Current Affairs - August 22, 2025 Current Affairs

Mohamed Salah made history by becoming the first footballer ever to win the PFA Player of the Year award three times. In the 2024–25 season, Salah not only secured this prestigious honour but also claimed the Premier League Player of the Season, the Golden Boot, and the Playmaker award. His tally of 29 goals and 18 assists was instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph, finishing 10 points clear of Arsenal. Salah had previously won the PFA award in 2018 and 2022, but his third triumph in 2025 established a new benchmark in English football excellence.

The missile drill “Sustainable Power 1404” was carried out by Iran in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. This exercise, which included warships, air units, missile defense systems, and precision-strike cruise missiles such as Nasir and Qadir, was aimed at strengthening combat readiness and reinforcing maritime deterrence. The drills followed the June 2025 conflict involving Israel and were viewed as a counter-response to Israeli military simulations targeting Iranian nuclear sites. By showcasing resilience and advanced strike capabilities, Iran sought to signal both regional power projection and preparedness for any future escalation.

The SASCI scheme, with a sanctioned outlay of ₹3,295.76 crore, is primarily aimed at boosting tourism development in India, particularly by promoting lesser-known but iconic destinations. The initiative focuses on creating comprehensive and responsible tourism experiences through 100% central funding support. Projects are selected using a challenge-based model to ensure quality, transparency, and long-term sustainability. These projects cover heritage restoration, eco-tourism, spiritual site development, and modern tourist amenities. By enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and visitor facilities, the scheme significantly increases the attractiveness of such destinations, generating employment opportunities and uplifting local economies while fostering sustainable growth.

The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed annually on August 22. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019 through Resolution A/RES/73/296. The day highlights the importance of protecting freedom of religion and belief, while also condemning violence and extremism carried out in their name. By honouring victims of religious persecution and hate crimes, the observance promotes tolerance, interfaith dialogue, and accountability among states. It reinforces universal human rights enshrined in the UDHR, ensuring that religious freedom remains a core pillar of peace and democracy worldwide.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Nusuk Umrah service to simplify and modernise the pilgrimage process for international visitors. The platform enables pilgrims to directly apply for Umrah visas and book essential services online, including accommodation, transportation, and guided tours. By offering both integrated packages and customizable options, the initiative enhances convenience and accessibility for millions of Muslims worldwide. This digital service reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of improving the pilgrimage experience, supporting Vision 2030 goals, and ensuring that religious tourism is streamlined, transparent, and aligned with global digital transformation trends.

India suspended the 11% cotton import duty until September 30, 2025, as a relief measure for its garment and textile industry. This sector, which employs millions, has been under pressure from high input costs and growing competition from countries like China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. The duty suspension reduces raw material costs, giving exporters breathing space to remain competitive in global markets. Additionally, the move benefits U.S. cotton growers by expanding their market access in India. It also serves as a diplomatic gesture to ease trade tensions with the U.S., while reinforcing India’s role in the global textile supply chain.

NASA announced the discovery of the 29th satellite orbiting Uranus, designated S/2025 U1. The discovery was made by a team from the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) on February 2, 2025. The new moon is estimated to be about 10 kilometers in diameter and orbits Uranus at a distance of roughly 56,000 kilometers. This finding expands our understanding of Uranus’s satellite system and provides new insights into the planet’s complex gravitational interactions. Such discoveries help astronomers study the history of planetary formation, the evolution of outer solar system bodies, and the dynamics of moons orbiting distant planets.

Satish Golcha, a 1992-batch IPS officer from the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police, Delhi. He assumed charge after Sanjay Arora’s retirement and the interim tenure of Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh. Golcha has held several key positions in his career, including DGP of Arunachal Pradesh, Special Commissioner in Delhi Police, and DG (Prisons) overseeing Tihar, Mandoli, and Rohini jails. Known for his experience in law & order, intelligence, and his tenure in the CBI, his appointment ensures continuity in Delhi Police leadership at a time when the capital faces increasing law and order challenges.

The ‘Shramshree’ Scheme was launched by West Bengal to address the challenges faced by migrant workers returning from other states due to linguistic discrimination and harassment. Under the scheme, each eligible worker receives ₹5,000 per month for up to one year or until employment is secured. In addition, returnees are provided job cards, rural employment opportunities, skill development training, and financial assistance for self-employment. This initiative reflects West Bengal’s commitment to rehabilitating its workers by offering both immediate financial support and long-term livelihood solutions, ensuring their reintegration into the state’s economy.

India signed the Terms of Reference with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement. The EAEU comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Russia. This agreement lays the groundwork for boosting bilateral trade, supporting MSMEs, and diversifying India’s market access in Eurasia. With bilateral trade already reaching USD 69 billion in 2024, the FTA is expected to further accelerate growth across sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT services, textiles, machinery, and agriculture. Strengthening these ties not only enhances India’s trade prospects but also deepens its strategic and economic footprint in the Eurasian region.

ISRO has announced that the first test flight of India’s maiden human space mission, Gaganyaan, will take place in December 2025. This unmanned test will validate crucial systems such as the crew escape mechanism, orbital module, and launch dynamics. Out of the 9,000 required tests for the mission, around 7,700 (80%) have already been successfully completed, with the rest expected by March 2026. The Gaganyaan mission is designed to send three astronauts into low Earth orbit for up to seven days, showcasing India’s capability in human spaceflight and marking a milestone in the country’s growing space exploration journey.