Current Affairs & G.K. 12/08/2025
1. Which country has become the largest trading partner of India in 2025?
Answer : USA
In 2025, the United States retained its position as India’s largest trading partner, reflecting the deepening economic and strategic ties between the two nations.
Bilateral trade reached a record high, driven by exports of Indian goods such as petroleum products, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, while India imported crude oil, LNG, aircraft, machinery, and electronics from the US.
2. India’s first hydrogen-powered train will run between which two cities?
Answer : New Delhi–Ambala
India’s first hydrogen-powered train is planned to run between New Delhi and Ambala, marking a major step towards greener and more sustainable rail transport.
This initiative is part of Indian Railways’ push to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The train will use hydrogen fuel cells, which produce only water vapor as a by-product, significantly reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The New Delhi–Ambala route was chosen
Because:
• It is a busy passenger corridor suitable for pilot testing.
• It has the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen production and refueling.
• It allows easy monitoring and maintenance close to major railway workshops.
3. Which ministry has launched the “e-Mandi” mobile app for farmers?
Answer : Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has launched the “e-Mandi” mobile app to help farmers sell their produce directly to buyers through a digital platform.
• Real-time price updates for various crops in different markets.
• Direct farmer-to-buyer transactions, reducing middlemen.
• Online payment facility for secure and quick settlements.
• Access to market demand trends and logistics support for transportation.
4. How many member countries are currently in the Pacific Islands Forum?
Answer : 18
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) currently has 18 member countries.
It is a regional political and economic policy organisation that brings together independent and self-governing states in the Pacific to work on shared goals like climate change, sustainable development, security, and trade.
Members include:
1. Australia
2. Cook Islands
3. Fiji
4. French Polynesia
5. Kiribati
6. Marshall Islands
7. Micronesia (Federated States of)
8. Nauru
9. New Caledonia
10. New Zealand
11. Niue
12. Palau
13. Papua New Guinea
14. Samoa
15. Solomon Islands
16. Tonga
17. Tuvalu
18. Vanuatu
5. India has recently signed a defence MoU with which country for maritime security?
Answer : Australia
India has recently signed a defence MoU with Australia for maritime security cooperation.
The agreement aims to boost collaboration in naval exercises, intelligence sharing, shipbuilding, and protection of crucial sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
6. International Youth Day 2025 theme is ?
Answer : Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond
The theme for International Youth Day 2025 is “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”. This theme shines a spotlight on how young people around the world are transforming global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into tangible, locally driven solutions. It emphasizes the power of youth to bridge global ambitions and community realities through innovation, participation, and leadership in local governance and development efforts.