Daily GK Update- 29th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CCI approves acquisition of Jaiprakash Associates Limited by Adani Group Entities: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) by entities of the Adani Group.The deal involves acquisition of up to 100% shareholding of JAL by Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), Adani Infrastructure & Developers Pvt. Ltd. (AIDPL), or any other Adani Group entity.JAL is currently undergoing corporate insolvency resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, as directed by the NCLT, Allahabad Bench.

 

2. India’s Industrial Growth Accelerates to 3.5% in July 2025: India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew 5% year-on-year in July 2025, compared to 1.5% growth in June, mainly supported by a 5.4% rise in the manufacturing sector.The mining sector contracted by 7.2%, electricity grew only 0.6%, while the overall IIP rose to 155.0 (July 2025) from 149.8 a year earlier.Within manufacturing, 14 of 23 industries grew, with strong performance in basic metals (+12.7%), electrical equipment (+15.9%), and non-metallic mineral products (+9.5%).

 

3. Use-based data showed a mixed trend: infrastructure & construction goods (+11.9%), intermediate goods (+5.8%), and consumer durables (+7.7%) were major contributors, while primary goods (-1.7%) contracted.Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel Appointed IMF Executive Director for Three Years: Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel has been appointed as Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a period of three years.Patel, who served as RBI Governor from September 2016 to December 2018, had resigned citing personal reasons after a public spat with the government, becoming the first RBI Governor since 1990 to step down before completing his tenure.He has earlier worked with the IMF and also served as RBI Deputy Governor (1996–97), contributing to reforms in debt markets, banking, pensions, and foreign exchange.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Bhutan sign MoU on technical cooperation in Agro & allied sectors: India and Bhutan signed an MoU on Technical Cooperation in Agriculture and Allied Sectors in Thimphu, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral ties.The MoU focuses on food security, sustainable farming, rural prosperity, and collaboration in agricultural research, livestock health, post-harvest management, and value chain development.It also emphasizes the exchange of knowledge, skills, and expertise between the two nations, reflecting their shared vision for agricultural growth and innovation.

 

2. India and Canada Appoint New High Commissioners to Restore Diplomatic Ties: India appointed Dinesh K. Patnaik, a 1990-batch IFS officer and current Ambassador to Spain, as the next High Commissioner to Canada, while Canada named veteran diplomat Christopher Cooter as its new High Commissioner to India.The appointments mark a step toward normalizing diplomatic relations, which had soured after India recalled High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma in October 2024 over tensions arising from former PM Justin Trudeau’s remarks.

 

3. 27 August – World Lake Day: World Lake Day is observed every year on 27 August to raise awareness about the importance of lakes in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.The day highlights the role of lakes in freshwater storage, climate regulation, groundwater recharge, and sustaining livelihoods.It also aims to spread awareness about the challenges of pollution, encroachment, over-extraction, and climate change impacting lakes worldwide.

 

4. 29 August – International Day against Nuclear Tests: The International Day against Nuclear Tests is observed globally on 29 August every year to raise awareness about the harmful consequences of nuclear weapons testing and to promote a world free of nuclear explosions.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed this day in December 2009, inspired by Kazakhstan’s initiative, marking the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site on 29 August 1991. This site was one of the largest nuclear testing grounds in the world.The day emphasizes the urgent need to end nuclear testing, strengthen the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), and work towards nuclear disarmament, global peace, and security.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Airbus Awards MASPL Contract to Manufacture H125 Helicopter Fuselage: Airbus Helicopters has awarded Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. (MASPL) a contract to manufacture the main fuselage of the H125 helicopter, which will also be assembled in India and later offered for the defence market.This deal strengthens India’s role in the global aerospace supply chain, coming just four months after MASPL received a similar Airbus contract for H130 helicopter fuselages.Industrialisation will begin immediately at MASPL’s Bengaluru facility, with first fuselage deliveries expected in 2027, feeding into Airbus’ global supply chain that connects to its main production unit in Marignane, France.

 

SPORTS

 

1. India to Bid for Hosting Commonwealth Games 2030 in Ahmedabad: The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the proposal to submit India’s bid for hosting the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2030, along with the Host Collaboration Agreement and required guarantees.If the bid is successful, Ahmedabad, Gujarat will host the Games, with world-class facilities like the Narendra Modi Stadium, which earlier hosted the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final.Hosting CWG 2030 will bring participation from 72 countries, boost tourism, generate jobs, benefit local businesses, and inspire young athletes across India.

 

2. Neeraj Chopra secures 2nd place at Diamond League Final in Zurich, Switzerland: Neeraj Chopra secured the runner-up position at the Diamond League Final in Zurich with a best throw of 85.10m, marking his 26th consecutive top-two finish in international javelin events.Germany’s Julian Weber won the gold with a world-leading 91.51m throw, while Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad & Tobago) claimed bronze with 84.95m.Chopra now shifts focus to defending his World Championship title at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo starting 13th September.

 

3. 29 August – National Sports Day: National Sports Day is celebrated annually on 29th August to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, emphasizing the importance of sports and physical activities.On this occasion, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya paid floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.Mansukh Mandaviya also launched the Fit India Pan-India Sports Movement, which will run till 31st August, starting on National Sports Day.The nationwide movement, themed “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main”, will see participation from eminent athletes and public representatives engaging in sports and fitness activities across the country.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Impacts of India’s Coal Sector: India’s coal sector remains vital for power generation despite a shift towards renewable energy. Recently, experts brought into light the urgent need to assess coal-bearing areas not only for environmental damage but also for health impacts on local populations. A recent report based on National Green Tribunal (NGT) cases reveals ongoing challenges in regulating coal mining and thermal power operations. This knowledge base summarises key findings and recommendations for sustainable coal management. Coal mining and thermal plants cause air, water, and noise pollution. Dust from coal transport increases particulate matter (PM10) to five times safe levels. Fly ash disposal contaminates soils and water bodies, reducing fertility and biodiversity. Toxic heavy metals like cadmium and lead raise cancer risks in local populations. Silica in fly ash contributes to respiratory diseases such as silicosis. These impacts severely affect agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry, causing income loss and health expenses.

 

2. Climate Change Impact on Gangotri Glacier System: Recent studies reveal climate change effects on the Gangotri Glacier System (GGS), important Himalayan glacier feeding the Ganga river. Data from 1980 to 2020 show reduced snowmelt due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. This has altered the glacier’s hydrology, with implications for water availability, agriculture, and hydropower in northern India. Mean temperatures in the GGS region increased by 0.5°C between 2001-2020 compared to 1980-2000. This warming causes earlier summer melting and shifts peak river discharge from August to July. Such shifts affect water availability for irrigation, hydropower, and local communities.

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Unity Bank and BharatPe partner to launch India’s first EMI-driven card: BharatPe, in partnership with Unity Small Finance Bank, launched the Unity Bank BharatPe Credit Card on the NPCI RuPay network, which can be seamlessly linked with UPI for secure payments.The card offers industry-first features covering groceries, bill payments, travel, utilities, insurance, and lifestyle spends across both online and offline platforms.With a zero-fee structure, the card has no joining fee, annual fee, or hidden charges, and allows penalty-free EMI prepayments, ensuring transparency and stress-free credit access.

 

2. Infosys Partners with Mastercard to Enhance Global Cross-Border Payments via Finacle Platform: Infosys and Mastercard announced a strategic collaboration to scale cross-border payments, integrating Mastercard’s money movement solutions with Infosys Finacle, the digital banking suite of EdgeVerve Systems.The partnership will allow financial institutions faster and more efficient access to Mastercard Move, which supports payments across 200+ countries and 150 currencies, covering 95% of the global banked population.The collaboration aims to strengthen financial institutions’ ability to deliver fast, safe, and seamless cross-border payment experiences to customers worldwide.

Daily GK Update- 28th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Completes 11 Years as World’s Largest Financial Inclusion Programme: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched on 28th August 2014 after being announced by PM Narendra Modi on 15th August 2014, completed 11 years on 28 August as one of the world’s largest financial inclusion programmes.The scheme provides universal banking access with facilities like basic savings accounts, need-based credit, remittances, insurance, and pension, covering both urban and rural households.Zero-balance accounts can be opened at bank branches or through Business Correspondents (Bank Mitras), with every account integrated into the Core Banking System and RuPay debit cards issued to account holders.PMJDY also promotes financial literacy and digital banking, supporting mobile banking through USSD services even on basic phones, ensuring inclusive growth and accessibility.

 

Union Cabinet Approves Restructuring of PM SVANidhi Scheme: The Union Cabinet approved the restructuring of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme, extending the lending period until 31st March 2030 from 31st December 2024.The total outlay for the scheme is seven thousand 332 crore rupees. The key features of the restructured scheme include enhanced loan amounts across the first and second tranches, provision of UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card for beneficiaries who have repaid the second loan and digital cashback incentives for retail and wholesale transactions.The first tranche loan has been increased up to 15,000 from 10,000 rupees, and the second tranche loans have increased up to 25,000 rupees from 20,000 rupees, while the third tranche remains unchanged at 50,000 rupees.The restructured scheme aims to benefit one crore 15 lakh beneficiaries, including 50 lakh new beneficiaries. The scheme’s coverage is being expanded beyond statutory towns to census towns and peri-urban areas in a graded manner.

 

UP govt to launch ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ campaign from September 1: The Uttar Pradesh government will launch a month-long campaign, ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’, from September 1, under which petrol pumps will deny fuel to two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets.The campaign will be led by district magistrates in coordination with road safety committees, with police, transport, revenue, and district administration officials ensuring compliance with helmet rules under the Motor Vehicles Act.Officials emphasized that the initiative is for safety, not punishment, promoting the rule “Helmet first, fuel later”, with awareness campaigns and monitoring conducted by the Food & Civil Supplies and Information & Public Relations Departments.

 

Rajasthan becomes first state to implement Supreme Court order on stray dogs: Following the Supreme Court directive, the Rajasthan government has mandated compliance with the Stray Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023, directing all municipal corporations, councils, and municipalities to implement systematic stray dog management.Feeding points will be marked in every ward and locality, with urban bodies coordinating with resident welfare associations and animal welfare organisations; food and water will be ensured even for rabies-affected dogs.Stray dogs will be treated, sterilised, vaccinated, tagged, and released in the same locality, with CCTV monitoring at ABC centres, and only trained teams allowed to handle dogs; no dog below six months will be sterilised.Monitoring committees comprising NGO members and animal welfare workers will oversee the process, with records of sterilisation, vaccination, deaths, and feeding maintained; costs are fixed at Rs 200 per dog caught and Rs 1,450 for sterilisation and post-operation care.

 

Bhubaneswar to host National Conference on Welfare of SCs and STs: Bhubaneswar will host a two-day National Conference of Chairpersons of Committees on the Welfare of SCs and STs on August 29–30, inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, along with an exhibition and souvenir release.The conference will feature over 120 delegates from Parliament and State/UT legislatures, discussing the theme: “Role of Parliamentary and Legislative Committees in Welfare, Development and Empowerment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.”The event, being held outside Delhi for the first time, will deliberate on constitutional safeguards, socio-economic development, and best practices for SC/ST empowerment, aligning with the vision of inclusive Viksit Bharat 2047.

 

President appoints Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul Manubhai Pancholi as Supreme Court judges: Justice Alok Aradhe (Chief Justice of Bombay High Court) and Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi (Chief Justice of Patna High Court) were appointed as Judges of the Supreme Court by the President of India, following the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium.Justice Alok Aradhe, born in April 1964, began his judicial career in the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2009, served in Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka High Courts as Acting Chief Justice, and became Chief Justice of Telangana and Bombay High Courts before his elevation.Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi, born in May 1968 in Ahmedabad, served as Permanent Judge of Gujarat High Court since 2016 and became Chief Justice of Patna High Court in July 2025 before his Supreme Court appointment.

 

Akash Tripathi Appointed as Managing Director of Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI): Akash Tripathi (IAS, 1998 batch) has been appointed as the Managing Director of Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), with approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), in the rank of Additional Secretary.Santosh Sarangi, IAS (Secretary, MNRE) will continue as the Chairman of SECI, ensuring a formalised leadership structure for the organisation.Tripathi’s leadership is expected to enhance execution at scale and strengthen focus on green hydrogen, energy storage, offshore wind, and other renewable energy projects under SECI’s mandate.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

Lithuanian parliament approves Inga Ruginiene as new Prime Minister: The Lithuanian Parliament has approved the appointment of Inga Ruginiene, a Social Democrat and current Minister of Social Security and Labour, as the country’s new Prime Minister.Ruginiene now has 15 days to present a new cabinet list, agreed with the President, to the Parliament for a vote; she will formally assume office once the President signs the appointment decree.Elected to Parliament in 2024, Ruginiene previously served as Chair of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation before beginning her political career.

 

UN Launches New Mechanisms for AI Governance: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has taken a decisive step in 2025 to enhance global cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) governance. Two new institutional mechanisms were established – the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. These initiatives aim to address the rapid growth of AI technologies and their complex social, economic, and ethical impacts. The Global Dialogue on AI Governance is a UN-led forum that brings together member states, industry leaders, civil society, academia, and researchers. It provides an inclusive space to discuss critical AI challenges such as algorithmic bias, misinformation, autonomous weapons, and job displacement. The platform encourages collaborative policy innovation and shared global values. Annual high-level sessions are planned, with the first meetings in July 2026 in Geneva and 2027 in New York. These sessions will review reports and promote transparency in AI governance. The United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will offer independent, rigorous scientific assessments to guide policymaking. Its role is to monitor emerging AI trends, risks, and technologies while advising on societal, ethical, and economic implications. The panel acts as a critical link between cutting-edge AI research and international policy decisions. An open nomination process will soon invite global experts to join. The panel will produce annual reports to inform the Global Dialogue’s deliberations.

 

Global Economic Impact of Invasive Species Explored: Recent research reveals that invasive plants and animals have cost the world economy over $2.2 trillion since 1960. This figure is 16 times higher than previous estimates. The study uses data from InvaCost, a comprehensive public database, and marks underreporting, especially in countries like India. The findings emphasise the vast economic burden invasive species impose across continents and the challenges in managing them. The study marks massive underreporting of management costs, especially in India, where the discrepancy reaches 1.16 billion percent. Europe, Asia, and Africa also show large gaps between reported and actual costs. This suggests that many countries lack comprehensive data collection and reporting systems, leading to a hidden economic burden. Language barriers and limited resources contribute to this challenge.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

Defence Ministry Signs MoU with QCI to Enhance Services for Over 63 Lakh Veterans: The Defence Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Quality Council of India in New Delhi to strengthen the delivery of pension, healthcare, resettlement, and welfare services for over 63 lakh veterans and their dependents.Under the MoU, QCI will support the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) in digital evaluations, impact assessments, and evidence-based policy recommendations.DESW will facilitate data access and stakeholder coordination with State Governments, Zila Sainik Boards, Armed Forces Headquarters, and empanelled hospitals.The initiative will also strengthen healthcare delivery, expand re-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for veterans, and reinforce institutional frameworks of State and District Sainik Boards.

 

India to Join Over 20 Nations in Multilateral ‘Bright Star 2025’ Exercise in Egypt: Over 700 personnel from the Indian Armed Forces and Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff will participate in the Multilateral Exercise ‘Bright Star 2025’, scheduled in Egypt from August 28 to September 10, 2025.The exercise will include live firing, command post drills, short training exercises, and expert-level interactions to enhance jointness, interoperability, and operational coordination among participating nations.Hosted by Egypt in partnership with the US since 1980, Bright Star is one of the largest biennial tri-service multilateral exercises, with the previous edition held in 2023 that also saw India’s participation.

 

SPORTS

 

Ravichandran Ashwin announces shock retirement from IPL: Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (38) announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), while indicating that he may continue playing in other franchise cricket leagues worldwide.Ashwin, who began and ended his IPL journey with Chennai Super Kings, also played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Kings XI Punjab during his career.With 187 wickets in 221 matches at an economy rate of 7.2, Ashwin retires as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, having also retired from international cricket in December 2024.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

PM Modi Inaugurates Maruti-Suzuki’s First Electric Vehicle “e VITARA” and Lithium-Ion Battery Facility in Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Maruti-Suzuki’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) “e VITARA” and the lithium-ion battery production facility at Hansalpur, Ahmedabad, highlighting the India–Japan partnership as “Made for Each Other.”The TDSG lithium-ion battery facility will produce hybrid battery electrodes locally, with around 80% of batteries made in India, reducing dependence on imports, and marking a milestone under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiativesPM Modi emphasized India’s democratic advantages, young skilled workforce, and industrial growth, noting that clean energy and mobility, supported by reforms and policies, represent the future of manufacturing and green mobility.The launch also underscores Gujarat’s leading role in automotive manufacturing, with EV exports from the state set to reach over 100 countries, while strengthening India-Japan industrial cooperation initiated by Maruti-Suzuki and extending to projects like the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train.

PNB Inaugurates First Startup-Centric Branch in New Delhi: Punjab National Bank (PNB) inaugurated its first startup-centric branch in New Delhi, aligned with the Startup India initiative to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.The inauguration was attended by Arvind Kumar (DG, STPI) and Ashok Chandra (MD & CEO, PNB), marking the launch of comprehensive banking solutions dedicated to startups.An MoU was signed between PNB and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to provide financial support to eligible startups; signed by Sudhir Dalal (GM, PNB) and Subodh Sachan (Director, STPI).Under this collaboration, STPI will share a curated list of startups with PNB to connect them with startup-focused schemes and financial products, strengthening India’s startup ecosystem.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

India set to become world’s second-largest economy in PPP terms by 2038 – EY Report: India is projected to become the world’s second-largest economy in PPP terms by 2038, with an estimated $20.7 trillion economy by 2030, surpassing the US, Germany, and Japan, according to EY’s report.China is expected to remain the largest economy at $42.2 trillion (PPP) by 2030, but faces challenges from an ageing population and rising debt, while the US faces high debt and slower growth.India’s advantages include a youthful population (median age 28.8 in 2025), strong savings and investment rates, and a declining government debt-to-GDP ratio from 81.3% in 2024 to 75.8% by 2030.Structural reforms, resilient fundamentals, and investments in critical technologies will further support India’s growth, with the country expected to overtake Germany by 2028 to become the world’s third-largest economy in market exchange rate terms.

Daily GK Update- 27th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Launches First-Ever Guidelines for Animal Blood Transfusion and Veterinary Blood Banks: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) released India’s first-ever Guidelines and SOPs for Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks for Animals, creating a structured framework for veterinary transfusion medicine.The guidelines cover donor selection, blood collection, storage, transfusion procedures, safety measures, and emphasize ethical blood donation, mandatory blood typing, cross-matching, and a Donor Rights Charter.Developed with inputs from the Veterinary Council of India, ICAR institutes, universities, and experts, the framework aligns with global standards, integrates One Health principles, and proposes a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network with digital registries and emergency helplines.The move is seen as a milestone in veterinary healthcare, strengthening clinical care, animal welfare, rural livelihoods, and research, while supporting India’s livestock sector that contributes 5.5% to national GDP and over 30% to agricultural GDP.

 

2. NHAI launches Project Aarohan to support education of toll plaza workers’ families: NHAI launched Project Aarohan to support the educational aspirations of toll plaza employees’ children, focusing on students from economically weaker sections.The scheme will cover 500 students from Class 11 to graduation, each receiving an annual scholarship of ₹12,000 in FY 2025-26.Additionally, 50 meritorious students aspiring for postgraduate and higher studies will receive ₹50,000 scholarships each.Applications will be accepted via an online portal, requiring documents such as academic records, income proof, caste certificate, and ID proof.

 

3. India’s National Designated Authority for Carbon Trading: India has recently established a National Designated Authority (NDA) to manage carbon emissions trading under the 2015 Paris Agreement. This move follows the finalisation of Article 6 at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024. The NDA is important step towards operationalising a carbon market to meet India’s climate commitments. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement outlines the framework for international carbon emissions trading. It enables countries to cooperate in achieving their emission reduction targets through market mechanisms. The article was a contentious issue for years and was only resolved in late 2024. The agreement ensures transparency and credibility in carbon credit generation and trading.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nepal officially joins India-led International Big Cat Alliance: Nepal has officially become a member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led global initiative launched in April 2023 for the conservation of seven big cat species — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.With snow leopard, tiger, and common leopard in its landscape, Nepal’s participation will strengthen global cooperation in big cat conservation. The IBCA praised Nepal for this ecologically significant step.Nepal has achieved remarkable success in wildlife conservation by tripling its tiger population from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2022, showcasing its strong commitment to protecting endangered species.

 

2. India-China Collaboration on Global AI Governance: Recent developments in 2025 mark a very important moment in India-China relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin is the first since the Galwan Valley clash. Beyond diplomatic recalibration, this visit aims to encourage cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) governance. Both nations seek to influence global AI rules, reflecting the interests of the Global South rather than just the Western world. India and China have faced geopolitical tensions, especially after border conflicts. Despite mistrust, both countries recognise the strategic value of working together. The SCO summit offers a platform to prioritise economic ties and emerging technologies over disputes. AI is a key area of focus given its growing global importance.

 

3. 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.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Commissions Stealth Frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri at Visakhapatnam’: The Indian Navy commissioned two Project 17A stealth frigates, Udaygiri and Himgiri, at Naval Base Visakhapatnam with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presiding over the ceremony.This marks the first-ever simultaneous commissioning of two frontline warships built at different shipyards — Udaygiri by MDL (Mumbai) and Himgiri by GRSE (Kolkata).Both frigates, designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) as advanced variants of the Shivalik-class, feature enhanced stealth, modern sensors, advanced weaponry, and 75% indigenous content, highlighting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.With their induction into the Eastern Fleet, Udaygiri and Himgiri will boost India’s maritime strength in the Indian Ocean Region, symbolizing India’s shipbuilding expertise and inter-yard collaboration.

 

2. India, Japan to Co-Develop Advanced UNICORN Naval Antenna System for Indian Navy Platforms: India and Japan are co-developing the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN), also known as Nora-50, for Indian Navy platforms, marking a major boost to bilateral defence collaboration.UNICORN is one of the world’s most advanced weapon-grade composite radar masts, currently deployed on Japan’s Mogami-class frigates, and is designed to house multiple antennas and sensors in a single composite mast for improved stealth and efficiency.Under the Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) signed in November 2024, Japan will provide design and engineering support, while India, through Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), will handle integration, adaptation, and co-production.The project is seen as a milestone in India’s naval indigenisation efforts, with BEL’s existing Advanced Composite Communication System (ACCS) already in use, facilitating smooth incorporation of UNICORN into future Indian naval platforms.

 

3. Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Mission: The Sudarshan Chakra mission was announced as India’s indigenous multi-layered air defence system. It aims to protect strategic, civilian, and national sites from enemy aerial threats.  The project integrates advanced technologies and a whole-of-nation approach to ensure robust national security. Sudarshan Chakra is designed as India’s equivalent to Israel’s Iron Dome. It combines detection, acquisition, and neutralisation of enemy air vectors. The system uses both soft kills—electronic and cyber measures that disable threats—and hard kills such as missiles and lasers. The goal is to create a shield and sword to defend against missiles, aircraft, and drones.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Mirabai Clinches Gold at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025: Star Indian weightlifter and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu clinched Gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad.She lifted a total of 193kg (84kg in snatch & 109kg in clean and jerk), setting new Commonwealth Championship records in all categories.With this victory, Mirabai secured direct qualification for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

 

2. Sharvari Somnath Shende Wins U18 Gold at World Youth Archery Championships in Canada: Sharvari Somnath Shende (16-year-old) won the U18 women’s individual recurve gold medal at the 2025 World Youth Archery Championships held in Winnipeg, Canada.She defeated South Korea’s Kim Yewon 6-5 in a thrilling final, clinching the title with a perfect 10 in the shoot-off.Shende became the second Indian woman to win gold in the tournament after Chikitha Taniparthi, who earlier won the U21 women’s compound individual title.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. 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.

 

2. Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved milestone on 24 August 2025 by successfully conducting its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1). This test is crucial for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s maiden human spaceflight programme. The trial demonstrated the reliability of the parachute-based deceleration system designed to safely return astronauts to Earth. This achievement marks a key step towards human-rating India’s spaceflight launch and recovery systems. The IADT-1 involved dropping a dummy crew capsule weighing around five tonnes from a Chinook helicopter. The capsule descended several kilometres while its parachutes deployed in a precise sequence. This sequence slowed the capsule to a safe splashdown speed. The test validated the parachute system’s performance under real-world conditions. During actual missions, the parachutes will deploy after atmospheric re-entry and initial deceleration by heat shields and drogue parachutes.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Fitch Affirms India’s Sovereign Rating at ‘BBB-’ with Stable Outlook, Citing Strong Growth Prospects: Fitch Ratings reaffirmed India’s sovereign rating at ‘BBB-’ with a stable outlook, highlighting robust growth and improving fiscal credibility as key drivers.Fitch projected India’s GDP growth at 6.5% in FY26, unchanged from FY25 and significantly higher than the ‘BBB’ median of 2.5%, supported by strong external finances.Proposed GST reforms with a simplified two-tier structure (5% and 18%) and a 40% rate for select goods could boost consumption and help mitigate growth risks.On August 14, S&P Global Ratings upgraded India’s sovereign rating by a notch to ‘BBB’, from ‘BBB-‘, with a stable outlook — its first upgrade for India in over 18 years.

 

2. IREDA Signs MoU with MNRE, Sets ₹8,200 Crore Revenue Target for FY 2025-26: IREDA signed a performance-based MoU with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), setting a Revenue from Operations target of ₹8,200 crore for FY 2025-26.In FY 2024-25, IREDA had exceeded its revenue target, achieving ₹6,743.32 crore against the set target of ₹5,957 crore.The MoU outlines key performance parameters including Return on Net Worth, Return on Capital Employed, NPA to Total Loans, Asset Turnover Ratio, and EBTDA.

 

3. Sundaram Home Finance launches special affordable housing finance under ‘Anugraha’ brand: Sundaram Home Finance, a subsidiary of Sundaram Finance Ltd, launched an affordable housing finance product named ‘Anugraha’, targeting lower to mid-income aspiring homeowners.The initiative aims to expand deeper into Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in home ownership alongside small business loans as key growth drivers.The company operates with 50+ branches in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and disbursed over ₹200 crore in the previous year.

 

4. CCPA slaps ₹3 lakh fine on VLCC for misleading ads on slimming treatments: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a fine of ₹3 lakh on VLCC Ltd for publishing misleading advertisements about slimming treatments using the US-FDA-approved CoolSculpting machine.VLCC was found making exaggerated claims such as “Lose up to 600g and 7 cm in 1 session” and “Drop 1 size permanently,” which went far beyond the actual medical approval for the machine.The investigation revealed that CoolSculpting is approved only for localized fat reduction in specific body areas (like arms, thighs, abdomen, back fat, etc.) for individuals with a BMI of 30 or less, not for permanent weight loss. Along with the penalty, CCPA issued advisories to VLCC to ensure future ads and disclaimers strictly adhere to accurate information, avoiding misleading claims.

Daily GK Update- 26th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Launches First-Ever Guidelines for Animal Blood Transfusion and Veterinary Blood Banks: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) released India’s first-ever Guidelines and SOPs for Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks for Animals, creating a structured framework for veterinary transfusion medicine.The guidelines cover donor selection, blood collection, storage, transfusion procedures, safety measures, and emphasize ethical blood donation, mandatory blood typing, cross-matching, and a Donor Rights Charter.Developed with inputs from the Veterinary Council of India, ICAR institutes, universities, and experts, the framework aligns with global standards, integrates One Health principles, and proposes a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network with digital registries and emergency helplines.The move is seen as a milestone in veterinary healthcare, strengthening clinical care, animal welfare, rural livelihoods, and research, while supporting India’s livestock sector that contributes 5.5% to national GDP and over 30% to agricultural GDP.

 

2. NHAI launches Project Aarohan to support education of toll plaza workers’ families: NHAI launched Project Aarohan to support the educational aspirations of toll plaza employees’ children, focusing on students from economically weaker sections.The scheme will cover 500 students from Class 11 to graduation, each receiving an annual scholarship of ₹12,000 in FY 2025-26.Additionally, 50 meritorious students aspiring for postgraduate and higher studies will receive ₹50,000 scholarships each.Applications will be accepted via an online portal, requiring documents such as academic records, income proof, caste certificate, and ID proof.

 

3. India’s National Designated Authority for Carbon Trading: India has recently established a National Designated Authority (NDA) to manage carbon emissions trading under the 2015 Paris Agreement. This move follows the finalisation of Article 6 at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024. The NDA is important step towards operationalising a carbon market to meet India’s climate commitments. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement outlines the framework for international carbon emissions trading. It enables countries to cooperate in achieving their emission reduction targets through market mechanisms. The article was a contentious issue for years and was only resolved in late 2024. The agreement ensures transparency and credibility in carbon credit generation and trading.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nepal officially joins India-led International Big Cat Alliance: Nepal has officially become a member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led global initiative launched in April 2023 for the conservation of seven big cat species — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.With snow leopard, tiger, and common leopard in its landscape, Nepal’s participation will strengthen global cooperation in big cat conservation. The IBCA praised Nepal for this ecologically significant step.Nepal has achieved remarkable success in wildlife conservation by tripling its tiger population from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2022, showcasing its strong commitment to protecting endangered species.

 

2. India-China Collaboration on Global AI Governance: Recent developments in 2025 mark a very important moment in India-China relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin is the first since the Galwan Valley clash. Beyond diplomatic recalibration, this visit aims to encourage cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) governance. Both nations seek to influence global AI rules, reflecting the interests of the Global South rather than just the Western world. India and China have faced geopolitical tensions, especially after border conflicts. Despite mistrust, both countries recognise the strategic value of working together. The SCO summit offers a platform to prioritise economic ties and emerging technologies over disputes. AI is a key area of focus given its growing global importance.

 

3. 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.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Commissions Stealth Frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri at Visakhapatnam’: The Indian Navy commissioned two Project 17A stealth frigates, Udaygiri and Himgiri, at Naval Base Visakhapatnam with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presiding over the ceremony.This marks the first-ever simultaneous commissioning of two frontline warships built at different shipyards — Udaygiri by MDL (Mumbai) and Himgiri by GRSE (Kolkata).Both frigates, designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) as advanced variants of the Shivalik-class, feature enhanced stealth, modern sensors, advanced weaponry, and 75% indigenous content, highlighting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.With their induction into the Eastern Fleet, Udaygiri and Himgiri will boost India’s maritime strength in the Indian Ocean Region, symbolizing India’s shipbuilding expertise and inter-yard collaboration.

 

2. India, Japan to Co-Develop Advanced UNICORN Naval Antenna System for Indian Navy Platforms: India and Japan are co-developing the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN), also known as Nora-50, for Indian Navy platforms, marking a major boost to bilateral defence collaboration.UNICORN is one of the world’s most advanced weapon-grade composite radar masts, currently deployed on Japan’s Mogami-class frigates, and is designed to house multiple antennas and sensors in a single composite mast for improved stealth and efficiency.Under the Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) signed in November 2024, Japan will provide design and engineering support, while India, through Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), will handle integration, adaptation, and co-production.The project is seen as a milestone in India’s naval indigenisation efforts, with BEL’s existing Advanced Composite Communication System (ACCS) already in use, facilitating smooth incorporation of UNICORN into future Indian naval platforms.

 

3. Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Mission: The Sudarshan Chakra mission was announced as India’s indigenous multi-layered air defence system. It aims to protect strategic, civilian, and national sites from enemy aerial threats.  The project integrates advanced technologies and a whole-of-nation approach to ensure robust national security. Sudarshan Chakra is designed as India’s equivalent to Israel’s Iron Dome. It combines detection, acquisition, and neutralisation of enemy air vectors. The system uses both soft kills—electronic and cyber measures that disable threats—and hard kills such as missiles and lasers. The goal is to create a shield and sword to defend against missiles, aircraft, and drones.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Mirabai Clinches Gold at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025: Star Indian weightlifter and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu clinched Gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad.She lifted a total of 193kg (84kg in snatch & 109kg in clean and jerk), setting new Commonwealth Championship records in all categories.With this victory, Mirabai secured direct qualification for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

 

2. Sharvari Somnath Shende Wins U18 Gold at World Youth Archery Championships in Canada: Sharvari Somnath Shende (16-year-old) won the U18 women’s individual recurve gold medal at the 2025 World Youth Archery Championships held in Winnipeg, Canada.She defeated South Korea’s Kim Yewon 6-5 in a thrilling final, clinching the title with a perfect 10 in the shoot-off.Shende became the second Indian woman to win gold in the tournament after Chikitha Taniparthi, who earlier won the U21 women’s compound individual title.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. 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.

 

2. Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved milestone on 24 August 2025 by successfully conducting its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1). This test is crucial for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s maiden human spaceflight programme. The trial demonstrated the reliability of the parachute-based deceleration system designed to safely return astronauts to Earth. This achievement marks a key step towards human-rating India’s spaceflight launch and recovery systems. The IADT-1 involved dropping a dummy crew capsule weighing around five tonnes from a Chinook helicopter. The capsule descended several kilometres while its parachutes deployed in a precise sequence. This sequence slowed the capsule to a safe splashdown speed. The test validated the parachute system’s performance under real-world conditions. During actual missions, the parachutes will deploy after atmospheric re-entry and initial deceleration by heat shields and drogue parachutes.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Fitch Affirms India’s Sovereign Rating at ‘BBB-’ with Stable Outlook, Citing Strong Growth Prospects: Fitch Ratings reaffirmed India’s sovereign rating at ‘BBB-’ with a stable outlook, highlighting robust growth and improving fiscal credibility as key drivers.Fitch projected India’s GDP growth at 6.5% in FY26, unchanged from FY25 and significantly higher than the ‘BBB’ median of 2.5%, supported by strong external finances.Proposed GST reforms with a simplified two-tier structure (5% and 18%) and a 40% rate for select goods could boost consumption and help mitigate growth risks.On August 14, S&P Global Ratings upgraded India’s sovereign rating by a notch to ‘BBB’, from ‘BBB-‘, with a stable outlook — its first upgrade for India in over 18 years.

 

2. IREDA Signs MoU with MNRE, Sets ₹8,200 Crore Revenue Target for FY 2025-26: IREDA signed a performance-based MoU with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), setting a Revenue from Operations target of ₹8,200 crore for FY 2025-26.In FY 2024-25, IREDA had exceeded its revenue target, achieving ₹6,743.32 crore against the set target of ₹5,957 crore.The MoU outlines key performance parameters including Return on Net Worth, Return on Capital Employed, NPA to Total Loans, Asset Turnover Ratio, and EBTDA.

 

3. Sundaram Home Finance launches special affordable housing finance under ‘Anugraha’ brand: Sundaram Home Finance, a subsidiary of Sundaram Finance Ltd, launched an affordable housing finance product named ‘Anugraha’, targeting lower to mid-income aspiring homeowners.The initiative aims to expand deeper into Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in home ownership alongside small business loans as key growth drivers.The company operates with 50+ branches in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and disbursed over ₹200 crore in the previous year.

 

4. CCPA slaps ₹3 lakh fine on VLCC for misleading ads on slimming treatments: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a fine of ₹3 lakh on VLCC Ltd for publishing misleading advertisements about slimming treatments using the US-FDA-approved CoolSculpting machine.VLCC was found making exaggerated claims such as “Lose up to 600g and 7 cm in 1 session” and “Drop 1 size permanently,” which went far beyond the actual medical approval for the machine.The investigation revealed that CoolSculpting is approved only for localized fat reduction in specific body areas (like arms, thighs, abdomen, back fat, etc.) for individuals with a BMI of 30 or less, not for permanent weight loss. Along with the penalty, CCPA issued advisories to VLCC to ensure future ads and disclaimers strictly adhere to accurate information, avoiding misleading claims.