Current Affairs & G.K. 20/08/2025
1. Which country’s airport clearance has introduced an AI-powered passenger corridor for seamless biometric immigration?
Answer : United Arab Emirates
Dubai International Airport (UAE) has unveiled the world’s first AI-powered passenger corridor that enables seamless, document-free immigration clearance—travelers walk through the corridor and are verified via facial recognition and AI in just seconds, without showing a passport or ID. The system can process up to 10 passengers simultaneously, drastically speeding up immigration and setting a new benchmark in travel technology.
2. Who won the gold medal for India in the men’s youth 10 m air pistol event at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Kazakhstan?
Answer : Girish Gupta
At the 16th Asian Shooting Championship held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, India’s Girish Gupta won the gold medal in the men’s youth 10m air pistol event. He performed brilliantly in the final, scoring 241.3 points to secure the top podium spot.
Another Indian shooter, Dev Pratap, also put up an excellent performance and won the silver medal in the same event. This strong start highlighted India’s dominance in the pistol category at the championship and contributed to India’s medal tally right from the opening day.
3. Which country topped the “World Cybersecurity Index 2025” released on 18 August 2025?
Answer : United States
The World Cybersecurity Index 2025, released on 18 August 2025, ranked the United States at the top position. The index is compiled to measure countries’ readiness, resilience, and capabilities in dealing with cyber threats.
The ranking is based on several key parameters:
• Legal measures: Strong laws and frameworks to tackle cybercrime.
• Technical measures: Advanced cybersecurity infrastructure, monitoring, and protection systems.
• Organizational measures: Dedicated agencies and task forces for cybersecurity.
• Capacity development: Training, skill-building, and awareness programs.
• International cooperation: Partnerships and information-sharing with other countries.
The United States scored the highest due to its:
• Advanced cybersecurity infrastructure,
• Large investments in research and development,
• Strong defense and intelligence capabilities against cyber attacks, and
• Global leadership in cybersecurity cooperation and strategy.
Other countries like Singapore, South Korea, and India were also ranked among the top performers, but the U.S. retained the number one spot in 2025.
4. Which country successfully tested the world’s first Quantum Satellite Communication System on 18 August 2025?
Answer : China
On 18 August 2025, the world’s first Quantum Satellite Communication System was reported as successfully tested by China.
This breakthrough is a major step in the field of secure communications. Unlike traditional communication, which can be intercepted or hacked, quantum communication uses the principles of quantum mechanics—especially quantum entanglement and quantum key distribution (QKD)—to ensure that data cannot be eavesdropped on without detection.
China has already been a global leader in this area, with earlier projects like the “Micius” quantum satellite (launched in 2016). With the 2025 achievement, China demonstrated the ability to integrate quantum communication with modern networks such as 5G and satellite systems, paving the way for ultra-secure global communication networks.
This test represents a major advancement in cybersecurity, defense communication, financial data protection, and space technology, giving China a strategic edge in next-generation secure communication infrastructure.
5. Which Indian state will host the “National Games 2026”?
Answer : meghalaya
National Games 2026 (39th edition):
• Host State: Meghalaya
• Main Venue: Shillong and other cities in Meghalaya
• Reason for Hosting: Meghalaya was given the honour to host the Games as part of its 50 years of statehood celebration.
• Year: 2026 (39th National Games)
Background:
• The National Games are India’s biggest multi-sport event, often called the “mini Olympics of India.”
• Athletes from all states and union territories, along with government institutions like Services, take part.
• Previous hosts:
1. 2022 → Gujarat (36th)
2. 2023 → Goa (37th)
3. 2025 → Uttarakhand (38th)
4. 2026 → Meghalaya (39th)