Breaking News: Top Headlines August 25, 2025
Major National Breaking News
1. PM Modi Announces ₹5,477 Crore Gujarat Development Package
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is launching massive infrastructure projects worth ₹5,477 crores during his two-day Gujarat visit.
Key Project Details:
Launch Event: August 25, 6 PM at Khodaldham Ground, Ahmedabad
Railway Development: ₹1,404 crore investment
Urban Infrastructure: ₹2,548 crore allocation
Energy & Petrochemicals: ₹1,122 crore funding
Major Beneficiaries: Ahmedabad (₹3,125 crore), Gandhinagar (₹555 crore), Mehsana (₹1,400 crore)
Special Event: 1.5 km roadshow before public rally
August 26 Highlight: Visit to Maruti Suzuki’s new EV unit, launching India’s electric vehicle exports to 100 countries
2. CBI Conducts Major Raids on Anil Ambani in ₹2,929 Crore Fraud Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation executed extensive searches at industrialist Anil Ambani’s Mumbai residence and Reliance Communications offices.
Investigation Highlights:
Fraud Amount: ₹2,929 crore alleged bank fraud against State Bank of India
Search Locations: ‘Sea Wind’ residence at Cuffe Parade, Mumbai and RCom premises nationwide
Charges: Criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, loan misrepresentation
Timing: Raids conducted from 7 AM on August 23, concluded same day
Ambani’s Response: Complete denial of allegations, claims selective targeting
Legal Status: Case pending across multiple judicial forums for six years
3. ISRO Achieves Historic Gaganyaan Mission Breakthrough
Indian Space Research Organisation successfully completed first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for Gaganyaan mission’s critical parachute system.
Mission Milestones:
Test Success: Complete validation of astronaut safety parachute system
Multi-Agency Effort: ISRO, Indian Air Force, DRDO, Navy, Coast Guard collaboration
December Launch: First uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1) with robot Vyommitra
Crewed Mission: First Indian astronauts planned for 2027
Testing Progress: 7,700 tests completed, 2,300 remaining by March 2026
Safety Validation: End-to-end demonstration of astronaut return mechanisms
4. Former CRPF Chief Anish Dayal Singh Appointed Deputy NSA
Government appoints veteran IPS officer Anish Dayal Singh as Deputy National Security Adviser.
Appointment Significance:
Background: 1988-batch IPS officer, Manipur cadre, retired December 2024
Experience: 35+ years including 30 years in Intelligence Bureau
Previous Roles: CRPF DG, ITBP DG, senior IB positions
Key Responsibilities: Internal security, J&K affairs, counter-Naxal operations, Northeast insurgency
Major Achievements: Established 36 forward operating bases in Maoist areas
Reporting Structure: Works under National Security Advisor Ajit Doval
5. India Suspends Postal Services to United States
Department of Posts halts most international postal services to US due to new American customs regulations.
Policy Impact:
Effective Date: August 25, 2025 service suspension
US Policy Change: Executive Order 14324 ending $800 duty-free exemption
New Regulations: International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA) framework
Limited Exception: Gift items up to $100 remain duty-free
Service Disruption: US carriers refusing postal consignments due to compliance challenges
6. Supreme Court Modifies Stray Dog Policy After Public Outcry
Supreme Court revised controversial stray dog relocation order following nationwide protests from animal rights groups.
Court Directives:
Modified Order: Dogs to be released after sterilization and vaccination
Exceptions: Rabid or aggressive dogs kept in shelters
Public Feeding Ban: Prohibited in public spaces, dedicated feeding zones required
National Scope: Policy extended beyond Delhi-NCR to entire country
Animal Welfare: Organizations must pay ₹25,000-₹2 lakh for dog shelters
Previous Controversy: Earlier order mandating complete shelter relocation sparked massive protests
7. Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren Under House Arrest
BJP leader and former Chief Minister Champai Soren placed under house arrest to prevent participation in tribal land rights protest.
Detention Details:
Arrest Reason: Preventive measure ahead of ‘Hal Joto-Ropa Ropo’ protest
Protest Issue: Opposition to RIMS-2 hospital land acquisition in Nagri, Ranchi
Project Cost: ₹1,074 crore medical institute on 207 acres
Family Impact: Son Babulal Soren also detained
Police Action: Tear gas and lathi charge used against protesters
Political Response: BJP calls it “murder of democracy,” “dictatorial behavior”
International Breaking News
8. Ukraine Strikes Russian Nuclear Plant on Independence Day
Ukraine conducted massive drone assault on Russian territory during Independence Day celebrations, hitting critical infrastructure.
Conflict Escalation:
Target Hit: Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in western Russia
Damage Assessment: Transformer damaged, fire extinguished, radiation levels normal
Scale: Russia claims intercepting 95 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions
Independence Day: Ukraine marks 34 years since 1991 Soviet independence
President Zelensky: Emphasized Ukraine’s resolve for “just peace”
International Support: Canada pledges $2.46 billion military aid
9. North Korea Tests Advanced Air Defense Missiles
Kim Jong Un personally supervised test-firing of two new surface-to-air missile systems.
Military Developments:
Test Date: Saturday, August 24, 2025 (announced Sunday)
Technology: Enhanced anti-drone and cruise missile capabilities
Strategic Context: Conducted ahead of South Korea-US summit meetings
Regional Tensions: Following border crossing incidents
Conflict Lessons: Development influenced by Russia-Ukraine war analysis
Future Plans: Kim assigned “important tasks” for defense sector before year-end
10. Dutch Foreign Minister Resigns Over Israel Sanctions
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned after cabinet failed to agree on stronger Israel sanctions.
Government Crisis:
Resignation Reason: Unable to implement meaningful pressure on Israel
Coalition Collapse: All New Social Contract party ministers resigned in solidarity
Policy Disputes: Proposed import bans, entry bans for Israeli ministers
Gaza Situation: UN reports famine conditions in Gaza City
International Pressure: Netherlands among 21 countries condemning Israeli settlement expansion
Election Impact: Government crisis ahead of October elections
11. Russia Claims Territorial Gains in Ukraine
Russia announces capture of additional villages in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
Military Updates:
Russian Claims: Forces captured two more villages in Donetsk
Ukrainian Counter: Military announces liberation of three villages including Novomykhailivka
Casualty Reports: 600+ North Korean soldiers reportedly killed fighting for Russia
Diplomatic Efforts: Pope Francis calls for peace prayers during Ukrainian Independence Day
International Tensions: Russian FM Lavrov accuses West of blocking peace efforts
Education & Administrative Updates
12. School Closures Across Multiple States
Several states declare school holidays due to weather conditions and festivals.
State-wise Closures:
Maharashtra: Schools closed August 25 for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations
Jammu Division: All schools closed due to inclement weather conditions
Rajasthan: Jaipur, Dausa, Nagaur districts declare August 25-26 holidays for heavy rain
Weather Impact: IMD issues red alerts for continued rainfall
Safety Measures: Authorities prioritize student safety amid adverse conditions
13. GST Council Meeting Scheduled September 3-4
56th GST Council meeting announced for early September in New Delhi.
Meeting Agenda:
Dates: September 3-4, 2025, 11 AM onwards
Key Discussions: Rate rationalization, compensation cess reforms
Major Proposal: Two-slab GST structure (5% and 18%)
Luxury Tax: 40% rate for ultra-luxury cars and sin goods
Reform Goal: Simplification from current 4-tier system
Sports Headlines
14. Cheteshwar Pujara Announces Cricket Retirement
India’s Test cricket stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara, known as the “last Test purist,” announces retirement from all forms of cricket.
Career Highlights:
Career Span: Over a decade representing India internationally
Playing Style: Renowned for defensive technique and Test match expertise
Legacy: Considered among finest Test batsmen of his generation
Decision: Retirement from both international and domestic cricket
15. Cristiano Ronaldo Reaches 100-Goal Milestone
Portuguese superstar becomes first player to score 100+ goals for four different clubs.
Record Achievement:
Historic Feat: 100 goals for four separate clubs
Match Result: Al-Nassr loses Saudi Super Cup despite Ronaldo’s milestone
Career Impact: Reinforces status as greatest goalscorer in football history
Business & Economic News
16. India-France Jet Engine Collaboration
India signs landmark deal with French aerospace giant Safran for fifth-generation fighter jet engines.
Strategic Partnership:
Project: Joint development for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
Technology Transfer: Co-development and manufacturing agreement
Defense Significance: Boosts India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities
17. Dream11 Launches Personal Finance App
Following gaming regulations, Dream11 introduces new financial services platform.
Business Pivot:
New Platform: Personal finance app with FD and digital gold investment
Regulatory Response: Adaptation to online money gaming restrictions
Service Expansion: Moving beyond sports fantasy gaming
