Daily GK Update- 15th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries Launches Logo, brochure and website of ‘Bharat Steel’: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launched the official logo, brochure, and website of ‘Bharat Steel’ at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking a major step for the Ministry of Steel’s flagship international conference-cum-exhibition on the steel ecosystem.The launch was held during a workshop for the secondary steel sector, reflecting the government’s focus on n promoting growth, innovation, and sustainability in the entire steel value chain.Bharat Steel aims to become India’s largest steel exhibition and position the country as a global hub for innovation and investment in the steel industry.

 

2. Abhijit Kishore Appointed Vodafone Idea CEO: Vodafone Idea announced the appointment of its current COO Abhijit Kishore as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Key Managerial Personnel for a term of three years.The appointment follows the completion of the three-year term of Akshaya Moondra, whose tenure ends on 18 August 2025; Moondra had replaced Ravinder Takkar as CEO in August 2022.

 

3. Odisha Appoints Madhuri Dixit as Brand Ambassador for State’s Handloom Industry: The Odisha Government has appointed Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit as the brand ambassador of the state’s handloom industry.Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement during the inauguration of ‘EKTA’ (Exhibition-cum-Knowledge Sharing for Textile Advantage), held to mark the 11th National Handloom Day celebrations in the state.

 

4. President Appoints Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla as Governor of Nagaland: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has been given additional charge as the Governor of Nagaland, as per a communique from the President’s office.The appointment comes after the demise of Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, who passed away at the age of 80 in a Chennai hospital.Ajay Kumar Bhalla will now discharge the functions of the Nagaland Governor along with his duties as the Governor of Manipur.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. E3 Nations Warn Iran of Snapback UN Sanctions Over Stalled Nuclear Talks: France, Germany, and the UK (E3) have warned Iran of reimposing snapback UN sanctions under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) if it does not resume negotiations or request a deadline extension.The E3, formed in 2003 as an informal security and foreign policy arrangement between the UK, Germany, and France, initially focused on managing nuclear risks from Iran after the Iraq war.In 2015, Iran signed the JCPOA with the E3/EU+3, agreeing to nuclear monitoring in exchange for lifting UN sanctions, with the E3 playing a key role in its implementation.

 

2. 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 standardised 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.

 

3. Tropical Forests and Climate Change: Tropical forests remain central to the planet’s climate system in 2025. Despite their vital role, these ecosystems face unprecedented destruction. Their loss threatens global climate stability, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. Studying tropical forests’ climate functions, causes of deforestation, and restoration efforts is essential for sustainable future policies. Tropical forests cover the equatorial belt, including the Amazon, Congo, and Southeast Asian rainforests. They regulate water and energy cycles through evapotranspiration, releasing moisture that forms clouds and rainfall. This process cools the atmosphere locally and globally. Forests store about 250 billion tonnes of carbon in biomass and soil. Annually, they absorb 1.2 to 1.8 gigatonnes of CO2, mitigating fossil fuel emissions. In 2023, over 4.1 million hectares of tropical primary forest were lost, mainly in Brazil, Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bolivia. Clearing forests releases stored carbon, turning them into carbon sources. Deforestation reduces humidity and rainfall, raises surface temperatures, and disrupts wind patterns. It also affects atmospheric rivers, which transport moisture across continents. For example, Amazon deforestation links to droughts and erratic monsoons in South America and the US Midwest.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Decline of Naxalite Violence Amid Global Terror Threats: Recent developments show a sharp decline in ideologically-driven Naxalite militancy in India. This contrasts with persistent and evolving global terrorism threats, especially those inspired by groups like Islamic State (IS). The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adds complexity and danger to future terror scenarios worldwide. India’s internal security dynamics, however, indicate a nearing end to one of its longest militant insurgencies. More than two decades after the 9/11 attacks, terrorism remains a major global concern. IS-inspired attacks, including vehicle rammings, continue in several countries. Lone wolf attacks are increasing, fuelled by online propaganda. Experts warn that AI could enable terrorists to develop bio-weapons or launch more devastating attacks. The risk of AI systems acting beyond human control adds to global insecurity fears. The Naxalite movement began in the late 1960s as a radical Marxist-Leninist uprising. It drew inspiration from revolutions in China, Vietnam, and Latin America. Early leaders like Charu Mazumdar aimed to mobilise tribal and urban poor populations against perceived social injustices. Over time, the movement fragmented and lost mass appeal, turning more violent but less ideologically cohesive.

 

SPORTS

 

1. German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer wins Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025: German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer clinched the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025 title with one round to spare, becoming the first sole champion in the event’s history.With this victory, Keymer entered the world’s Top 10 live rankings for the first time in his career.In the Challengers section, GM Pranesh M leads with 6.5 points, followed by GM Abhimanyu Puranik and GM Leon Luke Mendonca, who are just half a point behind.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Rapido Launches ‘Ownly’ App, Enters Food Delivery with Zero-Commission Model: Rapido has launched ‘Ownly’, a standalone mobile app for food delivery, initially servicing Koramangala, HSR, and BTM Layout, to compete with Swiggy, Zomato, and Magicpin.The launch follows Rapido’s discussions with the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI), representing over 50,000 eateries, to finalise terms for onboarding restaurant partners.Ownly will operate on a zero-commission model, with restaurant partners paying the delivery fee for orders within a standard radius of four kilometers or less.

 

2. IGNCA & BSIP Sign Historic MoU to Unite Science and Culture on a Single Platform: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, signed an MoU at IGNCA, marking India’s first initiative to integrate science and culture on a unified platform.The collaboration aims to showcase India’s scientific and cultural achievements to domestic and global audiences, preserve and interpret heritage, and foster awareness through innovative programmes.The MoU was signed by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi and Mahesh G. Thakkar, with Dr. Achal Pandya (IGNCA) and Dr. Shilpa Pandey (BSIP) designated as nodal officers for interdisciplinary research, joint events, and shared expertise.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NSIC Signs MoUs with Five Banks to Boost Credit Access for MSMEs: NSIC signed MoUs with Axis Bank, Dhanlaxmi Bank, Karnataka Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, and IndusInd Bank on 11th August 2025 under its MSME Credit Facilitation Program to enhance availability, accessibility, and affordability of credit for MSMEs.The MoU exchange event was attended by Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, MSME Secretary S.C.L. Das, NSIC Director (Finance) Gaurav Gulati, and senior officials from the Ministry, NSIC, and participating banks.The collaboration aims to support MSMEs in connecting with the formal financial system, expanding bank outreach to micro & small enterprises, and boosting last-mile credit delivery.

 

2. RBI to Introduce Continuous Clearing with On-Realisation Settlement in Cheque Truncation System from October 2025 : The RBI will transition the Cheque Truncation System (CTS) from batch processing to “continuous clearing with on-realisation settlement” in two phases, starting October 4, 2025, and January 3, 2026, to improve efficiency, reduce settlement risk, and enhance customer experience.Under the new system, cheques will be scanned and sent to the clearing house continuously between 10 AM and 4 PM, with drawee banks processing them in real time and providing positive or negative confirmations by 7 PM.Hourly settlements will begin at 11 AM, based on positive confirmations from drawee banks, and continue until the end of the confirmation session.Presenting banks will credit customers within one hour of successful settlement, subject to safeguards, ensuring faster cheque clearing compared to the current two-working-day cycle.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 1090 Personnel Honoured with Gallantry and Service Medals on Independence Day: A total of 1090 Personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard and Civil Defence and Correctional Services have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals on the occasion of Independence Day.According to the Home Ministry, 233 personnel have been awarded the Medal for Gallantry (GM), 99 personnel awarded the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 758 personnel awarded the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM).Medals for Gallantry (GM) are awarded on the grounds of the Rare Conspicuous Act of Gallantry and Conspicuous Act of Gallantry respectively in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals. The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) is awarded for special distinguished record in Service and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) is awarded for valuable service characterised by resource and devotion to duty.

 

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.

Daily GK Update- 13th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CCEA Approves Rs 8,146 Crore for 700 MW Tato-II Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Rs 8,146.21 crore investment for the 700 MW Tato-II Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh, with an estimated completion time of 72 months.The project, a joint venture between NEEPCO and the Arunachal Pradesh government, will generate 2738.06 MU of energy, improving power supply in the state and helping balance the National Grid.The state will receive 12% free power, 1% for Local Area Development Fund, and infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and marketplaces funded by project allocations.

 

2. UIDAI Signs Agreement with Indian Statistical Institute to Strengthen Aadhaar Security and Reliability: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has signed an agreement with the Indian Statistical Institute for joint research and development to further enhance the robustness, security and reliability of Aadhaar operations.The agreement effective for a period of five years, will cover areas such as fraud and anomaly detection, development of biometric liveness detection tools, improvements in biometric matching algorithms, and other priority areas.

 

3. Union Health Secretary Launches SHRESTH Initiative to Strengthen State Drug Regulatory Systems: Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH) in New Delhi, stressing that public health begins with the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines.The SHRESTH initiative by CDSCO aims to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems through a transparent, data-driven framework, ensuring consistent drug safety and quality standards.Srivastava called for strong Centre–State collaboration and recognition of best practices to improve medicine manufacturing and distribution across India.

 

4. SBI Leads Public Sector Banks in Education Loan Disbursals; Maharashtra Tops State-Wise Chart: Over the past three years, public sector banks have significantly supported higher education financing in India, with State Bank of India (SBI) leading by disbursing Rs 32,311 crore in education loans between FY 2022-23 and 2024-25.Maharashtra topped the state-wise education loan disbursal chart with Rs 11,426 crore, followed by Kerala (Rs 8,938 crore) and Andhra Pradesh (Rs 8,101 crore), reflecting strong demand for higher education funding across major states. Despite large disbursals, repayment challenges remain, with SBI reporting Rs 336 crore in Gross NPAs on education loans as of March 2025, indicating the need to strengthen loan recovery mechanisms nationwide.

 

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 13 August – International Left-Handers Day: International Left-Handers Day is observed annually on 13 August to celebrate the uniqueness of left-handed individuals and raise awareness about their needs.The day was first celebrated in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell, founder of the Left-Handers Club.Around 10% of the global population is left-handed, often facing challenges in a predominantly right-handed world.

 

2. 13 August – World Organ Donation Day: World Organ Donation Day is observed every year on 13 August to promote awareness about the importance of organ donation.The day highlights how one donor can save up to eight lives by donating vital organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and pancreas.Theme 2025 – Answering The Call

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy to Commission INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri in Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy will simultaneously commission two advanced frontline frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, on 26th August at Visakhapatnam, marking the first time two major surface combatants from different Indian shipyards are commissioned together.INS Udaygiri, the second Project 17A stealth frigate, is built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, while INS Himgiri, the first P17A ship from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.INS Udaygiri is the 100th ship designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, highlighting India’s naval modernization and the capability to deliver advanced warships from multiple shipyards.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Gill and Dunkley named ICC Players of the Month for July 2025: India Test captain Shubman Gill and England spinner Sophia Dunkley have been named the International Cricket Council (ICC) men’s and women’s Player of the Month for July, respectively.Gill bagged the Player of the Month award after a stiff competition from England Test skipper Ben Stokes and South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. This is his fourth Player of the Month honour, having won previously in February this year and in January and September 2023.Meanwhile, Sophia Dunkley’s consistent run with the bat has seen her clinch the ICC Women’s Player of the Month honour for the first time. She edged out strong competition from her England teammate Sophie Ecclestone and Ireland captain Gaby Lewis for the monthly award.

 

2. 64th Subroto Cup to Kick Off on August 19: The 64th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament will begin with the junior girls’ (U-17) event on August 19 in Delhi, concluding with the junior boys’ final on September 25.For the first time, the tournament will be held across multiple cities, with Bengaluru hosting the sub-junior boys’ (U-15) matches from September 2 to 11, along with bone age-determination tests.Matches in Delhi-NCR will be played at Ambedkar Stadium, Tejas Ground, Subroto Park, and Pinto Park, while Bengaluru matches will be hosted at Air Force School (Jalahalli & Yelahanka) and HQ Training Command Ground.A total of 106 teams, including participants from Nepal and Sri Lanka, will compete, with seven players chosen for advanced football training in Germany under the Indian Tigers & Tigresses campaign.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DPIIT Partners with Zepto to Boost Manufacturing Startups through ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with Zepto to launch the ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge to support and scale early-stage manufacturing startups.A six-month program will mentor startups in hardware, IoT, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing, helping them progress from prototype to market-ready solutions using Zepto’s delivery and digital infrastructure.The initiative will focus on women-led and Tier II/III startups, integrating over 100 Indian startups into Zepto’s supply chain with market access, expert-led workshops, and Startup India assistance.

 

2. DPIIT Partners with Hero MotoCorp to Boost Early-Stage Startups through ‘Hero For Startups’ Accelerator Program: DPIIT signed an MoU with Hero MotoCorp to support and scale early-stage startups and entrepreneurs through the ‘Hero For Startups’ innovation accelerator program.The partnership focuses on startups working in future mobility, clean technology, and deep technology, providing access to Hero MotoCorp’s R&D facilities in India and Germany.Selected startups will receive mentorship, access to Hero’s dealer and supplier network, and opportunities for paid Proofs of Concept (PoCs) to pilot and scale their innovations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IDFC FIRST Bank Launches RemitFIRST2India: Zero-Fee Digital Remittance Platform for NRIs: IDFC FIRST Bank launched RemitFIRST2India, a next-generation digital remittance platform enabling NRIs to send money to India quickly, securely, and with zero transfer fees.NRI customers of IDFC FIRST Bank can use the Mobile Banking App for transactions, while non-customers can onboard easily via a paperless web portal.The platform, launched in partnership with SingX, currently supports transfers from Singapore and Hong Kong, offers live transaction tracking, and focuses on speed, transparency, and ease of use.

 

2. KSFE becomes first miscellaneous NBFC in India to cross ₹1 lakh crore business turnover: Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE) became the first miscellaneous non-banking financial company in India to achieve a ₹1 lakh crore business turnover, doubling from ₹50,000 crore in just four years.To celebrate this milestone, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event featuring the launch of the “KSFE Onam Samriddhi Gift Card” and the unveiling of the new tagline “KSFE: The Courage of Kerala.”KSFE reported a profit of ₹512 crore in FY 2024-25, provided ₹504 crore in financial assistance through interest waivers, contributed ₹920 crore to the state government, and holds fixed deposits worth ₹8,925 crore in the state treasury.

 

3. India’s Retail Inflation Drops to Eight-Year Low of 1.55% in July: India’s retail inflation eased to an eight-year low of 1.55% in July, down from 2.1% in June, marking the lowest year-on-year inflation since June 2017, as per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.Inflation softened to 1.18% in rural areas and 2.05% in urban regions, while food inflation dipped into deflation at 1.76%, the lowest since January 2019, with rural food inflation at 1.74% and urban at 1.9%.The decline in headline and food inflation is mainly due to favorable base effects and decreases in prices of pulses and products, transport and communication, vegetables, cereals, education, eggs, and sugar/confectionery.

 

4. Paytm Gets In-Principle Approval from RBI to Operate as Online Payment Aggregator: Paytm Payments Services Limited has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.The approval is conditional on compliance with RBI’s guidelines on regulation of Payment Aggregators and Payment Gateways issued in 2020 and related clarifications from 2021.

Daily GK Update- 12th Aug, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Yellow Line of Bengaluru Metro Phase-2, spanning over 19 km with 16 stations, valued at around Rs 7,160 crore, increasing Bengaluru’s operational metro network to over 96 km.He laid the foundation stone for Bengaluru Metro Phase-3 project worth Rs 15,610 crore, which will have more than 44 km route length and 31 elevated stations, aimed at improving transportation across residential, industrial, commercial, and educational zones.PM Modi also flagged off 3 Vande Bharat Express trains from Bengaluru to Belagavi, Amritsar–Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Nagpur–Pune, enhancing regional connectivity and reducing travel time with high-speed rail service.

 

2. India Inaugurates First ‘Animal Stem Cell Biobank’ at NIAB, Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first Animal Stem Cell Biobank at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) under BRIC in Hyderabad, to store and preserve high-quality stem cells from various animal species.The facility is a state-of-the-art centre aimed at advancing research in animal health, genetic preservation, and biodiversity conservation.The Minister also launched five breakthrough animal health technologies developed by NIAB, including BruDIVA, a diagnostic test to differentiate between brucellosis-infected and vaccinated animals for better disease control.

 

3. Mumbai Hosts Largest-Ever International Astronomy Olympiad with 288 Students from 64 Countries: The 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) began in Mumbai, hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, with participation from 288 students representing 64 countries, including Ghana as an observer.The 10-day event will feature diverse rounds such as theory, observation, sky map reading, data analysis, planetarium round, and team competitions, making it the largest IOAA ever held.The Olympiad aims to unite young astronomy enthusiasts worldwide, encouraging academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and friendship, while following rigorous question-setting and evaluation processes.

 

4. Section 498-A IPC : The Supreme Court of India recently upheld a suspension on arrests under Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code. This law addresses cruelty against married women by their husbands or relatives. The judgement, delivered in July 2025, allows a two-month ‘cool-off’ period during which no arrest or coercive action can be taken. This move has sparked debate on criminal justice and gender equality in India. Section 498-A was introduced in 1983 to combat cruelty against women in marriage. It covers acts like dowry harassment, physical and mental torture, and driving a woman to suicide or injury. The law aims to protect women from domestic violence and ensure their safety. It carries a punishment of up to three years imprisonment and a fine.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. BSNL Partners with Global Tech Giants to Launch Advanced 5G and AI Training Programs at Jabalpur Institute: BSNL signed MoUs with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to launch advanced training programs in 5G, AI/ML, networking, and digital technologies at BRBRAITT, Jabalpur.The initiative supports DoT’s plan to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research, and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT, aiming to train over 2,000 students annually with Phase 1 investments exceeding ₹1 crore.Courses will range from short 2-week modules to intensive 84-hour programs, aiming to position Jabalpur as a hub for cutting-edge technology education.

 

2. Kenya Becomes 10th Country to Eliminate Sleeping Sickness as a Public Health Problem: WHO: The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that Kenya has successfully eliminated sleeping sickness, also known as human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), as a public health problem, becoming the 10th country to achieve this milestone.HAT, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei and transmitted by infected tsetse flies, is generally fatal without treatment and primarily affects rural populations engaged in agriculture, fishing, livestock rearing, or hunting.Besides Kenya, countries such as Benin, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Togo, and Uganda have also eliminated sleeping sickness, marking significant progress toward making Africa free of neglected tropical diseases.

 

3. 11 August – World Steelpan Day: World Steelpan Day is celebrated every year on 11 August to honour the steelpan, the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century.Originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, the steelpan is a percussion instrument made from industrial steel drums, known for its vibrant, melodic sound.The day recognizes the cultural and musical significance of the steelpan, promoting awareness of its heritage and its role in uniting communities worldwide through music.

 

4. 12 August – World Elephant Day: World Elephant Day, observed annually on 12 August, aims to raise global awareness about the urgent need to protect elephants and their habitats, addressing threats like poaching, habitat loss, and human-elephant conflict.The day was first celebrated in 2012, initiated by Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims and Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation, and is now supported by over 100 wildlife organizations worldwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s Defence Production Hits Record Rs 1.50 Lakh Crore in FY 2024-25: India’s annual defence production reached an all-time high of Rs 1,50,590 crore in FY 2024-25, marking an 18% growth over the previous year and a 90% increase since FY 2019-20, reflecting a strengthening defence industrial base.Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed about 77% of total production, while the private sector’s share rose to 23% from 21% last year, showing increased private participation and a 28% growth in private sector production.Defence exports hit a record Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, up 12.04% from the previous year, highlighting the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and India’s growing role in global defence manufacturing and exports.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Annu Rani Clinches Women’s Javelin Title, Murali Sreeshankar Wins Long Jump at Indian Open 2025: In Athletics, Olympian Annu Rani won the women’s javelin throw title at the Indian Open 2025 World Athletics Bronze Level Continental Tour at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.She recorded a best throw of 62.01 meters, comfortably beating Sri Lanka’s NDL Hatarabag Leka 56.27 meters and India’s Deepika 54.20 meters.In the men’s javelin throw, India’s Shivam Lohakare secured the silver medal with a throw of 80.73 meters. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage claimed the gold with an impressive throw of 86.50 meters, surpassing the World Championships qualifying mark of 85.50 meters. Another Sri Lankan, Sumeda J Ranasinghe, took bronze with a throw of 80.65 meters.

 

2. Ramesh Budhial Becomes First Indian to Win Asian Surfing Championship Medal, Clinches Bronze: Ramesh Budhial became the first Indian ever to win a medal at the Asian Surfing Championships by clinching the bronze in the Open Men’s category held in Chennai, scoring 12.60 points.The men’s gold medal was won by Korea’s Kanoa Heejae with 15.17 points, while Indonesia’s Pajar Ariyana secured silver with 14.57 points.In the Open Women’s category, Japan’s Anri Matsuno won gold, and Korea’s Kanoa Heejae also took the Under-18 boys’ gold, showcasing strong performances across categories at the event.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. TCS Partners with Now Telecom to Boost Digital Infrastructure and Financial Inclusivity in the Philippines: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed an MoU with NOW Corporation’s telecom arm, Now Telecom, to strengthen the Philippines’ digital infrastructure, enhance financial inclusivity, and promote national digital sovereignty through secure and trusted networks.Under the partnership, TCS will provide sovereign cloud technology, a cyber-defence suite, and citizen-centric services in healthcare and digital banking, while also supporting operational interoperability and safeguarding national data from external threats.Both TCS and Now Telecom are part of the Trusted Network Alliance under the Trusted Network Initiative (TNI), working to develop secure telecom networks, bolster cyber-digital cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and ensure sovereign control over critical systems during crises.

 

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.

 

3. NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory: Recent developments in 2025 show NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) missions are at risk of termination. The Trump administration’s budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year excludes funding for these satellites. Despite their critical role in climate monitoring, NASA plans to end the missions citing budget priorities. This has sparked concern among scientists and lawmakers about the future of space-based carbon dioxide observation. The original OCO mission failed at launch due to a technical fault in 2009. Its replacement, OCO-2, launched in 2014, has since provided precise data on atmospheric carbon dioxide. A second instrument was added to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019. These missions monitor global carbon fluxes and plant health, vital for understanding climate change dynamics.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI approves Equirus Finance NBFC launch: The Reserve Bank of India has approved Equirus Group to enter the non-banking financial sector with its new lending arm, Equirus Finance, operating as a non-deposit-taking NBFC focused on customised lending solutions.Equirus Finance will offer products like Loan Against Securities (LAS), ESOP financing, market-linked debentures, and structured finance, targeting high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporate promoters with a goal to build a ₹3,000 crore loan book.Leveraging Equirus Wealth’s $2.2 billion asset management expertise, the NBFC aims to provide integrated financial advice and funding, emphasising transparency, regulatory compliance, and ethical lending to lead the premium lending segment in India.

 

2. EQBAC Launches in India with Partner-First Platform to Simplify Cross-Border Investing: EQBAC, headquartered in Mauritius, has launched operations in India with a partner-first approach to simplify cross-border investing, enabling retail and high-net-worth investors to access global assets through a secure and regulated digital platform.Founded by Satinder Aggarwal, EQBAC offers plug-and-play access to fractional global equities, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, pre-IPOs, and structured products, focusing on supporting financial advisors without competing with them.The platform acts as an execution broker with white-label and API integrations, allowing partners to retain client relationships, revenue, and branding, while investments are held in segregated accounts via top global banks like Citibank and Standard Chartered.

 

3. ICICI Bank raises minimum balance requirement for savings accounts: ICICI Bank has increased the minimum monthly average balance (MAB) for new savings bank accounts opened on or after August 1, 2025, by five times to ₹50,000 in metro and urban locations; semi-urban MAB is now ₹25,000, and rural MAB is ₹10,000.Customers failing to meet the required MAB will face penal charges of 6% of the shortfall or ₹500 (whichever is lower), with an annual interest rate of 2.5% applicable on savings balances.Certain accounts such as salary accounts, PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts, and basic savings deposit accounts remain exempt as they are zero-balance accounts; higher MAB holders get benefits like free NEFT transfers and 3 complimentary cash transactions per month.The revision comes as public sector banks like SBI, PNB, Canara Bank, and Indian Bank have waived or reduced MAB penalties, contrasting with ICICI Bank’s sharp hike for new accounts.