This week’s current affairs roundup is crafted especially for students preparing for government exams like UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, Banking, Defence, and Teaching. Each news item is explained in simple paragraphs, with relevance to Punjab’s culture, grammar learning, and exam strategy. Don’t forget to download the PDF version of this digest for revision and practice!
Table of Contents
🐅 Environment & International Cooperation
Nepal Joins India-led International Big Cat Alliance
Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global initiative spearheaded by India to protect and conserve seven species of big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. This coalition encourages cooperation between nations that are home to these magnificent creatures, with an emphasis on protecting their habitats, combating poaching, and advancing scientific studies.
For aspirants, this is a key development in environmental diplomacy and biodiversity conservation. India’s leadership in forming such alliances reflects its commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG 15 (Life on Land). Questions related to IBCA may appear in UPSC prelims, State PSCs, or even SSC exams under current affairs or environment sections.
🏏 Sports – Cricket
Sourav Ganguly Named Coach of Pretoria Capitals
Sourav Ganguly, former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI president, has been appointed head coach of Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league. The team is under the ownership of JSW Sports, which is also a co-owner of the Delhi Capitals franchise in the IPL. Ganguly’s transition from player to administrator and now coach showcases the evolving roles of sports professionals in global leagues.
This news is relevant for aspirants studying sports management, current affairs, or general awareness. Ganguly’s approach to leadership and his impact on Indian cricket are frequently highlighted in interviews and written pieces. His appointment further signifies India’s expanding presence in global sports franchises.
Cheteshwar Pujara Retires from International Cricket
Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his classical Test batting technique, has announced his retirement from international cricket. He played a pivotal role in India’s overseas Test victories, especially in Australia and England. His unwavering patience and resilience earned him the reputation of being the modern-day backbone of Indian cricket.
For exam aspirants, Pujara’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian Test cricket. His career can be linked to questions on sports personalities, Indian cricket history, and even vocabulary—words like “grit,” “tenacity,” and “composure” are often associated with him.
🏋️♀️ Sports – Weightlifting
Koyel Bar Sets Two Youth World Records
Koyel Bar made headlines by setting two youth world records in the women’s 53kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships. She clinched both youth and junior titles, showcasing India’s rising talent in strength sports. Her performance is a testament to the growing support for women athletes in India.
This achievement is important for aspirants preparing for sports-related questions in exams. It also highlights the role of grassroots training programs and government schemes like Khelo India. Aspirants can use this example in essays on women empowerment or sports development.
Ajaya Babu and Dedabrat Bharali Win Gold
Ajaya Babu and Dedabrat Bharali won gold medals at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Ahmedabad. Ajaya achieved a combined lift of 335kg, while Dedabrat set junior records with a total of 326kg. Their performances played a key role in boosting India’s medal count in the senior division.
These achievements reflect India’s dominance in weightlifting and are likely to appear in current affairs sections of competitive exams. Aspirants should also note the importance of hosting international events in cities like Ahmedabad, which boosts local infrastructure and sports culture.
Mehak Sharma Wins Silver, Lovepreet Singh Wins Bronze
Mehak Sharma and Lovepreet Singh added to India’s medal tally by winning silver and bronze respectively in their categories. India finished the championship with 13 medals in the senior category—3 gold, 7 silver, and 3 bronze. This performance underscores India’s growing stature in Commonwealth sports.
For aspirants, this news is useful for understanding India’s performance in international competitions. It also provides examples for essays on sports policy, athlete development, and gender representation in sports.
🔫 Sports – Shooting
Sift Kaur Samra Wins Gold in 50m Rifle 3 Positions
Sift Kaur Samra won gold in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions at the Asian Shooting Championships in Kazakhstan. Her score of 459.2 was a personal best and placed her ahead of China’s Yang Yujie. Sift’s victory is a proud moment for Punjab, where shooting sports have gained popularity.
This news is relevant for aspirants from Punjab and those preparing for defence exams, where shooting sports are often discussed. It also highlights the importance of precision, focus, and mental strength—qualities that are useful in exam preparation too.
Anish Bhanwala Wins Silver in Kazakhstan
Anish Bhanwala secured silver in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event at the same championship. His consistent performance makes him one of India’s top shooters. He secured 35 points, finishing just one point short of the gold medalist.
This achievement is important for current affairs and sports GK. Aspirants should also explore India’s shooting history, including Olympic performances, for a broader understanding.
♟️ Sports – Chess
Goa to Host Chess World Cup (Oct–Nov 2025)
India will host the Chess World Cup in Goa this October–November. India last hosted the event in 2002 in Hyderabad, where Viswanathan Anand emerged as the champion. Hosting such a prestigious event again reflects India’s growing influence in the global chess community.
Chess is often linked to logical reasoning and strategy—skills that are essential for competitive exams. Aspirants can use this news to explore India’s chess legacy, including players like Anand, Koneru Humpy, and R Praggnanandhaa.
🏃♂️ Sports – Para Athletics
World Para Athletics Championship in New Delhi
New Delhi is set to host the World Para Athletics Championships from September 27 to October 5 Over 1,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will participate. This event promotes inclusivity and showcases the talent of differently-abled athletes.
For aspirants, this is a key development in sports and social inclusion. It can be used in essays on disability rights, inclusive policies, and India’s role in promoting global events.
🪖 Defence & Strategic Affairs
Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi’s Visit to Algeria
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, visited Algeria for four days to strengthen defence ties. The visit included discussions on military training, joint exercises, and strategic cooperation. It reflects India’s growing outreach to African nations.
This news is relevant for defence aspirants and those studying international relations. It also highlights India’s efforts to diversify its defence partnerships beyond traditional allies.
🌐 International Relations
Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka Visits India
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka visited India to discuss trade, climate cooperation, and diaspora engagement. His visit is part of India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific strategies. Fiji has a significant Indian-origin population, including Punjabis.
This visit is important for aspirants studying foreign policy. It also connects to topics like cultural diplomacy and India’s role in the Pacific region.
👩👧 Government Schemes & Social Welfare
Haryana Launches Laado Laxmi Scheme
The Haryana government launched the Deen Dayal Laado Laxmi Yojana, offering ₹2,100 per month to eligible women aged 23 and above. The scheme aims to promote financial independence and reduce gender inequality.
For aspirants, this is a key topic under social welfare schemes. It can be used in essays on women empowerment, state policies, and economic inclusion.
💼 Appointments & Economy
Urjit Patel Appointed IMF Executive Director
Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel has been appointed as India’s Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a three-year term, during which he will represent India and several neighboring countries. His selection underscores India’s expanding role and influence in global financial institutions.
This development is particularly relevant for students of economics and finance. It also ties into broader themes such as global economic governance, monetary policy, and India’s participation in shaping international financial decisions.
📚 Educational Links for Aspirants
- Punjab History & Culture: Delve into the rich heritage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Bhagat Singh, and the Sikh Empire.
- Punjabi Grammar Practice: Learn verb conjugations, sentence structure, and idioms.
- English Grammar & Vocabulary: Practice tenses, prepositions, and synonyms with sports-based examples.
- Current Affairs and Articles: Stay updated with weekly digests like this one.
- Jobs & Notifications: Track openings in SSC, UPSC, Banking, and Teaching.
- Previous Year Question Papers: Solve papers from UPSC, PPSC, and CTET for better preparation.
📥 Download the PDF
To make your revision easier, download the PDF version of this weekly current affairs digest. It includes summaries, vocabulary tips, grammar notes, and exam links.
👉 Download the 24–31 August 2025 Weekly Current Affairs PDF (click here)
📘 Static GK Table for Competitive Exam Aspirants
| Topic | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | – Capital: Kathmandu Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR) President: Ram Chandra Paudel Prime Minister: KP Sharma Oli Official Language: Nepali Bordering Countries: India, China Famous Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha) Mountain: Mount Everest (shared with China) |
| 🪖 Indian Army | – Founded: 1 April 1895 (as British Indian Army) Motto: “Service Before Self” Current Chief of Army Staff: General Upendra Dwivedi Headquarters: New Delhi Commands: 7 operational commands (e.g., Northern, Eastern, Western) Training Institutes: NDA (Pune), IMA (Dehradun), OTA (Chennai) Largest volunteer army in the world |
| 🇫🇯 Fiji | – Capital: Suva Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD) Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka Official Languages: English, Fijian, Hindi Location: South Pacific Ocean Independence: 10 October 1970 (from UK) Indian Diaspora: Significant Indo-Fijian population, many of Punjabi origin |
| 🌾 Haryana | – Capital: Chandigarh (shared with Punjab) CM: Nayab Singh Saini Governor: Ashim Kumar Ghosh Language: Hindi (official), Punjabi widely spoken Famous for: Agriculture, Milk production, Wrestling, Kurukshetra (Mahabharata site) Schemes: Laado Laxmi Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Festivals: Teej, Baisakhi, Haryana Day (1 Nov) |
| 🏦 RBI (Reserve Bank of India) | – Established: 1 April 1935 Headquarters: Mumbai Current Governor: Sanjay Malhotra First Governor: Sir Osborne Smith Nationalized: 1949 Functions: Monetary policy, currency issuance, banking regulation, inflation control Subsidiaries: NABARD, NHB, Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation |
