08th August 2025

1. India-Russia Sign Pact to Strengthen Industrial and Technological Ties
2. IDFC FIRST Bank Launches RemitFIRST2India for NRIs to Transfer Money to India
3. Amazon India & FIEO Signed MoU to Boost E-commerce Exports of MSMEs in India
4. Fortune 100 Most Powerful People in Business List: Jensen Huang Topped, Mukesh Ambani Ranked 56th
5. Indian Army Inducts BEML’s Semi-Automatic Minefield Marker ‘MMME Mk-II’
6. S Swaminathan’s Biography ‘The Man Who Fed India’ Released to Commemorate His 100th Birth Anniversary
7. Kerala Launches ‘Heat Resilient Moodadi’ Project to Tackle Extreme Heat
8. Tata AutoComp to Acquire Slovakia-Based IAC Group: Expanding Its Global Footprint
9. India’s Top 10 Busiest Seaports by Cargo Tonnage in 2025
10. BharatGen AI to Support All 22 Scheduled Languages by June 2026
11. WHO Classifies Hepatitis D as Cancer-Causing
12. Illinois Bans ChatGPT and AI from Providing Therapy
13. ‘Bharat’ Taxi: Cooperatives Launch ₹300-Crore Ride-Hailing Platform to Rival Ola and Uber
14. Airbus India Jürgen Westermeier
15. AU Small Finance Bank Makes History: First SFB to Get RBI Nod for Universal Bank Status
16. India Lost 18 Times More Forest Area Than It Gained Between 2015–2019
17. PM Modi Launches Global M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, Honours Nigerian Scientist
18. PM Modi Inaugurates Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Conference
19. IFC and HDFC Capital Launch $1 Billion Fund for Green Affordable Housing in India
20. Arunachal Mountaineer Kabak Yano Successfully Scales Mount Kilimanjaro

National News

1. India and Russia Sign Protocol to Boost Industrial Cooperation

• What:
  • India and Russia signed a protocol to strengthen industrial cooperation in sectors such as aluminium, fertilisers, railways, and mining technologies.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to deepen collaboration between the two countries and continue engagement amidst changing global trade conditions.
• Tell me more:
  • The protocol was signed during the 11th session of the India-Russia Working Group on Modernisation and Industrial Cooperation held in New Delhi.
  • Discussions included cooperating in aerospace, rare earths, additive manufacturing, waste management, and the setting up of a wind tunnel facility.
  • Updates from sub-groups on modernization, mining, fertilizers, and railway transport were reviewed during the meeting.
  • India’s imports from Russia were $16.8 billion in FY25, with petroleum imports forming $12.6 billion of this total.

Source: LM

2. Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference Inaugurated

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi to mark the birth centenary of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.
• Why:
  • The conference aims to honor Dr. Swaminathan’s contributions to agricultural science and food security and promote the theme ‘Evergreen Revolution – The Path to Bio-Happiness’.
• Tell me more:
  • The event is organized from August 7-9, 2025, at the Pusa campus in collaboration with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, ICAR, and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
  • Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted Dr. Swaminathan’s dedication to eradicating hunger and his role as the father of the Green Revolution.
  • The conference recalls the 1966 introduction of Mexican wheat varieties in Punjab that dramatically increased wheat production in India.
  • Several government initiatives inspired by Dr. Swaminathan’s vision include ‘Lab to Land’, ‘Krishi Chaupal’, and ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ involving scientists and farmers.
  • India has achieved surplus rice production, self-sufficiency in wheat, and improved foodgrain storage systems, and continues efforts to raise productivity in pulses and oilseeds.

Source: PIB UNI

3. BharatGen Launches Sovereign AI Models for Indian Languages

• What:
  • BharatGen is the first government-backed national initiative to develop foundational AI models tailored to Indian languages and societal contexts across multiple modalities like text, speech, and vision.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to create AI technologies that support diverse Indian languages and serve important sectors such as agriculture, governance, and defence.
• Tell me more:
  • Currently, BharatGen models cover 9 Indian languages including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Telugu, and Kannada.
  • By December 2025, the models will cover 15 Indian languages, and by June 2026, all 22 scheduled Indian languages will be included.
  • The project is implemented under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) of the Department of Science and Technology.
  • BharatGen has active Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) at IIT Bombay and IIT Madras coordinating development and deployment in various domains.

Source: PIB

4. Taxi Service ‘Bharat’ Launched by Cooperatives to Compete With Ola, Uber

• What:
  • India’s cooperative sector is launching a taxi service called ‘Bharat’ by the end of 2025 to compete with Ola and Uber.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to provide better earnings for drivers and offer safe, quality, and affordable taxi services to customers.
• Tell me more:
  • Bharat is launched by Multi-State Sahakari Taxi Cooperative Ltd, a consortium of eight cooperatives including NCDC, IFFCO, and GCMMF.
  • About 200 drivers have joined from Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, with plans to expand further.
  • A tender to select a technology partner for the ride-hailing app is underway, with the app expected by December 2025.
  • IIM-Bangalore and a technology consultant are involved in creating the marketing strategy for a pan-India single app platform.
  • The taxi service will use a cooperative pricing model and is currently running membership drives to scale up operations.

Source: BS

State News

1. Heat Resilient Moodadi Plan Launched by Kerala

• What:
  • Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) launched the ‘Heat Resilient Moodadi’ heat action plan in Moodadi Panchayat, Kozhikode district.
• Why:
  • The plan aims to reduce the harmful effects of increasing heat and prepare the region for hotter summers in the future.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the first comprehensive heat action plan by a local self-government body in Kerala, developed over 1.5 years with guidance from climate experts and KSDMA officials.
  • The pilot phase will focus on reducing heat in two Anganwadis and will later expand to all 32 Anganwadis, health centers, panchayat offices, and private institutions.
  • Project guidelines encourage heat-resistant construction techniques such as reflective paints, bamboo barriers, and shade installations.
  • ‘Cooling pavilions’ will be set up as safe spaces for people to find relief during intense heat.
  • The project has been recognized as innovative and Moodadi was selected as KSDMA’s ‘Living Lab’ for climate change solutions.

Source: ETV

2. Arunachal Pradesh Mountaineer Kabak Yano Summits Mount Kilimanjaro

• What:
  • Kabak Yano from Arunachal Pradesh successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
• Why:
  • This climb is part of her seven-summit expedition to scale the highest peaks on all seven continents.
• Tell me more:
  • Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895 meters tall and is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
  • Her expedition was flagged off on July 28 by Arunachal Pradesh Governor KT Parnaik.
  • Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania.

Source: NOA

International News

1. Hepatitis D Classified as Cancerous by WHO

• What:
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared hepatitis D as cancerous, highlighting the critical need to prevent viral hepatitis.
• Why:
  • This reclassification stresses the urgency to control hepatitis infections to reduce deaths from severe liver disease and liver cancer.
• Tell me more:
  • Hepatitis D only infects people who have hepatitis B and increases the risk of liver cancer by two to six times compared to hepatitis B alone.
  • Hepatitis D infection leads to more severe liver damage, with 75% developing liver cirrhosis within 15 years.
  • It spreads through injections, blood transfusion, mother to child, and sexual contact, similar to hepatitis B and C.
  • Universal hepatitis B vaccination indirectly prevents hepatitis D, but current vaccine coverage is only around 50% in India.
  • Emerging treatments like bulevirtide are promising, but managing existing infections remains challenging.

Source: IE

2. AI Regulation in Mental Health Care: Illinois Leads with New Law

• What:
  • Illinois has passed a law banning AI platforms like ChatGPT from delivering therapy or mental health assessments without supervision by licensed professionals.
• Why:
  • The law aims to address ethical and safety concerns by ensuring that mental health treatment and evaluations remain under qualified human supervision.
• Tell me more:
  • The Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act prohibits AI from creating treatment plans, making mental health evaluations, or offering therapy without licensed professional oversight.
  • Violations can lead to fines up to $10,000 per violation, enforced by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
  • AI tools can still assist with non-clinical tasks such as scheduling, monitoring therapy notes, offering wellness tips, and supporting clinicians with data analysis.
  • Other states like Nevada, Utah, and New York have implemented or planned regulations to ensure safe and ethical AI use in mental health care.
  • The law highlights concerns that AI lacks empathy, nuanced understanding, and accountability required for sensitive mental health support and can cause harm if unregulated.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. RemitFIRST2India Digital Remittance Platform Launched

• What:
  • IDFC FIRST Bank has launched RemitFIRST2India, a digital remittance platform for NRIs to send money to India quickly, securely, and with zero transfer fees.
• Why:
  • The platform aims to provide NRIs with a fast, transparent, and easy way to transfer money to India.
• Tell me more:
  • RemitFIRST2India is launched in partnership with SingX and currently supports transfers from Singapore and Hong Kong.
  • NRIs with IDFC FIRST Bank can send money directly using their Mobile Banking App, while others can use a dedicated web-portal with easy onboarding.
  • The platform features zero transfer fees, competitive guaranteed forex rates, real-time transaction tracking, and welcome benefits for new users.
  • Customers are updated at every step of the transaction with live tracking.

Source: BS

2. Tata AutoComp Systems to Acquire Slovakia-based IAC Group

• What:
  • Tata AutoComp Systems has signed an agreement to fully acquire the Slovakia-based IAC Group through its British subsidiary Artifex Interior Systems Limited.
• Why:
  • The acquisition aims to strengthen Tata AutoComp’s capabilities and expand its presence across the UK and European automotive markets.
• Tell me more:
  • The company aims to become the preferred partner for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
  • Tata AutoComp is an auto components manufacturer with a vision to expand globally.

Source: ET

3. India’s Major Ports Cargo Handling Rises in FY 2024-25

• What:
  • Cargo handling at India’s 12 major ports increased by 4.3% in FY 2024-25, reaching 855 million tonnes from 819 million tonnes in the previous year.
• Why:
  • The growth reflects increased maritime trade and port activity, strengthening India’s maritime sector.
• Tell me more:
  • The top five major ports handled 63.12% of the total cargo as of June 2025.
  • Odisha’s Paradip Port Authority remained the largest cargo handler, managing 13.14 million tonnes (18.04% share).
  • Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat secured the second position with 12.03 million tonnes (16.51% share).
  • Mormugao Port Authority in Goa, though handling the smallest volume (3.4 million tonnes, 2.3%), showed significant growth from 1.44 million tonnes in June 2024.
  • Key other ports include Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata, with Tamil Nadu hosting three major ports.

Source: IE

4. AU Small Finance Bank Gets RBI Approval to Become Universal Bank

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted in-principle approval to AU Small Finance Bank Limited (AUSFB) to transition from a Small Finance Bank to a Universal Bank.
• Why:
  • The transition aims to expand the bank’s services and capabilities, aligning with RBI’s framework for voluntary conversion under on-tap licensing guidelines.
• Tell me more:
  • AUSFB started as a small finance bank in April 2017 after receiving its SFB licence in 2015.
  • The bank’s net interest margin decreased by 38 basis points to 5.4% during the quarter.
  • AU Small Finance Bank is led by Managing Director and CEO Sanjay Agarwal.

Source: ET

5. IFC Partners with HDFC Capital for $1 Billion Green Affordable Housing Fund

• What:
  • The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has agreed to invest up to $150 million in a $1 billion real estate fund managed by HDFC Capital, focused on green affordable and mid-income housing in India.
• Why:
  • The fund aims to address India’s housing shortage sustainably by financing green building projects that support affordable housing with greater energy and resource efficiency.
• Tell me more:
  • The HDFC Capital Development of Real Estate Affordable and Mid-Income Fund (H-DREAM Fund) will follow the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) green building framework.
  • The fund expects to mobilise up to $850 million of long-term capital from institutional investors, including sponsor commitments.
  • It plans to develop at least 25,000 green housing units to create resilient communities and boost sustainability in urban development.
  • The buildings sector accounts for about 33% of global electricity use, with residential building consuming 24%, highlighting the importance of greening this sector.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. Fortune’s Most Powerful List

• What:
  • Dr Reshma Kewalramani has been named among the 100 most powerful figures in global business by Fortune magazine.
• Why:
  • Dr Reshma Kewalramani is the CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals and ranked 62nd on the Fortune list.
• Tell me more:
  • She became the first woman to lead a major US biotechnology firm in April 2020.
  • She joined Vertex Pharmaceuticals in 2017 and became Chief Medical Officer in 2018 before becoming CEO.
  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals is headquartered in Boston and is valued at around $110 billion.
  • Vertex received US FDA approval for its non-opioid pain medication, Journavx, under her leadership.

Source: MOC

2. Forest Cover Loss Outpaces Gain in India: IIT Bombay Study

• What:
  • India lost 18 sq km of forest for every 1 sq km gained between 2015 and 2019, according to a study by IIT Bombay.
• Why:
  • The study highlights the need to focus on forest quality and connectivity, not just quantity, for ecological health and biodiversity.
• Tell me more:
  • All states showed a net loss in forest cover; half of the 56.3 sq km gain occurred in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
  • Tamil Nadu and West Bengal accounted for nearly half of the 1,032.89 sq km total forest loss.
  • The study used data from the Copernicus Global Land Service (CGLS), which has finer resolution and different canopy cover criteria than the Forest Survey of India (FSI).

Source: TP

Defence News

1. Indian Army Inducts Minefield Marking Equipment Mk-II

• What:
  • The Indian Army has inducted the Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment Mark-II (MMME Mk-II), developed by BEML and DRDO.
• Why:
  • The system aims to quickly mark and fence minefields with reduced human effort, increasing troop safety and speed of operations.
• Tell me more:
  • MMME Mk-II is a semi-automatic system built on a TATRA 6×6 chassis that marks minefields by placing pickets and unspooling ropes.
  • The system operates efficiently in deserts, semi-deserts, and plains, and can work in temperatures from zero to 45 degrees Celsius.
  • MMME Mk-II was developed by DRDO’s Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), Pune, and manufactured by BEML.

Source: ANI

Awards

1. MS Swaminathan Award Instituted to Honour Food and Peace Scientists

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi instituted a global award in memory of Professor M. S. Swaminathan to recognise scientists from developing countries working towards food security and peace.
• Why:
  • The award aims to honour contributions in combating hunger and advancing food security, building on Prof. Swaminathan’s legacy.
• Tell me more:
  • The first M. S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace was conferred to Nigerian scientist Dr. Arenare for his efforts against hunger in Nigeria.
  • Prof. Swaminathan, known as the father of India’s Green Revolution, passed away in 2023 and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024.
  • PM Modi highlighted Prof. Swaminathan’s concept of ‘bio-happiness’ and his role in making India self-reliant in food production.

Source: IE

Memorandum of Understanding

1. FIEO and Amazon Sign MoU to Boost MSME Exports

• What:
  • The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and Amazon India have signed an MoU to increase e-commerce exports by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to help MSMEs leverage e-commerce for expanding into international markets and overcoming traditional export barriers.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration will form a dedicated e-commerce export task force to shape policies, build infrastructure, and create awareness about export opportunities.
  • Indian MSMEs, including artisans and manufacturers, will get support to build their export capabilities using Amazon’s global marketplace.
  • The MoU will also help raise the visibility of Indian products and work with stakeholders to address export challenges.
  • Amazon’s marketplace will offer Indian businesses access to over 20 countries.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Airbus Appoints Jürgen Westermeier as India & South Asia Head

• Airbus has appointed Jürgen Westermeier as the new President and Managing Director for India and South Asia, starting September 1, 2025.

Source: LM

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