National Affairs
79th Independence Day Celebrations – Naya Bharat Theme
India celebrated its 79th Independence Day on 15.08.2025 with PM Modi delivering his 12th consecutive speech from the historic Red Fort. The celebrations centered around the theme of ‘Naya Bharat’ (New India), reflecting the government’s vision for a developed India by 2047.
Key highlights from the Independence Day ceremony include:
PM Modi’s tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee for his contributions to national unity
Special honor for Operation Sindoor’s success against terrorism
Recognition of 50 top-performing Delhi sanitation workers as special guests
21-gun salute and flower petal shower from Indian Air Force helicopters
Live broadcast across the nation with various viewing platforms
Operation Sindoor Recognition and Military Excellence
The Independence Day 2025 witnessed unprecedented recognition for military personnel involved in Operation Sindoor. This operation, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, successfully targeted nine terror facilities deep inside Pakistan.
Awards and recognition details:
36 air warriors received gallantry honors specifically for Operation Sindoor
233 armed forces personnel honored across all three services
Historic first-ever conferment of ‘Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal’ to Air Force officers
Operation resulted in elimination of over 100 terrorists
India also successfully countered Pakistani drone strikes and targeted 11 military sites
Semiconductor Manufacturing Breakthrough
PM Modi announced a major milestone in India’s technological journey with the upcoming launch of the first ‘Made-in-India’ semiconductor chips by the end of 2025. This represents a significant step toward technological self-reliance.
Manufacturing developments include:
Six semiconductor units currently operational across the country
Four new semiconductor units approved with Rs 4,594 crore investment
Manufacturing facilities approved in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab
Collaboration with international technology partners including Intel and Lockheed Martin
Strategic push to reduce dependence on imported semiconductor technology
Employment Generation and Economic Initiatives
The PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana was launched with an unprecedented allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore, targeting employment creation for 3.5 crore youth across the nation.
Employment scheme features:
Rs 15,000 guaranteed payment for every youth securing private sector employment
Comprehensive skill development programs
Focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities
Integration with existing government schemes for maximum impact
Special emphasis on youth from rural and semi-urban areas
GST Reforms and Tax Rationalization
PM Modi announced next-generation GST reforms as a Diwali gift for citizens, promising significant reduction in tax burden for common people and businesses.
Expected GST changes include:
Elimination of the 12% tax slab
Redistribution of items between 5% and 18% categories
Simplification of tax structure for businesses
Reduction in compliance burden for MSMEs
Enhanced revenue stability for states through restructured cess
International Affairs
India-Pakistan Diplomatic Tensions
Relations between India and Pakistan witnessed significant escalation during the Independence Day period, with Pakistan’s leadership issuing warnings over water-sharing arrangements under the Indus Water Treaty.
Key diplomatic developments:
Pakistan PM’s stern warning against water diversions
India’s firm rejection of Pakistan’s anti-India rhetoric and nuclear threats
Heightened tensions following Operation Sindoor success
Pakistan’s announcement of creating a rocket force similar to China’s
Ongoing dialogue challenges over bilateral issues
US-India Trade Relations Under Pressure
The relationship between India and the United States faced new challenges with potential tariff impositions threatening bilateral trade worth nearly $87 billion annually.
Trade relationship aspects:
India’s textile, footwear, and precious stone industries at risk
Failed trade negotiations over agricultural sector liberalization
Disagreements over Russian oil imports continue
Indian foreign ministry’s emphasis on mutual respect and shared interests
Strategic hedging approach recommended by economists
Global Sports Calendar and International Events
August 2025 featured several major international sporting events with Indian participation and global significance.
International sports highlights:
World Aquatics Championships continued in Singapore
Women’s Rugby World Cup preparation in England
European sporting events across multiple disciplines
Asian Games 2026 qualification events ongoing
International chess tournaments with Indian grandmasters
Banking and Financial Sector
RBI Monetary Policy Decisions
The Reserve Bank of India maintained its repo rate at 5.5% during the August 2025 Monetary Policy Committee meeting, following extensive economic assessment and inflation analysis.
Monetary policy highlights:
Unanimous decision to keep repo rate unchanged at 5.5%
Policy stance maintained as ‘Neutral’ allowing flexibility
Inflation forecast revised downward to 3.1% for FY26
GDP growth projection sustained at 6.5% for current fiscal
Cumulative rate cuts of 100 basis points implemented since February 2025
Banking Laws Amendment Act 2025 Implementation
Significant reforms in the banking sector came into effect from August 1, 2025, through the Banking Laws Amendment Act, enhancing governance and depositor protection.
Key legislative changes:
PSBs authorized to transfer unclaimed amounts to IEPF
Substantial interest threshold increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 2 crore
Extended director tenure in cooperative banks from 8-10 years
19 comprehensive amendments across five major banking acts
Improved audit quality and governance standards implementation
Digital Banking Revolution
India’s digital payment ecosystem achieved remarkable milestones with over 65,000 crore transactions valued at Rs 12,000 lakh crore in recent years.
Digital banking progress:
Establishment of more than 4 crore digital touch points nationwide
Digital rupee (e₹) pilot program gradual expansion
New RBI Digital Lending Directions 2025 for borrower protection
Continuous clearing and settlement system for cheques from October 2025
Enhanced security measures for digital transactions
Banking Service Modifications
Several major banks implemented significant changes in their service structures and fee systems during August 2025.
Banking service updates:
ICICI Bank initially raised minimum balance requirements, later revised to Rs 15,000
SBI introduced charges for IMPS transfers exceeding Rs 25,000
Various banks updated their fee structures for credit cards and ATM usage
Enhanced customer protection measures in digital lending
Improved grievance redressal mechanisms implementation
Sports News and Achievements
Cricket and Chess Dominance
Indian sports continued to showcase excellence across multiple disciplines, particularly in cricket and chess competitions.
Cricket developments:
India vs Australia hockey match scheduled for Independence Day
Chennai Grand Masters chess tournament concluded successfully
D Gukesh’s impressive performance in St. Louis Rapid and Blitz tournament
S. Rohith Krishna achieved the milestone of becoming India’s 89th Chess Grandmaster
Vincent Keymer sealed the Chennai Grand Masters title
Commonwealth Games 2030 Bid Success
The Indian Olympic Association officially approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking a historic opportunity for the nation.
Commonwealth Games preparations:
Special General Meeting approval in New Delhi on August 13, 2025
Comprehensive infrastructure development plans
Multi-sport event hosting experience utilization
Expected economic and tourism benefits
International sporting community recognition
Athletic Achievements and Policy Changes
Indian athletics witnessed significant policy implementations and performance milestones during August 2025.
Athletic sector updates:
Athletics Federation of India introduced mandatory SRY gene testing for female athletes
Compliance with World Athletics eligibility rules
Enhanced competition standards and fairness measures
Improved athlete support systems
International competition preparation protocols
Sports Personalities and Tributes
The sporting community mourned the loss of legendary hockey player Dr Vece Paes while celebrating current achievements.
Sports personality news:
Olympic bronze medallist Dr Vece Paes passed away at age 80
David Warner surpassed Virat Kohli in T20 cricket run-scoring statistics
Recognition of various sports administrators and coaches
Tribute to sports icons who contributed to Independence struggle
Celebration of current sports achievements and future prospects
Education Sector Updates
University Examination Results
Multiple universities across India declared important examination results during August 2025, affecting thousands of students nationwide.
University result updates:
Osmania University released various semester and annual examination results
University of Rajasthan announced multiple professional course results
Delhi University and Mumbai University updated their result portals
Pondicherry University declared integrated course results
Various state universities completed their result declaration process
Government Education Schemes and Initiatives
Several government schemes for educational advancement received renewed focus and implementation during Independence Day period.
Educational scheme highlights:
SHRESHTA scheme providing residential education for SC students
Annual selection of 3000 students for Classes 9 and 11 admissions
PRAYAAS 2025-26 scheme launched for young researchers
PM-YASASVI scheme benefits for OBC, EBC, and DNT students
Enhanced scholarship programs for higher education access
Awards and Appointments
Independence Day 2025 Gallantry Awards
The government announced comprehensive recognition for exemplary service across various departments and forces.
Awards distribution:
1,090 personnel received gallantry and service medals
233 Gallantry Medals for exceptional bravery
99 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service
758 Medals for Meritorious Service
Highest recognition for Jammu and Kashmir personnel
Government Appointments and Transfers
Significant administrative changes and appointments were announced across various government departments and public sector organizations.
Administrative appointments:
Multiple IAS officer appointments and inter-cadre transfers
New judicial appointments across various High Courts
Leadership changes in public sector banks and financial institutions
Key position appointments in central ministries and departments
Strategic placement of officers in crucial administrative roles
Important Dates and Events
August 2025 Examination Calendar
Students preparing for competitive examinations should note the following important dates and result declarations.
Key Government Scheme Deadlines
Various government schemes have specific application deadlines that candidates should be aware of for timely submission.
Banking and Financial Sector Important Dates
Financial sector participants should mark their calendars for upcoming policy announcements and implementation dates.
The comprehensive current affairs update for 15.08.2025 provides essential information for candidates preparing for banking examinations, UPSC, SSC, railway recruitments, and other competitive examinations. Regular study of such updates enhances general awareness and current affairs knowledge essential for success in government job examinations.
