17th August 2025 Daily Current Affairs

National & Regional Highlights

• Chandigarh Civic Concerns on MHA’s Radar
  The Ministry of Home Affairs has called upon the Chandigarh administration to submit feedback on pressing urban issues, including:

  • Sale of property via shared ownership

  • Permitting need-based modifications in Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) homes

  • Repealing the Lal Dora regulation in 22 villages annexed since 2015–18

  • Granting ownership rights to occupants of resettlement colonies
    These matters, especially related to unauthorized constructions and housing rights, have become politically sensitive for city residents.

• ECI Addresses Bihar SIR Row and VP Poll Dynamics
  The Election Commission held a press conference today to address controversies surrounding Bihar’s State Information Register (SIR) and Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of “vote theft,” alongside discussions on the upcoming vice-presidential elections.

• Bengaluru Raj Bhavan Opens to Public for Independence Week
  As part of Independence Day celebrations, Bengaluru’s Raj Bhavan opened its doors to the public from August 16 to 18, offering a rare opportunity to explore this historic governor’s residence.

International Affairs

• U.S. Cancels India Trade Talks Amid Rising Tariffs
  The United States canceled its planned trade negotiations with India (set for August 25–29), citing India’s continued import of Russian oil as a key point of contention. This comes just before a new U.S. tariff of 25%—pushing some duties to as high as 50%—is slated to begin. India has criticized the move as unfair, noting that other Western countries also engage in Russian energy trade.

Weather & Environment

• Mumbai Faces Heavy Monsoon Downpour
  Mumbai is grappling with persistent heavy rainfall today, severely disrupting daily commutes. Temperatures are steady between 25.1°C and 25.7°C, with humidity hovering around 90% and wind speeds reaching up to 27.4 km/h. Authorities warn of potential flooding and traffic snarls continuing through the week.

• Andhra Pradesh Braces for Continued Rainfall
  The IMD forecasts moderate to heavy rains across coastal Andhra Pradesh from 17 to 19 August due to a Bay of Bengal low-pressure system. Thunderstorms with lightning and winds up to 50 km/h are expected in regions including Rayalaseema and Yanam. Waterlogging and localized flooding remain possible.

Social & Cultural Events

• Janmashtami Celebrations Continue at ISKCON Dwarka
  Delhi’s ISKCON temple in Dwarka concluded its three-day Janmashtami festival today (15–17 August) with devotional music, rituals, and cultural events, drawing devotees to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth and honor ISKCON founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.

Summary Snapshot — 17 August 2025