Posts

  • Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 – Educate Girls (India)

    The Indian NGO Foundation to Educate Girls Globally (popularly Educate Girls) has been named a 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, often called Asia’s Nobel Prize.

    Founded in 2007 by Safeena Husain in Rajasthan, the organisation focuses on mobilising communities and government resources to ensure girls’ education in rural and disadvantaged areas.

    Educate Girls is the first Indian organisation to win this award.

    The 67th Ramon Magsaysay Award will be presented on 7 November 2025 at the Metropolitan Theatre, Manila.

  • SCO Summit 2025 – Tianjin, China

    25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin from 31 Aug – 1 Sep 2025, the largest in history with leaders from 20+ countries and 10 international organizations.

    🔹 Key Highlights

    • PM Narendra Modi attends; speaks at plenary session on India’s regional vision.
    • Modi–Xi Jinping talks: focus on border issues, trade, and connectivity.
    • Meeting with Vladimir Putin amid global tensions and trade disputes.
    • Main focus: regional security, economic frameworks, Global South’s voice.
    • China (rotating chair) hosted 100+ events before summit, driving reform & innovation.

    Members

    • 10 full members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran (2023), Belarus (2024).
    • Also has observer states (e.g., Afghanistan, Mongolia) and dialogue partners (e.g., Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia).

  • Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 30 August 2025

    Q: During his Tokyo visit, PM Modi announced a target of how much Japanese investment in India over the next 10 years?
    a) 5 trillion yen
    b) 7 trillion yen
    c) 8 trillion yen
    d) 10 trillion yen

    Show Answer
    Answer: d) 10 trillion yen

    Q. What was India’s GDP growth rate in the April–June quarter of 2025-26?
    a) 6.5%
    b) 7.0%
    c) 7.8%
    d) 8.2%

    Show Answer
    Answer: c) 7.8%

  • India’s Economy Grows 7.8% in Q1 2025-26, Beating RBI Projections

    GDP Growth: India’s economy grew 7.8% in April–June 2025, up from 6.5% in Q1 2024-25.

    Key Drivers:

    • Agriculture: 3.7% (vs. 1.5% last year).
    • Manufacturing: 7.7%.
    • Construction: 7.6%.
    • Services: 9.3% (vs. 6.8% last year).

    RBI Outlook:

    Growth exceeded RBI’s projection of 6.5% for Q1. Full-year 2025-26 forecast remains 6.5%.

  • India-Japan Sign Pact on Critical Minerals During PM Modi’s Tokyo Visit

    On 29 August 2025, India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to strengthen collaboration in the critical minerals and mining sector during PM Modi’s visit to Tokyo for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. The pact, signed between India’s Ministry of Mines and Japan’s METI, focuses on building resilient supply chains, joint mineral projects, sustainable deep-sea mining, stockpiling strategies, and investments in India and third countries.

    PM Modi and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba also set a target of 10 trillion yen Japanese investment in India over 10 years, emphasizing cooperation in SMEs, start-ups, and eight pillars: investment, innovation, economic security, environment, technology, health, mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and state-prefecture ties. ISRO and JAXA to collaborate on Chandrayaan-5 under LUPEX programme.

  • Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 29 August 2025

    Q. National Sports Day (29 August) marks the birth anniversary of which legendary Indian sportsperson?
    a) Kapil Dev
    b) P. T. Usha
    c) Major Dhyan Chand
    d) Milkha Singh

    Show Answer
    Answer: c) Major Dhyan Chand

    Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-nation tour from August 29–September 1, 2025, covers which two countries?
    a) Japan and South Korea
    b) Japan and China
    c) China and Russia
    d) South Korea and Vietnam

    Show Answer
    Answer: b) Japan and China

    Q. Who has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to Canada in August 2025?
    a) Sanjay Kumar Verma
    b) Dinesh K. Patnaik
    c) Vikram Misri
    d) S. Jaishankar

    Show Answer
    Answer: b) Dinesh K. Patnaik

  • Dinesh K Patnaik, appointed as new High Commissioner to Canada

    India has appointed Dinesh K. Patnaik (IFS, 1990 batch), currently Ambassador to Spain, as the next High Commissioner to Canada.

    Canada has named veteran diplomat Christopher Cooter as its new High Commissioner to India.

    These appointments mark a step toward restoring diplomatic ties strained in October 2024 when India recalled High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma after tensions with then-PM Justin Trudeau.

    Relations began improving after Mark Carney became Canadian PM, leading to a positive Modi–Carney bilateral meeting at the G7 Outreach Summit (June 18, 2025).

    Both sides agreed to reinstate High Commissioners as the first step in normalizing ties.

  • PM Modi’s Two-Nation Tour (Japan & China, Aug 29–Sep 1, 2025)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on two-nation tour from August 29 to September 1, 2025, visiting Japan and China to strengthen India’s strategic partnerships, enhance regional cooperation, and participate in high-level diplomatic engagements.

    Japan (Aug 29–30, 2025):

    • Attending 15th India–Japan Annual Summit with PM Shigeru Ishiba.
    • Focus on defense, trade, technology, clean energy, cultural ties, and Indo-Pacific stability.
    • First summit with Ishiba, signaling a renewed phase in bilateral ties.

    China (Aug 31–Sep 1, 2025):

    • Participating in the SCO Summit at Tianjin, hosted by President Xi Jinping.
    • Agenda: regional security, economic cooperation, and bilateral talks with Xi, Putin, and others.
    • Stress on peace along the India–China border.

  • National Sports Day 2025

    National Sports Day is observed annually on 29 August to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, India’s hockey legend who won Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936.

    The day promotes sportsmanship, fitness, and national pride, and prestigious awards like the Khel Ratna, Arjuna, and Dronacharya Awards are conferred.

    The theme for 2025 is “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main” (One Hour on the Playground), encouraging daily physical activity.

  • Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 28 August 2025

    Q. Who headed the Supreme Court Collegium that recommended the appointment of Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Vipul Pancholi to the Supreme Court in August 2025?
    a) Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
    b) Justice N.V. Ramana
    c) Justice B.R. Gavai
    d) Justice U.U. Lalit

    Show Answer
    ✅ Answer: c) Justice B.R. Gavai

    Q. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) completed how many years on 28 August 2025?
    a) 10 years
    b) 11 years
    c) 12 years
    d) 9 years

    Show Answer
    Answer: b) 11 years
    The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), completed 11 years on 28 August 2025. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2014 and launched on 28 August 2014.

    Q. Under the restructured PM SVANidhi Scheme in August 2025, what is the revised loan amount for the first tranche?
    a) ₹10,000 → ₹12,000
    b) ₹10,000 → ₹15,000
    c) ₹15,000 → ₹20,000
    d) ₹20,000 → ₹25,000

    Show Answer
    Answer: b) ₹10,000 → ₹15,000

  • Restructuring of PM SVANidhi Scheme Approved

    On 27 August 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the restructuring of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme, with an extension of the lending period until 31 March 2030.

    • Lending Period Extended: Now up to 31 March 2030 (earlier deadline: 31 Dec 2024).
    • Financial Outlay: ₹7,332 crore.
    • Loan Enhancements:
      • 1st tranche loan → ₹15,000 (earlier ₹10,000).
      • 2nd tranche loan → ₹25,000 (earlier ₹20,000).
      • 3rd tranche loan → remains ₹50,000.
    • Digital Push:
      • UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card for beneficiaries after repayment of 2nd loan.
      • Cashback incentives up to ₹1,600 for retail & wholesale digital transactions.
    • Coverage Expansion: From statutory towns → now also includes census towns & peri-urban areas.
    • Beneficiaries: To benefit 1.15 crore vendors, including 50 lakh new vendors.
    • Background: Launched on 1 June 2020 to support street vendors hit by COVID-19.
    • Progress (till July 2025): Over 96 lakh loans worth ₹13,797 crore disbursed to 68 lakh street vendors.

  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) Completes 11 Years

    The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), one of the world’s largest financial inclusion programmes, completed 11 years on 28 August 2025. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2014 and launched on 28 August 2014.

    PMJDY is a National Mission on Financial Inclusion, ensuring universal access to banking services. It provides:

    • Basic Savings Bank Accounts for every household
    • Need-based credit, remittances, insurance, and pension facilities
    • RuPay Debit Card to every account holder
    • Zero balance account opening at bank branches or Bank Mitra outlets
    • Mobile banking via USSD, even on basic feature phones

  • Appointment of Two New Supreme Court Judges

    On 27 August 2025, the President of India appointed:

    • Justice Alok Aradhe, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court
    • Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi, Chief Justice of the Patna High Court
      as Judges of the Supreme Court of India.

    The appointments followed the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai.

  • Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 27 August 2025

    Q. On 26 August 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Maruti-Suzuki’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). What is its name?
    A) e BALENO
    B) e VITARA
    C) e SWIFT
    D) e DZIRE

    Show Answer
    Answer: B) e VITARA
    PM Modi inaugurated Maruti-Suzuki’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) e VITARA and the TDSG lithium-ion battery facility at Hansalpur, Ahmedabad on 26 August 2025.

    Q. Who popularised Ganesh Chaturthi as a public celebration in the late 19th century?
    a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
    b) Mahatma Gandhi
    c) Rabindranath Tagore
    d) Dadabhai Naoroji

    Show Answer
    👉 Answer: a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

    Q. The U.S. announced 50% tariffs on Indian imports effective from 27 August 2025. What was the main reason cited for imposing these additional tariffs?

    a) India’s export subsidies and currency manipulation
    b) India’s high tariffs, trade barriers, and close ties with Russia
    c) India’s environmental and climate policies
    d) India’s rising software and IT exports

    Show Answer
    Answer: b) India’s high tariffs, trade barriers, and close ties with Russia

  • US Imposes 50% Tariffs on Indian Goods from Aug 27, 2025

    The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a draft notice implementing 50% tariffs on Indian imports, effective 27 August 2025, in line with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14329.

    The move follows Trump’s earlier announcement of an additional 25% tariff, citing India’s high trade barriers and close energy and defense ties with Russia.

  • Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 – Festival of New Beginnings

    Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity.

    Celebration Dates (2025): From 27 August to 6 September, ending with Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi.

    Historical Significance: Though ancient in origin, it became a mass community festival in the late 19th century when Lokmanya Tilak used it to unite Indians during colonial rule.

  • Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 26 August 2025

    Q. In which weight category did Mirabai Chanu win Gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad?
    a) 49kg
    b) 48kg
    c) 50kg
    d) 45kg

    Show Answer
    ✅ Answer: b) 48kg
    Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu clinched the gold medal in the women’s 48kg category at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad (25 Aug 2025).

    Q. When and where did ISRO successfully conduct the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the Gaganyaan mission?
    a) 15 Aug 2025, Chandipur
    b) 24 Aug 2025, Sriharikota
    c) 19 Aug 2025, Bengaluru
    d) 25 Aug 2025, Ahmedabad

    Show Answer
    Answer: b) 24 Aug 2025, Sriharikota

    Q. According to Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, what is India’s women’s workforce participation rate (WPR)?
    a) 22%
    b) 34.5%
    c) 40.3%
    d) 47.5%

    Show Answer
    Answer: c) 40.3%

  • Women’s Employment Rate in India Nearly Doubles Since 2017-18

    According to Ministry of Labour and Employment, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, Women workforce participation rate (WPR) nearly doubling from 22% (2017-18) to 40.3% (2023-24), and unemployment falling from 5.6% to 3.2%.

    • Rural female employment grew by 96%, while urban female employment rose 43%.
    • Women’s employability: 47.53% (2024) vs 42% (2013).
    • Postgraduates & higher: employment rate rose from 34.5% to 40% (2017-18 to 2023-24).
    • India Skills Report 2025: 55% graduates globally employable (vs 51.2% last year).
    • EPFO payroll: 1.56 crore women joined formal workforce in 7 years.
    • e-Shram portal: 16.69 crore women workers registered.
    • Female self-employment share: 51.9% → 67.4% (2017-18 to 2023-24).
    • Gender budgeting: ₹0.85 lakh cr (2013-14) → ₹4.49 lakh cr (2025-26).
    • PM Mudra Yojana: 68% loans to women (35.38 cr loans worth ₹14.72 lakh cr).
    • PM SVANidhi: 44% women beneficiaries.
    • Women-led MSMEs doubled to 1.92 cr, creating 89 lakh new jobs (FY21–FY23).

  • Mirabai Chanu Wins Gold at 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships

    Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu clinched the gold medal in the women’s 48kg category at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad (25 Aug 2025).

    • Total Lift: 193 kg (Snatch 84kg + Clean & Jerk 109kg)
    • Records: New Commonwealth Championship records in snatch, clean & jerk, and total
    • Impact: Secured direct qualification for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

  • Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 25 August 2025

    Q. Which team won the Durand Cup 2025?
    A) East Bengal
    B) Jamshedpur FC
    C) NorthEast United FC
    D) Diamond Harbour FC

    Show Answer
    Answer: C) NorthEast United FC
    NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) retained the Durand Cup title with a 6–1 win over debutants Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC) on 23 August 2025 at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

    Q. Where was India’s first Removable Solar Panel pilot project launched in August 2025?
    a) Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai
    b) Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi
    c) Diesel Loco Shed, Bhopal
    d) North Western Railway Workshop, Jaipur

    Show Answer
    Answer: b) Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi

    Q. Who was appointed as India’s new Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) in August 2025?
    a) Rajinder Khanna
    b) Anish Dayal Singh
    c) T.V. Ravichandran
    d) Pawan Kapoor

    Show Answer
    ✅ Answer: b) Anish Dayal Singh
    Anish Dayal Singh, 1988-batch IPS (Manipur cadre) and former DG of CRPF & ITBP, has been appointed as Deputy NSA under Ajit Doval.

  • Anish Dayal Singh Appointed Deputy National Security Advisor

    Anish Dayal Singh, 1988-batch IPS (Manipur cadre) and former DG of CRPF & ITBP, has been appointed as Deputy NSA under Ajit Doval.

    • He brings nearly 30 years of IB experience, including as Special Director.
    • Will handle internal security affairs – J&K, Left-Wing Extremism, Northeast insurgency, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism inputs.
    • Joins NSA team with Rajinder Khanna (Addl NSA), T.V. Ravichandran (Dy NSA), and Pawan Kapoor (Dy NSA).

    🔎 Significance: His appointment strengthens India’s internal security strategy with expertise in counter-insurgency, intelligence, and reforms.

  • India’s First Removable Solar Panel by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW)

    Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi, has rolled out India’s first Removable Solar Panel pilot project. The 70-metre setup includes 28 solar panels generating up to 15 KW electricity.

    These panels are durable, efficient, and removable, allowing for maintenance and seasonal adaptation, and are installed between railway tracks without land acquisition.

  • NorthEast United FC Retains Durand Cup Title

    NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) retained the Durand Cup title with a 6–1 win over debutants Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC) on 23 August 2025 at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

    • NEUFC became the first team in 34 years to defend the Durand Cup, a feat last achieved by East Bengal (1989–1991).
    • Six different NEUFC players scored, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie contributing 3 assists and a stoppage-time penalty.
    • DHFC’s lone goal came via Jobby Justin (68’, deflected header).

  • Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 23 August 2025

    Q. Who won the gold medal for India in the 72kg category at the U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025 in Bulgaria?
    a) Priya Malik
    b) Kajal Dochak
    c) Reena
    d) Shruti

    Show Answer
    Answer: b) Kajal Dochak

    Q. The National Space Day was celebrated in India on 23 August 2025 to commemorate the successful soft landing of which mission?
    a) Chandrayaan-1
    b) Chandrayaan-2
    c) Chandrayaan-3
    d) Mangalyaan

    Show Answer
    Answer: c) Chandrayaan-3

    Q. On 22 August 2025, the Supreme Court modified its earlier order regarding stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. According to the new order, stray dogs may be released back to their original areas only after:
    A) Rabies treatment only
    B) Sterilisation and vaccination
    C) MCD registration
    D) Adoption by animal lovers

    Show Answer
    Answer: B) Sterilisation and vaccination

  • Supreme Court’s Modified Order on Stray Dogs

    The Supreme Court modified its earlier order on 22 August 2025, that mandated the confinement of all stray dogs to shelters across Delhi-NCR.

    • Now allowed: Stray dogs can be released back to their original places after sterilisation and vaccination.
    • Exception: Dogs infected with rabies or showing aggressive behaviour must be kept in shelters.
    • Public feeding ban: Feeding of stray dogs in public is prohibited; instead, dedicated feeding spaces will be created by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in each ward.
    • Adoption: Animal lovers can apply to the MCD for adopting dogs.

  • National Space Day – 23 August

    National Space Day 2025 – Date: 23 August 2025 (Second National Space Day).

    Origin: Marks Chandrayaan-3’s soft landing of Vikram Lander & deployment of Pragyan Rover on 23 Aug 2023.

    Historic Firsts:

    • India became 4th country to land on Moon.
    • 1st to land near the South Pole region.
    • Landing site named Shiv Shakti Point.

    Theme 2025: “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities”.

  • Kajal Dochak clinches gold in U-20 World Wrestling Championships

    On 22 August 2025, India’s Kajal Dochak clinched gold in the 72kg category, defeating China’s Yuqi Liu 8-6. Saarika (53kg) and Shruti (50kg) earned bronze medals, while Suraj bagged bronze in the men’s Greco-Roman 60kg category.

    On 21 August 2025, Reena (55kg) and Priya Malik (76kg) won silver medals after tough final losses.

    India’s Medal Tally so far: 9 medals (2 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze).

  • Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 22 August 2025

    Q. Which type of games are banned under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025?
    a) Social/Educational Games
    b) Esports
    c) Online Money Games involving betting/wagering
    d) Adventure-based Games

    Show Answer
    Ans: c) Online Money Games involving betting/wagering

    Q. Who is the current Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as of August 2025?
    a) K. Sivan
    b) S. Somnath
    c) V. Narayanan
    d) G. Madhavan Nair

    Show Answer
    Ans: c) V. Narayanan
    On 21 August 2025, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan announced that India’s maiden manned space mission – Gaganyaan will have its first test flight in December 2025.

    Q. What is the name of Uranus’s newly discovered 29th moon in 2025?
    a) S/2025 U1
    b) Ura-29
    c) S/2025 M1
    d) Neo-U1

    Show Answer
    Ans: a) S/2025 U1
    NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered a new moon of Uranus, named S/2025 U1.