Daily GK Update- 18th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NHAI Launches FASTag Annual Pass at 1,150 Toll Plazas Nationwide: NHAI launched the ‘FASTag Annual Pass’ facility on 15th August 2025 across 1,150 toll plazas on National Highways & Expressways, in line with PM Modi’s vision of promoting technology and ‘Ease of Living’.On the first day itself, around 1.4 lakh users purchased & activated the pass, recording 1.39 lakh transactions; the Rajmargyatra App saw 20,000–25,000 concurrent users at any given time.The annual pass, available for ₹3,000 with 1-year validity or 200 toll crossings, eliminates the need for frequent recharges; it is applicable for all non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag.User support strengthened with NHAI officials/nodal officers at toll plazas and an upgraded 1033 National Highway Helpline (100+ new executives), ensuring smooth and grievance-free travel.

 

2. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Launches Atal Canteens to Serve Food at Rs 5: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announced Atal Canteens in her first Independence Day speech, offering food at just Rs 5 for workers, and promised pucca houses for all slum residents.Atal Canteens plan details: 100 canteens will be set up in Delhi’s slum clusters, with a government allocation of Rs 100 crore, covering around 700 big and small slums.Objective of Atal Canteens: To enhance food security and improve the nutritional status of economically weaker sections, launched in honor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth centenary.

 

3. Indian Overseas Bank Partners with Mumbai Metro One to Launch Smart Ticketing Solutions: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has partnered with Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd to provide ticketing solutions, including smart cards, paper tickets, and QR-based ticketing for commuters.The system will be integrated with Mumbai Metro’s ticketing APIs, enabling real-time validation and instant confirmation for passengers.Mumbai Metro Line 1, connecting Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar, handles around 4.5 lakh daily commuters and over 3 lakh daily transactions, significantly easing traffic congestion in the city.Nagaland Governor La Ganesan Passes Dies at 80: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan passed away at 80 in Chennai.La Ganesan’s political career included serving as Governor of Nagaland (from February 2023), Governor of Manipur, and briefly holding additional charge of West Bengal.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 15 August – The Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary: The Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is celebrated every year on 15 August by Christians worldwide, especially by the Catholic Church.It commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into Heaven, marking her purity and divine grace.The day is a major feast in Christianity, observed with special prayers, masses, and cultural traditions in many countries.

 

2. Universal Rule of Biodiversity Patterns Discovered Globally: Recent research has revealed a universal pattern in how biodiversity arranges itself within the world’s major biogeographical regions. This discovery challenges earlier assumptions that species distribution inside each region would be unique and unrelated to others. The study analysed over 30,000 species from various taxa across the globe. It found a clear, repeating layered structure in biodiversity that transcends continents, climate zones, and organism types. The Earth is divided into large biogeographical regions, each hosting distinct species shaped by history, climate, and geographical barriers. Traditionally, scientists believed that biodiversity patterns inside these regions were idiosyncratic. Tropical zones are known for high species richness, while polar regions have fewer species. However, the new study sought to find if a universal internal pattern exists within these regions.

 

3. Bering Strait Shipping Cooperation Amid Political Strains: Recent research reveals that mariners navigating the Bering Strait are largely adhering to the 2018 shipping guidelines. These guidelines, established through a joint U.S.-Russia initiative under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), promote safe and environmentally responsible transit in this sensitive Arctic region. Despite escalating geopolitical tensions, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this study marks a rare instance of quiet cooperation between the two nations in a critical maritime corridor. Establishing new designated avoidance zones could reduce environmental stress and protect indigenous interests. Continued monitoring and adherence to voluntary measures remain crucial. Maintaining open channels for dialogue on maritime safety and ecology could prevent disasters and encourage long-term collaboration despite political challenges.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Navy win Armed Forces Inter Services Squash Championship: The Indian Navy has won the Armed Forces Inter Services Squash Championship 2025-26 by defeating Indian Air Force by 2-1 during the final match played at Indian Air Force’s Base Repair Depot at Chandigarh.The championship, which was held from August 10-14, 2025, having four teams – Army Red, Army Green, Air Force, and Indian Navy, was aimed to select the best players to represent the Services Squash Team in the upcoming National Squash Championship.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Abhinav Bindra Appointed as IOC Mental Health Ambassador to Promote Athlete Well-Being: Olympic gold medalist and former athlete Abhinav Bindra has been appointed as one of nine International Olympic Committee (IOC) Mental Health Ambassadors, recognising his long-time advocacy for athlete mental health.Mental Health Ambassadors are tasked with breaking stigma, promoting open conversation about mental health, and supporting athlete well-being through education, social media engagement, and one-on-one guidance.

 

2. Sathiyan Clinches Men’s Singles Title at World Table Tennis Feeder in Laos: India’s G. Sathiyan won the men’s singles title at the World Table Tennis Feeder in Vientiane, Laos, defeating top seed Ryoichi Yoshiyama of Japan 11-4, 11-6, 12-10 in the final.This victory marks Sathiyan’s second Feeder title and his fifth senior crown overall, highlighting his consistent performance at the international level.

 

3. Former Sri Lankan cricketer Saman banned from all forms of cricket: Former Sri Lankan domestic cricketer Saliya Saman has been banned from all forms of Cricket for five years after an ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal found him guilty of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code.Saman was among eight people charged in September 2023 for breaching the Code during the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League, where attempts to corrupt matches in the tournament were disrupted by the ICC, the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO) for the purposes of the ECB’s Code for the tournament.The ban, as per the ICC statement today, is backdated to 13 September 2023, when Saman was provisionally suspended.

 

4. Logo & Mascot of 1st Khelo India Water Sports unveiled: The first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) logo and mascot were unveiled in Srinagar, with the Himalayan Kingfisher chosen as the mascot.The logo highlights Kashmir’s beauty, depicting a Shikara on Dal Lake with snow-capped mountains and pine trees in the background.The event will be hosted on Dal Lake from August 21-23, featuring 400+ athletes from 36 States/UTs competing in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, organized by the J&K Sports Council and the Ministry of Youth Affairs.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Bihar Launches AI-Powered Bridge Management Training for Engineers Under New State Policy: Bihar Road Construction Department has partnered with IIT Delhi to launch a six-month advanced certification programme for engineers on AI-powered bridge management and real-time structural health monitoring, starting September 2025.The programme will train over 100 state engineers in AI/ML-based analysis of drone and sensor data, compute Bridge Health Index (BHI), implement real-time monitoring systems, and apply algorithm-driven Maintenance Priority Index (MPI) models for efficient resource planning.This initiative is part of the Bihar State Bridge Management & Maintenance Policy, 2025, aiming to build indigenous technical capacity, reduce reliance on external consultants, and ensure transparency through publicly accessible bridge data on the BIMS portal.

 

2. Gugga Naumi: Gugga Naumi is a vibrant folk religious festival celebrated in northern India. The festival honours Gugga Pir, a folk deity believed to have the power to protect against snakebites. Celebrated annually in the Bhadrapad month, it marks the syncretic traditions of India, where people from different religions participate in shared cultural practices. Gugga Naumi falls on the ninth day of Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapad month of the Hindu lunar calendar. It usually occurs after Raksha Bandhan and before Janmashtami. The festival spans about nine days, beginning on Raksha Bandhan. The timing reflects its close association with the agricultural and seasonal cycles of northern India.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC ERGO Partners with PhonePe to Launch Affordable Health Insurance for Young Adults: HDFC ERGO has partnered with PhonePe to launch an affordable health insurance solution for India’s ‘missing middle’, combining a digital-first insurer with a popular digital payment platform.

Premiums start at Rs 12 per day (approx. Rs 4,380 per year) for Rs 3 lakh coverage, and the policy can be purchased directly through the PhonePe app.The policy primarily targets individuals aged 18–30 years, many of whom are first-time insurance buyers, to enhance accessibility and adoption of health insurance.

 

2. SBI Life Launches Smart Shield Plus Term Insurance with Flexible Coverage Options: SBI Life has launched Smart Shield Plus, a non-linked, non-participating, pure risk life insurance product designed to address the evolving protection needs of modern consumers.The plan offers three coverage options — Level Cover, Increasing Cover, and Level Cover with Future Proofing Benefit — allowing policyholders to tailor coverage according to life milestones and changing responsibilities.Key benefits include the Increasing Cover option, which raises the sum assured by 5% per year up to 200% of the original amount, and the Future Proofing option, which lets policyholders enhance coverage as their financial needs grow.

 

3. PhonePe Leads UPI in July 2025 with 8.93 Billion Transactions and 46% Market Share: PhonePe led the UPI ecosystem in July 2025 with 8.93 billion transactions worth ₹12.20 trillion, securing a 45.88% market share, ahead of Google Pay and Paytm.Google Pay followed with 6.92 billion transactions (₹8.91 trillion, 35.56% share), while Paytm processed 1.36 billion transactions (₹1.43 trillion, 7.02% share).Among emerging players, Navi handled 444.06 million transactions, and super.money processed 252.85 million transactions, indicating growing competition in the UPI space.

 

Daily GK Update- 17th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Extreme Weather Events in Jammu and Kashmir: The Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir faced a tragic flash floodrecently. Torrential rain struck the remote village of Chasoti near Machail Mata temple. At least 65 people died and over 50 remain missing. Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of such disasters to global warming and changing weather patterns. Jammu and Kashmir has seen a sharp rise in extreme weather events, causing thousands of deaths over recent years. Between 2010 and 2022, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 2,863 extreme weather events. These included thunderstorms, heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, and heavy snow. Thunderstorms occurred 1,942 times, while heavy rain was reported 409 times. Flash floods and landslides took place 168 and 186 times respectively. Heavy snow events were fewer but deadlier, causing 182 deaths. Overall, 552 deaths were recorded during this period due to extreme weather. Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous terrain amplifies extreme weather effects. Orographic rainfall occurs when moist air rises over hills, cools, and condenses into heavy precipitation. This natural feature makes the region prone to sudden floods and landslides. The unstable terrain also worsens the damage caused by flash floods and heavy rains.

 

2. US-Russia Talks Impact India’s Russian Oil Imports: The 2025 US-Russia summit in Alaska ended without a ceasefire agreement for Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin emerged politically stronger while US President Donald Trump showed no immediate follow-up on sanctions or concrete outcomes. The talks drew global attention, especially from India, which closely watched the implications for its trade and energy security amid ongoing US sanctions related to Russian oil imports. The Russia-Ukraine war that began in 2022 has shaped global geopolitics. The US imposed sanctions on Russia and its allies to pressure Moscow to cease hostilities. Trump’s administration threatened tougher sanctions but hesitated to act decisively. Putin used such summits to improve Russia’s global image without making major concessions. Since 2022, India has increased its imports of Russian crude oil. Initially less than 2% of India’s oil came from Russia. Discounts offered by Russia amid Western sanctions made it the largest crude supplier to India by 2025, accounting for 35-40% of India’s oil imports. This shift helped India secure energy at competitive prices.

 

3. Indian Phoenix Palms: Recent botanical research has uncovered a new species of palm in India and reclassified existing ones within the genus Phoenix. These findings stem from revisiting the 17th-century work Hortus Malabaricus by Hendrik van Rheede. The study resolves longstanding confusion about palms found across the Indian subcontinent and neighbouring regions. The palm named Katou-Indel appears in Hortus Malabaricus, a monumental 17th-century botanical treatise on Malabar flora. Compiled by Hendrik van Rheede with help from physician Itty Achudan, the work documents medicinal plants of Kerala’s coast. The palm was later named Phoenix sylvestris by William Roxburgh in the 19th century. A team from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) and Botanical Survey of India (BSI) re-examined Katou-Indel. They confirmed that the palms in Kerala and Sri Lanka belong to Phoenix sylvestris. They also reclassified three previously distinct species—P. pusilla, P. farinifera, and P. zeylanica—as Phoenix sylvestris.

 

4. India’s Wholesale Price Inflation Hits Two-Year Low: India’s factory gate inflation, measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), recorded a two-year low of -0.58 per cent in July 2025. This marked the second consecutive month of negative inflation, mainly driven by falling food and fuel prices. Despite this overall decline, prices of manufactured goods showed an upward trend during the same period. The WPI is the primary inflation indicator in India. It tracks price changes of a basket of goods at the wholesale level. The index is divided into three groups – Primary Articles (22.6%), Fuel and Power (13.2%), and Manufactured Products (64.2%). Food items from Primary Articles and Manufactured Products together form 24.4% of the total weight. Key subgroups include Basic Metals, Food Products, Chemicals, and Textiles. Primary food articles fell by 6.29% in July, marking the third consecutive month of deflation. Onion prices plunged by 44.4%, potatoes by 41.3%, and vegetables by 28.9%. Pulses and fruits also saw price drops of 15.12% and 2.65%, respectively. Protein-rich foods like eggs, meat, and fish fell by 1.09%. Wheat prices rose by 4.4%, while oil seeds surged by 9.77%, showing mixed trends within food items.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Achieves Historic Deep Ocean Dives in Atlantic: India reached a new milestone in ocean exploration in August 2025. Two Indian aquanauts descended to depths of 4,025 and 5,002 metres in the Atlantic Ocean. This achievement places India among fewer than six nations to explore such extreme ocean depths. The expedition was part of an Indo-French collaboration using the French submersible Nautile. It sets the stage for India’s upcoming Samudrayan Mission, which aims to reach 6,000 metres using the indigenous submersible MATSYA-6000 by 2027. The dives mark India’s first ventures beyond 4,000 metres depth. They demonstrate India’s growing scientific and technological capabilities in deep ocean research. The missions contribute to the understanding of deep-sea environments and resource potential. The success boosts India’s global standing in marine exploration and supports its goal of becoming a leading economy. The expedition was conducted with IFREMER, the French marine research institute. Indian aquanauts boarded the Nautile submersible from the research ship L’Atalante near Portugal. This collaboration provided valuable experience in deep-sea operations. It helped Indian scientists gain expertise in piloting, sample collection, and managing submersible systems. Such partnerships enhance knowledge transfer and encourage international scientific cooperation.

 

2. US Supreme Court Upholds Mississippi Social Media Age Law: The Supreme Court recently declined to block a Mississippi law that requires age verification and parental consent for social media use by minors. This ruling marks moment in ongoing legal battles over regulating online platforms to protect children. The law aims to address concerns about social media’s impact on youth mental health and safety. The law mandates that social media companies verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors under 18. It also obliges platforms to make reasonable efforts to prevent minors from accessing harmful content. Violations can result in fines up to $10,000. The law targets safety issues like sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation. Tech companies led by NetChoice, representing giants like Google, Meta, and Snap Inc., challenged the law. They argued it violates the First Amendment by restricting free speech and threatens user privacy. A federal judge initially blocked the law, citing constitutional concerns. However, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed enforcement while the case proceeds. The Supreme Court’s recent refusal to stay the law means it remains active during litigation.

 

3. Ancient Human Presence in Wallacea: Recent discoveries in Sulawesi, Indonesia, have pushed back the timeline of early human habitation in the Wallacea region to about 1.5 million years ago. Archaeologists unearthed stone tools that suggest Homo erectus lived on islands between Asia and Australia far earlier than previously believed. This challenges existing views on early human migration and sea travel capabilities. Archaeologists from Australia and Indonesia found small, chipped stone tools in Soppeng, South Sulawesi. These tools were used for cutting small animals and carving rocks. The tools were buried under soil layers and dated using radioactive methods, showing an age of up to 1.48 million years. Animal teeth found nearby supported the dating results. Previously, it was thought that early humans in Wallacea lived only around 1 million years ago on nearby islands like Flores and Luzon. These new findings in Sulawesi extend the timeline by nearly half a million years. They suggest that Homo erectus had the ability to cross ocean gaps much earlier than assumed. This implies early humans had some form of sea travel or island hopping skills.

 

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.

2. Char Dham Road Project Risks Himalayan Ecology: Recent concerns have emerged over the Char Dham all-weather road widening project in the Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone (BESZ). Experts warn that the current plan could destabilise the fragile Himalayan terrain. Two members of a Supreme Court-appointed panel have brought into light risks based on their detailed surveys. Their findings link recent floods and landslides to slope instability caused by construction activities. They have urged the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to reconsider the project design and enforce eco-sensitive protections strictly. The Bhagirathi ESZ notification mandates the preparation of a Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) by the Uttarakhand government. The ZMP follows a watershed development approach based on participatory planning. It integrates forest and wildlife governance, watershed management, irrigation, energy, tourism, public health, sanitation, and road infrastructure. The plan aims to balance ecological conservation with development needs. Approval of the ZMP is expected to guide sustainable development in the region.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Jellyfish Swarms Disrupt Nuclear Power Plants Worldwide: Recent incidents have brought into light the growing challenge posed by jellyfish swarms to nuclear power plants. Recently, France’s Gravelines Nuclear Power Station temporarily shut down multiple reactors after jellyfish clogged its cooling system. This event is part of a rising trend where marine life disrupts critical infrastructure. Understanding the causes and impacts of these disruptions is essential for energy security and environmental management. Nuclear plants rely on large volumes of seawater to cool reactors. Intake pipes draw water through grated screens designed to keep out debris and aquatic life. When millions of jellyfish are drawn in during blooms, they clog these screens rapidly. This blocks water flow, risking overheating of turbines, condensers, and boilers. To avoid damage, plants must shut down reactors until the blockage is cleared. Removing jellyfish is difficult and hazardous, sometimes taking up to two days. Jellyfish-related shutdowns have increased due to several environmental factors. Global warming raises ocean temperatures, boosting plankton populations, the main jellyfish food. Warmer water also speeds up jellyfish reproduction. Overfishing removes natural jellyfish predators like tuna and sea turtles, allowing jellyfish numbers to grow unchecked. Plastic pollution creates low oxygen zones and artificial breeding sites near coastlines, further aiding jellyfish proliferation.

 

2. Simplified Two-Tier GST System Proposed: The Centre has proposed a simplified Goods and Services Tax (GST) system with two main slabs – standard and merit. This reform aims to replace the existing four slabs of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. The proposal was sent to the Group of Ministers (GoM) for review. The move is part of next-generation GST reforms promised by the Prime Minister to be revealed by Diwali 2025. These reforms are expected to provide tax relief to the common man and support small and medium enterprises. The new GST system will have two broad slabs. The standard slab will cover most goods and services. The merit slab will apply to essential and socially important items. Special rates will be maintained only for a few select goods. This simplification aims to reduce confusion and disputes related to tax classifications. It will also address inverted duty structures where input tax is higher than output tax, encouraging domestic production. The reforms target affordability for common citizens including women, students, farmers, and the middle class. By lowering tax rates on essential and aspirational goods, the government hopes to boost consumption and make products more accessible. This will help stimulate economic activity and support sectoral expansion across the country.

 

3. PelV-1: Recent research in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre has revealed a giant virus named PelV-1. This virus infects the plankton Pelagodinium and possesses a tail far longer than any previously identified. Measuring 2.3 micrometres, the tail is about 19 times the length of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This discovery provides new vital information about marine viruses and their ecological roles. PelV-1 was found at Station ALOHA, north of Hawaii, by sampling seawater 25 metres below the surface. Scientists isolated Pelagodinium plankton and detected the virus as a hitchhiker. Viruses infecting dinoflagellates like Pelagodinium are extremely rare, with only two other large DNA viruses known to target this group. PelV-1 has a 200-nanometre capsid and an exceptionally long tail measuring 2.3 micrometres. This tail is the longest viral appendage discovered to date. Unlike most viruses, which lack tails or have very small ones, PelV-1’s tail likely aids in attaching to and entering host cells. Time-lapse imaging shows the tail attaching to plankton cells during infection, but it disappears once the virus is inside, suggesting the tail forms only outside the host.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: The Centre launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) on 15 August 2025. The scheme aims to boost formal employment by providing financial incentives to both first-time employees and employers. Operated by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the scheme has a budget of ₹99,446 crore and targets the creation of over 3.5 crore jobs in two years. The scheme seeks to formalise jobs and increase job creation in the organised sector. It offers direct cash incentives to encourage employers to hire new workers and motivate employees to retain jobs. The initiative also promotes financial literacy and long-term savings among workers. Employees joining an EPFO-registered establishment for the first time after 15 August 2025 and earning up to ₹1 lakh per month are eligible. They receive up to ₹15,000 in two instalments. The first instalment is paid after six months of employment. The second instalment is given after 12 months, contingent on completing a financial literacy module. A portion of the second instalment is credited to a designated savings account to encourage future savings.

 

2. Generative AI to Boost Banking Efficiency in India by 46%, Says RBI Report: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that Generative AI could enhance banking operations in India by up to 46%, improving efficiency, customer understanding, and personalised services.The generative AI segment in India is projected to exceed ₹1.02 lakh crore (~USD 12 billion) by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 28–34%.RBI highlighted that AI adoption across the financial services sector is expected to directly boost revenue growth in the coming years.In India, where millions lack formal banking access, AI can assess creditworthiness using non-traditional data sources, expanding financial inclusion.

 

3. WPI Falls to -0.6% in July; Retail Inflation Hits 8-Year Low at 1.55% : Wholesale inflation (WPI) fell to (-)0.6% in July 2025 from (-)0.1% in June, mainly due to declining prices of food articles, mineral oils, crude petroleum, natural gas, and basic metals, with food articles recording a deflation of 6.29%.Retail inflation (CPI) dropped to 1.55% in July, the lowest in 8 years, compared to 2.1% in June, raising expectations for a possible policy interest rate cut by the RBI in October.Vegetables saw a sharp price fall, with deflation at 28.96% in July (from 22.65% in June), while manufactured products inflation rose slightly to 2.05%; fuel and power inflation remained negative at 2.43%.

 

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- 16th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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.

 

3. Arintra Raises $21M Series A Led by Peak XV to Expand AI-Powered Medical Coding Platform: Arintra, a GenAI-powered medical coding platform, has raised $21 million in Series A funding led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Endeavor Health Ventures, Y Combinator, and others, to boost nationwide adoption, product development, team expansion, and establish a Bay Area HQ.The platform ensures accurate and efficient reimbursement for healthcare providers through a proactive, outcomes-driven approach, enhancing revenue assurance.Arintra has processed over $1 billion in healthcare charges, with Mercyhealth reporting a 5.1% revenue increase, 43% fewer denials, and 32% reduced costs using the platf

 

4. Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s first book, Why the Constitution Matters: The cover of “Why the Constitution Matters”, the first book by former Chief Justice of India Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has been unveiled; it will be published by Penguin Random House by the end of August.Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who retired in November 2024 as the 50th Chief Justice of India, was succeeded by Justice Sanjay Khanna (51st CJI) and later by Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai (52nd CJI).The book highlights constitutional values through Chandrachud’s landmark judgments on right to privacy, decriminalization of homosexuality, and gender equality in the armed forces.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. US-Russia Talks Impact India’s Russian Oil Imports: The 2025 US-Russia summit in Alaska ended without a ceasefire agreement for Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin emerged politically stronger while US President Donald Trump showed no immediate follow-up on sanctions or concrete outcomes. The talks drew global attention, especially from India, which closely watched the implications for its trade and energy security amid ongoing US sanctions related to Russian oil imports. The Russia-Ukraine war that began in 2022 has shaped global geopolitics. The US imposed sanctions on Russia and its allies to pressure Moscow to cease hostilities. Trump’s administration threatened tougher sanctions but hesitated to act decisively. Putin used such summits to improve Russia’s global image without making major concessions. Since 2022, India has increased its imports of Russian crude oil. Initially less than 2% of India’s oil came from Russia. Discounts offered by Russia amid Western sanctions made it the largest crude supplier to India by 2025, accounting for 35-40% of India’s oil imports. This shift helped India secure energy at competitive prices.

 

2. Indian Phoenix Palms: Recent botanical research has uncovered a new species of palm in India and reclassified existing ones within the genus Phoenix. These findings stem from revisiting the 17th-century work Hortus Malabaricus by Hendrik van Rheede. The study resolves longstanding confusion about palms found across the Indian subcontinent and neighbouring regions. The palm named Katou-Indel appears in Hortus Malabaricus, a monumental 17th-century botanical treatise on Malabar flora. Compiled by Hendrik van Rheede with help from physician Itty Achudan, the work documents medicinal plants of Kerala’s coast. The palm was later named Phoenix sylvestris by William Roxburgh in the 19th century. A team from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) and Botanical Survey of India (BSI) re-examined Katou-Indel. They confirmed that the palms in Kerala and Sri Lanka belong to Phoenix sylvestris. They also reclassified three previously distinct species—P. pusilla, P. farinifera, and P. zeylanica—as Phoenix sylvestris.

 

3. India Achieves Historic Deep Ocean Dives in Atlantic: India reached a new milestone in ocean exploration in August 2025. Two Indian aquanauts descended to depths of 4,025 and 5,002 metres in the Atlantic Ocean. This achievement places India among fewer than six nations to explore such extreme ocean depths. The expedition was part of an Indo-French collaboration using the French submersible Nautile. It sets the stage for India’s upcoming Samudrayan Mission, which aims to reach 6,000 metres using the indigenous submersible MATSYA-6000 by 2027. The dives mark India’s first ventures beyond 4,000 metres depth. They demonstrate India’s growing scientific and technological capabilities in deep ocean research. The missions contribute to the understanding of deep-sea environments and resource potential. The success boosts India’s global standing in marine exploration and supports its goal of becoming a leading economy. The expedition was conducted with IFREMER, the French marine research institute. Indian aquanauts boarded the Nautile submersible from the research ship L’Atalante near Portugal. This collaboration provided valuable experience in deep-sea operations. It helped Indian scientists gain expertise in piloting, sample collection, and managing submersible systems. Such partnerships enhance knowledge transfer and encourage international scientific cooperation.

 

4. US Supreme Court Upholds Mississippi Social Media Age Law: The Supreme Court recently declined to block a Mississippi law that requires age verification and parental consent for social media use by minors. This ruling marks moment in ongoing legal battles over regulating online platforms to protect children. The law aims to address concerns about social media’s impact on youth mental health and safety. The law mandates that social media companies verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors under 18. It also obliges platforms to make reasonable efforts to prevent minors from accessing harmful content. Violations can result in fines up to $10,000. The law targets safety issues like sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation. Tech companies led by NetChoice, representing giants like Google, Meta, and Snap Inc., challenged the law. They argued it violates the First Amendment by restricting free speech and threatens user privacy. A federal judge initially blocked the law, citing constitutional concerns. However, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed enforcement while the case proceeds. The Supreme Court’s recent refusal to stay the law means it remains active during litigation.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s Demographic Mission: India in 2025 faces a renewed focus on illegal immigration and its impact on national security and social stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a high-powered Demography Mission to address these concerns. The government is intensifying identity verification and cracking down on suspected foreign nationals, particularly from Bangladesh. This mission aims to prevent demographic shifts that could destabilise border regions and undermine national security. Demographic shifts in border areas are viewed as a direct threat to India’s security. Infiltration and illegal settlement can lead to conflict and social unrest. The government asserts that no nation should surrender to such challenges. The mission is designed to prevent infiltration and protect the sovereignty and unity of the country. It emphasises the need for vigilance and strict enforcement of immigration laws. Illegal immigration is said to disproportionately affect tribal and backward communities. Migrants allegedly mislead adivasis and encroach upon their lands. This has socio-economic consequences including loss of livelihood and cultural erosion. The government’s mission seeks to protect these communities by preserving their land rights and ensuring social harmony.

 

 

 

 

 

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. AI-Powered ‘SabhaSaar’ to Revolutionize Panchayat Meetings with Automated Summarisation: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will launch ‘SabhaSaar’, an AI-powered meeting summarisation tool by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, designed to automatically generate Minutes of Meeting (MoM) from Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings’ audio/video recordings.SabhaSaar, powered by AI & NLP technologies, will transcribe discussions, capture key decisions/action points, and provide structured minutes. Integrated with Bhashini, it currently supports 13 Indian languages.The initiative aims to strengthen participatory democracy and improve efficiency in local governance by reducing manual documentation, ensuring transparency and accountability, and allowing Panchayat officials to focus more on service delivery.

 

2. Jellyfish Swarms Disrupt Nuclear Power Plants Worldwide: Recent incidents have brought into light the growing challenge posed by jellyfish swarms to nuclear power plants. Recently, France’s Gravelines Nuclear Power Station temporarily shut down multiple reactors after jellyfish clogged its cooling system. This event is part of a rising trend where marine life disrupts critical infrastructure. Understanding the causes and impacts of these disruptions is essential for energy security and environmental management. Nuclear plants rely on large volumes of seawater to cool reactors. Intake pipes draw water through grated screens designed to keep out debris and aquatic life. When millions of jellyfish are drawn in during blooms, they clog these screens rapidly. This blocks water flow, risking overheating of turbines, condensers, and boilers. To avoid damage, plants must shut down reactors until the blockage is cleared. Removing jellyfish is difficult and hazardous, sometimes taking up to two days.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI Allows IAs and RAs to Use Liquid & Overnight Mutual Funds for Mandatory Deposit Compliance: SEBI has allowed Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) to use liquid and overnight mutual funds for fulfilling their mandatory deposit requirements, offering an alternative to deposits with scheduled banks.Overnight mutual funds are a type of debt mutual fund investing in overnight securities, i.e., debt instruments with a maturity of just one day.Currently, IAs and RAs are required to maintain a specified deposit with a scheduled bank, marked as a lien in favour of IAASB or RAASB as applicable.The move follows representations from industry participants and public consultation feedback, with SEBI’s board approving the proposal in June 2025 and notifying amendments to the relevant norms on August 6–7, 2025.

 

2. NPCI to Halt P2P UPI ‘Collect Requests’ from October 1 to Curb Frauds: NPCI has instructed banks and payment apps to stop all peer-to-peer (P2P) UPI “collect requests” from October 1, 2025, in a move aimed at curbing frauds, while the peer-to-merchant (P2M) collect feature will remain unaffected.The UPI “collect” feature lets a user send a payment request to another UPI user, who must approve it for the payment to be processed; currently, the per-transaction limit is ₹2,000 and the daily successful P2P credit transaction cap is 50.Fraud cases involving “collect requests” were common in UPI’s early days but have declined sharply after NPCI capped the transaction value to ₹2,000.UPI usage hit a record 19.47 billion transactions worth ₹25.08 lakh crore in July 2025, up 35% and 22% y-o-y respectively, with an average of 628 million transactions daily.

 

3. Generative AI to Boost Banking Efficiency in India by 46%, Says RBI Report: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that Generative AI could enhance banking operations in India by up to 46%, improving efficiency, customer understanding, and personalised services.The generative AI segment in India is projected to exceed ₹1.02 lakh crore (~USD 12 billion) by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 28–34%.RBI highlighted that AI adoption across the financial services sector is expected to directly boost revenue growth in the coming years.In India, where millions lack formal banking access, AI can assess creditworthiness using non-traditional data sources, expanding financial inclusion.