Daily GK Update- 23rd Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Cabinet Extends Fortified Rice Scheme to 2028 with Rs. 17,082 Crore Support: The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of universal supply of fortified rice under all government schemes until December 2028, fully funded by the Government of India at 17,082 crore.The Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative, launched in 2018, emphasizes fortified foods, with rice fortification pilot programs starting in 2019 and full-scale implementation by March 2024.Fortified rice is used in meals under the PM POSHAN Scheme across all States and UTs to address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12.Double Fortified Salt (DFS) and fortified edible oil (with Vitamins A & D) are incorporated in meals to combat anaemia, vitamin deficiencies, and support children’s mental, emotional, and neurological health.

 

2. Indian Oil, Air India sign agreement for sustainable aviation fuel supply: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) signed an MoU with Air India to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking a major step towards greener aviation and global decarbonisation goals.IOC will begin producing 35,000 tonnes of SAF annually from used cooking oil at its Panipat refinery starting December, sourcing waste oil from hotel chains like ITC and Haldiram’s.IOC became the first Indian company to receive ISCC CORSIA certification for SAF production, ensuring compliance with stringent international sustainability and carbon emission standards.SAF can be blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuel, and India has mandated 1% SAF blending in jet fuel for international airlines from 2027, supporting IATA’s net-zero 2050 target.

 

3. PCI Reappoints Vishwas Patel, M N Srinivasu; Names Nalin Bansal as Co-Chair for 2025–27 Term: The Payments Council of India (PCI) re-appointed Vishwas Patel (Joint MD, Infibeam Avenues) as Chairperson and M N Srinivasu (Co-founder & Director, BillDesk) as Co-Chairperson for the term 2025–2027.Nalin Bansal, Chief of Corporate Fintech Relationships & Key Initiatives at NPCI, was also appointed as PCI Co-Chairperson for the same tenure.The Card Networks Committee will be led by Nalin Bansal (Chairperson, NPCI) and Gautam Aggarwal (Division President – South Asia & Country Corporate Officer – India, Mastercard) as Co-Chair.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 22 August – World Entrepreneur’s Day: World Entrepreneur’s Day is observed every year on 22nd August to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and startups worldwide.The day highlights the crucial role of entrepreneurs in economic growth, job creation, and driving social change.It serves as a platform to encourage governments, organisations, and individuals to support entrepreneurial ventures through policies, funding, and mentoring.The celebration also aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable and innovative business practices for global development.

2. India Elected Chairman Of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Board: India achieved a major milestone in August 2025 by being elected Chairman of the Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD). The election took place during the 23rd AIBD General Conference held in Phuket, Thailand. India secured the highest number of votes, marking its return to the top leadership role after nearly a decade. This development strengthens India’s influence in regional and global broadcasting. India currently holds the position of President of the AIBD General Conference until August 2025. Its election as Chairman of the Executive Board consolidates dual leadership roles. This reflects growing trust in India’s capabilities and vision in international media cooperation. India’s leadership is expected to enhance collaboration among member countries and promote media development across the Asia-Pacific region.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. PNB Partners with CRPF to Offer Enhanced Insurance and Benefits under Rakshak Plus Scheme: PNB signs MoU with CRPF to provide enhanced insurance coverage and other benefits to all serving personnel and pensioners under its flagship scheme, “PNB Rakshak Plus.”The MoU was formally signed at the CRPF Directorate General office in New Delhi by Binay Kumar Gupta (PNB) and Zaki Ahmad, IPS (CRPF), in the presence of senior officials.Benefits under Rakshak Plus will also extend to dependents and families of Rakshak account holders, reaffirming PNB’s support for Central Armed Police Forces.

 

2. Satish Golcha Takes Charge as Delhi Police Commissioner: Senior IPS officer Satish Golcha appointed as the new Commissioner of Police, Delhi, effective from the date he assumes charge, replacing Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh.Golcha, an AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre, 1992 batch officer, was previously serving as Director General (Prisons), Delhi.The appointment follows a rise in gun violence and crime in Delhi, and comes shortly after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was assaulted, raising concerns over security lapses.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ajay Singh re-elected as Boxing Federation of India president: Ajay Singh was elected as the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President for a third consecutive term, defeating Jaslal Pradhan (Sikkim) by 40–26 votes.Pramod Kumar (UP unit) was elected as Secretary General, replacing Hemanta Kalita (Assam), while Pon Baskaran (Tamil Nadu) won the Treasurer’s post in a three-way contest.The elections saw participation from 34 state units (66 votes), but the results are subject to Delhi High Court’s decision on pending constitutional amendment challenges.

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. 4th Semicon India 2025 to be organised from Sept 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the fourth edition of Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi on 2nd September, a three-day event highlighting India’s semiconductor and microelectronics ambitions.For the first time, the exhibition will feature four International Pavilions from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.Around 350 companies from 18 countries and regions and nine Indian states will participate to showcase products and opportunities in the semiconductor value chain.The event will include a Semiconductor Design Startup Pavilion, aiming to boost innovation, global collaboration, and India’s role as a trusted hub in electronics manufacturing.

 

2. NASA’s James Webb Telescope Discovers Uranus’ 29th Moon, S/2025 U1: ‘NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope discovered a new 29th satellite of Uranus, named S/2025 U1, identified on February 2, 2025, by a team led by the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI).The newly discovered moon has a diameter of approximately 10 kilometres and orbits Uranus at a distance of about 56,000 kilometres.According to Maryame El Moutamid of SwRI, while small in size, S/2025 U1 is a significant discovery for understanding Uranus’s satellite system.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s GDP growth likely at 6.3% in FY26, below RBI estimates: SBI report: India’s GDP growth expected at 6.3% in 2025-26, lower than RBI’s projection of 6.5%, due to muted private capital expenditure, as per SBI Research Report.Quarterly growth estimates: Q1 at 6.8–7%, Q2 at 6.5%, Q3 at 6.3%, and Q4 at 6.1%, showing gradual slowdown across the year.Economic fundamentals remain strong, supporting growth between 6.3–6.8% despite global headwinds, according to the Economic Survey.RBI projects Q1 at 6.5%, Q2 at 6.7%, Q3 at 6.6%, and Q4 at 6.3%, slightly higher than SBI’s quarterly estimates.

 

2. Two-day meeting of GST Council to begin on Sept 3: The 56th GST Council Meeting will be held on 3rd and 4th September in New Delhi, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.The previous meeting was held in December 2024 at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where several GST-related decisions were taken.Key decisions included a rate cut on fortified rice kernels to 5% and a recommendation to amend the definition of pre-packaged and labelled items.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wokha, Nagaland, Awarded Best KVK: In Nagaland, the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Wokha, has been awarded the Best KVK in the North Eastern Region.The recognition was conferred by ICAR-NRCB in acknowledgement of the team’s exemplary work and impactful contributions, selected from over 200 nominations. The award was presented during the 32nd Foundation Day and Kisan Mela held in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.A total of 19 farmers from Nagaland participated in the mela to gain insights for the upcoming banana festival in the state. They are undergoing training in Integrated Nutrient Management, Hi-Tech Banana Cultivation Practices, Integrated Pest and Disease Management, and Food Processing.