- On 19 August 2025, the Ministry of Power (MoP) announced plans to develop 97 GW of coal and lignite-based thermal power capacity by FY 2034–35 (FY35). This revises the earlier target of 90 GW by FY32, aiming to meet the projected 307 GW thermal capacity requirement. The expansion complements India’s goals of 500 GW renewable energy by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070.
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- Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur, UP, has been officially renamed Parashurampuri. The move honors Lord Parashuram, believed to be born in the region. The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the change via No Objection Certificate.
- On 19 August 2025, IIT Madras (IIT-M) and Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) launched the SMART Centre—Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology—for AI-driven logistics innovation. Funded by a $5 million, 5-year grant, it will focus on carbon-neutral delivery, EV infrastructure, and predictive analytics. The centre aims to combine academic research with industry expertise to build agile, sustainable supply chains.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Aunta–Simaria six-lane bridge in Gaya, Bihar on 22 August 2025. Spanning 8.15 km on NH-31, it connects Mokama with Begusarai, cutting travel distance by 100 km. Built at a cost of ₹1,871 crore, it’s India’s widest extradosed bridge. The project boosts regional connectivity and access to Simaria Dham, birthplace of poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.
- India and Saudi Arabia formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) on maritime cooperation on 20 August 2025. The JWG will focus on shipping, logistics, digital platforms, and investment in port infrastructure. It aligns India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 with Saudi Vision 2030.
- On 20 August 2025, a 70-meter modular bridge was inaugurated over the Hewa Khola in Panchthar district, Nepal, on the Mechi Highway. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) under Indian assistance, it is Nepal’s longest modular bridge. The bridge enhances connectivity between northern and southern Koshi Province, aiding post-flood resilience.
- ICRA (Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency) projected India’s GDP growth at 6.7% for Q1 FY26, released on 19 August 2025. Growth was driven by strong government capital expenditure, exports, and indirect tax collections. The services sector led with 8.3% GVA growth, while the industry slowed to 4.0%. ICRA expects full-year FY26 GDP to moderate to around 6.0%.
- On 19 August 2025, Centum Electronics signed an MoU with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru to co-develop advanced defence electronics. The aim is to strengthen indigenous capabilities in Electronic Warfare (EW), radar systems, and secure communications. It leverages BEL’s defence expertise and Centum’s global ESDM (Electronic System Design and Manufacturing) strengths.
- On 19 August 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved a ₹62,000 crore deal to procure 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This boosts the Indian Air Force’s indigenous fleet to 180 Tejas jets, replacing ageing MiG-21s.
- On 20 August 2025, India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile, with a range of 5,000–7,000 km, was launched under the Strategic Forces Command to validate operational readiness. Agni-5 features MIRV capability, advanced guidance systems, and can carry a 1.5+ ton payload.
- The Delhi Cabinet approved the launch of the ‘Delhi Mitra’ app on 19 August 2025, aiming to provide a unified platform for grievance redressal across Delhi Government departments, Police, and civic bodies. Citizens can lodge complaints via mobile app, web portal, WhatsApp, call centre, or handwritten forms.
- World Entrepreneurs’ Day 2025 was celebrated on 21 August to honor innovators and business leaders globally. The theme was “Celebrating Innovation, Courage, and Economic Impact”, spotlighting entrepreneurship’s role in growth. Events included startup expos, mentorship drives, and policy dialogues across 170+ countries.
- World Senior Citizens’ Day 2025 was observed on 21 August to honor the contributions and wisdom of older adults globally. The theme was “Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future”, promoting dignity, inclusion, and intergenerational solidarity. Events included health camps, digital literacy workshops, and cultural tributes across countries.
- International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025 was observed on 21 August. The theme was “United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism”, promoting survivor-led advocacy. Global events included a UN virtual gathering, launch of VoTAN, and moments of silence.
- Sadbhavana Diwas 2025 was observed on August 20, commemorating the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi. It promotes peace, national integration, and communal harmony across India. The day was first celebrated in 1992 to honor his inclusive vision. Events include pledge ceremonies, cultural programs, and awareness drives nationwide.
- Mohamed Salah won the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year Award 2025, becoming the first-ever three-time winner. He led Liverpool Football Club to their 20th English Premier League (EPL) title with 29 goals and 18 assists. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal) claimed Women’s Player of the Year, scoring 19 goals and leading Arsenal to a Champions League win.
- Veteran Punjabi comedian Jaswinder Bhalla passed away at the age of 65 on 22 August 2025 at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, following a brain stroke. Known for his iconic role as Advocate Dhillon in the Carry On Jatta series. Beyond acting, he was a professor at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, retiring in 2020.
Questions:
Q.1 ICRA projected India’s GDP growth for Q1 FY26 at:a) 6.7%
b) 6.0%
c) 6.5%
d) 7.2%
Answer: a) ICRA (Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency) projected India’s GDP growth at 6.7% for Q1 FY26, released on 19 August 2025.
Q.2 The Aunta–Simaria bridge in Bihar is recognized as India’s:
a) Longest railway bridge
b) Tallest suspension bridge
c) Widest extradosed bridge
d) Longest cable-stayed bridge
Answer: c) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Aunta–Simaria six-lane bridge in Gaya, Bihar on 22 August 2025.
