National News Updates
Infrastructure Development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major national highway projects worth Rs 11,000 crore in Delhi
The projects include UER-II (Urban Extension Road-II) and Dwarka Expressway
These infrastructure developments will significantly reduce traffic congestion in Delhi-NCR region
PM Modi also announced Rs 2,000 crore infrastructure gift for Haryana state
The new expressways will provide faster connectivity and reduce fuel consumption for commuters
Government Infrastructure Push
Central government approves Rs 480 crore plan to build Soochna Bhavans in 12 state capitals
The project represents the biggest regional media infrastructure push in years
These buildings will house Press Information Bureau, Central Bureau of Communication, and other media units under one roof
First phase covers Lucknow, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad and Kolkata
Each Soochna Bhavan will cost approximately Rs 40 crore
Space Achievement
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla landed in Delhi as the second Indian to travel to space
This achievement marks another milestone in India’s space exploration program
The successful mission demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in space technology
Judicial Updates
Supreme Court reserved order on plea to stay relocation of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR
Court directed Election Commission to publish names of 65 lakh missing Bihar voters within four days
Supreme Court addressed concerns regarding voter registration transparency
Various judicial decisions impacting public policy were announced
International News Updates
Diplomatic Developments
Historic Trump-Putin summit held in Alaska regarding Ukraine conflict resolution
Germany proposed trilateral meeting between Trump, Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky in Europe
The summit aimed to find peaceful solutions to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war
International community closely monitoring diplomatic initiatives for conflict resolution
Defense and Security
Pakistan received third Hangor-class submarine from China
This delivery is part of China’s efforts to upgrade Pakistan’s naval capabilities in Indian Ocean
The submarine acquisition strengthens Pakistan’s maritime defense infrastructure
Regional security dynamics continue to evolve with new defense partnerships
Trade Relations
US-India trade talks originally scheduled for August 25 postponed to later date
The sixth round of Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations faces delays
50% Trump tariffs on Indian goods set to take effect from August 27
Trade tensions continue to impact bilateral economic relations between world’s largest economies
Economic and Banking News
RBI Monetary Policy
Reserve Bank of India kept repo rate unchanged at 5.50% in August MPC meeting
RBI revised inflation forecast for FY26 downward to 3.1% from previous 3.7%
GDP growth projection for FY26 maintained at 6.5%
Central bank maintains neutral policy stance amid economic uncertainties
Cash Reserve Ratio cut scheduled to begin from September 2025
Credit Rating Upgrade
S&P Global upgraded India’s sovereign rating to BBB from BBB-
This marks the first upgrade since 2007, reflecting strong fiscal discipline
The upgrade was backed by policy stability and infrastructure-led growth
Rating improvement expected to attract more foreign investments
Stock Market Performance
BSE Sensex traded at 80,598 points with marginal gains of 0.07%
IT and consumer durables sectors showed strength during trading session
Metals and energy sectors faced sharp losses during the session
Market sentiment supported by expectations of interest rate cuts
Financial Indicators
India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $4.7 billion to $693 billion
FPIs (Foreign Portfolio Investors) sold Indian equities worth Rs 21,000 crore in first half of August
Banking sector maintains strong Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio of 17%
Commercial banks show healthy liquidity ratio at 132%
Bank credit growth recorded at 12.1% in 2024-25
Sports Updates
Cricket News
Mohun Bagan faced East Bengal in blockbuster Durand Cup quarterfinal match
Pakistan announced squad for Asia Cup 2025 under Salman Agha’s leadership
Senior players Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan overlooked for T20I format
Suryakumar Yadav cleared fitness test ahead of Asia Cup selection meeting
Chennai Super Kings clarified details regarding Dewald Brevis signing controversy
Upcoming Tournaments
Asian Shooting Championships 2025 to feature Manu Bhaker leading Indian challenge
Tournament spotlight on youngster Suruchi Phogat in Air Pistol category
Multiple international competitions scheduled for remainder of August
Indian athletes preparing for various global sporting events
Government Schemes and Policies
Agricultural Initiatives
PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana proposed to benefit 1.7 crore farmers
Program will cover 100 districts with low productivity and moderate crop intensity
National Mission for Edible Oilseed launched to achieve Atmanirbharta
6-year Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses announced with focus on Urad, Tur, and Masoor
Employment and Entrepreneurship
PM Internship Scheme continues implementation across various sectors
New scheme introduced for 5 lakh women, SC and ST first-time entrepreneurs
Term loans up to Rs 2 crore available for next 5 years
Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme launched to address agricultural underemployment
Infrastructure Development
Green Credit Programme planned under Environment Protection Act framework
Wetland conservation initiative scheduled for next three years
Focus on sustainable development and environmental protection
Multiple infrastructure projects announced for rural development
State Election Updates
Jammu and Kashmir
Assembly elections concluded successfully in three phases
First elections in over a decade since special status revocation
Voter turnout of 65.58% recorded in final phase
Peaceful conduct with no major incidents reported
Haryana
Assembly elections scheduled for October 5, 2024
Counting of votes postponed to October 8
BJP seeks third consecutive term in the state
Election dates changed to honor Bishnoi community traditions
Weather and Natural Disasters
Monsoon Updates
Heavy rainfall warning issued for 20 districts in Bihar
Madhya Pradesh experiencing flood-like conditions with cars floating in rivers
Red alert issued for Goa state due to excessive rainfall
Orange alert maintained for Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Assam, and Meghalaya
Disaster Management
Natural disaster in Jammu Kashmir’s Kishtwar claims 65 lives
200 people still reported missing in the affected region
Rescue operations continue with 500 people successfully evacuated
Emergency response teams deployed for relief operations
Important Dates and Deadlines
Banking Exam Calendar
Various bank recruitment notifications expected in coming months
IBPS, SBI, and other banking exam schedules being finalized
Preparation timeline for competitive exams requires current affairs knowledge
Regular updates essential for banking and government job aspirants
Government Deadlines
Election Commission given four days to publish missing voter names
Various policy implementation deadlines approaching
Budget allocation timelines for new schemes announced
Administrative procedures being streamlined for better governance
This comprehensive current affairs update for 17.08.2025 provides essential information for banking exam preparations, competitive exam aspirants, and general knowledge enhancement. The coverage includes national policy developments, international relations, economic indicators, sports achievements, and government schemes that are frequently asked in various competitive examinations.
