Daily GK Update- 13th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CCEA Approves Rs 8,146 Crore for 700 MW Tato-II Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Rs 8,146.21 crore investment for the 700 MW Tato-II Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh, with an estimated completion time of 72 months.The project, a joint venture between NEEPCO and the Arunachal Pradesh government, will generate 2738.06 MU of energy, improving power supply in the state and helping balance the National Grid.The state will receive 12% free power, 1% for Local Area Development Fund, and infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and marketplaces funded by project allocations.

 

2. UIDAI Signs Agreement with Indian Statistical Institute to Strengthen Aadhaar Security and Reliability: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has signed an agreement with the Indian Statistical Institute for joint research and development to further enhance the robustness, security and reliability of Aadhaar operations.The agreement effective for a period of five years, will cover areas such as fraud and anomaly detection, development of biometric liveness detection tools, improvements in biometric matching algorithms, and other priority areas.

 

3. Union Health Secretary Launches SHRESTH Initiative to Strengthen State Drug Regulatory Systems: Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH) in New Delhi, stressing that public health begins with the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines.The SHRESTH initiative by CDSCO aims to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems through a transparent, data-driven framework, ensuring consistent drug safety and quality standards.Srivastava called for strong Centre–State collaboration and recognition of best practices to improve medicine manufacturing and distribution across India.

 

4. SBI Leads Public Sector Banks in Education Loan Disbursals; Maharashtra Tops State-Wise Chart: Over the past three years, public sector banks have significantly supported higher education financing in India, with State Bank of India (SBI) leading by disbursing Rs 32,311 crore in education loans between FY 2022-23 and 2024-25.Maharashtra topped the state-wise education loan disbursal chart with Rs 11,426 crore, followed by Kerala (Rs 8,938 crore) and Andhra Pradesh (Rs 8,101 crore), reflecting strong demand for higher education funding across major states. Despite large disbursals, repayment challenges remain, with SBI reporting Rs 336 crore in Gross NPAs on education loans as of March 2025, indicating the need to strengthen loan recovery mechanisms nationwide.

 

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 13 August – International Left-Handers Day: International Left-Handers Day is observed annually on 13 August to celebrate the uniqueness of left-handed individuals and raise awareness about their needs.The day was first celebrated in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell, founder of the Left-Handers Club.Around 10% of the global population is left-handed, often facing challenges in a predominantly right-handed world.

 

2. 13 August – World Organ Donation Day: World Organ Donation Day is observed every year on 13 August to promote awareness about the importance of organ donation.The day highlights how one donor can save up to eight lives by donating vital organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and pancreas.Theme 2025 – Answering The Call

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy to Commission INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri in Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy will simultaneously commission two advanced frontline frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, on 26th August at Visakhapatnam, marking the first time two major surface combatants from different Indian shipyards are commissioned together.INS Udaygiri, the second Project 17A stealth frigate, is built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, while INS Himgiri, the first P17A ship from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.INS Udaygiri is the 100th ship designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, highlighting India’s naval modernization and the capability to deliver advanced warships from multiple shipyards.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Gill and Dunkley named ICC Players of the Month for July 2025: India Test captain Shubman Gill and England spinner Sophia Dunkley have been named the International Cricket Council (ICC) men’s and women’s Player of the Month for July, respectively.Gill bagged the Player of the Month award after a stiff competition from England Test skipper Ben Stokes and South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. This is his fourth Player of the Month honour, having won previously in February this year and in January and September 2023.Meanwhile, Sophia Dunkley’s consistent run with the bat has seen her clinch the ICC Women’s Player of the Month honour for the first time. She edged out strong competition from her England teammate Sophie Ecclestone and Ireland captain Gaby Lewis for the monthly award.

 

2. 64th Subroto Cup to Kick Off on August 19: The 64th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament will begin with the junior girls’ (U-17) event on August 19 in Delhi, concluding with the junior boys’ final on September 25.For the first time, the tournament will be held across multiple cities, with Bengaluru hosting the sub-junior boys’ (U-15) matches from September 2 to 11, along with bone age-determination tests.Matches in Delhi-NCR will be played at Ambedkar Stadium, Tejas Ground, Subroto Park, and Pinto Park, while Bengaluru matches will be hosted at Air Force School (Jalahalli & Yelahanka) and HQ Training Command Ground.A total of 106 teams, including participants from Nepal and Sri Lanka, will compete, with seven players chosen for advanced football training in Germany under the Indian Tigers & Tigresses campaign.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DPIIT Partners with Zepto to Boost Manufacturing Startups through ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with Zepto to launch the ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge to support and scale early-stage manufacturing startups.A six-month program will mentor startups in hardware, IoT, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing, helping them progress from prototype to market-ready solutions using Zepto’s delivery and digital infrastructure.The initiative will focus on women-led and Tier II/III startups, integrating over 100 Indian startups into Zepto’s supply chain with market access, expert-led workshops, and Startup India assistance.

 

2. DPIIT Partners with Hero MotoCorp to Boost Early-Stage Startups through ‘Hero For Startups’ Accelerator Program: DPIIT signed an MoU with Hero MotoCorp to support and scale early-stage startups and entrepreneurs through the ‘Hero For Startups’ innovation accelerator program.The partnership focuses on startups working in future mobility, clean technology, and deep technology, providing access to Hero MotoCorp’s R&D facilities in India and Germany.Selected startups will receive mentorship, access to Hero’s dealer and supplier network, and opportunities for paid Proofs of Concept (PoCs) to pilot and scale their innovations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IDFC FIRST Bank Launches RemitFIRST2India: Zero-Fee Digital Remittance Platform for NRIs: IDFC FIRST Bank launched RemitFIRST2India, a next-generation digital remittance platform enabling NRIs to send money to India quickly, securely, and with zero transfer fees.NRI customers of IDFC FIRST Bank can use the Mobile Banking App for transactions, while non-customers can onboard easily via a paperless web portal.The platform, launched in partnership with SingX, currently supports transfers from Singapore and Hong Kong, offers live transaction tracking, and focuses on speed, transparency, and ease of use.

 

2. KSFE becomes first miscellaneous NBFC in India to cross ₹1 lakh crore business turnover: Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE) became the first miscellaneous non-banking financial company in India to achieve a ₹1 lakh crore business turnover, doubling from ₹50,000 crore in just four years.To celebrate this milestone, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event featuring the launch of the “KSFE Onam Samriddhi Gift Card” and the unveiling of the new tagline “KSFE: The Courage of Kerala.”KSFE reported a profit of ₹512 crore in FY 2024-25, provided ₹504 crore in financial assistance through interest waivers, contributed ₹920 crore to the state government, and holds fixed deposits worth ₹8,925 crore in the state treasury.

 

3. India’s Retail Inflation Drops to Eight-Year Low of 1.55% in July: India’s retail inflation eased to an eight-year low of 1.55% in July, down from 2.1% in June, marking the lowest year-on-year inflation since June 2017, as per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.Inflation softened to 1.18% in rural areas and 2.05% in urban regions, while food inflation dipped into deflation at 1.76%, the lowest since January 2019, with rural food inflation at 1.74% and urban at 1.9%.The decline in headline and food inflation is mainly due to favorable base effects and decreases in prices of pulses and products, transport and communication, vegetables, cereals, education, eggs, and sugar/confectionery.

 

4. Paytm Gets In-Principle Approval from RBI to Operate as Online Payment Aggregator: Paytm Payments Services Limited has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.The approval is conditional on compliance with RBI’s guidelines on regulation of Payment Aggregators and Payment Gateways issued in 2020 and related clarifications from 2021.

Daily GK Update- 12th Aug, 2024

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Yellow Line of Bengaluru Metro Phase-2, spanning over 19 km with 16 stations, valued at around Rs 7,160 crore, increasing Bengaluru’s operational metro network to over 96 km.He laid the foundation stone for Bengaluru Metro Phase-3 project worth Rs 15,610 crore, which will have more than 44 km route length and 31 elevated stations, aimed at improving transportation across residential, industrial, commercial, and educational zones.PM Modi also flagged off 3 Vande Bharat Express trains from Bengaluru to Belagavi, Amritsar–Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Nagpur–Pune, enhancing regional connectivity and reducing travel time with high-speed rail service.

 

2. India Inaugurates First ‘Animal Stem Cell Biobank’ at NIAB, Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first Animal Stem Cell Biobank at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) under BRIC in Hyderabad, to store and preserve high-quality stem cells from various animal species.The facility is a state-of-the-art centre aimed at advancing research in animal health, genetic preservation, and biodiversity conservation.The Minister also launched five breakthrough animal health technologies developed by NIAB, including BruDIVA, a diagnostic test to differentiate between brucellosis-infected and vaccinated animals for better disease control.

 

3. Mumbai Hosts Largest-Ever International Astronomy Olympiad with 288 Students from 64 Countries: The 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) began in Mumbai, hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, with participation from 288 students representing 64 countries, including Ghana as an observer.The 10-day event will feature diverse rounds such as theory, observation, sky map reading, data analysis, planetarium round, and team competitions, making it the largest IOAA ever held.The Olympiad aims to unite young astronomy enthusiasts worldwide, encouraging academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and friendship, while following rigorous question-setting and evaluation processes.

 

4. Section 498-A IPC : The Supreme Court of India recently upheld a suspension on arrests under Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code. This law addresses cruelty against married women by their husbands or relatives. The judgement, delivered in July 2025, allows a two-month ‘cool-off’ period during which no arrest or coercive action can be taken. This move has sparked debate on criminal justice and gender equality in India. Section 498-A was introduced in 1983 to combat cruelty against women in marriage. It covers acts like dowry harassment, physical and mental torture, and driving a woman to suicide or injury. The law aims to protect women from domestic violence and ensure their safety. It carries a punishment of up to three years imprisonment and a fine.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. BSNL Partners with Global Tech Giants to Launch Advanced 5G and AI Training Programs at Jabalpur Institute: BSNL signed MoUs with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to launch advanced training programs in 5G, AI/ML, networking, and digital technologies at BRBRAITT, Jabalpur.The initiative supports DoT’s plan to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research, and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT, aiming to train over 2,000 students annually with Phase 1 investments exceeding ₹1 crore.Courses will range from short 2-week modules to intensive 84-hour programs, aiming to position Jabalpur as a hub for cutting-edge technology education.

 

2. Kenya Becomes 10th Country to Eliminate Sleeping Sickness as a Public Health Problem: WHO: The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that Kenya has successfully eliminated sleeping sickness, also known as human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), as a public health problem, becoming the 10th country to achieve this milestone.HAT, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei and transmitted by infected tsetse flies, is generally fatal without treatment and primarily affects rural populations engaged in agriculture, fishing, livestock rearing, or hunting.Besides Kenya, countries such as Benin, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Togo, and Uganda have also eliminated sleeping sickness, marking significant progress toward making Africa free of neglected tropical diseases.

 

3. 11 August – World Steelpan Day: World Steelpan Day is celebrated every year on 11 August to honour the steelpan, the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century.Originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, the steelpan is a percussion instrument made from industrial steel drums, known for its vibrant, melodic sound.The day recognizes the cultural and musical significance of the steelpan, promoting awareness of its heritage and its role in uniting communities worldwide through music.

 

4. 12 August – World Elephant Day: World Elephant Day, observed annually on 12 August, aims to raise global awareness about the urgent need to protect elephants and their habitats, addressing threats like poaching, habitat loss, and human-elephant conflict.The day was first celebrated in 2012, initiated by Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims and Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation, and is now supported by over 100 wildlife organizations worldwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s Defence Production Hits Record Rs 1.50 Lakh Crore in FY 2024-25: India’s annual defence production reached an all-time high of Rs 1,50,590 crore in FY 2024-25, marking an 18% growth over the previous year and a 90% increase since FY 2019-20, reflecting a strengthening defence industrial base.Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed about 77% of total production, while the private sector’s share rose to 23% from 21% last year, showing increased private participation and a 28% growth in private sector production.Defence exports hit a record Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, up 12.04% from the previous year, highlighting the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and India’s growing role in global defence manufacturing and exports.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Annu Rani Clinches Women’s Javelin Title, Murali Sreeshankar Wins Long Jump at Indian Open 2025: In Athletics, Olympian Annu Rani won the women’s javelin throw title at the Indian Open 2025 World Athletics Bronze Level Continental Tour at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.She recorded a best throw of 62.01 meters, comfortably beating Sri Lanka’s NDL Hatarabag Leka 56.27 meters and India’s Deepika 54.20 meters.In the men’s javelin throw, India’s Shivam Lohakare secured the silver medal with a throw of 80.73 meters. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage claimed the gold with an impressive throw of 86.50 meters, surpassing the World Championships qualifying mark of 85.50 meters. Another Sri Lankan, Sumeda J Ranasinghe, took bronze with a throw of 80.65 meters.

 

2. Ramesh Budhial Becomes First Indian to Win Asian Surfing Championship Medal, Clinches Bronze: Ramesh Budhial became the first Indian ever to win a medal at the Asian Surfing Championships by clinching the bronze in the Open Men’s category held in Chennai, scoring 12.60 points.The men’s gold medal was won by Korea’s Kanoa Heejae with 15.17 points, while Indonesia’s Pajar Ariyana secured silver with 14.57 points.In the Open Women’s category, Japan’s Anri Matsuno won gold, and Korea’s Kanoa Heejae also took the Under-18 boys’ gold, showcasing strong performances across categories at the event.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. TCS Partners with Now Telecom to Boost Digital Infrastructure and Financial Inclusivity in the Philippines: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed an MoU with NOW Corporation’s telecom arm, Now Telecom, to strengthen the Philippines’ digital infrastructure, enhance financial inclusivity, and promote national digital sovereignty through secure and trusted networks.Under the partnership, TCS will provide sovereign cloud technology, a cyber-defence suite, and citizen-centric services in healthcare and digital banking, while also supporting operational interoperability and safeguarding national data from external threats.Both TCS and Now Telecom are part of the Trusted Network Alliance under the Trusted Network Initiative (TNI), working to develop secure telecom networks, bolster cyber-digital cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and ensure sovereign control over critical systems during crises.

 

2. Rajasthan Pioneers Drone-Based Artificial Rain Trial: Rajasthan has initiated India’s first drone-based artificial rain trial at Ramgarh Dam. This marks shift from traditional aeroplane-assisted cloud seeding to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. The trial involves around 60 drones and is a joint effort by the state agriculture department and GenX AI, a technology firm based in the US and Bengaluru. The experiment aims to enhance rainfall using advanced cloud seeding techniques. The project was originally scheduled for July 31 but was postponed due to heavy rain alerts. Since then, multiple tests have been conducted in Jaipur to ensure the drones’ operational readiness. The initiative has received approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the India Meteorological Department, district authorities, and the agriculture department. The launch event near Ramgarh Dam is open for public viewing and will be inaugurated by the state agriculture minister Kirodi Lal Meena.

 

3. NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory: Recent developments in 2025 show NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) missions are at risk of termination. The Trump administration’s budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year excludes funding for these satellites. Despite their critical role in climate monitoring, NASA plans to end the missions citing budget priorities. This has sparked concern among scientists and lawmakers about the future of space-based carbon dioxide observation. The original OCO mission failed at launch due to a technical fault in 2009. Its replacement, OCO-2, launched in 2014, has since provided precise data on atmospheric carbon dioxide. A second instrument was added to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019. These missions monitor global carbon fluxes and plant health, vital for understanding climate change dynamics.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI approves Equirus Finance NBFC launch: The Reserve Bank of India has approved Equirus Group to enter the non-banking financial sector with its new lending arm, Equirus Finance, operating as a non-deposit-taking NBFC focused on customised lending solutions.Equirus Finance will offer products like Loan Against Securities (LAS), ESOP financing, market-linked debentures, and structured finance, targeting high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporate promoters with a goal to build a ₹3,000 crore loan book.Leveraging Equirus Wealth’s $2.2 billion asset management expertise, the NBFC aims to provide integrated financial advice and funding, emphasising transparency, regulatory compliance, and ethical lending to lead the premium lending segment in India.

 

2. EQBAC Launches in India with Partner-First Platform to Simplify Cross-Border Investing: EQBAC, headquartered in Mauritius, has launched operations in India with a partner-first approach to simplify cross-border investing, enabling retail and high-net-worth investors to access global assets through a secure and regulated digital platform.Founded by Satinder Aggarwal, EQBAC offers plug-and-play access to fractional global equities, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, pre-IPOs, and structured products, focusing on supporting financial advisors without competing with them.The platform acts as an execution broker with white-label and API integrations, allowing partners to retain client relationships, revenue, and branding, while investments are held in segregated accounts via top global banks like Citibank and Standard Chartered.

 

3. ICICI Bank raises minimum balance requirement for savings accounts: ICICI Bank has increased the minimum monthly average balance (MAB) for new savings bank accounts opened on or after August 1, 2025, by five times to ₹50,000 in metro and urban locations; semi-urban MAB is now ₹25,000, and rural MAB is ₹10,000.Customers failing to meet the required MAB will face penal charges of 6% of the shortfall or ₹500 (whichever is lower), with an annual interest rate of 2.5% applicable on savings balances.Certain accounts such as salary accounts, PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts, and basic savings deposit accounts remain exempt as they are zero-balance accounts; higher MAB holders get benefits like free NEFT transfers and 3 complimentary cash transactions per month.The revision comes as public sector banks like SBI, PNB, Canara Bank, and Indian Bank have waived or reduced MAB penalties, contrasting with ICICI Bank’s sharp hike for new accounts.

Daily GK Update- 11th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet Approves ₹2,157 Crore 4-Lane Marakkanam–Puducherry NH-332A Project in Tamil Nadu: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 4-lane 46 km stretch from Marakkanam to Puducherry on NH-332A in Tamil Nadu, under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), with a total capital cost of ₹2,157 crore.The project aims to upgrade the congested existing 2-lane corridor to a 4-lane configuration, improving traffic flow, safety, and connectivity for rapidly growing towns including Chennai, Puducherry, Viluppuram, and Nagapattinam.The upgraded corridor will link with NH-32, NH-332, SH-136, and SH-203, while also connecting to two railway stations, two airports, and one minor port, boosting economic, social, and logistics integration in the region.

 

2. Second Edition of UN Women’s ‘She Leads II’ Programme inaugurated in New Delhi: Union Minister Annpurna Devi inaugurated the second edition of UN Women’s flagship capacity-building programme SheLeads II in New Delhi, a two-day workshop organised by UN Women India Country Office.The programme follows the enactment of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, which mandates 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, aiming to strengthen women’s leadership in governance.SheLeads seeks to advance gender equality in public and political leadership by equipping women with skills, networks, and support to contest upcoming elections, bringing together grassroots leaders, elected representatives, and administrators from across India.

 

3. Rahul Singh Gets Two-Year Extension as CBSE Chairperson: Senior IAS officer Rahul Singh, from the 1996 Bihar cadre, has received a two-year extension as Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).He was first appointed to the position on March 13, 2024, and his tenure will now continue until November 11, 2027.The extension was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), as stated in an order issued by the Personnel Ministry.

 

4. Zomato Appoints Shah Rukh Khan as Brand Ambassador for ‘Fuel Your Hustle’ Campaign: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been roped in by Zomato as the face of its ‘Fuel Your Hustle’ campaign, which celebrates the hard work and determination of people across India who relentlessly pursue their dreams.Zomato’s marketing head, Sahibjeet Singh Sawhney, stated that SRK’s journey from struggle to becoming a global icon resonates with everyone who believes in “hard work and consistency.”

 

5. India’s First Smart Intelligent Village: The village of Satnavri in rural Nagpur is at the forefront of India’s rural digital transformation. Selected under a state-backed pilot project, it aims to become the nation’s first ‘Smart Intelligent Village’. The initiative integrates advanced technology into daily rural life, covering agriculture, education, healthcare, governance, and finance. This project reflects a new model for holistic rural development using modern digital tools. The pilot was approved by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after a detailed blueprint presentation by the Voice of Indian Communication Technology Enterprises (VOICE). Satnavri was chosen for its small population of around 1,800, good connectivity, and readiness for infrastructure upgrades. Key officials including the divisional commissioner and district collector supported the selection, denoting the village’s suitability for a manageable and replicable model. Agriculture is the core focus. The village uses drone-assisted farming, smart irrigation, and soil sensors to improve productivity. Farmers receive real-time alerts on soil health, weather, and harvest timings through mobile interfaces. Data-driven farming helps optimise resource use and increase yields. Crop dashboards provide actionable insights, enabling farmers to plan better and access market forecasts.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 10 August – World Biofuel Day: World Biofuel Day is observed every year on August 10 to raise awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative source of energy.It highlights the role of biofuels in reducing carbon emissions, promoting cleaner energy, and ensuring energy security, especially in agricultural and rural economies.Theme 2025 – The BioE3 WayThe day commemorates Sir Rudolf Diesel, who, on 10 August 1893, successfully ran a mechanical engine with peanut oil. His experiment demonstrated the possibility of using vegetable oil as an engine fuel, which later evolved into modern biofuels.

 

2. 10 August – World Lion Day: World Lion Day is observed every year on 10 August to raise awareness about the conservation of lions and to highlight the threats faced by this majestic species.The day was first celebrated in 2013, initiated by Big Cat Rescue and partners, to educate people about the importance of lions in the ecosystem and the urgent need to protect their habitats.Lions are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with their population declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The day aims to promote global action to conserve lions, especially African lions and the Asiatic lions found in India’s Gir Forest.

 

3. 2025 Numbeo Index: India ranked 67th globally in the mid-2025 Numbeo Safety Index with a score of 55.8. Globally, Middle Eastern cities dominate the top safety positions, with Abu Dhabi leading for the ninth consecutive year. Mangalore tops the list with a safety index of 74.2. It ranks 49th worldwide. Its low crime rates and effective civic infrastructure contribute to this. Gujarat dominates with three cities – Vadodara (69.2), Ahmedabad (68.2), and Surat (66.6). Southern cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai also feature in the top 10, reflecting good urban governance. The Numbeo Safety Index is based on public perception. It measures safety during day and night. Factors include risks of mugging, robbery, car theft, physical attacks, and harassment. Discrimination based on skin colour, ethnicity, gender, or religion is considered. Property crimes such as burglary and vandalism, and violent crimes like assault and homicide, are also included. Higher scores indicate safer cities.

1. Great Barrier Reef Suffers Steepest Coral Decline: The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) has experienced its most severe loss of hard coral cover in nearly 40 years. The 2024 mass coral bleaching event, driven by climate change-induced heat stress, cyclones and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, devastated large parts of the reef. An annual survey by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) revealed that nearly half of the surveyed reefs showed a decline in coral cover. The reef faces increasing threats from frequent bleaching and environmental stresses, pushing the ecosystem closer to collapse. The GBR has endured five major mass bleaching events since 2016. The 2024 event was part of the ongoing global bleaching crisis that began in 2023. Surveys between August 2024 and May 2025 covered 124 reefs across northern, central and southern regions. Nearly 48 per cent of reefs showed coral decline, 42 per cent remained stable, and only 10 per cent improved. The bleaching was most intense in northern and central areas, with some reefs experiencing up to 60 per cent bleaching prevalence.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s Joint Doctrines for Cyberspace and Amphibious Operations: India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, formally released declassified Joint Doctrines for Cyberspace Operations and Amphibious Operations. This move enhances transparency and promotes wider understanding of integrated war-fighting concepts. These doctrines provide a unified framework for the Indian Armed Forces to operate cohesively across multiple domains. They reflect India’s strategic intent to modernise defence capabilities and strengthen joint operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Cyberspace is a global domain comprising interconnected networks, communication systems, and data infrastructures. It functions as a critical operational environment where information flows and military activities occur. The doctrine outlines a combined offensive and defensive cyber strategy. It stresses threat-informed planning, real-time intelligence sharing, and resilience. The doctrine promotes synchronised cyber operations across all services. It addresses challenges such as anonymity of attackers and evolving technological threats. Legal and ethical compliance is emphasised to maintain legitimacy.

 

2. Punjab Deploys Baaj Akh Anti-Drone System: Punjab has taken a major step in combating drug and weapon smuggling across its border with Pakistan. Recently, the state government launched the Baaj Akh Anti-Drone System (ADS), becoming the first in India to deploy such technology along an international border. This initiative forms part of Punjab’s intensified War Against Drugs campaign. Punjab shares a sensitive 553-kilometre border with Pakistan, a hotspot for narcotics and arms smuggling. In recent years, drones have become a favoured method for traffickers. In 2024, authorities seized 283 drones carrying heroin, weapons, and ammunition. Recently, 137 drones have already been intercepted. To counter this, Punjab deployed three ADS units with plans to add six more soon. The Baaj Akh system, meaning Hawk Eye, uses advanced technology to detect drones and their ground control stations. It automatically alerts authorities without the need for manual monitoring. This system provides a second line of defence after the Border Security Force (BSF), with the Punjab Police coordinating closely with BSF, the Army, and the Air Force.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Sea of Galilee Turns Red : The Sea of Galilee in Israel displayed an unusual red hue over several days. Israeli authorities have investigated and explained the phenomenon as a natural occurrence linked to algae growth. The event marks growing concerns about climate change and its impact on freshwater ecosystems worldwide. The Sea of Galilee, Israel’s largest freshwater lake, changed colour to red due to an algal bloom. Officials confirmed the water remains safe for humans. The green algae Botryococcus braunii, common in the lake, produces red pigments under sunlight. This pigment accumulation caused the striking red tint. The Water Ministry continues to monitor the lake’s water quality and ecosystem health. Botryococcus braunii is a green algae from the Chlorophyta group. It produces carotenoid pigments that turn red in sunlight. Known for producing hydrocarbons, this algae is studied for biofuel potential. Its sudden bloom in the Sea of Galilee is unusual but not harmful to humans. Similar algae blooms have been recorded in Israel before, including in the Dead Sea area in 2022.

 

2. Quantum Magnetic Navigation System: Recent conflicts highlight the growing importance of remote warfare. Modern battles increasingly depend on jets, missiles, and drones operating without large troop deployments. Satellite navigation systems such as GPS (USA), Glonass (Russia), Galileo (EU), and BeiDou (China) play a critical role in guiding these platforms over long distances. However, adversaries now target these satellite signals through jamming, spoofing, and meaconing to disrupt navigation. This has exposed vulnerabilities and driven the search for alternative navigation technologies. Among these, the Quantum Magnetic Navigation System (QMNS) has emerged as a promising solution. Satellite navigation is vulnerable to electronic warfare. Jamming floods receivers with noise. Spoofing sends false location data. Meaconing rebroadcasts delayed or altered signals. Natural phenomena like solar flares also degrade signal quality. In conflict zones such as Ukraine, West Asia, and South Asia, these tactics have become common. This necessitates navigation systems that do not rely solely on satellites.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. GAIL and HCL Join Hands to Explore and Develop Critical Mineral Resources : GAIL and Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) have signed an MoU to jointly explore and develop critical mineral resources in India and abroad.The collaboration aims to boost India’s self-reliance in vital minerals and support the clean energy and technology sectors.DPIIT Signs MoU with HDFC Capital to Boost Innovation in Affordable Housing and PropTech through H@ART ProgrammeDPIIT Signs MoU with Roche India to Boost Innovation and Startup Growth in Healthcare SectorDPIIT Signs MoU with Ather Energy to Boost EV Manufacturing and Empower Startup Ecosystem

 

2. DSP Mutual Fund Launches Flexicap Quality Index Fund: DSP Mutual Fund introduced the DSP

Nifty500 Flexicap Quality 30 Index Fund. This fund is India’s first low-cost flexicap strategy that blends quality stock selection with dynamic market capitalisation allocation. It aims to help investors confidently navigate changing equity markets through a rules-based, automated approach. The fund’s New Fund Offer (NFO) period was from 8 to 22 August 2025. It replicates the Nifty500 Flexicap Quality 30 Index, which selects 30 fundamentally strong companies. These companies are equally divided across large, mid, and small cap segments. The fund uses a passive investment style to reduce costs and complexity for investors. Quality stocks are chosen based on financial strength. Key parameters include high return on equity (ROE), low debt levels, and consistent earnings growth. This ensures the fund invests only in companies with robust fundamentals. The equal weighting within each segment avoids concentration risk.

 

3. UPI Data and Tax Compliance Challenges in Small Businesses: The rapid rise of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) usage in India has transformed digital payments. By 2025, UPI transactions reached ₹260 lakh crore annually, capturing 28% of retail payments. However, this surge has presented new challenges for tax authorities and small vendors. The Karnataka Commercial Taxes Department’s use of UPI data to identify tax evaders sparked protests from small traders. This situation marks the complex balance between digitisation, transparency, and the concerns of small businesses. UPI started as a peer-to-peer payment method but has expanded to merchant payments. In FY25, 70% of UPI transactions were peer-to-peer and 30% peer-to-merchant. The share of NEFT payments declined from 61% in FY18 to 48% in FY25, showing a shift towards instant digital payments. This growth reflects convenience but also creates a digital trail for all transactions.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Telangana awarded with maximum number of organ donations in the country: Telangana recorded the highest organ donation rate in India in 2024, with 4.88 donations per 10 lakh population compared to the national average of 0.8, earning the state an award from the Union Health Ministry and NOTTO.The recognition was given for the state’s Jeevandan programme, with State Health Minister D. Rajanarsimha highlighting the recent adoption of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) to ensure equitable access to organs.

Under the Aarogyasri scheme, organ transplant surgeries are provided free of cost; in 2024 alone, organs from 188 donors saved 725 lives in Telangana.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 10th Aug, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Railways Successfully Trials Asia’s Longest 4.5 km Freight Train ‘Rudrastra’: Indian Railways successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train ‘Rudrastra’, measuring 4.5 km in length, from Ganjkhwaja (Uttar Pradesh) to Garhwa (Jharkhand), covering 209 km in 5 hours 10 minutes at an average speed of 40.50 km/h.The initiative, operated by the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Division of East Central Railway to the Dhanbad Division, aims to ensure faster loading and transportation of goods.Rudrastra was created by combining three long-haul racks (two goods trains each), comprising 345 wagons, with each empty wagon capable of carrying 72 tonnes of goods.The train used seven engines — two at the front and one after every 59 bogies in each rack — making freight movement quicker, more resource-efficient, and time-saving.

 

2. Cabinet Approves ₹4,250 Crore Special Development Packages for Assam and Tripura: The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved four new components under the Central Sector Scheme of Special Development Packages (SDPs) for Assam and Tripura with a total outlay of ₹4,250 crore, aimed at infrastructure and community development in areas inhabited by Adivasi, Dimasa, ULFA, and tribal groups.The fund allocation includes ₹500 crore for Adivasi areas in Assam, ₹500 crore for Dimasa-inhabited areas in the North Cacher Hills Autonomous Council, ₹3,000 crore for ULFA-affected areas, and ₹250 crore for tribal development in Tripura.The overall project outlay is ₹7,250 crore, with ₹4,250 crore from the central scheme and ₹3,000 crore contributed by the Assam State Government, to be implemented between FY 2025–26 and FY 2029–30.The scheme will boost employment, skill development, tourism, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic upliftment of vulnerable communities, benefiting youth and women in both states.

 

3. Cabinet Approves ₹30,000 Crore Compensation to OMCs for Domestic LPG Losses: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved ₹30,000 crore compensation for public sector Oil Marketing Companies (IOCL, BPCL, HPCL) to cover under-recoveries ondomestic LPG sales, with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas handling its distribution.The compensation will be provided in 12 tranches, ensuring that OMCs continue supplying LPG cylinders at regulated, affordable prices despite high international LPG prices in 2024–25.To protect consumers from global price fluctuations, the cost increase was not passed on, resulting in substantial losses for OMCs, yet they maintained uninterrupted domestic LPG supply nationwide.

 

4. Cabinet Approves ₹300 LPG Cylinder Subsidy for PMUY Beneficiaries in FY 2025–26: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of a targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder (up to nine refills annually) for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries during FY 2025–26, with an estimated expenditure of ₹12,000 crore.

Launched in May 2016, PMUY provides adult women from poor households with a deposit-free LPG connection, including a free first refill, stove, and installation, with costs borne by the Government of India and Oil Marketing Companies; as of July 1, 2025, there are about 10.33 crore PMUY connections.To protect beneficiaries from global LPG price fluctuations, the government introduced a targeted subsidy of ₹200 per 14.2 kg cylinder in May 2022, later raised to ₹300 in October 2023.Average per capita LPG consumption among PMUY households has improved from 3 refills per household in 2019–20 to 4.47 refills in FY 2024–25, indicating increased adoption of clean cooking fuel.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Second Edition of UN Women’s ‘She Leads II’ Programme inaugurated in New Delhi: Union Minister Annpurna Devi inaugurated the second edition of UN Women’s flagship capacity-building programme SheLeads II in New Delhi, a two-day workshop organised by UN Women India Country Office.The programme follows the enactment of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, which mandates 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, aiming to strengthen women’s leadership in governance.SheLeads seeks to advance gender equality in public and political leadership by equipping women with skills, networks, and support to contest upcoming elections, bringing together grassroots leaders, elected representatives, and administrators from across India.

 

2. GAIL and HCL Join Hands to Explore and Develop Critical Mineral Resources: GAIL and Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) have signed an MoU to jointly explore and develop critical mineral resources in India and abroad.The collaboration aims to boost India’s self-reliance in vital minerals and support the clean energy and technology sectors.BEML and TuTr Hyperloop Join Hands to Develop India’s First Indigenous Hyperloop Transportation SystemBSNL and NRL Sign MoU to Launch India’s First 5G CNPN in Refinery Sector DPIIT Signs MoU with HDFC Capital to Boost Innovation in Affordable Housing and PropTech through H@ART Programme

 

3. Zomato Appoints Shah Rukh Khan as Brand Ambassador for ‘Fuel Your Hustle’ Campaign: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been roped in by Zomato as the face of its ‘Fuel Your Hustle’ campaign, which celebrates the hard work and determination of people across India who relentlessly pursue their dreams.Zomato’s marketing head, Sahibjeet Singh Sawhney, stated that SRK’s journey from struggle to becoming a global icon resonates with everyone who believes in “hard work and consistency.”

 

4. 9 August 2025 – World Sanskrit Day: World Sanskrit Day is celebrated annually on Shravana Purnima, and in 2025, it falls on 9 August, to promote the Sanskrit language and its cultural heritage.The day highlights Sanskrit’s role as one of the world’s oldest languages and the root of many Indian languages, as well as its importance in literature, philosophy, and science.It marks an auspicious occasion traditionally considered ideal for starting the study of Sanskrit and Vedic scriptures.

 

5. 10 August – World Lion Day: World Lion Day is observed every year on 10 August to raise awareness about the conservation of lions and to highlight the threats faced by this majestic species.The day was first celebrated in 2013, initiated by Big Cat Rescue and partners, to educate people about the importance of lions in the ecosystem and the urgent need to protect their habitats.Lions are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with their population declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The day aims to promote global action to conserve lions, especially African lions and the Asiatic lions found in India’s Gir Forest.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Ladakh’s Botanical Garden Project: In eastern Ladakh, the Shyok village is transforming 10 hectares of barren community land into the Union Territory’s first botanical garden. Located on the route to the Galwan Valley, this initiative aims to preserve Ladakh’s unique biodiversity. The project is supported by the Leh Hill Council and is part of the Go Green Go Organic campaign. Completion is expected by 2029. Shyok village lies on the way to the Galwan Valley, an area gaining attention for future war-zone tourism. The barren land here is being converted into a green zone to conserve local flora and fauna. The Leh Hill Council is providing civil works support including land tilling and water reservoir construction. It has allocated one crore rupees for the project. The garden aims to restore the ecological balance by conserving traditional fruit trees like apricots and apples. It will also protect medicinal plants and rare high-altitude flora. The project seeks to promote eco-tourism and provide a sustainable livelihood to local communities.

 

SPORTS

 

1. India to be ‘Guest of Honour’ at 38th Bogota International Book Fair 2026 in Colombia: India will participate as the ‘Guest of Honour’ country at the 38th Bogota International Book Fair (FILBo) in 2026, strengthening cultural and literary ties with Colombia.Indian Ambassador to Colombia Vanlalhuma highlighted that the event will serve as a bridge for deeper people-to-people connections between the two nations.India’s National Book Trust had earlier showcased a collective exhibit of Indian books at the 37th FILBo 2025 held from April 25 to May 11, marking its debut at the fair.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Nilgiri Tahr Population Surges : The 2025 joint census of Nilgiri tahr populations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu has recorded 2,668 individuals. Kerala accounts for 1,365 tahrs while Tamil Nadu has 1,303. This growth marks successful conservation efforts and calls for enhanced interstate collaboration. Controlled burning in ENP grasslands has been very important in sustaining the tahr population. This rotational burning is conducted every three years over 97 sq km to maintain nutritious grasslands suitable for grazing. Animals are temporarily relocated during burning to protect them. This practice, based on traditional knowledge from the Muthuvan tribal community, promotes fresh grass growth and enhances food security and reproductive success among tahrs. Nilgiri tahrs form a major prey base for apex predators such as tigers and leopards within ENP. Predator presence helps regulate tahr numbers naturally. The availability of prey inside the park reduces predator movement into human habitations, lowering human-wildlife conflict. The park’s ecosystem also supports species like dholes, Nilgiri langurs, and lion-tailed macaques, reflecting rich biodiversity.

 

2. Nickel, Copper, and Platinum Group Elements: The discovery of deposit of Nickel, Copper, and Platinum Group Elements (Ni-Cu-PGE) in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district marks a key development in India’s resource sector. Awarded to Deccan Gold Mines Limited (DGML) under a 30 sq km Composite Licence, this find supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by enhancing India’s self-reliance in critical minerals. The Bhalukona-Jamnidih block in Basna tehsil has yielded promising deposits of Ni-Cu-PGE. DGML received the licence on 1 April 2023 after winning an e-auction held by the state government. Initial exploration reveals a 700-metre-long mineralised zone within mafic-ultramafic rocks. Sulphide mineralisation extends up to 300 metres deep, indicating substantial reserves. Nickel and Platinum Group Elements are vital for green and high-tech industries. They are essential in batteries, electronics, and catalytic converters. This discovery strengthens India’s position in securing resources critical for future innovation and sustainable development. It aligns with the national goal of reducing dependence on foreign imports.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ‘Nijut Moina 2.0’ Scheme: The Assam government has intensified its efforts to eliminate child marriage by 2026. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently launched the second edition of the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme. This initiative aims to protect over 400,000 girls from early marriage and support their education across the state. The second phase of the scheme expands its reach to cover girls in higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses. It offers monthly financial assistance ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 depending on the education level. This support aims to reduce financial barriers that often lead to early marriage. All girl students from various economic backgrounds are eligible. However, married girls (except certain postgraduate and B.Ed students), daughters of ministers, MPs, and MLAs, and those receiving scooter awards under another scheme are excluded unless they opt out. This ensures focused support for those most at risk.

 

2. Rising Income Disparity Among Indian States 2025: Recent data shows growing income inequality among Indian states. Richer states are advancing rapidly, while poorer states lag further behind. Southern and western states dominate the prosperity map, driven by manufacturing and investment-friendly policies. State per capita income estimates rely on net state domestic product and population data from 2011 Census. These figures do not fully account for migration and changing fertility rates. This causes inaccuracies in state-level income comparisons. Despite this, the broad pattern of widening income gaps remains clear. Manufacturing expansion fuels growth in richer states. These states benefit from skilled labour, supplier networks, and knowledge spillovers. Gujarat surpassed Maharashtra in manufacturing output since 2017-18 due to a more business-friendly climate. Southern states aggressively attract global firms like Foxconn and aerospace companies. Andhra Pradesh’s alignment with central policies and focus on high-tech sectors enhance its investment appeal.