- IIT Madras signed a ₹1 crore agreement on 18 August 2025 to license India’s first Silicon Photonics-based Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG). The deal was made with Indrarka Quantum Technologies Pvt Ltd for commercial rollout. QRNG was developed at Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems (CPPICS), IIT-M.
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- On 18 August 2025, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced India’s plan for an indigenous space station by 2035. A crewed Moon mission by 2040 was also unveiled, marking a bold leap in space exploration. These goals align with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision for scientific advancement.
- Russia will launch the Venera-D mission to Venus by 2036, reviving its Soviet-era planetary program. The mission includes a lander, orbiter, and balloon probe to study Venus’s surface and atmosphere. Design work begins in January 2026, with launch expected between 2034–2036.
- On 19 August 2025, the government approved traffic infrastructure projects in Rajasthan and Odisha. Rajasthan will get a ₹1,507 crore greenfield airport in Kota-Bundi to ease congestion. Odisha’s ₹8,307 crore Capital Region Ring Road will divert traffic around Bhubaneswar. Both projects aim to boost connectivity and generate over 1.6 crore person-days of employment.
- On 20 August 2025, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar co-chaired the 26th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) in Moscow. Jaishankar flagged a $58.9 billion trade imbalance, despite trade rising fivefold to $68 billion, and urged diversification
- On 18 August 2025, ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal launched his AI startup Parallel Web Systems. Based in Palo Alto, it aims to build a “web for machines” to empower real-time AI research. Its flagship product, Deep Research API, outperformed GPT-5 in complex web tasks. Backed by $30 million, it’s already powering millions of AI-driven operations daily.
- The Lok Sabha passed the IIM (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to establish a new IIM in Guwahati, Assam. It will be the 22nd IIM and recognized as an Institution of National Importance. ₹550 crore has been allocated, with IIM Ahmedabad as the mentor institute. This marks Assam’s second IIM, boosting higher education in the Northeast.
- The Pahalgam terror attack occurred on April 22, 2025, killing 26 civilians. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 6–7, 2025, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK. In August 2025, NCERT introduced modules to honor the mission’s bravery and strategic excellence. These are tailored for Classes 3–12, highlighting valour, indigenous tech, and national unity.
- On August 20, 2025, the Online Gaming Bill was passed in Lok Sabha. It bans real money gaming and related advertisements to curb addiction and fraud. E-sports and skill-based games are promoted for innovation and global competitiveness. A new Online Gaming Authority will regulate platforms and impose strict penalties.
- The 130th Constitution Amendment Bill was introduced on August 20, 2025 in Lok Sabha. It mandates automatic removal of PMs, CMs, and Ministers detained over 30 days on serious criminal charges. Key changes affect Articles 75, 164, and 239AA, aiming to uphold public trust and constitutional ethics.
- Paryushan Parv begins on 20 August 2025 for Shwetambar Jains, marking eight days of spiritual reflection and fasting. It culminates in Samvatsari, the day of forgiveness, when people say “Michhami Dukkadam” to seek pardon. The festival emphasizes non-violence, truth, and self-discipline through prayer and introspection.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Rubella eliminated as a public health problem in Nepal on 18 August 2025. Nepal achieved over 95% vaccination coverage and strong disease surveillance. It is the 6th country in WHO South-East Asia Region to reach this milestone. This helps prevent Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) and improves maternal-child health.
- On 18 August 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extended the deadline for the new margin pledge framework to 10 October. The delay allows Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) and National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) time for system testing. It aims to prevent broker misuse and improve transparency in margin transactions.
- Bank of Maharashtra and SBI Card launched the Bank of Maharashtra SBI Card on 18 August 2025. It is available on both RuPay and Visa platforms with global merchant acceptance. The card comes in three variants: ELITE, PRIME, and SimplySAVE. Benefits include reward points, fuel surcharge waiver, bill payments, and contactless transactions.
- Carlos Alcaraz won the 2025 Cincinnati Open – Men's Singles title on 18 August 2025. The tournament was held at Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, Ohio, USA. He defeated World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who retired while trailing 0–5. This ATP Masters 1000 win marked Alcaraz’s first Cincinnati title in tennis.
- Bhavina Patel won Gold at the ITTF World Para Elite Championships (9–13 Aug 2025) and Silver at the Future Championships (6–8 Aug 2025), both held in Spokane, USA. She competed in the Women's Singles Class 4–5 category of Para Table Tennis. These twin victories elevated her to World No. 1 in Wheelchair Classes 1–5.
- On 18 August 2025, Iga Świątek won the Cincinnati Open (WTA 1000) in Cincinnati, USA. She defeated Jasmine Paolini in straight sets to claim the Women’s Singles title. This marked her 11th WTA 1000 title, boosting her to World No. 2. The dominant win signals strong form ahead of the upcoming U.S. Open.
- The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) Portal was launched on 18 August 2025. It aims to generate 3.5 crore jobs over two years with ₹99,446 crore allocated. Employees and employers can register via pmvbry.epfindia.gov.in. Incentives include ₹15,000 for first-time employees and ₹3,000/month for employers.
- The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI) launched the Press Sewa Portal on 19 August 2025. It offers a single-window online system for registering newspapers and periodicals under the PRP Act, 2023. Features include e-sign, digital payments, QR code certificates, and auto-approval after 60 days.
- West Bengal launched the Shramshree Scheme on 18 August 2025. It offers ₹5,000/month for one year to returning Bengali migrant workers. A one-time ₹5,000 grant is also provided for travel and rehabilitation. The scheme aims to support workers facing harassment in other states.
- World Mosquito Day is observed on August 20 to honor Sir Ronald Ross’s 1897 discovery that mosquitoes transmit malaria. The 2025 theme is “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World.” Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika cases surged globally, prompting urgent health action.
- Akshay Urja Diwas 2025 was observed on August 20 to promote awareness about renewable energy sources. Schools and institutions held rallies, exhibitions, and seminars to engage youth in clean energy advocacy. The day commemorates Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary, honoring his vision for tech-driven progress.
- Frank Caprio, famed as the “Nicest Judge in the World,” passed away on August 20, 2025, aged 88. He was widely known for his compassionate rulings on the show Caught in Providence. Caprio served as a municipal judge in Rhode Island, earning global admiration for his empathy.
Questions:
Q.1 Which portal was launched on 19 August 2025 for registering newspapers and periodicals under PRP Act, 2023?a) Bharat Press Portal
b) PRGI e-Sewa Portal
c) Press Sewa Portal
d) Digital Journalism Portal
Answer: c) The Press Registrar General of India launched Press Sewa Portal with features like e-sign, QR certificates, and auto-approval after 60 days.
Q.2 Bhavina Patel, who became World No. 1 in wheelchair Para Table Tennis (Class 1–5), belongs to which category?
a) Athletics
b) Para Table Tennis
c) Para Badminton
d) Wheelchair Basketball
Answer: b) Bhavina Patel won Gold at ITTF World Para Elite Championships and Silver at Future Championships, both held in the USA.
