Daily Current Affairs 25 August 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This article covers the important Daily Current Affairs of 25 August 2026, including the Rs 62,500 crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme, India's BRICS ICT cooperation, DRDO technology transfers, AI in healthcare, Territorial Army's Terrier Cyber Quest, India's first Soil Texture Map, and major sports achievements in badminton, chess and football. It also covers RBI appointments, banking MoUs, awards, National Space Day and the Maharashtra-Hesse partnership. Useful for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC exams.
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Introduction to Current Affairs 25 August 2026
The Current Affairs of 25 August 2026 carry important exam-relevant developments across government schemes, defence, technology, banking, international affairs and sports. Major highlights include the Rs 62,500 crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme, India's BRICS ICT initiatives, DRDO's technology-transfer agreements, AI-focused healthcare initiatives and the launch of the Terrier Cyber Quest 2026. Sports headlines include India's medal at the BWF World Championships, Pranesh M's chess title and East Bengal FC's Durand Cup victory.
This daily compilation combines the important developments into concise, revision-friendly sections with quick facts, key highlights and one-liners. Aspirants can continue their preparation through the daily current affairs section for regular exam-oriented updates.
National Current Affairs
MeitY Notifies Rs 62,500 Crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme
Why in News: In August 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with a budgetary outlay of Rs 62,500 crore to scale up handset production and strengthen India's domestic electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Quick Facts
- Outlay: Rs 62,500 crore.
- Tenure: 5 years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
- Objective: Increase global competitiveness and Domestic Value Addition (DVA).
- TS1 provides incentives of 2.25% to 5% for mobile phone manufacturing.
- TS2 provides 5% incentive to Indian mobile phone brands.
Key Highlights
- An additional 3% incentive is available under TS2 for Indian design and R&D.
- The scheme seeks to deepen India's domestic manufacturing capabilities.
- It is aimed at strengthening India's position in the global mobile-phone manufacturing ecosystem.
India Hosts BRICS ICT Track in Pune
Why in News: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, hosted the BRICS ICT Track in Pune, Maharashtra, from 17 to 21 August 2026 under India's BRICS Chairship.
Quick Facts
- Theme: “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future”.
- Key events included the 7th BRICS Working Group Meeting on ICTs.
- The Digital BRICS Forum and Expo was also organised.
- The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting was held.
- India and Brazil signed an MoU on digital and telecom cooperation.
Key Highlights
- India-Brazil cooperation covers AI, 5G/6G, Open RAN, IoT and Direct-to-Device connectivity.
- The ICT Track focused on a secure, inclusive and resilient digital future.
- Communications Ministers, government officials and ICT experts participated.
India Hosts Multiple BRICS Meetings Under 2026 Chairship
Why in News: India hosted several important BRICS meetings in August 2026 covering tourism, youth affairs and environment, highlighting India's role as the 2026 BRICS Chair.
Quick Facts
- 2nd BRICS Tourism Working Group Meeting: Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 19 August 2026.
- BRICS Youth Council Meeting and Youth Summit: Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 19-20 August.
- BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 22 August.
- 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting: New Delhi.
Key Highlights
- The Tourism Ministers adopted the Jaipur Declaration and Ministers' Communique.
- The Youth Ministers' Meeting launched 'Friends of MY Bharat'.
- The Environment Ministers' Meeting adopted a Joint Ministerial Statement and launched four compendiums.
Defence
DRDO's NSTL Signs Two Licensing Agreements for Technology Transfer
Why in News: The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a DRDO laboratory in Visakhapatnam, signed two Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) in August 2026 to promote indigenous defence manufacturing.
Quick Facts
- Submarine Fired Decoy (SFD) 'Mohini' technology transferred to Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
- LM2500 Gas Turbine fabrication, installation and commissioning technology transferred to Vertex Engineering Systems Pvt. Ltd.
- NSTL is located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
- LAToT enables DRDO-developed technologies to be manufactured by Indian industry.
Key Highlights
- The initiative strengthens [strong]Aatmanirbhar Bharat[/strong] in defence.
- It promotes private-sector participation in indigenous defence production.
- The agreements bridge the gap between laboratory development and industrial production.
Territorial Army Launches Terrier Cyber Quest 2026
Why in News: The Territorial Army, in collaboration with CyberPeace, launched Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 (TCQ 3.0), a national-level hackathon focused on defence, cybersecurity and information-domain challenges.
Quick Facts
- Objective: Develop indigenous solutions in AI, cybersecurity and threat mitigation.
- Tracks: Bug Hunting, AI Kavach and Creators Challenge.
- Registrations close on 31 August 2026.
- Grand Finale: New Delhi, 6-8 October 2026.
- Awards ceremony: 9 October 2026.
Key Highlights
- The initiative brings together academia, industry, government, research institutions and Armed Forces.
- The Territorial Army also raised its first Baaz Battalion equipped with advanced drones in Punjab.
- The Baaz Battalion operates under the Vajra Corps (11 Corps).
Science & Technology
IIMA Healthcare Summit 2026 Focuses on Advancing AI in Healthcare
Why in News: Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel addressed the 3rd IIMA Healthcare Summit 2026 in Ahmedabad on the theme “Advancing AI in Healthcare”, highlighting AI-driven healthcare, research and pharmaceutical innovation.
Quick Facts
- Theme: “Advancing AI in Healthcare”.
- AI applications include drug discovery, personalised treatment and disease surveillance.
- AI healthcare Centres of Excellence have been established at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Rishikesh.
- PRIP Scheme has an outlay of Rs 5,000 crore.
- Biopharma SHAKTI Mission has an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore.
Key Highlights
- The summit highlighted India's transition from the “Pharmacy of the World” towards the “Laboratory of the World.”
- India Pharma Archives was launched by the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance in collaboration with IIMA Archives.
- ABDM has developed a digital health ecosystem with over 96 crore ABHA IDs and 1,000 crore health records, as stated in the source.
NBSS&LUP Develops India's First Soil Texture Map
Why in News: The National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), an ICAR institute, announced India's first Soil Texture Map during its 50th Foundation Day in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Quick Facts
- The map was released in July 2026.
- It provides hectare-level soil information.
- Soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt and clay.
- Technology used: field studies, remote sensing, satellite imagery and AI.
- NBSS&LUP was established in 1976 and is headquartered in Nagpur.
Key Highlights
- The map supports crop selection and precision agriculture.
- It can assist in irrigation planning, soil classification and land-use decisions.
- Location-specific soil information can improve agricultural resource management.
NSDC Launches Nationwide Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative with AWS
Why in News: On 23 August 2026, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Cultus Education launched a nationwide Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Quick Facts
- Foundational AI and cloud literacy target: 1.5 lakh learners.
- AWS re/Start job-ready training target: 10,000 participants.
- Training includes cloud infrastructure, networking, security, programming and AI fundamentals.
- Programme will be delivered 100% online.
- Cultus Education is the NSDC-selected delivery partner.
Key Highlights
- The initiative aims to expand access to cloud and AI skills in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- Participants can receive AWS certification and industry interview opportunities.
- The programme will conclude with a National Hackathon.
Sophie Adenot Becomes First French Woman to Walk in Space
Why in News: ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk during a NASA extravehicular activity mission aboard the International Space Station.
Quick Facts
- EVA duration: 6 hours 23 minutes.
- Adenot worked alongside American astronaut Anil Menon.
- The astronauts replaced a Space-to-Ground Antenna (SGANT).
- She became the second European woman to perform a spacewalk after Samantha Cristoforetti.
Key Highlights
- Sophie Adenot is from France and is an ESA astronaut.
- She previously became the second French woman to travel into space in February 2026.
- Claudie Haignere was the first French woman to travel into space.
International Current Affairs
WHO Confirms Closure of Polio Type 2 Outbreaks in Five African Countries
Why in News: The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa confirmed the closure of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in five African countries following Independent Outbreak Response Assessments conducted between January and June 2026.
Quick Facts
- Countries: Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
- Assessment: Independent Outbreak Response Assessment (OBRA).
- Review areas included surveillance, laboratory evidence, epidemiology and population immunity.
- Countries strengthened immunisation and targeted vaccination campaigns.
Key Highlights
- Burundi responded to an outbreak detected in March 2023.
- Republic of Congo recorded its last detection in December 2023.
- Guinea-Bissau reported no detection since July 2021.
- The development reflects progress towards polio eradication in Africa.
Economy & Banking
VinFast India Signs MoU with Federal Bank for Dealer Financing
Why in News: VinFast India signed an MoU with Federal Bank to provide customised inventory financing solutions to VinFast's authorised dealer network in India.
Quick Facts
- VinFast India is the Indian subsidiary of Vietnamese EV manufacturer Vingroup JSC.
- Federal Bank will provide dealer inventory financing.
- The facility aims to improve dealers' working capital management.
- Federal Bank headquarters: Aluva, Kerala.
Key Highlights
- The partnership supports VinFast's retail and dealer ecosystem.
- It is aimed at strengthening the company's presence in India's electric-vehicle market.
- Federal Bank was founded in 1931.
PNB and Indian Army Sign MoU for Specialised Credit Cards
Why in News: Punjab National Bank (PNB) signed an MoU with the Indian Army to offer two specialised credit cards, PNB LUXURA Metal and PNB Parakram, for Army personnel.
Quick Facts
- PNB LUXURA Metal Credit Card: designed for Army officers.
- PNB Parakram Credit Card: designed for JCOs and other ranks personnel.
- Benefits include 3% cashback at CSD outlets.
- Other benefits include airport lounge access and zero forex markup.
- PNB headquarters: New Delhi.
Key Highlights
- The cards offer Buy One Get One movie ticket benefits.
- PNB Parakram uses biodegradable material in its design.
- PNB commenced operations on 12 April 1895 in Lahore.
Awards & Honours
Ashutosh Parida Selected for 47th Sarala Puraskar
Why in News: Odia poet, essayist and former scientist Ashutosh Parida was selected for the 47th Sarala Puraskar for his poetry collection Bishwas De Pruthwi (2024).
Quick Facts
- Award: 47th Sarala Puraskar.
- Winning work: Bishwas De Pruthwi.
- Award ceremony: 25 October 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Sarala Puraskar was instituted in 1980.
- Prize: Rs 7 lakh, citation and copper plaque.
Key Highlights
- The award is presented by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT).
- The 2026 Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman recognised Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and sculptor Damodar Behera.
- Each Kala Samman awardee receives Rs 2.5 lakh, citation and copper plaque.
Appointments & Resignations
Government Appoints Three Non-Official Directors to RBI Central Board
Why in News: The Government of India appointed Annie George Mathew, Janmejaya Kumar Sinha and Syed Akbaruddin as part-time, non-official directors on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India for a four-year term.
Quick Facts
- Term: 4 years.
- Appointments approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on 22 August 2026.
- Legal basis: Section 8(1)(c) of the RBI Act, 1934.
- Annie George Mathew is associated with the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
- Syed Akbaruddin is a former Permanent Representative of India to the UN.
Key Highlights
- Janmejaya Kumar Sinha is Chairman of Boston Consulting Group India.
- The appointments bring expertise in public finance, economics, financial reforms and diplomacy.
- RBI was established on 1 April 1935 and is headquartered in Mumbai.
Sports
Alex Lanier and An Se-young Win 2026 BWF World Championships Singles Titles
Why in News: The 30th BWF World Championships were held from 17 to 23 August 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi, where France's Alex Lanier and South Korea's An Se-young won the men's and women's singles titles respectively.
Quick Facts
- Men's Singles champion: Alex Lanier, France.
- Women's Singles champion: An Se-young, South Korea.
- Lanier defeated Kodai Naraoka 21-11, 21-11.
- An Se-young defeated Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-14.
- Venue: Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi.
Key Highlights
- Alex Lanier became the first French player to win a men's singles world title.
- An Se-young won her second women's singles world title.
- India's Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won bronze in women's doubles.
- It was India's first women's doubles medal at the championships since 2011.
Pranesh M Wins Kanizsa Open 2026 in Hungary
Why in News: Indian Grandmaster Pranesh M won the Group A title at the Kanizsa Open 2026 in Nagykanizsa, Hungary, after finishing with 7 points from 9 rounds.
Quick Facts
- Age: 19 years.
- Final score: 7/9.
- Venue: Kanizsa Aréna, Nagykanizsa, Hungary.
- Pranesh defeated Germany's Vadim Petrovskiy in the ninth round.
- He secured the title on a superior tiebreak.
Key Highlights
- Pranesh progressed from FM in 2019 to IM in 2020 and GM in January 2023.
- His FIDE rating rose from 2633 in March 2026 to 2673 by August 2026, according to the source.
- He is from Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu.
East Bengal FC Wins 135th Durand Cup 2026
Why in News: East Bengal FC defeated arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final to win the 135th Durand Cup 2026 at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Quick Facts
- Champion: East Bengal FC.
- Runner-up: Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
- Final score: East Bengal 4-1 Mohun Bagan.
- Edmund Lalrindika scored a hat-trick.
- East Bengal's previous title was in 2004.
Key Highlights
- The victory ended East Bengal's 22-year wait for the title.
- East Bengal equalled the all-time record with 17 Durand Cup titles.
- The Durand Cup is regarded as [strong]Asia's oldest football competition[/strong].
- The tournament is organised by the Durand Football Tournament Society in cooperation with AIFF and the Indian Armed Forces.
Important Days
National Space Day 2026 - 23 August
Why in News: India observed National Space Day on 23 August 2026 to commemorate the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and the deployment of the Pragyan Rover.
Quick Facts
- Date: 23 August every year.
- 2026 Theme: “Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership”.
- The day commemorates the Chandrayaan-3 achievement.
- National Space Day was announced in August 2023.
- First observed in 2024.
Key Highlights
- Chandrayaan-3 demonstrated India's lunar exploration capability.
- The declaration was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with ISRO at ISTRAC in Bengaluru.
- Pragyan was the rover associated with the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
State Current Affairs
Maharashtra and Germany's Hesse Sign MoU for Investment, Innovation and Skills
Why in News: The Government of Maharashtra and the German state of Hesse signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in investment, industry, innovation, employment and skill development.
Quick Facts
- Indian state: Maharashtra.
- German state: Hesse.
- Signatories: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Hesse Minister-President Boris Rhein.
- A Joint Working Group will be established within 90 days.
- MoU signed at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai.
Key Highlights
- Focus sectors include pharmaceuticals, healthcare, engineering and automobiles.
- Financial services and logistics are also covered.
- Cooperation includes IT, digital economy, AI and R&D.
- The partnership aims to support skill development, cross-border mobility and talent exchange.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) outlay → Rs 62,500 crore → FY27 to FY31.
- MPMS TS1 incentive → 2.25%-5% → mobile phone manufacturing.
- MPMS TS2 incentive → 5% → Indian mobile brands.
- Additional TS2 design/R&D incentive → 3%.
- BRICS ICT Track 2026 host → Pune, Maharashtra.
- BRICS ICT Track theme → “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future”.
- India-Brazil ICT cooperation → AI, 5G/6G, Open RAN, IoT and D2D.
- 2nd BRICS Tourism Working Group Meeting → Jaipur.
- BRICS Youth Council Meeting → Gandhinagar.
- BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting → Visakhapatnam.
- BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting → New Delhi.
- DRDO NSTL's submarine decoy technology → Mohini.
- Recipient of SFD Mohini technology → Bharat Dynamics Limited.
- Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 → TCQ 3.0.
- TCQ 3.0 registration deadline → 31 August 2026.
- Territorial Army's first drone-equipped unit → Baaz Battalion.
- IIMA Healthcare Summit 2026 theme → Advancing AI in Healthcare.
- PRIP Scheme outlay → Rs 5,000 crore.
- Biopharma SHAKTI Mission outlay → Rs 10,000 crore.
- India's first Soil Texture Map → developed by NBSS&LUP.
- Soil Texture Map resolution → hectare level.
- NSDC-AWS skilling target → 1.5 lakh learners.
- AWS re/Start job-ready training target → 10,000 participants.
- First French woman to walk in space → Sophie Adenot.
- Polio type 2 outbreak closure → 5 African countries.
- VinFast India financing partner → Federal Bank.
- PNB Army credit cards → PNB LUXURA Metal and PNB Parakram.
- 47th Sarala Puraskar recipient → Ashutosh Parida.
- Winning poetry collection → Bishwas De Pruthwi.
- Sarala Puraskar prize → Rs 7 lakh.
- New RBI Central Board non-official directors → Annie George Mathew, Janmejaya Kumar Sinha and Syed Akbaruddin.
- Term of new RBI non-official directors → 4 years.
- 2026 BWF men's singles champion → Alex Lanier.
- 2026 BWF women's singles champion → An Se-young.
- India's women's doubles bronze medallists → Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand.
- Kanizsa Open 2026 champion → Pranesh M.
- Pranesh M's Kanizsa Open score → 7/9.
- Durand Cup 2026 champion → East Bengal FC.
- East Bengal's Durand Cup titles → 17.
- Durand Cup 2026 final → East Bengal 4-1 Mohun Bagan.
- National Space Day → 23 August.
- National Space Day 2026 theme → Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership.
- Maharashtra's German partner state → Hesse.
- Maharashtra-Hesse Joint Working Group deadline → 90 days.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the outlay of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme notified by MeitY in August 2026?
What is the theme of the BRICS ICT Track 2026 hosted by India?
Which defence technology was transferred by DRDO's NSTL to Bharat Dynamics Limited?
What is Terrier Cyber Quest 2026?
Who developed India's first Soil Texture Map?
How many learners will benefit from the NSDC-AWS Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative?
Who became the first French woman to walk in space?
Which five African countries ended their poliovirus type 2 outbreaks according to WHO?
Which credit cards will PNB offer to Indian Army personnel?
Who was selected for the 47th Sarala Puraskar?
Who were appointed as part-time non-official directors on the RBI Central Board in August 2026?
Who won the men's singles title at the 2026 BWF World Championships?
Who won the women's singles title at the 2026 BWF World Championships?
Who won the Kanizsa Open 2026?
Which club won the 135th Durand Cup 2026?
When is National Space Day observed in India?
What is the theme of National Space Day 2026?
Which German state signed an MoU with Maharashtra in August 2026?
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