National News and Politics
Prime Minister Modi’s China Visit for SCO Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, for the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit scheduled on 31.08.2025 and 01.09.2025
This marks PM Modi’s first visit to China after a gap of 7 years, highlighting significant diplomatic developments
The summit brings together heads of state from SCO member countries, with over 20 foreign leaders and 10 international organization heads attending
Key bilateral meetings expected with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin
Focus areas include regional security, connectivity, sustainable development, and global cooperation
The visit comes amid strained India-US relations due to tariff policies, positioning India’s strategic balancing between major powers
Major Infrastructure Developments
PM Modi inaugurated two National Highway projects worth Rs 11,000 crore in Delhi-NCR region on 17.08.2025
Projects include Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway (Rs 5,360 crore) and Urban Extension Road-II stretch (Rs 5,580 crore)
Infrastructure initiatives launched in Gujarat worth over Rs 5,400 crore covering railways, roads, power, and housing
PM Modi laid foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 13,000 crore in Gaya, Bihar on 22.08.2025
Projects aimed at improving connectivity, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing quality of life in Delhi-NCR region
Economic Updates
GDP Growth Performance
India’s GDP grew at 7.8% in Q1 FY 2025-26, surpassing analysts’ estimates of 6.5-7%
Real GDP estimated at Rs 47.89 lakh crore compared to Rs 44.42 lakh crore in previous year
Nominal GDP growth recorded at 8.8% in Q1 FY 2025-26
Services sector contributed significantly to economic growth with real GVA growth of 7.6%
India maintains position as world’s fastest-growing major economy despite global challenges
Inflation and Monetary Policy
CPI inflation declined to 1.55% in July 2025, the lowest since January 2019
Food inflation turned negative at -1.76% in July 2025
Core inflation remained stable at 4.3% in Q1 FY26
RBI’s inflation targeting framework maintained with 4% target and ±2% tolerance band
Favorable base effects and adequate food grain stocks contributing to inflation moderation
Trade and Investment
India emerged as Ukraine’s largest diesel supplier in July 2025
Private sector recorded highest growth in August 2025 with PMI reaching 65.2
New orders and export business showed rapid growth in manufacturing and services
India’s defense capital expenditure exceeded Rs 1.6 lakh crore with 81% spent domestically
International Relations and Agreements
India-Japan Partnership
India and Japan signed 13 agreements and MoUs during PM Modi’s visit to Japan
Cooperation areas include security, space exploration, clean energy, and digital partnership
Joint Vision for Next Decade and Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation finalized
ISRO-JAXA implementing arrangement for joint lunar polar exploration signed
Agreements on Clean Hydrogen, Ammonia, and mineral resources cooperation
India-UK Trade Agreement
India-UK Free Trade Agreement officially signed and formalized on 24.07.2025
Trade pact projected to enhance bilateral trade by US$34 billion annually
Indian businesses to enjoy nearly tariff-free access to British markets
Three-year exemption from social security contributions for Indian professionals in UK
Other International Developments
India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement to be implemented from 01.10.2025
EFTA committed to invest US$100 billion in India over 15 years
India-EU concluded 11th round of FTA negotiations with target completion by end of 2025
India-Chile CEPA negotiations launched with focus on digital services and critical minerals
Banking and Financial Sector
Banking Recruitment Updates
RBI Grade B 2025 notification expected to release on 08.09.2025
SBI Clerk 2025 recruitment for 6,589 vacancies with application deadline 26.08.2025
IBPS Clerk 2025 applications close on 21.08.2025 with prelims exam in October
IBPS PO 2025 prelims exam scheduled for 23-24.08.2025
Multiple bank recruitment notifications released including Bank of Maharashtra, REPCO Bank
Financial Inclusion Initiatives
PM Jan Dhan Yojana completes 11 years with significant achievements in financial inclusion
Three-month nationwide saturation campaign launched from 01.07.2025 to 30.09.2025
99,753 camps held in first month leading to 6.6 lakh new PMJDY accounts
Over 22.65 lakh new enrollments under Jan Suraksha Schemes
KYC verification completed for over 4.73 lakh inactive accounts
Government Schemes and Initiatives
Employment and Skill Development
Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) launched on 15.08.2025
Scheme aims to boost formal employment through financial incentives
Focus on creating employment opportunities for youth and enhancing skill development
Integration with existing employment guarantee schemes for comprehensive coverage
Digital and Technology Initiatives
Anna Chakra PDS Supply Chain Optimization Tool implemented in 30 states and UTs
Meri Panchayat App receives WSIS Champion Award for digital governance
Multiple e-governance initiatives recognized with Gold and Silver awards
Emphasis on digital transformation across government departments
Defense and Security
Indigenous Defense Manufacturing
First two TEJAS MK-1A variants expected delivery to IAF by end of September 2025
Cabinet approval for additional 97 TEJAS Mark 1A fighters worth Rs 62,000 crore
Total TEJAS MK-1A fleet to reach 180 units, replacing aging MiG-21 series
Over 65% of TEJAS components sourced domestically involving hundreds of MSMEs
DRDO hands over indigenous Signal Star Naval Flare to Indian Navy
DRDO receives export clearance for Netra Airborne Early Warning system
Strategic Developments
IAF exercise announced in Rajasthan near Pakistan border
Indian Army successfully air-drops indigenous Airborne Field Artillery Tractor
BEML starts assembly of 800 Light Armored Multi-purpose Vehicles for Indian Army
Naval variant of Guided Pinaka MK4 with 300 km range under development
Sports Updates
International Achievements
Satwik-Chirag duo secured bronze medal at BWF World Championships 2025 semifinals
India women’s hockey team faced setback with Deepika ruled out of Asia Cup due to injury
Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 continues across multiple cities
Multiple international sporting events scheduled in India through December 2025
Upcoming Events
Men’s Asia Cup Hockey in Rajgir scheduled for September 2025
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in multiple Indian cities from 30.09.2025 to 02.11.2025
World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi from 27.09.2025 to 05.10.2025
BWF World Junior Championships in Guwahati from 06.10.2025 to 19.10.2025
Awards and Recognition
National Recognition
Multiple Padma Awards announced for 2025 including Padma Bhushan for Ram Bahadur Rai
Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar winners announced across various languages
National e-Governance Awards presented to various government departments and initiatives
Swachh Bharat Mission recognitions for cleanest cities and states
International Awards
PM Modi receives multiple international honors including Grand Cross orders
Indian institutions and companies receive global recognition for excellence
Scientists and researchers honored for contributions in various fields
Cultural and literary figures receive international acclaim
Key Appointments and Transfers
Administrative Changes
Multiple diplomatic appointments and transfers in foreign missions
Senior bureaucratic reshuffles in central and state governments
New appointments in public sector enterprises and regulatory bodies
Academic and research institution leadership changes
Important Dates and Events
Upcoming Examinations
IBPS Clerk Prelims: 04, 05, 11 October 2025
IBPS PO Prelims: 23-24 August 2025
SBI Clerk applications close: 26 August 2025
RBI Grade B notification: 08 September 2025
Policy Implementation Dates
EFTA Agreement implementation: 01 October 2025
Financial inclusion campaign: Till 30 September 2025
Various infrastructure project completions scheduled through 2025-26
This comprehensive update covers all major developments relevant for banking and competitive examination preparation, focusing on national and international events that impact India’s political, economic, and social landscape.
