On the occasion of Independence Day 2025, the Government of India awarded 1,090 personnel from police, fire services, Home Guard & Civil Defence, and Correctional Services with gallantry and service medals.

These recognitions, announced by the Home Ministry, include the Medal for Gallantry (GM), President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM), reflecting the nation’s appreciation for acts of bravery, distinguished service, and unwavering dedication in safeguarding public safety and security. 

Keypoints

• A total of 1,090 personnel were honoured in recognition of their exceptional service and gallantry across various uniformed services. 
• 233 individuals received the Medal for Gallantry (GM) for courageous acts such as saving lives, protecting property, or thwarting crime. 
• 99 personnel were awarded the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) for exemplary and distinguished records of service. 
• The Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) was presented to 758 individuals in appreciation of their devoted and resourceful contributions. 
• Among the gallantry awardees, a segment served in challenging conditions: 152 from Jammu & Kashmir, 54 from left-wing extremism affected areas, 3 from the Northeast, along with others from various regions. 
• The BSF stood out with 16 personnel honoured for their courage during Operation Sindoor, a mission held in May targeting terror infrastructure. 
• Additionally, 51 personnel from Northeast India—including Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh—were recognized across the award categories. 

The Equator Prize 2025, awarded by the UNDP under its Equator Initiative, recognized ten global winners for outstanding women and youth leadership in nature-based climate solutions.

From India, the Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group in Karnataka was honoured for promoting sustainable millet farming, biodiversity conservation, and women’s economic empowerment.

Key Points:

• The Equator Prize 2025 was themed “Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action” and received over 700 nominations from 103 countries.
• India’s Bibi Fatima Women’s SHG from Dharwad, Karnataka, founded in 2018 by 15 women, now supports over 5,000 farmers in 30 villages.
• The group promotes millet-based mixed cropping, maintains community seed banks, and operates a solar-powered millet processing unit for value-added products.
• Ten winners from regions including Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific each received USD 10,000 and invitations to UN events for international recognition.
• The initiatives focus on ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods led by women and youth.

IDFC FIRST Bank has introduced RemitFIRST2India, a digital remittance service for NRIs, enabling secure, real-time, and zero-fee money transfers to India.

Launched in partnership with SingX, the service is initially available in Singapore and Hong Kong with plans for global expansion.

Key Points:

• RemitFIRST2India allows NRIs to send money to India without any transfer fees, ensuring cost-effective transactions.
• The platform offers real-time transaction tracking and adheres to regulatory compliance through SingX, a MAS-licensed provider.
• Initially launched for users in Singapore and Hong Kong, with expansion to other countries planned.
• Existing IDFC FIRST Bank NRI customers can use the service directly via mobile banking, while new customers can onboard with a simple profile setup.
• The initiative reflects the bank’s customer-first approach, focusing on speed, transparency, and accessibility in cross-border transfers.

ICICI Bank has significantly increased its minimum balance requirement for savings accounts, a move expected to impact millions of customers.

The revised policy aims to align banking operations with rising operational costs and evolving service models, but it may put additional financial pressure on account holders.

Key Points:

• ICICI Bank has implemented a sharp hike in its minimum average balance requirement for savings accounts.
• The new balance requirement will vary depending on the type of account and the branch location (urban, semi-urban, or rural).
• Customers failing to maintain the minimum balance may face higher non-maintenance penalties.
• The bank cites inflation, operational expenses, and digital service expansion as key reasons for the policy shift.
• Consumer advocates warn that the change could disproportionately affect low-income account holders and rural customers.

Bank credit growth in India has decelerated to 1.4% in the current financial year so far, marking a slowdown compared to previous periods. Meanwhile, deposit growth has remained relatively stable at 3.4%, indicating steady inflows despite weaker lending activity.

Key Points:

• Bank credit growth for FY26 so far has been recorded at 1.4%, reflecting a slowdown in lending momentum.
• Deposit growth has stayed consistent at 3.4%, showing resilience despite muted credit demand.
• Analysts attribute the slower credit growth to cautious lending practices and weaker demand from certain sectors.
• The steady deposit growth suggests that banks continue to attract funds from households and businesses.
• The Reserve Bank of India is monitoring liquidity and credit trends closely to ensure financial stability.

India’s merchandise exports grew by 7.3% in July 2025 to reach $37.24 billion, but imports rose faster at 8.6% to $64.59 billion. This widened the country’s trade deficit to $27.35 billion, the highest in eight months.

Key Points:

• India’s merchandise exports increased by 7.3% year-on-year in July, reaching $37.24 billion.
• Imports climbed by 8.6% to $64.59 billion, driven mainly by crude oil and gold.
• The trade deficit widened to $27.35 billion, marking its highest level in the past eight months.
• Export growth was supported by electronics, engineering goods, gems and jewellery, and pharmaceuticals.
• Import surge was partly linked to front-loading of trade ahead of U.S. tariff hikes and higher commodity inflows.

The Indian government has announced an immediate ban on the import of jute products and ropes from Bangladesh via land routes. The move is aimed at protecting domestic jute farmers and manufacturers, ensuring fair market competition, and addressing concerns over quality standards.

Key Points:

• The ban covers imports of jute products and ropes from Bangladesh through all land ports.
• The decision is effective immediately, impacting cross-border trade between the two countries.
• The measure is intended to safeguard the interests of India’s jute industry and farming community.
• Authorities cited the need to maintain quality control and fair competition in the domestic market.
• The restriction aligns with India’s broader trade and industrial protection policies for key sectors.

India’s net direct tax collection for FY26 has declined by nearly 4% to Rs.6.64 lakh crore, largely due to an increase in tax refunds. The dip comes despite steady gross tax receipts, indicating the impact of higher disbursals on net revenue figures.

Key Points:

• Net direct tax collection in FY26 stood at Rs.6.64 lakh crore, marking a 3.9% drop from the previous year.
• The decline is attributed mainly to a surge in refunds issued by the tax department.
• Gross direct tax receipts have remained relatively stable, suggesting underlying economic activity is intact.
• Corporate tax and personal income tax contributions continue to form the bulk of the collections.
• The government is monitoring the trend closely to assess its impact on fiscal targets and budgetary allocations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 79th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2025, from the historic Red Fort in Delhi. The event will mark his 12th consecutive flag hoisting as Prime Minister, featuring the theme “Naya Bharat” and showcasing the government’s vision for a developed India.

Key Points:

1. The 79th Independence Day will be celebrated nationwide on August 15, 2025, with the main event at the Red Fort, New Delhi.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag for the 12th consecutive time since taking office in 2014.
3. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Naya Bharat,” reflecting the country’s aspirations for modernization and development.
4. PM Modi will wear a saffron turban, continuing his tradition of donning distinctive headgear for the Independence Day address.
5. The celebrations will include cultural performances, a 21-gun salute, and the Prime Minister’s address to the nation highlighting key achievements and future goals.

The 2025 Numbeo Index places India 67th globally in the Safety Index with a score of 55.8, highlighting moderate safety levels across the country.

Mangalore emerged as India’s safest city, ranking 49th worldwide, while Delhi and NCR areas were among the least safe. India also ranks 141st in the Cost of Living Index, making it one of the most affordable countries globally, and Hyderabad leads among Indian cities in the Quality of Life Index.

Key Points:

• India’s Safety Index rank is 67th globally with a score of 55.8, indicating moderate safety perceptions nationwide.
• Mangalore is the safest Indian city with a score of 74.2 and a global rank of 49, followed by Vadodara and Ahmedabad.
• Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida feature among the least safe Indian cities according to the mid-2025 data.
• India is ranked 141st in the Cost of Living Index with a score of 19.0, reflecting very low expenses compared to global standards.
• Hyderabad tops the Quality of Life Index among Indian cities with a score of 162.3, followed by Bangalore, Jaipur, and Pune.

India’s foreign exchange reserves recorded a significant rise of $4.75 billion in the week ending August 8, 2025, reaching $693.62 billion, according to the latest RBI data.

This rebound comes after a sharp decline in the previous week and reflects both revaluation gains from a weaker dollar and higher gold prices, along with the Reserve Bank of India’s calibrated market interventions.

Key Points

• India’s forex reserves increased by $4.75 billion after a fall of $9.3 billion in the previous week.
• The total reserves now stand at $693.6 billion, which is still below the all-time high of $704.9 billion recorded in September 2024.
• The surge was mainly driven by revaluation gains of around $10 billion due to currency movements and an increase in gold prices.
• The Reserve Bank of India delivered $5 billion in foreign exchange swaps, which moderated the overall increase in reserves.
• Foreign Currency Assets rose by approximately $2.4 billion, bringing the total to nearly $584 billion.
• Gold reserves increased by about $2.2 billion, taking the total value to around $86.2 billion.

India’s retail inflation eased sharply to 1.55% in July, marking the lowest level in eight years. The decline was driven by falling food prices and favourable base effects, offering relief to households and boosting prospects for consumer spending.

Key Points:

• Retail inflation in India fell to 1.55% in July, the lowest since 2016.
• The decline was largely due to reduced food inflation and favourable base effects from the previous year.
• Lower inflation is expected to improve consumer purchasing power and ease household budgets.
• The Reserve Bank of India may consider the data in its future monetary policy decisions.
• The drop in inflation could support economic growth by encouraging higher consumer spending.

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to also take charge as the Governor of Nagaland following the demise of La. Ganesan. The decision ensures smooth functioning of the gubernatorial office in Nagaland until a full-time appointment is made.

Key Points:

• Ajay Kumar Bhalla, currently serving as the Governor of Manipur, has been given additional charge as the Governor of Nagaland.
• The appointment comes after the passing of Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan.
• President Droupadi Murmu issued the appointment order to maintain continuity in governance.
• Bhalla, a 1984-batch IAS officer, has previously served as Union Home Secretary before his gubernatorial role.
• This temporary arrangement will remain in place until a permanent appointment is finalized.

On Independence Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a decade-long initiative to build an indigenous, Iron Dome-like defence system.

The mission aims to protect strategic, civilian, and religious establishments with advanced multi-layered technology by 2035.

Key Points:

• Mission Sudarshan Chakra was launched by PM Modi during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort.
• The defence system will be built using 100% indigenous technology, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
• It is designed to protect key establishments including strategic sites, civilian hubs like hospitals and railways, and religious centers.
• The shield will be a multi-layered air and missile defence system, with early warning sensors, interceptor missiles, and counter-strike capability.
• Full deployment is targeted by 2035, enhancing India’s security framework with both defensive and offensive components.

Parliament has passed the Merchant Shipping Bill 2024, aiming to reform and consolidate India’s shipping laws. The legislation seeks to enhance maritime safety, promote ease of doing business, and align Indian regulations with global maritime standards.

Key Points:

• The Merchant Shipping Bill 2024 replaces outdated provisions under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• It introduces modern regulations to ensure the safety and security of ships, crew, and cargo.
• The bill aligns India’s maritime framework with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions.
• Provisions have been added to encourage domestic shipbuilding and boost the Indian shipping industry’s competitiveness.
• The reforms are expected to improve ease of doing business in the maritime sector and attract greater investment.

A recent NITI Aayog report reveals that 302 million Indians moved out of poverty between 2011-12 and 2022-23, marking a significant improvement in living standards and access to basic amenities. The decline in multidimensional poverty reflects progress in health, education, and income indicators across the country.

Key Points:

• NITI Aayog reported a steep fall in multidimensional poverty from 29.2% in 2013-14 to 8.5% in 2022-23.
• Around 302 million people escaped poverty during the period, showcasing rapid social and economic development.
• Significant improvements were seen in nutrition, child mortality rates, school attendance, and access to cooking fuel, sanitation, and electricity.
• Rural areas accounted for the majority of poverty reduction, driven by welfare schemes and infrastructure expansion.
• The report underlines India’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal targets well before 2030.

Zomato has roped in Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador, expanding its “Fuel Your Hustle” campaign across TV, digital, print, and outdoor platforms.

The collaboration highlights SRK’s inspiring journey and aligns with Zomato’s values of grit, ambition, and innovation.

Key Points:

• Shah Rukh Khan joins Zomato as the face of its latest campaigns, bringing his cross-generational influence to the brand.
• The partnership builds on SRK’s appearance in the “Fuel Your Hustle” campaign, which celebrates perseverance and hard work.
• Zomato’s marketing head stated that SRK’s life story mirrors the brand’s belief in persistence and ambition.
• Shah Rukh Khan said he resonates with Zomato’s journey of innovation and connecting people with their love for food.
• The campaign will run across multiple platforms, strengthening Zomato’s emotional connect and brand positioning in a competitive market.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will arrive in India on a two-day official visit from August 18, 2025. The visit will focus on discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar covering border issues, trade, and regional security.

Key Points:

• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins a two-day India visit on August 18, 2025.
• He will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on bilateral and regional matters.
• Discussions will include the border situation, trade ties, and security cooperation.
• The visit comes amid efforts to stabilize relations following the prolonged border tensions.
• This marks one of the most significant high-level diplomatic engagements between India and China in recent years.

Nepal recently organized a Climate and Gender Policy Dialogue, bringing together policymakers, youth leaders, and women representatives to address the intersection of climate change and gender equality. 

The platform focused on strengthening inclusivity in climate policies, enhancing women’s leadership in environmental decision-making, and empowering young people to drive sustainable action. The event marked a significant step towards integrating gender perspectives into climate resilience strategies.

Keypoints

• Nepal hosted a policy dialogue focusing on the intersection of climate change and gender equality.
• The dialogue highlighted the importance of empowering youth and women in climate action.
• Policymakers, community leaders, and youth representatives participated in the discussions.
• The event emphasized women’s leadership in shaping inclusive and sustainable climate policies.
• Integrating gender perspectives was identified as key to building stronger climate resilience.
• The dialogue served as a platform for collaboration on equitable climate strategies at national and regional levels.

Australia announced that it will officially recognise the State of Palestine during the 80th UN General Assembly in September 2025.

The decision is part of a broader international push for a two-state solution amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and comes with conditions regarding Palestinian governance, demilitarisation, and recognition of Israel.

Key Points:

• Recognition will take place at the UN General Assembly in September 2025.
• Australia requires the Palestinian Authority to commit to demilitarisation, democratic reforms, recognition of Israel, and exclusion of Hamas from governance.
• The move follows similar steps by France, the UK, Canada, Malta, and New Zealand under the “New York Call” initiative.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the recognition aims to foster peace, end violence in Gaza, and support the release of hostages.
• Israel condemned the move, and Australia’s opposition has pledged to reverse recognition if elected, reflecting domestic political debate.

Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan, a veteran BJP leader and former MP from Tamil Nadu, passed away at the age of 80 in Chennai on August 15, 2025. Known for his long political career and dedicated service, Ganesan had earlier served as the Governor of Manipur before taking charge of Nagaland in February 2023. 

Key Points

• La. Ganesan, Governor of Nagaland and veteran BJP leader, died at the age of 80 in Chennai.
• He was sworn in as the Governor of Nagaland on February 20, 2023, succeeding Prof. Jagdish Mukhi (additional charge).
• Ganesan had previously served as the Governor of Manipur from August 2021 to February 2023.
• His political career included being a member of the BJP National Executive and representing Tamil Nadu in the Rajya Sabha.
• He was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) before joining active politics through the BJP.

For the first time ever, the Indian national flag was hoisted at Seattle’s iconic Space Needle to mark India’s 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025.

This landmark event symbolises the strong ties between India and the United States and celebrates the vibrant Indian diaspora in the region.

The flag hoisting was accompanied by cultural programs and community gatherings, highlighting the shared values and friendship between the two nations.

About Seattle’s iconic Space Needle

The Space Needle is an iconic observation tower located in Seattle, Washington, and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it stands at 605 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the city skyline, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding mountains. The Space Needle is a symbol of Seattle’s innovative spirit and is a popular tourist attraction, featuring an observation deck, a rotating restaurant, and vibrant cultural events throughout the year.

Key Highlights

• The Indian flag was hoisted at Seattle’s Space Needle for the first time on August 15, 2025.
• The event commemorated India’s 79th Independence Day.
• It highlighted the cultural contributions of the Indian diaspora in the Pacific Northwest.
• The ceremony included cultural performances and speeches celebrating India–US relations.
• The occasion reinforced the historic friendship and growing partnership between India and the United States.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in collaboration with the Muskaan Foundation, has inaugurated a new space laboratory at Mechuka Government Higher Secondary School in the Shi-Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Points

• The space laboratory was inaugurated at Mechuka Government Higher Secondary School in the Shi-Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is a joint initiative between ISRO and the Muskaan Foundation, aimed at providing practical learning experiences in space science and technology.
• The laboratory has been named Pasang Wangchuk Sona ISRO Space Laboratory in memory of the Education Minister’s late father.
• Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona highlighted that the lab is not just an educational facility but also a tribute that will inspire students to pursue scientific exploration.
• The inauguration ceremony was attended by district officials, education officers, Muskaan Foundation representatives, teachers, and students.

The 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) is being held in Mumbai from August 11 to 21, 2025, marking the largest edition in its history.

Around 300 students from 64 countries are participating, with 12 nations making their debut, highlighting the event’s growing global reach and inclusivity.

Key Points:

• The event features 12 first-time participants, including Algeria, Australia, Bolivia, Ethiopia, France, Ghana (observer), Hong Kong, Italy, Laos, Moldova, Palestine, Qatar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Turkmenistan.
• Nearly 300 students and over 140 delegation members from 64 countries are attending, making it the biggest IOAA since its inception in 2007.
• The 10-day event includes theoretical exams, observational rounds, data analysis challenges, team events, and night-sky observation sessions at the Nehru Planetarium.
• Organised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) under TIFR, the Olympiad also promotes cross-cultural exchange and collaboration among young astronomers.
• The opening ceremony took place on August 12 at the Jio World Convention Centre, and the closing ceremony will be held on August 21 at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.

India has launched its first Drone-AI-powered artificial rain experiment in Jaipur to address water scarcity and improve air quality. The initiative uses advanced drones and artificial intelligence to seed clouds, marking a technological milestone in India’s environmental management efforts.

Key Points:

• The artificial rain experiment was conducted in Jaipur using AI-enabled drones for cloud seeding.
• The project aims to tackle acute water shortages and reduce pollution levels in the region.
• Advanced AI algorithms are used to identify optimal conditions for effective rain induction.
• The experiment is a collaborative effort involving environmental scientists, drone technologists, and meteorologists.
• If successful, the model could be replicated in other drought-prone and polluted regions across India.

Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound emerged as the biggest winner at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025, bagging the prestigious Best Film and Best Director awards. The film, exploring themes of belonging and displacement, also featured as the festival’s closing film.

Key Points:

1. Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound won both Best Film and Best Director at IFFM 2025.
2. The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, and was screened as the closing film on August 24.
3. Aamir Khan was honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award for his contribution to Indian cinema.
4. Abhishek Bachchan won Best Actor (Male, Film) for I Want to Talk, while Geetha Kailasam won Best Actor (Female, Film) for Angammal, which also secured Best Indie Film.
5. Other recognitions included Black Warrant as Best Series, Vir Das (Disruptor Award), Aditi Rao Hydari (Diversity in Cinema), Arvind Swamy (Leadership in Cinema), and Baksho Bondi receiving an equality award.

The Himalayan Kingfisher was revealed as the official mascot for the upcoming Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, scheduled to take place in Srinagar from August 21 to 23.

The mascot, along with the festival logo and official kits, was unveiled by dignitaries in Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting the spirit of adventure, eco-friendly sports, and youth participation.

Keypoints

• The Himalayan Kingfisher, known for its vibrant blue and orange hues, was chosen as the mascot to symbolize energy, tranquility, and environmental balance.
• The mascot and festival logo, featuring a Shikara on Dal Lake with snow-capped mountains, were unveiled in Srinagar by J&K officials.
• The event will run from August 21–23, 2025 at Dal Lake, backed by the J&K Sports Council, Sports Authority of India, and Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Over 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories are expected to compete in rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and take part in demonstration events like Shikara races and dragon boat racing.
• The festival seeks to promote water sports, tourism, and youth engagement, positioning Srinagar as a water sports hub similar to Gulmarg’s reputation for winter games.

The Indian Navy emerged victorious in the Armed Forces Inter Services Squash Championship, showcasing exceptional skill, endurance, and teamwork.

The tournament brought together top squash players from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, competing for supremacy in the prestigious championship. With consistent performances, the Navy secured the overall title, reaffirming its dominance in the sport within the armed forces.

Key Points

• The Indian Navy won the Armed Forces Inter Services Squash Championship.
• Teams from the Army, Navy, and Air Force competed in the tournament.
• The Navy displayed outstanding skill, discipline, and teamwork throughout the competition.
• The championship aimed to promote sportsmanship, fitness, and competitive spirit among armed forces personnel.
• The victory reinforced the Navy’s strong standing in armed forces sporting events.

Indian boxers delivered a stellar performance at the Asian U19 and U22 Boxing Championships 2025, securing a total of 27 medals across various categories. The achievement highlights India’s growing dominance in the sport at the continental level.

Key Points:

• India bagged 27 medals in total, including both U19 and U22 categories, at the Asian Boxing Championships 2025.
• The medal tally includes multiple gold, silver, and bronze finishes, showcasing strong all-round performance.
• The event saw participation from top boxing nations across Asia, making the competition highly competitive.
• Indian boxers displayed exceptional skills, stamina, and tactical ability in the ring.
• The result further cements India’s position as an emerging powerhouse in Asian boxing.

Japanese lightweight boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, died on August 9, 2025, from brain injuries sustained during a fight at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.

His death, along with that of fellow fighter Shigetoshi Kotari from the same event, has prompted the Japan Boxing Commission to introduce urgent safety reforms, including reduced fight rounds, hydration tests, and stricter weight-cut rules.

Key Points:

• Hiromasa Urakawa collapsed after being knocked out in the eighth round and died following emergency brain surgery.
• Fellow boxer Shigetoshi Kotari also died from brain injuries sustained in a separate bout on the same fight card.
• The Japan Boxing Commission has reduced OPBF title fights from 12 to 10 rounds to lower head trauma risks.
• New safety rules include pre-fight urine hydration tests, stricter weight-cut limits, mandatory on-site ambulances, and better ringside medical facilities.
• These reforms aim to address the dangers of brain injuries and dehydration, with officials vowing to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Australian opener David Warner has surpassed India’s Virat Kohli to become the fifth-highest run-scorer in T20 cricket history. Warner achieved this milestone with a 71-run knock for London Spirit in The Hundred, bringing his career tally to 13,545 runs, just ahead of Kohli’s 13,543.

Key Points:

• David Warner scored 71 runs off 51 balls against Manchester Originals in The Hundred, featuring 12 fours and one six.
• With this innings, Warner’s total T20 runs reached 13,545, overtaking Virat Kohli’s 13,543.
• Warner now ranks fifth in the all-time T20 run-scorers list, behind Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Alex Hales, and Shoaib Malik.
• The tally includes runs from T20 Internationals and franchise leagues like IPL, BBL, and The Hundred.
• Despite Warner’s milestone, London Spirit lost the match by 10 runs, but his innings reinforced his status as one of T20 cricket’s most consistent performers.

Punjab has become the first Indian state to deploy its own anti-drone system, named ‘Baaz Akh’ or ‘Hawk Eye’, to strengthen the second line of defence along the Indo-Pak border.

Launched on August 9, 2025, by CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, the initiative aims to counter drone-based smuggling of narcotics and weapons, with three units already operational and six more planned.

Key Points:

• Punjab’s ‘Baaz Akh’ is the first state-level anti-drone deployment in India, designed to complement BSF’s frontline border security.
• The system has automated detection and neutralization features, enabling quick interception of drones without manual monitoring.
• Three units have been installed in Tarn Taran district, with six more to be deployed along the 553 km Indo-Pak border from Pathankot to Fazilka.
• The state seized 283 smuggling drones in 2024 and 137 so far in 2025, carrying drugs, arms, and ammunition; the project costs Rs.51.4 crore.
• The anti-drone network works in coordination with BSF, Indian Air Force, and Army to trace the origin and control points of hostile drones.

The much-anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place on August 15, 2025, in Alaska but ended without any concrete peace deal for Ukraine.

The leaders discussed the war extensively, with Trump shifting his stance from pushing for a ceasefire to advocating a full peace agreement, a position closer to Russia’s. However, no breakthrough was achieved, leaving key issues unresolved and prompting criticism from European allies.

Key Point

• The Alaska summit lasted about three hours and marked the first in-person meeting between the U.S. and Russian presidents since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
• The talks ended without a peace deal or ceasefire, though both leaders described the discussion as constructive.
• President Trump moved from calling for a ceasefire to pressing for a full peace agreement, a stance aligning more closely with Putin’s approach.
• Putin reportedly sought Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for progress, while offering to freeze other frontlines.
• European leaders criticized Trump’s position, stressing that Ukraine must be directly involved in negotiations and that any settlement should include firm security guarantees.