August 2025 Monthly Current Affairs: Part 1!

August 2025 Monthly Current Affairs! August 2025 was a fast-paced month filled with technology advancements, policy changes, and geopolitical upheavals that had the potential to completely transform economies and society. These events, which range from historic space missions to rising trade tensions between superpowers, serve as a reminder of how linked the globe is and how one tariff decision may have a significant impact on global supply chains and daily life.

We have selected the top 50 current events here, emphasising those that are very pertinent to tests like the UPSC, where comprehension of context is essential. This compilation uses credible sources to offer perspectives that go beyond news stories and cover practical issues like the potential effects of environmental resolutions on local communities.

1. U.S. Announces 25% Tariff and Penalty on Indian Exports from August 1, 2025: August 2025 Monthly Current Affairs

Tariff Enforced

The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff, along with penalties, on Indian exports beginning August 1, 2025, increasing trade tensions.

In April 2025, the U.S. proposed a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian products but decided to suspend it.

This is a segment of broader U.S. tariff actions against allies beginning in January 2025.

Motivations for the Behaviour

• Trade Deficit Increase: The U.S. goods deficit with India reached $45.7 billion in 2024, rising 5.4% compared to 2023.
• Trade Barriers: The U.S. alleges that India’s agricultural subsidies and rigorous sanitary Regulations hinder its farm exports.
• Geopolitical Concerns: India’s position in BRICS is viewed as a challenge to the supremacy of the dollar. Moreover, the relationship between India and Russia, particularly in defence and energy, is being monitored by the U.S. through the suggested Russian Sanctions Act (500% tariffs on Russian oil importers).

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Consequences for India

• Negotiation Efforts: Might accelerate a temporary Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The goal for both is to increase bilateral trade from $131.8 billion in 2024 to $500 billion by 2030.
• Export Woes: Pharma industry in jeopardy—India provides non-patented generics to the U.S. Indian products now encounter steeper tariffs than Vietnam (20%) or Indonesia (19%).
• Supply Chain Issues: Anticipate price increases, postponements, and more challenging market entry for exporters.
• India’s Position: Dedicated to equitable trade relationships. Protecting farmers, small businesses, and enterprises. Pursuing a mutually beneficial BTA while prioritising national interests.

I recall a conversation with a small exporter friend who mentioned it feels like a blow to the stomach—his pharmaceutical business could experience a sudden profit decline.

2. NISAR Spacecraft

• Mission Initiated: The India-US joint NISAR satellite was launched from Sriharikota, marking a groundbreaking dual-frequency radar imaging endeavour.
• Reason for Coverage: This partnership enhances Earth observation and represents robust Indo-US relations, despite ongoing trade concerns—it serves as a reminder that science can unite amidst political divides.

About the NISAR Project

• Type: Satellite for Earth Observation (EOS).
• Goal: Survey the Earth’s surface every 12 days for insights on climate, disasters, and agriculture.
• Orbit Information: Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit; 97-minute cycle; distinctive GSLV milestone in SSO.
• Weight: 2,392 kg; Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F16; Minimum Duration: 5 years.
• Essential Technological Characteristics: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Dual-band (NASA’s L-band, ISRO’s S-band); generates high-resolution images in any weather conditions.
• SweepSAR Method: Broad coverage with high detail for observation.
• Spacecraft Platform: ISRO’s I-3K bus system.
• Data Availability: Open policy for the worldwide research community.
• Concerning the Categories of Orbits: Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO): Aligns with the Sun for uniform illumination during observation.
• Polar Orbit: altitude of 200–1000 km; provides worldwide coverage over time.

Importance of the NISAR Mission

Strengthens strategic relations between India and the U.S. Tracks climate change, land utilisation, disasters, and farming!

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3. UN Urges Immediate Reform of Worldwide Food Systems at UNFSS+4 Summit

Summit Conducted: UN Deputy Secretary-General advocates for reform in food systems at UNFSS+4 in Addis Ababa, presenting a progress report.

Why in the News

As millions remain malnourished, this summit highlights true accounts from farmers confronting climate challenges, emphasising the necessity for fair systems in a world where food waste exists alongside hunger.

Concerning the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS)

• Inaugurated: 2021 by the UN Secretary-General.
• Objective: Revamp food systems for resilience, fairness, and sustainability in accordance with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

What are Food Systems?

The sequence of production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

Importance of Food Systems

• Social Influence: Associated with SDGs; 783 million malnourished.
• Economic Significance: Job provider; $11.6 trillion yearly concealed expenses.
• Environmental Impact: 30% greenhouse gas emissions, 70% consumption of freshwater, 80% loss of biodiversity.

Why Are Worldwide Food Systems Failing?

• Climate Susceptibility: Severe weather interrupts production.
• Growing Debt in LDCs: Debt repayments increased to 12% of income (2010–2023).
• Inadequate Infrastructure: A third of food is wasted because of insufficient storage and transportation.

4. India’s Wetlands Resolution Approved at Ramsar CoP15 with Worldwide Backing

Resolution Passed

India’s “Encouraging Sustainable Lifestyles for Wetlands” supported by 172 nations at Ramsar CoP15 in Zimbabwe.

Reason for Coverage

This initiative emphasizes community-led conservation, similar to local volunteers in India who have charted wetlands, illustrating that grassroots movements can influence global transformations.

Regarding the Resolution

• Theme: Sustainable practices aligned with the Mission LiFE framework.
• Goal: Environmentally aware, water-responsive measures in wetland areas.
• Importance: Connects climate-adaptive living to global wetland preservation.

Mission LiFE: India’s Worldwide Climate Initiative: Inaugurated: COP26, Glasgow (2021).

Objective: Decrease environmental impacts.

International Acknowledgment: Integrated in G20, Ramsar.

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Comprehending the ‘Wise Use’ Principle within the Ramsar Convention

• Definition: Preserving wetland ecological integrity through sustainable development practices.
• Fundamental Concept: Preservation for humanity and the environment.
• Duty of Parties: Incorporate into strategies, programs, consciousness.

India’s Execution of the Wise Use Principle

• Policies & Frameworks: NPCA overarching initiative; 2024 “Wetland Wise Use” guidelines.
• Management Instruments: IMPs for conservation and tourism; Mission Sahbhagita for engagement.
• Citizen Participation: Save Wetlands Initiative engaged 2 million; identified over 1.7 lakh wetlands.

5.MoSPI to Update GDP , IIP , and CPI Base Years: August 2025 Monthly Current Affairs

• Reforms Revealed: MoSPI revises base years for GDP , IIP , CPI to account for economic changes and incorporate alternative data.
• Why in News: These modifications are vital as they reflect India’s changing economy—consider how GST data can deliver real-time insights, enhancing the accuracy of statistics for policy formulation.

Proposed Key Reforms

• GDP: Reference year ranging from 2011–12 to 2022–23; novel resources such as GST, E-Vahan, UPI.
• IIP: Update of the base year to 2022–23.
• CPI: Reference year set to 2024; includes sources such as internet rates, OTT costs.
• ASSSE: Fresh survey for the service industry.
• HCES: Occurs every 3 years.

Justification for the Changes

• Mirror Changing Economy: Transitions in spending, rising industries.
• Improved Precision: Digital information for immediate understanding.
• Measure Authentic Economic Growth: Revised foundations for inflation-corrected advancement

6. UNSC 1267 Committee Links Pahalgam Terror Attack to Lashkar Proxy, TRF: August 2025 Monthly Current Affairs

Report Verified: UNSC document links Pahalgam assault to TRF, a proxy of LeT, unanimously accepted even by Pakistan.

Why in News

This uncommon agreement, including from Pakistan, confirms India’s position on cross-border terrorism, echoing how global pressure can prompt recognition in protracted conflicts.

Concerning the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee

Mandate: Supervises sanctions against ISIS, Al-Qaida affiliates; asset freezes, travel restrictions, arms prohibitions.

Member Duties: Every UN country is obligated to take action against identified entities.Current Chair: Denmark (until December 2025).

Importance of the Report

• Recognizes TRF’s involvement in terrorism.
• Uncommon UNSC agreement that includes Pakistan.
• Strengthens India’s stance on terrorism supported by Pakistan

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7. Supreme Court Acknowledges Right to Safe and Drivable Roads as a Fundamental Right

Judgment Issued: SC in UPP Tollways v. MP Road Development Corporation upholds the right to safe roads as per Articles 21 and 19(1)(g).

Why in News

This decision resonates with anyone who has navigated pothole-laden streets—it’s revolutionary, making governments responsible for infrastructure that’s frequently overlooked.

Essential Aspects of the Ruling

Core Right Confirmed: Section of Article 21 (life/freedom) and Article 19(1)(g) (employment/business).

Public Responsibility vs. Private Agreements: The state is accountable for upkeep; not solely the contractors.

Consequences

• Enhances public appeal regarding inadequate road conditions.
• Establishes safety regulations

8. More than ₹11 Lakh Crore Released to Women SHGs through DAY-NRLM: August 2025 Monthly Current Affairs

Loans Distributed: More than ₹11 lakh crore to women SHGs through DAY-NRLM for financial empowerment.

Why in News

This large allocation reveals tales of rural women transforming concepts into enterprises, such as a small team launching a handicraft initiative—it’s fostering community empowerment.

Regarding DAY-NRLM

• Ministry in charge: Rural Development.
• Goal: Assemble rural women into SHGs for enduring livelihoods.

Main Characteristics and Assistance Framework

• Credit Assistance: Financing secured by the Women Enterprise Acceleration Fund.
• Earning Opportunities: Agricultural and non-agricultural alternatives.
• Inclusiveness: SBCC for the engagement of marginalized groups.
• Digital Literacy: Prepares as Banking Correspondent Sakhis.
• Coverage: Entire India excluding Delhi and Chandigarh.

Importance

• Boosts women’s financial autonomy.
• Encourages rural business development.
• Assists independent communities

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9. Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from Piprahwa Returned to India: August 2025 Monthly Current Affairs

Returned Relics: The Piprahwa relics, thought to be the remains of Buddha, were sent back to India, enhancing spiritual heritage.

Reason for Attention: The restoration of these treasures seems like recovering a fragment of the past—these aren’t merely objects but a link to Buddha’s heritage that might enhance cultural tourism.

Regarding the Piprahwa Relics

• Discovery: 1898 by William Claxton Peppé in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh (historical Kapilavastu).
• Importance: Sacred relics of Gautama Buddha; revered worldwide.
• Main Highlights: Bone pieces, coffins, gold jewelry; Brahmi script from Sakya lineage.
• Enshrinement: Probably 3rd century BCE, during the Mauryan period.

Legal Standing

• ‘AA’ artifacts according to Indian legislation.
• Banned from sale or disposal

10. Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 Takes Effect from August 1

Act Announced: Important elements of Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 take effect from August 1 to enhance governance.

Reason for Coverage: This update is pertinent in the digital banking age, where I’ve observed that extended tenures can provide stability to co-ops, similar to how consistent leadership benefits businesses.

Main Aspects of the Amendment:Includes RBI Act of 1934, Banking Regulation Act of 1949, SBI Act of 1955, and Banking Companies Acts of 1970 and 1980.

Significant Modifications Implemented

Significant Interest Threshold Increased: From ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore (first adjustment since 1968). Tenure for Cooperative Bank Directors Increased: From 8 to 10 years, in accordance with the 97th Amendment.

Public Sector Banks: Funds not claimed go to Investor Education Fund; PSBs compensate auditors.

Importance

• Enhances administration.
• Updates limits.
• Enhances clarity, responsibility