14th August 2025

1. JioFinance App’s New Tax Filing Module
2. GIFT City and GTU Collaborate to Advance IFSC Education and Fintech Innovation
3. Bank of Baroda Introduces Global UPI Services via bob इ Pay App
4. PSU Banks Write Off Rs 82 Lakh Crore in Bad Loans (FY21–FY25) Amid Ongoing Recovery Efforts
5. Government Appoints Merchant Bankers & Legal Advisors for Minority Stake Sales in LIC and PSBs
6. Namrata Batra Makes History, Reaches Wushu 52 kg Final at 2025 World Games
7. NITI Aayog’s study on Ethanol and E20 petrol
8. India Sends 5 Tonnes of Cowpea Seeds to Fiji as Humanitarian Aid
9. India’s Soyoil Imports to Hit Record High in 2024–25, Palm Oil at Five-Year Low
10. Cabinet Approves ₹8,146 Crore Tato-II Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh
11. Mumbai Hosts Largest-Ever International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025
12. Bibi Fatima Women’s SHG Wins UNDP Equator Prize 2025 for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Farming
13. MHA Tightens Rules Governing OCI Card Holders Registration
14. Western Railway Successfully Commissioned India’s 1st 2×25 kV Traction Substation under ‘Mission Raftaar’
15. PPSL Received RBI’s Approval to Operate as Online PA
16. India’s Retail Inflation Declines to 8-Year Low of 1.55% in July 2025
17. Tata Power Joins Hands with Suzlon for 700 MW Wind Project in AP
18. Hindustan Zinc becomes 1st Indian firm to join the International Council on Mining and Metals
19. ADSTL, Prime Aero Signed Agreement to Acquire 100% Stake in ITPL
20. IN-SPACe Selects Pixxel-Led Consortium for India’s First Indigenous EO Satellite Constellation
21. Arianespace’s Ariane 6 successfully launches Metop-SGA1 weather satellite
22. World Organ Donation Day 2025 – August 13
23. International Left Handers Day 2025 – August 13
24. TN CM Stalin launches ‘Thayumanavar scheme’ to deliver ration products at doorsteps

National News

1. Government Backs E20 Petrol for Performance & Sustainability

• What:
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, citing a NITI Aayog study, promoted the use of E20 petrol, highlighting its performance, environmental, and farmer income benefits.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to lower carbon emissions, improve vehicle performance, boost farmers’ incomes, and reduce crude oil import dependence.
• Tell me more:
  • E20 petrol can lower carbon emissions by about 30% compared to E10 and offers better acceleration and ride quality.
  • Payments to farmers from ethanol blending at 20% are expected to be ₹40,000 crore this year, with foreign exchange savings of around ₹43,000 crore.
  • Ethanol has a higher octane number (~108.5) than petrol (84.4), improving anti-knocking properties and engine efficiency.
  • The ministry dismissed claims of drastic mileage drop, noting that efficiency impact in E10 vehicles is marginal, and many vehicles have been E20-compatible since 2009.

Source: HT

2. 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics 2025

• What:
  • Mumbai will host the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2025) from August 11–21, welcoming nearly 300 student contestants from 64 countries.
• Why:
  • The event aims to promote international collaboration, nurture young astronomical talent, and strengthen India’s leadership in astronomy education.
• Tell me more:
  • Organised by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), TIFR, with support from the PMO and Department of Atomic Energy.
  • It will be the largest IOAA ever, with around 140 mentors accompanying the students, including participants from several first-time countries.
  • Opening Ceremony on August 12 at Jio World Convention Centre; Closing Ceremony on August 21 at Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.

Source: PIB

3. MHA Issues New Rules for Cancellation of OCI Cards

• What:
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs announced new rules stating that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards and registrations can be cancelled if the cardholder faces serious criminal charges or convictions.
• Why:
  • The rules aim to tighten the framework around OCI registration and maintain the integrity and security of the OCI scheme.
• Tell me more:
  • OCI registration or card will be cancelled if the person is sentenced to imprisonment of two years or more, or charge-sheeted for an offence punishable by seven years or more.
  • Cancellation applies irrespective of whether the conviction occurred in India or abroad, provided the offence is recognised under Indian law.
  • OCI status can also be cancelled if obtained by fraud, false representation, concealing facts, showing disaffection to Constitution, or aiding enemy during war.
  • Other grounds include sentence of two years or more within five years of registration or when required in the interest of India’s sovereignty, integrity, security, foreign relations, or public interest.

Source: HT

State News

1. Govt Approves ₹8,146 Crore Tato-II Hydro Project

• What:
  • The Union government approved an investment of ₹8,146.21 crore for the 700 MW Tato-II hydro-electric project in Shi Yomi District, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The project aims to improve electricity supply in Arunachal Pradesh, contribute to national grid stability, and boost regional infrastructure and socio-economic development.
• Tell me more:
  • The project will have four units of 175 MW each, producing 2,738.06 million units of energy.
  • It will be implemented through a joint venture between NEEPCO and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The Centre will provide ₹458.79 crore for supporting infrastructure like roads, bridges, and transmission lines, and ₹436.13 crore towards the state’s equity share.
  • Arunachal Pradesh will get 12% free power and 1% for the Local Area Development Fund, along with local infrastructure such as 32.88 km of roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, marketplaces, and playgrounds.

Source: ET

2. Western Railway Commissions First 2×25 kV Electric Traction System

• What:
  • Western Railway commissioned and energised India’s first 2×25 kV Electric Traction System at the Nagda–Khachrod section under Ratlam Division using Scott-connected transformer technology.
• Why:
  • The project aims to enhance energy efficiency, traction power availability, and train operating speeds under the “Mission Raftaar” initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • The system uses two Scott-connected 100 MVA Power Transformers for efficient power supply to Overhead Equipment (OHE).
  • Nagda Traction Substation is the first in India to be energised using Scott transformer technology.
  • The project was executed through joint efforts of multiple Western Railway teams and BNC Power Projects Ltd.

Source: BS

3. Tamil Nadu Launches ‘Thayumanavar Thittam’ Doorstep Ration Scheme

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the ‘Thayumanavar Thittam’ to deliver ration products at the doorsteps of over 21.7 lakh elderly citizens and disabled persons across the state.
• The scheme aims to make essential commodities easily accessible to senior citizens and persons with disabilities by eliminating the need for them to visit ration shops.

Source: TH

International News

1. India Sends Cowpea Seeds to Fiji as Aid

• What:
  • India handed over five metric tonnes of cowpea seeds to Fiji as humanitarian assistance under the first tranche of support.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to strengthen agricultural resilience, empower farmers, and improve food security in Fiji.
• Tell me more:
  • The seeds were handed over by the Indian High Commission in Fiji at Sabeto in Nadi.
  • The assistance is part of India’s Act East Policy and partnership with Indo-Pacific nations.
  • The seeds are of black-eyed cowpea variety, which will support agricultural production in Fiji.
  • Cowpea is a drought-tolerant crop important for food security and farming resilience.
  • This is the first consignment of seeds sent to Fiji under this assistance programme.
  • The Act East Policy focuses on strengthening India’s relations with the Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific countries.

Source: NOA

Banking and Economy

1. Jio Financial Services Launches Tax Filing Feature

• What:
  • Jio Financial Services Ltd has launched a planning and filing module on the JioFinance App in partnership with TaxBuddy to simplify income tax return filing.
• Why:
  • The module aims to make tax planning and ITR filing simpler, smarter, and more affordable for taxpayers.
• Tell me more:
  • Users can choose self-service filing starting at ₹24 or expert-assisted filing starting at ₹999.
  • The module has two main features — tax planner and tax filing.
  • It addresses challenges like confusion between old and new tax regimes and helps ensure deductions under sections like 80C and 80D are not missed.
  • The tax planner offers personalised deduction mapping, housing rent allowance evaluation, and regime comparisons to reduce future tax liabilities.
  • The partner, TaxBuddy, is an online tax filing and advisory service.

Source: ET

2. Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob e-Pay’ for Global UPI Payments

• What:
  • Bank of Baroda has launched its new UPI app ‘bob e-Pay’ to enable secure, real-time, and seamless cross-border digital payments.
• Why:
  • The app aims to extend UPI services for global usage, benefiting residents, NRIs, and Indians travelling abroad with greater flexibility and convenience.
• Tell me more:
  • The app offers three main services — UPI Global Acceptance, Foreign Inward Remittance, and NRI UPI Services.
  • UPI Global Acceptance allows QR code-based payments to international merchants in 8 countries, with currency conversion, exchange rates, and fees displayed.
  • Users can receive 24/7 inward remittances from Singapore in INR directly into UPI-linked accounts.
  • NRIs can link NRE/NRO accounts during India visits to make merchant and peer-to-peer UPI payments.
  • The daily international UPI transaction limit is ₹1,00,000, same as the domestic limit.

Source: LM

3. PSBs Write Off ₹5.82 Lakh Crore Bad Loans in 5 Years

• What:
  • Public sector banks have written off bad loans worth about ₹5.82 lakh crore in the last five financial years.
• Why:
  • The write-offs are done as per RBI guidelines and banks’ board-approved policies to manage NPAs with full provisioning after four years.
• Tell me more:
  • In 2024-25, loan write-offs stood at ₹91,260 crore, down from ₹1.15 lakh crore in the previous year.
  • The highest write-off in the period was ₹1.33 lakh crore in 2020-21, followed by ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2022-23 and ₹1.16 lakh crore in 2021-22.
  • PSBs recovered ₹1.65 lakh crore over the five years, about 28% of the total write-off.
  • Write-off does not mean waiver; borrowers remain liable and recovery efforts continue.

Source: ET

4. Govt Appoints Advisors for LIC & PSU Stake Sale

• What:
  • The government has appointed merchant bankers and legal advisors for minority stake sales in LIC and other public sector financial institutions.
• Why:
  • The move aims to help the government reduce its shareholding to meet Sebi’s minimum public shareholding norms in LIC, PSU banks, and financial institutions.
• Tell me more:
  • DIPAM completed the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, and advisors will handle all transactions for financial institutions and public sector banks.
  • Advisors will be empanelled for three years, extendable by one year, and transactions can take place anytime during this period.
  • The government must offload another 6.5% stake in LIC by May 16, 2027, to meet the 10% public shareholding rule; it currently holds 96.5% after selling 3.5% in May 2022 for about ₹21,000 crore.
  • Deadline to meet Sebi’s 25% public shareholding norm is August 1, 2026.
  • Government stakes in key PSBs: Punjab & Sind Bank (98.3%), Indian Overseas Bank (96.4%), UCO Bank (95.4%), Central Bank of India (93.1%), Bank of Maharashtra (86.5%).

Source: ET

5. RBI Grants In-Principle Nod to Paytm Payments Services

• What:
  • RBI has granted in-principle approval to Paytm Payments Services Limited to operate as an online payment aggregator, lifting restrictions on new merchant onboarding imposed since November 25, 2022.
• Why:
  • The approval allows Paytm Payments Services to proceed with regulated aggregator operations while ensuring compliance with RBI guidelines for secure and efficient digital payment services.
• Tell me more:
  • The authorisation is under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, and covers only payment aggregator operations.
  • Activities beyond PA scope, like merchant pay-outs, must be processed outside PA escrow accounts.
  • RBI has mandated a system audit, including cybersecurity assessment, by qualified auditors such as CERT-In empanelled, CISA, or DISA-certified professionals.
  • Audit findings must be submitted within six months, failing which authorisation will be cancelled; prior RBI approval is needed for any ownership or shareholding changes.

Source: TOI

6. India’s Retail Inflation Falls to 8-Year Low in July

• What:
  • India’s retail inflation dropped to 1.55% in July, the lowest in over eight years, helped by falling food prices.
• Why:
  • The decline reflects cooling price pressures, giving the RBI more room to support the economy while maintaining price stability.
• Tell me more:
  • Inflation fell below the RBI’s 2–6% tolerance band for the first time in over six years, and is the lowest since June 2017.
  • It eased from 3.16% in April and 3.54% in July 2024, with food inflation at -1.76%.
  • Rural inflation stood at 1.18% and urban inflation at 2.05%.
  • RBI has kept policy rates unchanged at 5.50% after three consecutive cuts totalling 100 basis points since February.

Source: ET

7. Tata Power, Suzlon Ink ₹6,000 Cr Andhra Wind Project Deal

• What:
  • Tata Power signed an agreement with Suzlon Energy to develop, construct, and supply 700 MW wind turbines for a project in Andhra Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to boost renewable energy capacity in Andhra Pradesh and support India’s clean energy mission.
• Tell me more:
  • The project is part of Tata Power Renewable Energy’s 7 GW clean energy plan with the state government, announced in March 2025.
  • It will be developed in Anantapur district, connected to the central grid, and generate 1,840 million units annually.
  • The 7 GW plan (solar, wind, and hybrid) has an investment potential of ₹49,000 crore under Andhra Pradesh’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy.

Source: BS

8. Hindustan Zinc Joins International Council on Mining and Metals

• What:
  • Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has become the first Indian company to join the UK-based International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
• Why:
  • The membership aims to strengthen India’s presence in responsible mining and align HZL with global standards for sustainable environmental and social performance.
• Tell me more:
  • ICMM is a group of leading global mining and metals companies working to enhance the industry’s contribution to sustainable development.
  • HZL’s membership followed a rigorous independent assessment and approval by ICMM’s Council based on recommendations from the Independent Expert Review Panel.
  • ICMM engages with various parts of society to improve understanding of mining’s benefits, costs, risks, and responsibilities.
  • HZL is a Vedanta Group company with operations in silver-lead-zinc underground mines, smelters, and allied infrastructure across northwest India.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Adani Defence to Acquire Indamer Technics MRO Facility

• What:
  • Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, through Horizon Aero Solutions and in partnership with Prime Aero Services, signed an agreement to acquire 100% stake in Indamer Technics Private Limited.
• Why:
  • The acquisition aims to strengthen India’s position as a global MRO hub and expand Adani’s integrated aviation services ecosystem for both commercial and defence sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • Horizon Aero Solutions is a 50-50 joint venture between Adani Defence and Prime Aero, owned by Prajay Patel, Director of Indamer Technics.
  • The facility is located in MIHAN SEZ, Nagpur, spread across 30 acres, with capacity for 15 aircraft bays in 10 hangars.
  • ITPL is approved by DGCA, FAA (USA), and other global regulators, offering services like Lease Return Checks, Heavy C-Checks, Structural Repairs, and Aircraft Painting.
  • The acquisition follows Adani’s earlier purchase of Air Works, enhancing its capabilities and making it India’s largest private-sector MRO player.

Source: ET

2. Pixxel Consortium to Build India’s First Private EO Satellites

• What:
  • A Pixxel-led consortium won the contract to design, build, and operate India’s first fully indigenous commercial Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation with a zero-cost bid.
• Why:
  • The project aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign satellite data and strengthen the country’s capability in space-based services for key sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The consortium includes Pixxel, SatSure, PierSight, and Dhruva Space, beating two other qualified groups.
  • It will invest ₹1,200 crore from its own funds, foregoing up to ₹350 crore in government PPP support.
  • The constellation will have 12 satellites with optical, hyperspectral, multispectral, and SAR sensors, launched over four years.
  • The first satellite will be launched within two years, providing data for agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, climate monitoring, and national security.

Source: ET

3. Ariane 6 Launches Advanced European Weather Satellite

• What:
  • Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket completed its third launch, carrying the Metop-SGA1 weather and climate satellite into orbit.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to enhance global weather and climate observation with high-resolution data from polar orbit.
• Tell me more:
  • The launch took place from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
  • Ariane 6 is operated by Arianespace for the European Space Agency and debuted in July 2024.
  • Metop-SGA1 weighs 8,900 pounds and was placed in a polar orbit about 800 km above Earth, 64 minutes after liftoff.
  • The satellite, operated by EUMETSAT, will function for 7.5 years using six instruments to collect weather and climate data.

Source: SC

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. India’s Soyoil Imports Set to Hit Record High

• What:
  • India’s soyoil imports in 2024/25 are expected to rise 60% year-on-year to 5.5 million metric tons, reaching a record level.
• Why:
  • The surge is driven by soyoil’s lower prices compared to palm oil, prompting refiners to substitute it for more expensive alternatives.
• Tell me more:
  • Palm oil imports may fall 13.5% to 7.8 million tons, the lowest since 2019/20, while sunflower oil imports may drop 20% to 2.8 million tons.
  • Higher soyoil purchases will increase India’s total edible oil imports by 1% to 16.1 million tons.
  • Crude palm oil earlier traded at a premium of up to $150/ton over soyoil due to tight supplies in Malaysia and Indonesia.
  • India may import over 600,000 tons of soyoil from Nepal, taking advantage of tax-free trade under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Bibi Fatima SHG Wins UNDP Equator Prize 2025

• What:
  • Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group from Teertha village, Karnataka, won the UNDP Equator Initiative Award 2025, becoming the only winner from India among 10 global awardees.
• Why:
  • The award recognises nature-based solutions by local communities that promote sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was announced on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and carries a cash prize of $10,000 (about ₹8.5 lakh).
  • This year’s theme was “Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action,” with 700 entries from 103 countries.
  • The SHG, formed in 2018 with 15 women, works on eco-friendly farming in rainfed lands, millet-based mixed cropping, community seed banks, and millet processing.
  • Partnerships include Sahaja Samruddha, IIMR Hyderabad, CROPS4HD, Selco Foundation, and Devadhanya Farmer Producer Company.

Source: TH

Important Days

1. World Organ Donation Day 2025 – August 13

• Theme: “Answering The Call”

Source: ET

2. International Left Handers Day 2025 – August 13

Sports

1. Namrata Batra Reaches Final at 2025 World Games

• What:
  • Namrata Batra became the first Indian to reach the women’s 52 kg Wushu final at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.
• Why:
  • Her win ensures India’s first-ever World Games medal in Wushu.
• Tell me more:
  • She defeated Philippines’ Krizan Faith Collado 2-0 in the semifinal.
  • Earlier, Rishabh Yadav won India’s first individual medal at the games with a bronze in men’s compound archery.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. GIFT City and GTU Sign MoU for Fintech Education

• What:
  • Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has signed an MoU with Gujarat Technological University to collaborate on education, research, and innovation in IFSC and financial technology.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to build a future-ready talent pool and strengthen India’s global position in the financial and technology sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership will create specialised courses, training programmes, and certification modules in IFSC and fintech.
  • A dedicated Centre of Excellence will be set up to focus on GIFT IFSC opportunities and emerging fintech trends.

Source: ET

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