Current Affairs One - Liner : 17th & 18th August 2025

National:

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched SabhaSaar on 14th August 2025. It uses AI to auto-generate Gram Sabha meeting summaries from audio/video recordings. Integrated with Bhashini, it supports 13 Indian languages for multilingual transcription. Tripura became the first state to implement it across 1,194 Gram Panchayats.

• On 19th August 2025, IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Government of Maharashtra. The partnership promotes Quantum Computing through training, workshops, and expert collaboration. It supports India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) and the vision of Viksit Bharat. IBM also launched its India Client Experience Centre in Mumbai to showcase emerging technologies.
• On 15 August 2025, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched the FASTag Annual Pass service across 1,150 toll plazas nationwide. It offers 200 trips or 1-year validity for ₹3,000, easing travel for private vehicles using FASTag (Electronic Toll Collection System). Activation is done via the Rajmargyatra Mobile App or NHAI website within 2 hours of payment.
• On India’s 79th Independence Day, the tricolour was hoisted atop Seattle’s 605-ft Space Needle. It marked a historic first, celebrating the vibrant Indian-American community. Consul General Prakash Gupta and Mayor Bruce Harrell led the ceremony. Seattle landmarks also lit up in saffron, white, and green.
• On 17th August 2025, PM Modi launched two major highway projects in New Delhi. These include the Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II). Together worth nearly ₹11,000 crore, they aim to ease traffic and boost connectivity. The projects link key hubs like Dwarka, Bahadurgarh, Sonipat, and Delhi Ring Roads.
• Mountaineer Kabak Yano from Arunachal Pradesh summited Mount Elbrus on 16th August 2025. It is the highest peak in Russia and Europe, standing at 18,510 feet. Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.) congratulated her on 17th August 2025.

Economy:

• India’s merchandise exports rose 7.3% YoY in July 2025, totaling $37.24 billion. Growth was led by engineering goods, electronics, gems & jewellery, and pharmaceuticals. Imports surged 8.6% to $64.59 billion, widening the trade deficit to $27.35 billion, an 8-month high

Science & Technology:

• A state-of-the-art ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)-supported space lab was inaugurated in Mechuka, Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh on 16 August 2025. Named Pasang Wangchuk Sona ISRO Space Laboratory, it was launched by Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona in tribute to his late father.

Sports:

• Rishabh Yadav won the bronze medal in men's compound archery at the World Games 2025. The event took place on 9 August at Qinglong Lake, Chengdu, China. He defeated Abhishek Verma 149–147 in an all-Indian bronze medal match. This marks India’s first-ever individual medal at the World Games.
• Indian badminton player Devika Sihag won her first International Challenge title on 17th August 2025. She triumphed at the Malaysia International Challenge 2025 held in Ipoh, Malaysia. Devika defeated Isharani Baruah 15–7, 15–12 in the women’s singles final.

Defence:

• The Indian Navy received its 3rd Survey Vessel (Large) – Ikshak – from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata on 14 August 2025. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), it supports deep-sea hydrographic surveys and oceanographic data collection. Equipped with Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), it exceeds speeds of 18 knots.

Appointments:

• Tata Sons shareholders unanimously approved Noel N Tata’s appointment as Director at the 107th AGM. He was earlier inducted as Additional Director in October 2024 and now chairs Tata Trusts. The AGM also confirmed reappointments of Venu Srinivasan and Saurabh Agrawal, and added Anita George. Shapoorji Pallonji Group, holding 18.4%, supported all resolutions, signaling broad consensus.

Awards & Honours:

• The 8th National Anubhav Awards 2025 were held on 18th August at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh honoured 15 retirees from 11 ministries and departments. Awards recognize impactful narratives shared on the Anubhav Portal by retiring government officials. Notable winners included Shalini Kacker (SBI) and Saju P.K. (CRPF) for exemplary service.
• Manika Vishwakarma was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 on 18 August in Jaipur. She will represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November. Her victory highlights India’s growing presence in global beauty platforms. The event celebrated elegance, talent, and cultural pride on a national stage.

Obituaries:

• Terence Stamp, legendary English actor best known as General Zod in Superman (1978, 1980), passed away on 17 August 2025, aged 87. He earned an Oscar nomination for his debut in Billy Budd (1962) and starred in over 70 films across six decades.

Questions:

Q.1 Devika Sihag clinched her first International Challenge badminton title in which country?
a) Malaysia
b) Singapore
c) Thailand
d) Indonesia

Answer: a) She won the Malaysia International Challenge 2025 in Ipoh, defeating Isharani Baruah in women’s singles final.

Q.2 India’s merchandise exports rose by how much in July 2025 compared to last year?
a) 5.1%
b) 6.2%
c) 7.3%
d) 8.6%

Answer: c) Exports touched $37.24 bn, while imports rose 8.6% to $64.59 bn, widening the trade deficit to $27.35 bn (8-month high).