Current Affairs: August 07, 2025 – Key Updates for Competitive Exams

National Highlights

11th National Handloom Day Celebrated

On August 7, 2025, India celebrated the 11th National Handloom Day to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement launched on the same day in 1905. This day aims to promote India's rich handloom heritage, support weavers, and encourage the use of indigenous products. {Link: PIB https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2106574} mentions the celebration of National Science Day, highlighting India's progress and innovation in various scientific fields. The handloom sector is the second-largest employer after agriculture, providing livelihoods to over 3.5 million people, 70% of whom are women. {Link: PMF IAS https://www.pmfias.com/current-affairs-august-07-2025/} notes that Banarasi, Pochampally, and Kanchipuram sarees are globally renowned.

President's Rule Extended in Manipur

Parliament extended President's Rule in Manipur for another six months due to persistent ethnic violence and administrative breakdown. This was done under Article 356, raising concerns about cooperative federalism and state autonomy, according to {Link: PMF IAS https://www.pmfias.com/current-affairs-august-07-2025/}.

Parliament Passes Bills to Strengthen Maritime Sector

The Rajya Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 on August 6, 2025, following the Lok Sabha's approval of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024. These bills aim to modernize India's maritime laws and promote efficient trade. {Link: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DGShippingIndia/videos/on-7-august-2025-the-it-conclave-2025-was-honoured-by-the-presence-of-shri-shant/618676030926048/} reports that the IT Conclave 2025 on August 7 highlighted the pivotal role of the maritime sector in India's economy.

SC Allows Pollution Boards to Impose Damages for Environmental Harm

The Supreme Court ruled that Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) can impose damages for environmental harm under the Water and Air Acts, affirming the 'polluter pays' principle and linking enforcement to fundamental duties. This reinforces existing laws for the prevention and control of pollution, notes {Link: PMF IAS https://www.pmfias.com/current-affairs-august-07-2025/}.

Concerns Over SO2 Emissions and Battery Waste Management

India remains the largest emitter of Sulphur Dioxide globally, raising concerns about its environmental impact. The country also faces a growing challenge with battery waste, with low recycling rates and insufficient infrastructure. {Link: PMF IAS https://www.pmfias.com/current-affairs-august-07-2025/} emphasizes the need for policy interventions and improved waste management frameworks.

Government Bans 25 Books on Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department banned the publication of 25 books on Kashmir, including works by authors like Arundhati Roy and A.G. Noorani, citing concerns about promoting separatism. The banned books include political commentary and historical details, according to {Link: Sarkari Job News https://sarkarijobnews.com/7-august-2025-current-affairs-english/}.

International Relations

US Imposes Further Tariffs on Indian Imports

US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports on August 6, 2025, bringing the total tariff to 50%. This action, in response to India's imports of Russian oil, has strained India-US relations. India's Ministry of External Affairs called the action "extremely unfortunate". The USIBC stated it's "time to redouble our efforts, not pull apart," according to {Link: The Hindu https://www.thehindu.com/news/top-news-of-the-day-on-august-7-2025/article69905608.ece}.

India-Russia Defence Cooperation Reaffirmed

India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to defense cooperation, with Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu emphasizing "strong, time-tested ties of friendship" during a meeting with NSA Ajit Doval. Mr. Doval's visit to Moscow comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape.

India-Philippines Strategic Partnership Deepens

India and the Philippines have upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership, exchanging nine MoUs in areas like defense and technology. This aligns with India's Act East policy.

Ghana Ministers Die in Helicopter Crash

Ghana's Defense and Environment Ministers, along with six others, died in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. This tragic event marks one of the deadliest air accidents in Ghana in over a decade. {Link: Sarkari Job News https://sarkarijobnews.com/7-august-2025-current-affairs-english/} notes that Ghana recently honored PM Modi and was declared trachoma-free by the WHO.

Economy

Indian Markets Rebound Amid Tariff Concerns

Indian stock markets rebounded on August 7, 2025, despite the US tariff hike. The rupee appreciated slightly against the US dollar. {Link: The Hindu https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/trump-tariffs-india-impact-russia-oil-trade-deal-live-updates-august-7-2025/article69904384.ece} notes that the initial 25% tariffs came into effect. Equirus Group received RBI approval to launch its non-deposit-taking NBFC, {Link: BusinessLine https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/share-market-nifty-sensex-live-updates-7-august-2025/article69902698.ece} reports.

FPIs Slow Pace in Primary Market

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) slowed their investments in India's primary market during the first half of August 2025 compared to the previous month. However, domestic mutual funds increased their investments, partially offsetting the impact.

Science & Technology

ISRO Launches HOPE Analog Mission in Ladakh

ISRO launched a 10-day high-altitude isolation experiment called the HOPE (Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration) analog mission in the Tso Kar Valley of Ladakh. This mission simulates Mars-like conditions as a testbed for India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and future lunar missions.

ITAR Conclave 2025 Held

The IT Conclave 2025, focused on the maritime sector, was held on August 7, 2025, highlighting the importance of smart, technology-driven systems.

Sports

Magnus Carlsen Wins Chess Esports World Cup

Magnus Carlsen won the first chess title at the eSports World Cup (EWC 2025) in Riyadh, defeating Alireza Firouzja.

Important Days

Hiroshima Day

August 6, 2025, marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week is observed from August 1 to 7.

International Scuba Day

International Scuba Day is celebrated on August 6.