Top Current Affairs of the day for 15th August 2025

Happy Independence Day

1. India celebrates its 79th Independence Day today with great pride and enthusiasm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations from the historic Red Fort in Delhi. He hoisted the National Flag, followed by the national anthem. The Prime Minister addressed the nation from the ramparts of the monument. His speech highlighted India’s achievements, challenges, and future goals. Independence Day honours the nation’s freedom struggle and inspires unity among citizens.
2. India’s Union Health Ministry launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH) in 2025 to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems. This first-of-its-kind, data-driven initiative by CDSCO assesses states as Manufacturing or Distribution entities across 23–27 parameters, including human resources, infrastructure, licensing, surveillance, and responsiveness. This transparent index helps states identify gaps, drive improvements, and enhance medicine safety and quality nationwide .
3. Maharashtra has launched “Disha Abhiyan” to deliver uniform, quality education to students with intellectual disabilities across 453 special schools.The scheme uses a research-based curriculum developed by the Jai Vakeel Foundation and certified by NIEPID. It includes special teacher training, multisensory methods, and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Over 18,000 students have benefited, and around 2,673 teachers have received training so far. Disha Abhiyan reinforces inclusive education and aligns with the ‘Developed India 2047’ vision.
4. The Madras High Court has ordered the trial to begin in MS Dhoni’s ₹100-crore defamation suit, filed in 2014 against Zee Media Corporation, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, News Nation Network, and retired IPS officer G Sampath Kumar, for allegedly linking him to the 2013 IPL betting scandal . The court appointed an advocate-commissioner to record Dhoni’s testimony at a mutually agreed location in Chennai between October 20 and December 10, 2025, to avoid disruption from his celebrity status.
5. ICICI Bank has revised its minimum average balance (MAB) requirement for new savings accounts. After raising the MAB from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 in metro and urban branches, the bank trimmed it to ₹15,000 following strong public backlash. The rollback applies only to accounts opened from August 1, 2025, making banking more accessible for urban customers while still higher than previous norms.
6. Singer Rahul Sipligunj met Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on August 14, 2025, at his Jubilee Hills residence to thank him for a ₹1 crore cash award. The state government announced this award during the Bonalu festival on July 20, honoring Sipligunj’s international acclaim for the Oscar-winning song “Naatu Naatu” from RRR. CM Reddy had originally pledged ₹10 lakh before elections and fulfilled his promise after coming to power.On the eve of Independence Day 2025, the Indian government honored 36 IAF personnel for their valor during Operation Sindoor. Among them, nine Indian Air Force officers received the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, for striking terror group headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur and neutralizing Pakistani military assets . Additionally, 26 Vayu Sena Medals recognized bravery and devotion to duty during the same operation .
7. INS Sandhayak, India’s first indigenously built Survey Vessel Large (SVL), concluded its maiden goodwill visit to Singapore on August 12, 2025. The ship arrived in Changi Naval Base on August 9, coinciding with Singapore’s National Day, and enhanced bilateral hydrographic ties under India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR initiative. During its stay, INS Sandhayak facilitated technical exchanges, hosted visits by Singapore Navy personnel, and welcomed schoolchildren onboard to showcase its state-of-the-art hydrographic and humanitarian capabilities.
8. India has introduced fresh apricots from Kargil (Ladakh) to Saudi Arabian consumers for the first time. The launch took place at Lulu Hypermarket in Riyadh during India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations. Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan officially unveiled the Halman apricots—renowned for their sweetness and shelf life—under the One District One Product and Vocal for Local, Global Outreach initiatives. The 1.5-tonne consignment, facilitated by APEDA and the UT administration of Ladakh, marks a milestone in agriculture trade ties and supports regional farmers.
9. Pakistan has created a new military branch—the Army Rocket Force Command—to enhance its conventional combat strength. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced this during the 2025 Independence Day ceremony, describing the force as “equipped with modern technology” and capable of striking the enemy from multiple directions, calling it a “milestone” in defense of the nation. The new command will manage missile operations in conventional conflicts, reflecting Pakistan’s strategic response to recent tensions with India.
10. The Khelo India Water Sports Festival unveiled its mascot and logo in Srinagar on August 14, 2025. The colorful Himalayan Kingfisher, with striking orange and blue hues, will serve as the festival’s mascot, symbolizing adventure, nature, and competitive spirit. The logo depicts a Shikara gliding on Dal Lake, framed by snow-capped mountains and pine trees, capturing the beauty of Kashmir. The Games will take place at Dal Lake from August 21–23 and feature events like rowing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, shikara and dragon boat races.