National News
New Constitution Amendment Bill: Removal of PM, CMs Detained for 30 Days
- 130th Constitution Amendment Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, proposing automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers if detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges.
- It amends Articles 75, 164, and 239AA, mandating resignation or cessation from office without conviction, with reappointment allowed post-release.
- The bill aims to promote clean governance and public trust, but faces criticism over potential political misuse, violation of presumption of innocence, and undermining of federal principles. It has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for review.
Online Gaming Bill 2025 Passed: E-Sports Encouraged, Real Money Gaming Banned
- The Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which seeks to promote e-sports and online social games, while banning harmful online money gaming platforms.
- The Bill establishes an Online Gaming Authority to oversee policy, regulation, and strategic development of the sector.
- It aims to protect youth and vulnerable populations from the financial, psychological, and social harms caused by real money gaming apps like poker and rummy, which have led to suicides, fraud, and addiction.
- Violators may face up to 3 years’ imprisonment and ₹1 crore fine, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
India Post Unveils IT 2.0: Advanced Postal Technology to Power Digital India
- India Post has launched IT 2.0 – Advanced Postal Technology (APT) as part of its nationwide digital transformation, aligning with the Digital India mission.
- Developed indigenously by the Centre for Excellence in Postal Technology, the system operates on the MeghRaj 2.0 cloud and leverages BSNL’s nationwide connectivity.
- Key features include a unified interface, QR-code-based payments, OTP-based delivery, and a 10-digit alphanumeric DIGIPIN to enhance delivery accuracy.
NCERT Introduces Operation Sindoor Modules A Tribute to Bravery
- NCERT has launched educational modules titled “Operation Sindoor – A Saga of Valour” (for Classes 3-8) and “Operation Sindoor – A Mission of Honour and Bravery” (for Classes 9-12), portraying Operation Sindoor as a military success, technological breakthrough, and political message.
- The modules aim to educate students on courage, patriotism, and national security.
EPFO Sees Record 21.89 Lakh Net Payroll Additions in June 2025
- EPFO records an all-time high net addition of 21.89 lakh members in June 2025, marking its strongest monthly payroll growth since April 2018. This reflects a 9.14% rise from May 2025 and a 13.46% year-on-year increase over June 2024.
- Over 10.62 lakh new subscribers joined, dominated by the 18–25 age group (6.39 lakh new entrants). Re-enrolments rose to 16.93 lakh, showing more members opting to transfer savings instead of withdrawing.
- Female participation grew significantly, with 3.02 lakh new women subscribers and a net addition of 4.72 lakh females. Maharashtra led state-wise additions with over 20% share.
State News
Jalalabad Renamed Parashurampuri: Centre Approves Name Change Honouring Lord Parashuram
- The Centre has approved the renaming of Uttar Pradesh’s Jalalabad town to Parashurampuri, as announced by Union Minister Jitin Prasada.
- Locals viewed the old name as a symbol of “slavery” (“ghulami”) and welcomed the change to reflect Sanatan traditions.
- The renaming is seen as part of a wider government effort to replace names associated with historical oppression.
- The official gazette notification for the change is expected soon.
International News
India, Saudi Arabia Form Joint Working Group to Deepen Maritime Cooperation
- India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen maritime relations by forming a Joint Working Group (JWG) focused on cooperation in shipping and logistics.
- This strategic partnership builds on their strong economic and socio-cultural ties and aligns with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and India’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
- The collaboration aims to boost investment in India’s port and shipping ecosystem, including projects like Vadhavan Port and the Outer Harbour Project at VO Chidambaranar Port, leveraging a USD 3 billion Maritime Development Fund.
Economy News
India’s Core Sector Grows 2% in July 2025: Steel and Cement Lead the Charge
- India’s eight core industries grew by 2% in July 2025 compared to last year, driven by higher production of steel (12.8%), cement (11.7%), fertilisers (2%), and electricity (0.5%), according to the Commerce and Industry Ministry.
- These industries, including coal, crude oil, natural gas, petroleum refinery products, together form 40.27% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
- While coal (-12.3%), crude oil (-1.3%), natural gas (-3.2%), and petroleum refinery output (-1%) declined due to monsoon effects, the overall steady growth reflects robust demand from infrastructure projects and a good kharif sowing season. Cumulative growth for April-July 2025 stood at 1.6%.
India’s Marine Fish Production Hits 44.95 Lakh Tonnes
- India’s marine fish production surged to 44.95 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, growing at 8.9% annually, with 91.1% sustainable fish stocks reported by ICAR-CMFRI.
- The government’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) drives climate-resilient strategies, funding fishing harbours, cold storage, and post-harvest facilities.
- Research under NICRA and training via MPEDA’s NETFISH program support sustainable fishing, improve seafood quality, and boost fisher incomes, strengthening India’s marine fisheries sector amid climate challenges.
S&P Upgrades India’s Credit Rating After 18 Years; Growth Outlook Stays Strong Despite US Tariffs
- India’s growth momentum remains strong despite US tariff hikes, says S&P Global Ratings, which upgraded India’s sovereign credit rating to “BBB” with a stable outlook — the first upgrade in 18 years.
- Citing robust domestic demand, fiscal consolidation, and infrastructure reforms, S&P projects 6.8% average GDP growth over the next three years. India’s low trade dependence shields it from global shocks.
- The upgrade also raised ratings for major banks and NBFCs, reflecting broad economic resilience and policy continuity.
Agreement News
UIDAI Onboards Starlink for Aadhaar-Based e-KYC: A Boost to India’s Digital Infrastructure
- UIDAI has onboarded Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd to use Aadhaar Authentication for seamless, secure, and paperless customer verification.
- This partnership enables quick onboarding with compliance to KYC norms, combining India’s trusted digital identity system with Starlink’s global satellite internet technology.
- The move underscores Aadhaar’s scalability, reliability, and role in driving digital innovation and ease of doing business in India.
Defense News
India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile
- India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) on August 20, 2025 from Chandipur, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command, validating its operational readiness and enhancing India’s nuclear deterrence.
- The three-stage, solid-fuelled, canisterised missile has a range of over 5,000 km and can carry nuclear or conventional warheads, reinforcing India’s No First Use (NFU) policy and strengthening its nuclear triad.
Schemes News
West Bengal Launches ‘Shramshree’ Scheme for Returning Migrant Workers
- The Shramshree Scheme, launched on 18 August 2025 by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, is a rehabilitation initiative for Bengali migrant workers returning to the state after facing harassment or discrimination in other states due to speaking Bengali.
- Under this scheme, the Labour Department will provide ₹5,000/month financial aid for one year, or until employment is secured.
- Additionally, the scheme offers skill training, job cards, and access to self-employment loans to help workers rebuild their lives in West Bengal.
Sports News
Mohamed Salah Makes History with Third PFA Player of the Year Award
- Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has won the PFA Player of the Year award for an unprecedented third time, becoming the first player ever to achieve the feat.
- The 33-year-old scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists last season, leading Liverpool to the Premier League title.
- He also claimed the Golden Boot, Playmaker Award, and Premier League Player of the Season, making him the first player to win all three in a single season.
Important Days News
World Entrepreneurs’ Day 2025: Celebrating Innovation, Courage, and Economic Impact
- World Entrepreneurs’ Day 2025, celebrated on August 21, honors the vision, innovation, and resilience of entrepreneurs who drive economic growth, create jobs, and spark societal progress.
- Observed in 170+ countries, the day raises awareness about entrepreneurship, promotes education, and encourages support for startups through events, campaigns, and networking initiatives.
- It highlights the vital role entrepreneurs play in diversification, employment generation, and technological advancement, while inspiring the next generation of business leaders.
World Senior Citizens’ Day 2025: Why It’s Vital to Serve Our Elders with Dignity and Respect
- World Senior Citizens’ Day 2025, observed on August 21, honors the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of the elderly, while raising awareness of challenges like health issues, social isolation, and financial insecurity.
- First proclaimed by Ronald Reagan in 1988, the day promotes respect, dignity, and inclusion for older adults.
- The 2025 theme, “Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future,” urges active participation of seniors in policy-making.
International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025: United by Hope and Solidarity
The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025 is observed on August 21, marking its eighth anniversary since being established by the UN General Assembly in 2017. The 2025 theme, “United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism,” highlights the solidarity, strength, and resilience of victims and survivors. It encourages global communities to support victims, promote human rights, and foster a more inclusive and peaceful future, as emphasized by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Obituaries News
Frank Caprio, ‘Nicest Judge in the World’ and Face of Caught in Providence, Dies at 88
- Judge Frank Caprio, the beloved star of ‘Caught in Providence’, died at 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
- Known for his compassionate and humorous courtroom demeanor, Caprio served nearly 40 years on the Providence Municipal Court, retiring in 2023.
- The show, which aired nationally starting in 2018, made him a social media sensation, earning him the title “Nicest Judge in the World.”
- His death prompted tributes, including from Gov. Dan McKee, who called him a “Rhode Island treasure.” Caprio’s legacy of kindness and justice touched millions worldwide.
Current Affairs Today | 21 August Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam
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