02nd-04th August 2025

1. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates 1 MW Green Hydrogen Plant at DPA in Gujarat
2. DPIIT Signs MoU with HDFC Capital Advisors Limited to Promote Affordable Housing and PropTech Sectors
3. ITBPF & DBT Signed a MoU for Collaborative Biomedical Research and Training in New Delhi
4. CEF Group Secured EUR 38 Million Funding from German Export Finance Bank to Construct CBG Plants
5. Myanmar Announced Formation of New Interim-Union Government Led by U Nyo Saw
6. General Pushpendra Singh Assumed Charge as New VCOAS; Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan as 47th VCNS
7. Indian Navy Receives 3rd Ship of Project 17A Stealth frigate ‘Himgiri’ from GRSE
8. Pakistan Launches PRSS Satellite to Enhance Climate Change Response
9. 8th Commonwealth Youth Games to be Held in Malta
10. Muslim Women Rights Day 2025 – August 1
11. World FinTech Day 2025 – August 1
12. VOC Port Becomes the 1st Indian Port to Produce Green Hydrogen and Surpass 1MW Solar Power
13. Choice AMC Receives SEBI Approval to Start MF Business
14. Quant MF Gets SEBI Approval to Launch India’s First SIF
15. 71st National Film Awards for the Year 2023: ‘12th Fail’ Bags the Best Feature Film Award
16. RBI Approves Merger of New India Co-operative Bank with Saraswat Bank
17. SpaceX Launches Crew-11 Joint Astronauts to the ISS for NASA
18. Indian Army Signs MoU for New Generation 50-ton Tank Transporter Trailers
19. GM Magnus Carlsen Claims the First Chess Esports World Cup Title
20. Indian Men’s and Women’s Table Tennis Teams Qualified for London 2026 WTTC
21. FSSAI Releases Definitive List of Ayurveda Aahara Products under Category A
22. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Inaugurates India’s first AI-powered Anganwadi Centre in Nagpur
23. BIAL Completed India’s Largest Unlisted NCDs Issuance worth Rs 9,000 Crore for Airport Expansion
24. ICAI Signed a MoU with IAGES to Strengthen Accreditation in Gold Industry
25. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Honoured with 43rd Lokmanya Tilak National Award
26. Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren Passed Away
27. Indian Organ Donation Day 2025 – August 3
28. National Bone and Joint Day 2025 – August 4
29. Former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik Passes Away at 79
30. Tata Motors’ PB Balaji Appointed as New CEO of Jaguar Land Rover
31. LTIMindtree Bags PAN 2.0 Project from Income Tax Department
32. India’s Palm Oil Imports Decline While Soyoil Shipments Surge to 3-Year High
33. Archery Association of India Launches First-Ever Archery League
34. India Soon Introduces Bio-Fortified Potatoes to Fight Hidden Hunger
35. Sawalkote Hydropower Project: India Revives J&K’s Largest Hydroelectric Plant
36. Hiroshima Day 2025
37. Ayush Ministry Signs Two Landmark MoUs to Boost Medicinal Plant Conservation
38. FIFA and AIFF Launch India’s First FIFA Talent Academy for Girls in This City

National News

1. FSSAI Releases List of Ayurvedic Food Preparations

• What:
  • FSSAI, with Ministry of Ayush, released a definitive list of Ayurvedic food preparations called “Ayurveda Aahara” under the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations 2022.
• Why:
  • To bring clarity and confidence to consumers and businesses by officially recognising Ayurvedic foods based on classical texts and recipes.
• Tell me more:
  • The list is issued under Note (1) of Schedule B, referring to classical Ayurvedic texts in Schedule A.
  • It serves as a clear reference for Food Business Operators to manufacture Ayurveda Aahara products.

Source: NOA

State News

1. Thoothukudi VOC Port to Become India’s First Carbon-Neutral Port

• What:
  • Thoothukudi VO Chidambaranar Port is set to become India’s first carbon-neutral port.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to create a sustainable maritime future using green energy and clean fuel.
• Tell me more:
  • A green methanol facility worth Rs 35 crore is being set up at the port, expected to be operational by December 2025.
  • Ships running on green methanol fuel will operate on the green route between Thoothukudi and Kandla ports.
  • Thoothukudi is one of three Indian ports declared as green hydrogen hubs, with MoUs signed with five companies for green hydrogen production.
  • The port currently meets about 50% of its electricity needs via solar and wind energy and plans to add an additional 6 MW solar power plant.
  • The first phase of hydrogen production at the port is expected to start in 2029.

Source: ETV

2. Deendayal Port Authority Commissions First MW-Scale Green Hydrogen Plant

• What:
  • Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, has commissioned India’s first megawatt-scale green hydrogen plant under the Make-in-India initiative, with the project expected to produce about 140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually.
• Why:
  • The plant aims to advance India’s clean energy goals and promote sustainable maritime operations.
• Tell me more:
  • The green hydrogen plant is the first module of a planned 10 MW facility.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the full project during his visit to Bhuj on 26 May 2025.
  • Engineering firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T) implemented this plant.
  • The initiative is developed under Maritime India Vision 2030.

Source: ET

3. Maharashtra Launches India’s First AI-Powered Anganwadi in Nagpur

• What:
  • Maharashtra government launched India’s first AI-powered anganwadi in Waddhamna village, Nagpur, equipped with VR headsets, AI smart boards, tablets, and digital learning tools.
• Why:
  • To bridge the digital divide for rural children by providing modern, engaging, and technology-based early childhood education.
• Tell me more:
  • The anganwadi is part of Nagpur Zilla Parishad’s Mission Bal Bharari and was funded with about Rs 9.5 lakh from the Zilla Parishad’s CESS fund.
  • The centre uses Wi-Fi-enabled CCTV cameras accessible to stakeholders and increased student attendance from 10 to over 25 children aged 2 to 6 years.
  • The Zilla Parishad partnered with Qolaba, under the Centre’s IndiaAI programme, to upgrade technology and train anganwadi workers in smart learning methods based on a three-month training module.
  • Children spend about six hours a day, six days a week, learning through VR and interactive boards, including drawing and digital artwork activities.

Source: N18

4. Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project of J&K

• What:
  • The Centre has invited bids for the 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Why:
  • To harness Jammu and Kashmir’s full water resource potential following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.
• Tell me more:
  • The Sawalkote project is the largest hydroelectric project in J&K, located in Ramban district with a project cost of ₹209.80 crore and a completion period of 113 months.
  • The Sawalkote project was stalled since the 1960s due to administrative, environmental issues, and Pakistan’s objections.
  • After putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, India can now proceed with projects on the Chenab and Jhelum rivers without Pakistan’s consent.
  • The government also plans to revive the Tulbul Navigation Project on Wullar Lake, aimed at regulating water flow and aiding power generation.

Source: IE

International News

1. Myanmar Forms New Union Government and Commission

• What:
  • Myanmar’s National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) has formed a new union government and State Security and Peace Commission.
• Tell me more:
  • The new union government is led by U Nyo Saw as Prime Minister.
  • The State Security and Peace Commission is chaired by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
  • Zaw Min Tun is a spokesperson of Myanmar’s State Administration Council.

Source: INA

2. Pakistan Launches Remote Sensing Satellite from China

• What:
  • Pakistan launched a new remote sensing satellite from China to monitor and respond to climate change-related threats.
• Why:
  • It is Pakistan’s fourth Earth Observation Satellite under the URAAN Pakistan Space Program.
• Tell me more:
  • The satellite was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China with support from Pakistan’s SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission).
  • The URAAN Pakistan initiative focuses on important projects and reforms in the country’s national economic transformation plan.

Source: BS

3. SpaceX Launches Crew-11 Joint Astronauts to the ISS for NASA

• What:
  • A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission carrying astronauts Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui, and Oleg Platonov to the International Space Station on August 1, 2025.
• Why:
  • The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program to support space research and prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
• Tell me more:
  • The spacecraft will dock automatically at the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module early on August 2.
  • NASA’s Commercial Crew Program maximizes the use of the space station and supports future missions like Artemis to the Moon.

Source: NASA

Banking and Economy

1. German Export Finance Bank Funds CEF Group Biogas Plants

• What:
  • German Export Finance bank has provided 38 million euros in equity and debt financing to CEF Group, an Indian cleantech company, to build two compressed biogas plants.
• Why:
  • The funding will help CEF Group promote clean fuel and support the circular economy by converting waste into compressed biogas.
• Tell me more:
  • The investment supports the construction of two compressed biogas (CBG) plants as part of CEF Group’s plan to build 22 such facilities across India.
  • CEF Group converts agricultural, agro-industrial, and municipal waste into clean fuel.
  • The company currently has three advanced projects: two municipal solid waste-based plants in Jammu and Ahmedabad, and a facility in Western Uttar Pradesh processing press mud.
  • CEF Group operates under India’s SATAT scheme, which encourages private sector participation for promoting CBG as a clean energy source.

Source: ET

2. Choice AMC Receives SEBI Approval for Mutual Fund Operations

• What:
  • Choice AMC Private, a subsidiary of Choice International, received final approval from SEBI to operate as the asset management company for Choice Mutual Fund.
• Why:
  • The entry aligns with Choice Group’s long-term strategy to provide modern investment tools such as goal-based investing and SIPs.
• Tell me more:
  • Choice AMC will begin operations focusing on passive investment products like Index Funds and ETFs.
  • Passive investing growth in India supports Choice Mutual Fund’s vision to democratize access to quality financial products.

Source: ET

3. Quant Mutual Fund Gets SEBI Approval for India’s First Specialized Investment Fund

• What:
  • Quant Mutual Fund received SEBI approval to launch India’s first Specialized Investment Fund (SIF), with the first offering, ‘QSIF Equity Long-Short Fund,’ set to launch in August 2025.
• Why:
  • The SIF framework was introduced by SEBI to provide sophisticated investors more flexible investment options with regulatory oversight.
• Tell me more:
  • SIFs allow long and short positions to profit from rising and falling markets and use derivatives with enhanced risk mitigation.
  • Quant Mutual Fund plans additional equity and hybrid SIF products and will focus on educating investors about these products.
  • SIFs bridge the gap between mutual funds and portfolio management services, effective from April 1, 2025.
  • Other fund houses like Edelweiss and SBI Mutual Fund have launched SIF platforms but have not yet announced products.

Source: ET

4. RBI Approves Merger of New India Co-operative Bank with Saraswat Bank

• What:
  • Saraswat Co-operative Bank received RBI approval to merge New India Co-operative Bank (NICBL) with itself, effective August 4, taking over all assets, liabilities, and customers.
• Why:
  • The merger aims to protect depositors’ interests and address issues caused by NICBL’s internal governance lapses and ₹122-crore fraud.
• Tell me more:
  • Saraswat Co-operative Bank proposed the voluntary merger on July 1 and got RBI’s go-ahead on August 1.
  • RBI had imposed a moratorium on NICBL on February 13 due to governance failures and fraud.
  • Saraswat stated the acquisition cost of NICBL would be a fraction of its capital.
  • Net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) have been zero for 3 years for Saraswat; the merger might raise NPAs temporarily but the balance sheet is expected to stabilize.

Source: ET

5. BIAL Raises Rs 9,000 Crore Through Largest Airport Sector NCD

• What:
  • Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) raised Rs 9,000 crore by issuing Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) in India’s largest unlisted private placement in the airport sector.
• Why:
  • The refinancing helps BIAL conserve capital and focus resources on funding future airport expansion plans.
• Tell me more:
  • The NCD issue is in two tranches: Rs 4,362 crore completed on July 25, 2025, and Rs 4,638 crore planned for early October 2025.
  • The debentures have a 15-year tenure and are rated AAA, allowing BIAL to switch from MCLR-linked loans to fixed interest rates, resulting in significant borrowing cost savings.
  • SBICAPs acted as the sole arranger for the issuance.

Source: ET

6. LTIMindtree Bags PAN 2.0 Project from Income Tax Department

• What:
  • The Income Tax Department has awarded the PAN 2.0 modernisation contract to LTIMindtree, with the new system expected to be ready within 18 months.
• Why:
  • The PAN 2.0 platform aims to provide a one-stop, technology-based, paperless solution for all PAN and TAN related services.
• Tell me more:
  • PAN 2.0 will handle allotment, correction, Aadhaar-PAN linking, reissuance, and online validations free of cost and send e-PANs to registered email IDs.
  • The project is valued at over Rs 792 crore and was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for Rs 1,435 crore.
  • Currently, PAN services are scattered across three platforms; PAN 2.0 will unify them into a single portal to improve user experience.
  • India has over 81.24 crore PAN holders and more than 73 lakh TAN holders.
  • LTIMindtree will be the Managed Service Provider responsible for design, development, operations, and maintenance.

Source: TOI

7. India’s Palm Oil Imports Decline While Soyoil Shipments Surge to 3-Year High

• What:
  • India’s palm oil imports fell by 10% in July while soyoil imports rose to a three-year high due to competitive prices and delayed shipments arriving.
• Why:
  • The changes in imports are driven by contract cancellations for palm oil and efforts to meet increasing demand ahead of the festival season.
• Tell me more:
  • Palm oil imports declined to 858,000 metric tons from June’s 11-month high, while soyoil imports surged 38% to 495,000 tons.
  • Sunflower oil imports fell 7% to 201,000 tons.
  • Total edible oil imports in July rose 1.5% to 1.53 million tons, the highest since November last year.
  • India is the world’s largest buyer of vegetable oils.

Source: RT

Defence News

1. Third Nilgiri-class Frigate Himgiri Delivered to Indian Navy

• What:
  • Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Kolkata delivered Himgiri, the third Nilgiri-class frigate under Project 17A, to the Indian Navy on 31 July 2025.
• Why:
  • Himgiri is the first Project 17A frigate built by GRSE, designed by the Warship Design Bureau and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team, Kolkata.
• Tell me more:
  • It revives the legacy of the original Leander-class INS Himgiri, which served for 30 years until 2005.
  • Project 17A ships feature Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion, an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and a comprehensive weapon and sensor suite including BrahMos missiles, surface-to-air missiles, guns, radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems.
  • The delivery supports the Indian Navy’s target to expand its fleet to 170–175 warships by 2035.

Source: ET

2. Indian Army Signs MoU for New Generation 50-ton Tank Transporter Trailers

• What:
  • The Indian Army signed a ₹223.95 crore contract with Axiscades Aerospace for 212 advanced 50-ton tank transporter trailers under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.
• Why:
  • The procurement aims to enhance operational mobility and support India’s ‘Aatmnirbhar Bharat’ initiative in defence manufacturing.
• Tell me more:
  • On July 28, the Army conducted ‘Exercise DIVYA DRISHTI’ in high-altitude East Sikkim to test new battlefield technologies improving surveillance and decision-making.
  • ‘Exercise DIVYA DRISHTI’ used ground-based systems, UAVs, and drones for realistic scenarios by Trishakti Corps.
  • AI-enabled sensors connected to advanced communication systems helped secure real-time data flow and improved situational awareness.

Source: HBL

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Bio-fortified Potatoes with Added Iron to Launch in India

• What:
  • Bio-fortified potatoes with added iron will soon be available in Indian markets, while bio-fortified sweet potatoes with added Vitamin A are already grown in several states.
• Why:
  • To provide farmers with better quality seeds and improve the nutritional value of potatoes and sweet potatoes for consumers.
• Tell me more:
  • The International Potato Center (CIP) has established its South Asia regional centre in Agra, located in the world’s largest potato-producing region, the Indo-Gangetic plains.
  • The Government of Uttar Pradesh provided land for the centre through the National Horticulture Board, following an agreement with India’s Union Agriculture Ministry.
  • CIP works with private companies and public research institutes to ensure farmers have timely access to high-quality potato seeds adapted to local conditions.
  • The first iron-fortified potato variety has been released in Peru and is under evaluation in India by the ICAR Central Potato Institute to adapt for Indian farming.
  • Bio-fortified sweet potatoes with added Vitamin A are grown in Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Assam and are bright orange inside.

Source: TH

Awards

1. 71st National Film Awards for the Year 2023

Source: PIB

2. Nitin Gadkari Receives 43rd Lokmanya Tilak National Award

• What:
  • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was honoured with the 43rd Lokmanya Tilak National Award at a ceremony in Pune.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was presented by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust.
  • Lokmanya Tilak was a prominent freedom fighter and social reformer.
  • The award is given annually to individuals contributing to India’s national development.

Source: NOA

Important Days

1. Muslim Women Rights Day 2025 – August 1

2. World FinTech Day 2025 – August 1

3. 15th Indian Organ Donation Day 2025 – August 3

• What:
  • The 15th Indian Organ Donation Day was organized by NOTTO under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to promote organ and tissue donation across India.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to create awareness, dispel myths, encourage public participation, and honour selfless organ donors and their families.
• Tell me more:
  • The national campaign “Angdaan- Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyan” runs year-long to motivate citizens to pledge organ donation.
  • India performed over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, a significant increase from under 5,000 in 2013, ranking third globally after the USA and China.
  • Financial support of up to ₹15 lakh is provided to poor patients under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, along with monthly post-transplant support and inclusion of kidney transplant packages under Ayushman Bharat.
  • The Transplantation of Human Organs Act was established in 1994, and the first heart transplant in India happened at AIIMS.

4. National Bone and Joint Day 2025 – August 4

• What:
  • August 4th is observed as National Bone and Joint Day in India to promote awareness about musculoskeletal and joint disorders and their management.
• Tell me more:
  • Joint problems, such as early-onset osteoarthritis and injuries from sports or poor posture, are increasingly common in people aged 30 to 50.
  • Nearly 1 in 5 Indians suffer from musculoskeletal disorders including arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, and frozen shoulder.
  • Early signs of joint trouble include joint cracking sounds, morning stiffness, discomfort after activity, mild swelling, and joint instability.
  • Strength training combined with low-impact cardio, running on softer surfaces, and proper dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D help maintain joint health.

Source: HT

5. 80th Hiroshima Day 2025 – August 6

Sports

1. Malta to Host Eighth Commonwealth Youth Games in 2027

• What:
  • Malta will host the 8th edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) in late 2027 with about 1,150 athletes from 74 nations and territories.
• Tell me more:
  • The event will feature eight sports, including the debut of sailing and water polo.
  • Other sports include athletics and para athletics, netball, squash, swimming and para swimming, triathlon, and weightlifting.
  • This edition will have the largest Para sport program in CYG history, adding Para Swimming for the first time.
  • India hosted the third edition of CYG in Pune in 2008.

Source: ET

2. Magnus Carlsen Wins Chess Gold at 2025 Esports World Cup

• What:
  • Magnus Carlsen from Team Liquid won the gold medal by defeating Alireza Firouzja of Team Falcons in the Chess Grand Final at the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
• Why:
  • The competition aimed to find the best chess player among esports teams, with the final showcasing top players competing for the title and prize money.
• Tell me more:
  • He received $250,000 prize money and 1,000 Club Championship points for Team Liquid.
  • Firouzja won the second-place prize of $190,000, and Team Falcons finished second overall in the Club Championship standings.
  • Carlsen is the world No. 1 Blitz chess player with a rating of 2937; Firouzja is world No. 3 Blitz player with a rating of 2856.
  • Hikaru Nakamura, another member of Team Falcons, finished third, winning $145,000.
  • Arjun Erigaisi got fourth place with $115,000 and earned 300 Club Championship points for Gen.G.

Source: FIDE

3. Indian Men’s and Women’s Table Tennis Teams Qualify for WTTC

• What:
  • Indian men’s and women’s table tennis teams qualified for the World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC) in London by winning the 2025 South Asia Regional Championships in Kathmandu.
• Why:
  • The championship served to select four regional champions from Asia for direct qualification to the WTTC, making it a key event for Asian quota spots.
• Tell me more:
  • Only 16 Asian quota spots were available per gender for the WTTC.
  • The competition featured a five-nation round-robin format.
  • Both Indian teams remained undefeated, winning all their matches 3-0 against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives.
  • The men’s team consisted of Akash Pal, Ronit Bhanja, Anirban Ghosh, P B Abhinand, and Divyansh Srivastava.
  • The women’s team was led by Krittwika Sinha, with Selenadeepthi Selvakumar, Taneesha Kotecha, Sayali Wani, and Syndrela Das as members.

Source: BS

4. Archery Association of India Launches First-Ever Archery League

• What:
  • The Archery Association of India (AAI) has announced the first-ever Archery League featuring men and women recurve and compound archers competing in a franchise-based tournament.
• Why:
  • The league aims to strengthen the archery ecosystem in India and globally by providing more opportunities and raising the sport’s level.
• Tell me more:
  • The inaugural league will be held over 11 days in October at the Yamuna Sports Complex in Delhi.
  • It has received support from World Archery, World Archery Asia, and the Sports Ministry.
  • The event will include foreign archers from the world’s top 10 and top Indian players competing as six franchise teams.

Source: TH

5. FIFA and AIFF Launch India’s First FIFA Talent Academy for Girls

• What:
  • The All India Football Federation and Telangana Government signed an MoU to launch India’s first FIFA Talent Academy for girls at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad.
• Why:
  • The academy aims to promote equitable football development and inspire young players to represent India in FIFA World Cups.
• Tell me more:
  • The academy will provide year-round high-performance training to 60 athletes including 30 boys (under-14) and 30 girls (under-16).
  • Ten players in each category will be from Telangana.
  • AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey highlighted the event as a defining moment for football development.

Source: TH

Memorandum of Understanding

1. DPIIT Signs MoU with HDFC Capital for Startup Support

• What:
  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HDFC Capital Advisors Limited to support startups in affordable housing and property technology (PropTech) sectors.
• Why:
  • The programme is designed to make residential real estate development more efficient and cost-effective.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership is part of the H@ART Programme (HDFC Affordable Real Estate and Technology Programme) led by HDFC Capital.
  • The H@ART Programme is spearheaded by HDFC Capital.
  • Sanjiv Singh is the Joint Secretary of DPIIT.

Source: ET

2. ITBP and DBT Sign MoU for Biomedical Research

• What:
  • The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance biomedical research for the welfare of force personnel.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to solve important scientific and technological challenges faced by the forces through joint research and innovation.
• Tell me more:
  • The signing ceremony took place at ITBP Headquarters, New Delhi, with Secretary, DBT, and Director General, ITBPF present.
  • Joint research will focus on topics like human adaptability to high altitudes, biosecurity, biomedical devices, prosthetics, and food biotechnology.

Source: PIB

3. ICAI and IAGES Sign MOU for Gold Industry Accreditation

• What:
  • ICAI signed an MoU with Indian Association of Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES) to build an accreditation framework for six lakh gold industry value chain partners in India.
• Why:
  • To standardise and improve governance in the gold industry by aligning with global best practices and introducing a code of conduct for partners.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed on July 30 by ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nanda and IAGES CEO Kaushlendra Sinha, in the presence of Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal.
  • The initiative will create professional opportunities for ICAI members and facilitate objective evaluation based on defined parameters.
  • ICAI’s Professional Development Committee will raise awareness and supply a panel of Chartered Accountant firms to IAGES for empanelment.

Source: ET

4. MoUs Signed to Promote Medicinal Plants Conservation

• What:
  • Two MoUs were signed by the National Medicinal Plants Board with IshVed-Bioplants Venture, Pune, and among NMPB, All India Institute of Ayurveda, and AIIMS New Delhi to conserve rare medicinal plants and spread awareness.
• Why:
  • The purpose of signing these MoUs is to conserve, maintain, and promote rare medicinal plants and increase public awareness about their importance.
• Tell me more:
  • The first MoU with IshVed-Bioplants Venture will help conserve and maintain the germplasm of rare, endangered, and threatened medicinal plants through tissue culture.
  • The second MoU with AIIA and AIIMS is for setting up a national medicinal plants garden at AIIMS New Delhi to educate patients, students, and visitors about medicinal plants.
  • Both MoUs aim to integrate traditional knowledge and modern science for the benefit of the Ayush industry and stakeholders.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Indian Army and Navy Key Leadership Changes Announced

• What:
  • The Indian Defence Forces made changes in key positions with Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh becoming Vice Chief of Army Staff and Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan becoming Vice Chief of Naval Staff, effective August 1.
• Why:
  • These changes were due to the superannuation of senior staff and maintaining leadership continuity.
• Tell me more:

Source: CNBC

2. Tata Motors’ PB Balaji Appointed as New CEO of Jaguar Land Rover

• Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) announced that Mr P B Balaji will become the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from November 2025, succeeding Mr Adrian Mardell who is retiring.
• Mr N Chandrasekaran is Chairman of Jaguar Land Rover PLC, Tata Motors, and Tata Sons.

Source: TATA

Miscellaneous

1. Shibu Soren, Veteran Jharkhand Leader, Passes Away

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi to pay tribute to former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren, who died after a long illness.
• Shibu Soren, also known as ‘Dishom Guru’, died at the age of 81 while under treatment for kidney-related ailments.

Source: TOI

2. Former Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik Passes Away

• Malik served as the last Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019, during which Article 370 was abrogated on 5 August 2019.

Source: IT

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