August 2025 Current Affairs Notes– UPSC, SSC, RRB &Other competitive exams

1. Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025

Why in News? Introduced in Lok Sabha to provide removal mechanism for PM/CM/Ministers detained for serious crimes.

  • Applies to PM, CM, Union/State/UT Ministers.

  • Automatic cessation if detained >30 days; PM/CM must resign by 31st day.

  • Reappointment allowed after release.
    Significance: Ethical governance, prevents rule from jail.
    Concerns: Presumption of innocence, misuse risk, instability.

2. Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025

Why in News? Passed by Parliament to regulate online gaming while banning money-based gambling games.

3. National Sports Governance Act, 2025

Why in News? President gave assent to reform India’s sports governance.

4. Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Why in News? Introduced in Lok Sabha to decriminalize minor offences and rationalize business-related laws.

  • Builds on 2023 Act; covers 16 Acts.

  • First-time offences → warning; jail replaced by fines; automatic 10% rise every 3 years.

  • Designated officers ensure speedy resolution.

5. Supreme Court on Free Speech

Why in News? SC clarified limits of Article 19(1)(a) for commercial/prohibited speech.

  • Hate/Incitement speech not protected.

  • Govt to draft social media guidelines; influencers must act responsibly.

6. OCI Card Rules Tightened

Why in News? OCI card revocation rules revised.

  • Revocable if charge-sheeted for offences with 7+ years punishment.

  • Lifetime visa continues; no political rights.

7. Vice-President Election

Why in News? VP election process highlighted under Art. 66.

  • Elected by MPs (LS + RS) via STV + secret ballot.

  • Term = 5 years; no party whip allowed.

8. NCDC Grant Scheme (2025–29)

Why in News? Cabinet approved ₹2,000 crore grant scheme for cooperative development.

  • NCDC is nodal agency; grants guided by Art. 275 (statutory) & 282 (discretionary).

9. Fair & Representative Global Order

Why in News? India called for global governance reforms at BIMSTEC event.

  • UNSC veto power unequal; IMF voting favors North.

  • Global South marginalized; trade weaponized; climate injustice.

  • Way Forward: UNSC reform (G4), BRICS+, Digital Public Infrastructure, CBDR for climate justice.

10. India’s Indian Ocean Strategy

Why in News? Parliament report on “Evolution of India’s Indian Ocean Strategy.”

  • Strategic: 3rd largest ocean, 90% trade via IOR.

  • Doctrines: SAGAR & MAHASAGAR.

  • Security: anti-piracy, IFC-IOR, patrols; regional engagement with Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles.

  • Connectivity: Chabahar, Sagarmala 2.0; HADR operations.

  • Challenges: China’s footprint, piracy, infrastructure gaps.

11. ASEAN Centrality

Why in News? ASEAN’s role highlighted amid US-China rivalry and trade tensions.

  • Founded 1967; HQ Jakarta; 10 members.

  • Key roles: security (ARF, AOMMT), trade (RCEP), norms (TAC).

  • Threats: US-China rivalry, tariffs, internal divisions (Vietnam vs Cambodia).

  • Way Forward: ASEAN Vision 2045, stronger secretariat, India-ASEAN synergy via FORA/BIMSTEC.

12. Product Nation Push

Why in News? Standing Committee recommended shift to product-driven economy.

  • Focus: R&D, design, branding, not just assembly.

  • Challenges: low R&D (0.65% GDP), import dependence (semiconductors), weak infrastructure.

13. Regional Imbalance

Why in News? 26th Finance Committee report urges addressing uneven industrial distribution.

  • Causes: historical neglect, geography (NE/Himalayas), policy bias.

  • Consequences: insurgency, political demands (Telangana), economic gaps.

  • Way Forward: growth corridors, performance-based funding, competitive federalism.

14. Internationalization of Rupee

Why in News? RBI eased rules for Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs).

  • Benefits: less forex risk, stronger global role, trade resilience.

  • Challenges: INR volatility, limited convertibility, capital flight.

  • Steps: UPI linkages (UAE, France, Singapore), Masala bonds, GIFT City.

15. De-dollarization

Why in News? RBI promotes INR-based trade amid global move away from USD.

  • Drivers: US sanctions, Fed spillovers, rising BRICS role.

  • Challenges: market volatility, geopolitical tension, transition costs.

16. Fiscal Responsibility & Budget Management (FRBM)

Why in News? CAG flagged fiscal inconsistencies in FRBM compliance.

  • Targets: Fiscal deficit 3%, govt debt 60% (actual: 5.3% deficit, 81% debt).

  • Issues: unrealized taxes, inconsistent deficit figures.

  • Way Forward: transparency, improved tax recovery, expenditure discipline.

17. Blue Economy

Why in News? MoES released “Transforming India’s Blue Economy” roadmap to 2035.

  • Contribution: 4% GDP, 95% trade volume, 2.4 m km² EEZ.

  • Challenges: overfishing, pollution, low shipbuilding investment.

  • Success stories: Kochi Smart Port, Odisha seaweed farming.

  • Way Forward: blue bonds, PPPs, eco-friendly infrastructure, inclusive growth.

18. Mines & Minerals (Amendment) Act, 2025

Why in News? Passed to boost access to critical minerals.

  • Importance: EVs, clean energy, defence, digital tech.

  • Key changes: NMEDT fund (30% royalty), wider lease areas, mineral exchanges, no captive mine sale limits.

  • Significance: domestic mineral security, reduced China dependence, attracts investment.

19. Gig Workers’ Social Security & Welfare Bill, 2025

Why in News? Karnataka passed law to protect gig workers’ rights.

  • Welfare Board + Social Security Fund via fees + govt contribution.

  • Aggregators must register workers, disclose work terms, algorithm usage.

  • Types: platform-based (Uber, Swiggy) & casual part-time workers.

  • Significance: demographic dividend, women & youth empowerment, job creation ($250 bn economy by 2030).

20. Income Tax Act, 2025

Why in News? Replaces Income Tax Act, 1961; effective April 1, 2026.

  • Simpler, shorter; MAT & AMT separated.

  • Tax rates unchanged; penalties same.

  • Faceless assessment, virtual digital asset inclusion, pending cases continue.

  • Enables international tax treaties to prevent double taxation.

21. ESG Framework Strengthening

Why in News? Parliamentary Finance Committee recommended stronger ESG implementation in India.

  • Evaluates sustainability & ethics (Environment, Social, Governance).

  • Aligns with SDGs, Paris Agreement; attracts conscious investors.

  • Challenges: greenwashing, fragmented regulations, high compliance costs for SMEs, poor data quality.

22. Competition Commission of India (CCI)

Why in News? Committee report highlighted CCI’s evolving role in digital economy.

  • Concerns: cross-border digital players, board thresholds, overlap with DPDP Act.

  • Challenges: vacancies (113/195 posts), lack of AI expertise, penalties often stayed in courts.

  • Initiatives: Competitive (Amendment) Act 2023, DXT reporting, proportional penalties, DPDP Act 2023 for data regulation.

23. Indian Ports Act, 2005 (Replacement of 1908 Act)

Why in News? Approved to modernize port operations and align with global standards.

  • Features: statutory MSDC, dispute resolution, tariff rules, mega ports, emergency & environmental protocols, digital integration.

  • Sagarmala Programme achievements: 118% growth in coastal shipping, job creation, logistics cost reduction.

24. PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

Why in News? Committee report flagged slow progress in LWE areas.

  • Connectivity: 500+ all-weather roads in plains, 250+ in hilly/tribal, 100+ in LWE regions.

  • Digital monitoring via Meri Sadak app; promotes green tech in construction.

  • Issues: low bidder participation, poor quality, delayed roads.

25. M.S. Swaminathan 100th Birth Anniversary

Why in News? Centenary celebrations & global awards launched.

  • Father of Green Revolution; introduced dwarf wheat, Pusa Basmati.

  • Advocated biodiversity conservation, biofortification, MSP reforms.

  • Concept of “Biohappiness”: blending science & livelihood for food security.

26. High-Powered Demography Mission

Why in News? Announced to address challenges of illegal immigration.

  • Illegal immigrants: enter clandestinely, no verified estimates (~20 million in 2016).

  • Concerns: security (terrorism), demographic balance, socio-economic strain.

  • Measures: Immigration & Foreigners Act 2025, NRC, fencing, CJBMS, drones, tribunals.

27. Increased Private Sector in Defence Production

Why in News? Private sector share reached 23% in FY 2024–25.

  • Reforms: CDS, DMA, Make in India, DAP 2020, 74% FDI.

  • Infrastructure: Defence corridors in UP, TN; 75% modernization budget for domestic firms.

  • Innovation: IDEX, ADITI grants, simplified licensing, export approvals.

28. Sudarshan Chakra Mission

Why in News? Announced on 79th Independence Day to develop advanced air defense system.

  • Multi-layered missile defense (air, land, sea).

  • Protection of strategic/civilian/religious sites.

  • Fully indigenous; deterrence & self-reliance.

29. Agni-5

Why in News? DRDO-developed nuclear-capable IRBM with 7500 km range.

  • 3-stage solid-fuel, MIRV-capable; part of IGMDP (Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, Akash).

  • Operated by Strategic Forces Command under Nuclear Command Authority.

30. Exercise SLINEX 25

Why in News? 12th India–Sri Lanka naval exercise.

  • INS Rana (destroyer) + INS Jyoti (fleet tanker).

  • Focus: bilateral maritime cooperation; exercise started in 2005.

31. E-Mobility & India Mobility Index

Why in News? NITI Aayog launched index & report on EV adoption.

  • 16 indicators under electrification, charging infrastructure, R&D.

  • Delhi ranked 1st; EV sales rose from 50,000 (2016) → 20.8 lakh (2020).

  • Govt support: PM E-Drive, e-Bus Sewa, PLI scheme, GST cut 50%.

  • Target: 30% EV penetration by 2030.

32. Wetlands Resolution at Ramsar COP15

Why in News? India’s proposal on sustainable wetland lifestyle adopted.

  • Principle: wise use, no ecological damage.

  • India initiatives: NPCA, Wetland Wise Use Framework 2004, Mission Sah-Bhagita.

  • COP15: Victoria Falls Declaration, global monitoring initiatives launched.

33. Cloudbursts

Why in News? Recent cloudbursts hit J&K (Kishlwad) & Uttarakhand (Chamoli).

  • IMD: ≥10 cm rainfall/hour.

  • Effects: flash floods, landslides, biodiversity loss, village damage.

  • Causes: climate change, deforestation.

  • Measures: early warning systems, slope stabilization.

34. India’s Water Management

Why in News? Parliament report highlighted poor outcomes despite large investments.

  • Flood-prone sites increased; river-link projects stalled; dams lack safety plans.

35. GOCWI (Global Water Security Initiative)

Why in News? Launched by South Africa to raise $15 bn for global water security by 2030.

36. Pollution Control Boards (PCBs)

Why in News? SC upheld PCBs’ power to levy fines.

  • Can impose environmental compensation under polluter pays principle.

37. UNDP Equator Award

Why in News? Bibi Fatima SHG from Dharwad, Karnataka, won for promoting millet farming & biodiversity.

38. Awaza Programme of Action (2024–34)

Why in News? Adopted at LLDC3 Summit in Turkmenistan.

  • Focus: sustainable development of landlocked developing countries.

39. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Expansion

Why in News? Expanded; now India’s 2nd largest tiger reserve after Nagarjuna Sagar–Srisailam.

40. Matri Van, Gurugram

Why in News? 750-acre urban forest launched under “Ens Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.

41. Etalin Hydroelectric Project

Why in News? Approved by Environment Ministry; located in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.

42. Volcanic Eruptions

Why in News? Mount Lewotobi (Indonesia) & Mount Kilauea (Hawaii) erupted recently.

43. Brake Passage Earthquake

Why in News? 7.5 magnitude earthquake occurred; located between Cape Horn (South America) & South Shetland Islands (Antarctica).

44. Urban Migration Research (IIT Indore)

Why in News? Study highlighted rural-to-urban migration’s impact on work, routines, living conditions.

  • 2011 Census: 18.9% rural→urban; 15.9% urban→urban; 40% population expected in urban areas by 2030.

45. Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan

Why in News? Launched by Ministry of Tribal Affairs for tribal grassroots leadership.

  • Target: 20 lakh cadre across 1 lakh tribal villages in 30 states/UTs.

  • Vision: “Tribal Seva Path” – responsive governance, last-mile service delivery.

  • Beneficiaries: 10.5 crore tribals.

46. Kerala – 100% Digitally Literate State

Why in News? Achievement via “Digi Keralam” (2023) and earlier Akshaya project.

47. Universal Registration of Births & Deaths

Why in News? RGI asked states to ensure complete registration.

48. Space Programme of India

Why in News? Lok Sabha discussion on role of space programme for Viksit Bharat 2047.

  • Subhanshu Shukla: India’s 1st astronaut on ISS via Axiom-4.

  • India as “Vishwabandhu Bharat”; 400+ satellites for 34 nations.

  • Chandrayaan-3 data shared globally; HOPF in Ladhak for Moon/Mars simulation.

49. India’s 1st Commercial EO Satellite Constellation

Why in News? Pixxel-led consortium won IN-space project.

  • PPP model; ₹21,200 crore investment (zero-cost bid, no govt fund).

  • 12 satellites in 5 years; panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, SAR sensors.

50. HOPE Analog Mission

Why in News? India’s ongoing space projects for planetary research.

51. ISRO’s Heavies + LMLV (by 2035)

Why in News? Lunar Module Launch Vehicle under development.

  • 40-storey tall; 27 tons to Moon, 3-stage liquid & cryogenic.

  • Designed for lunar human mission by 2040.

52. Voluntary EU AI Code Signatories

Why in News? 26 companies (Amazon, Google, MS, IBM) signed EU AI ethical code.

53. Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)

Why in News? Stanford scientists developed passcode-protected BCI.

  • Enables brain-to-device commands; applications in paralysis, gaming, cognitive boost.

  • Concerns: privacy, cyberattacks, cost, regulation gap.

54. FASTag Annual Pass

Why in News? ₹3,000 pass allows 140–200 toll crossings per year.

55. Maharashtra Hyperloop Project

Why in News? IFT Madras to build Hyperloop system in Maharashtra.

56. SHRESTH Index

Why in News? Launched by Health Ministry to benchmark drug regulatory systems across states.

  • Themes: HR, info, licensing, surveillance, responsiveness.

57. 500th Birthday of Goswami Tulsidas

Why in News? Celebrations to honor the saint-poet.

58. 100 Years of Kakori Train Action

Why in News? Commemoration of historical freedom struggle event in Lucknow (1925).

59. Gallantry & Distinguished Service Awards

Why in News? President approved 127 Gallantry awards + 40 Distinguished Service awards on 79th Independence Day.

60. Commonwealth Games 2030

Why in News? Union Cabinet approved India’s bid; proposed host city: Ahmedabad.

61. All India Speakers’ Conference

Why in News? Commemorated 100 years of Vithalbhai Patel becoming 1st elected Indian President of Central Legislative Assembly (Aug 1925).

62. 71st National Film Awards

Why in News? Announced & presented by President; recognizing excellence in Indian cinema.

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