global cooperation, promote the safe and responsible use of technology, and develop strategies to combat growing cyber threats. The 2025 edition focuses on emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence security, digital trust, cyber resilience, and international collaboration to create a safer digital future.