- On 22 August 2025, Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) announced a Joint Venture (JV). The JV will set up a pharmaceutical facility in Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone, with Akums holding 51% stake. It will manufacture tablets, capsules, injectables, liquids, and beta-lactam products, starting operations by FY28 Q3.
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- On 25 August 2025, India signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP) to combat global hunger. India will supply fortified rice for humanitarian aid, led by the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD). The initiative reflects Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.”
- On August 25, 2025, India set up three high-level committees to mark key anniversaries. They commemorate Sardar Patel’s 150th, Birsa Munda’s 150th, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth centenary. Each panel is chaired by PM Modi and includes over 100 prominent members. Events will span seminars, cultural programs, and nationwide outreach.
- On 25 August 2025, India and Fiji held bilateral talks in New Delhi, reaffirming zero tolerance on terrorism. PM Narendra Modi and PM Sitiveni Rabuka condemned the Pahalgam attack and rejected double standards on terror. Both nations agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, including maritime security and equipment support.
- On 24 August 2025, Nepal officially joined the India-led International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). IBCA aims to protect seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. Nepal signed the Framework Agreement, boosting regional conservation efforts. The alliance now includes over 90 countries, promoting global ecological cooperation.
- On 23 August 2025, SEBI approved LIC’s reclassification as a public shareholder in IDBI Bank. LIC’s voting rights are capped at 10%, with no board representation or special rights. This aligns with RBI’s mandate for LIC to reduce its stake to 15% or below within 2 years.
- On 18 August 2025, Malaysia launched Ryt Bank, the world’s first fully AI-powered bank. It’s built by YTL Group (YTL Corporation Berhad) and Sea Limited, featuring Ryt AI powered by ILMU (Intelligent Language Model for Understanding). The bank offers smart payments, savings with daily interest, and a Visa card with debit-credit toggle. It’s licensed by Bank Negara Malaysia and insured by PIDM (Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia).
- On 22 August 2025, RBI approved Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) to acquire 24.99% stake in Yes Bank. The ₹13,483 crore deal includes a 20% secondary share purchase from SBI and private banks. SMBC will get two board seats but won’t be classified as a promoter; approval is valid for 1 year.
- On 24 August 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the Gaganyaan mission. A 4.8-tonne dummy Crew Module (CM) was dropped from an Indian Air Force (IAF) Chinook helicopter over the Bay of Bengal. It was a joint effort by ISRO, IAF, DRDO, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard to ensure safe splashdown.
- On 27 August 2025, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from the IPL after 16 seasons. He played 221 matches, took 187 wickets, and represented teams like CSK, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. Ashwin shared, “Every ending will have a new start… my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today.”
- The 1st Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025 was held in Dehradun from August 20–23. Thailand topped the medal tally, while India secured second place with 39 medals including 9 golds. Indian skater Eklavya Jagal won double bronze in 500m and 1000m events. The event hosted 240 athletes from 11 Asian countries, boosting India’s winter sports profile.
- On 23 August 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off Odisha’s coast. IADWS integrates three indigenous components: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
- On 11 August 2025, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) launched its first all-women commando unit at Regional Training Centre (RTC), Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh. The 8-week training prepares women for Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) and Special Task Force (STF) roles at high-security sites. CISF aims to raise women’s representation to 10% by 2026, with 2,400 new recruits planned.
- Women's Equality Day, observed on August 26, commemorates the historic ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. The theme for 2025, "Equal Rights, Equal Rise," reflects the ongoing journey toward gender parity—not just in voting, but across education, employment, leadership, and law.
- World Water Week 2025 is being held from August 24–28 in Stockholm, Sweden and online. The theme is “Water for Climate Action”, highlighting water’s role in climate resilience and equity. Key sessions include Indigenous-led panels, global financing dialogues, and SDG6 (Sustainable Development Goal 6) reviews. Organized by SIWI (Stockholm International Water Institute), this marks the 35th edition of the global event.
- On 26 August 2025, Teymur Abasguliyev, former CFO of SOCAR Türkiye Enerji A.Ş., was appointed as the new CEO of Nayara Energy. He succeeds Sergey Denisov, who served as interim CEO after Alessandro Des Dorides resigned due to EU sanctions.
- On August 26, 2025, Inga Ruginienė was approved as Lithuania’s new Prime Minister by a parliamentary vote. She leads a coalition of Social Democrats, Farmers and Greens, Nemunas Dawn, and Christian Families Alliance.
Questions:
Q.1 What is the name of the world’s first fully AI-powered bank, launched in Malaysia by YTL Group and Sea Limited?a) MyBank
b) Ryt Bank
c) Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)
d) IDBI Bank
Answer: b) On 18 August 2025, Malaysia launched Ryt Bank, the world’s first fully AI-powered bank. It’s built by YTL Group (YTL Corporation Berhad) and Sea Limited, featuring Ryt AI powered by ILMU (Intelligent Language Model for Understanding).
Q.2 Which country officially joined the India-led International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on August 24, 2025?
a) Nepal
b) Bangladesh
c) Bhutan
d) Sri Lanka
Answer: a) Nepal Explanation: Nepal signed the Framework Agreement to officially join the IBCA, which aims to protect seven big cat species.
