Current Affairs - August 29, 2025 Current Affairs

India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a 3.5% year-on-year growth in July 2025, improving from 1.5% in June 2025. The growth was primarily driven by a strong 5.4% rise in manufacturing, which offset a sharp -7.2% decline in mining. Electricity output saw a marginal rise of 0.6%. Within manufacturing, sectors such as basic metals, electrical equipment, and non-metallic mineral products showed notable increases, with growth rates of 12.7%, 15.9%, and 9.5% respectively. This industrial performance highlights resilience in key sectors like infrastructure and consumer goods, reflecting positive momentum in India’s overall economic landscape.

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, has announced an investment of ₹300 billion (~$3.43 billion) to establish a new aluminium smelter in Odisha and a coal-based power plant. This five-year investment plan will be financed through a combination of debt and internal accruals. Of the total, ₹180 billion is dedicated to the smelter while ₹120 billion is earmarked for the power plant. The project aims to strengthen India’s aluminium production capacity, reduce dependence on imports, and create thousands of jobs. Odisha’s rich bauxite reserves and industrial base make it an ideal location for this strategic expansion.

India and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu to enhance cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, reflecting their strong bilateral ties. The agreement was signed by Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Thinley Namgyel, Secretary of Bhutan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Key areas of collaboration include agricultural research, livestock health, post-harvest management, food processing, and climate-resilient practices. A Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) was also formed to oversee implementation and ensure timely results. This MoU strengthens food security, rural development, and South-South cooperation between India and Bhutan.

Army Hospital Research and Referral (AHRR) achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s first government institute and South Asia’s second to perform robotic custom laser cataract surgery. The breakthrough was made possible using the advanced ALLY Adaptive Cataract Treatment System, which allows for bladeless, computer-guided, and highly precise eye surgery. The hospital’s Ophthalmology Department has now entered the domain of robotic and laser-assisted cataract surgery, known as FLACS. This innovation not only showcases India’s progress in adopting cutting-edge medical technologies but also enhances patient safety, precision, and outcomes in complex eye procedures.

Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel has been appointed as Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a three-year term beginning on August 28, 2025. Patel, who served as the 24th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from September 2016 to December 2018, brings vast experience in central banking, economic reforms, and global finance. His tenure at RBI witnessed significant events such as demonetisation, the implementation of GST, and debates on central bank autonomy. Now, as IMF Executive Director, Patel will represent India and other nations in his constituency, strengthening India’s voice in international financial policymaking.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated a new fleet of ‘U-Special’ buses in New Delhi, reviving a service once popular among Delhi University students. These electric, air-conditioned buses are equipped with CCTV cameras and panic buttons, ensuring both comfort and safety. The initiative reflects a dual commitment—supporting student welfare by easing their daily commute while also advancing sustainable public transport in the capital. Beyond buses, the CM also addressed student concerns over recent Delhi Metro fare hikes and promised to explore concession passes. This integrated approach demonstrates efforts to create a safer, more affordable, and environmentally conscious transit system.

MILMEDICON 2025, an international conference on military medicine, was inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth on 28 August 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. Organised by the Directorate General of Medical Services (Army), the event focused on advanced trauma care, AI in military medicine, and the centenary of the Military Nursing Service. The conference served as a global platform, attracting participation from more than 15 countries, where experts discussed innovations in battlefield medicine, women’s evolving role in combat healthcare, and emergency medical strategies. Hosting the event in New Delhi highlighted India’s commitment to advancing military healthcare and fostering international collaboration.

National Sports Day in India is celebrated every year on August 29 to honour the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player widely known as the “Hockey Wizard.” In 2025, the day carries the theme “Sport to Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies,” highlighting the unifying power of sports. The celebration emphasises physical fitness, teamwork, and inclusivity while aligning with global Olympic values like friendship, respect, and equality. As part of the observance, the Fit India Mission organises nationwide events, fitness drives, and community programs to encourage citizens to actively participate in sports and adopt healthier lifestyles.

In 2025, India launched its first National Biofoundry Network (NBN) under the BioE3 Policy, a landmark initiative to drive indigenous biomanufacturing and strengthen the country’s biotechnology ecosystem. This network, comprising six premier institutions, is designed to provide end-to-end solutions from research and design to prototyping, testing, and scaling biotech innovations. With a strong focus on synthetic biology, gene editing, climate-smart agriculture, and green biotechnology, the initiative aims to achieve a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. It will also generate employment, foster youth-led innovation, and position India as a global hub for sustainable biotechnology and entrepreneurship.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with the Department of School Education to link the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) status of Aadhaar-linked school children with the UDISE+ system. UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) is a critical database managed by the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Education. By integrating MBU status, the collaboration ensures better monitoring of children’s biometric updates and helps maintain more accurate educational records. This initiative strengthens the linkage between Aadhaar and educational data, ultimately improving governance, efficiency, and accountability in the school system.

The agreement was signed between ADNOC and Indian Oil Corporation for a 15-year period. Under this deal, ADNOC will supply 1 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its Ruwais LNG project. This agreement highlights India’s strategic move to secure long-term energy supplies, ensuring steady availability of cleaner fuel for its growing economy. LNG deliveries will reach multiple ports across India, strengthening the nation’s energy infrastructure and security while supporting the transition toward lower-carbon energy sources. This partnership also reflects growing international energy collaborations between the UAE and India.

India inaugurated its first full-scale Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a pivotal milestone in the country’s semiconductor roadmap. The facility, developed by CG Semi, was inaugurated by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. With investments exceeding ₹7,600 crore, Gujarat is positioning itself as the "Silicon State of India," driving semiconductor manufacturing, job creation, and talent development. This OSAT plant will handle chip assembly, packaging, and testing, playing a critical role in India’s self-reliance strategy under the India Semiconductor Mission. The project also reflects strong global industry collaboration and academic partnerships.

Gujarat has been selected to host the 70th edition of the Filmfare Awards in 2025, making it the second year in a row for the state to organize this prestigious event. The decision follows the successful hosting of the 2024 ceremony at GIFT City in Gandhinagar. An MoU was signed between Gujarat Tourism Corporation and Worldwide Media (WWM) to facilitate the arrangements. The Filmfare Awards are among the most celebrated platforms recognizing artistic and technical excellence in Hindi cinema. Hosting such an event strengthens Gujarat’s position as a growing hub for cultural and entertainment activities.