• President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, aimed at encouraging electronic sports while prohibiting harmful online money gaming services

• The bill was introduced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Lok Sabha on August 20, 2025, and passed by both houses without debate

• Offering online money gaming services will be punishable with imprisonment for up to three years and a fine up to Rs. 1 crore

• Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), India’s global initiative to protect seven species of big cats by signing the framework agreement

• The alliance now represents over 95 countries working together to conserve tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and pumas

• Nepal has successfully tripled its tiger population from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2022, showcasing effective conservation efforts

• Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the two-day All India Speakers’ Conference in New Delhi to strengthen parliamentary democracy and governance

• RRU (Rajiv Gandhi University) signed an MOU with SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) to strengthen training and academic collaboration in national security

• SEBI has approved the reclassification of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) as a public shareholder in IDBI Bank

• Former CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh has been appointed as Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) to oversee internal affairs including J&K security and Left-Wing Extremism

• SEBI appointed Amit Pradhan, Avneesh Pandey, and Sanjay Chandrakant Purao as its new Executive Directors to strengthen key functional verticals

Defence and Space Technology

• DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) on August 23, 2025, off the coast of Odisha

• The multi-layered system includes QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles), VSHORADS missiles, and a laser-based Directed Energy Weapon

• The system simultaneously destroyed three different targets at varying ranges and altitudes, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence capabilities

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO for establishing India’s multi-layered air defence capability to strengthen area defence against enemy aerial threats

• ISRO successfully conducted the first Integrated Air Drop Test for the Gaganyaan mission, demonstrating end-to-end parachute deployment and crew module recovery

• A Chinook helicopter carried the dummy crew module to 3 kilometers height, 40 kilometers off Sriharikota coast, successfully testing splashdown procedures

• The first uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 mission is scheduled for launch in December 2025featuring Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot

International Affairs

• India-Australia concluded the 11th round of CECA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement) negotiations in New Delhi from August 18-23, 2025

• Discussions covered goods, services, digital trade, rules of origin, legal provisions, environment, labor, and gender equality for strengthening bilateral trade

• Both countries remain committed to early conclusion of the mutually beneficial agreement building on their interim trade deal from December 2022

• US President Donald Trump issued notice for additional 25% tariffs on Indian imports, set to take effect from August 27, 2025

• Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s message of “resilience” in response to the punitive US tariff measures

• Ukrainian President Zelensky thanked PM Modi for Independence Day wishes, acknowledging India’s contribution to global peace efforts

• North Korea test-fired two new air defence missiles amid heightened military tensions with the United States

• Ukraine marked 34 years of independence with continued US support while President Zelensky urged fair peace for regional stability

• Vietnam began mass evacuations and closed airports as Typhoon Kajiki approached the region

Banking and Finance

• Federal Bank has been permitted by Reserve Bank of India to collect Maharashtra government payments including taxation, fees, and fines

• Winfast Auto India partnered with State Bank of India to offer financing solutions for electric vehicle customers with lower documentation requirements

• SBI warned that private capital expenditure outlook for financial year 2026 may be weaker than 2025, potentially falling further due to US tariffs

• State Bank of India opened a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Center of Excellence to boost the Indian entrepreneur ecosystem

• Japan’s SMBC received RBI approval to acquire a 25% stake in Yes Bank, strengthening international banking partnerships

• India’s forex reserves increased by $1.5 billion to reach $695 billion, providing strong macroeconomic stability

• Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) injected a record $80 billion into Indian markets over the past 12 months, double the foreign outflow

• Fitch Ratings reaffirmed India’s sovereign credit rating at ‘BBB-‘, citing robust economic growth and strong external finances

Sports Updates

• Lakshya Sen exited the BWF World Championships 2025 in the opening round, losing to world number one Shi Yu Qi of China 17-21, 19-21

• The match lasted 54 minutes at the Adidas Arena in Paris, extending Shi Yu Qi’s head-to-head advantage over Sen to 4-1

• NorthEast United FC retained the Durand Cup 2025 title by defeating Diamond Harbour FC6-1 in the final at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan

• Diamond Harbour FC became runners-up in their debut Durand Cup appearance, having defeated East Bengal in the semifinals

• Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara announced retirement from all forms of cricket after a distinguished career spanning over a decade

• BCCI begins hunt for new sponsor for Team India after Dream11 walked out following the Online Gaming Bill 2025

• Mirabai Chanu won gold at the Commonwealth Championship, demonstrating strong form one year after Paris Olympics disappointment

Science and Environment

• World Water Week 2025 is being observed from August 24-28 in Stockholm, Sweden, with the theme “Water for Climate Action”

• The event addresses water-related climate challenges and promotes solutions for impactful climate action globally

• Malaysia launched Ryt Bank, the world’s first AI-powered bank, marking a significant technological advancement in financial services

• PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) came into effect from August 1, 2025, with an outlay of Rs. 99,446 crore to create 3.5 crore jobs

Economic Developments

• Akums and Government of Zambia announced a joint venture to setup pharmaceutical facility in Zambia, expanding India’s global healthcare footprint

• Nifty ended the week in green with approximately 1% gains, showing positive momentum in Indian equity markets

• Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained net sellers, offloading equities worth Rs. 25,564 crore in August 2025

• India’s stock markets prepare for $20 billion IPO lock-in expiries over the next quarter, potentially influencing market liquidity and sentiment