Daily Current Affairs

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.

Approved Projects: SiCSem, CDIL, 3D Glass Solutions Inc., and ASIP Technologies.

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: Human resources, infrastructure, licensing processes, surveillance, and responsiveness.

States will be classified as either manufacturing-focused or distribution-focused, with mandatory monthly data submissions.

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 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.

Key Proposals:

• Creation of the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC)
• Strengthening of State Maritime Boards
• Digitized port operations
• Eco-friendly port practices
• Transparent tariff structures
• Facilitation of PPPs and foreign investments

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.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the ₹8,146.21 crore Tato-II Hydro Electric Project (700 MW) in Shi Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh.

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.

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.

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.

This shift could raise global soyoil prices while putting downward pressure on palm oil futures.

The UIDAI has entered a five-year research and development agreement with the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).

The partnership will focus on enhancing Aadhaar’s security, robustness, and reliability through advanced data-driven technologies.

Key Focus Areas:

• Developing biometric liveness detection tools
• Improving matching algorithms
• Detecting fraud and anomalies
• Creating more secure and citizen-friendly systems

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.

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 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 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.

William H. Webster, the only person to lead both the FBI and CIA, has died at the age of 101.

Webster was known for his integrity and ability to handle crises, including restoring the FBI’s reputation after scandals and leading the CIA after the Iran-Contra affair.