Contents
19th August 2025 Daily Current Affairs
1. India–China Diplomacy Heats Up
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PM Modi to meet China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, signaling renewed engagement to ease longstanding border tensions and possibly resume suspended trade and flights.
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized a constructive, reciprocal approach to de-escalation during his discussion with Wang Yi, underlining the need for mutual trust and stability along the border
2. GST Reform & Economic Momentum
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Indian equities are forecast to open higher, buoyed by optimism over proposed GST reforms and progress in Ukraine-Russia peace efforts. The market responded positively to hopes of simplified taxation and geopolitical stability.
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S&P Global upgraded India’s sovereign credit rating to BBB—a significant milestone since 2007—citing fiscal discipline. Prime Minister Modi’s “GST 2.0” plan proposes just two tax slabs (5% and 18%), aimed at stimulating consumption and simplifying compliance, with implementation expected before Diwali.
3. Weather Disruptions in Mumbai
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Mumbai is under “red alert” for heavy rainfall, prompting the BMC to shut government and semi-government offices and advise private firms to allow work-from-home setups
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Schools and colleges across Mumbai have also been declared closed today for safety reasons.
4. Jaishankar Heads to Russia
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar departs on a three-day visit to Russia (August 19–21) to engage in high-level diplomatic talks—crucial amid shifting alignments and tensions with the U.S.
At a Glance
| Focus Area | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Diplomacy | India seeks to ease China tensions; EAM heads to Russia amid complex global dynamics |
| Economy & Markets | Stock market buoyed by GST reforms, credit upgrade; GST simplified to two key slabs |
| Weather & Public Safety | Severe rain disrupts Mumbai—offices closed, WFH advised, schools dismissed |
