Staying updated with daily current affairs is essential for UGC NET aspirants, especially for Paper 1 and general awareness. The events of 16th August 2025 cover a wide range of domains—national policies, global diplomacy, economy, business, defense, sports, science, and cultural milestones. Here’s a complete roundup of the most relevant updates to strengthen your exam preparation.
NHAI Introduces FASTag Annual Pass for Easy Highway Travel
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) rolled out a new FASTag Annual Pass starting 15th August 2025. This pass allows non-commercial vehicles unlimited travel across 1,150 toll plazas at a flat fee of ₹3,000, valid for one year or 200 trips. On Day 1, more than 1.4 lakh users opted in, reflecting India’s 98% FASTag adoption rate. The initiative, available via the Rajmargyatra App, is expected to cut travel hassles and improve convenience. A strengthened 1033 helpline will support users with queries and complaints.
Nagaland Governor La Ganesan Passes Away at 80
Nagaland Governor La Ganesan passed away in Chennai at the age of 80. A veteran politician, he previously served as Governor of Manipur and was a Rajya Sabha MP. Leaders across India paid tribute to his contributions to public service and cultural harmony.
India Post Marks 50 Years of Sholay
On Independence Day 2025, India Post released commemorative postcards and a golden cancellation to celebrate 50 years of the film Sholay. The event was attended by director Ramesh Sippy and film enthusiasts, reflecting the movie’s iconic status in Indian cinema.
Government Proposes New GST Structure with Two Slabs
The Centre has suggested revamping GST into two main slabs—5% and 18%—with a steep 40% rate reserved for products like tobacco and pan masala. Essential goods will move into the 5% bracket, while items like televisions will shift from 28% to 18%. The overhaul also promises faster refunds, better classification, and corrections to inverted duty structures, with rollout likely in Q3 FY2025–26.
India’s Exports Rise but Trade Deficit Widens
Merchandise exports rose by 7.3% in July 2025 to $37.24 billion, led by electronics (↑34%), pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. However, imports grew faster (↑8.6%) at $64.59 billion, pushing the trade deficit to an eight-month high of $27.35 billion.
Forex Reserves Climb to $693.62 Billion
India’s forex reserves rose by $4.74 billion to $693.62 billion, boosted by gains in foreign currency assets and gold holdings. This comes despite being slightly lower than the September 2024 peak of $704.88 billion.
India-US Trade Reaches New Heights
Exports to the U.S. grew nearly 20% in July 2025 to $8.01 billion, while imports rose 13.78%. With $33.53 billion worth of exports during April–July, the U.S. remains India’s largest trade partner. Talks on a bilateral trade agreement continue, with the next round scheduled for 25th August.
SLINEX-25: India and Sri Lanka Strengthen Naval Ties
Indian Naval Ships INS Rana and INS Jyoti arrived in Colombo for the 12th edition of SLINEX-25 (14–18 August 2025). The exercise includes joint drills, cultural exchanges, and tactical operations, with participation from Sri Lanka’s SLNS Gajabahu and Vijayabahu. This exercise highlights India’s maritime cooperation under the MAHASAGAR policy.
ISRO Sets Up Space Lab in Arunachal Pradesh
ISRO inaugurated a space laboratory at Mechuka Government Higher Secondary School in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh. Built in collaboration with Muskaan Foundation, the lab aims to inspire young students toward careers in space science. It is named after Pasang Wangchuk Sona, honoring his belief in education’s power to transform society.
NFR and IIT-Guwahati Push for Eco-Friendly Railways
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) partnered with IIT-Guwahati to replace plastic packaging with biodegradable alternatives. As part of the initiative, green compostable bedroll bags have been introduced on trains, marking a step towards sustainable railway practices.
IFFM 2025: Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Wins Big
Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound won Best Film and Best Director at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jetwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, the film explores themes of belonging and displacement. It will also close the festival on 24th August.
Putin-Trump Alaska Summit Ends Without Ukraine Peace Deal
A high-profile meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska concluded without any breakthrough on the Ukraine crisis. The three-hour discussion at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base was termed “productive” by both leaders, but no formal agreement was reached. Putin insisted on addressing root causes, while Trump emphasized dialogue and hinted that any final deal would require consensus from Ukraine and NATO.
India’s Russian Oil Imports Touch 2 Million Barrels/Day
In August 2025, India’s oil imports from Russia surged to 2 million barrels per day, forming 38% of total crude imports. This marks an increase from July’s 1.6 million bpd. At the same time, imports from Iraq and Saudi Arabia fell, reflecting India’s focus on cost-effective sourcing.
Microsoft Leads Top Global Brands List 2025
At the China Brand Festival in Shenzhen, Microsoft ranked first in the TopBrand 2025 Global Brands list, with a brand value of $1,062.5 billion. NVIDIA ($1,046.8B) and Apple ($997.7B) followed closely. Other brands in the top 10 include Amazon, Google (Alphabet), Saudi Aramco, Walmart, Meta, Berkshire Hathaway, and Broadcom.
Real Madrid Tops Global Football Brand Rankings
According to the Brand Finance Football 50 report, Real Madrid remains the world’s most valuable football club in 2025, valued at €1.921 billion. The club also achieved a brand strength score of 94.9, boosted by its 15th UEFA Champions League title. Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, and PSG followed in the top 5.
Now its time for Live Test
Test Your Knowledge with Professor Academy
Question 1
What is the flat fee for NHAI’s new FASTag Annual Pass launched on August 15th, 2025?
A) ₹2,500 for unlimited travel
B) ₹3,000 for one year or 200 trips
C) ₹3,500 for 250 trips
D) ₹4,000 for unlimited access
Question 2
Who passed away at the age of 80 and previously served as Governor of both Nagaland and Manipur?
A) K. Rosaiah
B) La Ganesan
C) Banwarilal Purohit
D) Jagdish Mukhi
Question 3
According to the new GST structure proposed by the government, what will be the two main tax slabs?
A) 3% and 15%
B) 5% and 18%
C) 8% and 20%
D) 10% and 25%
Question 4
India’s merchandse exports rose by what percentage in July 2025, reaching $37.24 billion?
A) 5.8%
B) 6.5%
C) 7.3%
D) 8.1%
Question 5
What is India’s current forex reserves level as mentioned in the news?
A) $685.45 billion
B) $693.62 billion
C) $704.88 billion
D) $712.34 billion
Question 6
Which naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka took place from August 14-18, 2025?
A) MALABAR-25
B) SLINEX-25
C) VARUNA-25
D) INDRA NAVY-25
Question 7
ISRO set up a new space laboratory in which state to inspire students toward space science careers?
A) Assam
B) Meghalaya
C) Arunachal Pradesh
D) Manipur
Question 8
Russia’s daily oil exports to India in August 2025 reached approximately how many barrels per day?
A) 1.6 million bpd
B) 1.8 million bpd
C) 2 million bpd
D) 2.2 million bpd
Question 9
Which company topped the TopBrand 2025 Global Brands list with a brand value of $1,062.5 billion?
A) Apple
B) NVIDIA
C) Microsoft
D) Amazon
Question 10
Real Madrid remains the world’s most valuable football club in 2025, valued at approximately how much?
A) €1.654 billion
B) €1.789 billion
C) €1.921 billion
D) €2.156 billion
ANSWER KEY
1- B) ₹3,000 for one year or 200 trips
2- B) La Ganesan
3- B) 5% and 18%
4- C) 7.3%
5- B) $693.62 billion
6- B) SLINEX-25
7- C) Arunachal Pradesh
8- C) 2 million bpd
9- C) Microsoft
10- C) €1.921 billion
The current affairs of 16th August 2025 showcase India’s strong presence in trade, technology, defense, and culture, alongside key developments in global diplomacy and the economy.
For UGC NET aspirants, keeping track of such multi-dimensional updates is crucial for building comprehensive knowledge and performing well in the exam.
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