1 ISRO unveiled the model of Indian Space Station in Delhi on National Space Day
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday unveiled the model of the Indian Space Station (BAS) in Delhi on the occasion of National Space Day . ISRO aims to launch the first module of the project by 2028 and the entire station is expected to be operational by 2035. Let us tell you, BAS is set to become an important platform for indigenous research, including microgravity studies and testing technologies for long-duration human space missions. India’s journey to establish its own orbital laboratory is a big leap in its space programme. It strengthens its position as a global leader in space exploration. On the other hand, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla inaugurated the Aryabhatta Gallery at the Nehru Planetarium on the occasion of National Space Day .
2 Prime Minister Modi will visit Japan and China from 29 August to 1 September
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go on a four-day official visit to Japan and China from 29 August to 1 September 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs gave information about this program. The first leg of this visit will be to Japan , where he will attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit on 29 and 30 August at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba . This will be PM Modi’s eighth visit to Japan and his first summit with Prime Minister Ishiba. Both the leaders will review the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. In the second leg of the visit, Prime Minister Modi will visit Tianjin, China from 31 August to 1 September . Here he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping . India has been a member of the SCO since 2017 and has also chaired the organization in 2022-23. This visit is considered important in the direction of strengthening India’s relations with neighboring countries and Asian partners.
Kerala has become India’s first 100% digitally literate state , under which the state has taught at least one member of every household ( aged 5 years and above ) to operate a computer and use the internet . Kerala has become India’s first 100% digitally literate state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made the official announcement on August 21, 2025. The achievement stems from the “Digi Keralam” program launched in the year 2023 , which aims to extend the digital revolution and e-services to all residents, regardless of their age. It also builds on Kerala’s earlier Akshaya project , which made Malappuram India’s first e-literate district . Total number of individuals surveyed to identify ‘digitally illiterate’ – 83.45 lakh households, comprising 1.51 crore people.
4 India ranked 41st in the World Competitiveness Ranking 2025
Developed economies are grappling with growing challenges while many emerging markets have managed to move ahead by adopting strategic reforms, according to the latest World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) by the International Institute for Management Development, IMD. Switzerland has scored 100 points in the latest World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) by the International Institute for Management Development, IMD, retaining its position as the most competitive economy worldwide . Singapore is ranked second with 99.44 points. India is ranked 41st among 69 countries , down two places from its 39th rank in 2024. In economic performance, India is ranked 27th, down from 20th last year. In government and business efficiency, India remains unchanged at 45th and 25th positions, respectively.
5 NASA-IBM launches AI model ‘Surya’ to predict solar storms
NASA and IBM have unveiled a groundbreaking AI model ‘Surya’ to revolutionise the prediction of solar storms . It takes pictures of the Sun every 12 seconds at multiple wavelengths , providing unmatched detail. It aims to revolutionise the way we understand and forecast space weather . Developed in collaboration with IBM and trained on more than nine years of continuous data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) , Surya detects early signs of solar flares and eruptions by analysing huge streams of solar activity. Initial results show that Surya can generate visual forecasts up to two hours in advance with greater accuracy than traditional methods . By making the model open-source, NASA wants to enable global researchers to use its capabilities and improve space weather defences around the world.
6 Department of Posts and AMFI sign historic MoU to distribute mutual funds through post offices
In a significant step towards strengthening financial inclusion, the Department of Posts (DoP) , Ministry of Communications, Government of India and the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) signed a path-breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 22, 2025 during the 30th Foundation Day celebrations of AMFI in Mumbai . This landmark agreement marks the beginning of a new service model where India Post will act as a distributor to facilitate mutual fund investments through its extensive postal network , particularly benefiting citizens in rural and semi-urban areas. The initiative aims to broaden access to mutual fund products by leveraging the trust and reach of post offices across the country.
7 Postal Department temporarily suspends postal services to the US from August 25
The Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications has decided to temporarily suspend the supply of all postal items to the US from August 25. The decision comes after an executive order from the US government withdrawing duty exemption on items worth up to $800 from the 29th of this month . The Ministry of Communications has said that all international postal items to the US, irrespective of their value, will be subject to customs duty. However, gift items up to $100 will remain duty-free .
8 North East United FC won the 134th Durand Cup football tournament
NorthEast United FC won the 134th Durand Cup football tournament. Defending champions NorthEast United FC defeated Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 in the final played at Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata to win the prestigious tournament for the second consecutive year.
9 National Space Day
The second National Space Day was celebrated on 23 August 2025. This day is celebrated to commemorate the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 mission’s Vikram Lander into space and Pragyan Rover to the Moon on 23 August 2023. Reaching the South Pole of the Moon is an important achievement for India and with this India became the fourth country to land on the surface of the Moon and the first country to reach near the South Pole. The theme of this year’s National Space Day celebration is – Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Infinite Possibilities from Ancient Knowledge.