21st August 2025

1. EPFO Sees Record 21.89 Lakh Net Payroll Additions in June 2025
2. India’s Marine Fish Production Hits 44.95 Lakh Tonnes
3. International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025: United by Hope and Solidarity
4. NCERT Introduces Operation Sindoor Modules: A Tribute to Bravery, Technology, and National Resolve
5. World Senior Citizens’ Day 2025
6. India’s Core Sector Grows 2% in July 2025
7. World Entrepreneurs’ Day 2025
8. India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile
9. Frank Caprio, ‘Nicest Judge in the World’ and Face of Caught in Providence, Dies at 88
10. MoP Plans to Develop 97 GW Coal-fired Power Capacity by FY35
11. IIT-M, FedEx Launched SMART Centre for AI-driven Logistics Solutions
12. Centum Electronics partners with BEL for advanced defence electronics projects
13. EXIM Bank signs USD 40 million credit line deal with Africa’s ECOWAS Bank
14. PNB becomes 1st PSB in India to Migrate to ‘.bank.in’ Domain
15. Indian Oil and Air India Signed MoU for SAF Supply
16. Suzlon Becomes First Indian Energy Firm to Join RE100 Initiative, Commits to 100% Renewable Energy
17. Delhi Govt to Launch of ‘Delhi Mitra’ Application

National News

1. NCERT Introduces Modules on Operation Sindoor in Schools

• What:
  • NCERT has introduced two special modules on Operation Sindoor for classes 3 to 12 as supplementary curriculum material.
• Why:
  • The modules were created to raise awareness about India’s military power and honour the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Tell me more:
  • The modules describe Operation Sindoor as a mission of bravery, strategy and innovation, carried out after the Pahalgam terror attack.
  • The two modules are titled ‘Operation Sindoor – A Saga of Valour’ (Classes 3–8) and ‘Operation Sindoor – A Mission of Honour and Bravery’ (Classes 9–12).

Source: ET

2. FedEx and IIT Madras Launch SMART Centre for Logistics

• What:
  • FedEx and IIT Madras have inaugurated the FedEx SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research, and Technology Centre) on the campus to drive innovation in logistics and supply chains.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to build sustainable, technology-driven logistics solutions that ensure agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility.
• Tell me more:
  • The centre is supported by a five-year USD 5 million grant from FedEx.
  • The inaugural event was attended by FedEx officials Kami Viswanathan (President, MEISA) and Nitin Navneet Tatiwala (Vice President, MEISA), along with IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti.

Source: HT

State News

1. Delhi Government Launches “Delhi Mitra” Grievance Redressal App

• What:
  • The Delhi government has launched the “Delhi Mitra” app to allow citizens to register grievances with multiple departments and agencies through a single platform.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to create a single-window system for effective grievance redressal and build trust between citizens and the government.
• Tell me more:
  • Complaints can be filed via mobile app and WhatsApp, with updates sent to complainants at every stage.
  • Nodal officers will be appointed in all departments, and grievance officers will hold hearings every Wednesday from 10 am to 12 pm.
  • “Delhi Mitra” is described as a digital bridge of trust between people and the government.
  • The initiative promotes accountability by ensuring updates and designated officers handle each grievance.

Source: BS

Banking and Economy

1. EPFO Records Highest Ever Member Addition in June 2025

• What:
  • EPFO added 21.89 lakh net members in June 2025, the highest since payroll data tracking began in April 2018.
• Tell me more:
  • The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) works under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
  • Payroll data tracking by EPFO started in April 2018.

Source: NOA

2. India’s Core Sector Growth Slows to 2% in July

• What:
  • India’s core sector growth fell to 2% in July 2025 from 2.2% in June due to contraction in energy-related industries.
• Why:
  • The slowdown was mainly caused by lower output in coal, crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum refining during monsoon activity.
• Tell me more:
  • Coal output saw its steepest fall in five years, contracting by 12.3%.
  • Crude oil production dropped for the seventh straight month, down 1.4%.
  • Natural gas output declined by 3.2% and petroleum refining shrank after two months of growth.
  • On the positive side, steel grew by 12.8% (fastest in 21 months) and cement rose 11.7% (highest in four months).
  • Electricity generation inched up by 0.5%, marking a three-month high.

Source: MoC

3. India Plans 97 GW New Coal and Lignite Power Capacity

• What:
  • The Power Ministry plans to develop 97 GW additional coal and lignite-based capacity to reach 307 GW thermal installed capacity by 2034-35.
• Why:
  • The expansion aims to meet rising electricity demand from economic growth, urbanisation, higher living standards, and energy needs like electric vehicles.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s installed electricity capacity stood at 485 GW as of June 2025 and is projected to reach 870 GW by 2031-32.
  • Since April 2023, 11,680 MW of new thermal capacity has been commissioned, and 38,935 MW is under construction.
  • 15,440 MW of thermal projects have been awarded in FY 2024-25, while 35,460 MW is identified under planning.
  • In renewables, 1,58,450 MW is under construction, and 62,000 MW is under planning, targeted for completion by 2029-30.
  • Nuclear projects of 6,600 MW are under construction, with about 7,000 MW under planning until 2029-30.

Source: BS

4. EBID and India Exim Bank Sign $40 Million Credit Line

• What:
  • The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) signed a $40 million commercial credit line with India Exim Bank on 14 August 2025 in London.
• Why:
  • The facility aims to support infrastructure, energy, agriculture, health, and social development projects in West Africa to boost sustainable growth and resilience.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed by EBID President Dr. George Agyekum Donkor and Ashok Kumar Vartia, CEO of India Exim Bank’s London branch.
  • India Exim Bank has provided six previous facilities to EBID worth $1.14 billion since 2006, funding roads, power plants, and infrastructure in West Africa.
  • EBID is wholly owned by the 15 ECOWAS member states and was established in 1975.

Source: AB

5. PNB Becomes First PSU Bank to Adopt ‘.bank.in’ Domain

• What:
  • Punjab National Bank has migrated its corporate website from www.pnb.co.in to www.pnb.bank.in, becoming the first Public Sector Bank in India to adopt the secure ‘.bank.in’ domain.
• Why:
  • The move is aimed at enhancing cyber security, combating frauds, and boosting customer trust in digital banking systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The migration follows the RBI’s April 22, 2025 circular on the adoption of the ‘.bank.in’ domain.
  • The new domain is reserved only for banks, providing stronger security against phishing and malicious activities.
  • The transition was carried out under the guidance of the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), which is the exclusive registrar for the domain.
  • RBI introduced this exclusive domain after highlighting rising frauds in digital payments during the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on February 7, 2025.

Source: HBL

6. Suzlon Pledges 100% Renewable Energy at All Facilities by 2030

• What:
  • Suzlon Group has pledged to use 100% renewable energy at all its 15 manufacturing facilities by 2030.
• Why:
  • Suzlon plans to achieve carbon neutrality (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) by 2035 and Net Zero (Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions) by 2040.
• Tell me more:
  • Suzlon has become the first Indian energy company to join the RE100 Initiative led by Climate Group and CDP.
  • RE100 includes 400+ global companies aiming to shift entirely to renewable electricity.
  • The rotor blade unit at Dhule has already reached 100% renewable energy use, contributing to 92.87% carbon neutrality across plants.

Source: LM

Defence News

1. India Successfully Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Agni-5 Missile

• What:
  • India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-5 on August 20, 2025, from Chandipur, Odisha under the Strategic Forces Command.
• Why:
  • The test was a routine user trial to validate operational readiness and strengthen India’s nuclear deterrence.
• Tell me more:
  • Agni-5 has a range of over 5,000 km and is developed by DRDO with advanced navigation, guidance, propulsion and warhead technologies.
  • India conducted its first MIRVed test of Agni-5 in March 2024 from Kalpakkam, validating the ability to carry multiple warheads.
  • The missile can carry up to three nuclear warheads simultaneously.
  • Future upgrades aim to extend the range to 7,500 km and add bunker-buster bomb capability.

Source: TOI

2. Centum Electronics Signs MoU with BEL for Defence Collaboration

• Centum Electronics signed an MoU with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for strategic collaboration in the defence electronics domain.
• The partnership aims to combine strengths of both companies to design, develop, and manufacture advanced defence electronics solutions for the Indian Armed Forces and allied markets.
• The collaboration will focus on electronic warfare systems, radar systems, and secure military communication systems.

Source: BS

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. India’s Marine Fish Production Rises Sharply to 44.95 Lakh Tonnes

• What:
  • India’s marine fish production grew from 34.76 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 to 44.95 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, showing 8.9% average annual growth.
• Why:
  • The rise in production highlights efforts to ensure sustainable fisheries, climate resilience and better livelihood opportunities for fishing communities.
• Tell me more:
  • ICAR–CMFRI reported 91.1% of 135 marine fish stocks were sustainable in 2022.
  • Scientific studies are being conducted under National Innovation in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) on climate change impacts, fish distribution shifts, and wetland fisheries in states like Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Kerala.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) promotes sustainable fishing, eco-friendly aquaculture, artificial reefs, sea ranching and marine ecosystem conservation.
  • A PMMSY initiative is developing 100 coastal villages as climate-resilient hubs with Rs 2 crore each funded by the Centre.
  • PMMSY has sanctioned 58 fishing harbours, 27,000+ post-harvest transport units and other facilities like cold storage, fish markets, kiosks and processing support.

Source: DD

Important Days

1. International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025 – August 21

• Theme: “United for Hope: Collective Actions for Victims of Terrorism”

Source: UN

2. World Senior Citizens’ Day 2025 – August 21

3. World Entrepreneurs’ Day 2025 – August 21

Memorandum of Understanding

1. IndianOil and Air India Sign MoU on Sustainable Aviation Fuel

• What:
  • Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Air India signed an MoU on August 19, 2025, for the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to promote low-carbon fuels, support India’s energy transition, and contribute to global decarbonisation goals in aviation.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed by Shailesh Dhar of IndianOil and P. Balaji of Air India in the presence of IOCL Chairman A. S. Sahney and Air India CEO Campbell Wilson.
  • IndianOil has become the first Indian company to receive ISCC-CORSIA certification for SAF production at its Panipat Refinery.
  • Air India is working towards the IATA Net Zero by 2050 target through efficiency and low-carbon initiatives.
  • The agreement ensures a certified, sustainable SAF supply to meet and exceed CORSIA targets for international flights.

Source: MoC

Miscellaneous

1. “Nicest Judge in the World” Frank Caprio Passes Away

• What:
  • Judge Frank Caprio, known as the “Nicest Judge in the World,” passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
• Tell me more:
  • He served nearly 40 years in the Providence Municipal Court, known for empathy and humor in handling minor offences.
  • His courtroom show Caught in Providence (2018–2020) went viral, earned Emmy nominations, and gathered billions of views online.

Source: TOI

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