Latest News Updates Today 2025: You Can’t Miss These
1- Technologically advanced smart ration cards to be distributed in AP
In a major development from Andhra Pradesh, the government has announced the launch of a state-wide initiative to distribute technologically advanced smart ration cards to over 1.45 crore families. This rollout, aligned with transparency goals, is among the Latest News Updates Today 2025 and will commence from August 25 in a phased manner across the districts.
Andhra Pradesh has announced a major welfare initiative for ration cardholders, introducing high-tech smart ration cards to be distributed free of cost across the state. The program, set to begin on August 25, will be implemented in four phases, as announced by Minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Nadendla Manohar during a press conference held at the Civil Supplies Bhavan in Kanuru near Vijayawada on Friday.
According to Nadendla Manohar, the initiative was designed in line with the vision of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to enhance transparency in government services and ensure benefits reach the last mile. The smart cards will be distributed to 1.45 crore families across Andhra Pradesh. The distribution will take place at ration shops with the support of village and ward secretariat staff, creating a festive atmosphere around the rollout.
Detailing the features of the new cards, Nadendla Manohar explained that these smart ration cards serve not only as identification documents but are equipped with multiple security features. Each card will carry the official government emblem, clearly list family members, and include a dedicated QR code to prevent misuse. A toll-free number (1967) will also be printed on the card to allow users to report grievances directly. He expressed confidence that the use of this advanced technology would effectively curb illegal transportation of rice under the Public Distribution System (PDS). He added that this may be the first time in the country that such a large-scale distribution of technology-enabled cards is taking place.
To avoid delays, the government has finalized a detailed distribution schedule, dividing the state into four zones:
Phase 1 (August 25): Distribution in the districts of Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, NTR, Tirupati, Nellore, Srikakulam, East Godavari, West Godavari, and Krishna.
Phase 2 (August 30): Distribution in Chittoor, Kakinada, Guntur, and Eluru districts.
Phase 3 (September 6): Distribution in Anantapur, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Parvathipuram Manyam, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, and Anakapalli districts.
Phase 4 (September 15): Distribution in Bapatla, Palnadu, YSR Kadapa, Annamayya, Sri Sathya Sai, Kurnool, Nandyal, and Prakasam districts.
Minister Nadendla Manohar assured that the issuance of new ration cards would be a continuous process alongside the smart card distribution. He noted that 6,71,000 new cards have already been sanctioned, with approvals granted for 16,67,032 applications. He emphasized that the application process is always available online.
Migrants are advised to collect their smart cards at their assigned ration shops; however, the portability system allowing beneficiaries to collect supplies anywhere within the state will continue unchanged. A dedicated mobile app and dashboard have also been launched to monitor the distribution process in real-time. Ex-Officio Secretary of the Civil Supplies Department Saurabh Gaur was also present during the press meet.
2- 12 Workers Killed as Massive Railway Bridge Collapses in China During Construction
In one of the most tragic incidents from China this year, a massive railway bridge under construction collapsed over the Yellow River, killing multiple workers. This devastating event is among the Latest News Updates Today 2025, raising serious questions about construction safety standards in China.
A major construction tragedy occurred in China on Friday as a large railway bridge collapsed over the Yellow River, resulting in the deaths of 12 workers and leaving four others missing. The bridge was being constructed as part of the Sichuan-Qinghai Railway Project.
According to the People’s Daily, a total of 16 individuals, including the project manager, were present at the site when the collapse occurred. The official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that the cause of the accident was the snapping of a steel cable. Ten workers died on the spot, while two more succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
This bridge is notable for being the first railway steel truss arch bridge constructed over the Yellow River, which is China’s second-longest river. It has also been recognized as the world’s largest span double-track steel truss arch bridge. The collapse of the main arch portion into the river was captured on camera and broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV).
Following the incident, hundreds of emergency personnel rushed to the scene to search for the missing workers. Rescue operations are ongoing.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to China’s record on construction safety. Critics allege that weak enforcement of safety protocols continues to lead to frequent construction-related accidents across the country. In a similar case in December last year, 13 workers went missing after the collapse of a railway construction site in Shenzhen.
3- Sachin Tendulkar Expresses Pride as Daughter Sara Opens Pilates Academy in Mumbai
A proud moment for cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as his daughter Sara Tendulkar steps into entrepreneurship by launching her own Pilates studio in Mumbai. This heartwarming update stands out among the Latest News Updates Today 2025, capturing attention across fans and celebrities alike.
Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar shared a heartfelt post on social media expressing immense pride in his daughter Sara Tendulkar, who recently inaugurated her own Pilates studio in Mumbai. Named Pilates Academy, the studio marks Sara’s independent venture into the fitness and wellness space.
“There’s no greater joy for a parent than watching their children pursue what they love,” Sachin Tendulkar wrote in his emotional post. “Seeing Sara open her own Pilates studio has filled our hearts with happiness.”
The Master Blaster praised Sara for taking each step of this journey with determination and belief in herself. He reflected on the family’s consistent focus on health and fitness and expressed how meaningful it is to see Sara take that passion forward in her own way.
He further wrote, “Sara, we are so proud of you. Wishing you all the best as you begin this new journey,” ending his message with a heartfelt blessing. The post quickly went viral across social media, drawing praise and congratulations from numerous celebrities and fans.
Sara Tendulkar’s move into the wellness industry has been well-received, and the launch of her Pilates Academy reflects her focus on health, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship, values long championed by her father.
4- Sushmita Konidela Shares Emotional Birthday Tribute to Father Chiranjeevi
Marking an emotional moment in Tollywood, Sushmita Konidela, daughter of megastar Chiranjeevi, shared a deeply personal tribute on his birthday. The touching post celebrating both family and cinema has become one of the Latest News Updates Today 2025, delighting fans across the globe.
Celebrating the birthday of Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi, his elder daughter Sushmita Konidela, a noted costume designer and film producer, shared a heartfelt post on social media that resonated with fans. Calling her father her hero, she reflected on their personal and professional journey together.
“Happy birthday to our hero, our dad. From being your little girl to now sharing the journey as a producer alongside you—it truly feels like a blessing,” wrote Sushmita Konidela. She also posted a photo with Chiranjeevi to accompany her emotional message.
Sushmita expressed her gratitude for everything she has learned from her father. “Thank you, Dad, for every lesson, every smile, every hug. Love you forever,” she added.
What made the post particularly special was the reveal of the title of Chiranjeevi’s upcoming film. She ended the message by referring to the actor by his real name and film character, writing, “Wishing our Shankara Varaprasad Garu a very happy birthday.”
The film, Manashankara Varaprasad Garu, marks Chiranjeevi’s 157th movie and is being directed by Anil Ravipudi. Sushmita Konidela herself is producing the film, bringing a personal connection to the project that adds to its anticipation.
Fans have widely shared and responded to Sushmita’s post, turning it into a viral moment online, while also expressing excitement for the newly announced movie.
5-India and China Reopen Key Himalayan Trade Routes After Five-Year Freeze
In a significant diplomatic and economic development, India and China have agreed to reopen three crucial Himalayan trade routes after a five-year suspension. This announcement, now among the most impactful Latest News Updates Today 2025, is expected to revive regional commerce and ease cross-border tensions.
Amid ongoing tensions along the India-China border, a major breakthrough has emerged with both nations deciding to reopen three important trade routes in the Himalayas. The decision comes nearly five years after these routes were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating military standoffs.
This announcement was made following high-level diplomatic talks between India and China, including recent discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to New Delhi.
The reopened routes include the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. These corridors connect Indian border regions with major locations in Tibet such as Shigatse, Lhasa, and Nyingchi.
The trade routes were originally suspended in 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19, but the closure was extended due to border clashes and growing geopolitical tensions. Despite consistent demands from traders, both governments delayed reopening until conditions improved.
Interestingly, even though China leads in total bilateral trade volume, India has historically dominated trade along these three land corridors. Indian exports through these routes have typically exceeded imports, particularly during the May–November trading window when these routes are functional due to favorable weather.
The revival of trade activity is expected to bring new life to border communities on both sides, while also enhancing India’s economic engagement in Tibet.
Of the three corridors, the Nathu La Pass is the busiest and most commercially active, with significant volumes of goods and people passing through. The Shipki La Pass sees relatively limited trade activity, while the Lipulekh Pass connects to Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand and suffers from poor road connectivity on the Indian side.
6- BCCI Invites Applications to Fill Key Vacancies in Selection Committees
In a significant update from the world of Indian cricket, the BCCI has officially invited applications to fill several key positions in its national selection committees. As one of the Latest News Updates Today 2025, this decision will shape team selection across senior men’s, women’s, and junior levels.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the process to fill vacant posts in its senior men’s, women’s, and junior selection committees. On Friday, the board released a notification calling for applications to strengthen its selection panels across all levels.
The most notable vacancies are in the senior men’s selection committee currently headed by Ajit Agarkar. Two positions are expected to open within this panel, which also includes S.S. Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and S. Sharath. A BCCI official stated that while selectors’ contracts are renewed annually, clarity regarding replacements will be shared soon. This committee recently selected the squad for the Asia Cup.
The BCCI has not made any changes to the eligibility criteria for the applicants. Candidates must have played at least seven Test matches or 30 first-class matches. Alternatively, those with experience in 10 One Day Internationals (ODIs) or 20 first-class matches are also eligible to apply.
Meanwhile, the women’s national selection committee, led by Neetu David, has four vacant positions. The junior selection committee, responsible for selecting teams up to the Under-22 level, has one vacancy, which is expected to be a Chief Selector role.
Interested candidates must submit their applications by September 10, as stated in the official announcement.
7-AP Mega DSC 2025 Merit List Released, Certificate Verification Begins Soon
Thousands of aspiring teachers in Andhra Pradesh received crucial news as the state released the AP Mega DSC 2025 merit list. With the next step being certificate verification, this update is among the most significant Latest News Updates Today 2025, affecting recruitment in the state’s education sector.
The long wait has ended for teaching job aspirants in Andhra Pradesh, as officials have officially released the merit list for the AP Mega DSC 2025. The announcement was made on Friday night, and candidates have been advised to check their results only on the official DSC website.
Authorities emphasized that candidates should rely solely on official channels for updates and ignore any unofficial sources. Shortlisted candidates for various teaching categories will soon receive call letters for certificate verification.
Only candidates falling within the “Zone of Consideration” will receive call letters, which will be made available through their individual login portals. Officials advised candidates to prepare all necessary documents in advance for the upcoming verification process.
Each candidate must bring original certificates, a recently issued caste verification certificate, three self-attested Xerox copies of all documents, and five passport-sized photographs.
Officials further clarified that before appearing for certificate verification, candidates must upload their documents online. A checklist of required documents has also been published on the official website.
Strict timelines will be followed for certificate verification. Authorities clearly stated that those who fail to attend the verification process on the scheduled date or who do not submit correct documentation will not be given another chance. In such cases, the opportunity will pass to the next eligible candidate on the merit list.
8- Bulgaria Offers Golden Visa to Indian Investors for Permanent EU Residency
In an attractive opportunity for Indian high-net-worth individuals, Bulgaria has launched a Golden Visa scheme allowing permanent residency in the European Union. This immigration update is among the most notable Latest News Updates Today 2025, opening doors to Europe through strategic investment.
Bulgaria has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian investors seeking permanent European residency, following the official launch of its Golden Visa program. Now a member of the Schengen area, Bulgaria allows eligible non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency by making specified investments.
To qualify, applicants must invest a minimum of €512,000 (approximately ₹4.5 crore) in government-approved funds. These include Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Upon making this investment, individuals are directly granted a permanent residence card, bypassing the usual temporary stay requirements.
Key advantages of the Bulgarian Golden Visa include:
- Immediate Permanent Residency: Applicants receive residency within 3 to 6 months without temporary permits.
- Family Inclusion: Spouses, children, parents, and in-laws are eligible for residency under the main applicant.
- Visa-Free Travel: As part of the Schengen zone, Golden Visa holders can travel to 116 countries without additional visas.
- No Stay Conditions: There is no requirement to reside in Bulgaria for a minimum number of days annually.
- Path to Citizenship: After five years of residency, applicants may apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
- Low Tax Rates: Bulgaria offers a personal income tax rate of just 10%, one of the lowest in Europe.
The eligibility criteria are straightforward. Applicants from India must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid passport, have no criminal record, and provide documented proof of investment funds.
The application process includes pre-approval, completing the investment, and submitting a D-type visa application at the Bulgarian Embassy in India. Following biometric procedures in Bulgaria, the permanent residence card is issued. The card must be renewed every five years.
Compared to similar schemes in countries like Portugal and Spain, Bulgaria’s Golden Visa requires a lower investment threshold and offers faster processing, making it a viable option for Indian investors aiming for stable European access.
9- Trump Slams John Bolton After FBI Raid Over Security Breach Probe
In a fiery political development, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized ex-National Security Advisor John Bolton following an FBI raid on Bolton’s residence. This high-profile confrontation stands out among the Latest News Updates Today 2025, intensifying debates over national security and political loyalty.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on his former National Security Advisor John Bolton just hours after the FBI conducted a search at Bolton’s residence. The raid was part of an investigation into allegations of unauthorized disclosure of classified national security information.
The FBI search was reportedly ordered by Director Kash Patel and carried out early Friday morning. The operation is tied to an ongoing probe into Bolton’s 2020 book, The Room Where It Happened, which allegedly contains sensitive information not cleared for public release.
Speaking at a media event hosted by the White House Historical Association Museum, Trump claimed he had no prior knowledge of the raid. “I’m not a fan of John Bolton. He’s a disgrace. A lowlife. He stays quiet in real life but talks nonsense in front of the cameras,” said Trump.
John Bolton, who served as National Security Advisor between 2018 and 2019, has long been at odds with Trump. His controversial book sharply criticized Trump’s foreign policy and leadership style, prompting the administration to attempt blocking its release at the time.
Following the raid, FBI Director Kash Patel posted on the platform ‘X’ stating, “No one is above the law,” drawing widespread attention and commentary.
In a recent statement, Bolton had accused Trump of damaging U.S. strategic interests by imposing heavy tariffs on India. He claimed this policy was pushing India closer to Russia and China, hinting that political retaliation could be behind the raid.
This incident has added fuel to the already intense political rivalry between the two figures and has reignited scrutiny around national security protocols in the handling of sensitive government information.
10- ISRO Unveils India’s First Space Station Module, Target Launch by 2028
In a landmark step for Indian space exploration, ISRO has unveiled the prototype of its first indigenous space station module, marking India’s entry into long-term orbital research missions. This ambitious space mission features prominently in the Latest News Updates Today 2025, capturing global scientific attention.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a historic leap by revealing the prototype of the country’s first space station module. Named BAS-01 (Bharatiya Antariksh Station), the model was unveiled during National Space Day celebrations held in New Delhi on Friday.
Once operational, India will become the third country, after the United States and China, to establish an independent space station. The first module is scheduled for launch by 2028, with the complete five-module station expected to be in orbit by 2035.
The BAS-01 module will weigh approximately 10 tonnes and will orbit Earth at an altitude of 450 km. The module has been developed entirely using indigenous technologies and includes critical systems such as an automated hatch, Indian docking system, and an environmental life support mechanism.
The station will primarily serve as a research hub for microgravity experiments, with applications across space sciences, medicine, and biology. Scientists will study the impact of microgravity on human health, test deep-space technologies, and prepare for future interplanetary missions.
ISRO aims to make the station capable of supporting spacewalks, with features that allow docking, refueling, and protection against space radiation and debris. The station is also expected to serve as a training ground for Indian astronauts as part of Gaganyaan follow-up missions.
This initiative marks a significant expansion of India’s capabilities in space, moving from satellite launches and lunar probes to sustained orbital presence, placing ISRO in an elite league of global space agencies.
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