Daily Current Affairs 15th August 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

President Droupadi Murmu’s Address on the Eve of the 79th Independence Day

• On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, honoring freedom fighters and celebrating India’s transformation into a thriving democracy.
• She highlighted key themes such as economic growth, digital progress, social empowerment, defence and national security, good governance, and environmental responsibility.
• Notable mentions included 6.5% GDP growth, expansion of Ayushman Bharat, the India-AI Mission, Operation Sindoor, and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, reflecting India’s strides in inclusive development, self-reliance, and sustainability.

India to Set Global Standards in Data Quality: Chief Economic Adviser Nageswaran

• India is set to establish global data standards, with Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran stating the country could soon become a benchmark for developed nations in terms of data quality.
• Amid concerns over statistical inaccuracies in the US and UK, India plans to strengthen its data systems through initiatives by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• A key step is the upcoming Service Production Index, modeled on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), to enhance data robustness.

PM Narendra Modi Surpasses Indira Gandhi’s Record with 12 Consecutive Independence Day Speeches

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken Indira Gandhi’s record by delivering 12 consecutive Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort, becoming the second-longest consecutive speaker after Jawaharlal Nehru, who gave 17 consecutive addresses.
• Modi surpassed Gandhi’s 11 consecutive speeches and continues to focus on key national issues, growth, and policy announcements during his annual Independence Day addresses.

Kargil’s Apricots Debut in Saudi Arabia: A Milestone for India’s Agricultural Exports and ODOP Initiative

• Kargil apricots made their international debut in Saudi Arabia on India’s 79th Independence Day, marking a major milestone for India’s agricultural exports and the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
• Launched at Lulu Hypermarket in Riyadh during the India Utsav celebrations, the event was led by Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan and supported by APEDA, showcasing India’s push to strengthen India-Saudi Arabia relations through agri-trade, benefiting Ladakhi farmers and boosting India’s global agri-brand.

Awards News

1,090 Personnel Awarded Gallantry and Service Medals on Independence Day 2025

• On Independence Day 2025, the Government of India honoured 1,090 personnel from Police, Fire Services, Home Guard & Civil Defence, and Correctional Services with Gallantry and Service Medals.
• The awards include 233 Gallantry Medals (GM)—with 152 going to Jammu & Kashmir, 54 to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas, and 3 to the North-East.
• Additionally, 99 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 758 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) were awarded.
• These recognitions celebrate bravery, professional excellence, and dedication to public safety and national security.

Operation Sindoor: Gallantry Awards Announced for Armed Forces Heroes

• On the eve of Independence Day 2025, the Indian government announced gallantry awards for Armed Forces personnel involved in Operation Sindoor—a landmark tri-services mission launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
• The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• Key honours include the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM) for senior IAF, Navy, and Army officers, Veer Chakra for acts of exceptional bravery, and the Vayu Sena Medal for air operations excellence.
• The mission demonstrated strategic precision, indigenous defence capability, and seamless inter-service coordination, reinforcing India’s counter-terrorism strength.

Gallantry Awards 2025: Here is The Full List of 127 Awardees

• India’s 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu approved 127 gallantry awards, 40 distinguished service awards, and 290 mentions-in-despatches for personnel from the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
• The honours recognize acts of extraordinary bravery, especially during Operation Sindoor.
• Key awards include the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal to senior Army, Navy, and IAF officers, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra for gallantry, and Yudh Seva Medals for operational excellence.
• Notably, IAF fighter pilots, S-400 missile operators, and BSF personnel were among those recognized for their roles in critical missions.

Defense News

PM Modi Launches ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ to Protect Key Establishments with Indigenous Technology

• PM Narendra Modi launched ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’, a 10-year indigenous tech initiative to secure India’s critical establishments through AI-enabled surveillance, cyber defence, and physical security. Inspired by Mahabharata, the mission reflects India’s move towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in national security, integrating R&D agencies, defence PSUs, and private sector innovation to build a multi-layered, proactive defence framework.

Schemes News

PM Modi Launches ₹1 Lakh Crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana to Create 3.5 Crore Jobs

• On Independence Day 2025, PM Narendra Modi launched the ₹1 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, aiming to create 3.5 crore jobs by 2027.
• The scheme offers ₹15,000 incentives to first-time employees and ₹3,000/month subsidies to employers hiring new staff. Implemented by the Ministry of Labour and tracked by EPFO, the initiative supports youth employment and aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision for inclusive growth.

Sports News

Himalayan Kingfisher Unveiled as Mascot for Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 in Srinagar

• The Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) mascot and logo were unveiled in Srinagar, ahead of the first-ever water games under the Khelo India initiative, set to be held at Dal Lake from August 21–23, 2025.
• The colourful Himalayan Kingfisher, symbolizing adventure, eco-sports, and Kashmir’s natural beauty, was introduced as the official mascot.
• Hosted by the J&K Sports Council with support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and SAI, the event will feature medal events like rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, along with demo events such as shikara race and dragon boat race.
• Over 400 athletes from 36 states and UTs are expected to participate, making Dal Lake a new hub for water sports in India.

Important Days News

79th Independence Day of India 2025: History, Theme, Celebrations, and National Significance

• On August 15, 2025, India will celebrate its 79th Independence Day, marking nearly eight decades of freedom from British rule.
• The day honors the sacrifices of freedom fighters and showcases India’s journey of unity, progress, and democracy through flag hoisting, the Prime Minister’s speech, cultural programs, and community activities across the nation.
• The celebrations emphasize themes of patriotism, inclusive growth, and India’s vision for a $5 trillion economy by 2047.

Current Affairs Today | 15 August Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam