Current Affairs - August 16, 2025 Current Affairs

In July 2025, India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation stood at -0.58%, marking the second consecutive month of deflation in wholesale prices. This decline was largely influenced by falling prices of food articles, mineral oils, crude petroleum, natural gas, and basic metals. WPI inflation reflects the overall change in prices at the wholesale level, differentiating it from the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes at the consumer level. The negative WPI figure indicates easing cost pressures for businesses, potentially impacting input costs, supply chains, and the broader inflation trajectory of the economy in the coming months.

The Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025 witnessed a historic victory by German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer, who became the first sole champion in the event’s history. He secured the title with one round to spare after drawing his game with Jorden van Foreest. This achievement not only gave him the prestigious tournament title but also propelled him into the world’s Top 10 live chess ratings for the very first time, marking a milestone in his career. While Round 8 saw all matches end in draws, Indian players Arjun Erigaisi and Karthikeyan Murali remained strong contenders for second and third positions.

L. Ganesan, a veteran BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha member, passed away at the age of 80 while serving as the 21st Governor of Nagaland. Born in Thanjavur in 1945, he had a long political career, including his tenure as a Rajya Sabha member from Madhya Pradesh in 2016. He also held key gubernatorial responsibilities, serving as the Governor of Manipur from August 2021 to February 2023 and taking additional charge of West Bengal between July and November 2022. Since February 2023, he had been serving in Nagaland, where his sudden demise marked the end of his public service journey.

The Centre has proposed a Two-Slab GST structure as part of its next-generation tax reform. This system introduces two main slabs—5% and 18%—along with a 40% levy on sin goods like tobacco and pan masala. The 5% slab will include daily-use and common goods, while the 18% slab will cover aspirational and white goods, such as refrigerators and televisions, that currently fall under the 28% category. Essential food items remain exempt, ensuring relief for households. The overhaul is aimed at simplifying the indirect tax system, resolving disputes, correcting inverted duty structures, reducing compliance burdens, and boosting overall consumption and GDP growth.

India’s merchandise exports in July 2025 registered a 7.3% growth, reaching $37.24 billion. This rise was driven by strong performances in sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, chemicals, and gems & jewellery. Notably, electronic goods exports rose sharply by 34%, highlighting India’s increasing role in global high-tech supply chains, aided by Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. While exports rose, imports also increased by 8.6% to $64.59 billion, pushing the trade deficit to an eight-month high of $27.35 billion. Despite this imbalance, the export growth indicates resilience in India’s trade sector amid volatile global market conditions.

The SLINEX-25 naval exercise is being held in Sri Lanka, with the harbour phase in Colombo and the sea phase in nearby waters from 14–18 August 2025. Indian naval vessels INS Rana and INS Jyoti are joined by Sri Lanka’s SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu, along with assets from the Sri Lanka Air Force. Activities include gunnery drills, seamanship exercises, VBSS operations, and cultural exchanges. This 12th edition of SLINEX reflects the strong naval partnership under India’s MAHASAGAR initiative, aimed at enhancing maritime interoperability, strengthening trust, and building collective security in the Indian Ocean Region against common challenges.

The first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival is being hosted at the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar. The festival features a vibrant logo showcasing a Shikara against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and pine trees, symbolizing the region’s natural beauty. Its mascot, the Himalayan Kingfisher, reflects the theme of water and nature. More than 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories are participating in events such as rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. Organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs, this festival highlights Srinagar’s potential as a hub for water sports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a landmark Independence Day speech on August 15, 2025, from the Red Fort that lasted 103 minutes. This became the longest Independence Day address by any Indian Prime Minister to date. Such extended speeches reflect his detailed communication style, covering multiple aspects of governance, achievements, and future vision. The record-setting length also highlighted the significance he placed on connecting with citizens on the nation’s 79th Independence Day. By surpassing previous records, the 103-minute duration stands out in history as a benchmark for Independence Day speeches.

The FASTag Annual Pass, introduced by NHAI on 15 August 2025, provides a year-long facility for non-commercial vehicle owners to travel seamlessly across national highways without repeated toll recharges. Priced at ₹3,000, the pass remains valid for one year or 200 toll crossings, whichever occurs first. This scheme simplifies highway travel by removing the inconvenience of frequent FASTag top-ups and ensuring zero toll deductions after activation. With nationwide coverage across 1,150 toll plazas and tech-enabled features through the Rajmargyatra App, it enhances convenience, reduces congestion, and supports a smoother, more efficient toll payment ecosystem.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary film Sholay on August 15, 2025, India Post released two exclusive picture postcards, a presentation pack, and a golden cancellation. This tribute was unveiled by the Maharashtra Postal Circle in the presence of the Sippy family and other dignitaries. The release highlighted the unique legacy of Sholay, which originally premiered on August 15, 1975, and remains a milestone in Indian cinema. By merging philately with cultural heritage, India Post not only honored a cinematic masterpiece but also reinforced its tradition of commemorating significant national icons, events, and achievements through postal memorabilia.