August 2025

Parliament Passes Online Gaming Bill 2025: Real-Money Games Banned

On 21 August 2025, Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, creating a national framework for India’s gaming sector.

Objectives: Promote skill-based gaming & esports, regulate the industry, ban real-money betting/wagering games, and protect users from addiction & financial harm.

  • Prohibitions: Ban on money games, their advertisements, and related financial transactions.
  • Penalties: Up to 5 years jail, fines up to ₹2 crore for repeat offences.
  • Impact: Real-money platforms like Dream11, MPL, PokerBaazi face bans; esports & social gaming expected to grow.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 21 August 2025

Q. Which Indian authority partnered with Starlink in 2025 for Aadhaar-Based Customer Verification in India?
a) TRAI
b) UIDAI
c) NITI Aayog
d) Ministry of Electronics & IT

Show Answer
Ans: b) UIDAI
On 10 August 2025, UIDAI partnered with Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd (owned by Elon Musk) to enable Aadhaar-based customer verification for Starlink’s satellite internet services in India.

Q. What is the range of Agni-5, the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) successfully test-fired in August 2025 from Chandipur, Odisha?
a) 1,500 km
b) 3,000 km
c) 5,000+ km
d) 7,500 km

Show Answer
Ans: c) 5,000+ km
On 20 August 2025, India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range (Chandipur, Odisha).

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-5 IRBM with MIRV Capability

On 20 August 2025, India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range (Chandipur, Odisha).

  • Technology: Equipped with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) capability, enabling deployment of multiple warheads.
  • Range: Over 5,000 km, covering Asia, parts of Europe, and beyond.
  • Conducted by: Strategic Forces Command, validating all parameters.
  • Developer: DRDO, marking it as the most advanced missile in the Agni series.

UIDAI–Starlink Tie-Up for Aadhaar-Based Customer Verification in India

On 10 August 2025, UIDAI partnered with Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd (owned by Elon Musk) to enable Aadhaar-based customer verification for Starlink’s satellite internet services in India.

  • Aadhaar e-KYC will allow paperless, secure onboarding.
  • Authentication is voluntary, as per regulations.
  • Starlink is now a Sub-Authentication User Agency (AUA) and Sub-eKYC User Agency (KUA).
  • Face authentication is being promoted for ease of use.

This move supports Digital India, helping provide high-speed satellite internet to rural and remote regions.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 20 August 2025

Q. Who will lead India in the 2025 Asia Cup T20 tournament in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28, 2025?
A) Rohit Sharma
B) Virat Kohli
C) Suryakumar Yadav
D) Hardik Pandya

Show Answer
Answer: C) Suryakumar Yadav

Q. Who has been named as the INDIA bloc’s (Opposition parties) candidate for the Vice Presidential election 2025?
a) CP Radhakrishnan
b) Jagdeep Dhankhar
c) Justice B. Sudershan Reddy
d) Mallikarjun Kharge

Show Answer
Ans: c) Justice B. Sudershan Reddy
The INDIA bloc on 19 August 2025 named Justice B. Sudershan Reddy (former Supreme Court Judge) as its candidate for the Vice Presidential election on September 9.

Q. India and China agreed to resume direct flight connectivity in August 2025. Flight services were suspended after which past events?
a) Pulwama Attack and Balakot Strikes
b) Kargil War and Mumbai Attacks
c) Doklam Standoff and 2020 Galwan Valley Clash
d) BRICS Summit and SCO Summit

Show Answer
Ans: c) Doklam Standoff and 2020 Galwan Valley Clash

India–China to Resume Direct Flights

On 19 August 2025, India and China agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India and to finalise an updated Air Services Agreement.

The decision came after talks in New Delhi between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Direct flights, suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic and earlier tensions after the Doklam standoff and 2020 Galwan Valley clash, will now be restored.

INDIA Bloc Names Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as Vice Presidential Candidate

The INDIA bloc on 19 August 2025 named Justice B. Sudershan Reddy (former Supreme Court Judge) as its candidate for the Vice Presidential election on September 9.

The announcement was made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi. Justice Reddy will file his nomination on August 21. All opposition parties, including TMC and AAP, are supporting him.

He will contest against NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan. The VP post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned (21 July).

BCCI announces India’s Squad for Asia Cup T20 (UAE, 2025)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup T20 on 19 August 2025. The tournament will be played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28, 2025.

India, the defending champions, will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, while Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain, marking his return to the T20 format.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 19 August 2025

Q. Name of the 12th India–Sri Lanka Naval Exercise held in Colombo in August 2025:
A) MILAN-25
B) SLINEX-25
C) VARUNA-25
D) INDRA-25

Show Answer
Answer: B) SLINEX-25

Q. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India in August 2025 for the first time since which event?
A) Doklam Standoff 2017
B) Galwan Valley clashes 2020
C) SCO Summit 2023
D) BRICS Expansion 2024

Show Answer
Answer: B) Galwan Valley clashes 2020
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Indi from August 18–19, 2025. First visit by Wang Yi since Galwan Valley clashes (2020).

Q. India aims to establish the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by which year?
A) 2030
B) 2035
C) 2040
D) 2047

Show Answer
Answer: B) 2035
India’s plan to set up an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and send an Indian crewed mission to the Moon by 2040.

India to Establish Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035; Crewed Moon Mission by 2040

On 16 August 2025, Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced India’s plan to set up an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and send an Indian crewed mission to the Moon by 2040.

The announcement was made during a special Lok Sabha discussion on India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS. The Minister lauded IAF Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla for his historic mission to the International Space Station.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s India Visit (August 18–19, 2025)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Indi from August 18–19, 2025. First visit by Wang Yi since Galwan Valley clashes (2020) and LAC disengagement (2024).

  • Meetings with EAM S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and PM Modi.
  • SR-level boundary talks (24th round) with Ajit Doval on LAC peace.
  • China pledged support in fertilisers, rare earths, and tunnel boring machines.
  • Visit precedes PM Modi’s likely trip to SCO Summit, Tianjin (China).
  • Symbolic goodwill: resumption of Indian pilgrimages to Mount Kailash (Gang Renpoche) & Lake Manasarovar (Mapam Yun Tso).

12th India–Sri Lanka Naval Exercise SLINEX-25 Underway off Colombo

The sea phase of the 12th Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) is underway in western waters off Colombo.

Indian Navy ships INS Jyoti (fleet tanker) and INS Rana (destroyer) are participating along with Sri Lanka Navy ships SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Sayura.

Drills include VBSS operations, gunnery, screening, vertical replenishment, flashing, and fuelling approaches.

The harbour phase (14–16 Aug 2025, Colombo Port) featured joint briefings, helicopter training, professional exchanges, sports, yoga, and ship visits for schoolchildren.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 18 August 2025

Q. Who has been announced as the NDA’s candidate for the Vice Presidential Election 2025?
A) Jagdeep Dhankhar
B) JP Nadda
C) CP Radhakrishnan
D) Rajnath Singh

Show Answer
Answer: C) CP Radhakrishnan

Q. Which Indian badminton player won the women’s singles title at the Malaysia International Challenge 2025?
A) PV Sindhu
B) Malvika Bansod
C) Devika Sihag
D) Isharani Baruah

Show Answer
Answer: C) Devika Sihag
On 17 August 2025, Indian shuttler Devika Sihag (20 years) won the women’s singles title at the Malaysia International Challenge 2025 in Ipoh.

Q. In August 2025, which global rating agency upgraded India’s sovereign credit rating to ‘BBB’?
A) Moody’s
B) Fitch
C) S&P Global Ratings
D) CRISIL

Show Answer
Answer: C) S&P Global Ratings
On 14 August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded India’s long-term sovereign credit rating to ‘BBB’ from ‘BBB-’, the first upgrade in 18 years.

S&P Upgrades India’s Sovereign Credit Rating to ‘BBB’

On 14 August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded India’s long-term sovereign credit rating to ‘BBB’ from ‘BBB-’, the first upgrade in 18 years, citing strong economic growth, better monetary policy credibility, and sustained fiscal consolidation.

  • India’s last upgrade by S&P was in 2007.
  • India’s real GDP growth averaged 8.8% (FY 2022–24), the highest in Asia-Pacific, and is projected at 6.8% annually over the next three years.
  • India’s debt-to-GDP ratio expected to decline from 83% (FY 2025) to 78% (FY 2029).
  • Other agencies’ ratings: Fitch: BBB- (since 2006), Moody’s: Baa3 (since 2020).
  • The upgrade came despite U.S. tariffs on Indian exports (50%), citing oil imports from Russia.

Devika Sihag Wins International Challenge Title at Malaysia Open 2025

On 17 August 2025, Indian shuttler Devika Sihag (20 years) won the women’s singles title at the Malaysia International Challenge 2025 in Ipoh.

She defeated compatriot Isharani Baruah (5th seed) with scores 15-7, 15-12.

The tournament was held under BWF’s experimental 3×15 scoring system (games to 15 instead of 21).

CP Radhakrishnan Named NDA Candidate for Vice Presidential Election 2025

On 17 August 2025, BJP President JP Nadda announced that Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan will be the NDA’s candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential Election.

  • The decision was taken at the BJP parliamentary board meeting in New Delhi, attended by PM Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and others.
  • All NDA allies supported the decision; efforts are being made to seek consensus with opposition parties.
  • The Vice Presidential Election will be held on 9 September 2025.
  • The election was necessitated by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 16 August 2025

Q. The Trump–Putin summit of August 2025 in Alaska primarily focused on which issue?
A) NATO Expansion
B) Trade Agreements
C) Arms Control
D) Ukraine–Russia Conflict

Show Answer
Ans: D) Ukraine–Russia Conflict

Q. On 15 August 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered India’s longest-ever Independence Day speech. How long did it last?
A) 1 hour 20 minutes
B) 1 hour 30 minutes
C) 1 hour 43 minutes
D) 1 hour 50 minutes

Show Answer
Answer: C) 1 hour 43 minutes

Q. Who won the Masters Section of the Chennai Grand Masters 2025 chess tournament?
A) Arjun Erigaisi
B) Karthikeyan Murali
C) Vincent Keymer
D) Anish Giri

Show Answer
Answer: C) Vincent Keymer

Vincent Keymer Wins Chennai Grand Masters 2025

The Chennai Grand Masters 2025, held from August 7–15, marked the third edition of India’s premier classical chess tournament. Organized by MGD1 and sponsored by Quantbox, the event featured two elite round-robin sections—Masters and Challengers—with 10 players each, battling across nine rounds for a total prize pool of ₹1 Crore.

Masters Section Highlights

  • Champion: Vincent Keymer (Germany)
    • Clinched the title with a round to spare
    • Final score: 7/9
    • Earned ₹25 Lakhs and 24.5 FIDE Circuit points
  • Runner-ups (Joint Second – 5 points):
    • Arjun Erigaisi – third consecutive runner-up finish
    • Karthikeyan Murali
    • Anish Giri

PM Modi Sets Record with Longest Independence Day Speech

On 15 August 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the longest-ever Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, lasting 1 hour 43 minutes.

  • Surpassed his own 98-minute record of 2024; his shortest was 56 minutes in 2017.
  • This was his 12th consecutive Independence Day address since 2014 (65 minutes).
  • Previous PMs’ speeches: Nehru (1947 – under 20 min), Indira Gandhi (shortest 14 min in 1966), Manmohan Singh (longest ~55 min in 2007).
  • Modi’s 2025 speech highlighted economic reforms, digital sovereignty, youth empowerment, and India’s global role.

Trump–Putin Alaska Summit Ends Without Deal on Ukraine Conflict

The high-stakes summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska lasted nearly three hours but ended without a deal on the Ukraine–Russia conflict.

  • Putin called the war a tragedy, stressed removing the primary causes, and suggested the next meeting in Moscow. He also claimed the conflict would not have happened if Trump were president in 2022.
  • Trump termed the talks “extremely productive”, saying many points were agreed but “no deal until there’s a deal.” He added he would consult NATO allies and Ukraine’s Zelensky.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 14 August 2025

Q. Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed annually on which date?
a) 15 August
b) 14 August
c) 12 August
d) 9 August

Show Answer
Ans: b) 14 August

Q. Which city has been proposed as the lead host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India’s bid?
A) Delhi
B) Bhubaneswar
C) Ahmedabad
D) Mumbai

Show Answer
Answer: C) Ahmedabad

Q. When will the host nation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games be announced?
A) August 2025, Delhi
B) September 2025, Toronto
C) November 2025, Glasgow
D) December 2025, London

Show Answer
Answer: C) November 2025, Glasgow

Q. In 2025, India’s solar PV module manufacturing capacity reached what level, up from 2.3 GW in 2014?
A) 50 GW
B) 75 GW
C) 100 GW
D) 120 GW

Show Answer
Answer: C) 100 GW
India has reached 100 Gigawatt (GW) of solar PV module manufacturing capacity under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), up from 2.3 GW in 2014.

India Achieves 100 GW Solar PV Module Manufacturing Capacity

India has reached 100 Gigawatt (GW) of solar PV module manufacturing capacity under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), up from 2.3 GW in 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as a step towards self-reliance and clean energy adoption. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi credited the success to initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and the 2019 ALMM Order.

Capacity surged from 8.2 GW in 2019 to 100 GW in 2025, with 100 manufacturers operating 123 units (up from 21 in 2021). This achievement supports the 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030 and boosts India’s role in global decarbonization efforts.

India Bids to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on 14 August 2025 approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. India will submit its final proposal by 31 August 2025. The Games will mark 100 years since the first edition in 1930 and 20 years since India last hosted (Delhi, 2010).

India has proposed Ahmedabad as the lead host city, with Delhi and Bhubaneswar as alternatives. Plans include new sports complexes like the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, and the inclusion of kabaddi, kho kho, shooting, wrestling, and archery.

With Canada withdrawing its bid, India’s chances have increased. The host country will be announced by the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in November 2025 at Glasgow. The bid also supports India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day- August 14

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed annually on August 14, was instituted by the Government of India in 2021 to honor the victims and survivors of the 1947 Partition, which caused one of the largest forced migrations in history—nearly 15 million displaced and 1–2 million deaths.

The day serves to commemorate suffering, educate future generations, preserve survivor testimonies, and promote healing. Initiatives include museum exhibits, school discussions, and storytelling by survivors, ensuring the tragedies and resilience of that era are remembered to inspire unity and compassion today.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 13 August 2025

Q. The Income-Tax Bill, 2025 replaces which earlier law?
a) Direct Tax Code, 2010
b) Wealth Tax Act, 1957
c) Income Tax Act, 1961
d) Taxation Laws Act, 1980

Show Answer
Ans: c) Income Tax Act, 1961
On 12 August 2025, Parliament passed the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, replacing the Income Tax Act of 1961. The new law, effective from 1 April 2026.

Q. India Bans Jute Imports from Bangladesh via Land Routes in August 2025, which port is now the only entry point for the banned jute products from Bangladesh?
a) Haldia Port
b) Paradip Port
c) Kolkata Port
d) Nhava Sheva Seaport

Show Answer
Ans: d) Nhava Sheva Seaport
On 12 Aug 2025, India banned imports of certain jute products from Bangladesh via land routes, restricting them to Nhava Sheva Seaport in Maharashtra.

India Bans Jute Imports from Bangladesh via Land Routes, Allows Only Through Nhava Sheva Port

On 12 Aug 2025, India banned imports of certain jute products from Bangladesh via land routes, restricting them to Nhava Sheva Seaport in Maharashtra. The ban covers bleached/unbleached woven jute fabrics, jute twine/ropes, and jute sacks/bags.

This follows earlier 2025 trade curbs and the April 9 revocation of Bangladesh’s transhipment facility (except for Nepal and Bhutan), amid diplomatic tensions after remarks by Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus in China.

The move aims to protect India’s jute industry, apply diplomatic pressure, and regulate import routes, impacting bilateral trade worth USD 12.9 billion in 2023–24.

Parliament Passes Income-Tax Bill, 2025 – Major Overhaul of 1961 Act

On 12 August 2025, Parliament passed the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, replacing the Income Tax Act of 1961. The new law, effective from 1 April 2026, aims to simplify tax administration by reducing sections from 819 to 536, cutting chapters from 47 to 23, and introducing a single “tax year.”

It provides taxpayer reliefs such as late refunds, shorter TDS correction limits, and clearer pension/gratuity deductions, without changing tax rates. Drafted in six months and reviewed by a Parliamentary Select Committee chaired by Baijayant Panda, the bill was passed by voice vote despite an Opposition walkout.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 12 August 2025

Q. Namrata Batra reached the final in which sport at the 2025 World Games?
A) Boxing
B) Wrestling
C) Wushu
D) Judo

Show Answer
Answer: C) Wushu

Q. At which event will Australia formally recognize the State of Palestine in 2025?
A) G20 Summit
B) 80th UN General Assembly
C) Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
D) ASEAN Summit

Show Answer
Answer: B) 80th UN General Assembly

Q. The Merchant Shipping Bill 2024, passed by Parliament in August 2025, will replace which Act?
A) Merchant Navy Act 1962
B) Indian Shipping Act 1947
C) Merchant Shipping Act 1958
D) Marine Transport Act 1970

Show Answer
Answer: C) Merchant Shipping Act 1958

Merchant Shipping Bill 2024 Passed by Parliament

The Merchant Shipping Bill 2024 received Rajya Sabha approval on 11 August 2025, completing its passage in Parliament. It will replace the Merchant Shipping Act 1958 to align India’s laws with obligations under maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party.

The Bill aims to:

  • Promote the development of Indian shipping.
  • Ensure efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine.
  • Serve the national interest in maritime affairs.

Australia to Recognize Palestinian State at UNGA September 2025

Australian PM Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th UN General Assembly, joining nations like France, Britain, and Canada in supporting a two-state solution. Nearly 150 UN member states already recognize Palestine.

The move comes amid public pressure and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Recognition is conditional on no Hamas role, Gaza demilitarization, and holding general elections. Albanese said the step is a practical contribution toward peace, coordinated with leaders from Britain, France, New Zealand, and Japan.

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