Daily current affairs for UPSC, SSC, BPSC, Railway and all competitive exams
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Topic-wise Current Affairs
august 2025 — 13 Categories
PM Modi announced new government initiatives from Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day (August 15, 2025). Traditionally, Independence Day speeches include announcements of flagship schemes, progress reports, and vision statements. Key announcements focus on Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047 roadmap, manufacturing, agriculture, and social welfare.
Exam Tip: Independence Day: August 15. PM hoists flag and addresses nation from Red Fort, Delhi. Republic Day: January 26 (President is chief guest host). India's 79th Independence Day: 2025. Viksit Bharat @2047: goal to become developed nation by 100th independence year. National Space Day: August 23 (since 2024).
The government launched a nationwide drive to register farmers on the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi e-KYC platform to ensure funds reach genuine beneficiaries. e-KYC via Aadhaar was made mandatory. The platform integrates with the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), KCC (Kisan Credit Card), and FASAL BIMA (crop insurance) databases for comprehensive farmer welfare delivery.
Exam Tip: PM-KISAN e-KYC: mandatory Aadhaar-based identity verification. Fake beneficiary detection through database integration. KCC (Kisan Credit Card): short-term agricultural credit at 4% (with govt interest subvention). AIF: Agriculture Infrastructure Fund — ₹1 lakh crore for post-harvest infrastructure.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, launched in October 2021, progressed toward its 2025-26 targets. SBM-U 2.0 focuses on complete sanitation (ODF++ and ODF-S status for all cities) and solid and liquid waste management. India declared ODF (Open Defecation Free) status at the village level under SBM-Gramin in 2019.
Exam Tip: SBM: Swachh Bharat Mission. SBM Gramin (rural): launched Oct 2, 2014 (Gandhi Jayanti). Phase 1: ODF by Oct 2019. Phase 2 (2020-25): sustainability. SBM Urban: ODF cities + solid waste management. ODF+: toilet + hand hygiene. ODF++: faecal sludge managed. Swachh Survekshan: annual urban cleanliness survey by MoHUA.
India celebrated its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025. Prime Minister addressed the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, Delhi. The theme for Independence Day 2025 was aligned with the "Viksit Bharat @2047" vision — emphasising India's journey toward becoming a developed nation by the centenary of independence.
Exam Tip: India independence: August 15, 1947 (from British rule). First PM: Jawaharlal Nehru. Partition: India and Pakistan (two dominions). 79th Independence Day: 2025. India's official national day: Republic Day (Jan 26, 1950 Constitution came into force). August 15 also: National Sports Day (2012 onward), South Korean Independence Day.
India celebrated the second National Space Day on August 23, 2025 — the anniversary of Chandrayaan-3's successful soft landing on the Moon's south pole (August 23, 2023). PM Modi declared August 23 as National Space Day in 2023. The landing site was named "Shiv Shakti Point" and the Pragyan rover's traverse was named "Tiranga Point."
Exam Tip: Chandrayaan-3: India's 3rd lunar mission. Launched July 14, 2023 (GSLV Mk III). Soft landed August 23, 2023 (south pole — world first!). Lander: Vikram. Rover: Pragyan. Landing site: Shiv Shakti Point. Chandrayaan-1: 2008 (discovered water molecules on Moon). Chandrayaan-2: 2019 (Vikram lander crashed). National Space Day: August 23.
The 105th Constitutional Amendment (restoring states' powers to identify OBC communities) was being implemented by states in August 2025. The amendment was passed in 2021 to reverse the Supreme Court's May 2021 ruling that had held that states had no power to make the OBC list, which the court said was the Centre's prerogative.
Exam Tip: 105th Amendment (2021): restored state power to identify Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for reservation. 104th Amendment: extended reservation for SC/ST in Lok Sabha + State Assemblies for 10 years (2020). 103rd Amendment: 10% EWS reservation (economically weaker sections). 101st Amendment: GST (2016). 102nd Amendment: constitutional status to NCBC.
August 14 is observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day since 2021. It commemorates the victims of the 1947 partition of India, during which an estimated 1-2 million people died and 10-15 million were displaced in one of history's largest mass migrations. August 14 is also Pakistan's Independence Day.
Exam Tip: Partition Horrors Remembrance Day: August 14, since 2021 (PM Modi's announcement). 1947 Partition: Division of British India into India and Pakistan. Radcliffe Line: the partition boundary (drawn by Sir Cyril Radcliffe). Punjab and Bengal divided. Pakistan: East and West (Bangladesh formed in 1971 from East Pakistan).
Discussions on restoring statehood to Jammu & Kashmir continued in August 2025. J&K had its statehood revoked and was reorganised into two Union Territories — J&K (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature) — under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The Supreme Court upheld the revocation in December 2023 but asked the government to restore statehood.
Exam Tip: J&K: Article 370 abrogated August 5, 2019. J&K split into: J&K UT (with legislature, like Delhi/Puducherry) + Ladakh UT (without legislature). SC verdict (Dec 2023): upheld J&K bifurcation. SC asked: elections by Sept 2024 (held Nov 2024) and statehood restoration. India's 28 states + 8 UTs (as of 2019).
India's Neighbourhood First Policy focused on Bangladesh (under Prof Mohammad Yunus's interim government since August 2024 after Sheikh Hasina's departure), Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives in August 2025. Bangladesh-India relations required recalibration following the political changes. India-Sri Lanka fishermen disputes and India-Nepal Kalapani border issue required ongoing diplomatic management.
Exam Tip: Neighbourhood First Policy: India's policy prioritising SAARC neighbours. Bangladesh: political change Aug 2024 (Sheikh Hasina resigned, Prof Yunus caretaker govt). India-Bangladesh: Teesta water sharing (unresolved). India-Nepal: Kalapani-Lipulekh border dispute. India-Sri Lanka: fishermen in Palk Strait.
India-USA trade negotiations continued in August 2025, focusing on a bilateral trade agreement to address the trade imbalance ($50B+ in India's favour) and market access for US agriculture in India. The USA sought lower tariffs on almonds, apples, and medical devices; India wanted concessions on steel tariffs and H-1B visa numbers.
Exam Tip: India-USA trade: ~$130 billion bilateral. India exports: IT/software, pharma, gems/jewellery, textiles. India imports: crude oil, defence equipment, semiconductors. H-1B visa: US work visa for skilled workers (India gets the most). CAATSA waiver: India got S-400 despite US sanctions act.
India prepared its positions for the 80th UN General Assembly session (opening September 2025), particularly on multilateralism reform, UNSC expansion, Global South representation, climate finance, and terrorism. India's UNGA addresses typically focus on equitable global order, India's development model as a template, and call for reformed multilateralism.
Exam Tip: UN General Assembly: annual high-level segment September. 193 member states. UNGA 1st Committee: disarmament. 2nd: economic. 3rd: social/humanitarian. General Debate: heads of government speak. India's general themes: reformed multilateralism, Global South voice, UNSC permanent seat.
Make in India, launched September 25, 2014, celebrated major milestones in August 2025. Manufacturing's share in GDP has grown from 15-16% toward the 25% target. Apple iPhone production (at 15% of global production) and electronics exports ($30+ billion) marked India's emergence as a global manufacturing hub. DPIIT (Dept for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) oversees Make in India.
Exam Tip: Make in India: launched Sept 25, 2014. Launched by PM Narendra Modi. DPIIT manages. Target: manufacturing 25% of GDP (from ~15%). 25 focus sectors. India FDI: ~$70B annually. India rank in EoDB (World Bank Doing Business): improved from 142 to 63 (2014-2020, before report discontinued). Now tracked by B-READY.
India's merchandise exports for the first half of FY2025-26 showed mixed performance — engineering goods, electronics, and pharma grew strongly, while gems/jewellery and textiles faced headwinds from global demand slowdown. Services exports (IT, BPO) remained resilient at $300+ billion per year. India's export target: $2 trillion by 2030 (goods + services).
Exam Tip: India exports: goods ~$450B/year + services ~$340B/year = $790B+. Top goods exports: petroleum products, gems, pharma, engineering, textiles. Top services: IT/ITES (India's #1 export), financial services. India share in world trade: ~1.7% merchandise, ~4.5% services. DGFT: Director General of Foreign Trade.
India's fiscal deficit for FY2025-26 was on track at around 4.5% of GDP target for the full year, with H1 deficit contained. The fiscal consolidation roadmap aims for fiscal deficit below 4.5% in FY26, 4.1% in FY27, towards the FRBM target. FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act 2003) mandates 3% GDP fiscal deficit as medium-term target.
Exam Tip: Fiscal Deficit = Total Expenditure - Revenue Receipts - Non-Debt Capital Receipts. India FY25 fiscal deficit: 4.5% GDP (actual, lower than budget 5.1%). FRBM Act 2003: medium-term target 3% GDP. Primary Deficit = Fiscal Deficit - Interest Payments. Revenue Deficit = Revenue Expenditure - Revenue Receipts.
The Kharif sowing season (June-November) showed normal progress by August 2025, with rice, soybean, cotton, and pulses sown across respective cropping zones. India's total food grain production target was 330 million tonnes for FY2026. Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) announced for Kharif crops incentivised sowing.
Exam Tip: Kharif crops: sown June-July, harvested Oct-Nov. Rice, maize, bajra, jowar, cotton, sugarcane, soybean, groundnut. Rabi: sown Oct-Nov, harvested March-April. Wheat, mustard, gram, barley. MSP: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) fixes it on CACP recommendation. CACP: Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices.
The Reserve Bank of India released its Annual Monetary Policy Report in August 2025, reviewing the effectiveness of monetary policy and transmission. The report highlighted improved monetary transmission — rate cuts passing through to bank lending rates faster than in previous cycles due to external benchmark lending rate (EBLR) system.
Exam Tip: EBLR (External Benchmark Lending Rate): banks must link retail loans to external benchmark (repo rate). Replaced MCLR (Marginal Cost of funds-based Lending Rate) for retail loans since Oct 2019. MCLR: replaced Base Rate. Better transmission. Banks add spread over EBLR. Home loan EMIs: directly linked to RBI repo changes.
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), launched September 2018, expanded digital banking services to rural post office customers in August 2025. IPPB operates through 650 district-level branches + 1.36 lakh post offices + 1.5 lakh postal agents. It offers savings accounts, remittances, and insurance but cannot lend (payments bank restriction).
Exam Tip: Payments Banks: regulated by RBI. Can't lend (no credit). Accept deposits up to ₹2 lakh per customer. Can issue debit cards but not credit cards. Examples: Airtel Payments Bank, Jio Payments Bank, India Post Payments Bank, Fino Payments Bank. Small Finance Banks: can lend, full banking (e.g. Au Small Finance Bank, Equitas).
India's insurance sector saw rapid digital expansion in August 2025, with InsurTech companies offering micro-insurance products tailored for gig workers, farmers, and low-income households. IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) enabled regulatory sandbox for InsurTech innovations. Insurance penetration remains at ~3.5% of GDP (global average: 6.5%).
Exam Tip: IRDAI: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India. HQ: Hyderabad. Established 2000 under IRDAI Act 1999. Regulates: life insurance, general insurance, health insurance. Insurance penetration: India ~3.5% GDP. LIC: Life Insurance Corporation (largest insurer, govt-owned, listed 2022). SEBI oversees NPS, IRDAI oversees insurance.
The President of India (on advice of the Council of Ministers) appointed new Governors for several states in August 2025. Governors are Constitutional heads of states under Article 153. The Governor is appointed by the President and holds office at President's pleasure. Disputes about Governor's discretionary powers in government formation have been recurrent.
Exam Tip: Governor: Art 153. Appointed by President (Art 155). Serves at pleasure of President (Art 156). Term: 5 years. Functions: constitutional head of state, appoints CM, gives assent to bills, sends reports to President. Discretionary: summoning government under Art 356 (President's Rule). Active in all states except Delhi (Lt Governor) and some other UTs.
NITI Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission in January 2015, saw new expert members join in August 2025. NITI Aayog serves as a policy think-tank and facilitates cooperative federalism. Key outputs: VIF (Viksit Bharat Vision), SATH (Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital), Atal Innovation Mission, State Ranking indices.
Exam Tip: NITI Aayog: National Institution for Transforming India. Replaced Planning Commission (1950-2014). Chairperson: PM. Vice-Chairperson and CEO: key positions. Functions: policy think-tank, NOT Planning Commission (no plan funds allocation). Governing Council: all CMs, LGs of UTs. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): under NITI Aayog.
India appointed a new Ambassador to the USA in August 2025. The Indian Embassy in Washington DC is India's most important diplomatic mission given the central role of India-USA strategic partnership. India has consulates in New York, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, and Atlanta in the USA.
Exam Tip: India-USA: Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Quad: India-USA-Japan-Australia. USISPF (India-US Strategic Partnership Forum): private sector body. Significance: India-USA bilateral trade $130B+. Indian diaspora in USA: 4.2 million (largest skilled diaspora). Ambassador ≠ High Commissioner (High Commissioner: Commonwealth nations).
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (highest sports honour) and Arjuna Awards were presented on National Sports Day, August 29, 2025. The Khel Ratna Award was renamed from Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2021. Major Dhyan Chand (hockey wizard) scored 570 goals in his career and led India to 3 Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936).
Exam Tip: National Sports Day: August 29 (Major Dhyan Chand's birthday). Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna: highest sports honour. Arjuna Award: 4 years of outstanding performance. Dronacharya: coaches. Dhyan Chand Award: lifetime contribution. 2021: renamed from Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. Neeraj Chopra: Khel Ratna 2022, Padma Shri 2018, Arjuna 2018.
August 2025 saw the announcement of various national awards in categories of science, literature, and performing arts. The Sahitya Akademi Awards (for Indian literature in 24 languages), Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (for music, dance, drama), and National Science Academy Fellowships are among the prestigious annual recognitions.
Exam Tip: Sahitya Akademi: for literature. Under Ministry of Culture. Established 1954. 24 Indian languages. Sahitya Akademi Fellowship: highest honour (Mahasatta). Sangeet Natak Akademi: for performing arts (music, dance, drama). Both are autonomous bodies under Ministry of Culture. National Academy of Sciences India: Allahabad (founded 1930).
India's second National Space Day (August 23, 2025) showcased ISRO's achievements including Chandrayaan-3 success, Gaganyaan progress, NISAR launch, PSLV commercial launches, and growing private space sector. ISRO's budget for FY2025-26 was ₹13,042 crore — the highest ever. India is the 6th country in the world to achieve a Moon soft landing.
Exam Tip: Moon soft landing countries: USSR (1966), USA (1969-1972), China (2013), India (2023 — south pole, first!), Japan (SLIM 2024), Russia (Luna-25 crashed 2023). ISRO budget FY26: ₹13,042 crore. Satish Dhawan Space Centre: Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh (launch pad). VSSC: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram (rocket assembly).
India initiated research and development for 6G technology (IMT-2030) in August 2025 as part of the Bharat 6G Mission. India aims to be at the forefront of 6G standardisation, unlike 5G where India depended on foreign technology. Key thrust: semiconductor chips for 6G, open-source network architecture, and indigenous 6G standards through involvement in ITU-R.
Exam Tip: Bharat 6G Mission: launched April 2023. Target: lead 6G development by 2030. India 6G alliance. ITU: International Telecommunication Union (UN agency for telecommunications). 5G: India's nationwide rollout began Oct 2022. 6G frequency: terahertz (THz) spectrum, target speeds > 1 Tbps (vs 5G: 20 Gbps theoretical).
DRDO's anti-drone systems were deployed across strategic locations in India in August 2025, following the India-Pakistan tensions of May 2025. The D4 system (Drone Detect, Deter, and Destroy) was developed by DRDO's DARE (Defence Avionics Research Establishment) and integrated with existing air defence networks. India's threat from drone warfare was highlighted by the Pahalgam aftermath.
Exam Tip: Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) systems: India developed D4 (Drone Detect, Deter, Destroy). Uses: RF Jammer + Laser + Kinetic. DRDO labs: DARE (Bengaluru) for avionics, DRDL (Hyderabad) for missiles, DEBEL (Bengaluru) for electronics. Drone warfare: used by Pakistan, Ukraine/Russia conflict, Israel-Gaza conflict highlighted drone threats.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) published landmark research on gene therapy for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia in August 2025. India has the world's highest burden of sickle cell disease (approximately 2 lakh patients). Government of India launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission with a target of eliminating it by 2047.
Exam Tip: National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission: launched July 2023, target 2047. Sickle Cell Disease: autosomal recessive disorder, affects haemoglobin. India burden: 2 lakh patients (highest globally). ICMR: Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi. Apex body for biomedical research. Under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Independence Day parade on August 15, 2025, featured displays of indigenous defence systems including the Akash missile battery, K9 Vajra artillery, Tejas aircraft fly-past, and DRDO's new systems. The parade demonstrated India's growing self-reliance in defence. Tableaux from states showcased cultural heritage and development themes.
Exam Tip: Republic Day Parade (Jan 26): President presides, Delhi. March-past, tableaux, military displays, air show. Independence Day Parade (Aug 15): PM presides at Red Fort. Both showcase military capabilities. India's domestic defence: 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in defence, positive indigenisation lists (import bans).
India maintains a nuclear triad (land, air, sea-based nuclear delivery systems). The INS Arighaat (second Arihant-class nuclear submarine) was commissioned in August 2024, and India announced the development of a third SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear). India's nuclear doctrine: No First Use (NFU), credible minimum deterrence, massive retaliation.
Exam Tip: Nuclear Triad: land (Agni missiles), air (Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Rafale capable), sea (INS Arihant, Arighaat SSBNs). India NFU: No First Use of nuclear weapons. India's nuclear programme: Pokhran-I (1974, Smiling Buddha), Pokhran-II (1998, Operation Shakti). India not NPT signatory but NSG waiver (2008).
The Indian Coast Guard expanded its fleet and capabilities in August 2025, with new offshore patrol vessels commissioned. India's maritime security responsibilities cover EEZ of 2.01 million sq km. The ICG coordinates with Navy, CISF (port security), and Customs for comprehensive maritime law enforcement, anti-smuggling, and disaster response.
Exam Tip: Indian Coast Guard: est. 1977 under Ministry of Defence (later Home Affairs). Responsible for: EEZ security, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, anti-poaching, anti-smuggling. Different from Navy (military). EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone): 200 nautical miles from baseline. UNCLOS 1982: framework for EEZ.
India submitted its updated Long-Term Low Carbon Development Strategy (LT-LCCAP) to UNFCCC in August 2025. India targets net zero by 2070 (announced at COP26 2021) and 500 GW non-fossil electricity by 2030. India's NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) was updated in 2022: 45% emissions intensity reduction from 2005 levels and 50% non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030.
Exam Tip: India's climate commitments: Net Zero by 2070. NDC updated 2022: (1) 45% emissions intensity reduction by 2030 (from 2005), (2) 50% electricity from non-fossil by 2030, (3) 2.5-3 billion tonne CO2 sink by 2030. COP26 (Glasgow): India's Panchamrit. UNFCCC: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Paris Agreement 2015: 1.5°C goal.
India's 5th cycle Tiger Census results were released in August 2025. India has over 75% of the world's wild tigers. Previous census (2022) showed 3,167 tigers. Project Tiger: launched April 1, 1973. India has 54 Tiger Reserves covering 77,000+ sq km. NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) oversees.
Exam Tip: India tiger census: 2006 (1,411), 2010 (1,706), 2014 (2,226), 2018 (2,967), 2022 (3,167). India: 75%+ of world's wild tigers. Project Tiger: 1973. NTCA: National Tiger Conservation Authority. Tiger Reserves: 54. Corbett TR (first, 1973), Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Sundarbans, Panna (all key). International Tiger Day: July 29.
A joint INCOIS-ISRO study published in August 2025 documented accelerated glacial retreat in the Himalayas. Himalayan glaciers are retreating at 30-50 metres per year, threatening river flows in the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra basins (water source for 700 million people). The study used satellite imagery and field data from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research.
Exam Tip: Himalayan glaciers: feed Indus (Pakistan/NW India), Ganga, Brahmaputra river systems. Gangotri Glacier: feeds Bhagirathi (tributary of Ganga). NCPOR: National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa. ISRO: space agency. India's Arctic/Antarctic stations: Himadri (Arctic), Maitri, Bharati (Antarctica). Third Pole: Himalayas (most ice outside polar regions).
India stepped up preparation for the Asian Games 2026 to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. India had its best-ever Asian Games performance in Hangzhou 2023 — 107 medals (28 gold, 38 silver, 41 bronze), finishing 4th in the medal tally. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) oversees the Asian Games. SAI (Sports Authority of India) coordinates athletes' preparation.
Exam Tip: Asian Games: 4-yearly. OCA: Olympic Council of Asia (45 members). 2023: Hangzhou, China. India at Hangzhou: 107 medals (best ever). 2026: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. India sports bodies: IOA (Indian Olympic Association) for Olympics, SAI (Sports Authority of India) for training. National Sports University: Imphal, Manipur.
India cricket team continued its international engagements in August 2025, with Test matches and white-ball series. BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is the world's richest cricket board ($2+ billion annual revenue). Rohit Sharma continued as Test and ODI captain. The Ranji Trophy (domestic), Duleep Trophy, and Irani Cup continued as domestic circuit.
Exam Tip: BCCI: est. 1928, HQ Mumbai. Roger Binny: president (2022-). J. Shah: ICC chairman since 2024. India ICC titles: Test no.1 multiple times, ODI World Cup 1983, 2011, T20 WC 2007, 2024. IPL: annual franchise T20. WTC 2025 status. ICC headquarters: Dubai (UAE).
India's performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 was reviewed in the context of LA 2028 preparations. India won 6 medals at Paris 2024: Neeraj Chopra (Silver, Javelin), Manu Bhaker (Bronze, shooting x2), Swapnil Kusale (Bronze, shooting), Aman Sehrawat (Bronze, wrestling), Hockey team (Bronze). India's best Olympics: Tokyo 2020 (7 medals).
Exam Tip: Paris Olympics 2024: India medals: 6. Neeraj Chopra: Javelin Silver. Manu Bhaker: 10m Air Pistol Bronze + Mixed Team Bronze (first Indian to win 2 medals in single Olympics since Independence). Swapnil Kusale: 50m Rifle 3P Bronze. Aman Sehrawat: Freestyle wrestling Bronze. Hockey team: Bronze (beat Spain 2-1). LA 2028: next Summer Olympics.
The UN released its annual SDG Progress Report 2025, showing that only 17% of the 169 SDG targets are on track for the 2030 deadline. India's progress: strong on SDG 7 (clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, infrastructure), weak on SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 13 (climate). India ranks around 112-120 in the SDG Index (Sustainable Development Solutions Network).
Exam Tip: SDG Index: SDSN (Sustainable Development Solutions Network) + Bertelsmann Stiftung. Annual. India rank: ~112 (improving). 17 SDGs, 169 targets, 230+ indicators. 2030 deadline. Bhutan: first country to aim for "Happiness" not just GDP. India SDG champions: clean energy (SDG 7), infrastructure (SDG 9).
The World Economic Forum released the Global Competitiveness Report 2025. India's rank reflects strengths in market size (2nd largest), innovation ecosystem, and IT infrastructure; weaknesses in health, education quality, and labour market efficiency. The WEF also releases the Global Gender Gap Report (India ranks around 127/146) and Human Capital Index (World Bank).
Exam Tip: WEF Global Competitiveness Index (GCI): discontinued in current form; replaced by GCI 4.0. Davos (World Economic Forum): annual January meeting. WEF also produces: Global Gender Gap Report (India ~127), Global Risks Report. IMD World Competitiveness Ranking (Lausanne): India ~40. Ease of Doing Business (World Bank): B-READY replaces EoDB.
NITI Aayog released the Fiscal Health Index 2025, ranking states on fiscal performance — revenue mobilisation, capital expenditure, quality of expenditure, and debt sustainability. Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Goa performed well on fiscal health. The FHI aims to incentivise states to improve their public finances and reduce dependence on central transfers.
Exam Tip: NITI Aayog rankings: SDG Index, Health Index, Water Management Index (NITI Jal Rashtriya), School Education Quality Index, State Energy & Climate Index, Export Preparedness Index, Fiscal Health Index. These rankings create positive competitive federalism among states.
India's strategic autonomy policy — rooted in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) philosophy — gained relevance in the multipolar world of 2025. India avoided taking sides in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts while pursuing national interests. India's external affairs approach: multi-alignment (engaging all major powers without binding alliances).
Exam Tip: Non-Aligned Movement: est. 1961 (Belgrade, Yugoslavia). Founders: Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Sukarno (Indonesia) — Panchsheel principles. 120 member states (largest intergovernmental organisation after UN). India: strategic autonomy, multi-alignment.
India participated in the Colombo Process consultation in August 2025 — an intergovernmental forum on overseas employment and contractual labor for Asian origin countries. India has large diaspora communities in Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) — nearly 8 million Indian nationals in GCC. Remittances from GCC: $40+ billion annually.
Exam Tip: Colombo Process: 12 Asian labour-sending countries. India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia. Indian diaspora: 32 million globally (largest diaspora). Gulf/GCC: 8 million Indians. PBD (Pravasi Bharatiya Divas): January 9 (diaspora engagement). OCI: Overseas Citizen of India card.
India continued its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including safeguards inspections of civilian nuclear facilities. India is not an NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) signatory but has an IAEA safeguards agreement covering civilian nuclear plants. The India-USA 123 Agreement (2008) enabled civilian nuclear cooperation, leading to the NSG waiver.
Exam Tip: IAEA: International Atomic Energy Agency. HQ: Vienna, Austria. Est. 1957. Director General: Rafael Grossi (Argentina). Nobel Peace Prize: 2005 (IAEA + Mohamed ElBaradei). India-USA 123 Agreement: civilian nuclear cooperation. NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group): waiver for India 2008. NPT: India never signed (also Israel, Pakistan).