Daily Current Affairs 22nd August 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

• Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will visit India from August 24–26, 2025, accompanied by his wife and key officials, including Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu.
• During the visit, he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also host an official lunch in his honour, and call on President Droupadi Murmu.
• Rabuka is also scheduled to deliver a lecture titled ‘Ocean of Peace’ at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
• The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand people-to-people ties between India and Fiji.

Iran Conducts “Sustainable Power 1404” Missile Drills in Gulf of Oman

• Iran has launched a two-day missile drill titled “Sustainable Power 1404” in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, marking its first major military exercise since the 12-day war in June.
• The drills showcased cruise missiles like Nasir and Qadir, and involved surface/subsurface warships, air units, and electronic warfare brigades. Iran’s IRIS Sabalan and IRIS Ganaveh warships successfully hit sea targets.

Economy News

Indian Government Raises ₹1.42 Lakh Crore Through Asset Monetisation Till FY25

• The Indian Government has raised ₹1.42 lakh crore through asset monetisation till FY25, using key models like Toll-Operate-Transfer (ToT), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvIT), and securitisation to boost infrastructure funding without increasing public debt.
• This strategic move enables long-term private investment in public assets, with a FY25 target of ₹30,000 crore, promoting efficient capital recycling and expansion of highways and other infrastructure projects.

India Suspends 11% Cotton Import Duty Till September 30 to Support Garment Industry

• India suspends 11% cotton import duty until September 30, signaling willingness to address U.S. tariff hike on Indian goods.
• The move aims to ease pressure on India’s garment industry, which faces nearly 60% tariffs on exports to the U.S., and helps maintain competitiveness against China and Bangladesh. The waiver may be extended depending on future negotiations.

• Haryana and Rajasthan signed an MoU to jointly prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Yamuna Water Pipeline Project, aiming to transfer 577 MCM of water from Hathnikund to Churu, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and other Rajasthan districts via underground pipelines during July to October, after Haryana utilizes the full capacity of the Western Yamuna Canal (24,000 cusec).
• Both states have formed a Task Force, and Rajasthan has hired a consultant for the DPR preparation.

• The Fortified Rice Scheme has been extended to 2028 with full ₹17,082 crore government funding to combat malnutrition and anaemia, particularly through the Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative.
• Under the PM POSHAN Scheme, all States and UTs use fortified rice, double fortified salt, and fortified edible oil in school meals.
• The NDDB’s Gift Milk Program has supplied 7.1 lakh litres of fortified milk to 41,700 children in 11 states.
• These efforts aim to address micronutrient deficiencies and promote healthy development among children and women.

SASCI Scheme Boosts Tourism Development with ₹3,295.76 Crore for Lesser-Known Destinations

• Under the SASCI scheme (Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment), the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 40 projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore with 100% central funding to promote lesser-known tourist destinations.
• The initiative aims to deliver a complete end-to-end tourist experience with emphasis on responsible tourism, sustainability, and local economic growth.
• Projects were selected via a challenge method based on parameters like connectivity, carrying capacity, impact, and tourism potential.

Sports News

Ahmedabad to Host Three Major International Sports Events in 2025, Strengthening India’s Sporting Profile

Science & Technology News

Roadmap for Rollout of 6G Technology in India

• On August 21, 2025, the government outlined its roadmap for 6G technology rollout by 2030, based on the ITU-R M.2160 recommendation and the Bharat 6G Vision Document.
• The plan envisions AI-native, low-latency, and high-speed networks with seamless terrestrial and non-terrestrial coverage.
• Key initiatives include establishing 100 5G labs, launching the TTDF Scheme funding 104 projects worth ₹275.88 Cr, creating the Bharat 6G Alliance, and setting up a Technology Innovation Hub at IIIT Bangalore focused on advanced communication systems like RIS and O-RAN Massive MIMO. The goal is to make India a global 6G leader.

ISRO to Conduct First Gaganyaan Test Flight in December 2025, Confirms Chairman

• ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that the first test flight of Gaganyaan, India’s maiden manned space mission, will take place in December 2025.
• So far, 80% of tests (7,700 out of 10,000) have been completed, with the rest to finish by March 2026. ISRO has achieved 196 milestones this year, including GLEX-2025, a high-thrust electric propulsion system, and the planned launch of a 6,500 kg US communication satellite.

Important Days News

Madras Day 2025: History, Significance, Celebrations, and Interesting Facts About Chennai

• Madras Day is celebrated annually on August 22 to mark the founding of Madras (now Chennai) in 1639 by the British East India Company.
• The day honors the city’s rich history, culture, and legacy—from a small fishing village to a bustling metropolitan hub. Celebrations include heritage walks, lectures, cultural performances, and efforts in heritage preservation and community bonding.
• Chennai is notable as the fourth largest city in India, known as the ‘Detroit of India’, and home to India’s oldest public zoo and one of the world’s oldest English newspapers.
• Madras Day fosters civic pride and promotes local art, tourism, and education.

International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief – 22 August

• The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, observed annually on 22 August, was established by UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/73/296 to honour individuals and communities who have suffered violence due to their religion or belief.
• The day reinforces the importance of freedom of religion, expression, and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Obituaries News

Punjabi Comedian Jaswinder Bhalla Passes Away at 65 in Mohali

• Renowned Punjabi comedian and actor Jaswinder Bhalla passed away at the age of 65 on 22 August 2025 in Mohali, leaving behind a rich legacy in Punjabi cinema. Known for his sharp wit, comic timing, and social satire,
• Bhalla became a household name with films like Carry On Jatta, Gaddi Chaldi Hai Chhalla Maarke, Band Baaje, and Jind Jaan.
• Widely regarded as a cultural icon, his contributions have shaped the landscape of Punjabi comedy, inspiring generations with laughter and meaning.

Miscellaneous News

A Tribute to M.S. Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India and Pioneered the Green Revolution