- On 18 August 2025, Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) signed a 5-year pact with Bhutan’s National Seed Centre (NSC) in Siliguri. The agreement ensures regular export of fertilizers like Urea, Suphala, SSP, MOP, and Borax to Bhutan. It aims to strengthen India–Bhutan agricultural cooperation and boost Bhutan’s food security.
.png "Current Affairs One - Liner : 22nd August 2025")
- On April 1, 2025, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will raise the Ex-Gratia amount under its Death Relief Fund to ₹15 lakh. This benefit applies to EPFO Central Board employees who die while in service. The amount will be disbursed to nominees or legal heirs from the Staff Welfare Fund. From April 1, 2026, the Ex-Gratia will increase by 5% annually to offset inflation.
- On August 19, 2025, Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) sanctioned ₹199.7 crore to Surat Integrated Transportation Development Corporation (SITCO) for a Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH). The hub will integrate rail, metro, BRTS, buses, autos, and taxis. SITCO is a joint venture of the Ministry of Railways and Government of Gujarat. The project aims to be a replicable model for urban transport across India.
- Tribeny Rai’s debut film Shape of Momo has been officially selected for the Vision Section at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) 2025. Announced on August 20, 2025, the film explores a woman’s journey against patriarchal norms in Northeast India.
- On August 16, 2025, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) opened three Niveshak Seva Kendras in Hyderabad, Telangana. These centres assist investors with unclaimed dividends, KYC updates, and nomination services. Located at KFin Technologies (Nanakramguda), BSE (Ameerpet), and NSE (Begumpet), they operate from 10 AM to 4 PM on working days.
- On August 20, 2025, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. partnered with Mastercard to enable contactless cross-border payments via Google Pay. The service covers prepaid forex cards—Borderless Travel, One Currency, Study Buddy, and EnterpriseFX. Users can tap-and-pay globally at over 270 million Mastercard merchant locations, without carrying physical cards.
- On 21 August 2025, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) signed an MoU with Nipman Foundation and Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) in New Delhi. The aim is to launch the Breaking Barriers Fellowship to place young professionals in DEPwD offices for policy support and RPwD Act implementation.
- On 12 August 2025, Engineers India Limited (EIL) signed an MoU with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) at NPCIL’s Mumbai office. The aim is to develop Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) with EIL providing conceptual design and engineering services. This supports India’s Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, targeting 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
- On 21 August 2025, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL), Suzuki Motor Corporation, and TradeWaltz Inc. signed an MoU at TICAD 9 (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) in Yokohama, Japan. The aim is to build a digitalised, low-emission automobile trade corridor between India and Africa.
- On August 20, 2025, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) launched Surya, an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) model to predict solar storms. Trained on data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), it forecasts solar flares up to 2 hours in advance. Surya improves flare classification accuracy by 16%, helping protect satellites, astronauts, and power grids.
- ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission will begin uncrewed test flights in December 2025. The G1 flight will carry Vyommitra, a humanoid robot, to test systems for human spaceflight. Over 80% of critical tests are already completed.
- On 22 August 2025, NITI Aayog released the report titled “Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways” in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). The aim is to build a resilient, inclusive, and heritage-conscious homestay ecosystem across India. It recommends light-touch, transparent regulations, digital integration, and public–private partnerships to empower hosts and protect cultural heritage.
- The International Meeting on Public Health Research was held on 21–22 August 2025 in New Delhi. It aimed to promote regional collaboration and exchange of best practices in health research. Key focus areas included maternal health, anaemia, TB, NCDs, and ethical research systems. Organized by the Department of Health Research (DHR) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and chaired by Dr. V.K. Paul (NITI Aayog) and Dr. Rajiv Bahl (DG, ICMR). It featured delegates from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Timor-Leste.
- On 21 August 2025, the Ministry of Tourism approved ₹3,295.76 crore under the SASCI (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) scheme. It funds 40 tourism projects across 23 states, focusing on lesser-known destinations with high cultural value. The scheme provides 100% central funding, while states manage operation and maintenance.
- Iran held the “Sustainable Power 1404” missile drills on 21–22 August 2025 in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean. Participants included the Iranian Navy, Air Force, and Revolutionary Guard Corps, deploying drones, warships, and missile units. Key highlights were test launches of Nasir and Qadir cruise missiles and advanced electronic warfare systems. The exercise aimed to boost combat readiness and signal strategic deterrence post-Israel conflict.
- Madras Day 2025 was celebrated on 22 August, marking 386 years since the founding of Madras (Chennai) in 1639. It commemorates the British East India Company’s acquisition of Madrasapatnam, leading to the creation of Fort St. George. Events included heritage walks, exhibitions, and cultural programs across Chennai.
- On 22 August 2025, the UN observed the International Day Commemorating Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, first marked in 2019. It honors those harmed due to their faith, belief systems, or religious identity, promoting global solidarity. Events included interfaith dialogues, memorials, and advocacy for religious freedom and tolerance.
- On 21 August 2025, Satish Golcha, a 1992-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, was appointed as Delhi Police Commissioner by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He assumed charge at Delhi Police HQ, Connaught Place, succeeding SBK Singh. Golcha earlier served as Director General (Prisons), Delhi and DGP, Arunachal Pradesh.
- On 22 August 2025, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed Indranil Bhattacharyya, Executive Director, as an ex-officio member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). He replaces Rajiv Ranjan ahead of the September 29–October 1 policy meet in Lucknow. Bhattacharyya heads RBI’s Monetary Policy Department and is an expert in monetary economics.
- On August 21, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed two observers for the upcoming Vice Presidential Election on September 9, 2025. Sushil Kumar Lohani (Ministry of Panchayati Raj) and D. Anandan (Ministry of Finance) were named as official observers. They were appointed under Article 324 of the Constitution of India to ensure free and fair conduct.
- On 14 August 2025, Srinivasan K Swamy, Executive Group Chairman of R K Swamy Ltd, was re-elected as President of AAAI for 2025–26. The election was held during the Annual General Body Meeting of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI). This marks his fourth term, with Jaideep Gandhi elected as Vice-President.
Questions:
Q.1 In August 2025, who replaced Rajiv Ranjan as Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s ex-officio member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)?a) Indranil Bhattacharyya
b) Shaktikanta Das
c) Michael Patra
d) V. Anantha Nageswaran
Answer: a) On 22 August 2025, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed Indranil Bhattacharyya, Executive Director, as an ex-officio member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
Q.2 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) launched an Artificial Intelligence model named “Surya” in August 2025 for predicting what?
A) Earthquakes
B) Solar storms
C) Cyclones
D) Tsunamis
Answer: b) On August 20, 2025, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) launched Surya, an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) model to predict solar storms.
