Current Affairs: 20 August 2025
This is a detailed, exam-focused digest of the most significant developments from India and around the globe on 20 August 2025. The coverage spans national policy moves, economic indicators, defence procurements, scientific breakthroughs, and important observances — all curated to help competitive exam aspirants retain both facts and context.
National Affairs
IIM Guwahati Bill Passed: The Lok Sabha cleared the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, granting IIM Guwahati the status of an Institute of National Importance. This makes it the 22nd IIM with such status and the second in the North-East after Shillong. The institute will receive ₹555 crore over five years (2025–26 to 2029–30) to establish its permanent campus at Palasbari in Kamrup district, with initial classes starting from a temporary campus under IIM Ahmedabad’s mentorship.
Sadbhavana Diwas 2025: Observed annually on 20 August to promote peace, national integration, and communal harmony, the day marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Various programmes across the country emphasized unity in diversity and non-violence.
Akshay Urja Diwas: Also marked on 20 August, this day promotes awareness about renewable energy sources. Government agencies and educational institutions organized exhibitions and workshops on solar, wind, and bioenergy technologies.
Economic & Policy Updates
GDP Growth Projection: ICRA projected India’s GDP growth at 6.7% for Q1 FY2026, surpassing the RBI’s earlier estimate. The uptick is attributed to robust manufacturing output, resilient services, and steady rural demand despite erratic monsoons.
CAG Report on FRBM Act: The Comptroller and Auditor General’s review highlighted that central government debt fell from 61.38% of GDP in FY2020–21 to 57% by 2024. Debt accumulation between FY2020–21 and FY2023–24 was lower than GDP growth, improving debt sustainability. The public debt repayment-to-receipts ratio improved from 86.66% in FY2019–20 to 81.46% in FY2023–24.
Jan Vishwas Bill, 2025: Proposes decriminalisation of 288 provisions across 10 Acts, replacing minor imprisonment clauses with monetary penalties or warnings. It introduces proportional fines, graduated punishments for repeat offences, and automatic penalty revisions every three years.
Defence & Infrastructure
Tejas Mark 1A Deal: The Defence Acquisition Council approved a ₹62,000 crore deal for 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets to strengthen the Indian Air Force fleet. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2028, boosting indigenous defence manufacturing.
Kota–Bundi Greenfield Airport: The government approved the construction of a new airport in Rajasthan to enhance connectivity and spur regional economic growth.
Science & Technology
Silicon Photonics QRNG: IIT Madras signed a ₹1 crore licensing agreement for India’s first silicon photonics-based Quantum Random Number Generator, a key step in secure communications and cryptography.
PLFS Data Release: The Periodic Labour Force Survey for April–June 2025 reported an unemployment rate of 5.4% for persons aged 15 and above, with a Labour Force Participation Rate of 55% and Worker Population Ratio of 52%.
International & State News
Rubella Eliminated in Nepal: WHO certified Nepal as having eliminated rubella as a public health problem, marking a milestone in South Asia’s immunisation efforts.
West Bengal’s Shramshree Scheme: Launched to support returning migrant workers with skill development, financial aid, and employment linkages.
Sports & Achievements
Bhavina Patel’s Triumph: Indian para table tennis player Bhavina Patel secured top medals at ITTF World Para events, becoming World No. 1 in her category.
Important Days
- Sadbhavana Diwas – 20 August
- Akshay Urja Diwas – 20 August
- World Mosquito Day – 20 August
Tip: For exam prep, link each fact to its broader implications — e.g., connect GDP data to monetary policy, or defence deals to Make in India — to strengthen analytical recall.