19th August 2025

1. Assam Rifles Signs MoU with IIIT Manipur to Boost Drone Technology for Defence
2. Iga Świątek Wins Cincinnati Open, Sends Warning Ahead of U.S. Open
3. Carlos Alcaraz Wins First Cincinnati Open Title 2025 After Sinner Retires in Final
4. RBI survey shows uptick in urban consumer confidence in July 2025
5. Russia to Launch Venera-D Mission to Venus by 2036 with Lander, Orbiter, and Balloon Probe
6. Over 500 Humanoid Robots Compete at World Robot Games in Beijing, Showcasing Speed, Skill, and Stumbles
7. Six-Day Indian Cinema Festival Kicks Off in Sri Lanka to Celebrate Cultural Ties
8. Manika Vishwakarma Crowned Miss Universe India 2025, to Represent India at 74th Miss Universe in Thailand
9. Veteran Actor Achyut Potdar Passes Away at 91: A Tribute to His Remarkable Legacy in Indian Cinema
10. Dubai Launches AI-Powered Passenger Corridor to Replace Immigration Counters
11. India Targets Indigenous Space Station by 2035 and Crewed Moon Mission by 2040: Dr. Jitendra Singh
12. Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal Launches AI Startup ‘Parallel’ to Build a Web for Machines
13. NTPC becomes 1st PSU to Adopt Global Standard for Power Supply Continuity
14. India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Successfully Completes Load Tests in Chennai, TN
15. FAITH Unveiled ‘Tourism Vision 2047’ to Boost India’s Tourism Economy to USD 3 Trillion
16. Indian Railways Installs First Removable Solar Panel System Between Tracks
17. SBI Launches collateral-free Rs.4 lakh loan at 10.5% interest for Agniveers
18. Kotak Mahindra International Secured UAE Licence to Sell Funds to Retail Investors
19. SBI Report: UPI Transactions Surged in 2025; Maharashtra Emerged as the No.1 State in UPI Usage
20. JSW and POSCO Sign HoA for 6 MTPA Steel Plant in India
21. TCL Appoints Olympic Ski Champion Eileen Gu as its Global Brand Ambassador
22. Marc Marquez Won 2025 Austrian GP for the 1st time to Extend MotoGP Championship Lead
23. India, the world 2nd-biggest producer of crude steel, has imposed anti-dumping duty on some steel shipments from Vietnam,

National News

1. India to Build Space Station by 2035, Moon Mission by 2040

• What:
  • Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India will set up an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2040.
• Why:
  • These missions are planned to be completed ahead of the target of making India a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
• Tell me more:
  • The announcement was made during a special Lok Sabha discussion on India’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station.
  • Indian Air Force Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla became India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS.
  • The Minister highlighted reforms in the last 11 years, including opening the space sector to private players and encouraging start-ups.

Source: NOA

2. India to Launch First Hydrogen-Powered Train Soon

• What:
  • The Ministry of Railways will soon launch India’s first hydrogen-powered train after the prototype cleared successful load tests.
• Why:
  • The project aims to promote green transportation and achieve zero-carbon emission goals under the “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • The hydrogen trainset was developed at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
  • A total of 35 hydrogen-powered trains are planned for various heritage and hill routes.
  • The train engine developed by Indian Railways has an output of 1,200 horsepower, the highest among such engines globally.
  • Trial runs are expected to begin soon on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana.

Source: BS

3. FAITH Conclave 2025 Unveils Tourism Vision 2047

• What:
  • The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) held its two-day Conclave 2025 in New Delhi and launched Tourism Vision 2047 to build a $3 trillion tourism economy.
• Why:
  • The goal is to raise tourism’s GDP share, create jobs, and position tourism as a key pillar of India’s diplomacy, economy, and cultural strength.
• Tell me more:
  • Tourism Vision 2047 targets $3 trillion economy, 100 million inbound tourists, 20 billion domestic visits, and 200 million jobs by 2047.
  • Leaders recommended cleanliness drives, destination development, heritage tourism incentives, visa-free travel, and easier GST rules.
  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called tourism a strategic pillar, while Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stressed raising GDP share from 6% to 10%.
  • IndiGo announced expansion to 50+ international destinations using Airbus A350s, with focus on visa reforms and global promotion.

Source: ET

State News

1. Indian Railways Achieves Milestones in Green Energy and Freight at Varanasi

• What:
  • The Ministry of Railways commissioned India’s first removable solar panel system between railway tracks at Banaras Locomotive Works, expanded freight operations with a new salt rake, and introduced a new electric traction system.
• Why:
  • These initiatives aim to promote green transport, boost regional industries, and enhance railway electrification and efficiency.
• Tell me more:
  • The solar panel system is 70 metres long, includes 28 panels with 15KWp capacity, and was installed at Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi.
  • The first industrial salt-loaded rake from Sanosara to Dahej carried 3,851.2 tonnes, covering 673.57 km and generating ₹31.69 lakh in freight revenue.
  • Western Railway commissioned India’s first 2×25 kV Electric Traction System at Nagda–Khachrod section with Scott-connected 100 MVA power transformers.
  • Nagda traction sub-station became the first in India to use Scott Transformer technology for railway electrification.
  • The new salt logistics solution is expected to strengthen the salt industry in the Bhuj–Naliya region.

Source: DD

International News

1. Russia Plans Venera-D Mission to Venus by 2036

• What
  • Russia will launch the Venera-D mission to Venus between 2034 and 2036.
• Why
  • The mission aims to explore Venus through a lander, balloon probe, and orbital spacecraft.
• Tell me more
  • The design phase will last two years and will be carried out with the Lavochkin Association.
  • The mission was announced by Oleg Korablev from the Space Research Institute (IKI).
  • The mission includes three main components — an orbiter, a lander, and a balloon probe.

Source: NOA

2. First World Humanoid Robot Games Conclude in Beijing

• What
  • The first World Humanoid Robot Games ended in Beijing with over 500 robots competing in 26 events.
• Why
  • The event was held to showcase advancements and challenges in humanoid robotics and highlight China’s focus on global competitiveness in this field.
• Tell me more
  • The competition lasted four days and featured teams from 16 countries, including Japan, with 280 robotics teams participating.
  • Events included sports like athletics, basketball, soccer, and kickboxing, along with tasks such as cleaning and medicine categorisation.
  • A robot completed the 100-meter sprint in 21.5 seconds, while others showed balance recovery in combat, though some collapsed or collided during races and soccer matches.
  • The venue was Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval, originally built for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Source: ALJ NOA

2. Sri Lanka’s Eastern University Hosts Indian Film Festival

• A six-day film festival began at the Trincomalee campus of Eastern University in Sri Lanka showcasing six Indian films in different languages.
• Indian cinema is 111 years old and has become one of the most dynamic film industries globally.
• The festival venue is Trincomalee campus of Eastern University, Sri Lanka.

Source: NOA

3. Dubai Airport Launches AI-Powered Passenger Corridor

• What:
  • Dubai International Airport has launched an AI-powered passenger corridor that allows travellers to clear immigration in seconds without showing documents.
• Why:
  • The project aims to make travel faster, safer, and easier as part of the “Travel Without Borders” initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • This system is part of Dubai’s larger “Unlimited Smart Travel” programme aiming for document-free travel.
  • A similar innovation, the “smart tunnel,” was introduced at DXB in 2020 for biometric checks.
  • Dubai International Airport has been the world’s busiest international hub for 11 years, handling over 80 million passengers annually.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. RBI Releases Urban Consumer Confidence Survey-July 2025 Results

• What
  • RBI released results of the July 2025 Urban Consumer Confidence Survey showing slight improvement in household sentiment.
• Why
  • The survey was conducted to assess the perception of urban households on income, spending, employment, and price levels.
• Tell me more
  • The survey was held between July 1-12 across 19 major cities, covering 5,592 respondents.
  • The Current Situation Index (CSI) rose to 96.5 in July from 95.4 in May, mainly due to better views on income, spending, and economic conditions.
  • The Future Expectations Index (FEI) increased to 124.7 from 123.4, reflecting optimism about economy, income growth, and future spending.
  • Pessimism about price levels and inflation eased for the third time in a row, with net response improving to -87.0 from -88.5.

Source: ET

2. Parag Agrawal Launches AI Startup Parallel Web Systems

• What:
  • Former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal launched a new AI startup called Parallel Web Systems to build tools and infrastructure that help AI systems use the web in real-time.
• Why:
  • The aim is to create infrastructure for AI agents to fetch, verify, and organize web information for completing complex tasks effectively.
• Tell me more:
  • Parallel offers low-level search tools and deep research APIs that let AI agents finish hours of human web research in minutes.
  • The startup’s infrastructure is designed specifically for how AI consumes information, not how humans browse the web.

Source: IE

3. NTPC Implements ISO-Certified Business Continuity Plan

• What:
  • NTPC Limited has become the first public sector company in India’s power industry to implement a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) aligned with ISO 22301:2019 standards.
• Why:
  • The plan aims to ensure uninterrupted power generation and supply during unexpected events.
• Tell me more:
  • ISO 22301:2019 is an international standard for business continuity management, focusing on prevention, preparedness, response, and continual improvement.
  • NTPC’s BCP includes regular risk assessments, disaster recovery drills, backup communication systems, and response protocols.
  • The plan has been tailored to NTPC’s wide operational network and approved by the company’s Risk Management Committee.
  • It also has mechanisms for continuous review to handle emerging risks in the fast-changing energy sector.

Source: BS

4. SBI Launches Personal Loan Scheme for Agniveers

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced a special personal loan scheme for Agniveers under the Agnipath recruitment programme.
• Why:
  • The scheme is designed to provide financial support and flexibility to Agniveers during service and in their transition to civilian life.
• Tell me more:
  • Agniveers with SBI salary accounts can take loans up to ₹4 lakh without collateral and with zero processing fees.
  • The repayment tenure is aligned with the duration of Agnipath service.
  • As an Independence Day initiative, SBI is offering a flat 10.50% interest rate to all defence personnel till September 30, 2025.
  • The scheme extends support under SBI’s Defence Salary Package, offering preferential services to armed forces including Agniveers.

Source: BS

5. Kotak Mahindra Gets UAE License for Fund Management

• What:
  • Kotak Mahindra (International) has received a license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE to conduct Investment Fund Management and Portfolio Management activities.
• Why:
  • The license allows Kotak to launch UAE-domiciled funds for retail investors and strengthen financial ties by offering India-focused investment options.
• Tell me more:
  • Kotak Mahindra (International) is the first Indian firm to get this license from the UAE regulator.
  • The company plans to introduce funds in UAE aligned with its Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS and India-domiciled strategies, with subscriptions likely by Q4 2025.
  • The initiative will help UAE investors diversify portfolios by accessing India’s growth story.
  • Kotak has regulatory approvals in India, USA, UK, Singapore, Mauritius, and now the UAE, expanding its global presence.

Source: ET

6. UPI Transactions Hit New Record in 2025

• What:
  • UPI transactions in India grew sharply in 2025, both in terms of daily value and volumes, according to an SBI report.
• Why:
  • The rise shows increasing reliance on UPI for everyday payments and reflects India’s shift toward a cashless economy.
• Tell me more:
  • Average daily transaction value grew from ₹75,743 crore in January to ₹90,446 crore in August.
  • Daily volumes increased by 127 million, reaching 675 million in August compared with January.
  • SBI handled 5.2 billion transactions, making it India’s top remitter bank; its share was 3.4 times higher than the second-largest.
  • Yes Bank emerged as the leading beneficiary bank with 8.0 billion transactions received.

Source: ET

7. JSW Steel and Posco Plan Joint Steel Plant in India

• What:
  • JSW Steel Ltd and South Korea’s Posco Group signed a non-binding agreement to jointly explore setting up a 6 MTPA integrated steel plant in India through a 50:50 joint venture.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to build a globally competitive steel manufacturing hub to serve both domestic and exsport markets while supporting India’s industrial growth.
• Tell me more:
  • A detailed feasibility study will be conducted to decide the plant’s location, investment terms, and resource availability.
  • Odisha, due to its natural resources and logistical advantages, is being considered as a possible location.
  • The proposed capacity of the plant is 6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Source: BS

8. India Imposes Anti-Dumping Duty on Steel from Vietnam

• What:
  • India has imposed anti-dumping duty on certain hot-rolled flat steel products imported from Vietnam.
• Why:
  • The duty was imposed to protect the domestic steel industry from injury caused by cheap dumped imports.
• Tell me more:
  • The ministry also flagged risks of further threats to local steel mills if duties are not imposed on other select goods.
  • Earlier in April, India applied a 12% safeguard duty on some steel imports, mainly from China, to curb cheap shipments.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Assam Rifles & IIIT Manipur Sign MoU on Drone Training

• What
  • Assam Rifles and IIIT Manipur signed an MoU to promote drone technology for defence and security, along with launching an Advanced Drone Training and Refresher Course.
• Why
  • The initiative aims to strengthen surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics support capabilities of Assam Rifles personnel.
• Tell me more
  • The training covers drone flight operations, maintenance, and DGCA-certified courses.
  • Manipur is under President’s Rule with over 258 people killed, more than 1,000 injured, and 60,000 displaced due to ethnic violence between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May 3, 2023.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Manika Vishwakarma Crowned Miss Universe India 2025

• What
  • Rajasthan’s Manika Vishwakarma won the Miss Universe India 2025 title in Jaipur, taking over from last year’s winner Rhea Singha.
• Why
  • She will represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant to be held in Thailand this November.
• Tell me more
  • The grand finale took place in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where Rhea Singha crowned Manika as the new winner.
  • Tanya Sharma from Uttar Pradesh was the first runner-up, Mehak Dhingra from Haryana was the second runner-up, and Amishi Kaushik was the third runner-up.
  • Manika is originally from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, now based in Delhi, and is a final-year student of Political Science and Economics.
  • Before winning at the national level, she had earlier won the Miss Universe Rajasthan title.

Source: IT

Sports

1. Cincinnati Open (Tennis) 2025

• Men’s Singles: Carlos Alcaraz (Spanish)
• Women’s Singles: Iga Świątek (Polish)

Source: DD TOI

2. Marc Marquez Wins 1000th MotoGP Race in Austria

• What:
  • Marc Marquez won the 1000th MotoGP race in Austria, securing his sixth consecutive victory of the season.
• Tell me more:
  • Marquez started fourth on the grid, overtook Fermin Aldeguer, who finished second.
  • Marc Marquez now leads the standings by 142 points after 13 rounds of the 22-race season.

Source: N18

Appointments

1. TCL Appoints Eileen Gu as Global Brand Ambassador

• What:
  • TCL has appointed freestyle skier Eileen Gu as its Global Brand Ambassador as part of its Worldwide Olympic Partnership.
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to promote TCL’s motto “Inspire Greatness” and strengthen its support for the Olympic Movement and women empowerment initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • Eileen Gu is the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing and the first to win three medals at a single Winter Olympic Games.
  • Her role aligns with TCL’s “TCLforHer” initiative, which supports women’s visibility, education, and empowerment, benefiting over 2,000 young women.
  • TCL became a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in 2024 in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category.
  • Leading up to Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026, TCL will use its technology to enhance fan and athlete experiences, including digital displays and support platforms.

Source: TCL

Miscellaneous

1. Veteran Actor Achyut Potdar Passes Away at 91

• What:
  • Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, known for his memorable supporting roles in Hindi cinema, passed away at the age of 91 in Thane.
• Tell me more:
  • He acted in over 125 films across Hindi and Marathi cinema, including 3 Idiots, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Mission Kashmir, Parinda, Dilwale, Vaastav, and Hum Saath Saath Hain.
  • Before his acting career, Potdar served in the Indian Armed Forces and later worked with the Indian Oil Company.

Source: N18

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