29th August 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Major Headlines

1. India–China Relations Warm Up Ahead of SCO Summit

Tensions between India and China are thawing ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China—his first in seven years. This reunification comes after years of border friction and is occurring amid increasing U.S. tariffs on India.

2. India–Japan Deepen Ties Amid Trade Pressures

In Tokyo, PM Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed to expand economic and security cooperation in response to U.S. tariffs and China’s growing influence. Their collaboration includes AI, space, high-speed rail, and $67.9 billion in Japanese private-sector investments into India

3. National Sports Day: Celebrating Major Dhyan Chand

India celebrated National Sports Day, honoring hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. PM Modi emphasized the importance of nurturing athletic talent and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to sporting excellence. The day also highlighted how sports promote physical and mental health—from managing autism and dementia to boosting cardio, liver, and kidney well-being

4. National Conference for SC/ST Welfare Begins in Odisha

Bhubaneswar launched a two-day national conference (August 29–30) for SC/ST welfare committees from Parliament and state legislatures. The conference, inaugurated by Speaker Om Birla, includes cultural exhibitions and policy discussions, marking the first such event outside Delhi

5. Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Trade and Currency Pressures

The Indian rupee dipped sharply—breaching ₹88 per U.S. dollar for the first time and plummeting to a historic low of ₹88.3075. This decline extends its losing streak into its fourth consecutive month, attributed to fears surrounding U.S. tariffs and capital outflows.

EUR-wise, the rupee also sank to its lowest ever point against the offshore yuan, signaling both risk and potential export competitiveness

6. GDP Growth Beats Expectations

India’s GDP grew an impressive 7.8% year-on-year in Q1 (April–June 2025), exceeding economists’ expectations of ~6.7%. Factors contributing to this growth include soft inflation, front-loaded government spending, and a temporary spike in exports. However, experts caution that these may not sustain into the future amid U.S. tariff pressures

7. RBI Bulletin: Economy Steady, Inflation Benign, Trade Risks Linger

The Reserve Bank of India’s latest monthly bulletin described the economy as resilient, supported by strong rural demand. CPI inflation remains significantly below the 4% target. However, RBI flagged U.S. trade tensions as a key headwind in its future outlook.

8. RSS Chief Urges Three-Child Families Amid Falling Fertility

Mohan Bhagwat, head of the RSS, urged Indian families to have three children to counter the population slowdown. India’s fertility rate has fallen below two per woman, raising demographic concern

Quick Snapshot