Daily Current Affairs

The Parliament of India has passed two landmark legislations:

• National Sports Governance Bill 2025
• National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2025

Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya described the Sports Governance Bill as the most significant sports reform since Independence.

Significance:

• Olympics 2036 Bid: Aligns India with Olympic Charter and global best practices
• Historical Milestone: Efforts dating back to 1975 finally realized
• Gender Inclusion: Increased representation of women in sports leadership
• Performance Enhancement: Limits political interference in sports governance

The BSE Index Services, a subsidiary of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), has rolled out the BSE India Defence Index.

This benchmark index is created to track and measure the performance of listed companies in the Indian defence sector.

The index can serve as a base for passive investment tools like ETFs and Index Funds, giving investors exposure to the defence industry’s overall performance.

PhonePe emerged as the market leader in July, processing 8.93 billion UPI transactions worth ₹12.20 trillion, securing a 45.88% share of the market.

Together, PhonePe and Google Pay commanded an impressive 81.44% of the UPI market.

ICICI Bank has been chosen to manage digital payment services for India’s first barrier-free toll collection project.

The initiative will debut at Choryasi Toll Plaza on NH-48 in Gujarat.

This project is part of NHAI’s (National Highways Authority of India) vision to modernize tolling and road infrastructure.

As mandated by NHAI, only banks are eligible to manage such projects, with ICICI Bank securing the responsibility for transaction processing.

Telangana has achieved the highest number of organ donations in India, honored during National Organ Donation Day in Delhi.

The award was presented by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to officials of Telangana’s Jeevandan programme.

The recognition was given by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).

Telangana has effectively implemented the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), ensuring equitable access to organ transplants. Under the Aarogyasri scheme, transplant surgeries are provided free of cost.

German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer, aged 20, emerged as the champion of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025.

He secured the title with one round still to play, marking him as the first sole winner in the event’s history.

His draw against Dutch GM Jorden van Foreest, coupled with other match outcomes, ensured his victory.

Indian players Arjun Erigaisi and Karthikeyan Murali remain in contention for podium finishes in the final round.

“The Rise of the Hitman: The Rohit Sharma Story” captures the cricketing journey of Rohit Sharma, one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers.

The book narrates his rise from early days to cricket stardom, featuring insights from teammates, coaches, and close associates.

A biography honoring M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution, was launched in New Delhi.

It portrays his scientific achievements and human side, highlighting his pivotal role in achieving food self-sufficiency in India.

The book recounts how the Indian diaspora in the U.S. opposed Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s Emergency (1975–77).

Focuses on Indians for Democracy (IFD), a group of students and professionals who held lectures on U.S. campuses, met American lawmakers, wrote opinion pieces, and organized protest marches.

The author, a veteran journalist with over 30 years of experience, adds credibility through deep research and storytelling.

Jim Lovell, famed astronaut and commander of the Apollo 13 mission, passed away at 97 years of age.

He was a veteran of four spaceflights: Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13.