For UGC NET aspirants—especially those preparing for Paper 1 and General Awareness—keeping up with daily current affairs is more than just important, it’s a game-changer. The updates from 22nd August 2025 cover a wide spectrum including national policies, international relations, economy, business, defense, sports, science, and culture. This carefully curated roundup is designed to sharpen your preparation and keep you exam-ready.
Gaganyaan’s First Test Flight in December 2025
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has confirmed that the first test flight under Gaganyaan, India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, will take place in December 2025. Out of 10,000 required tests, nearly 7,700 (80%) have already been completed. This year, ISRO has achieved 196 milestones, including GLEX-2025, a high-thrust electric propulsion system, and progress on launching a 6,500 kg U.S. communication satellite.
Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka to Visit India (Aug 24–26)
Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, along with his wife and senior officials including Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, will visit India from 24–26 August 2025. He will engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attend an official lunch hosted in his honour, and meet President Droupadi Murmu. Additionally, Rabuka will deliver a lecture titled “Ocean of Peace” at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Iran Conducts “Sustainable Power 1404” Missile Exercises
Iran has commenced a two-day military drill named “Sustainable Power 1404” in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean—its first large-scale exercise since the June 12-day war. The drills featured cruise missiles like Nasir and Qadir, along with warships, submarines, air units, and electronic warfare brigades. Notably, the IRIS Sabalan and IRIS Ganaveh successfully struck sea-based targets.
Government Raises ₹1.42 Lakh Crore via Asset Monetisation
The Government of India has mobilized ₹1.42 lakh crore till FY25 through asset monetisation, using models such as Toll-Operate-Transfer (ToT), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and securitisation. The strategy boosts infrastructure funding without adding to public debt, while ensuring long-term private participation in public assets. For FY25, the target is ₹30,000 crore, which will help expand highways and other major infrastructure projects.
India & EAEU Begin Free Trade Agreement Talks
India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)—which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Russia—have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) in Moscow to kickstart Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The move is aimed at expanding exports, supporting MSMEs, and exploring new market opportunities. In 2024, India-EAEU trade touched $69 billion, marking a 7% rise over 2023. The upcoming FTA is expected to open new investment avenues and establish a stronger, long-term trade partnership.
Rapido Fined ₹10 Lakh for Misleading Ads
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has levied a ₹10 lakh penalty on ride-hailing platform Rapido (operated by Roppen Transportation Services Pvt. Ltd.) over misleading ads linked to its “AUTO IN 5 MIN OR GET ₹50” campaign. Investigations revealed that compensation was provided as Rapido coins instead of cash, making the offer deceptive and non-guaranteed. The CCPA has ordered Rapido to discontinue such advertisements and compensate affected consumers.
Satish Golcha Becomes New Delhi Police Commissioner
Satish Golcha, a 1992-batch IPS officer from the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, succeeding Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh, who was holding interim charge post Sanjay Arora’s retirement. Golcha, who previously headed Delhi Prisons as Director General, has also served with the CBI, Delhi Police, and as DGP of Arunachal Pradesh.
Cotton Import Duty Waived Till September 30
To support India’s textile and garment sector, the government has temporarily suspended the 11% import duty on cotton until 30th September 2025. This decision comes amid rising tariff concerns, especially the nearly 60% U.S. duty on Indian exports. The move will provide relief to Indian manufacturers competing with countries like China and Bangladesh. Depending on trade talks, the waiver may be extended further.
Fortified Rice Scheme Extended to 2028
The government has extended the Fortified Rice Scheme till 2028, with an allocation of ₹17,082 crore to fight malnutrition and anaemia under the Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative. As part of PM POSHAN, schools across States/UTs will provide meals with fortified rice, double-fortified salt, and fortified edible oil. Additionally, the NDDB’s Gift Milk Program has delivered 7.1 lakh litres of fortified milk to 41,700 students in 11 States.
Haryana & Rajasthan Ink MoU for Yamuna Water Pipeline
The governments of Haryana and Rajasthan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Yamuna Water Pipeline Project. The plan involves transferring 577 MCM of water from Hathnikund to districts in Rajasthan (Churu, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, etc.) through underground pipelines between July and October, after Haryana utilizes the Western Yamuna Canal (24,000 cusec) fully. A joint Task Force has been set up, and Rajasthan has already hired a consultant for DPR preparation.
Ahmedabad to Host Three Major International Sports Events in 2025
Ahmedabad will host three global sporting events in 2025—
These will be held at the Naranpura Sports Complex and The Arena by TransStadia, welcoming athletes from 29+ countries. The events further establish Gujarat as an emerging global sports hub, supported by the Sports Policy 2022–27. Ahmedabad is also set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
India Releases Roadmap for 6G Rollout by 2030
On 21st August 2025, the government unveiled its plan for 6G rollout by 2030, aligned with the ITU-R M.2160 recommendation and the Bharat 6G Vision Document. Key features include AI-driven networks, ultra-low latency, and hybrid terrestrial/non-terrestrial coverage. Steps taken so far:
The aim is to position India as a global 6G leader.
Remembering M.S. Swaminathan – Father of India’s Green Revolution
M.S. Swaminathan, often called the “Man Who Fed India”, was instrumental in leading the Green Revolution, introducing high-yield dwarf wheat varieties in collaboration with Norman Borlaug. Supported by leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi, India achieved self-sufficiency in wheat production by 1968. His contributions underline the importance of scientific innovation, political vision, and institutional support. Today, challenges such as climate change, limited R&D investment, and institutional hurdles highlight the need for stronger collaboration between scientists and policymakers to secure India’s agricultural future.
SASCI Scheme Sanctions ₹3,295.76 Crore for Tourism
Under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the Ministry of Tourism has approved 40 projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore to boost lesser-known tourist destinations with full central funding. Selection was based on connectivity, carrying capacity, impact, and tourism potential. The projects emphasize sustainability, responsible tourism, and local community growth.
Madras Day 2025
Observed annually on 22nd August, Madras Day celebrates the founding of Madras (now Chennai) in 1639 by the British East India Company. The day highlights the city’s cultural, historical, and architectural heritage through heritage walks, lectures, and cultural events. Known as the “Detroit of India”, Chennai is India’s 4th largest city, home to the country’s oldest public zoo and one of the world’s oldest English newspapers.
International Day for Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
Celebrated on 22nd August, this UN-recognized day commemorates individuals and communities who have faced violence due to their faith or beliefs. The observance emphasizes fundamental rights such as freedom of religion, peaceful assembly, and expression, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Punjabi Actor-Comedian Jaswinder Bhalla Passes Away
Veteran Punjabi comedian and actor Jaswinder Bhalla passed away at the age of 65 in Mohali on 22nd August 2025. Known for his sharp wit and satirical comedy, he starred in popular films like Carry On Jatta, Gaddi Chaldi Hai Chhalla Maarke, and Jind Jaan. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in Punjabi cinema and culture.
1. According to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, when will Gaganyaan’s first test flight take place?
a) November 2025
b) December 2025
c) January 2026
d) February 2026
2. Which country’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka visited India from August 24-26, 2025?
a) Fiji
b) Nepal
c) Sri Lanka
d) Maldives
3. What is the name of Iran’s two-day military drill conducted in the Gulf of Oman?
a) Ocean Power 1404
b) Sustainable Power 1404
c) Maritime Shield 1404
d) Naval Force 1404
4. How much money has the Government mobilized through asset monetisation till FY25?
a) ₹1.35 lakh crore
b) ₹1.42 lakh crore
c) ₹1.50 lakh crore
d) ₹1.28 lakh crore
5. India has signed Terms of Reference (ToR) for FTA negotiations with which economic union?
a) ASEAN
b) EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union)
c) MERCOSUR
d) USMCA
6. Which authority fined Rapido ₹10 lakh for misleading advertisements?
a) SEBI
b) RBI
c) CCPA
d) TRAI
7. Who was appointed as the new Commissioner of Police, Delhi?
a) Sanjay Arora
b) Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh
c) Satish Golcha
d) Rakesh Asthana
8. The government suspended cotton import duty of 11% until which date?
a) August 30, 2025
b) September 30, 2025
c) October 31, 2025
d) December 31, 2025
9. The Fortified Rice Scheme has been extended till which year with ₹17,082 crore allocation?
a) 2027
b) 2028
c) 2029
d) 2030
10. Haryana and Rajasthan signed an MoU for which water project?
a) Ganga Water Pipeline
b) Yamuna Water Pipeline
c) Narmada Water Pipeline
d) Brahmaputra Water Pipeline
11. Which city will host the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in August 2025?
a) Mumbai
b) Delhi
c) Bengaluru
d) Ahmedabad
12. India’s roadmap for 6G rollout targets which year for implementation?
a) 2028
b) 2029
c) 2030
d) 2032
13. Under the SASCI scheme, how much has the Ministry of Tourism approved for 40 projects?
a) ₹3,195.76 crore
b) ₹3,295.76 crore
c) ₹3,395.76 crore
d) ₹3,495.76 crore
14. Madras Day is observed annually on which date to celebrate Chennai’s founding?
a) August 20
b) August 21
c) August 22
d) August 23
15. Veteran Punjabi comedian Jaswinder Bhalla passed away at what age?
a) 63
b) 64
c) 65
d) 66
ANSWER KEY
1 b) December 2025
2 a) Fiji
3 b) Sustainable Power 1404
4 b) ₹1.42 lakh crore
5 b) EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union)
6 c) CCPA
7 c) Satish Golcha
8 b) September 30, 2025
9 b) 2028
10 b) Yamuna Water Pipeline
11 d) Ahmedabad
12 c) 2030
13 b) ₹3,295.76 crore
14 c) August 22
15 c) 65
The 22nd August 2025 current affairs reflect India’s rising influence in trade, technology, defense, and cultural leadership, while also highlighting major global shifts in diplomacy and the economy. For UGC NET aspirants, grasping such diverse updates is crucial to building strong conceptual knowledge and achieving top scores.
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