Welcome to this week’s RankersChoice Current Affairs Digest, crafted to empower aspirants preparing for PPSC, Punjab Police, PSTET, and other state-level exams. This edition covers key developments in science, sports, governance, international relations, and cultural heritage—each explained in simple, exam-ready language.
Environment, Science & Innovation (18–24 August)
Katou-Indel Palm: A New Discovery in India
India has identified a new palm species—Katou-Indel—under the Phoenix genus, enriching its botanical diversity and spotlighting the value of ecological research. Since the Phoenix group includes date palms, this update holds significance for environment-based MCQs.
NCERT Launches PRASHAST App
The PRASHAST App, developed by NCERT, helps identify children with special needs. It enables teachers and parents to screen for disabilities early, promoting inclusive education. This aligns with the Right to Education Act and is relevant for teaching and social welfare exams.
Gaganyaan G1 Mission to Launch in December
India is set to launch its maiden uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 space mission in December 2025. Onboard will be Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot designed to assess life-support and safety systems—laying the groundwork for future human spaceflights.
National Space Day Celebrated
India observed National Space Day, on August 23, commemorating achievements like Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan, and ISRO’s global collaborations. This year’s theme is Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities. Aspirants should link this to India’s space milestones and ISRO’s leadership.
Yuge Yugeen Museum, set to be the world’s largest, will begin its first phase in 2027
The Yuge Yugeen Museum, set to be India’s largest museum, will open its first phase in 2027. Located in Delhi, it will showcase 5,000 years of Indian civilization. This is relevant for culture and tourism-based questions.
Sports & Youth Achievements
Manu Bhaker & Rashmika Sahgal Shine in Shooting
At the Asian Shooting Championship in Kazakhstan, Manu Bhaker won bronze in the women’s 10m pistol event, adding to her double Olympic medal legacy. Rashmika Sahgal clinched the junior title, shining as a symbol of India’s emerging youth excellence.
Elavenil Valarivan Wins Gold
Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan won the individual gold medal at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Kazakhstan, setting a new Asian record in the 10m air rifle event. She also teamed up with Arjun Babuta to win gold in the mixed team category.
Junior Gold: Shambhavi Shravan & Naraen Pranav
In the junior mixed team category, Shambhavi Shravan and Naraen Pranav secured gold, boosting India’s medal tally to 22 at the championship.
India Wins U-18 Archery Bronze at World Youth Championships
India’s U-18 women’s recurve team clinched bronze at the 2025 World Archery Youth Championships in Winnipeg, Canada, delivering a dominant 6–0 win over the USA in the medal match
Iga Swiatek & Carlos Alcaraz Win Cincinnati Rookwood Cup
In tennis, Iga Swiatek defeated Jasmine Paolini, and Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner to win the Cincinnati Rookwood Cup. These wins strengthen India’s momentum and confidence as they gear up for the upcoming US Open.
Sara Errani & Vavassori Retain Mixed Doubles Crown
Italian duo Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori retained their mixed doubles title at the US Open, showcasing consistency in Grand Slam performance.
Vishal Thennarusa Breaks 400m National Record
Vishal Thennarusa Kaual Vizhi from Tamil Nadu ran the 400m race faster than anyone in India before. His new record is a proud moment for Indian athletics.
Ajay Singh Re-elected as Boxing Federation President
Ajay Singh was re-elected as the President of the Boxing Federation of India, ensuring continuity in leadership and athlete development.
Governance & Infrastructure
PM to Inaugurate Aunta–Simaria Bridge in Bihar
Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Aunta–Simaria Bridge, enhancing connectivity across Bihar and boosting regional development.
Parliament Passes IIM Guwahati Bill
The Indian Parliament passed a bill to elevate IIM Guwahati as the second IIM in the Northeast after Shillong, bringing the total count to 22 IIMs nationwide.
OpenAI to Set Up First India Office
Marking a major milestone in India’s tech journey, OpenAI has announced plans to open its first office in New Delhi. This move reflects India’s growing leadership in the global AI landscape, driven by its vibrant developer community and expanding digital ecosystem.
JSW Sarbloh Motors to Manufacture All-Terrain Vehicles
JSW Sarbloh Motors, a subsidiary of JSW Defence, has partnered with Tocar USA to manufacture high-performance all-terrain vehicles in India.
Satish Golcha Appointed Delhi’s 26th Commissioner
Veteran IPS officer Satish Golcha, from the 1992 AGMUT cadre, has officially assumed charge as the 26th Commissioner of Delhi Police. Known for his decisive leadership and deep experience in law enforcement, Golcha previously served as Director General (Prisons), Delhi, and played key roles during critical law-and-order challenges, including the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots
Uttarakhand Clears Minority Education Bill
The Uttarakhand Assembly has passed the Minority Education Bill 2025, extending institutional recognition and benefits to educational setups run by Sikh, Jain, Christian, Buddhist, and Parsi communities—beyond the previously limited scope. This legislation aims to improve transparency, infrastructure, and academic standards across minority institutions.
International Affairs
Sergio Gor Appointed US Envoy to India
Sergio Gor, a close aide of President Trump, has been appointed as the US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. His dual responsibilities reflect a sharpened strategic lens on Indo-Pacific affairs, underscoring India’s evolving role in regional diplomacy and security.
Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercise
The US and South Korea conducted the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise, focusing on joint defense and strategic coordination in the Korean Peninsula.
COP30 to Be Held in Brazil
COP30 is scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, where global leaders will unite to advance climate action and shape future sustainability targets.
Education & Innovation
IIM Guwahati Expansion
With the passage of the new bill, IIM Guwahati will become a full-fledged institute, boosting management education in the Northeast.
PRASHAST App by NCERT
The PRASHAST App helps identify children with special needs, promoting inclusive education and early intervention.
Culture & Heritage
Gugga Naumi Festival
Gugga Naumi is celebrated on the ninth day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad month in Gugga Medi village, Rajasthan. It honors Gugga Pir, a folk deity revered across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Faridkot’s Last Ruler Crowned at Age 3
Harinder Singh Brar, the last ruler of Faridkot, was crowned in 1918 at the age of three. His legacy is part of Punjab’s princely history.
Manika Vishwakarma Crowned Miss Universe Rajasthan
Manika Vishwakarma shines as the newly crowned Miss Universe India 2025. She hails from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, and is currently based in Delhi. Manika will now represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to be held on 21 November 2025 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
40th Death Anniversary of Harchand Singh Longowal
Punjab commemorated the 40th death anniversary of Harchand Singh Longowal, former SAD president and a key figure in Punjab’s political history.
Business & Entrepreneurship
World Entrepreneurship Day Celebrated
World Entrepreneurship Day was observed globally, promoting innovation, startups, and economic growth. Aspirants should link this to schemes like Startup India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Cricket & Retirement
Gouher Sultana Retires from Cricket
Veteran left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana has retired from all formats of cricket, concluding a remarkable career that featured 50 ODIs, 37 T20Is, and World Cup appearances in 2009 and 2013.
Aspirant Corner: What to Read Next?
To boost your preparation, don’t miss these below RankersChoice.com articles:
- Punjab History & Culture: Explore Maharaja Ranjit Singh, folk traditions, and freedom movements.
- English Grammar & Vocabulary: Strengthen your grip on tenses, decode tricky idioms, and conquer exam-focused word banks with confidence.
- Punjabi Grammar: Learn dialects, sentence structure, and poetic forms.
- Previous Year Papers: Sharpen your skills with solved papers from PPSC, PSTET, and Punjab Police—your shortcut to understanding exam trends and boosting confidence.
Tributes & Obituaries
NRI Industrialist Lord Swraj Paul Passes Away
Lord Swraj Paul, a distinguished NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, passed away in London at the age of 94. Born in Jalandhar, he established the global steel powerhouse Caparo Group and was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1983 and a knighthood in 1978. His enduring impact on education, industry, and India–UK relations makes his journey a key reference for aspirants exploring Indian diaspora achievements
Jaswinder Bhalla Passes Away
Veteran Punjabi actor and comedian Jaswinder Bhalla passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a timeless legacy of wit, satire, and cultural pride. His iconic roles and sharp humor made him a beloved figure across generations—especially among youth and rural audiences who saw their stories reflected in his work
Inspirational Achievements
Morecambe FC Gets First Sikh Manager: Ashvir Johal
Ashvir, a trailblazer in sports management, became the first Sikh manager of Morecambe FC in Lancashire, UK. This marks a historic moment for representation in European football and showcases the global impact of Indian-origin professionals.
Defence & Strategic Affairs
India Successfully Tests Agni-5 Missile
India conducted a successful test of the Agni-5 missile, with a range exceeding 5,000 km, from Chandipur, Odisha. This nuclear-capable missile strengthens India’s strategic deterrence and covers all of Asia and parts of Europe.
Festivals & Cultural Events
Gugga Naumi Celebrated in Rajasthan
The Gugga Naumi festival was celebrated in Gugga Medi village, Rajasthan, on the ninth day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad month. It honors Gugga Pir, a revered folk deity, and is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Quick Revision Tips for Aspirants
Here’s how to retain this week’s current affairs:
- Use mnemonics for names and places (e.g., “Katou-Indel Palm = Phoenix genus = India’s new green crown”).
- Create flashcards for medal winners and festivals.
- Practice mock questions based on this digest.
- Revise every Sunday with RankersChoice’s weekly wrap-up.
Final Note for Aspirants
Every headline here is a stepping stone in your journey. Whether it’s a palm discovery or a gold medal, each event reflects India’s growth and global presence. Stay curious, stay consistent, and let RankersChoice be your guide to mastering current affairs with clarity and confidence.
