Current Affairs: 22 August 2025
This in-depth roundup covers the most important developments from India and abroad on 22 August 2025, with a focus on facts and context that are highly relevant for competitive exam preparation.
National Affairs
Agni-5 Missile Test with MIRV Technology: India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile under the Strategic Forces Command, showcasing Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) capability. This advancement significantly enhances India’s nuclear deterrence posture and precision strike capacity.
Reservation in Private Higher Education: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment recommended extending reservation for SC, ST, and OBC students to private higher education institutions. The proposal includes government-funded implementation, application of the creamy layer principle, and awareness campaigns to improve representation.
Automatic Removal of Ministers Bills: The Union Government introduced three bills mandating automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers if held in custody for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with five years or more. The move aims to uphold constitutional morality and strengthen accountability.
Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025: Passed in the Lok Sabha, the bill bans online money games while promoting e-sports and social gaming. It establishes a regulatory authority to oversee compliance and protect users.
Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill, 2025: The state replaced the Madrasa Board with a Minority Education Authority, sparking debates on minority rights under Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution.
International Affairs
India–EAEU FTA Negotiations: India and the Eurasian Economic Union (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia) signed Terms of Reference in Moscow to begin Free Trade Agreement talks. The FTA aims to expand trade, support MSMEs, and enhance energy security. In 2024, India–EAEU trade reached USD 69 billion, up 7% from 2023.
India–Nepal–China Border Trade Dispute: India rejected Nepal’s objection to reopening border trade with China via Lipulekh Pass, reiterating its sovereignty claims. Nepal maintains overlapping territorial claims.
Fiji PM’s Upcoming Visit: Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will visit India from 24–26 August 2025 to strengthen bilateral ties, including health cooperation and cultural exchange.
Iran’s “Sustainable Power 1404” Drills: Iran conducted large-scale missile drills in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, deploying cruise missiles, warships, and electronic warfare units.
Economic & Sectoral Updates
Asset Monetisation: The Government of India has raised ₹1.42 lakh crore through asset monetisation till FY25 using models like Toll-Operate-Transfer, Infrastructure Investment Trusts, and securitisation. The FY25 target is ₹30,000 crore.
Cotton Import Duty Suspension: India suspended the 11% cotton import duty until 30 September 2025 to support the garment industry amid US tariff hikes on Indian goods.
Science, Technology & Energy
ISA Global Capability Centre: The International Solar Alliance announced plans to set up a Global Capability Centre in India, envisioned as a “Silicon Valley for Solar” to drive clean energy innovation.
UIDAI–Starlink Partnership: UIDAI partnered with Starlink to enable Aadhaar-based customer verification for satellite internet services, appointing Starlink as a Sub-Authentication User Agency and Sub-eKYC User Agency.
State News
Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority: The newly formed authority will oversee minority educational institutions, replacing the state’s Madrasa Board.
Important Days
- International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief – 22 August
Tip: For exam prep, link defence developments like Agni-5 MIRV to India’s strategic doctrine, and economic measures like asset monetisation to fiscal policy and infrastructure growth.