26th August 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Key Headlines

1. U.S. Confirms Additional Tariffs; Indian Rupee Under Pressure

The United States has confirmed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, effective 27 August. This builds on an earlier reciprocal tariff, bringing total duties to around 50%, one of the highest rates imposed on any trading partner. The announcement triggered a sharp weakening of the Indian rupee, which dropped to around ₹87.80 per U.S. dollar, nearing its all-time low. Analysts expect potential intervention by the Reserve Bank of India to stabilize the currency.

2. Indian Stock Markets Slide Amid Tariff Turmoil

In response to the tariff news, Indian stock markets turned negative. Both the Nifty 50 and the BSE Sensex erased their gains for August, each down approximately 0.7% in early trading. Export-influenced sectors like textiles, chemicals, and aquaculture were hit hardest, whereas consumer-oriented stocks were the only segment to post gains

3. Economist Calls for Tough Retaliatory Tariffs

Renowned economist Swaminathan Aiyar has urged the Indian government to respond firmly—possibly by imposing duties on American goods. He emphasized that India must show resilience amid growing U.S. protectionism, especially given the negative economic impacts of the U.S.’s tariff policies.

4. Congress Campaigns in Bihar: Voter Adhikar Yatra Continues

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined Rahul Gandhi in Bihar’s Supaul as part of the Voter Adhikar Yatra, a 16-day campaign by the INDIA bloc against the Election Commission’s special revision of voter rolls (SIR). The yatra, which began on 17 August from Sasaram, aims to cover over 1,300 km and culminate in a large rally in Patna on 1 September. The campaign underscores the alliance’s focus on voter rights and democratic integrity ahead of Bihar’s elections.

5. Europe Urged to Speed Up Ukraine Security Guarantees

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called upon Western allies—led by the U.S. and Europe—to accelerate security guarantee measures. Concurrently, a Ukrainian drone, reportedly disrupted by Russian electronic warfare, crashed in Estonia, spotlighting the growing risks of drone warfare and cross-border incidents.

Summary Table