Current Affairs August 2025
For the very purpose of getting you ready for the challenge that is Current Affairs In India, we are covering the 2025 August current affairs including politics current affair, current affair news, science current affairs, general knowledge current affair, current government affair and international current affairs. Only studying India's current affairs or political current affairs is not sufficient as you have to cover international events and current affairs along with the Indian current affairs, as well as those in the field of science and sports.
UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Roundup (August 27 – August 31, 2025)
Governance & Polity (GS Paper 2)
- India deepens ties with Fiji (late Aug): Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka’s 3-day visit to India resulted in multiple MoUs—spanning super-specialty hospital collaboration, public health via Janaushadhi affordable medicines, standards cooperation, digital skilling, workforce mobility, and infrastructure support. A lease deed of India’s Chancery in Suva was also handed over.
- India signs LoI with UN’s WFP (Aug 27–28): India’s Department of Food & Public Distribution signed a Letter of Intent with the World Food Programme to supply up to 200,000 MT of fortified rice over the next five years, reinforcing its humanitarian outreach under “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
- UPS to NPS one-way switch facility (Aug 27–28): The Ministry of Finance introduced a one-time, irreversible switch for Central Government employees from the Unified Pension Scheme to the National Pension System—available until September 30, 2025.
- National SOPs for animal blood transfusion (Aug 27–28): The Department of Animal Husbandry released India’s first guidelines and SOPs for veterinary blood transfusion services, including donor screening, typing, storage, and donor rights.
Economy (GS Paper 3)
- GST kitty up 6.5% in August (late Aug data): Despite new U.S. tariffs from August 27, India’s monthly GST collections rose 6.5% year-on-year, indicating resilient domestic activity, buoyed by steady manufacturing and UPI usage.
- India hopes for U.S. trade deal by November: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism about clinching a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. by November, even as 50% tariffs hit exports. He also cited progress in negotiations with the EU and reaffirmed improved ties with China.
Environment & Agriculture (GS Paper 3)
- Vaishno Devi landslide kills at least 30 (Aug 27): Heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route (Katra), killing at least 30 people. Rescue operations were underway amid halted pilgrimage activity and infrastructure damage.
- Punjab floods intensify (late Aug): Unusually high monsoon rainfall, dam releases, and cloudbursts caused severe flooding across Punjab—affecting over 1.4 k villages, submerging 2.5 lakh acres of farmland, displacing millions, and triggering large-scale rescue initiatives.
- Kishtwar flash floods & rescue (late Aug): Flash floods in Kishtwar prompted massive rescue efforts involving NDRF, SDRF, Indian Air Force, and local authorities; PM Modi assured full assistance.
Science & Technology (GS Paper 3)
- India retains SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship (Aug 31): In the tournament held in Bhutan (Aug 20–31), India emerged champion with 5 wins from 6 matches, continuing its dominance in South Asian women's youth football.
International Relations (GS Paper 2)
- India–China engagement amid U.S. tariff push: As U.S. raised tariffs to 50%, India responded with strategic diplomatic engagement—strengthening ties with China through resumed flights and border dialogue—without overt confrontation. Economic impact was cushioned by strong foreign exchange reserves and active RBI intervention.
Culture & Ethics (GS Paper 1 & 4)
- Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated on Aug 27: Ganesh Chaturthi fell on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The festival involved rituals like aarti and Modak offerings and was observed as a public holiday in many states. Banks and stock markets (NSE, BSE) were closed, though ATMs and online services remained available.
Prelims & Data Points
- Fiji MoUs & humanitarian diplomacy: MoUs across healthcare, standards, digital skilling, Janaushadhi, and infrastructure.
- WFP LoI: Supply of up to 200,000 MT fortified rice to address global hunger.
- UPS→NPS switch window: Available until September 30, 2025.
- Vet blood transfusion SOPs: India’s first national guidelines for veterinary blood banks.
- GST growth: August GST collections up 6.5% YoY.
- US tariffs double to 50% (Aug 27): Hitting exporters in gems, garments, footwear, chemicals.
- India–US trade deal goal: Targeted by November 2025.
- Landslide fatality: At least 30 killed near Vaishno Devi.
- Punjab floods toll: Massive displacement, farming loss, impacted millions.
- SAFF U-17 Women’s title: India crowned champions on August 31.
- Ganesh Chaturthi holiday: Markets & banks closed on Aug 27.
Summary Table
| GS Paper |
Key Themes |
| GS II |
India–Fiji cooperation, WFP LoI, pension scheme switch, veterinary SOPs |
| GS III |
GST resilience, US tariff impact and trade outreach, disaster response (landslide, floods), India’s U-17 women’s football title |
| GS I & IV |
Ganesh Chaturthi observance and public ethics—school/market closures, cultural harmony |
| Prelims Focus |
Dates and specifics: MoUs (late Aug), WFP LoI, UPS-to-NPS switch deadline, veterinary SOP launch, GST 6.5%, tariff day (Aug 27), landslide (Aug 27), floods, U-17 championship (Aug 31), Ganesh Chaturthi holiday |
UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Roundup (August 20 – August 26, 2025)
Governance & Polity (GS Paper 2)
- Parliament passes Online Gaming law (Aug 20–22): The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 was introduced in Lok Sabha on Aug 20, passed by both Houses and received Presidential assent, creating a regulatory framework for online gaming, while banning certain real-money gaming activities and proposing an Online Gaming Authority.
- Vice-Presidential nominations filed (Aug 20–21): NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan filed nomination papers on Aug 20 in a high-profile event attended by senior leaders; the opposition candidate also filed nominations thereafter ahead of the 9 Sept poll.
Economy (GS Paper 3)
- GST council on the agenda (news headlines Aug 25): Media reports flagged the upcoming GST Council meeting (early September) and related preparatory discussions on rate rationalisation and reform — an item closely watched for implications on consumption and fiscal transfers.
- Business & sponsorship impact from Online Gaming law: The new law created immediate commercial consequences in sports and sponsorship markets as real-money gaming platforms and associated deals came under regulatory scrutiny.
Environment & Agriculture (GS Paper 3)
- North India records exceptionally heavy rains (Aug 22 onward): The IMD-tracked fortnight saw anomalously high rainfall across large parts of northwest and northern India, triggering floods, landslides and high river levels in several states. Weather agencies warned of increased flood risk and continuing wet conditions.
- Local flood incidents & relief operations (Aug 23–26): Several states issued alerts and undertook rescue and relief measures in flood-affected districts as rivers swelled and urban drainage systems were overwhelmed.
Science & Technology (GS Paper 3)
- DRDO tests Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (Aug 23): India conducted maiden flights/trials of its indigenous multi-layered Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS/Sudarshan Chakra) off the Odisha coast — a step toward layered, indigenously integrated air-defence capabilities.
- Aditya-L1 / space updates (week): ISRO and allied institutions continued data releases, outreach and scientific briefings related to solar-observatory results and instrument health (ongoing mission reporting and talks during the week).
International Relations (GS Paper 2)
- Diplomatic & security cooperation updates: Routine bilateral and defence engagements continued; the week's parliamentary/legislative developments (e.g., new tech/regulatory laws) attracted international attention for their potential trade and investment effects.
- Regional developments & humanitarian concerns: Global hotspots and regional security incidents remained in the news; India continued to emphasise diplomatic responses alongside humanitarian channels. (See weekly live news summaries.)
Culture & Ethics (GS Paper 1 & 4)
- Public memory & cultural events (week): Several states and institutions observed cultural commemorations and hosted events focused on heritage and oral history preservation during the week.
Prelims & Data Points
- Online Gaming Act: Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 — introduced/passed Aug 20–22 (creates regulatory authority & framework).
- Vice-Presidential nominations: C.P. Radhakrishnan (NDA) filed nomination Aug 20; election scheduled for Sept 9, 2025.
- IADWS test: Maiden integrated air-defence test conducted Aug 23 (IADWS / Sudarshan Chakra).
- Durand Cup 2025: NorthEast United FC retained the Durand Cup with a commanding final (Aug 23).
- Heavy rains / flood warnings: North India recorded an unusually wet fortnight beginning Aug 22 with significant rain surplus and flood risks.
Summary Table
| GS Paper |
Key Themes |
| GS II |
Online Gaming Act (parliamentary passage), Vice-Presidential nominations & political developments, parliamentary business. |
| GS III |
DRDO integrated air-defence trials, economic fallout from new regulation (gaming/sponsorship), heavy monsoon rains & flood risk, space mission updates. |
| GS I & IV |
Cultural events, public memory initiatives, ethical dimensions of regulation & social protection related to new laws. |
| Prelims Focus |
Dates: Online Gaming Bill (Aug 20–22), IADWS test (Aug 23), Durand Cup final (Aug 23), IMD heavy rainfall period beginning Aug 22, VP nominations (Aug 20–21). |
UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Roundup (August 13 – August 19, 2025)
Governance & Polity (GS Paper 2)
- Supreme Court Upholds Right to Internet (Aug 14): SC reiterated that access to internet is part of Right to Education and Right to Livelihood under Article 21.
- National Police Reform Commission Report (Aug 18): Commission recommended modernization of training, AI-based crime tracking, and better accountability systems.
Economy (GS Paper 3)
- WPI Inflation Turns Positive (July Data Released Aug 14): Wholesale Price Index inflation at 0.8% after 4 months of contraction due to food and fuel prices.
- India–Japan Semiconductor Pact (Aug 16): Both countries signed MoU on chip manufacturing collaboration and supply chain resilience.
- MSME Credit Scheme Expansion: Government announced ₹25,000 crore infusion to boost small and medium enterprises, particularly in rural clusters.
Environment & Agriculture (GS Paper 3)
- National Tiger Census 2025 Report Released (Aug 15): India’s tiger population rises to 3,390, a 6% increase since 2022, with Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka leading.
- UN Report on Himalayan Glaciers: Warned that glaciers could lose up to 75% volume by 2100 if warming continues, threatening water security in South Asia.
Science & Technology (GS Paper 3)
- Aditya-L1 Solar Mission Update (Aug 17): ISRO announced that Aditya-L1 has successfully completed one year in orbit, transmitting vital solar wind data.
- India’s First Indigenous 6G Lab Inaugurated: Telecom Ministry launched national 6G testbed in Hyderabad to develop future-ready communications technology.
International Relations (GS Paper 2)
- India–UK Defence Dialogue (Aug 13): Focus on co-development of jet engines, naval cooperation, and cyber defence.
- SAARC Virtual Health Ministers’ Meet (Aug 18): Member states discussed regional vaccine research and digital health infrastructure.
Culture & Ethics (GS Paper 1 & 4)
- Independence Day 2025 Celebrations: PM announced ‘Bharat Smriti’ digital archive initiative to preserve oral histories of freedom fighters and community struggles.
Prelims & Data Points
- WPI Inflation: 0.8% (July 2025)
- Tiger Census 2025: 3,390 tigers (+6%)
- Aditya-L1: One year in orbit
- 6G Lab: Hyderabad testbed launched
- Police Reforms: National Commission report Aug 18
- India–Japan Pact: Semiconductor collaboration
- MSME Support: ₹25,000 crore infusion
Summary Table
| GS Paper |
Key Themes |
| GS II |
Right to Internet ruling, Police reforms report, India–UK defence dialogue, SAARC health cooperation |
| GS III |
WPI rise, MSME credit, semiconductor pact, tiger census, glacier threat, Aditya-L1 data, 6G testbed |
| GS I & IV |
Bharat Smriti initiative, cultural preservation and ethics in governance |
| Prelims Focus |
WPI inflation, tiger count, Aditya-L1, 6G launch, police reforms, MSME credit infusion, glacier warning |
UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Roundup (August 7 – August 12, 2025)
Governance & Polity (GS Paper 2)
- Supreme Court on Criminalization of Politics (Aug 8): SC directed political parties to publish reasons for fielding candidates with criminal records, ensuring voter transparency.
- National E-Court Phase III Rollout: Government launched advanced e-Court services, integrating AI-based translation and real-time case tracking for citizens.
Economy (GS Paper 3)
- Industrial Output Growth (June Data Released Aug 9): IIP rose 6.2% YoY led by core industries like steel, electricity, and cement.
- RBI Launches Unified Digital Rupee Wallet: RBI introduced an interoperable wallet for retail e-rupee transactions across banks and payment apps.
- India–UAE Investment Forum (Aug 10): Focus on renewable energy, port infrastructure, and fintech collaborations under CEPA framework.
Environment & Agriculture (GS Paper 3)
- India’s First Carbon Market Regulations Notified (Aug 11): MoEFCC introduced framework for trading carbon credits with mandatory disclosures for large industries.
- Flood Situation in Assam: Over 10 districts affected; NDRF deployed for rescue as Brahmaputra crosses danger level.
Science & Technology (GS Paper 3)
- ISRO Chandrayaan-3 Anniversary Update: ISRO announced Chandrayaan-3 rover completed one Earth year on the Moon, with extended data on lunar soil minerals.
- India’s First AI Cybersecurity Centre (Aug 12): CERT-IN inaugurated dedicated AI-driven cybersecurity hub in Bengaluru to detect and neutralize threats in real-time.
International Relations (GS Paper 2)
- India–US Strategic Energy Dialogue (Aug 9): Both nations agreed to expand cooperation in clean hydrogen, nuclear energy, and LNG trade.
- Sri Lanka Adopts RuPay Network: After UPI, RuPay cards to be accepted across Sri Lanka under NPCI–CBSL agreement.
Culture & Ethics (GS Paper 1 & 4)
- International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (Aug 9): India highlighted tribal welfare schemes, digital access programs, and preservation of indigenous languages.
Prelims & Data Points
- IIP Growth (June 2025): 6.2%
- Digital Rupee: Interoperable wallet launched
- Carbon Market: Framework notified Aug 11
- Floods: Assam – 10 districts affected
- AI Cyber Hub: CERT-IN Bengaluru
- Chandrayaan-3: One year completed on Moon
- RuPay in Sri Lanka: Network adoption agreement
Summary Table
| GS Paper |
Key Themes |
| GS II |
Criminalization of politics verdict, e-Courts Phase III, India–US energy dialogue, RuPay in Sri Lanka |
| GS III |
IIP rise, digital rupee wallet, carbon market regulations, floods in Assam, AI cybersecurity, lunar data |
| GS I & IV |
Indigenous peoples’ rights, ethical governance through transparency and inclusion |
| Prelims Focus |
IIP growth, carbon credit rules, floods, digital rupee, Chandrayaan-3, AI cybersecurity, RuPay expansion |
UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Roundup (August 1 – August 6, 2025)
Governance & Polity (GS Paper 2)
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act Rules Notified (Aug 2): Government notified implementation rules for the DPDP Act, emphasizing consent, data fiduciaries, and redressal mechanisms.
- Women’s Representation Bill Discussion Reignited: Parliamentary panel submitted a fresh report urging early passage of the 33% women’s reservation bill in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Economy (GS Paper 3)
- GST Collection Hits ₹1.72 Lakh Crore (August 1): India recorded the second-highest ever monthly GST revenue, with a 10% YoY growth, led by manufacturing and services.
- SEBI Launches Beta Testing for Bond Platform: SEBI initiated public testing of its retail investor bond portal to simplify participation in corporate bond markets.
Environment & Agriculture (GS Paper 3)
- ‘Green Credits’ Framework Draft Released: Ministry of Environment proposed a market-based incentive system to promote afforestation, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation.
- FAO Alert on Indian Monsoon Irregularities: UN FAO warned of potential crop shortfalls in South Asia due to uneven monsoon distribution and El Niño conditions.
Science & Technology (GS Paper 3)
- ISRO Tests Reusable Launch Vehicle (Aug 4): Successful horizontal landing of its RLV in Chitradurga, Karnataka—key step in reducing future mission costs.
- National Agri-Drones Scheme Expanded: Over 1,500 drone startups to be onboarded for real-time crop health monitoring and pesticide delivery across 22 states.
International Relations (GS Paper 2)
- India–Africa Trade Pact Draft Finalized: India concluded drafting a strategic partnership agreement with African Union focusing on pharma, infrastructure, and digital payments.
- India Participates in ASEAN Cyber Drill 2025: CERT-IN took part in simulated cyberattack scenarios, enhancing regional preparedness.
Culture & Ethics (GS Paper 1 & 4)
- ASI Launches Digital Museum Archives: Archaeological Survey of India begins digitization of 200+ museums and artifacts using 3D and VR technology for public access.
Prelims & Data Points
- GST Collection (Aug): ₹1.72 lakh crore
- RLV Test: ISRO successful horizontal landing
- DPDP Act: Rules notified August 2
- Green Credit: Draft framework released
- Agri-Drone Expansion: 1500 startups across 22 states
- SEBI Bond Platform: Beta testing launched
- India-Africa Pact: Draft concluded
Summary Table
| GS Paper |
Key Themes |
| GS II |
DPDP Act rules, Women’s Reservation Bill, ASEAN Cyber Drill, India–Africa partnership |
| GS III |
GST growth, SEBI bond reforms, ISRO RLV, agri-drones, green credit system, monsoon warning |
| GS I & IV |
Digital museum initiatives, ethical digitization of heritage |
| Prelims Focus |
GST stats, RLV test, DPDP rules, drone expansion, SEBI portal, green credit, India–Africa pact |
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