Current Affairs: August 14, 2025 – Key Updates for Competitive Exams

Important Days

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

August 14, 2025, is observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to remember the suffering and sacrifices of people during the partition of India in 1947. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated this in his Independence Day eve speech.

National Highlights

Key national developments for August 14, 2025, included a Supreme Court order for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish a searchable list of names excluded from the Bihar draft electoral roll, with the list and reasons for exclusion to be displayed by August 19.

In other news, actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was arrested after the Supreme Court cancelled his bail in a murder case. ISRO announced a successful test of the Crew Escape System for the Gaganyaan mission. India inducted a South Korea-built LPG carrier into the Shipping Corporation of India fleet. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways disbursed ₹10,000 crore to states for road development, and Rajasthan launched a universal health card scheme. Discussions were also held regarding the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI).

Other national developments included a cloudburst in Kishtwar, J&K, flash floods, work on an AI-Powered 'SabhaSaar' system, and the launch of India's first property rating framework for digital connectivity. The SVAMITVA scheme's success was noted, along with preparations for an Export Promotion Mission and Cabinet approval for new semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).

International Relations

Internationally, India welcomed the planned Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Discussions also covered US maintenance of tariffs on certain Indian imports and the Indian External Affairs Minister's scheduled visit to Russia. Negotiations for a UN Plastics Pollution Treaty concluded without a full agreement. Pakistan declared an emergency due to floods, and Turkey criticized Israeli actions.

Other international updates included Anish Shah's view on S&P's rating upgrade for India, a visit by Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to India, and greetings from External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to the Central African Republic. Sri Lanka's Cabinet approved consultants for floating solar power projects.

Economy & Business

In the economic sector, S&P Global Ratings upgraded India's long-term sovereign credit rating to 'BBB' with a Stable Outlook. Retail inflation cooled to 4.3% in July, and WPI inflation fell to 1.55%. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a framework for responsible AI in the financial sector, and India's foreign exchange reserves reached a record $656 billion.

Additional economic news included the Ministry of Science & Technology's announcement on fermented food and personalized nutrition, Spandana Sphoorty Financial's Q1 results, stable oil trade despite US tariff announcements, and caution among some Indian refiners regarding Russian oil tenders.

Science & Technology

Science and Technology news included discussions on satellite internet technology and the development of a new smart sensor for hazardous gases.

Disasters

A disaster report noted flash floods in Northern China resulting in casualties and missing persons.

Sports

Sports highlights included Neeraj Chopra qualifying for the Diamond League 2025 Final, Devika Sihag winning a badminton title, East Bengal leading Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup, and the passing of Vece Paes. Also, Anahat and Akanksha advanced in a squash tournament, Yuvraj Sandhu extended his lead in a golf tournament, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival mascot was released, and Chandigarh and Uttarakhand won in the Junior Men National Championship.