Daily GK Update- 19th Aug, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government Launches ₹1 Lakh Crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana to Create 3.5 Crore Jobs: The government launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) portal, a central sector scheme with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, aiming to generate 3.5 crore jobs between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.

The scheme has two parts:

·       Part A: One-time incentive for first-time employees, equivalent to up to one month’s wage (max ₹15,000) in two instalments.

·       Part B: Incentives for employers hiring new/additional employees, with a special focus on the manufacturing sector.

Under Part A, employees with gross wages up to ₹1 lakh are eligible. Employers get slab-based incentives: ₹1,000 (salary up to ₹10,000), ₹2,000 (₹10,000–₹20,000), and ₹3,000 (₹20,000–₹30,000). Under Part B, establishments get up to ₹3,000 per month per additional employee for 2 years (4 years for manufacturing sector), provided they sustain at least 2 or 5 additional employees (depending on establishment size).

 

2. Prime Minister Modi Inaugurated ₹11,000 Crore Dwarka Expressway and UER-II Projects in Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major highway projects worth nearly ₹11,000 crore in Delhi at Rohini, followed by a public address.A 10.1-km Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway, built at ₹5,360 crore, will connect Yashobhoomi, Metro’s Blue & Orange lines, upcoming Bijwasan railway station, and Dwarka cluster bus depot, and directly link with UER-II.The Alipur–Dichaon Kalan stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) with spurs to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, developed at ₹5,580 crore, will ease congestion on Delhi’s Inner/Outer Ring Roads and choke points like Mukarba Chowk and Dhaula Kuan.These projects will help decongest Delhi, improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost NCR’s economic activity through world-class infrastructure.

 

3. Srinivasan K Swamy Elected AAAI President for 2025–26, Marks Fourth Term: Srinivasan K Swamy, Executive Group Chairman of R K Swamy Ltd, has been elected President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for 2025–26, succeeding Prasanth Kumar.AAAI is India’s national organisation for advertising agencies, promoting professionalism and sound business practices among advertisers, agencies, and media.Swamy expressed his honour and humility, noting this is his fourth term as AAAI President, with his previous tenure from 2004 to 2007.

 

4. Shwetha Menon and Kukku Parameswaran Become First Women to Lead Malayalam Actors’ Body AMMA: For the first time, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) will be led by women, with Shwetha Menon elected as President and Kukku Parameswaran as General Secretary.The election took place in Kochi, Kerala on August 15, 2025, where they defeated actors Devan and Raveendran; more than 290 out of 504 members voted.Unni Shivapal was elected Treasurer, while Jayan Cherthala and Lakshmipriya became Vice Presidents, marking a new phase in AMMA’s leadership history.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. S&P Global Upgrades India’s Credit Rating to BBB After 18 Years: S&P Global upgraded India’s long-term sovereign credit rating from BBB- to BBB, citing economic resilience and fiscal consolidation, and maintained a stable outlook.S&P emphasized India’s buoyant economic growth, enhanced monetary policy, and government efforts in fiscal consolidation and spending quality as key factors supporting the upgrade.The stable outlook reflects political stability and high infrastructure investment, supporting India’s long-term growth prospects; this is the first upgrade in 18 years since January 2007.

 

2. Kotak Mahindra International becomes first Indian firm to receive SCA license for investment and portfolio management in UAE: Kotak Mahindra (International) has received a license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE to conduct Investment Fund Management and Portfolio Management activities.With this approval, Kotak Mahindra (International) became the first Indian firm to obtain such a license from the SCA, marking a key milestone in cross-border financial services.The development enables the launch of UAE-domiciled funds for retail investors, strengthening the UAE’s status as a regional financial and investment hub.

 

3. 19 August – World Humanitarian Day: World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on 19 August around the world to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service. This day also honours the work of women in crises throughout the world.Theme 2025 – Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities.The day commemorates the 1995 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, which killed 22 people, including UN staff members. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by aid workers in conflict zones.

 

4. 19 August – World Photography Day: World Photography Day is celebrated annually on 19 August to honour the art, craft, and science of photography.It recognises the role of photography in documenting moments, telling stories, and capturing memories.Theme 2025 – My Favourite PhotoThe day commemorates the invention of the first permanent photograph in 1839 by Louis Daguerre, who introduced the daguerreotype process, marking a major milestone in the history of photography.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals: The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals (SYSM) were awarded in 2025 to seven military leaders for their distinguished service during Operation Sindoor. This operation was launched by the Indian Armed Forces in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. The awards recognise exceptional leadership and operational success in wartime. This year, the Indian Air Force received the majority of medals, followed by the Army and Navy. Operation Sindoor began on 7 May 2025. It targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths. The attack was attributed to terrorists linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba. The operation aimed to neutralise terror infrastructure and restore security along the Line of Control (LoC).

 

SPORTS

 

1. Bihar CM Unveils Logo, Mascot “Chand” and Trophy for 12th Men’s Asia Cup Hockey 2025 in Rajgir: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unveiled the logo, mascot (“Chand”) and trophy of the 12th Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Championship, which Bihar is hosting for the first time from 29 August to 7 September 2025 at Rajgir International Stadium.The mascot “Chand”, inspired by Major Dhyan Chand and the tiger of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, symbolises courage, agility, strength, and pays tribute to India’s hockey legacy.The tournament, starting on National Sports Day (29 August), will feature teams from India, China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, South Korea, Oman, and Bangladesh, with the winner directly qualifying for the Hockey World Cup.

 

2. Former Australian Cricketer, Captain and Coach Bob Simpson Dies: Former Australian cricketer, captain and coach Bob Simpson passed away at the age of 89; he represented Australia in 62 Tests and 2 ODIs (1957–1978), scoring 4,869 runs and taking 71 wickets, while captaining in 39 Tests.Simpson made his first-class debut at age 16 for New South Wales against Victoria and went on to score 10 centuries and 27 half-centuries in Test cricket.As coach of Australia from 1986 to 1996, he guided the team to the 1987 World Cup victory, four Ashes wins, and the 1995 Frank Worrell Trophy, ending a 17-year drought against West Indies.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Himalayan Disaster Risks: The 2025 monsoon season exposed the growing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to extreme weather events. Catastrophic cloudbursts in Uttarkashi and Kishtwar caused massive loss of life and infrastructure damage. Himachal Pradesh faced numerous cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, displacing thousands. These incidents reveal a disturbing trend – severe natural hazards in the Himalayas are intensifying and becoming more frequent due to climate change and human activities. Rapid urbanisation on fragile slopes often ignores geological safety. Concrete constructions replace traditional buildings without adequate drainage or risk assessments. Infrastructure projects like hydropower plants and roads cause deforestation and blasting, weakening hillsides. Poor enforcement of building codes and environmental safeguards compounds vulnerability.

 

2. India’s Innovation Surge Fuels Patent Growth: India’s innovation landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. For the first time in 2023, Indian-origin patent filings exceeded those from any other single foreign country within India. This milestone marks India’s shift from a technology consumer to a technology creator. The change reflects government policies, institutional support, and rising research capabilities. ndian applicants accounted for 57% of all patent filings in 2023. This is increase from the early 2000s when Indian institutions filed less than 20% of patents domestically. India has also become the second-largest recipient of granted patents, overtaking the US in 2021. The growing share of patents indicates the country’s expanding role in the global intellectual property ecosystem.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda Expands bob इ Pay with International UPI Services for NRIs and Global Payments: Bank of Baroda has enhanced its bob इ Pay UPI app by introducing three new international features – UPI Global Acceptance, Foreign Inward Remittance, and UPI Services for NRIs.The upgrade will enable seamless, secure, and real-time cross-border digital payments and remittances for both Indian residents and NRIs.The initiative reflects Bank of Baroda’s commitment to innovative, user-centric digital banking solutions, as highlighted by Executive Director Sanjay Mudaliar.

 

2. RBI to Roll Out Real-Time Cheque Clearing from October 4, 2025, Reducing Settlement Time to Hours: RBI will introduce real-time cheque clearing from October 4, 2025, reducing settlement risks and improving customer convenience, replacing the current CTS system that clears cheques in 1–2 working days.The system will run alongside NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS, which already provide electronic fund transfers, with NEFT having no RBI-set limit (e.g., SBI allows up to ₹25 lakh, HDFC has its own restrictions).Cheques will be scanned, processed, and settled continuously during business hours, ending the batch-clearing method and reducing the current T+1 clearing cycle to just a few hours.Phase 1 (Oct 4, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026): Banks must confirm cheques by 7:00 pm same day; if no response, the cheque will be automatically approved and settled.

 

3. Sebi Launches Investor Awareness Campaign on AIR and Nationwide Training for Panchayat Representatives: Sebi has started an investor awareness campaign on All India Radio to alert investors about frauds in the securities market occurring via social media platforms.In collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Sebi is conducting nationwide training for block-level panchayat representatives to promote financial literacy and investor education at the grassroots level.The initiative aims to caution investors to protect themselves from fraudulent schemes on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram.The first training programme, held on 9–10 August 2025 at Yashwantrao Chavan Academy, Pune, trained over 100 sarpanch and block-level representatives on financial planning, savings, investments, protection from scams, and awareness of the securities market ecosystem.

 

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.