India observed its second National Space Day on August 23, 2025, commemorating the successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing in 2023. The theme for this year's celebration was "Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities," emphasizing India's journey from ancient astronomical insights to future human spaceflight missions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the private sector and startups to aim for launching 50 rockets annually and reaffirmed India's goal of establishing its own space station. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also felicitated astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and other Gaganyatris.
Addressing the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Prime Minister Modi asserted that India is positioned to help uplift the world from slow growth, guided by the mantra of "reform, perform, and transform." He stated that India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world's third-largest major economy and aims to be a developed nation by 2047. Modi highlighted the country's macroeconomic stability over the past decade, noting reduced fiscal deficit, low inflation, and strong forex reserves. He also announced that the next-generation GST reform process, designed to simplify the law and reduce prices, is expected to be completed before Diwali.
In the realm of sports, veteran Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Pujara, known for his resilience in Test cricket, last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final. Separately, fantasy sports platform Dream11 has reportedly withdrawn as the lead sponsor for the Indian cricket team just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025. This decision follows the recent passage of the 'Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025' by the Indian Parliament, which bans real-money gaming platforms. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to invite new bids for jersey sponsorship rights.
The nation also grappled with natural disasters and accidents. Several areas in Rajasthan are facing severe flood-like conditions due to torrential rains, leading to two fatalities and the evacuation of hundreds of residents. Districts such as Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, and Tonk are among the worst affected. In Punjab, an LPG tanker explosion following a collision near Mandiala in Hoshiarpur resulted in seven deaths and 15 injuries. The blaze also engulfed approximately 30 shops and 20 houses.
Furthermore, the Department of Posts announced a temporary suspension of most postal services to the United States, effective August 25, 2025. This decision stems from changes in US customs rules, specifically Executive Order No. 14324, which withdraws the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to $800. This means almost all international postal items destined for the US will now be subject to customs duties, with ambiguities in the collection mechanism leading US-bound air carriers to refuse consignments. Letters, documents, and gift items up to $100 in value remain exempt.