Read Daily Current Affairs of 19 August 2025
Here’s your SSC CGL Ready Current Affairs Digest for 19 August 2025, curated for clarity and exam relevance:
Economy & Markets
1. Equity Markets Up on GST Reforms & Peace Hopes
Indian stock indices are set to open higher, buoyed by optimism surrounding proposed GST reforms—expected to spur consumption and corporate earnings—and potential developments in Ukraine–Russia peace talks.
Foreign institutional investors ended a four-day selling streak, while domestic institutions continued buying. Major players like Reliance, Hindustan Zinc, and Vedanta are in focus.
Reuters
2. Cotton Import Duty Lifted to Support Garment Sector
Effective 19 August, India has temporarily waived the 11% cotton import duty until 30 September, responding to exporter concerns over U.S. tariffs (up to 50%) on Indian garments. This aims to help the textile industry remain competitive and protect the “Make in India” momentum.
Education & Admissions
3. West Bengal NEET UG Counselling Suspended
The West Bengal Medical Counselling Committee has indefinitely suspended NEET UG 2025 counselling for MBBS and BDS courses following a High Court intervention. The move affects over 11,000 medical aspirants, raising uncertainty over future admissions.
Governance & Diplomacy
4. Jaishankar Embarks on Strategic Russia Visit
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commenced a three-day official visit to Russia aimed at deepening bilateral ties, particularly during a phase of heightened India–U.S. tensions.
Safety & Civic Advisory
5. Mumbai Under Red Alert: Offices Closed, WFH Advised
Following extremely heavy rainfall, the BMC issued a red alert for Mumbai, shutting down government and semi-government offices. Private firms have been advised to switch to work-from-home arrangements for safety.
Sports
6. India’s Asia Cup T20I Squad to Be Announced Today
Cricket fans await the release of India’s 15-member Asia Cup T20I squad at a press briefing featuring Suryakumar Yadav and Ajit Agarkar, scheduled for 1:30 PM today.
SSC-CGL Snapshot Table
|
Topic |
Exam Relevance |
|---|---|
|
GST Reforms & Market Rally |
Economics, finance, market impact |
|
Cotton Duty Waiver |
Trade policy, export strategy, textile sector |
|
NEET Counselling Suspension |
Education policy, judicial interventions |
|
Jaishankar's Russia Visit |
Diplomacy, strategic alignment |
|
Mumbai Red Alert & Work-from-Home |
Disaster management, civic governance |
|
Asia Cup Squad Announcement |
Sports GK and cricket event timelines |
Exam Tip:
- Link GST reforms to macroeconomic stimulus and demand enhancement.
- Frame the cotton duty waiver within export competitiveness narratives.
- Use the NEET suspension to explore judicial impact on recruitment.
- Place Jaishankar’s visit within geopolitical strategy and diversification of alliances.
- Tie the Mumbai red alert to disaster response planning in metropolitan governance.
- Note the timing of sports announcements, often asked in GK.
- Stay updated and continue your preparation diligently. Regular revision of current affairs for 19 august 2025 will enhance your performance in the General Awareness section of competitive exams.
Let me know if you'd like flashcards, mock MCQs, or a themed quiz based on today's updates!
