🇮🇳 National News
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the ‘Garuda Drishti’ Social Media Monitoring and Cyber Intelligence Project at Police Bhavan, Nagpur.
As part of the event, the CM also distributed ₹10 crore recovered from cyber financial crimes to the victims of fraud.
On 18 August 2025, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched the ‘Shramshree’ Scheme, aimed at rehabilitating Bengali migrant workers who faced harassment or discrimination outside the state due to their language.
- Financial assistance of ₹5,000/month for one year or until employment secured
- Skill training support
- Job cards and self-employment loans
The initiative is designed to help returnees rebuild their lives and integrate back into society.
The 130th Constitution Amendment Bill was tabled in Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
It proposes that the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, or ministers automatically lose office if detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges.
- Amends Articles 75, 164, and 239AA
- Leaders can be reappointed after release, even without conviction
- Intent: Promote clean governance and strengthen public trust
Concerns raised: Possible political misuse, erosion of presumption of innocence, weakening of federal principles.
The Bill has been forwarded to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for review.
The Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Online Gaming Authority |
| Promoted | e-Sports, social online games |
| Banned | Real money gaming (poker, rummy) |
| Penalty | Up to 3 years + ₹1 crore fine |
Objective: To safeguard youth and vulnerable groups from addiction, fraud, and psychological harm linked to money gaming.
India Post unveiled IT 2.0 – Advanced Postal Technology (APT) as part of its Digital India initiative.
Developed by the Centre for Excellence in Postal Technology, it runs on MeghRaj 2.0 cloud with BSNL’s connectivity support.
- Unified interface for services
- QR-code payments and OTP-based delivery system
- New 10-digit alphanumeric DIGIPIN to improve delivery accuracy
The Union Government approved the renaming of Jalalabad town in Uttar Pradesh to Parashurampuri.
Union Minister Jitin Prasada made the announcement.
Reason: Locals considered the old name a reminder of slavery (‘ghulami’) and supported the new name that aligns with Sanatan traditions.
The move is part of the government’s wider effort to replace names linked with historical oppression. An official gazette notification will be issued soon.
💼 Business & Economy
UIDAI has partnered with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd to enable Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification.
- Faster, paperless, and secure customer onboarding
- Compliance with KYC norms
- Integration of India’s digital identity system with Starlink’s satellite internet services
This collaboration highlights Aadhaar’s scalability and reliability while strengthening India’s digital infrastructure and ease of business.
🌐 International News
India and Saudi Arabia have formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) to enhance cooperation in shipping and logistics.
This partnership builds on their strategic, cultural, and economic ties.
- India’s Maritime India Vision 2030
- Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
- India’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
The collaboration will promote investments in India’s port infrastructure, including Vadhavan Port and the Outer Harbour Project at VO Chidambaranar Port, with support from a USD 3 billion Maritime Development Fund.
🛡️ Defence News
On 20 August 2025, India successfully tested the Agni-5 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from Chandipur, Odisha under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Three-stage, solid-fuel, canisterised |
| Range | Over 5,000 km |
| Payload | Nuclear and conventional warheads |
- Boosts India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities
- Strengthens the nuclear triad
- Reinforces India’s No First Use (NFU) policy
📅 Important Days
Celebrated in 170+ countries to honor the contribution of entrepreneurs in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation.
Objectives:
- Raise awareness about entrepreneurship
- Encourage education and startup support
- Promote networking initiatives and campaigns
Highlights the role of entrepreneurs in diversification, technology development, and employment generation.
Observed globally to recognize the contributions and resilience of the elderly.
First proclaimed in 1988 by US President Ronald Reagan.
“Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future”
Purpose: Promote dignity, inclusion, and respect for seniors; highlight issues like health, financial insecurity, and social isolation.
Marked annually since 2017, as declared by the UN General Assembly.
“United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism”
Emphasis: Express solidarity with victims and survivors; support victims through human rights advocacy and global cooperation; promote a more inclusive and peaceful future, as underlined by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
🏅 Sports News
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah won the PFA Player of the Year Award for the third time, a record in football history.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Goals | 29 |
| Assists | 18 |
| Team Achievement | Liverpool Premier League title |
Became the first-ever player to win the Golden Boot, Playmaker Award, and Premier League Player of the Season in one season.
🕊️ Obituaries
Frank Caprio, widely admired as the “Nicest Judge in the World” and star of Caught in Providence, passed away at the age of 88 after battling pancreatic cancer.
- Served nearly 40 years at the Providence Municipal Court
- Retired in 2023
- His courtroom show went national in 2018, making him a social media icon
Admired for his compassionate and humorous approach to justice. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called him a “Rhode Island treasure.”
Legacy: He touched millions with his philosophy of kindness and fairness in justice.
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