Daily GK Update- 14th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. State Health Regulatory Excellence Index: The Union Health Ministry launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH) in 2025. This new initiative benchmarks state drug regulatory systems to ensure the safety and quality of medicines across India. The index uses a transparent and data-driven framework to promote uniform regulatory standards. It marks step towards strengthening drug regulation in the country. The index covers critical aspects of drug regulation. These include the strength of human resources, quality of infrastructure, licensing efficiency, surveillance rigor, and grievance responsiveness. Digitisation of approvals and lab testing capabilities are also assessed. This ensures a comprehensive view of each state’s regulatory maturity. The initiative stresses cooperative federalism. The regulatory excellence requires joint efforts. States are encouraged to share best practices and innovate. The index acts as a gap assessment tool, helping states improve and achieve maturity certification.

 

2. Chief Minister Kisan Kalyan Yojana: On 14 August 2025, over 83 lakh farmers in Madhya Pradesh will get the second installment of the Chief Minister Kisan Kalyan Yojana 2025-26. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will transfer the funds directly to their accounts. Launched in September 2020, this scheme aims to stabilise and strengthen farmers’ incomes in Madhya Pradesh. Each registered farmer receives ₹6,000 annually under this programme. This amount is in addition to the benefits from the central government’s PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, providing dual financial support to farmers. Since its inception, the scheme has disbursed over ₹17,500 crore directly into the bank accounts of approximately 83 lakh farmers. The second installment for the year 2025-26 continues this trend, ensuring farmers have timely funds to support their agricultural activities, especially during the critical kharif season.

 

3. Uttar Pradesh MSME Industrial Estate Management Policy 2025: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Industrial Estate Management Policy in 2025. This policy aims to promote industrial growth by simplifying land allocation, improving facilities, and ensuring better estate management. It targets enhanced investor confidence and a modern industrial environment aligned with global standards. The policy focuses on boosting MSME development in India’s most populous state with the second-largest economy. It prioritises transparency, infrastructure upgrades, and ease of doing business. Ten per cent of plots and sheds are reserved for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs to encourage inclusive growth. Industrial land and sheds will be leased or rented via auction or e-auction. The Commissioner and Director of Industries oversee the process, including lease duration and auction platform selection. Up to 20 per cent of estate areas can be allocated for commercial, service, or residential use, allowing mixed-use development.

 

4. Maharashtra Launches Disha Abhiyan: Maharashtra has pioneered a landmark initiative called ‘Disha Abhiyan’ to provide uniform and quality education for students with intellectual disabilities. This programme has been implemented in 453 special schools across the state. It is the first state-wide curriculum of its kind in India. The scheme aligns with the national vision of an inclusive and self-reliant society under the ‘Developed India 2047’ framework. ‘Disha Abhiyan’ was developed by the Jai Vakil Foundation, an organisation with over 80 years of experience in special education. The curriculum has received certification from the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID). The curriculum integrates global best practices and research-based teaching methods specifically designed for intellectual disabilities. It includes adaptations for different levels of ability ensuring personalised learning. Modules focus not only on academics but also life skills and vocational training to promote independence. The NIEPID certification guarantees adherence to national quality standards.

 

5. Supreme Court Reviews Google Android Antitrust Case: The Supreme Court of India admitted an appeal by Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, on 8 August 2025. The appeal challenges a National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) ruling that upheld findings of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against Google. The CCI had found Google guilty of abusing its dominant position in the Android ecosystem. The Court also admitted related petitions from the CCI and the Alliance Digital India Foundation (ADIF), a coalition of Indian startups. A detailed hearing is scheduled for November 2025. The CCI began investigating Google in 2020 after complaints from app developers and industry groups. The complaints alleged Google used its dominant Android market position to favour its own services. The CCI found Google forced developers to use the Google Play Billing System (GPBS) for in-app purchases. This system charged commissions from 15% to 30%. Google exempted its own app YouTube from these charges, giving it an unfair advantage. The CCI also criticised Google’s requirement for smartphone makers to pre-install its suite of apps as a condition for Play Store access. This was seen as restricting consumer choice and harming competition.

 

6. Legalizing Bull Fighting in Goa: Recent discussions in the Goa State Assembly have revived calls for legalising bull fighting, locally known as dhirio or dhiri. Legislators across parties argue that this traditional sport is deeply embedded in Goan culture. Despite a ban imposed by the High Court in 1996 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, bull fights continue clandestinely. Supporters show its cultural and economic significance, while opponents stress animal welfare concerns. Bull fighting in Goa dates back to the Portuguese era and possibly earlier. It was traditionally held in paddy fields or football grounds after harvests as a form of entertainment. Villagers gathered in large numbers during church festivals to watch two trained bulls lock horns in combat. Unlike Spanish bullfighting, the animals do not die; the fight ends when one bull flees. The event was a social occasion, often accompanied by other competitions and festivities. Dhirio involves two bulls charging and butting heads repeatedly. The bulls are carefully selected and trained. The fight can last minutes or over an hour. The bull that retreats first loses. Serious injuries and even deaths of bulls and spectators have occurred. Bulls are sometimes named after famous figures, gaining fan followings. The sport is seen as a test of strength rather than cruelty by its proponents.

 

7. Lightning Deaths Surge in India: The year 2025 has seen a sharp increase in lightning-related deaths in India. Between April and July alone, over 1,600 people died due to lightning and rain-related incidents. This rise is linked to changing climate patterns and expanding lightning zones across the country. Lightning now poses a growing threat not only in rural but also urban areas. Lightning kills more people annually in India than any other extreme weather event. From 1967 to 2020, over 101,000 deaths were recorded due to lightning. Nearly half of all weather-related deaths between 2002 and 2024 were caused by lightning. The World Meteorological Organisation reported about 1,300 deaths in 2024 alone. The eastern states bear the brunt, especially during the monsoon sowing season.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. New OCI Rules Tighten Overseas Citizenship Regulations: Recent reforms by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have introduced stricter rules for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). These changes aim to regulate OCI registration and cancellation more firmly. The updated guidelines focus on criminal convictions and other grounds that can lead to cancellation of OCI status. These rules apply regardless of whether offences occur in India or abroad. The OCI scheme began in 2005. It grants foreign nationals of Indian origin lifelong visa-free travel to India. OCI status is available to persons who were Indian citizens on or after 26 January 1950. However, it excludes individuals who have ever held Pakistani or Bangladeshi citizenship or their descendants up to three generations. OCI offers many benefits but is not equivalent to full Indian citizenship. These changes tighten oversight of OCI holders. They aim to prevent misuse and uphold India’s legal and constitutional integrity. The government’s move reflects a broader trend to align OCI privileges with national security and public order concerns. The policy applies globally to all OCI cardholders.

 

2. Captive Renewable Power Generation: India is witnessing shift in its power sector. Industrial and commercial consumers are increasingly producing their own renewable energy. This trend is changing the traditional electricity market dominated by public utilities. It is a quiet revolution that could reshape India’s energy future. Captive power refers to energy generated by industries for their own use. In Tamil Nadu, captive renewable energy already supplies over 28% of industrial electricity needs. Many factories use rooftop solar panels and other renewable sources. This reduces their dependence on public transmission and distribution companies. Larger industrial units may soon supply power to their suppliers and nearby consumers. This decentralized model is described as reforms by stealth because it gradually reduces the monopoly of public utilities without major policy upheaval. India has rapidly increased renewable energy (RE) capacity. Nearly 46% of installed power generation capacity is renewable. However, RE meets only about 15% of peak electricity demand. This gap exists because renewable sources are intermittent and require costly storage. By 2030, RE might provide two-thirds of capacity but less than a third of peak demand. Other countries like China, Brazil, Mexico, and Turkey have already integrated a larger share of renewables in actual consumption.

 

3. Aviation Workforce Shortage: The aviation sector faces a critical shortage of skilled personnel in 2025. Two main approaches have emerged at the 42nd ICAO Assembly to address this issue. The European Union advocates expanding the talent pool and improving career appeal. India proposes a global Code of Conduct to regulate the international recruitment of its trained aviation staff. These views reflect differing priorities on workforce mobility and operational stability. India views the recruitment of its trained pilots, engineers, and cabin crew by foreign airlines as disruptive. It argues that uncoordinated poaching undermines fleet expansion plans and forces airlines to spend resources on replacements. India suggests an ICAO-led Code of Conduct mandating standardized notice and consultation before recruitment. Indian regulations already require a six-month notice for pilots transferring between domestic airlines. This period is considered sufficient to recruit and train replacements. The EU treats the shortage as a global supply problem affecting flight crew, air traffic management, engineering, and regulatory sectors. Causes include uncompetitive pay, poor fatigue management, pandemic-related departures, and insufficient diversity. The EU supports mobility aligned with International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions No. 97 and No. 111 and ICAO’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals initiative. It focuses on making aviation careers more attractive and expanding training capacity rather than restricting movement.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Muthuvan Tribe: The Muthuvan tribe, residing along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border hills, recently held community convention. The event focused on preserving their language, culture, and traditional knowledge. Over 2,000 members and 130 village heads, known as Kanis, participated. The gathering reaffirmed their commitment to coexist peacefully with forests and wildlife while adapting to modern changes. The Muthuvans inhabit the hill forests between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They are divided into two groups – Malayalam Muthuvan and Pandi Muthuvan. Each group speaks a slightly different dialect. This linguistic variation reflects their distinct cultural identities within the tribe. The tribe is organised into six clans called Koottams. Each Koottam has sub-clans that regulate marriage alliances and social status. The Muthuvans practise community endogamy and clan exogamy. Their villages are governed by the ‘Kani System’, where a Kani leads the community and enforces traditional laws. Punishments exist for violating customs and moral codes.

 

2. Rajasthan Pioneers Drone-Based Artificial Rain Trial: Rajasthan has initiated India’s first drone-based artificial rain trial at Ramgarh Dam. This marks shift from traditional aeroplane-assisted cloud seeding to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. The trial involves around 60 drones and is a joint effort by the state agriculture department and GenX AI, a technology firm based in the US and Bengaluru. The experiment aims to enhance rainfall using advanced cloud seeding techniques. The project was originally scheduled for July 31 but was postponed due to heavy rain alerts. Since then, multiple tests have been conducted in Jaipur to ensure the drones’ operational readiness. The initiative has received approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the India Meteorological Department, district authorities, and the agriculture department. The launch event near Ramgarh Dam is open for public viewing and will be inaugurated by the state agriculture minister Kirodi Lal Meena. Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that involves dispersing particles into clouds to encourage precipitation. Typically, silver iodide particles are sprayed to promote the formation of ice crystals or water droplets. This process helps clouds release rain or snow that they might not otherwise produce efficiently. Cloud seeding has been used worldwide for decades but remains scientifically complex due to variable results.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Bhu-Neer Portal: The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) launched the Bhu-Neer portal in 2024. It aims to streamline groundwater regulation across 19 States and Union Territories in India. This digital platform facilitates quick and transparent processing of No Objection Certificate (NOC) applications for groundwater extraction. The portal supports sustainable groundwater management aligned with the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s guidelines. Groundwater over-extraction has been a growing concern in India. The Bhu-Neer portal was developed to control indiscriminate groundwater use by industries, infrastructure, and mining projects. It enforces the Guidelines dated 24 September 2020 issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The portal ensures compliance with water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting and sewage treatment. The portal offers a user-friendly interface with several advanced features. It includes an eligibility checker to verify if applicants qualify before applying. An online charges calculator simplifies fee estimation. The query module allows direct communication with CGWA officials. Real-time SMS and email alerts keep applicants updated on their application status. The PAN-based Single ID system integrates payment and other modules seamlessly. QR code-enabled NOCs enhance security and verification ease.

 

2. New Freshwater Crab Species Discovered In Western Ghats: Recent research in Kerala’s Western Ghats has led to the discovery of a new genus and two new species of freshwater crabs. These findings show the rich biodiversity and high endemism of the region. The discoveries were made by scientists from the University of Kerala and the National University of Singapore. The species belong to the family Gecarcinucidae and were found in isolated mountain streams. The discoveries add to the understanding of freshwater crab diversity and raise concerns about habitat threats. Researchers identified a new genus named Kasargodia and two species – Kasargodia sheebae and Pilarta vaman. Kasargodia sheebae was found in Kasaragod district and named after the district and a researcher’s wife, Sheeba Smrithy Raj. Pilarta vaman was found in Gavi, Pathanamthitta district, and named after the Hindu deity Vaman, reflecting its small size. These names reflect local geography and cultural heritage. Both Kasargodia sheebae and Pilarta vaman face threats from human activities. Tourism in the grasslands where these crabs live disrupts their fragile habitats. Habitat degradation and pollution could impact their survival. Conservation efforts are needed to protect these species and their environments.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Equator Prize 2025: The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) from Teertha village in Karnataka’s Dharwad district won the prestigious Equator Initiative Award 2025. This United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) prize honours community-led nature-based solutions for sustainable development and climate resilience. The Bibi Fatima SHG is the only Indian winner among ten global recipients from nine countries. The Equator Prize is awarded annually by UNDP to recognise Indigenous Peoples and local communities protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The 2025 theme focused on Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action. Winners were selected from over 700 nominations across 103 countries. Each winner receives USD 10,000 and global recognition, including participation in major UN events. Formed in 2018 by 15 women, the group now supports over 5,000 farmers in 30 villages. It promotes millet-based mixed cropping on rainfed farms using eco-friendly natural farming methods. The SHG manages community seed banks distributing free seeds to farmers. It runs a solar-powered millet processing unit producing value-added products like rotis and vermicelli. These efforts enhance food security, biodiversity conservation, and women’s economic empowerment.

 

2. IMEC Faces Challenges: The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was launched in 2023 to enhance trade and connectivity between India, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe. It aims to reduce shipping time by 40% compared to traditional routes. However, recent geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East have stalled its progress. Below is a detailed overview of the corridor’s purpose, challenges, and current status. The corridor was announced during India’s G20 presidency in 2023 amid a rare period of Middle Eastern stability. It capitalises on improving relations between Arab states and Israel and growing trade ties between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the EU. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $137 billion in 2023-24. IMEC aims to streamline trade, reduce costs, and lower emissions by integrating infrastructure and digital networks across nations. The corridor’s progress has been severely impacted by the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and deteriorating regional relations. Jordan-Israel ties have worsened, and Saudi Arabia’s normalisation with Israel has stalled due to Palestinian statehood issues. The conflict has raised insurance costs and security risks for shipping routes.