Current Affairs: August 15, 2025 – Key Updates for Competitive Exams

Important Days

79th Independence Day Celebrated

August 15, 2025, marked India's 79th Independence Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort, delivering his longest speech ever, at 103 minutes. His address focused on national unity, paying tribute to freedom fighters and leaders, and outlined a vision for 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047. Key themes included self-reliance, inclusive growth, and national security.

Other Important Days

August 14 was observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, remembering the sacrifices during the Partition of India. {Link: Jagran Josh https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/important-days-and-dates-in-august-1564140876-7} notes August 15 also marks National Mourning Day in Bangladesh.

National Highlights

PM Modi's Independence Day Announcements

In his Independence Day speech, PM Modi made several significant announcements:

  • **Mission Sudarshan Chakra:** An ambitious plan to develop an advanced, multi-layered indigenous air defence system by 2035.
  • **Next-Generation GST Reforms:** Aimed at lowering the prices of daily-use commodities, expected by Diwali.
  • **Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana:** A new scheme targeted at youth employment.
  • **National Deepwater Exploration Mission:** To discover new oil and gas reserves, boosting domestic production and reducing import dependence.
  • **Focus on Self-Reliance:** PM Modi highlighted India's progress in defence, technology, energy, space, and manufacturing under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Defence & Security Developments

PM Modi lauded 'Operation Sindoor', a recent success story for Indian defence involving the use of BrahMos missile and S-400 systems to prevent missile and drone attacks. India also achieved a record defence manufacturing output of ₹1.51 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.

Economy & Environment

India reached a significant milestone with 100GW of solar PV module manufacturing capacity, emphasizing its commitment to renewable energy leadership. The Bibi Fatima Women's Self-Help Group received the UNDP Equator Initiative Award for sustainability.

Other National News

  • CBSE made the APAAR ID mandatory for 2026 Board Exams.
  • The Indian Navy inducted the indigenous Survey Ship 'Ikshak'.
  • Specially-abled students performed the national anthem in sign language in Srinagar.
  • India successfully conducted deep-sea exploration to 5,000 meters.

International Relations

US-Russia Summit & India's Stance

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska on August 15 to discuss the Ukraine conflict. India welcomed the meeting, hoping for peace. PM Modi held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reiterating India's call for a peaceful settlement to the conflict. French President Macron congratulated PM Modi on Independence Day and expressed hopes for stronger ties.

Plastic Treaty Negotiations

Negotiations for a global, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution ended without consensus on key issues like production cuts and definitions of plastics.

Science & Technology

Space and Digital Initiatives

The Union Minister launched the "Bharat Steel 2026" initiative. ISRO is conducting interactions with the Indian astronaut on the ISS and planning for the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which involves sending a satellite in two parts.

Responsible AI in Finance

A committee established by the RBI submitted a report on a framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI) in the financial sector.

Sports

Commonwealth Games & Other Achievements

The Indian Olympic Association officially approved India's bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Lucknow Super Giants finished 7th in IPL 2025. Neeraj Chopra qualified for the Diamond League 2025 Final.