Daily Current Affairs 17th & 18th Aug 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

This post is also available in: हिन्दी (Hindi)

Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs Aug 2025 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs Aug 17th & 18th 2025, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs Aug 17th & 18th 2025 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of 17th & 18th August 2025

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE, BUSINESS

S&P upgrades credit ratings of SBI, HDFC Bank, Tata Capital and seven other companies

• S&P Global Ratings upgraded the long-term issuer credit ratings for seven Indian banks and three financial institutions on August 15, 2025.
• This upgrade followed S&P Global’s earlier increase in India’s sovereign credit rating.
• The seven Indian banks whose ratings were upgraded are: State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Union Bank of India, and Indian Bank.
• The three finance companies that also received an upgrade are: Bajaj Finance, Tata Capital, and L&T Finance.
• S&P Global attributes these upgrades to India’s strong economic growth momentum, which is benefiting these domestically focused financial institutions.
• The agency expects Indian banks to maintain adequate asset quality, good profitability, and enhanced capitalization over the next one to two years.

S&P Global upgrades India’s sovereign rating to ‘BBB’ with short-term rating raised to ‘A-2’

• S&P Global has upgraded India’s sovereign credit rating to ‘BBB’ from ‘BBB-‘, with the short-term rating also raised to ‘A-2’ from ‘A-3’.
• The outlook remains Stable.
• This is India’s first sovereign upgrade by S&P in 18 years, with the previous one occurring in 2007.
• In May 2024, S&P had already revised its outlook on India from ‘Stable’ to ‘Positive’.
• The upgrade is based on India’s strong economic performance, with an average real GDP growth of 8.8% from FY22 to FY24, making it the fastest-growing major economy in the Asia-Pacific region.
• The central government’s fiscal deficit was 4.8% of GDP in FY25, with a target to reduce it to 4.4% in FY26.
• Another rating agency, Morning Star DBRS, also recently upgraded India to “BBB”
• Moody’s and Fitch continue to rate India at the lowest investment grade of Baa3 and BBB-, respectively.
• Following the sovereign upgrade, S&P Global also raised the credit ratings of several public and private sector companies to ‘BBB’ from ‘BBB-‘. These include ONGC, Power Grid, NTPC, Tata Power, India Exim, and IRFC.

National Small Industries Corporation signs Memoranda of Understanding with private banks to boost Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises credit facilitation program

• The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), a government enterprise under the Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several private sector banks on August 11, 2025.
• The banks involved are Axis Bank, Dhanlaxmi Bank, Karnataka Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, and IndusInd Bank.
• This collaboration is part of NSIC’s MSME Credit Facilitation Program.
• The primary goal is to provide handholding support to MSMEs and help them access the formal financial system.
• The initiative aims for these banks to expand their outreach to deserving micro and small enterprises.
• NSIC was established in 1955 to promote the growth of MSMEs in India.

India’s April–July 2025 exports up 5.23% YoY to USD 277.63 billion (merchandise & services)

• India’s total exports (Merchandise and Services combined) for July 2025 are estimated at US$ 68.27 Billion, showing a 4.52% positive growth compared to July 2024.
• Total imports (Merchandise and Services combined) for July 2025 are estimated at US$ 79.99 Billion, marking a 6.07% positive growth over July 2024.
• For the April-July 2025 period, India’s total exports reached an estimated US$ 277.63 Billion, growing by 5.23%.
• Total imports for April-July 2025 were estimated at US$ 308.91 Billion, with a growth of 4.25%.
• India has an ambitious target of achieving USD 1 trillion in exports for the financial year 2025-26.
• India’s top 5 export destinations showing positive growth in April-July 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 are:
  • USA: 21.64%
  • China (PRP): 19.97%
  • UAE: 4.62%
  • Kenya: 64.05%
  • Germany: 14.37%

About Ministry of Commerce & Industry :

• Cabinet Minister : Piyush Goyal
• Minister of State : Jitin Prasada

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Announces ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ and Launches ₹1 Lakh Crore ‘Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana’ During 79th Independence Day Address

• On August 15, 2025, during the 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a landmark national security initiative – Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a decade-long mission aimed at securing India’s critical establishments through indigenous technology, in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• The PM emphasised that “Every citizen must feel protected”, highlighting that the mission will be research-driven, technology-based, and fully developed within India.

Key Highlights:

• Objectives of Mission Sudarshan Chakra include:
  • Establishing a multi-layered national security framework against evolving threats.
  • Reducing dependence on foreign security systems by strengthening indigenous solutions.
  • Integration of surveillance, cyber defence, and physical protection in a single comprehensive shield.
  • Preparing India to anticipate and prevent threats proactively rather than reactively.
• Indicative Features of the mission:
  • Advanced Surveillance Systems – AI-enabled monitoring of sensitive sites.
  • Cyber Protection Framework – Safeguards against cyber warfare and hybrid threats.
  • Physical Security Enhancements – Fortified infrastructure with rapid-response capabilities.
  • Integrated Threat Response Network – Real-time coordination among defence forces, intelligence agencies, and R&D institutions.
  • Public-Private Collaboration – Partnerships with premier Indian R&D agencies, Defence PSUs, and private innovators.
• PM Modi’s 2025 speech was the longest Independence Day address in India’s history (103 minutes), where he also presented a roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047, covering defence, economy, agriculture, energy, healthcare, space, and border security.
• Major Announcements in the Address:
  • Operation Sindoor – Conducted after the Pahalgam attack using entirely Made-in-India weapons to dismantle Pakistan-based terror networks.
  • Indus Waters Treaty Stand – “Blood and water will not flow together”, highlighting India’s resolve to safeguard its water resources.
  • Made-in-India Semiconductor – Launch of India’s first indigenous chip in 2025.
  • Opening of Nuclear Sector – Private sector participation in nuclear energy for innovation and expansion.
  • National Critical Minerals Mission – Exploration of 1,200 sites for key defence and industrial minerals.
  • National Deepwater Exploration Mission – Offshore energy exploration to reduce foreign energy dependence.
  • Clean Energy Milestone – India achieved 50% clean energy target in 2025, five years ahead of schedule.
  • Nuclear Expansion – Plan to increase India’s nuclear capacity 10-fold by 2047, with 10 reactors under construction.
  • Next-Generation Economic Reforms Task Force – Overhaul of outdated laws; removal of 40,000+ compliances and 1,500 obsolete laws.
  • GST Reform by Diwali 2025 – Reduction of taxes on essential goods to benefit MSMEs and local vendors.
  • Healthcare & Pharma Leadership – Push for medicine self-reliance, domestic vaccine development, and encouragement for patents in life-saving drugs.
  • Agriculture & Rural Prosperity – Launch of PM Dhanya Dhanya Krishi Yojana for 100 backward districts; recognition of farmers as the “backbone of India’s prosperity”; agricultural exports crossed ₹4 lakh crore.
  • Space & Innovation – Preparation for Indian Space Station; over 300 space-tech startups working in satellites and deep space missions.
  • National Integrity & Border Security – Launch of a High-Powered Demography Mission to check illegal infiltration and protect border livelihoods.

Launch of Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana

• On the same occasion, PM Narendra Modi launched the ₹1 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), aimed at creating 3.5 crore jobs and boosting employment opportunities for India’s youth.
• The scheme forms a flagship component of Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and targets both youth and employers.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Direct Financial Support for First-Time Employees: Youth securing their first job in the private sector will receive ₹15,000 directly from the government to support their transition into formal employment.
• Incentives for Employers: Companies creating sustained jobs will get financial incentives, with employers eligible for ₹3,000 per month per new employee. Special incentives are extended to the manufacturing sector.
• Scale & Targets:
  • Total investment – ₹1 lakh crore.
  • Total jobs to be created – 3.5 crore (next 2 years).
  • First-time workforce entrants – 1.92 crore beneficiaries.
• Implementation & Oversight:
  • Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Labour & Employment.
  • Beneficiaries will be tracked and verified through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

NHAI Implements FASTag Annual Pass Facility Across 1,150 Toll Plazas

• In line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote technology use and enhance Ease of Living, NHAI launched the FASTag Annual Pass facility.
• Implemented from 15th August 2025 at about 1,150 Toll Plazas on National Highways and Expressways across India.

Key highlights

• Around 20,000 – 25,000 concurrent users are using the Rajmargyatra App at any point of time.
• Annual pass users receive SMS confirmation for zero deduction of toll fee.
• 1033 National Highway Helpline strengthened with 100+ additional executives for grievance redressal.
• FASTag Annual Pass Features:
  • One-time fee payment of Rs. 3,000.
  • Valid for 1 year or 200 toll plaza crossings.
  • Applicable only for non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag.
  • Pass gets activated within 2 hours of fee payment through Rajmargyatra App or NHAI website.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Beijing hosts first World Humanoid Robot Games with 500 robots from 280 teams across 16 countries competing

• The first World Humanoid Robot Games are taking place in Beijing, China, with over 500 humanoid robots from 280 teams and 16 countries
• The competition features 26 events, including soccer, boxing, medicine sorting, and clean-up tasks.
• This event is part of China’s strategic efforts to develop robots powered by artificial intelligence.
• The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) noted that China has made humanoids the “center of their national strategy” to showcase its technological competence and global competitiveness.
• In March, China announced a one-trillion-yuan fund (€119 billion) to support technology startups in robotics and AI.
• A robot in a 1,500-meter race completed the event in 6:29:37, which is significantly slower than the human record of 3:26:00.
• The games are being held at the Beijing National Speed Skating Oval, built for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

About China :

• President: Xi Jinping
• Capital: Beijing
• Currency : Renminbi

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

1,090 Police, Fire, Home Guard, Civil Defence and Correctional Services Personnel Awarded Gallantry and Service Medals

• On the occasion of Independence Day 2025, a total of 1,090 personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence (HG&CD) and Correctional Services were conferred with Gallantry and Service Medals.
• Break-up of Awards:
  • Medal for Gallantry (GM) – 233 personnel
    • Police Service – 226
    • Fire Service – 06
    • HG & CD – 01
    • Awarded for rare conspicuous acts of bravery in saving lives, property, or preventing crime, with due risk to the officer.
    • Region-wise Gallantry Distribution: 152 (J&K), 54 (LWE-affected areas), 03 (North-East), 24 (other regions).
  • President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) – 99 personnel
    • Police – 89
    • Fire – 05
    • HG & CD – 03
    • Correctional Services – 02
    • Awarded for special distinguished service record.
  • Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) – 758 personnel
    • Police – 635
    • Fire – 51
    • HG & CD – 41
    • Correctional Services – 31
    • Awarded for valuable service with devotion and resourcefulness.

Total Distribution of Medals (All Services):

• GM – 233
• PSM – 99
• MSM – 758
• Grand Total – 1,090

Gallantry Awards for Indian Armed Forces on Independence Day 2025

• The Government of India also announced gallantry awards for Armed Forces personnel, recognising exceptional bravery during Operation Sindoor – a tri-services mission conducted in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack (claimed by The Resistance Front – TRF, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba).
• Key Operation Highlights:
  • Indian Army: Destroyed 9 terror bases in Pakistan & PoK.
  • Indian Air Force (IAF): Conducted precision strikes on 4 targets in Pakistan and 5 in PoK.
  • Indian Navy: Provided operational support from Indian soil.

Awards Announced:

• Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM): 04 officers (Highest wartime distinguished service award).
• Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM): 05 officers.
• Vir Chakra: 09 officers (acts of exceptional bravery).
• Shaurya Chakra: 01 officer.
• Yudh Seva Medal (YSM): 13 officers.
• Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry): 26 officers.
• Mention-in-Despatches: 167 officers (162 for Operation Sindoor + 05 for miscellaneous operations).

Notable Awardees:

• SYSM:
  • Air Marshal Narnadeshwar Tiwari (Air Staff)
  • Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (Western Air Commander)
  • Air Marshal Awadhesh Bharti (DG Air Ops)
  • Vice Admiral S.J. Singh (Former Western Naval Commander)
• UYSM: Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti (Deputy CNS)
• Vir Chakra: Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Group Captain Manish Arora, Sqn Ldr Sarthak Kumar, Flt Lt Arshweer Singh Thakur
• Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry): Group Capt Ankur Hakim, Gp Capt Varun Bhoj, Wg Cdr Mayank Paliwal, Sqn Ldr Kaustubh Nalawade, Flt Lt A. Naveen Chandar.

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Wins Big at IFFM 2025

• Acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s drama Homebound won Best Film and earned him the Best Director award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 .
• The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jetwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, praised for their authentic and emotionally powerful performances.

Key Highlights

• Themes: Explores belonging, identity, and displacement, highlighting the struggles of returning home after long absences; resonates globally with themes of nostalgia, alienation, and reconciliation.
• Homebound has been selected as the Closing Film of IFFM 2025, to be screened on August 24, 2025.
• The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is a prestigious international platform showcasing Indian cinema worldwide.
• Neeraj Ghaywan’s journey: Rose to fame with Masaan (2015), which won awards at Cannes Film Festival; known for tackling caste, identity, and marginalization in his films.
• With Homebound, Ghaywan reaffirms his place as a socially conscious filmmaker, blending artistic storytelling with human concerns.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

India, Sri Lanka hold 12th SLINEX-25 naval exercise from August 14–18, 2025

• The 12th edition of SLINEX-25, a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, is being held from August 14-18, 2025.
• The exercise is taking place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and involves two phases: a Harbour phase and a Sea phase.
• The Indian Navy is represented by INS Rana (a guided missile destroyer) and INS Jyoti (a fleet tanker).
• The Sri Lankan Navy is participating with SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu.
• The exercise, which began in 2005, aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
• This collaboration aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR policy (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
• The 11th edition of SLINEX-24, was hosted by Visakhapatnam, India from 17-20 December 2024.
• The first SLINEX exercise took place in 2005.

Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate INS Tamal docks in Naples, Italy

• INS Tamal, the latest stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived in Naples, Italy, on August 13, 2025.
• The frigate’s visit took place during its return passage to India after its commissioning in Russia on July 1, 2025.
• This visit highlights the deepening bilateral relations between India and Italy, which were elevated to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ in 2023.
• Before its arrival in Naples, INS Tamal participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy’s ITS Trieste.
• The joint exercise included communication, maneuvers, and flying operations.
• INS Tamal also celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day in Naples on August 15, 2025.

About Ministry of Defence:

• Cabinet Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State (MoS): Sanjay Seth

Indian Navy receives Ikshak (Yard 3027), third Survey Vessel (Large) and 102nd ship designed by Warship Design Bureau

• Ikshak (Yard 3027), the third of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, 102nd ship steered by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau was delivered to the Indian Navy on August 14, 2025.
• It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata).
• The contract for these four Survey Vessel (Large) ships was signed on October 30, 2018.
• The first ship of this class, INS Sandhayak, was commissioned on February 3, 2024, and the second, INS Nirdeshak, on December 18, 2024.
• These ships are designed for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of port/harbour approaches and to determine navigational channels/routes.
• Ikshak has a displacement of 3400 tons and a length of 110 meters.
• It boasts an indigenous content of over 80% by cost, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’
• Notably, Ikshak is the first Survey Vessel (Large) ship to be delivered with accommodation for women officers and sailors.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

India Post to phase out Registered Post service from September 1

• The Indian Postal Department plans to discontinue its Registered Post service starting on September 1, 2025.
• The service, which has been operational for over 50 years, is being discontinued as part of a strategic plan to merge it with Speed Post.
• The goal of this merger is to modernize and streamline postal operations.
• Speed Post, which has been in use since 1986, offers better tracking, faster delivery, and improved operational efficiency.
• The Registered Post service was priced at ₹25.96 plus ₹5 for every additional 20 grams, while Speed Post starts at ₹41 for parcels up to 50 grams, making it 20-25% more expensive.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian aquanauts set 5,000-metre dive record in Atlantic, unfurl tricolour                                   

• India has achieved its deepest-ever human dive, with an aquanaut descending to a depth of 5,002 meters.
• This milestone was part of an Indo-French collaboration using the French submersible Nautile.
• Two Indian aquanauts, Jatinder Pal Singh and Raju Ramesh, performed the dives in the North Atlantic Ocean.
• On August 5, Raju Ramesh of the National Institute of Ocean Technology dived to 4,025 meters.
• On August 6, Jatinder Pal Singh set the new Indian record by descending to 5,002 meters.
• This current expedition marks a new Indian record, surpassing previous dives by Indian scientists to 3,800 meters (in the US submersible Alvin in 1997) and 2,800 meters (in the Nautile in 2002).
• The dives are a part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission and its Samudrayaan project.
• The Samudrayaan project aims to send a three-member crew to a depth of 6,000 meters in the indigenously developed submersible, Matsya 6000.
• India aims to conduct its first crewed deep dive using the Matsya 6000 by December 2027, with the final mission slated for 2027-28.
• Upon the successful completion of the Matsya 6000 mission, India will join an exclusive club of only five other countries (the USA, Russia, China, France, and Japan) with crewed deep-ocean mission capabilities.
• India has a coastline of 11,098 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that extends 200 nautical miles from its coast.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Northeast Frontier Railway Partners with IIT-Guwahati to Introduce Biodegradable Alternatives to Single-use Plastics

• Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has collaborated with IIT-Guwahati to develop and implement biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics for railway operations and passenger services.
• In the first phase, eco-friendly green bed-roll bags were introduced on trains, replacing conventional plastic bags used for distributing linen.
• The biodegradable material was developed at IIT-Guwahati’s in-house R&D facility.

Key Highlights

• The material is fully biodegradable and compostable, breaking down naturally in compost within a short duration.
• It is designed to meet railway operational standards while ensuring environmental safety.
• This initiative reduces the plastic footprint of Indian Railways and promotes sustainable waste management.
• The project aligns with India’s mission to phase out single-use plastics.
• IIT-Guwahati researchers have been at the forefront of green technologies, including bio-polymers and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
• The collaboration highlights the role of academic-industry partnerships in solving real-world problems.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

Microsoft Tops TopBrand 2025 Global Brands List; NVIDIA and Apple Follow

• At the 19th China Brand Festival held in Shenzhen (August 7–11, 2025), the TopBrand Union released the Top 500 Global Brands List 2025.
• The theme of the event was “AI and Global Expansion”, which saw participation from over 10,000 entrepreneurs, policymakers, and brand leaders worldwide.

Key Highlights:

• Microsoft ranked 1st with a brand value of $1,062.505 billion, showcasing strength in AI, cloud computing, and enterprise software.
• NVIDIA secured 2nd position with $1,046.760 billion brand value, driven by the AI chip revolution and next-gen technology dominance.
• Apple ranked 3rd with $997.685 billion brand value, maintaining a strong consumer ecosystem despite competition.
• Amazon, Alphabet (Google), Saudi Aramco, Walmart, Meta (Facebook), Berkshire Hathaway, and Broadcom completed the Top 10 Global Brands list.
• Saudi Aramco emerged as the highest-ranked energy brand, while Broadcom’s inclusion highlighted the growing strength of semiconductors.
• PetroChina (Rank 14) was the highest-valued Chinese brand in the list.
• Despite China having 130 firms in the Fortune Global 500 (2025), it has less than half of the US’s representation in TopBrand rankings, indicating a gap in brand visibility and global soft power.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Real Madrid Tops Brand Finance Football 50–2025 Rankings with €1.921 Billion Brand Value

• Real Madrid has been crowned the world’s most valuable football club in the Brand Finance Football 50–2025 report.
• With a brand value of €1.921 billion and a near-perfect brand strength score of 94.9, the Spanish powerhouse has secured the top spot for the fourth consecutive year, underlining its dominance in both sporting and commercial spheres.

Key Highlights :

• Real Madrid achieved a 14% year-on-year growth in brand value, maintaining its position as the No.1 football club for the fourth consecutive year.
• The club secured the highest AAA+ brand rating, reflecting unmatched global commercial reach and sustained competitive success.
• Real Madrid’s 15th UEFA Champions League title win against Borussia Dortmund added to its prestige and boosted global revenues.
• Top 5 most valuable clubs in 2025:
  1. Real Madrid – €1.921bn | Strength Score: 94.9/100 | Success driven by fanbase, merchandising, sponsorships, and Champions League triumphs.
  2. FC Barcelona – €1.7bn | Up 11%, regains 2nd spot for first time since 2021.
  3. Manchester City – €1.4bn | Brand value fell 11%, impacted by controversies and sponsorship dynamics.
  4. Liverpool – €1.4bn | Grew 2%, backed by global engagement and commercial strength.
  5. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – €1.4bn | Rose 13%, driven by global marketing, youth academy expansion, and European success.
• Global brand rankings (6–10): Bayern Munich – €1.3bn (↑ 1%), Manchester United – €1.2bn, Arsenal – €1.2bn, Chelsea – €961m, Tottenham Hotspur – €798m.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Nagaland Governor and senior BJP leader L. Ganesan Passed away                                        

• Ganesan, the Governor of Nagaland and a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, passed away in Chennai at the age of 80.
• He had previously served as the Governor of Manipur and held the additional charge as the Governor of West Bengal.

About L. Ganesan :

• A native of Thanjavur district, he was a known admirer of Carnatic music.
• Ganesan’s political career began with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where he served as a full-time “pracharak” and rose to the position of chief organiser during the Emergency period.
• He was deputed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1991 and went on to serve as the general secretary and president of its Tamil Nadu unit, and later as the national vice-president.
• In 2017, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh.
• He was the editor of the BJP’s Tamil organ, “Ore Naadu”, and was the founding president of Pottramarai, an organization that supports Tamil scholars.

Daily CA One- Liner: August 17 & 18

• On August 15, 2025, during the 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a landmark national security initiative – Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a decade-long mission aimed at securing India’s critical establishments through indigenous technology, in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• In line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote technology use and enhance Ease of Living, NHAI launched the FASTag Annual Pass facility
• On the occasion of Independence Day 2025, a total of 1,090 personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence (HG&CD) and Correctional Services were conferred with Gallantry and Service Medals
• The Government of India also announced gallantry awards for Armed Forces personnel, recognising exceptional bravery during Operation Sindoor – a tri-services mission conducted in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack (claimed by The Resistance Front – TRF, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba).
• Acclaimed filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s drama Homebound won Best Film and earned him the Best Director award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025
• Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has collaborated with IIT-Guwahati to develop and implement biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics for railway operations and passenger services
• At the 19th China Brand Festival held in Shenzhen (August 7–11, 2025), the TopBrand Union released the Top 500 Global Brands List 2025
• Real Madrid has been crowned the world’s most valuable football club in the Brand Finance Football 50–2025 report.
• S&P Global Ratings upgraded the long-term issuer credit ratings for seven Indian banks and three financial institutions on August 15, 2025.
• S&P Global has upgraded India’s sovereign credit rating to ‘BBB’ from ‘BBB-‘, with the short-term rating also raised to ‘A-2’ from ‘A-3’.
• The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), a government enterprise under the Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several private sector banks on August 11, 2025.
• India’s total exports (Merchandise and Services combined) for July 2025 are estimated at US$ 68.27 Billion, showing a 4.52% positive growth compared to July 2024.
• The first World Humanoid Robot Games are taking place in Beijing, China, with over 500 humanoid robots from 280 teams and 16 countries
• The 12th edition of SLINEX-25, a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, is being held from August 14-18, 2025.
• INS Tamal, the latest stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived in Naples, Italy, on August 13, 2025.
• Ikshak (Yard 3027), the third of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, 102nd ship steered by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau was delivered to the Indian Navy on August 14, 2025.
• The Indian Postal Department plans to discontinue its Registered Post service starting on September 1, 2025.
• India has achieved its deepest-ever human dive, with an aquanaut descending to a depth of 5,002 meters.
• Ganesan, the Governor of Nagaland and a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, passed away in Chennai at the age of 80.

0 0 votes

Rating

Subscribe

Notify of

new follow-up comments new replies to my comments

Label

Name*

Email

Label

Name*

Email

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Load More Comments