Table of Contents
National Affairs
- The GoM on GST rate rationalisation adopted the Centre’s proposal to scrap 12% and 28% tax slabs, recommending just two slabs at 5% and 18%. This major overhaul simplifies indirect taxation and boosts compliance.
- India observed the second National Space Day on August 23, 2025, commemorating Chandrayaan-3’s successful Moon landing in 2023. Theme: “India’s Journey from Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan.”
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) launched ‘Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan’, the world’s largest grassroots tribal leadership development programme.
- Kerala achieved full digital literacy, promoting inclusive e-governance and aligning with Digital India initiatives.
UGC released a draft curriculum integrating ancient Indian wisdom (esp. in anthropology) with modern education. - Following Supreme Court orders, Haryana formally defined forests to guide land use and conservation policies.
- The Supreme Court directed political parties to assist the ECI in reinstating excluded voters in Bihar, strengthening electoral integrity.
UIDAI rolled out Aadhaar-based authentication for cooperative banks, improving digital banking access. - The SC modified earlier orders, allowing vaccinated stray dogs to return to their localities while ensuring sterilisation and monitoring.
- PM Narendra Modi and CM Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Aunta-Simaria bridge on the Ganga, enhancing Bihar’s connectivity.
- ISRO Chairman V Narayanan highlighted 55 space technology applications in citizen welfare, communication, and security.
International Relations
- Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake in South Atlantic triggered tsunami advisories for Antarctica and South Atlantic islands.
- At the SCO Summit attended by PM Modi and President Putin, China urged overcoming Cold War mentality.
Security Developments:
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- North Korea–South Korea border tensions after warning shots.
- Israel’s Defence Minister warned of demolishing Gaza City if Hamas does not disarm.
- Colombia crisis: car bomb + helicopter strike killed 17 people.
- Iran’s Naval Exercise ‘Sustainable Power 1404’ held in Gulf of Oman, signalling regional security shifts.
Diplomacy and Politics:
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- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on furniture, set a two-week Russia–Ukraine negotiation deadline, and announced FIFA 2026 draw in Washington, D.C.
- Thailand cleared ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra of charges.
- Italy imposed ₹50,000 fines for tourist misbehaviour.
- Ex-Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrested for fund misuse.
Prominent NRI industrialist, philanthropist, Padma Bhushan awardee passed away at 94. Known for saving London Zoo and boosting India–UK ties.
Economic and Business Affairs
- India’s Forex Reserves: Rose to $695.10 billion, a $1.48 billion weekly gain.
- JICA Investment: Invested USD 40 million in Aavishkaar Capital to strengthen SMEs in Asia & Africa.
- L&T Finance + Google Pay Partnership: Offering personal loans through Google Pay.
- OpenAI’s First Indian Office: To be set up in New Delhi.
- Real Money Gaming Ban: Dream11 & My11Circle suspended cash games due to regulatory uncertainty.
Science & Technology
- NASA & IBM AI Model ‘Surya’: New AI tool trained on solar data to predict solar storms.
- Meta Cloud Partnership: Meta announced a major cloud deal, signalling tech sector expansion in India.
Environment & Social Issues
- Unsettled Forest Rights in Nicobar Project: Concerns raised as tribal forest rights under FRA 2006 were ignored in the Great Nicobar project.
- Need for AI Guardrails in Judiciary: Experts call for regulating AI use in courtrooms to ensure fairness and ethics.
Sports News
- Women’s ICC World Cup 2025: DY Patil Stadium (Navi Mumbai) will host league matches & semifinals, replacing Bengaluru.
- Dream11 Ban Impact: May lead to Team India losing jersey sponsor before Asia Cup 2025.
- Chess960 Exhibition Match: Viswanathan Anand vs Garry Kasparov in a 12-game match.
- Asian Shooting Championships: Elavenil Valarivan won gold in 10m air rifle.
- BCCI Opens Applications: Recruitment for men’s & women’s selection committees.
- Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics: 18th International Olympiad hosted in Mumbai with global participation.
Obituaries & Important Days
- International Day for Victims of Religious Violence: Observed on August 23.
State/Regional Highlights
- Karnataka: Signed MoU with BEL for real-time farm advisory.
- Assam: Announced ₹600 crore Nelco skill partnership for youth.
- Odisha: Signed 3 MoUs for heritage, adventure & Buddhist tourism.