INDIA – NATIONAL AFFAIRS (Aug 8–15, 2025)

 

Politics & Governance

 

Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur (Aug 13)

Centre extended President’s Rule for another 6 months.

 

Reason: Ethnic violence & unstable political situation.

 

Mahadevapura Electoral Controversy (Aug 11–12)

Protests in Bihar & Delhi over alleged voter list fraud.

 

Rahul Gandhi & opposition leaders detained.

 

T-shirts with a “124-year-old voter” caused uproar, later clarified as false.

 

Vice-President Election (Updates continuing)

Notification issued earlier (Aug 7).

 

Campaigning intensifies in this week.

 

Legislation & Policy

 

Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (Aug 11)

Parliament passed the new act.

 

Brings India’s shipping laws in line with global standards.

 

Focus: safety, environment, seafarer welfare.

 

National Sports Governance Act, 2025 (Aug 11–12)

Passed by Lok Sabha (Aug 11) & Rajya Sabha (Aug 12).

 

Replaces old sports code.

 

Aim: transparency, accountability, athlete welfare, Olympics 2036 prep.

 

Economy & Trade

 

India–US Tariff Standoff (Aug 13)

US tariffs (~50%) hit B worth of Indian exports.

India’s response:

Slowed defence imports from US.

 

Strengthened trade with Russia, China, Brazil.

 

Domestic boycott calls on US goods.

Risk: India’s GDP growth could fall by 0.6%.

 

India–Russia Cooperation (Aug 6–11)

Protocol signed at the 11th India–Russia Working Group meet.

 

Focus on industrial & technological cooperation.

 

Strengthens strategic partnership.

 

Events & Culture

 

Independence Day 2025 (Aug 15)

79th Independence Day celebrated across India.

 

PM Modi hoisted the flag at Red Fort, delivered national address.

 

Google Doodle highlighted India’s achievements in sports, cinema, chess, space.

 

IAF helicopters showered flowers, 21-gun salute & Guard of Honour.

 

Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign (Aug 10–15)

Nationwide drive urging citizens to hoist the tricolour at home.

 

Volunteers received digital badges & certificates.

 

BJP organised flag marches, partition remembrance events.

 

Delhi Metro Special Services (Aug 15)

Started operations from 4:00 AM for Independence Day.

 

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (AUG 8–15, 2025)

 

United States

 

Trump–Modi Trade Standoff (Aug 13)

President Trump firm on tariffs, pressuring India over Russia oil imports.

 

Trade talks collapsed.

 

Trump signalled readiness for further sanctions.

US Policy Impact

Indian companies (Titan, Pearl Global, textiles) exploring shifting production abroad.

 

Global supply chain disruptions feared.

 

Russia

 

Putin’s Visit to India (Update)

Visit postponed to end-2025 (earlier expected August).

 

Will focus on defence, energy, and industrial ties.

 

Other Global Notes

 

Geopolitical Realignments

India leaned more towards Russia–China–Brazil bloc in trade talks.

 

Analysts see rise of alternative trade alliances due to US tariffs.