Daily Current Affairs 14th August 2025: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
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This post contains the daily current affairs 14th August 2025. It includes all National, International, Business & Sports related to Current Affairs 14th August 2025. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these Current Affairs, we would recommend you to try 14th August, 2025 Current affairs test.
National News
- Cabinet Sanctions ₹4,600 Crore for Semiconductor Manufacturing in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh
- The Union Cabinet has cleared funding worth ₹4,600 crore for four new semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
- This brings the total number of approved semiconductor projects to 10, involving a cumulative investment of ₹1.6 lakh crore across six states.
- The approved projects include those by SiCSem, CDIL, 3D Glass Solutions Inc., and ASIP Technologies.
- These initiatives aim to boost India’s semiconductor ecosystem, generate employment, and support critical sectors such as defence, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and consumer electronics.
- They will also enhance capabilities in chip manufacturing, advanced packaging, and glass substrate technology.
- SHRESTH – India’s First State Health Regulatory Excellence Index Launched
- The Union Health Ministry has introduced SHRESTH (State Health Regulatory Excellence Index), a first-of-its-kind national framework to assess and strengthen state drug regulatory systems.
- Designed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), SHRESTH provides a virtual gap assessment tool to help states achieve maturity certification.
- Key evaluation areas include human resources, infrastructure, licensing processes, surveillance, and responsiveness.
- States will be classified as either manufacturing-focused or distribution-focused, with mandatory monthly data submissions to drive continuous improvements.
- The main objective is to ensure drug quality, safety, and efficacy across India, consolidating its reputation as the “Pharmacy of the World.”
- UPSC to Mark 100 Years of Service from October 2025
- The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will begin its centenary celebrations on 1st October 2025, continuing until October 2026.
- Founded in 1926 under the Government of India Act, 1919, and renamed under the Constitution in 1950, UPSC has consistently upheld transparency, fairness, and merit-based recruitment.
- Chairman Ajay Kumar announced a new logo, tagline, and reforms as part of the celebrations.
- The milestone will serve as an occasion for reflection, pride, and planning the future direction of national public service.
- Indian Ports Bill, 2025 Passed in Lok Sabha
- The Lok Sabha has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, replacing the colonial-era Indian Ports Act of 1908.
- The bill aims to modernize maritime governance, improve efficiency, promote sustainability, and encourage cooperative federalism.
- It proposes the creation of the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) and the strengthening of State Maritime Boards.
- Key reforms include digitized port operations, eco-friendly port practices, transparent tariff structures, and facilitation of PPPs and foreign investments.
- Parliament Approves Twin Sports Reform Bills for Governance and Anti-Doping
- The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 have been passed by Parliament.
- These bills aim to reform sports administration and strengthen anti-doping mechanisms, aligning India with global standards.
- Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the reforms will improve ethical governance, athlete welfare, and inclusivity.
- Key provisions include establishing a sports dispute tribunal and ensuring women’s representation in sports governance bodies.
- The measures are part of India’s strategic push towards hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
- Cabinet Clears ₹8,146 Crore Tato-II Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the ₹8,146.21 crore Tato-II Hydro Electric Project (700 MW) in Shi Yomi district.
- Completion is targeted within 72 months.
- A joint venture between NEEPCO and the Arunachal Pradesh Government, the project will produce 2,738.06 million units of clean energy annually.
- The central government will provide ₹458.79 crore for infrastructure development and ₹436.13 crore for the state’s equity share.
- Arunachal Pradesh will receive 12% free power and an additional 1% for local area development.
- The project will create jobs, benefit MSMEs, and develop 32.88 km of roads.
- Mumbai Hosts Record-Breaking International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025
- Mumbai is hosting the 18th IOAA, the largest in its history, with around 300 students from 64 countries, including 12 first-time participants.
- Organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, the 10-day event features exams, team competitions, and sky observation activities.
- The event encourages global collaboration in astronomy and has achieved a record number of women participants.
- War-affected countries are also participating, promoting inclusivity and global friendship.
International News
- Australia to Recognize Palestine at the UN in September
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
- The decision is intended to advance the two-state solution, promote a ceasefire in Gaza, and isolate Hamas.
- The move follows similar announcements by France, Britain, and Canada.
- Recognition will be conditional on reforms within the Palestinian Authority and the exclusion of Hamas from governance.
- The announcement reflects increasing international pressure on Israel for a political resolution to the conflict.
- Nepal Offers Free Climbing Permits on 97 Himalayan Peaks
- Nepal will waive climbing fees for 97 Himalayan peaks for the next two years.
- The initiative targets less-explored areas in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces to boost tourism and local economic development.
- These peaks range from 5,970 to 7,132 meters in height.
- The government hopes the move will attract more climbers to lesser-known destinations and spread the benefits of mountaineering tourism.
Business & Economy News
- India’s Soyoil Imports to Reach Record Levels in 2024–25
- India’s soyoil imports are expected to jump 60% to a record 5.5 million tons in 2024–25, driven by lower prices compared to palm oil.
- Palm oil imports are projected to drop 13.5% to 7.8 million tons, the lowest in five years.
- Sunflower oil imports are also likely to fall by 20% to 2.8 million tons.
- Overall edible oil imports will increase by about 1% to 16.1 million tons.
- This shift could raise global soyoil prices while putting downward pressure on palm oil futures.
Agreements News
- UIDAI Signs 5-Year R&D Pact with ISI to Strengthen Aadhaar
- The UIDAI has entered a five-year research and development agreement with the Indian Statistical Institute.
- The partnership will focus on enhancing Aadhaar’s security, robustness, and reliability through advanced data-driven technologies.
- Key areas include developing biometric liveness detection tools, improving matching algorithms, and detecting fraud and anomalies.
- ISI’s expertise in statistics, data science, and technology will be leveraged to create more secure and citizen-friendly systems.
Awards News
- Bibi Fatima Women’s SHG Wins UNDP Equator Prize 2025
- The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group from Teertha village in Dharwad district has received the prestigious UNDP Equator Initiative Award 2025.
- This award, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Biodiversity Conservation,” recognizes grassroots efforts in biodiversity preservation and sustainable farming.
- The group is the only Indian winner among 10 global awardees, chosen from nearly 700 nominees across 103 countries.
Defence News
- Two New Defence Industrial Corridors Announced in Maharashtra and Assam
- The Indian government will establish defence industrial corridors in Maharashtra and Assam, expanding the current network that includes Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
- This is part of the push for self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in defence manufacturing.
- The decision follows a record ₹1.5 lakh crore in defence production in FY 2024–25, representing a 90% rise since 2019–20.
- The corridors will strengthen the defence industrial base, encourage indigenous manufacturing, promote innovation, and increase private sector participation.
- They are also expected to generate jobs and boost defence exports.
Obituaries
- William H. Webster, Former FBI and CIA Director, Passes Away at 101
- William H. Webster, the only person to lead both the FBI and CIA, has died at the age of 101.
- He served as FBI Director from 1978 to 1987, appointed by President Jimmy Carter to restore the agency’s reputation after scandals.
- He was appointed CIA Director by President Ronald Reagan in 1987 following the Iran-Contra affair, serving until 1991.
- Webster was known for his integrity and ability to handle crises.
- The FBI serves as the United States’ main federal law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency, while the CIA is the country’s primary foreign intelligence service.