- On August 11, 2025, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released ₹3,200 crore to 30 lakh farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) during an event in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. This is the first installment of ₹11,200 crore to compensate crop losses due to natural disasters.
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- On August 12, 2025, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) signed a 5-year Research and Development (R&D) pact with the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) to strengthen Aadhaar operations. The focus areas include biometric liveness detection, fraud detection, and algorithmic enhancements. It aims to improve security, reliability, and identify high-risk enrolment/update patterns.
- On August 12, 2025, the Government of Rajasthan launched India’s first AI-enabled drone-based cloud seeding experiment at Ramgarh Dam, Jaipur. The pilot, in partnership with GenX AI, involves 60 drone test flights to induce artificial rain using AI-controlled precision targeting. It aims to rejuvenate Ramgarh Lake, support agriculture, and combat drought through safe, eco-friendly seeding agents.
- On August 12, 2025, Western Railway commissioned India’s first 2×25 kV Traction Substation at the Nagda–Khachrod section under Mission Raftaar. This pioneering setup uses Scott-connected 100 MVA transformers to efficiently power Overhead Equipment (OHE). It marks the first deployment of Scott Technology in Indian Railways’ traction infrastructure.
- On August 12, 2025, Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd partnered with Suzlon Energy for a 700 MW wind project in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The ₹6,000 crore project will generate 1,840 million units/year using locally manufactured S144 turbines. It’s the first wind project in AP since 2019, aligned with Tata Power’s 7 GW clean energy roadmap.
- On August 12, 2025, Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) became the first Indian company to join the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), headquartered in London. The ICMM is a global body of 25 leading mining firms committed to sustainable development, transparency, and ethical practices.
- On August 12, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025. It transforms NMET into the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust, allowing offshore and overseas exploration. The Bill introduces exploration licences for 29 critical minerals and raises lessee contributions from 2% to 3% of royalty.
- On August 13, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs tightened rules for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) via a gazette notification. Under Section 7D da of the Citizenship Act, 1955, OCI registration can now be cancelled if the holder is convicted for 2+ years or charge-sheeted for offences punishable with 7+ years. The move aims to enhance national security and uphold constitutional integrity.
- On August 12, 2025, the government accelerated the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) to promote chemical-free, climate-resilient agriculture. With a ₹2,481 crore outlay, it targets 1 crore farmers across 7.5 lakh hectares via 15,000 clusters and 10,000 Bio-Input Centres. It aims to ensure safe food, boost farmer income, and drive sustainable transformation in Indian agriculture.
- CareEdge Ratings released India's External Sector Outlook – FY26 on August 13, 2025, projecting the Current Account Deficit to remain at 0.9% of GDP despite US tariff pressures. The report cites strong service exports, resilient domestic demand, and tariff exemptions on key items like electronics and pharmaceuticals as buffers.
- On August 11, 2025, Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd (ADSTL) and Prime Aero signed a deal to acquire 100% stake in Indamer Technics Pvt Ltd (ITPL). The acquisition was made through Horizon Aero Solutions Ltd, their 50:50 joint venture. ITPL runs a major MRO facility in Nagpur’s MIHAN SEZ with 15 aircraft bays and 10 hangars.
- On August 12, 2025, Arianespace’s Ariane 6 rocket successfully launched the Metop-SGA1 satellite from Kourou, French Guiana. This marks the rocket’s third flight and second commercial mission. Metop-SGA1, developed by EUMETSAT, is the first of Europe’s next-gen polar-orbiting weather satellites.
- On August 12, 2025, IN-SPACe selected a Pixxel-led consortium to build India’s first indigenous EO satellite constellation. The ₹1,200 crore project will deploy 12 satellites with hyperspectral, SAR, and panchromatic sensors over 5 years. Partners include Dhruva Space, SatSure, and PierSight, with full Indian ownership and launch.
- India officially bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games on August 13, 2025. Ahmedabad is the proposed host city, backed by the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. Canada’s exit strengthened India’s chances; the final decision will be made in Glasgow in November 2025.
- On August 12, 2025, Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin launched the Thayumanavar Scheme to deliver essential ration items like rice, sugar, and dal directly to the homes of 21.7 lakh beneficiaries, including senior citizens (70+) and differently abled persons. The scheme will operate through 34,809 fair price shops, with deliveries scheduled on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month.
- India observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on August 14, 2025, with the theme “Honouring Resilience, Strengthening Harmony.” The day commemorates the pain and displacement of millions during the 1947 Partition. It was announced by PM Narendra Modi in 2021 to promote reflection and national unity.
- International Left-Handers Day was celebrated on August 13, 2025, to recognize the uniqueness and challenges of left-handed individuals. First observed in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell, it promotes awareness and inclusivity in a predominantly right-handed world.
Questions:
Q.1 According to CareEdge Ratings, what is India’s projected Current Account Deficit (CAD) for FY26?a) 0.5% of GDP
b) 0.9% of GDP
c) 1.2% of GDP
d) 1.5% of GDP
Answer: b) The report projects CAD at 0.9% due to strong service exports and tariff exemptions.
Q.2 Which city is proposed as India’s host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games?
a) Ahmedabad
b) New Delhi
c) Bengaluru
d) Hyderabad
Answer: a) Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is the proposed venue.