Daily Current Affairs - August 2025

• PNB signed an MoU with CRPF to provide enhanced insurance and welfare benefits under the ‘Rakshak Plus’ scheme.
• India’s GDP growth for FY26 is projected at 6.3%, slightly lower than RBI’s 6.5% estimate, as per SBI report.
• Wipro will acquire Samsung’s HARMAN DTS unit for $375 million, bringing over 5,600 employees under its fold by December 2025.
• India and Fiji reaffirm commitment to free and open Indo-Pacific, agree to deepen defence ties.
• AMFI signs MoU with India Post to train 1 lakh postmen for mutual fund distribution.
• Suzuki to invest ₹70,000 crore in India over next six years to boost EV production and clean mobility.
• PM Modi inaugurates and dedicates development projects worth ₹5,400 crore in Ahmedabad, including major railway upgrades.
• India partners with World Food Programme to supply fortified rice for fighting global hunger.
• IREDA signs MoU with MNRE, sets ₹8,200 crore revenue target for FY 2025-26 after surpassing last year’s goal.
• CCI approves Adani Group’s 100% acquisition of debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates Limited.
• Meta to invest $50 billion in building the world’s largest data centre in Louisiana, says US President Trump.
• China’s Yangwang U9 hypercar sets world EV speed record at 472.41 kmph in Germany.
• Murugappa Group’s CG Semi launches ₹7,600 crore semiconductor pilot line in Gujarat under India Semiconductor Mission.
• Gangwal family trust sells ₹2,933 crore stake in IndiGo, taking 2025 divestment total beyond ₹39,500 crore.
• SEBI approves Groww IPO, paving way for $1 billion fintech listing in India.

Manika Vishwakarma from Rajasthan has won Miss Universe India 2025 and will represent India at Miss Universe in Thailand.

• INS Kadmatt completes goodwill port visit to Surabaya, strengthening India-Indonesia naval ties.
• India close to finalising $1 billion deal with US company GE for 113 fighter jet engines to power Tejas aircraft.

• Kerala has been declared India’s first fully digitally literate state after the success of the Digi Kerala project.
• Mizoram Assembly passes bill banning begging and ensuring rehabilitation for affected individuals.
• Delhi CM relaunches upgraded ‘U-Special’ DTC bus service with electric buses and enhanced safety features for students.

Former England fast bowler Ken Shuttleworth passes away at the age of 80.

• ICMR has launched CEREBO, a handheld, radiation-free, and cost-effective device to detect brain injuries within a minute, especially useful in rural and emergency care.
• 200-million-year-old fossil of phytosaur discovered in Jaisalmer, India’s first well-preserved find of its kind.
• Indian scientists discover IgM antibody can stabilise and neutralise bacterial toxins, opening new treatment avenues.
• Astronomers capture first-ever direct image of baby planet WISPIT 2b orbiting star WISPIT 2 in constellation Aquila.

• Ravi Narayanan has been appointed as the new CEO of SMFG India Credit, effective August 28, 2025.
• Satish Golcha has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police, Delhi, replacing interim chief S.B.K. Singh.
• Former CRPF chief Anish Dayal Singh has been appointed Deputy NSA to handle internal security matters.
• RBI’s Rajiv Ranjan appointed Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of New Development Bank.
• Srinivasan K. Swamy elected as president of AAAI for 2025-26; new board members announced.
• Sajith Sivanandan appointed CEO of Tata Digital, to take charge from September 1, 2025.
• Metropolitan Stock Exchange raises ₹1,000 crore and reappoints Latika S Kundu as CEO for three years.
• Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel appointed IMF Executive Director for a three-year term.
• Indian-origin banker Piyush Gupta appointed Alternate Member of Singapore’s Council of Presidential Advisers for four years.

• Gujarat will host seven international sporting events in Ahmedabad over the next five years, including the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship 2025.
• India’s Kajal Dochak won gold in the women’s 72kg category at the U-20 World Wrestling Championships in Bulgaria.
• Chikitha Taniparthi and Sharvari Shende won gold medals at the World Youth Archery Championships in Canada, with India finishing with 8 medals overall.
• India sweeps all three mixed air rifle gold medals at Asian Shooting Championship in Kazakhstan.
• Sharvari Somnath Shende wins U18 women’s recurve gold at World Youth Archery Championships.
• Indian Test cricket stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara retires from all formats.
• Mirabai Chanu wins gold with record lifts at 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, qualifies for Glasgow 2026.
• India’s Union Cabinet approves bid to host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, calling it the ideal host city.

• Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person, celebrated her 116th birthday on August 21.
• India has been elected Chairman of the AIBD Executive Board at the General Conference in Thailand after nearly a decade.
• India suspends postal services to the USA after new US tariff order removes duty-free exemption.
• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to lead Indian delegation at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados.
• Lithuania appoints Social Democrat leader Inga Ruginiene as new Prime Minister.
• Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth inaugurates MILMEDICON-2025, global military medicine conference, in New Delhi.
• India and Bhutan sign MoU to enhance cooperation in agriculture, livestock, and allied sectors.

• Since December 2024, Assam Rifles has mapped 42,000 Myanmar nationals entering India temporarily under the Free Movement Regime.
• NITI Aayog released a report providing a roadmap to boost India’s homestay and BnB ecosystem for tourism and rural economy.
• NCERT has included Indian classical music, dance, theatre, and visual arts in school textbooks for Classes 3 to 8.
• CBI has filed a ₹2,929-crore loan fraud case against Reliance Communications, Anil Ambani, and others based on SBI’s complaint.
• PM Jan Dhan Yojana completes 11 years, hailed as the world’s largest financial inclusion initiative.
• Centre forms PM-led committees for Patel’s and Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversaries and Vajpayee’s centenary celebrations.
• Cabinet approves restructuring of PM SVANidhi Scheme with extension till March 2030 to benefit 1.15 crore street vendors.

• August 22 is observed as International Day for Victims of Religious Violence, as designated by the UN General Assembly.
• August 23 was observed as International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
• First-ever World Lake Day observed on August 27 to highlight lakes’ ecological and cultural importance.

CG Semi, a subsidiary of Murugappa Group backed by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), inaugurated its pilot line at a ₹7,600 crore semiconductor packaging facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The project, supported 50% by the Union government and developed in partnership with Renesas Electronics (U.S.) and Stars Microelectronics (Thailand), is the first among 10 ISM-approved projects to reach this stage. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel attended the inauguration. The facility will produce chips for electronics, automobiles, and appliances, with the pilot line testing qualifying chips before scaling up to a capacity of 5 lakh chips per day.

The Chinkerpoo Family Trust, promoted by IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal, sold a 1.3% stake in the airline worth ₹2,933 crore through open market transactions. This brings the cumulative stake sale by the Gangwal family, including Rakesh Gangwal and his wife Shobha Gangwal, to ₹39,532.79 crore ($4.51 billion) in 2025, with ₹14,497 crore worth of shares offloaded this year alone.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of online investment platform Groww, enabling its public listing estimated to raise $1 billion. Valued between $7–8 billion, this IPO is set to be one of the largest fintech listings in India. With over 12 million active clients and consistent financial growth, the listing reflects strong investor confidence in India’s digital financial ecosystem.

Astronomers have, for the first time, captured a direct image of a forming planet within a dark gap in a multi-ringed disk surrounding a young star. The planet, named WISPIT 2b, is around 5 million years old and orbits WISPIT 2, a young star located 430 light-years away in the constellation Aquila. This discovery provides new insights into planetary formation.

The Government of India has appointed former Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel as Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a three-year term. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, following the recall of former CEA Krishnamurthy V. Subramanian from the post earlier this year. Patel, a noted monetary economist, served as RBI Governor from 2016 to 2018, after having worked as Deputy Governor for over three years.

• Indian-origin banker Piyush Gupta has been appointed as an Alternate Member of the Council of Presidential Advisers in Singapore for four years.
• President Tharman Shanmugaratnam made the appointment on the advice of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the President's Office said in a media release.
• Now a Singapore citizen, the 65-year-old has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Economics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM, Ahmedabad.

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth inaugurated MILMEDICON-2025: International Conference on Physical and Mental Trauma in Military Settings on 28th August 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The conference was organised by the Directorate General of Medical Services (Army) to highlight challenges and advances in military medicine.

In Thimphu, India and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in agriculture and allied areas. The MoU was signed by Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, and Mr. Thinley Namgyel, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Bhutan. The agreement outlines joint collaboration in agricultural research, livestock health and production, post-harvest technologies, value chain development, and exchange of skills and expertise between the two nations.

The Central Government has constituted three high-level committees, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to commemorate the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, along with the centenary celebrations of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Separate gazette notifications have been issued for each panel. Patel, born on October 31, 1875, was India’s first Home Minister and is remembered as the ‘Iron Man of India’ with the Statue of Unity in Gujarat symbolising his legacy. Birsa Munda is honoured as a revered tribal icon and freedom fighter. The Vajpayee committee will oversee centenary events to celebrate the life and contributions of the former PM.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for restructuring the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme and extending its lending period from the earlier deadline of 31st December 2024 to 31st March 2030. The scheme, with a total financial outlay of ₹7,332 crore, now aims to support 1.15 crore beneficiaries, including an additional 50 lakh new street vendors.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of up to 100% shareholding in Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) by Adani Group entities, including Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and Adani Infrastructure and Developers Private Limited (AIDPL). JAL is currently undergoing corporate insolvency resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, as directed by the National Company Law Tribunal, Allahabad Bench.

US President Donald Trump announced that Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, will construct a data centre in Louisiana at a massive investment of $50 billion. Described as being the size of Manhattan, the centre will be the largest of its kind globally. Trump presented an illustration of the project’s scale by comparing the planned structure’s layout with a map of Manhattan.

China’s BYD luxury sub-brand, Yangwang, has broken the world speed record for electric vehicles. Its U9 Track Edition, a quad-motor hypercar with a power output of nearly 3,000 horsepower, achieved a top speed of 472.41 kmph at Germany’s ATP Papenburg test track. This performance surpasses the previous records held by Croatian EV Rimac Nevera and Japanese hypercar Aspark Owl.

The Mizoram Assembly has passed the Mizoram Prohibition of Beggary Bill, 2025. Social Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii stated that the law not only aims to make Mizoram free from beggary but also ensures care and rehabilitation of individuals involved. The government plans to establish temporary retention centres where beggars will be kept before being sent back to their home states or native places within 24 hours.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta relaunched the special ‘U-Special’ bus service for Delhi University students, which had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The new fleet will include more than 20 electric buses in the first phase, equipped with upgraded safety features like CCTV cameras, SOS emergency buttons, and live GPS tracking. These buses will operate according to college timings, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for students.

A breakthrough study at S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) has revealed a novel function of IgM, the body’s largest antibody. Beyond binding pathogens, IgM acts as a structural “brace,” physically stabilising bacterial toxins and preventing them from damaging cells. This discovery opens new avenues for developing innovative treatments that disarm harmful proteins in the body, potentially revolutionising approaches to infectious diseases.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to formally submit India’s bid for hosting the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2030. Ahmedabad has been highlighted as the “ideal host city” due to its modern stadiums, advanced training facilities, and vibrant sporting culture. The Games, if awarded to India, will feature athletes from 72 Commonwealth nations competing in multiple sporting events.

Lithuania’s parliament has approved Social Democrat leader Inga Ruginiene as the country’s new Prime Minister. Currently serving as the Minister of Social Security and Labour, she now has up to 15 days to present her Cabinet list, which must be agreed upon with the President and then approved by Parliament. Once the President signs the appointment decree, she will formally assume office. Ruginiene, elected to Parliament in 2024, earlier served as chair of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched on 28 August 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has completed 11 years, transforming India’s financial inclusion landscape. Recognised as the world’s largest financial inclusion initiative, PMJDY has enabled millions of unbanked citizens to open zero-balance accounts with no maintenance charges. The Ministry of Finance continues to strengthen this mission to support marginalised and economically weaker sections of society, ensuring accessible and affordable banking for all.

The first-ever World Lake Day was observed on 27 August to highlight the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of lakes. Lakes are vital natural reservoirs that provide drinking water, support agriculture and industries, regulate climate, absorb floods, and store carbon. Apart from their environmental role, they also generate recreational and economic benefits, including tourism, fishing, and local community livelihoods. The observance calls for collective global efforts to protect lakes from pollution and degradation.

Global automobile manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corporation unveiled plans to invest ₹70,000 crore in India over the next 5–6 years, making it the company’s largest-ever investment in the country. Announced by CEO Toshihiro Suzuki during the launch of the e-Vitara in Gujarat, the investment will support electric vehicle production, development of new models, and expansion of clean mobility solutions. The move is expected to strengthen India’s position as Suzuki’s global hub for EV innovation and market leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated to the nation a series of development projects worth ₹5,400 crore in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Among these, railway projects worth over ₹1,400 crore were highlighted, including the doubling of the 65 km Mahesana–Palanpur Rail Line (₹530 crore) and gauge conversion of the Kalol–Kadi–Katosan Road (37 km) and Bechraji–Ranuj (40 km) rail lines worth ₹860 crore. These infrastructure projects aim to improve broad-gauge connectivity, making rail transport smoother, safer, and more efficient in the region.

The Government of India, through the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the World Food Programme (WFP) to strengthen efforts against global hunger. Under this partnership, India will supply fortified rice to WFP, ensuring nutritional support to vulnerable populations in food crisis zones across the world. The agreement highlights India’s commitment to addressing malnutrition and hunger globally, while showcasing the role of international cooperation in humanitarian assistance.

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) signed a performance-linked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, setting a Revenue from Operations target of ₹8,200 crore for FY 2025-26. In the previous fiscal year, IREDA surpassed expectations by generating ₹6,743.32 crore against a target of ₹5,957 crore. The MoU also specifies critical performance indicators such as Return on Net Worth, Return on Capital Employed, Asset Turnover Ratio, NPA-to-loans ratio, and EBITDA, reflecting IREDA’s role in advancing India’s renewable energy goals.

India is on the verge of finalising a $1-billion defence deal with US-based General Electric (GE) for the purchase of 113 jet engines to power 97 LCA Mark 1A Tejas fighter aircraft, according to media reports. The agreement builds upon an earlier deal where Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) procured 99 GE-404 engines. Additionally, the Centre has reportedly approved a ₹62,000 crore project for the procurement of the Tejas jets, further strengthening India’s indigenous air combat capabilities.

Veteran English cricketer Ken Shuttleworth, a right-arm pacer who played for England and Lancashire, passed away at the age of 80. Born in St Helens, Shuttleworth represented England in five Test matches, making his debut during the 1970–71 Ashes-winning tour of Australia. He notably claimed five wickets in Brisbane’s second innings, contributing to England’s historic victory. He is survived by his wife Barbara and daughters Sara and Hannah.

A fossil unearthed in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, has been identified as belonging to a phytosaur, a 200-million-year-old semiaquatic reptile resembling modern crocodiles. Experts describe it as India’s first well-preserved fossil of its kind, a discovery of international importance. According to Professor V.S. Parihar of Jai Narain Vyas University, such fossils have previously been found only in England, making this a rare and significant find from the Jurassic era.

The Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSE) successfully completed its second round of capital raising worth ₹1,000 crore, reinforcing investor confidence in its growth plans. The shareholders also endorsed the reappointment of Latika S Kundu as Managing Director and CEO for three more years. With the new funds, MSE aims to enhance liquidity in equities and derivatives markets and invest in building a state-of-the-art data centre, ensuring stronger security, scalability, and innovation in trading systems.

Ace Indian weightlifter and Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu made a spectacular comeback to competitive weightlifting by clinching the gold medal in the women’s 48kg category at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad. She lifted a combined total of 193kg, creating new championship records in snatch (84kg), clean and jerk (109kg), and overall total. Her victory not only reaffirmed her dominance but also secured her direct qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead the Indian parliamentary delegation to the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) scheduled from October 5–12, 2025, in Bridgetown, Barbados. The event will focus on key themes, including financial transparency in elections. Ahead of the conference, Birla held a preparatory meeting with presiding officers of legislative bodies across India. The Indian team will include Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, along with presiding officers and secretaries of various state and Union Territory legislatures.

During a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. In a joint statement, both sides stressed their mutual interests in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. India pledged to support Fiji by providing training and equipment to strengthen its maritime security. The countries also agreed to collaborate in UN peacekeeping operations and military medicine.

The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Posts to provide training to one lakh postmen across the country. This initiative aims to enable postal staff to distribute mutual funds in rural and remote regions where financial services are less accessible. The MoU was formalized during an event in New Delhi marking AMFI’s 30th foundation day celebrations.

Indian Naval Ship INS Kadmatt, an indigenously built anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvette, successfully completed a three-day port call at Surabaya, Indonesia. The visit strengthened bilateral naval ties between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) through professional exchanges, cultural interactions, and sports activities. The crew participated in joint yoga sessions, friendly volleyball matches, cross-deck visits, and operational interactions to enhance interoperability and cooperation in maritime security.

The New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS nations, has appointed Rajiv Ranjan, Executive Director at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for a five-year tenure. With over 35 years of experience as a central banker, Ranjan has been a key member of RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee since 2022 and previously led the Monetary Policy Department. He will assume office in September 2025 and play a vital role in shaping NDB’s risk and financial strategies.

Tata Digital, the ecommerce arm of Tata Sons, has announced the appointment of Sajith Sivanandan as its new Chief Executive Officer effective September 1, 2025. Previously serving as the President of Jio Mobile Digital Services, Sivanandan brings extensive leadership experience in digital businesses. His appointment follows the resignation of former CEO Naveen Tahilyani in May 2025. The announcement was formally conveyed to employees through an internal communication.

At its annual general body meeting on August 14, 2025, the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) elected Srinivasan K. Swamy, executive group chairman of R. K. Swamy Ltd., as its president for the 2025-26 term. Jaideep Gandhi was chosen as vice-president. The newly elected board members include industry leaders such as Anupriya Acharya (Leo Burnett, TLG India), Sam Balsara (Madison Communications), Tanya Goyal (Everest Brand Solutions), Tapas Gupta (BEI Confluence Communication), Vishandas Hardasani (Matrix Publicities and Media India), and Mohit Joshi (Havas Media India).

At the 16th Asian Shooting Championship held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, Indian shooters dominated by winning all three gold medals in mixed air rifle events across the Senior, Junior, and Youth categories. In the senior 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team final, the Indian duo of Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta overcame China’s Peng Xinlu and Lu Dingke with a 17-11 victory. These victories further consolidated India’s top position on the medals table.

Indian archer Sharvari Somnath Shende secured the women’s U18 individual recurve gold medal at the 2025 World Youth Archery Championships in Winnipeg, Canada. The 16-year-old defeated South Korea’s Kim Yewon 6-5 in a thrilling final that went into a shoot-off. Leading 4-1 early on, Shende was challenged by Kim who levelled the match. In the deciding arrow, Kim scored 9, but Shende sealed victory with a perfect 10. She became the second Indian woman to strike gold at the event, following Chikitha Taniparthi’s U21 compound individual win against Korea’s Yerin Park.

Renowned Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, known as one of the finest Test specialists of the 21st century, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025. Son of former Ranji player Arvind Pujara, he showcased batting brilliance from a young age with milestones such as a triple century in Under-14 cricket and a double hundred against England in Under-19 matches. He is best remembered for his match-saving knocks in India’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumphs in Australia in 2018 and 2020, where his resilience and technique troubled Australian bowlers.

The Department of Posts has announced a temporary suspension of postal services to the United States after the U.S. Administration issued Executive Order No. 14324 on July 30, 2025. The order removes the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods up to USD 800, effective August 29, 2025. As a result, all postal items destined for the USA, regardless of value, will attract customs duties under the International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA). However, gifts valued up to USD 100 will continue to remain exempt.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has introduced CEREBO, a handheld, non-invasive diagnostic device designed to detect traumatic brain injuries, particularly in rural and emergency settings where CT or MRI scanners are not easily available. Developed using near-infrared spectroscopy integrated with machine learning, CEREBO can detect intracranial bleeding and brain swelling within a minute. It provides colour-coded, radiation-free, cost-effective results and is safe for use on infants and pregnant women. With just 30 minutes of training, even paramedical staff or non-specialised personnel can operate it. According to ICMR Director-General Dr. Rajiv Bahl, this indigenous technology aims to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by traumatic brain injuries. The ICMR has urged State governments to adopt the technology to expand access to affordable brain diagnostics.

Satish Golcha, currently Director General of Prisons, has been appointed Commissioner of Police, Delhi, succeeding interim chief Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh, who had been holding charge since Sanjay Arora’s retirement on August 1. Golcha, who took over Delhi’s prisons department in May 2024, managed Tihar, Mandoli, and Rohini jails, tackling issues such as gang rivalries, smuggling of mobile phones, and violent incidents including the murders of gangsters Prince Teotia and Sunil Tajpuria. His appointment comes at a time when the capital faces challenges of law and order and prison-linked crimes.

Anish Dayal Singh, a 1988-batch IPS officer from the Manipur cadre, has been appointed as the new Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) with responsibility for internal security matters. Singh, who retired in December 2024, brings three decades of Intelligence Bureau (IB) experience and has previously headed both the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). As Deputy NSA, he will oversee sensitive internal issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, Naxal insurgency, and militancy in the Northeast.

India’s 17-year-old Kajal Dochak clinched the gold medal in the women’s 72kg category at the U-20 World Wrestling Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria. In a fiercely contested final, she defeated China’s Yuqi Liu 8-6, adding to her reputation as reigning Under-20 Asian champion. In addition, Saarika won bronze in the women’s 53kg category by beating Poland’s Ilona Valchuk, while Shruti secured bronze in the 50kg event after defeating Germany’s Josephine Wrench 6-0. India also earned success in the men’s Greco-Roman category, with Suraj winning bronze in the 60kg division.

At the World Youth Archery Championships in Winnipeg, Canada, Chikitha Taniparthi made history as the first Indian compound archer to win the women’s under-21 individual title. The 20-year-old from Sultanpur, Telangana, who transitioned from karate to archery, defeated Korea’s Park Yerin in the final after overcoming Spain’s Paula Diaz Morillas in the semifinal. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Sharvari Shende from Pune secured gold in the women’s under-18 recurve individual event. India also bagged medals in other events, with Gatha Khadake and Agstay Singh earning the recurve mixed team bronze. Overall, India finished with four gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.

At the 23rd General Conference of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), held from August 19–21, 2025, in Phuket, Thailand, India was elected Chairman of the AIBD Executive Board with the highest number of votes. This marks a return to the position after nearly a decade, the last being in 2016. India continues to hold the presidency of the AIBD General Conference until August 2025, and its new leadership role reflects its growing influence in shaping broadcasting development policies across the Asia-Pacific region.

NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), released a report titled “Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways”. The study provides a strategic roadmap for expanding the homestay and bed-and-breakfast (BnB) ecosystem in India’s tourism sector. Drawing insights from hosts, aggregators, and policymakers, the report highlights the role of homestays in offering authentic cultural experiences to travelers while also fostering local entrepreneurship, boosting employment opportunities, and strengthening rural economies.

For the first time, NCERT has integrated Indian art forms—including classical music, dance, theatre, and visual arts—into textbooks for Classes 3 to 8 in line with the National Education Policy’s vision of culturally rooted education. A new Class 8 arts education textbook, Kriti, for the 2025–26 academic session, introduces students to core elements of Indian classical music such as swar, laya, and shabd. It also includes Sanskrit shloka recitations in rhythmic patterns, regional folk songs, and practical lessons on Hindustani and Carnatic ragas. Dance education will expose students to eight classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya. Until now, such exposure to classical traditions was available only through private training.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a case against Reliance Communications (RCom), its former director Anil D. Ambani, and others over allegations of a ₹2,929.05-crore bank loan fraud. Based on a complaint lodged by the State Bank of India (SBI), Mumbai branch, the case involves charges of criminal conspiracy, misrepresentation of facts to secure credit facilities, and diversion of funds between April 2013 and March 2017. Acting on warrants issued by a special Mumbai court, CBI officials conducted searches at RCom’s corporate office and Mr. Ambani’s Mumbai residence. The fraud came to light following a forensic audit report submitted in October 2020, which revealed irregularities during the specified period.

Every year on August 23, the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is commemorated to honour the victims of one of history’s darkest chapters. First marked in 1998 in Haiti and in 1999 on Gorée Island, Senegal, the day calls for reflecting on the causes, methods, and consequences of the transatlantic slave trade. It also highlights the global interactions and cultural exchanges between Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean born out of this painful history. The day forms part of UNESCO’s intercultural initiative “The Routes of Enslaved Peoples.”

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed an updated memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to extend enhanced financial services and insurance benefits to serving personnel and pensioners under its flagship scheme “PNB Rakshak Plus.” The revised MoU was formalized at the CRPF Directorate General office in New Delhi’s CGO Complex. The document was signed by Binay Kumar Gupta, Chief General Manager of PNB, and Zaki Ahmad, IPS, Inspector General (ADM) of CRPF, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.

India’s GDP is likely to grow at 6.3% in FY26, marginally lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s projection of 6.5%, according to the latest SBI Research Report. The report estimates first-quarter growth between 6.8% and 7%, attributing the slowdown to subdued private sector capital expenditure. It highlights that while India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain robust, strategic policy actions will be essential to tackle global uncertainties. The report comes in the backdrop of India’s moderate GDP growth of 6.5% in FY25, a sharp drop compared to 9.2% growth in the previous fiscal year.

Wipro Ltd. has signed an agreement to acquire the Digital Transformation Solutions (DTS) business of HARMAN International, a subsidiary of Samsung, in an all-cash transaction worth $375 million. As part of this deal, over 5,600 DTS employees, including key leadership teams spread across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, will transition to Wipro by December 31, 2025. Following the completion of the acquisition, the DTS division will be merged into Wipro’s Engineering Global Business Line, strengthening its digital engineering capabilities worldwide.

Manika Vishwakarma from Rajasthan won the Miss Universe India 2025 crown on August 18, succeeding Miss Universe India 2024, Rhea Singha, who crowned her at the grand finale. Tanya Sharma from Uttar Pradesh was declared the first runner-up, Mehak Dhingra from Haryana secured the second runner-up position, while Amishi Kaushik emerged as the third runner-up. Manika will now go on to represent India at the prestigious 74th Miss Universe pageant, to be held in Thailand in November 2025.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Thursday that Kerala has become the first Indian state to achieve full digital literacy, marking the successful completion of the first phase of the Digi Kerala project. The initiative, implemented across all local bodies, was aimed at bridging the digital divide at the grassroots level. Out of 1.5 crore people surveyed across 83.46 lakh households, 21.88 lakh were found to be digitally illiterate. Remarkably, 21.87 lakh of them (99.98%) completed training and assessments successfully. During the event, Mr. Vijayan also interacted via video call with 104-year-old M.A. Abdullah Moulavi Baqavi from Ernakulam, one of the project’s oldest trainees.

SMFG India Credit (SMICC), a leading non-banking financial company with assets under management (AUM) exceeding ₹60,000 crore and a customer base of more than 30 lakh, has appointed Ravi Narayanan as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 28, 2025. Mr. Narayanan has previously held senior leadership roles at Axis Bank and HDFC Bank, bringing over three decades of expertise in retail banking and branch distribution. He has also served on the boards of Axis Securities and Axis Mutual Fund. The appointment was announced by Rajeev Kannan, Chairman of SMFG India Credit.

Gujarat will serve as the venue for seven international-level sporting events in Ahmedabad over the next five years, with three competitions scheduled in 2025 alone, according to a state government press note. Among them, the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship 2025 will take place at the newly built Naranpura Sports Complex from August 24–30, with 350 athletes from 29 countries participating. Soon after, the Asian Aquatics Championship 2025 will be held during September–October, drawing participation from top swimming nations including China, Japan, and Korea.

Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person and the oldest British individual in recorded history, celebrated her 116th birthday on August 21. Born in England, Ethel has held the longevity record since April 30, 2025. She spent part of her youth in India, where she worked as a nanny for a British family at the age of 18. Notably, she also survived the COVID-19 pandemic, making her one of the oldest known survivors of the disease.

Since December 2024, security forces have recorded the movement of around 42,000 Myanmar nationals into India through designated points along the 1,643-km Indo-Myanmar border, according to a statement by the Assam Rifles. These individuals generally take temporary shelter in the four northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland before returning to Myanmar, in line with the provisions of the revised Free Movement Regime (FMR). The clarification came after a video of Assam Rifles Director General Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera’s speech at Manipur University circulated online, shared by former CM N. Biren Singh, claiming 42,000 “outsiders” had entered Manipur. The Assam Rifles emphasized that the remarks were being misinterpreted.

The United Nations General Assembly, through resolution A/RES/73/296, has designated August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. The observance highlights the need to provide justice, support, and assistance to victims and their families in line with applicable laws. The day also underscores the interconnected nature of rights such as freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, as enshrined in Articles 18, 19, and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

• India’s trade deficit widens to $27.35 billion in July 2025, highest in eight months.
• SBI launches ₹4 lakh collateral-free personal loan scheme for Agniveers under Agnipath programme.
• India and Singapore hold 4th Joint Working Group meeting on Trade & Investment in New Delhi.
• NHAI launched FASTag Annual Pass at 1,150 toll plazas; 1.4 lakh users registered on the first day.
• On 79th Independence Day, PM Modi delivered India’s longest-ever Independence Day speech lasting 103 minutes.
• PM Modi inaugurated ₹11,000-crore Dwarka Expressway and UER-II projects in Delhi, pledging to make the Capital a world-class city.
• RBI released a framework with 7 principles for responsible AI adoption in financial services.
• Cabinet approves ₹1,507 crore Greenfield Airport project at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan.
• UIDAI ties up with Starlink to use Aadhaar Authentication for secure customer verification.
• Dubai introduces unified free zone licence scheme; Louis Vuitton becomes first beneficiary.
• Honda Motor launches Honda Finance India to offer loans and leasing for its products; will seek NBFC licence.
• Govt extends Fortified Rice Scheme till 2028 with ₹17,082 crore funding.
• UIDAI launches Aadhaar authentication framework for Cooperative Banks nationwide.
• Meta signs $10 bn, six-year deal with Google Cloud to boost AI development.

• Abhishek Bachchan wins Best Actor award at IFFM 2025; Amitabh calls him “family’s pride”.
• Bibi Fatima Women’s SHG from Karnataka’s Teertha village won the UNDP Equator Initiative Award 2025.

India successfully test-fires indigenous Agni-5 ballistic missile from Chandipur, Odisha.

• The Geological Survey of India discovered 10–20 tonnes of gold reserves in four districts of Odisha.
• Karnataka Assembly passes Bill to rename Bengaluru City University after Dr. Manmohan Singh.
• West Bengal CM announces ₹5,000 monthly aid for returning migrant workers under Shramshree scheme.

• Former Australia Test captain Bob Simpson passes away at 89 in Sydney.
• Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, known for 3 Idiots role, passes away at 91 in Thane, Mumbai.

• PixxelSpace India-led consortium selected to build nation’s first private EO satellite constellation.
• ISRO-NASA’s ₹13,000 crore NISAR satellite deploys world’s largest antenna reflector in space.
• Indian aquanauts set record by diving 5,002 metres deep in the Atlantic Ocean.
• CERT-In issues high-level security alert for Microsoft Windows and Office users in India.
• IIT Madras licenses India’s first silicon photonics-based quantum RNG for ₹1 crore.
• Warwick University scientists develop diamond-based sensor for safer cancer tumour detection.
• Cyberattack on DaVita compromises data of 2.7 million patients, costing $13.5 mn.
• HDFC Bank invests in BharatGPT developer CoRover to promote sovereign AI.
• New moth species Carcina ingridmariae identified after decades of confusion.

• Shwetha Menon and Kukku Parameswaran became first women to lead Malayalam actors’ body AMMA in its 30-year history.  
• After Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan’s demise, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla given additional charge of Nagaland.  
• Shareholders approved Noel Tata’s appointment to the Tata Sons board at the 107th AGM.

• Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unveiled logo, mascot ‘Chand’ and trophy of 12th Men’s Asia Cup Hockey, to be held in Rajgir from Aug 29–Sept 7, 2025.
• German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer clinched Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025, entering the world’s live Top 10 rankings.  
• ‘Himalayan Kingfisher’ mascot and logo of Khelo India Water Sports Festival unveiled in Srinagar; event to be held at Dal Lake from Aug 21–23, 2025.
• Former captain Virat Kohli completed 17 years since his international debut on 18 August 2008.
• India’s Bhavina Patel won gold in Women’s Singles (Class 4–5) at the ITTF World Para Elite event in the USA.
• Kapil Bainsla and Girish Gupta bagged gold medals for India at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Kazakhstan.
• Rashmika Sahgal wins gold in junior women’s air pistol at Asian Shooting Championship.
• Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah becomes first player to win PFA Players’ Player of the Year three times.
• India bans all bilateral sports events with Pakistan across disciplines.

• India and Eurasian Economic Union sign Terms of Reference in Moscow to launch FTA negotiations.
• International Solar Alliance to set up 17 Centres of Excellence globally and a Global Capability Centre in India as a solar innovation hub.

• Former CJI DY Chandrachud to release debut book Why the Constitution Matters in August 2025.
• Government approves fresh ₹47,000 crore capex plan to expand BSNL’s telecom network.
• BJP announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as NDA’s candidate for Vice-President after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation.
• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh to launch AI-powered tool ‘SabhaSaar’ in Delhi for automatic Panchayat meeting minutes.  
• The Centre released ₹36,027 crore to states under the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Expenditure.
• The Union Government launched the PM Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojna portal to generate 3.5 crore jobs.
• Opposition nominates ex-Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy as Vice-Presidential candidate.
• NABL launches new Medical Application Portal for ISO 15189:2022 applicant laboratories.
• Press Registrar General launches ‘Press Sewa’ portal to simplify newspaper, periodical registration.
• NCERT includes Operation Sindoor modules in school curriculum for Classes 3–12.
• Railways commissions India’s first removable solar panel system between tracks at BLW, Varanasi.
• Monsoon Session adjourned sine die after 21 sittings and 15 Bills passed.
• Supreme Court bans public feeding of stray dogs; Delhi civic body to set feeding zones.
• PM Modi inaugurates ₹13,000 crore projects in Gaya, including ₹1,870 crore Ganga bridge.

World Humanitarian Day was observed on 19 August to honor aid workers and support crisis-hit people.

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the universal supply of fortified rice under all government food schemes until December 2028. This initiative, supported by 100% central funding amounting to ₹17,082 crore, aims to tackle nutritional deficiencies, particularly anemia. The Department of Food and Public Distribution highlighted that the Anemia Mukt Bharat campaign was launched in 2018, and a rice fortification pilot program began in 2019 to benefit the rice-consuming population of India.

Meta has signed a six-year, $10 billion agreement with Google Cloud, marking its first large-scale collaboration with the Alphabet subsidiary. The partnership aims to enhance Meta’s artificial intelligence capabilities, aligned with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s strategic priority on AI, including the rollout of the Llama AI model and a new standalone AI application. The deal also represents a significant boost for Google Cloud as it competes with AWS and Microsoft Azure in the cloud services market.

Marking the International Year of Cooperatives, UIDAI has introduced a new framework to integrate Cooperative Banks into Aadhaar-enabled authentication services. The initiative is expected to strengthen last-mile banking access and promote digital inclusion. The framework was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperation, NABARD, NPCI, and cooperative banks, and will encompass all 34 State Cooperative Banks and 352 District Central Cooperative Banks nationwide.

Healthcare firm DaVita has confirmed a major cyberattack that exposed sensitive data of 2.7 million patients after hackers infiltrated its laboratory databases. While care at nearly 3,000 clinics and home-care programs continued, operations faced temporary disruptions. The attack resulted in a financial impact of $13.5 million in Q2, covering remediation costs and patient care expenses. Investor sentiment worsened as Berkshire Hathaway had reduced its stake in the company last month, further pushing retail outlook into bearish territory.

HDFC Bank has made its first strategic investment in Bengaluru-based AI startup CoRover, the developer of BharatGPT, India’s multilingual enterprise-grade artificial intelligence model. The partnership, which also includes BharatGPT Mini for offline applications, is expected to advance digital inclusion, enhance customer experience, and extend AI solutions to banking services, especially in rural India. The move highlights India’s growing leadership in indigenous, sovereign AI technology.

A Mediterranean moth long mistaken for a known species has now been confirmed as a distinct species through DNA analysis. Named Carcina ingridmariae, the insect is vividly colored and had previously been misclassified due to its close resemblance to the European oak carcina. However, detailed examination of its sexual organs, along with genetic testing, has established it as a new species, resolving decades of entomological uncertainty.

The Government of India has unveiled a new policy regarding bilateral sports relations with Pakistan, declaring that no Indian sports team or athlete will travel to Pakistan for bilateral competitions. Likewise, Pakistani teams and players will not be allowed to participate in bilateral sports events hosted in India. The move effectively suspends all forms of direct sporting ties between the two countries across disciplines.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament, 2025, which began on July 21 and concluded on August 21, was adjourned sine die after 21 sittings held over 32 days. During this period, 14 new Bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha, while 12 were passed by the House. The Rajya Sabha passed 15 Bills, and ultimately, both Houses together cleared a total of 15 Bills. Additionally, one Bill was withdrawn in the Lok Sabha during the Session.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for several development projects worth ₹13,000 crore in Gaya, Bihar. Among the highlights was the inauguration of the Aunta–Simaria bridge project on the River Ganga. The 1.86 km long, six-lane bridge, built at a cost exceeding ₹1,870 crore, will significantly improve connectivity between Mokama in Patna district and Begusarai, boosting regional transport and trade.

The Supreme Court has revised its earlier stance and ruled that feeding stray dogs on public roads and other open spaces will not be allowed. Instead, the Delhi civic body will designate specific feeding zones for stray animals. The Court further clarified that individuals who violate the order by feeding strays in public areas may face action under applicable legal provisions.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has onboarded Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd. to carry out Aadhaar-based customer verification. The integration of Aadhaar Authentication will allow Starlink to onboard customers in a smooth, paperless, and highly secure manner while adhering to Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines. This collaboration combines Starlink’s satellite-based internet services with one of the world’s most trusted digital identity systems, simplifying customer onboarding and expanding secure internet access in India.

The Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) has introduced a new initiative called the ‘One Freezone Passport,’ which allows businesses licensed in one free zone to expand operations into other free zones within the emirate without the need for additional licences. Luxury brand Louis Vuitton has become the first multinational to benefit from this scheme, successfully opening a warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and setting up a corporate office at One Za’abeel in the DWTC Free Zone. The entire licensing process was completed in just five days. The scheme aims to simplify regulatory procedures, encourage cross-zone business expansion, and boost Dubai’s global competitiveness.

Japan’s Honda Motor Company Ltd. has officially launched its new subsidiary, Honda Finance India Private Ltd., which will provide retail financing services to customers in the Indian market. The company aims to offer loans, lease options, and other sales financing schemes specifically for Honda products in India. To carry out these operations, the newly established entity will apply for a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) licence in India, enabling it to function as a regulated financial services provider.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the successful test of the indigenously developed Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Agni-5. The trial was conducted on August 20 at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command. According to the official statement, the launch met all technical and operational requirements, further strengthening India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched the Shramshree scheme, aimed at supporting Bengali migrant workers who have returned home after facing alleged harassment and discrimination in other states for speaking their mother tongue. Under this scheme, each returning worker will receive financial assistance of ₹5,000 per month for up to a year, or until they find new employment in Bengal. In addition, the state government has directed that every cinema hall and multiplex must regularly screen at least one Bengali film on each screen, to promote regional culture and cinema.

Liverpool’s star forward Mohamed Salah has created history by becoming the first footballer to win the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players’ Player of the Year award three times. He won the 2024–25 award at a ceremony in Manchester Opera House, adding to his earlier wins in 2017–18 and 2021–22. Salah’s remarkable season, where he contributed 29 goals and 18 assists, played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Premier League title victory. This achievement cements his legacy as the most decorated player in the award’s history.

India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)—comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Russia—have signed a Terms of Reference (ToR) document in Moscow, formally launching negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The ToR lays down the framework for structured discussions that aim to unlock new trade opportunities, boost investments, and build a long-term India–EAEU economic partnership. Both sides emphasized their commitment to conclude the agreement at the earliest and to strengthen institutional mechanisms for deeper cooperation.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), a joint initiative of India and France launched during the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, will establish 17 Centres of Excellence in different countries by the end of this year. Each centre, designed to function like IIT-level institutions, will provide facilities such as testing, laboratory training, and a supportive start-up ecosystem. Further, ISA is planning to create a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India, envisioned as a “Silicon Valley for solar energy,” which will act as a central hub linking these centres. According to ISA Director General Ashish Khanna, the number of centres may rise to 50 as many countries are seeking India’s expertise in solar engineering and human resource development. The Gurugram-based ISA, which now has nearly 100 member countries, will focus on providing skilled engineers to support solar projects worldwide, including digital tenders, maintenance, and reskilling.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has included Operation Sindoor in its school curriculum as supplementary reading material. Two new modules have been introduced: ‘Operation Sindoor — A Saga of Valour’ for Classes 3–8 and ‘Operation Sindoor — A Mission of Honour and Bravery’ for Classes 9–12. These modules narrate the background of the attack, stating that Pakistan’s political and military leadership had directly ordered it, while denying any official involvement or efforts to stop the terrorists. The lessons aim to educate students about the bravery and sacrifices involved in the operation. The material is now available online on NCERT’s official website.

Marking a major step in green innovation, the Ministry of Railways has commissioned India’s first-ever removable solar panel system between railway tracks at the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi. This initiative is designed to enhance sustainability while utilizing unused track space for solar energy production. Alongside this achievement, Indian Railways has expanded freight operations. On August 10, the first rake carrying industrial salt was flagged off from Sanosara (Bhuj–Naliya section) to Dahej. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that this new logistics solution will create fresh opportunities for the salt industry in the region.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi (Rajasthan), with an investment of ₹1,507 crore by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Known as the industrial capital of Rajasthan and the coaching hub of India, Kota will soon gain a modern airport suitable for handling A-321 type aircraft. The Rajasthan government has provided 440.06 hectares of land for the project.

The Congress-led Karnataka government on Tuesday passed legislation to officially rename Bengaluru City University as Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University, in honour of the late former Prime Minister, who died at the age of 92 in December last year. The decision, however, drew objections from BJP leader R. Ashoka, who accused the Congress of harbouring “disdain” for Bengaluru even while seeking to rename its key university after Singh.

Renowned actor Achyut Potdar, celebrated for his role as a professor in Aamir Khan’s film 3 Idiots, passed away on Monday in Thane, Mumbai at the age of 91. He was admitted to Jupiter Hospital after facing health complications but could not recover. Over his extensive career, Potdar acted in more than 125 Hindi and Marathi films and nearly 100 television serials, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema and television. Tributes poured in, including heartfelt words from filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who called himself a “permanent fan.”

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a high-severity threat alert to millions of Microsoft Windows and Office users in India. It warned that multiple vulnerabilities in the software could allow cyber attackers to steal sensitive data, launch ransomware attacks, or cause system crashes. CERT-In has strongly advised users to install the latest security updates immediately to safeguard their systems from potential breaches.

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has successfully developed and licensed India’s first silicon photonics-based high-speed quantum random number generator (QRNG). The ₹1 crore licensing agreement was signed with Indrarka Quantum Technologies Pvt Ltd through IIT Madras’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) for commercial deployment. Developed at the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems (CPPICS), the innovation is seen as a strategic advancement for India’s quantum innovation ecosystem.

Researchers at Warwick University have developed a handheld, diamond-based magnetic field sensor capable of tracing magnetic fluid injected into the human body. Reported in Physical Review Applied, this non-toxic and non-radioactive device offers a safer and less invasive alternative to current radioactive techniques used for tumour detection, particularly in diagnosing metastasised breast cancer. By harnessing the unique quantum properties of diamond, the innovation could mark a breakthrough in cancer diagnostics.

At the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, India’s Rashmika Sahgal clinched the junior women’s air pistol gold medal with a commanding score of 241.9, 4.3 points ahead of Korea’s Han Seunghyun. This marked India’s third individual gold on day two of the event. Rashmika also secured a team gold along with Vanshika Chaudhary and Mohini Singh, after an impressive qualification score of 582. Meanwhile, Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker won bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event with a score of 219.7.

The Opposition alliance on Tuesday announced former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy as its joint candidate for the vice-presidential election. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described the election as an “ideological battle”, stressing that opposition parties unite whenever democracy and the Constitution come under attack. The nomination signals a strategic move to counter the ruling party’s influence in the high-profile election.

The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), part of the Quality Council of India (QCI), has launched a Medical Application Portal designed specifically for laboratories applying under ISO 15189:2022 standards. Released during the virtual event “GOING LIVE”, the revamped portal streamlines applications, reduces processing time, and mirrors the real-world workflow of medical labs, thereby improving efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in the accreditation process.

The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), Yogesh Baweja, has launched the ‘Press Sewa’ portal, a single-window digital platform aimed at simplifying registration for newspapers and periodicals under the new Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act). The initiative is designed to improve transparency, reduce approval delays, and enhance ease of business for publishers. At a PIB Hyderabad session, Shruti Patil, Additional DG, announced plans for a dedicated publisher helpline, highlighting this as the first interactive session of its kind in Telangana.

The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) from Teertha village in Dharwad district, Karnataka, has been selected as one of the 10 global winners of the prestigious UNDP Equator Initiative Award 2025, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Biodiversity Conservation.” Announced on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the award recognizes outstanding community-led, nature-based solutions for sustainable development. The Teertha SHG’s innovative efforts in biodiversity preservation and sustainable livelihood promotion earned them this global honor.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), through its expert committee on Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI), has released a framework recommending seven key principles for safe adoption of AI in financial services. Among its proposals are the creation of shared infrastructure for regulated entities to ensure democratized access to data and computing resources, and the establishment of an AI Innovation Sandbox to test new technologies. The detailed report, now available on the RBI website, provides guidelines to harness AI’s potential while mitigating risks and ensuring ethical standards.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered between 10 and 20 metric tonnes of gold reserves spread across Odisha’s Deogarh, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Nabarangpur districts. This discovery is expected to give a significant boost to India’s mining sector and reduce dependence on imported gold. While the reserves promise strong economic prospects, experts have cautioned the need for environmentally sustainable mining practices to ensure long-term benefits.

At the 107th Annual General Meeting of Tata Sons Pvt Ltd, shareholders approved the appointment of Noel Tata and three others as directors on the company’s board. Noel Tata, who became chairman of Tata Trusts in October 2024, had been nominated by the Trusts and appointed as an additional director earlier, and has now received full shareholder approval. The AGM also saw the reappointment of Venu Srinivasan and Saurabh Agrawal, along with the appointment of Anita Marangoly George, cofounder and CEO of Prosperete, an emerging-markets growth fund, as an independent director.

Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli celebrated 17 years in international cricket on 18 August 2025. Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 Internationals, made his debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka on 18 August 2008, where he opened alongside India’s current head coach and scored 12 runs off 22 balls. Over the years, Kohli has established himself as one of cricket’s most prolific batsmen, achieving numerous records and becoming a central figure in Indian cricket.

Bhavina Patel, Assistant Director at Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ahmedabad, created history by winning gold at the ITTF World Para Elite Table Tennis Championship in Spokane, Washington, USA. Competing from 9–13 August 2025, Patel triumphed in the Women’s Singles Class 4–5 category, defeating top-ranked global opponents with her outstanding skill and strategy. Her victory marked a major milestone for India in para sports and brought pride to the nation.

At the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, India’s Kapil Bainsla clinched the gold medal in the junior men’s air pistol event, narrowly defeating Uzbekistan’s Ilkhombek Obidjonov by 0.6 points. Jonathan Antony, who topped qualification with 582 points, secured the bronze medal. In the senior men’s air pistol, Amit Sharma (588) and Varun Tomar (584) scored impressively but were not eligible for medals due to competing in the RPO category. Anmol Jain, with a score of 580, was the only Indian to reach the final, finishing sixth. India also earned team silver medals in both the senior men’s and junior sections, finishing behind China and Korea respectively. In the youth category, Girish Gupta won gold and Dev Pratap bagged silver, helping India secure another team silver, this time behind Iran.

According to Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, the Centre has released ₹36,027 crore up to 11 August 2025 under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure and Investment (SASCI) scheme. Responding in Parliament, Chaudhary noted that since the scheme’s inception in FY 2021, a total of ₹3,66,249.45 crore has been allocated to states and union territories till FY 2025. The scheme incentivizes states to carry out reforms in various sectors, with the Centre providing financial assistance to support developmental and investment-related activities.

World Humanitarian Day was commemorated on 19 August to honor those who risk their lives in crisis zones to assist others, and to express solidarity with millions of people facing life-threatening situations. This year’s theme highlights the severe strain on the global humanitarian system, which remains underfunded, overstretched, and often under attack. The day traces back to 19 August 2003, when a devastating bomb explosion at the UN headquarters in Baghdad killed 22 humanitarian workers, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN Special Representative for Iraq. In 2008, the UN General Assembly formally recognized the day by designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day.

On 18 August 2025, the Union Government officially launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojna portal. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya encouraged employers and first-time employees to benefit from the scheme, which was recently approved by the Cabinet and aims to create 3.5 crore jobs nationwide. The scheme covers all employers and first-time employees, with incentives available upon registration through the dedicated portal or UMANG app using the Universal Account Number (UAN). The scheme is divided into two components: Part A for first-time employees, and Part B for employers, both designed to boost employment generation.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officially launched the FASTag Annual Pass on August 15, 2025, covering about 1,150 toll plazas on National Highways and Expressways. By 7 PM on Day 1, nearly 1.4 lakh users purchased and activated the pass, resulting in 1.39 lakh toll transactions. To ensure smooth adoption, Nodal officers have been deployed at each plaza, while the 1033 National Highway Helpline has been expanded with 100+ additional executives for grievance redressal.

On the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a 103-minute address from the Red Fort, marking the longest-ever Independence Day speech by any Indian Prime Minister. With this, he surpassed his own record of 98 minutes in 2024, and earlier 96 minutes in 2016. His shortest Independence Day speech remains the 56-minute address in 2017. This year’s speech included wide-ranging references to governance, economy, and India’s global aspirations.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two mega road infrastructure projects in Delhi — the Dwarka Expressway (Delhi stretch) and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) — collectively worth ₹11,000 crore, at a public gathering in Rohini on Sunday. Highlighting the government’s vision, Mr. Modi pledged to make Delhi a global-class capital symbolising India’s growth and confidence. He noted that over the past 11 years, expressways, metro expansion, and the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail have revolutionised commuting in Delhi-NCR.
• The Dwarka Expressway will enhance Gurugram-Delhi connectivity, while UER-II aims to reduce congestion at choke points like Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09. Once operational, travel time from Singhu border to IGI Airport will be cut to just 40 minutes.

Making history, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), in its three-decade existence, has elected women leaders for the first time. In the elections held on August 15, 2025, in Kochi, actor Shwetha Menon was elected President and Kukku Parameswaran became General Secretary, defeating Devan and Raveendran, respectively. Over 290 of 504 members voted to elect the new executive committee. Actor Unni Shivapal is the new Treasurer, while Jayan Cherthala and Lakshmipriya were chosen as Vice Presidents. Though women had previously served in other posts, the top leadership positions had always been male-dominated until now.

Following the demise of Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan (80 years) on August 15, 2025 while undergoing treatment at a Chennai hospital, President of India appointed Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Governor of Manipur, with the additional responsibility of Nagaland. The Rashtrapati Bhavan’s communique (August 16) confirmed that Mr. Bhalla will discharge the duties of Nagaland Governor in addition to his existing charge in Manipur until a full-time successor is appointed.

• Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the logo, mascot, and trophy of the 12th Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Championship at the CM Secretariat in Patna.
• The tournament, hosted for the first time in Bihar, will be held from August 29 to September 7, 2025 at the Rajgir International Stadium. The CM also flagged off the ‘Trophy Pride Journey’, where the Asia Cup torch will travel through all districts of Bihar.
• The mascot, ‘Chand’, inspired by India’s national animal — the tiger, represents courage, agility, and sporting excellence.

• German chess prodigy Vincent Keymer won the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025 with a round to spare, becoming the first-ever sole champion in the tournament’s history. His stellar performance elevated him into the world’s live Top 10 rankings for the first time.
• In the Challengers category, GM Pranesh M leads with 6.5 points after defeating GM Harika Dronavalli, while GMs Abhimanyu Puranik and Leon Luke Mendonca remain close behind, trailing by just half a point.

The mascot and logo of the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) were unveiled in Srinagar, with the Himalayan Kingfisher chosen as the mascot, symbolising agility and vibrancy. Scheduled from August 21 to 23, 2025, the festival will take place at the iconic Dal Lake. The event, organised by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and SAI, marks the second Khelo India event in Jammu & Kashmir after Gulmarg hosted the Winter Games in March 2025. This follows the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu (May 2025), expanding the sporting footprint across varied terrains.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced CP Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the Vice-Presidential election. BJP National President JP Nadda made the declaration on Sunday, with Union Minister and HAM leader Jitan Ram Manjhi extending full support. The election became necessary following Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation due to health issues.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is set to roll out ‘SabhaSaar’, an Artificial Intelligence-powered tool that will automatically generate structured Minutes of Meeting (MoM) from Gram Sabha and Panchayat meeting audio/video recordings. Scheduled to be launched by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh in New Delhi, the tool leverages AI and NLP technologies to transcribe conversations, identify key action points, and prepare accurate minutes. Integrated with Bhashini (National Language Translation Mission), SabhaSaar currently supports 13 Indian languages, ensuring inclusivity and efficiency in local governance.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan received the Best Actor award for his performance in the film I Want to Talk at the prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) Awards 2025 held on Friday. Celebrating the achievement, his father, legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, expressed his happiness through a heartfelt social media post, saying he was “the happiest father in the entire universe” and described Abhishek as “the pride and honour” of the Bachchan family.

India’s merchandise trade deficit surged to an eight-month high of $27.35 billion in July 2025, according to quick estimates released by the Commerce Ministry. Exports rebounded after two months of decline, rising 7.3% to $37.24 billion, driven by strong shipments to the United States ahead of reciprocal tariff measures and a recovery in other key markets. Imports also grew by 8.6% to $64.6 billion, reaching a three-month high, thus widening the overall trade gap.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a new personal loan scheme for Agniveers – young recruits serving under the government’s Agnipath short-term defence recruitment programme. Eligible Agniveers with salary accounts in SBI can now avail loans up to ₹4 lakh without any collateral or processing fees. The repayment schedule will be aligned with their service tenure under Agnipath, ensuring convenience during their transition to civilian life. Additionally, SBI announced a concessional flat interest rate of 10.50% on personal loans for all Defence personnel until 30th September 2025.

On 14th August 2025, India hosted the 4th Meeting of the India–Singapore Joint Working Group on Trade & Investment (JWGTI) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The discussions were co-chaired by Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Dr. Beh Swan Gin, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore. The meeting holds special importance as the year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of India–Singapore diplomatic ties and the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).

Bob Simpson, former captain of the Australian men’s cricket team and a legendary figure in the sport, passed away in Sydney at the age of 89. Simpson, who had a distinguished career between 1957 and 1978, played 62 Test matches, scoring at an average of 46.81 and also contributing as a bowler with 71 wickets. He had initially retired from international cricket in 1968 after an 11-year stint but made a comeback in 1977. His death marks the end of an era in Australian cricket.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has selected Bengaluru-based PixxelSpace India-led consortium to develop India’s first indigenous commercial earth observation (EO) satellite constellation under a public-private partnership model. For the first time, a private consortium will invest over ₹1,200 crore in the next five years to launch a constellation of 12 cutting-edge EO satellites equipped with panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors. The consortium includes PixxelSpace India, Piersight Space, Satsure Analytics India, and Dhruva Space. The selection was made after a competitive bidding process involving two other consortia.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA’s joint mission NISAR, the ₹13,000-crore Earth observation satellite launched 17 days ago, successfully unfurled its massive antenna reflector, NASA confirmed. The giant umbrella-like structure remained folded until its 30-foot (9-metre) boom was deployed and securely locked in place. This antenna is the largest reflector ever deployed on a NASA mission and will enhance the satellite’s capability for high-resolution Earth navigation and monitoring.

India’s first-ever aquanauts, Senior Scientist Raju Ramesh and Commander (Retd.) Jatinder Pal Singh, successfully undertook deep-sea expeditions in the Atlantic Ocean, reaching depths of 4,025 metres and then 5,002 metres, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed. This historic milestone makes it the deepest underwater dive ever conducted by Indians. The two record-setting dives, which lasted for a combined seven hours, mark India’s entry into the global league of deep ocean exploration.

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, who retired in November 2024 as the country’s 50th CJI after over 25 years on the bench, is set to publish his debut book Why the Constitution Matters under Penguin Random House by the end of August 2025. Justice Chandrachud is widely respected for his landmark judgments upholding the Right to Privacy, decriminalisation of homosexuality, and gender equality in the armed forces. The book highlights the relevance of the Indian Constitution in the modern era.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Thursday announced through social media platform X that the Union Government has prepared a fresh capital expenditure plan worth nearly ₹47,000 crore to strengthen Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) telecom infrastructure. Last year, BSNL had invested a record ₹25,000 crore in its network upgradation, including the installation of one lakh 4G mobile service towers. According to Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, this was BSNL’s highest-ever capex in its history. Most of the previous ₹25,000-crore project for telecom equipment supply was executed by the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT)-led consortium. The government is also pressing BSNL to improve its average revenue per user (ARPU).

• AIM and Bhashini partner to promote innovation in Indian languages and bridge the digital divide.
• RBI grants AU Small Finance Bank approval to become a universal bank, expanding its national presence.
• Philippines delegation led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. agrees to increase imports of rice, meat, and other food products from India.
• Trump announces 100% tariff on chips from companies not investing in the U.S., hitting Asian markets hard.
• Reliance Industries creates 5x shareholder value over a decade with massive growth in market cap and profits.
• PayMate enters Indonesia with $400 million acquisition of DigiAsia.
• PM Modi inaugurates Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line, lays Phase-3 foundation.
• Cabinet approves ₹30,000 crore compensation for OMCs’ domestic LPG losses.
• MakeMyTrip launches ‘Myra,’ an AI-powered multilingual travel assistant.
• ICICI Bank hikes minimum monthly balance for new savings accounts to ₹50,000.
• Tata’s Nelco and France’s Eutelsat will provide OneWeb satellite internet services in India.
• Aadhaar Face Authentication transactions doubled from 100 crore to 200 crore in just six months.
• Kerala’s KSFE became the first miscellaneous NBFC in India to cross ₹1 lakh crore turnover.
• Lok Sabha passed the revised Income Tax Bill 2025, expanding officials’ powers for search operations.
• DPIIT signed an MoU with Zepto to support manufacturing startups under the Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge.
• ONGC will invest ₹4,600 crore in Andhra Pradesh’s KG Basin for drilling, offshore platforms, pipeline, and gas processing.
• Cabinet approves ₹4,600 crore semiconductor projects in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh.
• UIDAI and ISI sign 5-year R&D pact to boost Aadhaar security and fraud detection.
• HDFC Bank’s SmartWealth app now supports nine Indian languages for investment services.
• SBI will levy nominal charges on online IMPS transfers above ₹25,000 from August 15.
• SEBI permits advisers and analysts to use liquid and overnight mutual funds for deposit requirements.
• ICICI Bank cut minimum savings account balance to ₹15,000 for metros, effective August 1.
• Rapido launched its ‘Ownly’ app in Bengaluru with a zero-commission model for restaurants.
• Vikram Solar will launch a ₹2,000 crore IPO on August 19, including ₹1,500 crore fresh issue and ₹1,745 lakh shares OFS.

• Indian Navy will commission stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri together for the first time on 26 August 2025.
• India’s defence production reached a record ₹1.51 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, up 18% from last year.

• Illinois bans AI from acting as therapists, mandates human oversight in mental health care.
• Over 1-million-year-old human tools discovered near Sulawesi Island, challenging migration timelines.
• Scientists discovered marine virus PelV-1 with the world’s longest viral tail at 2.3 micrometres.
• Typhoon Podul struck eastern Taiwan, causing heavy rain, strong winds, and transport disruptions.

• Victoria Mboko stuns Naomi Osaka to win her first WTA 1000 title at the Canadian Open.
• India bags 14 medals, including 3 gold, at Asian U-19 Boxing Championship.
• Ramesh Budihal wins India’s first-ever individual medal at Asian Surfing Championships.
• China and Hong Kong won the Asia Rugby U-20 Sevens titles, while India’s women claimed bronze in Bihar.
• Dewald Brevis scores unbeaten 125 to set new South African T20I record against Australia.
• Shubman Gill, Sophia Dunkley named ICC Players of the Month for July 2025; Gill sets record with fourth win.
• Namrata Batra wins India’s first-ever Wushu medal at World Games with silver in 52kg category.
• Jharkhand Women’s Hockey Team wins 15th Junior National Championship for second year in a row.
• India wins 27 medals at Asian U19 & U22 Boxing; Ritika bags gold in women’s 80+ kg event.
• Chennai’s Rohith Krishna, 19, becomes India’s 89th Chess Grandmaster after winning in Kazakhstan.

• Armenia, Azerbaijan sign U.S.-brokered peace deal, open ‘Trump Route’ corridor.
• WHO confirmed Kenya has eliminated sleeping sickness as a public health problem.

• Parliament passes Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 to modernize maritime laws and boost India’s coastal economy.
• PM E-DRIVE scheme extended till March 2028 to support electric buses, trucks, and ambulances.
• Indian Railways tests ‘Rudrastra,’ Asia’s longest 4.5 km freight train.
• Government clears ₹2,157 crore Marakkanam–Puducherry 4-lane highway project.
• Lok Sabha passes Indian Ports Bill, 2025 to modernise century-old port governance system.
• MHA tightens OCI rules; registration can be cancelled for offences with two years’ sentence or more.
• MY Bharat signs 3-year MoU with SOUL Foundation to train 1 lakh youth leaders in governance, policy, and skills.
• Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launched the ‘Bharat Steel’ logo, brochure, and website in New Delhi.

HDFC Bank has upgraded its SmartWealth investment app to offer full-feature support in nine regional languages — Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali. This enhancement enables investors to manage portfolios, track investments, and access personalised financial insights in their preferred language, making the platform one of the first in India to provide comprehensive multilingual accessibility in wealth management services.

State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, will revise its Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) charges starting August 15. While branch-based IMPS transfers remain unaffected, online transactions above ₹25,000 will now incur nominal charges. Transfers between ₹25,000 and ₹1 lakh will cost ₹2, transactions from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh will cost ₹6, and those from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh will cost ₹10 — all excluding GST.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has permitted Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) to meet their mandatory deposit requirements using liquid and overnight mutual funds, in addition to scheduled bank deposits. Overnight mutual funds, which invest in one-day maturity debt instruments, offer an alternative for fulfilling compliance obligations. These deposits are marked as a lien in favour of the relevant supervisory body — IAASB for advisers and RAASB for analysts.

Ride-hailing company Rapido has entered the competitive food delivery industry with the launch of its standalone app, ‘Ownly.’ The platform currently operates in select Bengaluru localities, including Koramangala, HSR Layout, and BTM Layout. Rapido aims to differentiate itself with a zero-commission model for restaurant partners, competing directly with established players like Swiggy, Zomato, and Magicpin. This move follows discussions between Rapido and the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI), representing over 50,000 eateries, to finalise terms for onboarding partners.

Vikram Solar Ltd. is set to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) worth ₹2,000 crore, opening for subscription on August 19. The offering includes a fresh issue of equity shares amounting to ₹1,500 crore and an offer for sale of up to 1,74,50,882 shares by the promoter and promoter group. The price band has been fixed between ₹315 and ₹332 per share, each having a face value of ₹10. From the fresh issue proceeds, around ₹770 crore will be allocated towards partial funding of capital expenditure for Phase-I of the project through investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, VSL Green Power Pvt. Ltd., while approximately ₹595 crore will go towards Phase-II. The remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes. Addressing concerns over the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, CMD Gyanesh Chaudhary confirmed that the company exports nothing to the U.S., thus facing no direct effect.

ICICI Bank, India’s second-largest private sector bank, has rolled back its earlier decision to raise the minimum monthly average balance (MAB) for new savings accounts in metro and urban areas to ₹50,000, setting the requirement instead at ₹15,000 from August 1. For semi-urban areas, the MAB has been reduced from ₹25,000 to ₹7,500, and for rural branches from ₹10,000 to ₹2,500. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra has clarified that banks are free to decide MAB levels, as no regulatory restrictions exist in this regard.

Researchers have identified a marine virus, named PelV-1, with the longest known viral tail, measuring up to 2.3 micrometres. Discovered in the Pacific Ocean, PelV-1 infects marine phytoplankton and carries a complex genome that includes genes for metabolism and light-harvesting. This finding sets a new record in virology for appendage length and adds to the understanding of virus evolution in marine ecosystems.

Typhoon Podul, the 11th tropical cyclone of the year, struck Taiwan’s Taitung County on August 13, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds to the eastern cities of Hualien and Taitung. Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau has issued both sea and land warnings, with the land alerts covering 13 counties and cities, and sea warnings applicable to waters off eastern Taiwan and the Bashi Channel. The storm’s impact has caused widespread transportation disruptions and raised safety concerns across the affected regions.

Rohith Krishna S., a 19-year-old engineering student from Chennai, has become India’s 89th Chess Grandmaster after defeating International Master Artur Davtyan of Romania in the final round of the Almaty Masters Qonaev Cup in Kazakhstan, securing six points out of nine. Despite his strong academic record, Rohith admitted that his focus on education had at times slowed his Grandmaster pursuit, which he has been chasing since 2013. Speaking from Dubai, ahead of participating in the Abu Dhabi International tournament beginning August 15, Rohith expressed relief and joy at achieving the long-awaited title, marking it as the start of a much larger journey in his chess career.

Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, officially launched the logo, brochure, and website for ‘Bharat Steel’ during an event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Bharat Steel is the flagship international conference-cum-exhibition of the Ministry of Steel, dedicated to showcasing the steel industry’s ecosystem. The launch was held alongside a workshop for the secondary steel sector, highlighting the government’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth across the steel value chain. The event aims to position Bharat Steel as India’s largest steel exhibition, with aspirations to attract global investors and innovators to make India a central hub in the world steel industry.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four new semiconductor manufacturing proposals under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) worth ₹4,600 crore. The approved projects are by SiCSem, Continental Device India Pvt. Ltd. (CDIL), 3D Glass Solutions Inc., and Advanced System in Package (ASIP) Technologies. These additions bring the total number of approved projects under ISM to six, all in various stages of execution, marking rapid growth in India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has signed a five-year umbrella agreement with the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) to conduct joint research and development aimed at strengthening the security, accuracy, and resilience of Aadhaar operations. The collaboration will address key areas such as fraud detection, biometric liveness verification, high-risk enrolment identification, and improvements in matching algorithms, with other focus areas to be jointly decided.

South Africa’s Dewald Brevis set a new national record in T20I cricket by scoring an unbeaten 125 off just 56 balls against Australia in the second T20I. The 22-year-old struck 12 fours and 8 sixes, becoming the youngest South African to score a T20I century and recording the second-fastest century for the country after David Miller’s 35-ball feat. His innings powered South Africa to a 53-run victory, earning him the Player of the Match award and surpassing Faf du Plessis’ previous national best of 119 runs in 2015.

India captain Shubman Gill and England’s Sophia Dunkley have been named ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for July 2025. Gill, who amassed 567 runs at an average of 94.50 across three Tests in England, became the first male cricketer to win the award four times, having previously earned it in January 2023, September 2023, and February 2025. Dunkley’s consistent performances secured her the women’s title. In the women’s game, Ash Gardner and Hayley Matthews remain tied with Gill’s record of four awards each.

Making history for Indian Wushu, Namrata Batra secured a silver medal in the women’s 52 kg final at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China — the nation’s first medal in the sport at this event. The 24-year-old, a four-time national champion and last year’s Asian Championships silver medalist, lost 0-2 to China’s Mengyue Chen in the gold medal bout. Her journey included decisive 2-0 wins over Lebanon’s Barbara El Rassi in the quarter-finals and the Philippines’ Krizan Faith Collado in the semi-finals. This was also India’s second medal at the Games after Rishabh Yadav’s bronze in men’s compound archery.

The Jharkhand Women’s Hockey team clinched the 15th Junior National Women’s Hockey Championship title for the second consecutive year, defeating Hockey Haryana 2-1 in the final held in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, from August 1–12. Sweety Dungdung emerged as the tournament’s highest scorer with 5 goals. This marks Jharkhand’s fourth overall victory in the championship, with previous wins in 2018, 2019, 2024, and now 2025.

At the Asian Under-19 & Under-22 Boxing Championships 2025 in Bangkok, Indian boxers delivered a stellar performance, bagging 27 medals overall. In the U19 category, India ranked second with 14 medals — 3 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze. The U22 contingent secured 13 medals — 1 gold, 4 silver, and 8 bronze — with Ritika being the only gold medalist in this group after triumphing in the 80+ kg women’s category. Notable silver medalists included Yatri Patel (57 kg women), Priya (60 kg women), Neeraj (75 kg men), and Ishan Kataria (90+ kg men).

The Lok Sabha has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, aimed at overhauling port governance in India and replacing the outdated Indian Ports Act, 1908. The legislation seeks to streamline procedures, integrate digital technologies, and enhance ease of doing business to boost trade efficiency. This reform positions India to strengthen its role as a global maritime hub.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced stricter norms for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), empowering authorities to revoke registration if an OCI cardholder is sentenced to two years or more in prison or is formally charge-sheeted for an offence carrying a maximum punishment of seven years or more. The changes, notified on August 11, are enacted under clause (da) of section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and align with the Citizenship Rules, 2009, which authorise the central government to cancel OCI registrations under specified conditions.

MY Bharat, operating under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, has formalised a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Ultimate Leadership Foundation (SOUL). This collaboration focuses on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and leadership training for youth aged 18–29. Through specialised programmes in governance, public policy, social entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, and other skill areas, the initiative aims to develop 100,000 youth leaders nationwide. The MoU can be extended further with mutual agreement.

Tata Group’s satellite communications arm, Nelco, has signed an agreement with French satellite operator Eutelsat to launch OneWeb’s low Earth orbit satellite internet services in India. The services, provided through Eutelsat’s local entity OneWeb India Communications, will offer secure, low-latency connectivity for land, air, and sea applications, including remote and underserved regions where traditional internet access is limited.

On 10 August 2025, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) marked 200 crore successful transactions using Aadhaar Face Authentication, underscoring rapid adoption of secure, paperless identity verification in the country. After reaching 50 crore transactions by mid-2024, the figure rose to 100 crore by January 2025 in only five months, and then doubled again to 200 crore in the next six months — reflecting the pace of India’s digital transformation under the Digital India initiative.

Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE) has become the first miscellaneous category non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India to achieve a business turnover exceeding ₹1 lakh crore. The company reached this milestone in record time, as announced in an official statement. Celebrations will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Central Stadium to mark the achievement.

On 11 August 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the revised Income Tax Bill, 2025 without any debate. The legislation aims to simplify, rationalise, and shorten the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961, while also significantly expanding the powers of income tax officials — including the authority to forcibly access personal emails and social media accounts of assessees during search operations. The earlier version of the Bill, introduced in February by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was reviewed by a Select Committee chaired by Baijayant Panda. Following the committee’s recommendations submitted on July 21, the government withdrew the Bill on August 8 and introduced the revised version.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has signed an MoU with Zepto Private Limited to nurture and scale early-stage manufacturing startups through the ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge. The collaboration will run a six-month targeted programme to discover, mentor, and accelerate startups working in hardware, IoT, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing, helping them progress from prototypes to market-ready products using Zepto’s delivery network and digital infrastructure.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has outlined a major investment plan exceeding ₹4,600 crore in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin, situated in Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh. The project will involve drilling 10 development wells, establishing two unmanned offshore platforms, laying an offshore pipeline, and setting up an onshore gas processing facility. ONGC has approached the Ministry of Environment and Forests for fresh environmental clearance, as recorded in the July 24 meeting minutes of the ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).

On 26 August 2025, the Indian Navy will, for the first time, commission two major frontline warships simultaneously — stealth frigates INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34) — at Visakhapatnam. INS Udaygiri, the second ship of Project 17A, has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, while INS Himgiri is the first P17A frigate constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The event is seen as a major success for the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ defence initiatives.

India’s defence manufacturing sector has achieved an unprecedented production value of ₹1,50,590 crore in FY 2024-25 — an 18% jump compared to ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, and a 90% surge from ₹79,071 crore in FY 2019-20. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and other PSUs contributed around 77% of the total output, while the private sector accounted for 23%, up from 21% the previous fiscal year. The rise reflects the increasing role of private companies in strengthening India’s defence ecosystem.

Kenya has been officially validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem, making it the tenth country to reach this milestone. HAT is the second neglected tropical disease eliminated in Kenya, following the eradication of Guinea worm disease in 2018. Caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei and spread through the bite of infected tsetse flies, HAT mainly affects rural populations engaged in agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, or hunting.

At the Asia Rugby Under-20 Sevens hosted at Rajgir International Sports Complex, Bihar, Hong Kong’s men’s team defeated Sri Lanka to lift the championship trophy. In the women’s final, China delivered a commanding win over Hong Kong to claim the title. India’s women’s team secured the bronze medal, adding to the host nation’s achievements in the tournament.

Indian B2B payments firm PayMate has announced its entry into Indonesia through a $400 million acquisition of DigiAsia, a leading local FinTech-as-a-Service provider. Announced in September 2024, the deal gives PayMate access to DigiAsia’s operations, which use a “B2B2X” model offering embedded finance APIs for SMEs in emerging markets. The acquisition strengthens PayMate’s footprint in Southeast Asia and sets the stage for wider expansion across the region and beyond.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 19 km Yellow Line of the Bangalore Metro Phase-2 project, running from RV Road (Ragigudda) to Bommasandra with 16 stations, at a cost of about ₹7,160 crore. With this addition, Bengaluru’s operational metro network now exceeds 96 km. The PM also laid the foundation stone for the ₹15,610 crore Phase-3 project, which will add over 44 km of elevated tracks and 31 stations, aimed at improving connectivity across residential, commercial, industrial, and educational hubs.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a compensation of ₹30,000 crore to three public sector oil marketing companies — IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL — for under-recoveries on the sale of domestic LPG at regulated prices. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will allocate the compensation, which will be paid in 12 tranches. Domestic LPG cylinders are sold to consumers at government-controlled rates, with the OMCs absorbing the losses to ensure affordability.

Online travel giant MakeMyTrip has launched ‘Myra,’ an AI-enabled virtual travel agent capable of assisting users in Hindi and English through both voice and text. Built on a network of specialized AI modules across categories such as flights, hotels, holidays, transport, visas, and forex, Myra can handle complex travel queries — for example, suggesting family-friendly holiday destinations in August or planning multi-city itineraries without air travel. It supports multimodal inputs (text, voice, image, video), allows continuous conversational planning, itinerary modifications, and resolves post-sales issues like cancellations and refunds — all within one integrated interface.

Effective from August 1, ICICI Bank has revised its minimum monthly average balance (MAB) requirement for newly opened savings accounts, raising it from the earlier ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 — a fivefold jump. The MAB for semi-urban and rural branches has also been raised, from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 in semi-urban areas and from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 in rural areas. According to the bank’s official website, customers who fail to maintain the required balance will face penal charges of 6% of the shortfall amount or ₹500, whichever is lower.

In a historic development, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace agreement at the White House on August 8, 2025, in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal seeks to end decades of hostilities in the South Caucasus and includes provisions to reopen key transportation links. One major outcome is the creation of an international transit corridor, to be called the ‘Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,’ symbolizing U.S. diplomatic influence amid Russia’s waning regional power.

At the Asian U-19 Boxing Championship, India’s Nisha (54kg), Muskan (57kg), and Rahul Kundu (men’s category) clinched gold medals, leading India’s medal tally to 14 — including seven silver and four bronze. Out of the 10 Indian women participants, nine returned home with medals. Nisha defeated China’s Sirui Yang 4:1, while Muskan edged Kazakhstan’s Ayazhan Ermek 3:2 in a split verdict. In other finals, Aarti Kumari (75kg) lost to China’s Tongtong Gu, and Kritika Wasan (80kg) narrowly missed victory with a 2:3 loss to Kazakhstan’s Kuralay Yeginbaikyzy.

India’s Ramesh Budihal made sporting history by winning a bronze medal in the Open men’s category at the Asian Surfing Championships held in Mamallapuram, marking the country’s first-ever individual medal in the competition. The 24-year-old surfer scored 12.60 points in the final, finishing behind South Korea’s Kanoa Heejae (15.17) and Indonesia’s Pajar Ariyana (14.57). Budihal’s strong start, including a 6.17 score on his opening wave, kept him in contention before the lead was taken by the South Korean competitor. This milestone could also help India secure additional quotas for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of ‘Rudrastra,’ Asia’s longest freight train, spanning 4.5 km in length. The trial covered 209 km from Ganjkhwaja station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, to Garhwa in Jharkhand in 5 hours and 10 minutes, achieving an average speed of 40.50 km/h. According to DRM Uday Singh Meena, freight trains from the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Division will now be dispatched to the Dhanbad Division to enable faster goods loading and transportation.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 46 km four-lane highway between Marakkanam and Puducherry in Tamil Nadu under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a cost of ₹2,157 crore. The stretch is part of NH-332A, which currently operates as a two-lane road and faces severe congestion, especially near densely populated areas and major towns. The upgraded highway is expected to improve connectivity between Chennai, Puducherry, Viluppuram, and Nagapattinam.

In a significant move to bridge linguistic gaps in innovation, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog and Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) under MeitY have signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) in New Delhi. This collaboration aims to boost regional language participation in India's innovation ecosystem, ensuring broader access to entrepreneurship and digital tools in native languages.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given ‘in-principle’ approval to AU Small Finance Bank Ltd. (AUSFB) to transition into a universal bank. Originally licensed as a small finance bank in 2015, AU began operations in April 2017. As of June 2025, the bank has expanded its reach to over 2,505 touchpoints across 21 states and four Union Territories, serving more than 1.15 crore customers and employing over 53,000 individuals.

• A high-level delegation from the Philippines has discussed with APEDA and the Indian Rice Exporters Federation to boost imports of key Indian food products, an industry official said.
• The agreement includes a commitment from the Philippines to prioritise increased imports of essential items from India, such as rice, buffalo meat, vegetables, fruits, and peanuts,
• The Philippines' delegation was led by Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100% import tariff on semiconductor products from companies that do not invest in the United States, causing a sharp decline in Asian semiconductor stocks on August 7, 2025. The announcement, made at the White House, preceded a broader tariff strategy targeting goods from multiple countries. Initially, semiconductors were exempt, but the revised policy directly targets non-U.S.-based chipmakers.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) announced in its latest Annual Report that over the past decade—from FY 2015-16 to FY 2024-25—it has created five times the value for its shareholders. Back in 2015-16, RIL had not yet commercially launched its digital platform Jio, and major petrochemical infrastructure projects such as petcoke gasification, ethane imports, and the refinery off-gas cracker were still under development. Over these 10 years, the company’s market capitalisation rose from ₹3,38,703 crore to ₹17,25,378 crore. Meanwhile, consolidated revenue increased 3.65 times, net profit rose 2.72 times from ₹29,861 crore to ₹81,309 crore, and its net worth climbed 3.4 times to ₹7,95,069 crore.

A team of archaeologists from Indonesia and Australia has unearthed what could be the oldest human-made tools ever discovered in the region, on Sulawesi island near Flores—home to the extinct ‘Hobbit’ species, Homo floresiensis. The tools found at the Calio site date back over one million years, providing strong evidence that early humans crossed major oceanic barriers far earlier than previously thought.

The U.S. state of Illinois has enacted the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, officially prohibiting artificial intelligence systems from performing the role of therapists or counselors. Signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker, the legislation bars AI from generating treatment plans, assessing emotional states, or independently delivering mental health therapy. AI can only be used for administrative tasks under the strict supervision of licensed professionals. Violators may face penalties of up to $10,000.

Eighteen-year-old Canadian wild card Victoria Mboko delivered a stunning performance at the Canadian Open by defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka with scores of 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. This victory marks her maiden WTA 1000 title win on home soil and propels her to a career-high WTA ranking of No. 25, earning her a seeded position at the upcoming U.S. Open.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has announced a two-year extension of the PM E-DRIVE (Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme. Now extended till March 31, 2028, the scheme continues to incentivize the adoption of electric mobility in public transport and emergency services, covering electric buses, trucks, and ambulances.

In a major legislative step to boost India’s maritime and coastal economy, the Rajya Sabha passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, which had earlier cleared the Lok Sabha on April 3, 2025. The bill, introduced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, aims to revamp the outdated coastal shipping framework by replacing Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. With a coastline stretching 11,098 kilometers across nine coastal states and four union territories, the bill aligns with global cabotage standards and aims to catalyse coastal trade, tourism, and logistics.

• '12th Fail' wins Best Film at 71st National Film Awards; multiple actors honoured across categories.
• PM Modi’s ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ sets Guinness World Record for most registrations on a citizen engagement platform in one month.
• Himesh Reshammiya became the first Indian artist to feature on Bloomberg's Global Pop Power List.

• Fitch cuts India’s FY26 GDP forecast to 6.3%, cites limited impact of U.S. tariffs.
• River Kopili (NW-57) was made operational with the first 300-tonne cement cargo dispatched in Assam.
• NMPB signs two MoUs to promote cultivation, conservation, and research of medicinal plants.
• Bank of Baroda launches ‘bob FxOne’ digital forex platform for real-time corporate transactions.
• BSNL and NRL sign MoU to deploy India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network in refinery sector.
• Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin inaugurates VinFast’s first EV plant in India, set to create over 3,500 jobs in 5 years.
• ICICI Bank reshuffles top management; B. Prasanna moves to ICICI Securities.
• CCI approves Dalmia Cement’s 100% acquisition of Jaiprakash Associates under insolvency resolution.
• Repco Bank gives ₹22.90 crore dividend cheque to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
• PM GatiShakti reviews 293 infrastructure projects worth ₹13.59 lakh crore for integrated planning.
• NITI Aayog report projects $200 billion opportunity in India’s electric vehicle sector by 2030.
• IRDAI fines Policybazaar ₹50 million for regulatory violations.
• OpenAI launched gpt-oss models that can run locally on devices with only 16GB RAM.
• Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising total tariffs to 50% due to India’s oil trade with Russia.
• RuPay partnered with BookMyShow to offer cardholders exclusive access and benefits at major entertainment events.
• Apple to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over four years, including full domestic production of iPhone and Watch glass in Kentucky.

• China and Russia commenced a three-day joint naval exercise “Joint Sea-2025” in the Sea of Japan to strengthen maritime cooperation.
• India receives final C-295 aircraft from Spain; 40 more to be manufactured domestically.
• Defence Acquisition Council approves ₹67,000 crore procurement to enhance Army and Navy capabilities.

• Bihar’s draft voter list shows reduction of 65 lakh voters after intensive revision.
• Punjab became the first Indian state to empanel sign language experts under the Juvenile Justice Act.
• Shayok village in Ladakh is developing the UT’s first botanical garden on 10 hectares of barren land.

• Former Jharkhand CM and JMM founder Shibu Soren passed away at age 81 in New Delhi.
• Former J&K Governor Satyapal Malik passes away at 79; played key role in Article 370 abrogation.

• Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh assumes charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff.
• Deepak Reddy appointed CEO of Manappuram Finance to lead next growth phase.
• Vice-Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan assumes charge as Vice Chief of the Indian Navy.
• Dr. Mayank Sharma took charge as Financial Advisor (Defence Services) on August 1, 2025.
• Rajiv Anand appointed as MD & CEO of IndusInd Bank for a three-year term.
• Tata Motors appoints P B Balaji as first Indian CEO of Jaguar Land Rover.
• Bimaplan appointed Anurag Mishra as CEO to lead its global insurance expansion strategy.
• Retired IAS officer S. Radha Chauhan took over as Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission, succeeding Adil Zainulbhai.

• Google to invest ₹51,000 crore in Asia’s largest data centre in Visakhapatnam.
• Study of dinosaur teeth revealed Earth’s climate was much hotter 150 million years ago.
• Hubble discovered a rare ultra-massive white dwarf ‘zombie star’, WD 0525+526, formed by two-star merger, 130 light-years away.
• NASA says August’s full moon, called the ‘Sturgeon Moon’, will peak on August 9 and is rooted in Native American traditions.
• Preliminary surveys in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, revealed potential gold and metal deposits across 100 hectares.

Moldova joined the International Solar Alliance as its 107th member country.

• Mascot unveiled for Asia Rugby U-20 Championship to be held in Bihar’s Rajgir.
• Malta to host 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games with eight-sport lineup including sailing and water polo.
• ‘Matri Van’ urban forest project launched on 750 acres in Aravalli hills under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.
• India Post Payments Bank launched Aadhaar-based face authentication to enable secure and convenient digital banking.
• India’s first-ever FIFA Talent Academy for girls was inaugurated in Hyderabad under FIFA-AIFF-Telangana partnership.
• Government approved PM MITRA Parks in 7 states to boost textiles and generate 20 lakh jobs with ₹4,445 crore investment.
• Lando Norris won the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix after a close final-lap battle with Oscar Piastri.
• Joe Root became the first batter to cross 6000 runs in ICC World Test Championship history.
• The Archery Association of India announced the first franchise-based Archery League to be held in October 2025.
• Annu Rani won gold in javelin throw at the Wiesław Maniak Memorial in Poland with a 62.59m throw.

• Cabinet approves ₹6,520 crore outlay for PM Kisan Sampada Yojana till 2025–26.
• PFRDA launches modernised website under ‘PFRDA CONNECT’ to improve pension sector services.
• India organized a Youth Leaders’ Roundtable with Nepalese delegation, chaired by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi.
• Mera Yuva Bharat (MYBharat) launched an all-India online quiz on the National Flag to promote patriotism and awareness.
• Government amended the 2011 Vegetable Oil Regulation Order under the Essential Commodities Act to improve edible oil data transparency.
• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference themed