Current Affairs 16 August 2025

PM Modi Delivers 12th Straight I-Day Speech, Surpasses Indira Gandhi.

• PM Narendra Modi delivered his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Delhi on 15th August 2025.
• Surpassed Indira Gandhi’s record of 11 consecutive speeches.
• Now the second-longest continuous I-Day speaker after Jawaharlal Nehru (17 speeches).
• First speech & flag hoisting as PM in 2014.
• Reflects political continuity and unbroken mandate over three Lok Sabha terms.

Khelo India Water Sports Festival Logo, Mascot Unveiled in Srinagar.

• First-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) announced.
• Logo depicts Shikara on Dal Lake with snow-capped mountains and pine trees.
• Mascot: Himalayan Kingfisher.
• Venue: Dal Lake, Srinagar.
• Over 400 athletes from 36 states & UTs to participate.
• Events: Rowing, Canoeing, and Kayaking.
• Hosted by J&K Sports Council with Union Ministry of Youth Affairs.

PM Modi Launches "Mission Sudarshan Chakra" for National Security.

• On August 15, 2025, during the 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi announced a landmark national security initiative — Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
• This ambitious decade-long mission aims to secure India’s critical establishments using indigenous technology, marking a decisive step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence and strategic infrastructure protection.

Maharashtra Declares Ganeshotsav State Festival with New Initiatives.

• Maharashtra government has declared Ganeshotsav as the state festival.
• Government Resolution (GR) issued to formalize the announcement.
• Bhajani Mandals to get grants of up to ₹5 crore.
• Dedicated portal for online viewing of major Ganesh temples and public celebrations.
• Awards for best Ganeshotsav Mandals across the state.

Vincent Keymer Wins Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025 Chess Title.

• Vincent Keymer (German Grandmaster) won Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025.
• First sole champion in event’s history.
• Secured title one round to spare after draw with Jorden van Foreest.
• Victory pushed him into world’s Top 10 live ratings for the first time.
• In Masters, all Round 8 games ended in draws.
• Arjun Erigaisi and Karthikeyan Murali in contention for 2nd & 3rd places.