Daily GK Update- 25th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. VinFast Auto Partners with SBI to Offer Seamless Financing Ahead of EV Launch in India: VinFast Auto India has partnered with the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide seamless loan and credit solutions for customers ahead of its first product launch in India.The collaboration enables VinFast to tap into SBI’s 23,000-branch network across urban and emerging markets, expanding its customer reach.VinFast, a subsidiary of Vietnam’s Vingroup JSC, is preparing to launch its VF 6 and VF 7 electric vehicle models in India.

 

2. Amit Shah Inaugurates All India Speakers’ Conference Marking 100 Years of Vithalbhai Patel’s Legacy: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the two-day All India Speakers’ Conference at the Delhi Assembly, commemorating the centenary of Vithalbhai Patel’s election as the first Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly.Shah highlighted Patel’s role in laying the foundation of a democratic India and stressed the importance of upholding the dignity of the House and ensuring unbiased functioning in line with rules.The conference brings together Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and Chairpersons of State Legislatures to share best practices, with a special focus on digital innovations and AI-enabled tools to enhance transparency and efficiency in lawmaking.

 

3. 4th Semicon India 2025 to be organised from Sept 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi on 2nd September, a three-day event showcasing India’s capabilities in the semiconductor and microelectronics value chain.For the first time, the exhibition will feature four International Pavilions from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, with 350 companies from 18 countries and participation from nine Indian states.The event aims to boost global collaboration, domestic innovation, and semiconductor startups, including a dedicated Semiconductor Design Startup Pavilion to promote innovation-led chip design enterprises.

 

4. Yes Bank Extends Prashant Kumar’s Tenure as MD & CEO Till April 2026 : Yes Bank shareholders approved the extension of Prashant Kumar’s tenure as MD & CEO from October 6, 2025, to April 5, 2026.Kumar has been leading Yes Bank since its reconstruction in March 2020, and was reappointed in October 2022 for three years.The RBI had earlier approved a six-month extension of his term starting October 6, 2025, or until a new MD & CEO takes charge.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ujjain to Host “रूहmantic” – PHDCCI’s 2nd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave: Ujjain (Mahakal city) will host “रूहmantic” – PHDCCI’s 2nd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave on 27 August 2025, organised by PHDCCI in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.The conclave will be inaugurated by CM Dr. Mohan Yadav (Chief Guest) and Union Tourism & Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Guest of Honour), with Spiritual Leader Gauranga Das Prabhu delivering the keynote address.Key highlights include the release of the PHDCCI–KPMG Report on Spiritual Tourism “Faith & Flow”, a Govt–Industry Roundtable, and thematic sessions on temple economies, wellness, digital spirituality, Jyotirlinga circuits, and more.

 

2. India Elected Chairman of AIBD Executive Board at 23rd General Conference: India has been elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of AIBD during the 23rd General Conference in Phuket, Thailand, regaining the position after 2016.Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati and President of AIBD GC, expressed gratitude to member nations and assured continued collaboration in AIBD programs and initiatives.Established in 1977 under UNESCO, AIBD has 92 member organizations from 45 countries, with India as a founding member represented by Prasar Bharati.

 

3. 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference to be Held in Barbados from October 5–12: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired an inter-ministerial briefing on the upcoming 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, to be held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 5–12 October 2025.The conference will include an important roundtable on youth empowerment, focusing on solutions to modern challenges such as gang violence and cyber-bullying.Participants will include the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, presiding officers, and secretaries of legislatures from 29 states and Union Territories.

 

4. Trump Nominates Close Aide Sergio Gor as Next U.S. Ambassador to India: S. President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Sergio Gor, Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, as the next U.S. Ambassador to India.Gor will also serve as a Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, overseeing relations strained by the planned doubling of U.S. tariffs on India next week.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Kadmatt Completes Port Call at Surabaya, Indonesia: Indian Naval Ship Kadmatt has successfully completed a three-day port call at Surabaya in Indonesia.The port call reinforces the long-standing maritime partnership between India and Indonesia under the shared vision of Partnership Across Sea.The participation of indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette reaffirms Navy’s role as the preferred security partner in the region. During the visit, several professional and cultural engagements, were conducted to enhance maritime cooperation and mutual understanding.

 

2. Anish Dayal Singh Appointed Deputy NSA to Oversee Internal Security Affairs: Former CRPF and ITBP Director General Anish Dayal Singh has been appointed as the new Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA), tasked with handling internal affairs of the country.A 1988-batch IPS officer (Manipur cadre), he retired in December 2024 after serving nearly 30 years in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and later heading ITBP and CRPF.As Deputy NSA, Singh will oversee internal security matters, including Jammu & Kashmir, Naxal issues, and Northeastern insurgency, joining the team alongside Additional NSA Rajinder Khanna and two other Deputy NSAs, T.V. Ravichandran and Pawan Kapoor.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Shipki-La Pass: Recent developments indicate a positive shift in India-China border trade relations. China has agreed in principle to reopen the Shipki-La trade route in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district. This follows diplomatic engagement during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India. The route’s reopening is part of broader discussions to resume trade through all three designated border points between the two countries. Shipki-La is a historic trade pass located in the Himalayas. It has served as a traditional link between India and Tibet. The route was officially designated for border trade under the 1994 India-China bilateral agreement. Trade through Shipki-La was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, halting centuries-old economic and cultural exchanges. The Himachal Pradesh government actively pursued the reopening of the Shipki-La route. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu personally intervened by writing to the Union government to revive this Indo-Tibetan trade link. The Union government then initiated formal talks with China. These efforts culminated in China’s agreement in principle to resume trade during Wang Yi’s visit.

 

2. Bloom Syndrome: Bloom Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with fewer than 300 cases reported worldwide. Recently, a 12-year-old girl in Chennai underwent a bone marrow transplant using stem cells from her younger brother, marking medical intervention in India. This disorder affects DNA repair mechanisms, leading to multiple health challenges and a high risk of cancer. Bloom Syndrome is caused by mutations in the BLM gene. This gene produces a protein essential for maintaining DNA structure during replication and repair. When mutated, cells lose the ability to fix damaged DNA, causing abnormal cell growth. The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Both parents must carry the mutation for a child to be affected. It is most common among the Ashkenazi Jewish population but occurs worldwide.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PFC Signs €150 Million Loan Pact with Germany’s KfW to Boost India’s Power Distribution Reforms under RDSS: Power Finance Corporation (PFC) signed a EUR 150 million loan agreement with German lender KfW to finance projects under the Government of India’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).The loan highlights the long-standing Indo–German partnership in the energy sector, with KfW being Germany’s largest promotional bank committed to global economic, social, and environmental development.The RDSS scheme, launched in 2021 with an outlay of ₹3,03,758 crore, aims to improve the operational and financial efficiency of power distribution companies (discoms) across India.

 

2. South Indian Bank Launches “SIB Gold Xpress” Offering Quick & Digital Gold Loans up to ₹25 Lakh: South Indian Bank launched “SIB Gold Xpress”, a new gold loan product offering up to 90% of gold’s value with loan amounts ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹25 lakh and a flexible tenure of up to 3 years.The scheme is aimed at MSMEs, non-MSMEs, and small businesses, enabling them to meet business expansion, working capital, and personal needs with zero hidden costs.The loan process is fully digital, simple, and transparent, allowing even new-to-credit customers to avail loans through minimal checks.

 

3. SMBC gets RBI nod to buy upto 24.99% stake in Yes Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) proposal to acquire up to 24.99% stake in Yes Bank, with the approval valid for one year; however, SMBC will not be classified as a promoter.The approval is subject to compliance with Banking Regulation Act, 1949, FEMA 1999, RBI’s guidelines on shareholding, and other regulatory conditions, including lock-in requirements.As per Yes Bank’s earlier disclosure (May 2025), SMBC plans to acquire 20% stake via secondary purchase — 13.19% from SBI and 6.81% collectively from Axis Bank, Bandhan Bank, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Daily GK Update- 24th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

3. Haryana Defines Forests: The Haryana government issued a formal definition of forest in August 2025. This move follows directives from the Supreme Court of India, which required all states to clarify forest boundaries and conduct surveys. Haryana’s definition aims to align with judicial expectations but has drawn criticism from environmentalists for its narrow scope. The debate centres on the protection of ecologically sensitive areas like the Aravalli ridge. Recently, the Supreme Court mandated all states and Union Territories to define forest clearly. The court asked for expert committees to map forest areas using GIS-based tools. These mappings must include forest-like areas, unclassified forests, community forests, and eco-sensitive zones. The court warned that officials failing to comply would be held personally accountable. The Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 1980 restricts forest land diversion without central approval. The 1996 Godavarman case expanded the meaning of forest to include all forested lands, regardless of size or status. This broad definition aimed to protect even small forest patches. However, the 2023 FCA amendment narrowed it to only notified forests and government records, triggering legal challenges. The Supreme Court is currently hearing these challenges.

 

4. India’s Labour Productivity Gap: India’s government recently announced the creation of 17 crore jobs over the past decade. However, the nation’s ambition to reach a $36 trillion economy by 2047 depends heavily on closing the vast productivity gap between formal and informal workers. This divide limits income growth and economic inclusion, necessitating a major structural transformation of the labour market. Formal industrial workers generate an annual Gross Value Added (GVA) of around ₹12 lakh per worker. Informal sector workers produce only about ₹1.5 lakh annually. This eightfold difference marks the productivity chasm. Nearly 91 per cent of the workforce remains informal, while only 9 per cent are formally employed. The informal sector’s low productivity drags down average incomes and masks the true economic potential of India’s labour force.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

2. Bistable Gene Expression in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: Recent research has uncovered that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibits bistable gene expression, a phenomenon where identical cells show different levels of gene activity. This discovery sheds light on how this deadly pathogen adapts and survives in hostile environments such as hospitals. The study focuses on the glpD gene, which shows variable expression linked to the bacterium’s ability to cause infections. Understanding this mechanism is crucial because P. aeruginosa is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections and is often resistant to antibiotics. Bistability refers to the existence of two distinct expression states of the same gene within genetically identical cells. This variation can be inherited by daughter cells, a process called epigenetic inheritance. It allows bacteria to diversify their behaviour and adapt to changing environments. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, bistability may help the pathogen survive immune responses and antibiotic treatments.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Assam Rifles sign MoU with IIT Manipur to promote drone technology: Assam Rifles signed an MoU with IIIT Manipur at Mantripukhri to promote drone technology for defence and security, with Maj Gen Ravroop Singh and IIIT Director present.An Advanced Drone Training and Refresher Course was launched for Assam Rifles personnel, covering flight operations, maintenance, and DGCA-certified training to boost operational efficiency.Around 80 participants, including defence personnel and IIIT faculty, attended, emphasizing defence-academia cooperation for innovation, surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics support.

 

2. Sustainable Power 1404: Iran conducted its first major naval exercise since the June 2025 conflict with Israel. The two-day drill, named Sustainable Power 1404, took place in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. It involved missile launches from warships targeting sea-based objectives. This exercise marks Iran’s efforts to restore its military image and assert maritime strength after recent confrontations. The drill followed a 12-day war in June 2025 between Iran and Israel. During that conflict, Israel struck Iranian air defences and nuclear sites. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israeli cities and attempted strikes on a US base in Qatar. The exercise serves as a message of resilience and deterrence amid ongoing regional tensions. Iran’s navy aimed to improve combat readiness and enhance command coordination. The drill also sought to reinforce deterrence capabilities by demonstrating missile precision and warship coordination. Officials framed the exercise as proof of Iran’s ability to recover quickly from recent military setbacks.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

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

 

2. 23 August – National Space Day: National Space Day is observed in India every year on 23rd August to commemorate the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander and the deployment of the Pragyan Rover on the lunar surface in 2023.To honour this historic achievement, the Government of India officially declared 23rd August as National Space Day.Theme 2025 – Leveraging Space Technology and Applications for Viksit Bharat 2047With Chandrayaan-3’s success, India became the fourth country in the world to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and the first country to land near the Moon’s south polar region.

 

3. NASA’s Surya AI: NASA launched Surya, an advanced artificial intelligence model designed to transform space weather prediction. Developed alongside IBM and trained on nine years of Solar Dynamics Observatory data, Surya offers early and accurate forecasts of solar flares and eruptions. These solar events can disrupt satellites, power grids, aviation, and GPS systems on Earth. By making Surya open-source, NASA aims to encourage global collaboration to enhance protection against space weather hazards. Space weather originates from solar eruptions such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These release charged particles and magnetic energy that travel through the solar system. When they reach Earth, they can damage satellites, cause power outages, disrupt aviation routes, and endanger astronauts. Predicting these events is vital for safeguarding modern technology and infrastructure. Surya uses machine learning to analyse vast solar data sets. Unlike traditional models, it detects subtle solar activity patterns and predicts eruptions up to two hours in advance. This improves forecast accuracy and lead time, offering better preparedness against space weather threats. Surya’s open-source nature encourages researchers worldwide to develop new applications and improve forecasting.

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s GDP growth expected at 6.3% in 2025-26, lower than RBI’s projection of 6.5%, due to muted private capital expenditure, as per SBI Research Report. Quarterly growth estimates: Q1 at 6.8–7%, Q2 at 6.5%, Q3 at 6.3%, and Q4 at 6.1%, showing gradual slowdown across the year.

Economic fundamentals remain strong, supporting growth between 6.3–6.8% despite global headwinds, according to the Economic Survey.RBI projects Q1 at 6.5%, Q2 at 6.7%, Q3 at 6.6%, and Q4 at 6.3%, slightly higher than SBI’s quarterly estimates.Two-day meeting of GST Council to begin on Sept 3: The 56th GST Council Meeting will be held on 3rd and 4th September in New Delhi, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.The previous meeting was held in December 2024 at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where several GST-related decisions were taken.Key decisions included a rate cut on fortified rice kernels to 5% and a recommendation to amend the definition of pre-packaged and labelled items.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

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

Daily GK Update- 23rd Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

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

 

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

 

SPORTS

 

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

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

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

 

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

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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

 

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

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

Daily GK Update- 22nd Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mamata Banerjee Launches ‘Shramshree’ Scheme with ₹5,000 Monthly Aid for Returning Migrants: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched the Shramshree Scheme to support migrant workers returning to the state after facing alleged harassment for speaking Bengali in other states, providing ₹5,000 per month for one year or until they find employment.The West Bengal government mandated screening of Bengali films across all cinema halls and multiplex screens, ensuring 365 prime time shows annually, with at least one Bengali film daily between 3 pm and 9 pm.The initiative aims to promote rehabilitation of workers along with cultural preservation of the Bengali language and cinema, reinforcing state identity and support for local talent.Mamata Banerjee Launches ‘Shramshree’ Scheme with ₹5,000 Monthly Aid for Returning Migrants; Bengali Films Made Mandatory in Cinemas.

 

2. DEPwD, Nipman Foundation & YLAC sign MoU to Launch the Breaking Barriers Fellowship: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Nipman Foundation, and Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) signed an MoU to launch the Breaking Barriers Fellowship, aimed at placing young professionals in DEPwD offices to strengthen policy support and implement the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.The Fellowship objectives include enhancing DEPwD’s capacity through professional support, offering mentorship and government exposure to fellows, and bringing fresh perspectives to advance disability inclusion in policymaking.The collaboration will run for one year (extendable), focusing on merit-based fellow selection, transparency, quarterly reporting, and confidentiality under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, reaffirming commitment to disability empowerment and inclusive governance.

 

3. UIDAI Partners with Starlink for Seamless Aadhaar-Based Customer Verification: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) partnered with Starlink, a private satellite-based internet provider, to enable seamless Aadhaar-based customer verification.The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) highlighted that this collaboration showcases the scalability and reliability of India’s digital infrastructure on a global platform.Aadhaar’s face authentication solution is gaining momentum due to its ease of use, promoting innovation in service delivery while ensuring transparency, accountability, and ease of living/doing business.

 

4. Rapido Fined Rs 10 Lakh By Consumer Protection Authority For Misleading Ads: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a ₹10 lakh penalty on Rapido for misleading advertisements like “Auto in 5 minutes or Get ₹50” and unfair trade practices.Rapido was directed to reimburse customers who did not receive the promised ₹50 compensation under the misleading offer.CCPA found that disclaimers were in tiny, unreadable fonts, and the ₹50 benefit was only in Rapido coins (usable for bike rides within 7 days), violating the 2022 Misleading Advertisements Guidelines.Complaints against Rapido surged to 1,224 cases (Jun 2024–Jul 2025); many remain unresolved despite widespread consumer grievances about overcharging, non-refunds, and service deficiencies.

5. Election Commission appoints two observers for VP election: The Election Commission of India has appointed Sushil Kumar Lohani (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj) and Anandan (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Finance) as observers for the upcoming Vice Presidential Election scheduled on 9th of next month.The election has been necessitated following the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar last month, citing health reasons; this will mark the 17th Vice Presidential election.The Vice President is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha; NDA has nominated CP Radhakrishnan, while the INDIA bloc has fielded former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy as their candidate.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dubai Launches ‘One Freezone Passport’ to Ease Business Expansion: Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) launched the ‘One Freezone Passport’, enabling companies licensed in one free zone to expand into others without obtaining a new licence; Louis Vuitton became the first corporate member under this scheme.The initiative aims to streamline business expansion and cut regulatory barriers, allowing Louis Vuitton to open a warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) while setting up its corporate office at One Za’abeel in the DWTC Free Zone, with the process completed in just five days.Free zones in the UAE offer 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, customs benefits, and independent regulations, attracting global businesses in sectors like logistics, healthcare, fintech, media, design, and luxury retail.Authorities clarified that the scheme has limitations — businesses cannot hire or transfer staff into other free zones, sectors like retail are excluded, and virtual/shared office spaces are not permitted, with further regulatory updates expected.

 

2. Saudi Arabia launches Nusuk Umrah digital platform to simplify visa: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the Nusuk Umrah digital service platform, enabling international pilgrims to directly apply for Umrah visas and book services like accommodation, transport, and tours without intermediaries.The online one-stop platform offers customizable Umrah packages provided by authorised service providers, complementing existing channels such as accredited travel agents to ensure a smooth and seamless pilgrimage experience.The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to expand the number of Muslim pilgrims while enhancing service quality, modernising religious tourism, and improving accessibility through digital technology.

 

3. India’s National Space Legislation Framework: India’s space programme is rapidly advancing with landmark missions like Chandrayaan-3 and the upcoming Gaganyaan. However, alongside technological progress, the nation is focusing on building a robust legal framework for space activities. This legal groundwork is crucial for sustainable, responsible, and secure space exploration and commercialisation. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is the foundation of international space law. It declares space the province of all humankind, forbids national appropriation, and holds states responsible for their space activities, including those by private entities. Companion treaties add rules on liability and rights. However, these treaties require national laws for effective implementation. Nations must enact domestic legislation to operationalise international commitments and regulate their space sectors.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Operation Sindoor lessons now part of NCERT syllabus: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced two new modules on Operation Sindoor — “A Saga of Valour” for Classes 3–8 and “A Mission of Honour and Bravery” for Classes 9–12, highlighting India’s response after the Pahalgam killings and subsequent conflict with Pakistan.

The modules state that the terrorist attack was directly ordered by Pakistan’s political and military leadership, while Pakistan denied involvement; they emphasize India’s decisive policy and intent to safeguard peace.Operation Sindoor was named to honour the sacrifice of soldiers’ wives, and the content recalls major terror attacks like Uri (2016) and Pulwama (2019), while noting the impact of the abrogation of Article 370 on Jammu & Kashmir’s development.

 

2. Iran Conducts “Sustainable Power 1404” Missile Drill in Indian Ocean: Iran conducted “Sustainable Power 1404,” a two-day large-scale missile drill in the northern Indian Ocean and Sea of Oman, deploying warships, air units, missile defence systems, and electronic warfare brigades.The drills showcased Iran’s precision-strike cruise missiles like Nasir and Qadir, with successful launches by the frigate IRIS Sabalan and corvette IRIS Ganaveh, aimed at enhancing combat readiness and deterrence.The exercise comes after the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict in June 2025 and the Casarex 2025 joint drill with Russia, seen as Tehran’s response to Israeli war simulations targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian team bags third spot in its debut appearance at AI Olympiad: In its first-ever participation at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) held in Beijing, India ranked 3rd among 63 countries, ahead of the US (12th) and China (11th).The Indian team of eight high school students bagged 3 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze, along with one honourable mention; Russia and Poland secured the top two positions.The students were chosen through a five-stage national programme (India AI Olympiad) organised by ACM India with ACM IKDD, including training camps at IIIT Hyderabad.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Lok Sabha Passes Online Gaming Bill 2025: Boosts E-Sports, Bans Harmful Money Gaming: Lok Sabha passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, which promotes e-sports and online social games while imposing a complete ban on harmful online money gaming services such as Poker, Rummy, and other real money card games.The Bill provides for the establishment of an Online Gaming Authority to ensure coordinated policy support, strategic development, and regulatory oversight of the sector, while also supporting innovation and Indian game developers.The legislation aims to protect youth and vulnerable populations from the negative effects of addictive money gaming, which has led to 32 suicides in the last 31 months, financial frauds, money laundering, and even terror financing.Strict penalties have been introduced for violations: imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to ₹1 crore, with enhanced punishment for repeat offences — 3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹2 crore.The Bill creates a uniform, national-level legal framework to regulate online gaming, safeguarding citizens from predatory money gaming platforms, while supporting India’s vision of a safe, secure, and innovation-driven Digital India.

 

2. NASA’s Surya AI : NASA launched Surya, an advanced artificial intelligence model designed to transform space weather prediction. Developed alongside IBM and trained on nine years of Solar Dynamics Observatory data, Surya offers early and accurate forecasts of solar flares and eruptions. These solar events can disrupt satellites, power grids, aviation, and GPS systems on Earth. By making Surya open-source, NASA aims to encourage global collaboration to enhance protection against space weather hazards. Space weather originates from solar eruptions such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These release charged particles and magnetic energy that travel through the solar system. When they reach Earth, they can damage satellites, cause power outages, disrupt aviation routes, and endanger astronauts. Predicting these events is vital for safeguarding modern technology and infrastructure.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Kerala Becomes India’s First Fully Digitally Literate State Under Digi Kerala Project: Kerala has become the first fully digitally literate State in India, after the successful completion of the first phase of the Digi Kerala project, covering all local bodies to bridge the digital divide.In a survey of 1.5 crore people from 83.46 lakh families, 21.88 lakh were found digitally illiterate; remarkably, 99.98% (21.87 lakh people) successfully completed digital training and evaluation.The project trained a large number of senior citizens and homemakers, enabling them to use e-services, pay bills online, and interact on social media, showcasing the social commitment of youth volunteers as trainers.Initiated as the Digi Pullampara project in 2021, the initiative was later expanded across Kerala, and is aligned with the K-SMART platform, enabling citizens to apply online for services such as building permits and birth certificates.

 

2. SBI opens Centre of Excellence for MSMEs at its Gurugram Academy: State Bank of India (SBI) has launched its Centre of Excellence (CoE) for MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) at the State Bank Academy (SBA), Gurugram.The Centre has been established to strengthen the MSME ecosystem through capacity building, research, and industry collaboration, thereby contributing to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation, according to a statement by India’s largest bank.The CoE will engage with MSME promoters, startups, industry associations, academia, government, regulators, and banking professionals.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mohamed Salah makes history with third PFA player of the year award: Liverpool star Mohamed Salah created history by becoming the first player to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award three times (2017-18, 2021-22, and 2024-25), with the latest honour presented at the Manchester Opera House.Salah’s 29 goals and 18 assists were instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in league history.Other award winners included Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) as PFA Young Player of the Year, Mariona Caldentey (Women’s Super League award), and James Trafford (Burnley, Championship award).