Current Affairs: August 11, 2025 – Key Updates for Competitive Exams
National Highlights
Parliament Passes Key Bills Amidst Opposition Protest
On August 11, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the revised Income Tax Bill, 2025, and the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, without debate, along with the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill, 2025. Simultaneously, the Rajya Sabha passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, and a bill providing reservation to Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Goa Assembly. These proceedings occurred amidst protests by Opposition MPs regarding the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged vote fraud.
PMFBY Disbursement & Penalties for Delays
The Central government released ₹3,200 crore in crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to 30 lakh farmers. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan warned insurance companies of a 12% interest penalty for delayed payments, a measure aimed at streamlining the process and reducing farmer distress.
SHINE Initiative Launched
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) launched the SHINE (Science & Health Innovation for the Nextgen Explorers) initiative to encourage students in Classes 9-12 to pursue careers in health and biomedical research.
Defence Manufacturing Output Reaches Record High
India's defence manufacturing output hit a record ₹1.51 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, an 18% increase year-on-year. The Defence Minister inaugurated a major rail manufacturing hub in Madhya Pradesh, expected to create over 5,000 jobs. India's defence exports also saw a rise, reaching ₹23,000 crore.
Other Key Developments
The first freight train entered the Kashmir Valley on August 9, enhancing trade possibilities. Punjab became the first state to officially empanel sign language professionals under the Juvenile Justice Act. India also hosted its first World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze competition.
International Relations
India Welcomes Proposed US-Russia Summit
India welcomed the proposed summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, aimed at de-escalating the Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing India's call for a "peaceful settlement". This comes despite escalating US-India trade tensions, with the US imposing a 50% tariff on certain Indian goods, prompting India to call it "unjustified and unreasonable". Russia has also withdrawn from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.
UN Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations
Negotiations continued in Geneva for a global treaty on plastic pollution. India, alongside other developing nations, opposed mandatory production limits, advocating for "downstream measures" like waste management and recycling, citing the "right of development".
Gaza Conflict Continues
The conflict in Gaza escalated, with aid shortages and thousands protesting the war's expansion in Tel Aviv. The UN Security Council held an emergency session on the crisis.
Economy & Business
Stock Markets Rebound Amidst US Tariffs
Indian stock markets rebounded on August 11, 2025, with the Nifty closing above 24,550 and Sensex up 746 points, despite US tariff concerns. Investors showed positive sentiment after six weeks of losses, anticipating the US-Russia talks. Venture capital funding in India saw an 18.5% increase in 2025, reaching $3.2 billion.
SEBI Prohibits Mutual Funds from Paying Transaction Fees
Effective August 8, 2025, SEBI prohibited mutual funds from offering transaction charges to distributors. The innovation sandbox was also opened for fractional share trading proposals.
Science & Technology
Quantum Computing Advances & Animal Stem Cell Biobank
Researchers reported significant progress in quantum computing by rapidly and reliably creating large arrays of neutral atoms for qubits. India's first state-of-the-art Animal Stem Cell Biobank and Laboratory was established.
Sports
Indian Boxers Excel at Asian U19 & U22 Championships
Ritika clinched heavyweight gold, while Nisha and Muskan won gold in their respective categories at the U19 & U22 Asian Boxing Championships in Bangkok. India finished second overall in U19 with 14 medals (3 gold) and fourth in U22 with 13 medals, showcasing strong youth boxing talent.
Surfer Ramesh Budihal Wins Historic Bronze
Ramesh Budihal won India's first individual surfing medal, a bronze, at the Asian Surfing Championships 2025 in Mahabalipuram, which served as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games.
Other Sporting News
Anahat Singh reached her first international final at the NSW Squash Bega Open. Indian shuttler Devika Sihag won her first International Challenge title in Malaysia.