National Development & Infrastructure:
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of four new semiconductor assembly and testing facilities across Punjab, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of ā¹4,600 crore. This initiative aims to bolster India's self-reliance in critical technology manufacturing. In a related technological advancement, India is now manufacturing 3nm chips, signifying a major leap in its semiconductor capabilities.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with global tech giants Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia. These partnerships are geared towards training BSNL's workforce in 5G, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), and networking, aligning with the "Digital India," "Skill India," and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" missions.
In an innovative move, India has launched its first drone-AI-powered artificial rain experiment in Jaipur. The project aims to induce rain for the Ramgarh Dam, which has been dry for two decades, by using drones to spray sodium chloride for cloud seeding.
The Indian Navy is set to make history on August 26, 2025, by commissioning two frontline stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, simultaneously. These vessels are part of Project 17A, showcasing advancements in indigenous defense manufacturing.
Government & Policy Reforms:
To address the persistent issue of paper leaks in competitive examinations, the Uttar Pradesh government is introducing the Public Service Commission (Procedure Regulation Amendment) Bill, 2025. A key reform proposed is the implementation of a four-set paper system to enhance security and fairness in UPPSC examinations.
Several significant bills have been passed by the Parliament. The Rajya Sabha cleared the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha passed 'The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025' and the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, signaling legislative progress in key sectors.
Economy & Finance:
India's retail inflation has fallen to an eight-year low of 1.55% in July 2025, indicating a significant easing of price pressures. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have reported a combined net profit of ā¹44,218 crore in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, marking an 11% year-on-year growth. Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor has unveiled three new consumer-centric initiatives aimed at enhancing financial inclusion, particularly for the bottom of the pyramid.
International Relations:
The United States has imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian exports, with an additional 25% tariff set to take effect from August 29, 2025. This move is in response to India's continued crude oil imports from Russia and is expected to have potential impacts on India's GDP growth and Current Account Deficit (CAD). In another development, India and China are reportedly preparing to resume direct flight services as early as next month, a step aimed at improving political relations between the two nations.
Important Days:
August 12, 2025, is observed globally as World Elephant Day, an annual international campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the preservation and protection of elephants. Additionally, International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12, with the 2025 theme focusing on "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond," highlighting the role of young people in achieving sustainable development goals.