31st August 2025 Daily Current Affairs
Major National & International Developments
India–China Relations: “Partners, Not Rivals”
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On August 31, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping emphasized that India and China are “development partners, not rivals”, reaffirming the commitment to manage differences peacefully and uphold strategic autonomy amid global uncertainties triggered by U.S. trade policies
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Both leaders welcomed improved bilateral ties—resuming direct flights and de-escalating border tensions—and Modi extended a formal invitation to Xi for the 2026 BRICS Summit, to be hosted by India
Weather Outlook: Wet September Ahead
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts an increase in rainfall across northwest India through September 2025. Warnings have been issued for Uttarakhand, southern Haryana, Delhi, and northern Rajasthan, where heavy rains may persist, potentially disrupting daily life and infrastructure
Other Noteworthy Mentions
SCO Summit Context
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The 2025 Tianjin SCO Summit, held from August 31 to September 1, is the 25th Heads of State Council meeting of the SCO, hosted in Tianjin. It marks China’s fifth time as summit host and the largest gathering in the forum’s history
Wider Diplomatic Scene
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Earlier this month, India entered a heightened diplomatic and trade crisis with the U.S., following Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs (up to 50%) on Indian exports. India has decried these as unfair, defending its strategic autonomy and denying reports of halting defense procurements from the U.S.
Constitutional Reform in Focus
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On August 20, 2025, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 was introduced. It proposes removal of the PM, CMs, or Ministers if arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days, even without conviction. The bill is pending before a joint parliamentary committee
Mission Sudarshan Chakra
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Mission Sudarshan Chakra, unveiled by PM Modi on August 15, is a national defense initiative resembling an “Iron Dome” — designed for air defense and counter-strikes incorporating AI and cyber-warfare capabilities. The system aims for full indigenous development by 2035
Summary Table
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Diplomacy | Modi-Xi: “partners, not rivals”; invitation to BRICS 2026 |
| Weather | IMD issues warnings for heavy rains across NW India through September |
| Regional Summit | 25th SCO Summit begins in Tianjin (Aug 31–Sep 1) |
| US–India Tensions | Escalating trade discord with U.S. due to high tariffs |
| Constitutional Amendment | Bill proposes removal of detained ministers after 30 days in custody |
| Defense | Mission Sudarshan Chakra launches India’s own “Iron Dome”-esque shield |
