Current Affairs - August 26, 2025 Current Affairs

Mirabai Chanu achieved a remarkable comeback by winning gold in the women’s 48kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 held in Ahmedabad. She lifted a total of 193kg, which included 84kg in snatch and 109kg in clean & jerk, setting new Commonwealth records in each segment as well as in the overall total. This outstanding performance not only secured her the gold medal but also guaranteed her direct qualification for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Chanu’s victory further strengthens her position as one of India’s most celebrated athletes in international weightlifting.

India signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the World Food Programme (WFP) on August 25, 2025, to supply fortified rice to crisis-hit regions worldwide. Fortified rice, enriched with vital nutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, plays a crucial role in addressing hidden hunger caused by nutrient deficiencies. India’s agricultural surplus makes it a dependable global supplier, and this step strengthens its humanitarian commitment under the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning "the world is one family." The partnership not only ensures immediate food aid but also enhances long-term global food security, reinforcing India’s leadership role in combating hunger.

PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation of projects worth ₹5,400 crore at Khodaldham Ground in Ahmedabad. These projects aim to significantly boost Gujarat’s connectivity and infrastructure, including metro networks, modern bus services, and the addition of 3,000 km of new rail tracks with complete electrification. The redevelopment of Sabarmati Ashram is also a major highlight, envisioned as a global symbol of peace and heritage. The projects further cover diverse sectors such as urban development, energy, roads, and railways, reflecting a holistic approach to modernizing Ahmedabad and enhancing its role as a key hub for growth and progress.

Rajiv Anand has been appointed as the new MD & CEO of IndusInd Bank, beginning his three-year tenure that will run until August 2028. His assumption of leadership marks a significant transition for the bank, as it has also led to the dissolution of the previously established 'Committee of Executives' and the 'Oversight Committee of the Board.' With Anand at the helm, the bank is expected to focus on stability, growth, and strategic reforms, signaling a fresh chapter in its leadership and governance framework aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and long-term performance.

The Indian Navy will commission the advanced Project 17A stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri on 26 August 2025 at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam. This dual commissioning, overseen by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is historic as it marks the simultaneous induction of two frontline surface combatants built at different shipyards—Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (Mumbai) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (Kolkata). With enhanced stealth features, modern propulsion systems, and advanced weapons, these ships embody India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence production. Their induction into the Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam strengthens maritime readiness and reinforces India’s strategic focus on the eastern seaboard.

The first Art & Culture Festival is being organised in Nepal from September 5–27, 2025, across multiple venues including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, Lalitpur, and Hadigaon. This 22-day event coincides with the traditional Indra Jatra celebrations at Basantpur Durbar Square, where the Living Goddess Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairav are taken out on wooden chariots. By linking the festival with a vibrant cultural tradition, Nepal aims to attract both domestic and international visitors, highlighting its rich heritage and diverse artistic expressions while boosting cultural tourism in the region.

The Indian women’s shooting team showcased an outstanding performance at the Asian Shooting Championship held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. In the 25m pistol junior individual event, Payal Khatri won gold, Naamya Kapoor secured silver, and Tejaswani earned bronze, completing a clean sweep of the podium. Additionally, the trio also won gold in the team event, further cementing India’s dominance in the competition. Beyond this, Bhowneesh Mendiratta secured a silver medal in the men’s trap, while Neeru Dhanda and Aashima Ahlawat brought home gold and bronze respectively in the women’s trap, highlighting India’s rising stature in shooting sports.

NASA has introduced the second CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) habitat, a 1,700 sq. ft. 3D-printed structure designed to simulate Mars mission conditions. The initiative involves four crew members living in isolation for a full year to replicate the challenges of long-duration space missions. Participants will conduct scientific experiments, grow vegetables, maintain the habitat, and engage in simulated spacewalks. The program is crucial for assessing the physical and psychological impacts of extended missions, providing vital insights for future human exploration of Mars. NASA’s step highlights its commitment to preparing astronauts for interplanetary travel.

Women’s Equality Day is observed annually in the United States on August 26, commemorating the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted American women the constitutional right to vote. This day not only celebrates the historical victory of women securing suffrage after decades of activism, including the efforts initiated at the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, but also serves as a reminder of ongoing struggles. Issues such as wage inequality, underrepresentation of women in leadership, and barriers in healthcare and education highlight the importance of continued advocacy. August 26 remains a powerful symbol of progress and unfinished work toward gender equality.

The Kerala High Court has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first in India to publish a comprehensive set of guidelines on the adoption of AI in the district judiciary. This initiative focuses on using AI responsibly to support judicial efficiency while ensuring safeguards against misuse. AI tools can assist in case management by sorting, tagging, and prioritizing matters, thereby reducing the administrative burden on court staff. This complements earlier efforts such as the Supreme Court’s AI tool SUPACE, which helps judges identify relevant precedents. Kerala’s move marks an important milestone in integrating technology with justice delivery.