Current Affairs One - Liner : 6th August 2025

National:

• Shayok village in eastern Ladakh is developing 10 hectares of barren land into a botanical garden near Galwan Valley. Backed by the Leh Hill Council, it features solar pumps, water reservoirs, and native plant conservation. The garden will showcase apricots, apples, medicinal herbs, and Ladakh’s unique rock formations. Set for completion by 2029, it aims to boost eco-tourism, research, and community-led sustainability.

International:

• August 4, 2025, Moldova became the 107th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by submitting its Instrument of Ratification in New Delhi. ISA is a treaty-based body launched by India and France at COP21 (Conference of the Parties 21) in 2015. It aims to mobilize USD 1,000 billion for solar energy by 2030, focusing on sustainable development.
• On August 4, 2025, Russia officially exited the 1987 INF Treaty, ending its moratorium on intermediate-range missile development. The treaty, signed by Reagan and Gorbachev, had banned ground-launched missiles between 500–5,500 km. Russia cited U.S. submarine deployments and NATO’s “anti-Russian policies” as key triggers.

Banking:

• On August 4, 2025, IDFC FIRST Bank Ltd. and IndiGo Airlines launched the IndiGo IDFC FIRST Dual Credit Card with Mastercard and RuPay variants under a shared credit limit. Users get two physical cards, unified rewards via IndiGo BluChips, and benefits like flight vouchers, hotel stays, and EasyDiner Prime membership.
• On August 4, 2025, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) launched a new website under PFRDA CONNECT to boost digital outreach. CONNECT stands for Centralised Online Navigation for New Engagement, Communication, and Transparency. The platform complies with GIGW (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites) and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
• On August 4, 2025, Generali Group and Central Bank of India rebranded their insurance JV as Generali Central. The entities are now Generali Central Life Insurance and Generali Central Insurance, with no change in shareholding. Generali holds 74%, while the Central Bank of India retains up to 26% stake.

Economy:

• On August 4, 2025, the Finance Ministry revealed that GST evasion crossed ₹7.08 lakh crore between FY21 and FY25. Of this, ₹1.79 lakh crore involved fraudulent Input Tax Credit claims, with ₹2.23 lakh crore evaded in FY25 alone. Only ₹1.29 lakh crore was recovered through voluntary deposits.

MoUs:

• On August 5, 2025, India and the Philippines elevated ties to a strategic partnership during President Marcos Jr.’s visit to New Delhi. They exchanged nine MoUs spanning defence, space, digital tech, maritime cooperation, and legal assistance. The partnership aims to strengthen Indo-Pacific security, boost Quick Impact Projects, and deepen regional collaboration. PM Modi emphasized shared values under the Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision, marking 75 years of ties.

Defence:

• On August 5, 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved ₹67,000 crore in proposals for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Key items include Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, Mountain Radars, and BARAK-1 missile upgrades. The Army gets Thermal Imager Night Sights for BMP Infantry Combat Vehicles; the Navy adds Autonomous Surface Craft.

Summits & Conferences:

• On August 4, 2025, India and New Zealand held their inaugural strategic defence dialogue in New Delhi, co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad and Kathleen Pearce. The meeting focused on Indo-Pacific security, defence industrial collaboration, and White Shipping Information Exchange under a March 2025 MoU. India acknowledged New Zealand’s leadership in CTF-150, with five Indian Navy personnel deputed.

Important Days:

• Hiroshima Day is observed on August 6 to remember the 1945 atomic bombing during World War II. The U.S. dropped the bomb “Little Boy”, killing over 70,000 people instantly and causing lasting devastation. The day honors victims and promotes peace, nuclear disarmament, and awareness of the horrors of war. In 2025, it marks the 80th anniversary, with global tributes at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Appointments:

• Pratyay Amrit, a 1991-batch IAS officer, was appointed Chief Secretary of Bihar on August 4, 2025. He will take charge on September 1, succeeding Amrit Lal Meena, who retires on August 31. Amrit currently serves as Development Commissioner with key roles in Health and Disaster Management.

Books:

• The biography M.S. Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India by Priyambada Jayakumar was officially launched on August 6, 2025, at the India International Centre, New Delhi, as part of Swaminathan’s birth centenary celebrations.

Questions:

Q.1 Who authored the 2025 biography titled M.S. Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India?
a) Shashi Tharoor
b) Priyambada Jayakumar
c) Jairam Ramesh
d) Harish Damodaran

Answer: b) The biography M.S. Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India by Priyambada Jayakumar was officially launched on August 6, 2025.

Q.2 Which country became the 107th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on August 4, 2025?
a) Belarus
b) Georgia
c) Moldova
d) Ukraine

Answer: c) ISA is important for energy-related questions. Moldova joining highlights growing international cooperation on solar energy.