Current Affairs: August 09, 2025 – Key Updates for Competitive Exams

National Highlights

Quit India Movement Day Observed

August 9, 2025, marks the anniversary of the Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 with the "Do or Die" slogan. This movement was a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence, demonstrating the people's strong resolve against British rule. The day commemorates the sacrifices and spirit of unity that eventually led to India's freedom in 1947.

World Sanskrit Day Celebrated

World Sanskrit Day was celebrated on August 9, 2025, according to the Hindu calendar (Sawan Purnima). This day aims to raise awareness and promote the ancient Sanskrit language, often referred to as "Dev Vani" or the language of the gods. India's efforts to revive and appreciate its cultural heritage are reflected in such celebrations.

ICMR Launches SHINE Initiative

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) launched the SHINE (Science & Health Innovation for the Nextgen Explorers) Initiative to attract students into health and biomedical research careers. This initiative reflects the government's focus on nurturing scientific temper and building a robust research ecosystem.

Punjab First State to Empanel Sign Language Experts

Punjab has become the first Indian state to officially empanel sign language professionals under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. This groundbreaking step will provide crucial support to children with hearing and speech impairments in legal proceedings and other formal interactions.

Revamped Incredible India Digital Platform Launched

The Ministry of Tourism launched the upgraded Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) with AI integration for personalized travel experiences and virtual showcases of India's cultural and tourist destinations. This aims to boost both domestic and international tourism.

Coastal Shipping Bill Passed by Parliament

The Rajya Sabha passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, on August 7, 2025, aiming to modernize India's maritime laws and promote efficient coastal trade. This aligns with India's efforts to enhance its maritime sector and ease of doing business.

Karnataka CM Orders Inquiry into Alleged Vote Fraud

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the Law Department will investigate allegations of vote fraud during recent elections, including the Lok Sabha elections. This follows claims by Opposition leaders regarding widespread voter manipulation.

GST Tribunal Technical Members Appointed

The Indian government appointed 33 Technical Members to the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) to enhance its functionality and provide clarity for taxpayers.

Rural Road Connectivity Project in Chhattisgarh

The Government of India approved ₹195 crore in assistance to Chhattisgarh for the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA).

Bengaluru Ranks 26th Globally in AI City Index

Bengaluru secured the 26th position in the 2025 global AI City Index, making it India's leading AI R&D and data centre hub.

International Relations

Trump-Putin Summit Planned in Alaska

US President Donald Trump announced that he will hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025, to discuss peace in Ukraine. This comes amidst rising global tensions and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Ukraine has warned against decisions made without its participation.

European Concerns Over Ukraine Peace Talks

European leaders have urged caution regarding the Trump-Putin summit, stressing the need for Ukraine's involvement and warning against territorial concessions.

India Welcomes US-Russia Summit

India welcomed the announcement of the Trump-Putin summit, calling it a move that holds the "promise" of ending the conflict.

Russia Withdraws from INF Treaty

Russia has formally withdrawn from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, stating it no longer considers the agreement relevant.

US Imposes Further Tariffs on Indian Imports

The US imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising the total to 50% on August 6, 2025, due to India's continued imports of Russian oil. India's Foreign Minister postponed his planned visit to the US in response.

India-Philippines Strategic Partnership

India and the Philippines have upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership, formalizing collaboration through nine Memorandums of Understanding.

Moldova Joins International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Moldova became the 107th member of the ISA on August 7, 2025.

Turkish President Criticizes Israeli Actions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, and Syria, highlighting rising geopolitical risks.

Belarus to Include Nuclear Weapons Training in Drills

Belarus announced that its upcoming Zapad-2025 military drills will include training in the use of nuclear weapons.

Economy & Business

US Tariffs Impact India's Growth Forecast

US trade measures, including a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian exports and a 25% penal levy on Russian oil imports, pose headwinds for India's economic growth and external account stability. {Link: Vajiram & Ravi https://vajiramandravi.com/current-affairs/daily-editorial-analysis-9-august-2025/} highlights the implications for trade balance, CAD, and strategic positioning.

WPI Inflation Hits Two-Year Low

India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation reached a two-year low of -0.58% in July 2025, marking the second consecutive month of deflation.

Simplified Two-Tier GST System Proposed

The Centre proposed a simplified two-tier GST system with standard and merit slabs, replacing the existing four.

SEBI Innovation Sandbox on Fractional Shares

SEBI opened its innovation sandbox to test fractional share trading, potentially allowing retail investors to buy portions of expensive shares.

Important Days

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed on August 9 each year to support and protect the rights of indigenous people globally and to recognize their contributions, including efforts in environmental conservation. The 2025 theme is "Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination" or "Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence – Defending Rights, Shaping the Future".

World Tribal Day

World Tribal Day is also observed on August 9, emphasizing the need to address the challenges faced by indigenous communities like poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare and education. It also celebrates their rich cultures and contributions.

Sports

India Finishes World Games with Mixed Results

India's compound archers had a disappointing showing at the World Games, but Rishabh Yadav won a bronze medal in the men's individual compound event. This highlights both the potential and challenges in preparing for events like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where the mixed compound team will debut.

Durand Cup Quarterfinal Match

East Bengal FC was leading Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-1 in the Durand Cup Football quarterfinal match at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.

Junior Women National Hockey Championship Semifinals

Haryana beat Odisha to secure a spot in the semifinals of the 15th India Junior Women National Championship 2025.

Diksha Dagar Finishes Day 1 of London Championship T-10

Indian golfer Diksha Dagar recovered to finish Tied-10th after the first round of the PIF London Championship on the Ladies European Tour.

Shubman Gill Likely to Miss Asia Cup Squad

Despite recent strong performances, Shubman Gill is likely to be excluded from India's Asia Cup T20 squad, with selectors favoring other openers like Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.