The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on August 8, 2025, approved several key proposals. Among these, the continuation of a ₹300 per LPG cylinder subsidy for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries for the fiscal year 2025-26 was sanctioned, aiming to provide clean energy access to economically weaker households. Another significant approval was the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme, with an outlay of Rs. 4200 Crores. This Central Sector Scheme, formulated in collaboration with the World Bank, seeks to enhance the quality, equity, and governance in technical education across all States and Union Territories, aligning with the National Education Policy-2020. Additionally, the Cabinet approved Special Development Packages totaling Rs. 4,250 Crore for Assam and Tripura.
In a boost to infrastructure development and accountability, the government announced an increase in the defect liability period for road contractors from 5 to 10 years, alongside new penalties for subpar work and a ₹40,000 crore investment to fix accident-prone spots. Major infrastructure projects like the Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Katra, and Delhi–Dehradun Expressways are expected to significantly reduce travel and logistics costs. Efforts in energy independence were also highlighted with the E20 (20% ethanol blend) rollout, part of a strategy to reduce the fossil fuel import bill and benefiting farmers.
Economically, India witnessed robust activity. The annual defence production soared to an all-time high of over ₹1.5 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, marking a 90% increase in five years. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) achieved a gross merchandise value (GMV) of ₹5.4 Lakh Crore in FY 2024–25, while UPI transactions set a new record with 707 Million daily transactions. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) reported a 5% rise in standalone net profit to Rs 10,987 crore for Q1 FY26. Furthermore, AU Small Finance Bank made history by becoming the first SFB to receive RBI's nod for Universal Bank Status.
In the realm of Science and Technology, the growing significance of the private sector in India's space ecosystem was emphasized, with a target of a $9 billion space economy by 2030. India's 3rd Launch Pad in Sriharikota is expected by 2029. The IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD), in collaboration with the National Cancer Grid (NCG), launched the Cancer AI & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program to foster innovative AI solutions for cancer care. Indian Railways also conducted a trial run of Asia's longest freight train, 'Rudrastra'.
On the international front, India's "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" with Russia continues, with Prime Minister Modi extending an invitation to President Putin for a visit later in 2025. Meanwhile, US-India trade tensions persist due to the Trump administration's tariff hike. An India-Oman Free Trade Agreement is likely to be announced soon.
A significant development for students preparing for competitive exams was the postponement of the SSC CGL 2025 examination. The Staff Selection Commission announced on August 8, 2025, that the exam, originally scheduled for August 13-30, has been rescheduled to the first week of September 2025 due to technical difficulties, affecting approximately 28 lakh candidates.
Important days observed on August 9, 2025, include the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, World Sanskrit Day, and the festival of Raksha Bandhan. August 8, 2025, marked the 83rd anniversary of the Quit India Movement Day.