Top Current Affairs of the day for 17th August 

 

 

1. NHAI Launches FASTag Annual Pass Nationwide. NHAI launched the FASTag Annual Pass on Independence Day 2025. The facility is active at 1,150 toll plazas nationwide. Around 1.4 lakh users purchased and activated passes on the first day. The scheme simplifies digital toll payments and reduces waiting times. The Road Transport Ministry aims to boost cashless travel and traffic efficiency. FASTag already covers over 98% of toll transactions in India.
2. ISRO, Muskaan Set Up Space Lab at Mechuka to Inspire Rural Students.ISRO and Muskaan Foundation launched a space lab at Mechuka Higher Secondary School in Arunachal Pradesh. They established the Pasang Wangchuk Sona ISRO Space Laboratory to spark curiosity in space science. Arunachal’s Education Minister inaugurated the lab to foster hands-on learning in students. The facility promotes innovation and scientific thinking among rural youth.
3. IAF’s AK Bharti Earns India’s Top Wartime Honour. Air Marshal A. K. Bharti who was the chief Architect of Operation Sindoor has received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal. He led target planning and execution as Director General of Air Operations. He hails from Purnia, Bihar, and stands out for combining strategic acumen with calm leadership. He remained the public face during crucial briefings, winning praise across the nation.
4. First Mizo Officer Earns Kirti Chakra for Exceptional Gallantry. Captain Lalrinawma Sailo of 4 PARA (Special Forces) earned the Kirti Chakra which is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. He hails from Chanmari, Aizawl, and has become the first commissioned Mizo officer to receive this honour. His citation highlights remarkable bravery during high-risk operations linked to Operation Sindoor. The award figures among only four Kirti Chakras approved this year on Independence Day. Mizoram’s chief minister lauded his courage and announced that the state will honour him with a ₹10 lakh reward.
5. India Prepares for Major Long-Range Missile Test in August 2025. India issued a NOTAM for a missile test on August 20–21, 2025. The danger zone stretches 4,790 km into the Indian Ocean from Odisha coast. Earlier missile NOTAMs covered 1,560 km and 2,530 km zones. The expansion signals testing of advanced long-range strike capability. Defence analysts link this to Agni-V or Agni-VI trials. The test underlines India’s growing strategic deterrence and missile development progress. (NOTAM- Notice To Air Mission)
6. India-Singapore Partner to Build Semiconductor Ecosystem. India and Singapore are jointly developing a semiconductor ecosystem. The cooperation aims to build resilient supply chains and boost chip manufacturing. The partnership was elevated during PM Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024. Both nations will collaborate in research, design, and skilled workforce training. This step strengthens India’s goal of becoming a global semiconductor hub by 2030.
7.  India’s Semiconductor Mission. India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) launched in 2021. Government allocated ₹76,000 crore for semiconductor and display fabs. Main Focus on Chip design, manufacturing, packaging, and R&D. Major MoUs signed with US, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. The main Target is Reduce import dependence and build self-reliant electronics supply chain.
8. India Boosts Russian Oil Imports, Curtails Gulf Dependency. In August 2025, India imported 2 million barrels per day of Russian crude. That oil comprised 38% of India’s total crude imports. India thus reduced its reliance on Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The continued trend reflects India’s energy security strategy amid geopolitical tensions. Importers maintain long-term Russian contracts despite U.S. tariff threats.
9. NISAR’s Giant Antenna Reflector ‘Blooms’ in Space. The NASA–ISRO Satellite NISAR deployed its giant radar antenna reflector in orbit on August 15, 2025. The reflector expanded from just 0.6 m to a full 12 m (39 ft) diameter in 37 minutes. It rides atop a 9 m boom and features gold-plated wire mesh with a 123-strut composite frame. NISAR will now initiate its commissioning phase before starting science operations this fall.
10. India to Host First Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025. India will host the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy for the first time in August 2025. The event will be held at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur, Dehradun, from August 20 to 23. Over 11 Asian nations, including China, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand, will participate in this event. Athletes will compete in nine events, ranging from 222-meter sprints to 5000-meter relays. This event strengthens India’s global presence in winter sports.