For UGC NET aspirants, especially those focusing on Paper 1 and general awareness, keeping up with daily current affairs is more than helpful—it can be a decisive factor in exam success. The updates from 20th August 2025 cover a wide range of areas, including national policies, international relations, economy, business, defense, sports, science, and culture. This carefully curated roundup is designed to enhance your preparation and ensure you stay exam-ready.
NABL Unveils Medical Application Portal for ISO 15189:2022
The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), functioning under the Quality Council of India (QCI), has rolled out a new Medical Application Portal for labs seeking ISO 15189:2022 accreditation. Launched at a virtual event, “GOING LIVE”, the platform is designed to improve transparency, simplify procedures, and accelerate approvals. Key upgrades include a restructured application format, ready-to-use templates, pre-checklists, user-friendly navigation, and multi-user login access—expected to cut down application processing time significantly.
“Anna-Chakra” Supply Chain Tool Implemented in 30 States
The Government of India has successfully introduced the “Anna-Chakra” Supply Chain Optimisation Tool across 30 of the planned 31 States/UTs under the Public Distribution System (PDS)—with Manipur being the only exception. This technology-driven model enhances transport route planning, potentially saving around ₹250 crore annually in logistics costs while also cutting carbon emissions, in line with India’s climate goals. Union Minister Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya shared the update in the Rajya Sabha.
Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan – Largest Tribal Leadership Drive
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, envisioned as the world’s biggest grassroots tribal leadership programme. The mission aims to promote responsive governance and inclusive development while empowering tribal communities. Linked with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, it seeks to mobilize 20 lakh leaders across one lakh villages in 550 districts and 30 States/UTs. Initiatives include Adi Sewa Kendras, Governance Labs, Vision 2030 workshops, and training volunteers under the Adi Sahyogi and Adi Saathi categories.
PRGI Launches ‘Press Sewa’ Portal for Simplified Registration
The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), Yogesh Baweja, introduced the ‘Press Sewa’ portal, a single-window solution for the registration of newspapers and periodicals. This online system is aimed at reducing delays, enhancing transparency, and ensuring faster approvals. Since March last year, registration has been completely digital, and if no response is given within 60 days, applications are automatically considered approved.
Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2025 Passed
Parliament has approved the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, opening doors for greater production of critical minerals like lithium and rare earths. The bill provides more flexibility in leases, removes restrictions on captive mining, and introduces mineral exchanges for transparent trading. It also empowers the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust to play a larger role, with an aim to cut import reliance and ensure India’s mineral security.
ECI Brings 28 Electoral Reforms in 6 Months
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced 28 reforms within six months to strengthen electoral transparency and efficiency. Major measures include delisting of inactive political parties, issuance of photo ID cards for Booth Level Officers, 100% webcasting of polls, and automatic voter roll updates linked to death records. Platforms like ECINET have been integrated for better technology use, ensuring fairness and greater accessibility in elections.
Indian Railways Deploys First Removable Solar Panels at BLW, Varanasi
In a first, Indian Railways has installed removable solar panels between railway tracks at the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW). The 70-metre setup, comprising 28 panels with a 15 KWp capacity, showcases India’s commitment to green transport solutions. Additionally, the Railways flagged off its first industrial salt rake from Sanosara to Dahej and launched a 2×25 kV Electric Traction System with Scott Transformer technology on the Nagda–Khachrod route, boosting operational efficiency.
Cabinet Approves Online Gaming Bill
The Union Cabinet has cleared the Online Gaming Bill, designed to regulate e-sports and ban online betting activities. It proposes strict restrictions on advertisements, monetary transfers, and participation in money-based games. The bill also includes provisions for penalties on violators, tighter punishment for repeat offences, and powers for authorities to investigate, seize assets, and block unlawful gaming platforms.
State News
Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport Approved
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the development of a Greenfield Airport in Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an investment of ₹1507 crore. Spread across 440.06 hectares provided by the Rajasthan government, the airport will feature a 20,000 sqm terminal, handle A-321 aircraft, and cater to 2 million passengers annually.
Lok Sabha Approves IIM Guwahati Bill
The Lok Sabha has passed the IIM (Amendment) Bill, 2025, paving the way for establishing a new IIM at Guwahati, Assam. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced ₹550 crore funding for the institute, emphasizing its role in boosting higher education in the Northeast. With this, India will have 22 IIMs, including the upcoming international campus in Dubai.
Economy News
ICRA Projects India’s Q1 FY2026 GDP at 6.7%
According to ICRA, India’s GDP is expected to grow 6.7% in Q1 FY2026, surpassing RBI’s 6.5% estimate. Though growth has eased from 7.4% in Q4 FY2025, the services sector (8.3% growth) has offset slower expansion in industry (4.0%) and agriculture (4.5%). Increased central and state government spending and higher project activity are driving momentum. Prospects for GST rationalisation and stronger urban consumption further support the outlook.
InvIT Market to Touch $258 Billion by 2030
India’s Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) are projected to expand from $73 billion in FY2025 to $258 billion by 2030, according to Knight Frank. The growth will be driven by institutional investments, rising retail participation, and foreign capital inflows. Government infrastructure spending has risen significantly—from $12 billion in FY2015 to $75 billion in FY2025—fueling this expansion.
Defence News
India Approves ₹62,000 Crore Deal for 97 Tejas Mark 1A Jets
The Government has sanctioned a ₹62,000 crore procurement of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), these aircraft will replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet and increase the IAF’s Tejas count to 180 jets. With over 65% indigenous components, the Tejas Mark 1A is equipped with advanced radar and avionics, boosting India’s self-reliance in defence.
Schemes News
Stand-Up India Scheme: ₹62,791 Crore Sanctioned
Since its inception in 2016, the Stand-Up India Scheme has sanctioned loans worth ₹62,791 crore to 2.75 lakh beneficiaries, promoting entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST communities. In FY2024–25 alone, ₹17,811.72 crore was disbursed under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for short-term crop loans. The RBI also regulates P2P lending to safeguard borrowers.
Important Days
World Mosquito Day 2025
Observed annually on 20th August, World Mosquito Day commemorates Sir Ronald Ross’s 1897 discovery linking the female Anopheles mosquito to malaria transmission. The day raises awareness on mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, JE, and Zika—persistent threats in India, especially during monsoon.
Sadbhavana Diwas 2025
Celebrated on 20th August, the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, Sadbhavana Diwas promotes communal harmony, national unity, and peaceful coexistence. It reminds citizens of Rajiv Gandhi’s vision for a progressive, secular, and inclusive India.
Akshay Urja Diwas 2025
Also observed on 20th August, Akshay Urja Diwas promotes renewable energy awareness. Instituted in 2004 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the day emphasizes clean energy adoption, particularly solar, wind, and biomass. Activities include awareness rallies, student competitions, and campaigns highlighting India’s renewable energy missions.
International News
Dubai Introduces ‘One Freezone Passport’
Dubai has rolled out the “One Freezone Passport”, enabling businesses to operate across all free zones with a single license. This reform eliminates the need for multiple permits, lowering costs and simplifying compliance. Backed by the Dubai Free Zones Council, it supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s GDP by 2033. Firms will benefit from tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, and faster setup processes.
The current affairs of 20th August 2025 showcase India’s expanding role in trade, technology, defense, and cultural domains, while also reflecting important global developments in diplomacy and the economy. For UGC NET aspirants, understanding these diverse updates is crucial for building comprehensive knowledge and achieving high scores.
At Professor Academy, we go beyond just delivering current affairs. We provide strategies, guidance, and resources that help you convert every update into a scoring advantage.
Each daily update brings you closer to success. Don’t just prepare—prepare to excel!
Join Professor Academy’s UGC NET Online Coaching today and make the most of our UGC NET Books & Study Materials to maximize your scores.
UGC NET Coaching: UGC NET Online Coaching
UGC NET Books: UGC NET Books & Materials
Contact Us: +91 7070701005 | +91 7070701009
+91 8807108794 | +91 8124408794
Hi!
