NEWS 17-08-2025. News For 22nd-Aug (Friday) *National* 1. Govt has unveiled next-generation GST reforms to reduce the tax burden on taxpayers. 2. PM, on the Independence day, has announced *‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’,* an initiative to provide secure Air Defence to India’s critical establishments. 3. PM Modi has reiterated the call for *'Vocal for Local’*, urging citizens to support Made-in-India products. *Defence News* 1. Nine Indian Air Force officers, including fighter pilots who struck terrorist groups and Pakistan military assets during Operation Sindoor, were awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award. 2. Air Marshal AK Bharti, the strategic architect of Operation Sindoor, was honoured with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, the nation’s highest wartime service award. 3. The govt has cleared a ?62,000 crore deal for 97 LCA Mark 1A jets, paving the way for HAL to begin production for the IAF. 4. Indian Navy’s third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman (S4), is nearing completion of sea trials. *International News* 1. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was on a two-day visit to India from 18th Aug at the invitation of NSA Ajit Doval. He held the 24th round of Special Representatives Talks on the India–China boundary issue with Mr. Doval. 2. India imported 2 million barrels per day of Russian oil in Aug '25, accounting for 38% of its crude imports. 3. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite successfully deployed its 12-meter radar antenna reflector in orbit on 15 August 2025, a key step for its scientific operations. 4. Indian oil company Nayara Energy, backed by Russia, sent a rare diesel cargo to China, marking its first such delivery in four years. 5. Bangladesh Resumes Onion Imports from India After 5-Month Gap to Curb Price Hike. *Sport News* 1. The logo and mascot of the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival were unveiled in Srinagar. The Himalayan Kingfisher has been chosen as the mascot for the Games. 2. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), in its Special General Meeting, approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. 3. In Badminton, India’s Devika Sihag clinched the Women’s Singles title at the Malaysia International Challenge. 4. India's Kapil Bainsla won gold in 10m air pistol Men's junior event at Asian Shooting Championship in Kazakhstan. < < Back