Current Affairs: August 16, 2025 – Key Updates for Competitive Exams

Important Days

7th Death Anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee

August 16, 2025, marks the seventh death anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a revered Indian statesman who served as Prime Minister three times. Vajpayee is remembered for his statesmanship, poetry, and his vision for a strong and inclusive India.

Janmashtami Celebrated

Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, was celebrated on August 16, 2025. Devotees observe fasting, sing devotional songs, and participate in re-enactments of Krishna's life.

De Jure Transfer Day (Puducherry)

Puducherry observed De Jure Transfer Day on August 16, commemorating its official integration into the Indian Union in 1962, following the ratification of the Treaty of Cession by the French Parliament.

Other Days Observed

August 16 also saw the observance of Break The Monotony Day, International Geocaching Day, International Homeless Animals' Day, National Airborne Day, National Bratwurst Day, National Roller Coaster Day, National Rum Day, National Tell a Joke Day, True Love Forever Day, and World Honey Bee Day.

National Highlights

SC Collegium & HC Collegiums Clarification by CJI

Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai stated that the Supreme Court Collegium cannot impose names on High Court Collegiums for judicial appointments, reaffirming the independence of High Court Collegiums. This comes amid concerns over rising vacancies in High Courts.

Major GST Shake-up Proposed

Significant reforms are being pushed for the Goods and Services Tax (GST), including rationalization of tax slabs. Proposals include removing the 12% and 28% slabs, with most items shifting to 5% and 18% respectively. Special ultra-low (<1%) and high 'sin rate' (40%) slabs are also suggested. The government aims to simplify the tax system and reduce the compliance burden.

Focus on Atmanirbharta in Defence

India continues its push for self-reliance in the defence sector. {Link: PIB https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?id=149238&NoteId=149238&ModuleId=16} highlights that the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 prioritizes the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category. Initiatives like the 'Make' procedure, SRIJAN Portal, and Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs) are driving indigenous design, development, and manufacturing of defence products., Operation Sindoor, mentioned in PM Modi's Independence Day speech, showcased the effectiveness of indigenous weapons like the BrahMos missile and IACCS against Pakistani drones and missiles. India aims for an indigenous air defence system 'Sudarshan Chakra' by 2035.

Space Reforms & Capabilities

India's space reforms are advancing, with {Link: PIB https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=149236} noting the role of IN-SPACe in bridging the gap between ISRO and private innovators. India successfully docked two satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) earlier in January 2025. The NISAR mission, a joint ISRO-NASA Earth observation satellite, was launched on July 30, 2025. The NavIC system, India's own satellite navigation system, continues to be enhanced with indigenously built chipsets. Plans are also underway for a five-module space station, with the first module expected in 2028.

Other National Developments

  • The politics of insurgency and decline of Naxalism remain a key security issue.
  • The 'SabhaSaar' AI tool is being developed to enhance governance.
  • PM Modi reiterated the call for second-generation GST and Next-Gen Economic Reforms.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana with a ₹1 lakh crore corpus was announced.
  • Commitment towards 'Made-in-India' semiconductor chips by end of 2025.
  • Six semiconductor units are operational, and four more have been approved.

International Relations

India-UK FTA & Maharashtra's Farmers

The India–U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has removed tariffs on Indian grapes entering the U.K. market, offering a significant opportunity for small and marginal farmers in Maharashtra, particularly in Nashik district. This is expected to boost incomes and improve global competitiveness for Indian agricultural products.

India-US Trade Tensions

US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on certain Indian imports, which started on August 7 and were threatened to increase further. This caused trade talks to collapse and strained relations between India and the US. However, following a meeting between Trump and Russian President Putin, there are indications the higher tariffs might not take effect as planned.,

Economy

WPI Inflation Reaches Two-Year Low

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation fell further into the negative zone to a two-year low of (-) 0.58% in July 2025, primarily due to a decrease in the prices of food articles and fuels. This is expected to lead to further easing of retail inflation as well.,

Markets Experience Volatility

Indian stock markets saw mixed trends. While the week to August 15 saw positive returns for Nifty and Sensex, FPIs were net sellers. Market sentiment was influenced by the Trump-Putin meet and the RBI's stance on GST.

Sports

Shooters Prepare for Asian Championship

A record Indian shooting contingent is set for the 16th Asian Shooting Championships in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, starting August 18, challenging China for continental supremacy.,,