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.

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.