25 August 2026 – Most Important Current Affairs

National Affairs

1. India and US Sign Deal for Over 100 Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles

India and the United States signed a deal worth more than USD 45 million for the acquisition of over 100 Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems for the Indian Army. The US Embassy confirmed that the Indian Army signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), marking India’s formal entry as a customer of the shoulder-fired weapon, with plans for eventual co-production in India.

2. PMJDY Completes 12 Years: 59 Crore Accounts, ₹3.17 Lakh Crore Deposits

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) completed 12 years on 28 August 2026, with the Finance Ministry reporting over 59 crore bank accounts and deposits of ₹3.17 lakh crore under the scheme. The milestone highlights the government’s financial inclusion drive since the scheme’s launch in 2014.

3. Congress Slams Centre’s Free Online Coaching Plan as “Gimmick”

The Congress criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of free online coaching for competitive exam aspirants, calling it an “accountability-evading gimmick”. Jairam Ramesh cited the existing Free Coaching scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice, saying it had enrolled only 2,790 candidates against a three-year target of 10,500 (26% achievement).

4. Former CDS Anil Chauhan’s Lecture on Operation Sindoor Sparks Debate

On 25 August 2026, retired General Anil Chauhan, former Chief of Defence Staff, delivered a lecture on Operation Sindoor and its aftermath at the Vivekananda International Foundation in New Delhi. His account of the operation and China–Pakistan cooperation during the conflict triggered questions from opposition leaders about conflicting military narratives.

5. Jairam Ramesh Questions Conflicting Remarks on China–Pakistan Ties During Operation Sindoor

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh sought a comprehensive official review of Operation Sindoor, alleging conflicting statements by senior military officials on the extent of China–Pakistan cooperation during the operation. He questioned whether there was a “deeper plan” to change the narrative to please China.

6. US Sanctions Four Indian Firms Under “Operation Economic Outcast” Over Iranian Oil Trade

The United States sanctioned four Indian companies under President Donald Trump’s “Operation Economic Outcast” for alleged involvement in trading Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. The move raises compliance risks for Indian firms and underscores US pressure on Iran’s energy exports.

International Affairs and Defence

7. India and China to Continue “In-Depth Communication” on Border Issue

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on 25 August 2026 that India and China will continue in-depth communication on the border issue in line with the consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders. This came ahead of the 25th round of Special Representatives’ Talks on the India–China Boundary Question in Beijing.

8. NSA Ajit Doval’s Beijing Visit Focuses on India–China Boundary Dispute

As part of India’s “Fab 4” diplomatic push, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Beijing on 24–25 August 2026, focusing primarily on the India–China boundary dispute. The visit aimed to stabilise ties and prepare the ground for higher-level engagements.

9. EAM Jaishankar in Moscow for Energy and Trade Talks

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Moscow on 23–24 August 2026, highlighting energy security, trade and strategic cooperation. The visit was part of India’s broader diplomatic outreach ahead of key multilateral summits.

Economy, Science and Technology

10. RBI Bulletin: Indian Economy Shows Resilience Despite Global Headwinds

The Reserve Bank of India’s August 2026 Bulletin said the Indian economy has demonstrated notable resilience to global headwinds, supported by buoyant domestic demand, sustained manufacturing and services activity, and double-digit merchandise trade growth. Improved monsoon conditions supported kharif sowing, though geopolitical frictions and fresh US tariffs remained external risks.

11. Hindustan Copper Shares Fall 6% After Govt Launches 3% Stake OFS

Shares of Hindustan Copper fell as much as 6% to ₹540 on the BSE on 25 August 2026 after the Union government launched an offer for sale (OFS) to divest a 3% stake in the state-owned copper producer. The market witnessed strong volatility on the first expiry day since the launch of the closing auction session (CAS).

12. AI Infrastructure Boom Continues; Nvidia Results Reinforce Spending Trend

The AI infrastructure boom showed few signs of losing momentum in the week of 23–28 August 2026, with Nvidia’s latest results reinforcing expectations that hyperscalers and enterprises will continue to spend heavily on compute capacity. This trend is shaping global and Indian tech investment priorities.

State and Regional Affairs

13. BJP Protests Outside HP Assembly Over Health Services and HimCare Scheme

Ahead of the fourth day of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly’s Monsoon Session, BJP MLAs led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur staged a protest outside the Assembly in Shimla on 25 August 2026. They accused the Congress government of failing to provide basic healthcare and weakening the HimCare health insurance scheme launched by the previous BJP government.

14. Punjab to Observe National Eye Donation Fortnight from 25 August

Punjab announced it will observe National Eye Donation Fortnight from 25 August, with the Health Department intensifying awareness drives to promote eye donation across the state. The campaign aligns with national efforts to increase corneal donation and reduce blindness.

15. Surjit Hockey Society to Distribute Sports Kits to 100 Young Players on National Sports Day

The Surjit Hockey Society in Jalandhar, Punjab, announced a special event on 29 August to mark National Sports Day and Major Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary, with sports kits to be distributed among 100 emerging hockey players. The initiative aims to nurture grassroots talent in hockey.

16. Punjab BJP Backs Employees’ “Maha Strike” Over Pending DA Dues

Punjab government employees and pensioners planned to intensify protests over pending Dearness Allowance (DA) dues on 27 August, with the BJP supporting their call for a statewide “Maha Strike” against the Bhagwant Mann government. The protest includes mass casual leave by employees.

17. 10 Odias Traced Safe in Nepal; NRI Couple Still Missing After Floods

As the government stepped up efforts to locate people from Odisha in disaster-hit Nepal, 10 individuals from the state were traced safe, while an Odia NRI couple remained missing. The update came amid ongoing rescue and relief operations following devastating floods in Nepal.

Sports and Important Days

18. India Men’s Hockey Team Crashes Out of FIH World Cup Without Medal

India’s men’s hockey team failed to reach the semifinals of the FIH World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen, losing 3–5 to Argentina after a 1–3 defeat to the Netherlands in Stage 2. Former captain PR Sreejesh criticised the team and administrators, alleging Hockey India would now “prop up the Asian Games to sweep the problems under the carpet”.

19. Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin to Play in European T20 Premier League (ETPL)

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane and veteran off-spinner R Ashwin are among several international stars set to play in the first edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), starting 26 August 2026. The ICC-approved tournament features six city-based franchises from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.

20. National Sports Day Observed on 29 August (Major Dhyan Chand’s Birthday)

National Sports Day in India is observed every year on 29 August, the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. Various sports bodies and societies, including the Surjit Hockey Society, plan events around this date to promote sports at the grassroots level.

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