TLDR;
This video provides a concise overview of current affairs from August 19th and 20th, 2025. It covers various topics including World Photography Day, World Humanitarian Day, Afghanistan's Independence Day, ISRO's new space lab in Arunachal Pradesh, the commissioning of the Indian Navy's new survey vessel 'Ikshak', India's first hydrogen-powered train, the appointment of an ombudsman for the Bihar Cricket Association, Nepal offering free climbing on Himalayan peaks, approval of the Tato Two Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh, the introduction of fresh apricots from Kargil Ladakh to Saudi Arabia, Hurricane Erin, and important days like Goodwill Day, World Mosquito Day, and Indian Akshay Urja Day.
- World Photography Day and World Humanitarian Day are celebrated on August 19th.
- ISRO opened a space lab in Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with Muskaan Foundation.
- India's first hydrogen-powered train will operate on the Jind Sonipat route in Haryana.
- Nepal is promoting tourism by offering free climbing on 97 Himalayan peaks.
- Fresh apricots from Kargil Ladakh were introduced to Saudi Arabia.
- World Mosquito Day is celebrated on August 20th to commemorate the discovery of female Anopheles mosquitoes spreading malaria.
World Photography Day and World Humanitarian Day [0:14]
World Photography Day is celebrated annually on August 19th since 2010 to honor photographers and inspire creativity, with the theme for 2025 being "My Favorite Photo." World Humanitarian Day, also on August 19th and recognized since 2009 by the United Nations General Assembly, pays tribute to humanitarian workers, with the 2025 theme focusing on "Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities".
Afghanistan's Independence Day [1:17]
Afghanistan's Independence Day is observed on August 19th, commemorating its independence from British rule in 1919 following the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Afghanistan shares a 108 km border with India via POK and is currently governed by the Taliban, a political movement.
ISRO's Space Lab in Arunachal Pradesh [2:00]
ISRO has inaugurated a space laboratory in a remote district of Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in Matchuka Government Higher Secondary School, Shrimi district. The laboratory, named Pasang Wongjuk Sona ISRO Space Laboratory, was established in collaboration with the Muskaan Foundation to foster curiosity, innovative ideas, and scientific thinking among children. Pasang Dojes Sona, the Education Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurated the lab.
Commissioning of INS Ikshak [3:30]
The Indian Navy has commissioned the INS Ikshak, a large survey vessel built jointly by GRSC Kolkata (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited) and L&T (Larson & Toubro). This is the third of four such vessels, with previous ships being IAS Sandhyayak and IAS directory. These survey vessels are designed to collect data on the marine environment, including hydrographic services, oceanographic research, mineral exploration, and seismic exploration.
India's First Hydrogen Powered Train [5:04]
India's first hydrogen-powered train is set to operate on the Jind Sonipat route in Haryana, covering a distance of 89 km. The train will have a 1200 horsepower engine, a maximum speed of 110 km/h, and a passenger capacity of around 2600.
Appointment of Ombudsman for Bihar Cricket Association [5:44]
Nageshwar Rao has been appointed by the Supreme Court as the ombudsman of the Bihar Cricket Association, responsible for addressing complaints and conducting interrogations. The role is similar to that of Lokpal or Lokayukta.
Nepal Offers Free Climbing on Himalayan Peaks [6:12]
Nepal is offering free climbing on 97 Himalayan peaks to promote tourism in lesser-known areas and reduce over-dependence on popular peaks like Mount Everest and Annapurna. This initiative aims to promote adventure tourism in underdeveloped mountain ranges, particularly in the Karnali and Sundarbans Province, for the next two years.
Tato Two Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh [7:31]
The Cabinet has approved the Tato Two Hydroelectric Project in the Shaymi district of Arunachal Pradesh, with a budget of Rs 8146 crore.
Introduction of Kargil Apricots to Saudi Arabia [8:45]
Fresh apricots from Kargil Ladakh were introduced to Saudi Arabia for the first time during India's 79th Independence Day celebration in Riyadh, organized by the Indian Embassy. The scientific name of apricot is Prunus armeniaca.
Hurricane Erin [9:24]
Hurricane Erin is the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025 and has intensified into a category five storm.
Goodwill Day and Rajiv Gandhi's Birth Anniversary [9:56]
Goodwill Day is celebrated on August 20th, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1991 and the youngest Indian Prime Minister at the age of 40.
World Mosquito Day [10:37]
World Mosquito Day is observed on August 20th to raise awareness about mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. The day commemorates Sir Ronald Ross's discovery on August 20, 1897, of female Anopheles mosquitoes transmitting malaria. The theme for 2025 is "Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World."
Indian Akshay Urja Day [11:30]
Indian Akshay Urja Day, or Indian Renewable Energy Day, is celebrated on August 20th to highlight the significance of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and tidal energy. "Akshay" in Sanskrit means eternal or indestructible. Celebrated since 2004, this national-level day is observed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.