🇮🇳 National News
The Ministry of Minority Affairs introduced a new module on the UMEED Portal, designed to support widows, divorced women, and orphans by facilitating applications for maintenance aid from Waqf-alal-aulad properties under the UMEED Rules, 2025.
- Uses Aadhaar-based verification
- Seamless application, authentication, and approval through State/UT Waqf Boards
- Funds transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts
The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, transparency in Waqf management, and social justice for marginalized minority groups.
💼 Business & Economy
The Government of India appointed Goldman Sachs as the transaction advisor for divesting stakes in four public sector banks (PSBs):
- Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)
- Central Bank of India
- UCO Bank
- Punjab & Sind Bank
The Centre holds over 90% shareholding in each of these banks.
Goldman Sachs will identify potential bidders and design deal structures to facilitate stake sales.
These banks remain exempt from the 25% Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) rule until August 1, 2026.
India achieved a milestone in its semiconductor mission with the launch of an end-to-end OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) Pilot Line Facility by CG Power at Sanand, Gujarat.
The inauguration was led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.
| Project Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Investment | ₹7,600 crore |
| Jobs Created | 5,000+ |
| Services | Chip assembly, packaging, testing, post-test services |
The facility, under the India Semiconductor Mission, will boost Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthen India’s chip ecosystem.
India launched its first National Biofoundry Network (NBN) in 2025 under the BioE3 Policy to enhance indigenous biomanufacturing and achieve a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
The network, inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, brings together six leading institutions under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- End-to-end services in synthetic biology, prototyping, and climate-smart biotech
- Linked with the BioE3 Challenge
- Promotes youth-led innovation, startups, and open-access collaboration
The Central Government has extended the duty-free import of cotton (HS 5201) until December 31, 2025.
Initially valid from August 19 to September 30, 2025, the extension ensures availability of raw material for India’s textile industry.
The move supports export competitiveness and provides relief amid rising global cotton prices.
National Aluminium Company (NALCO) plans to invest ₹300 billion ($3.43 billion) over the next five years.
| Project | Investment |
|---|---|
| New aluminium smelter in Odisha | ₹180 billion |
| Coal-based power plant | ₹120 billion |
The power plant is in collaboration talks with Coal India and NTPC.
Funding will come from a mix of debt and internal accruals, according to CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh.
Mastercard partnered with Infosys to integrate Mastercard Move’s cross-border payment technology into Infosys Finacle.
The partnership aims to deliver secure, fast, and seamless international payments across 200+ countries and 150+ currencies.
This integration will help financial institutions improve digital transaction experiences, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency.
India and Bhutan signed an MoU in Thimphu to strengthen ties in agriculture and allied fields.
The agreement covers livestock, food security, sustainable farming, research, post-harvest management, and value chain development.
It was signed by Devesh Chaturvedi (India) and Thinley Namgyel (Bhutan).
The collaboration aims to promote knowledge sharing, rural prosperity, and long-term sustainability.
👔 Appointments
The Government has reappointed Satish Kumar as Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board for one more year, effective September 1, 2025.
This is the first extension for the post in five years.
- Assumed charge in September 2024
- First Dalit (SC/ST) to head the Railway Board
- Belongs to the IRSME (Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers)
- Career began in 1986
Veteran diplomat Dinesh K Patnaik, currently Ambassador to Spain, has been appointed as India’s new envoy to Canada.
Simultaneously, Canada has appointed Christopher Cooter as its envoy to India.
These reciprocal appointments come as relations improve following a diplomatic rift after the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The development coincides with a leadership change in Canada, where Mark Carney succeeded Justin Trudeau.
Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel has been appointed as Executive Director at the IMF for a three-year term starting August 28, 2025.
He will represent India and its constituency at the IMF Board.
Patel is recognized for his role during demonetisation (2016), GST rollout (2017), and his disagreements with the government over RBI autonomy.
His extensive experience enhances India’s global financial presence.
OpenAI has appointed Raghav Gupta, former Coursera APAC Managing Director, as Head of Education for India and the Asia-Pacific region.
The announcement was made at the OpenAI Education Summit in New Delhi.
His appointment aligns with India’s push for AI-driven education, supporting local AI programs, research collaborations, and developer engagement.
OpenAI is also working with the India AI Mission to expand technical training.
🔬 Science & Technology
Google DeepMind launched Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, codenamed Nano Banana, an AI-powered photo-editing tool.
- Image blending and character consistency
- Natural-language editing
- Creative changes like hairstyles, costumes, and backgrounds
- Unique “Design Mixing” feature – transfers textures and styles between images
🛡️ Defence News
The 14th round of Exercise Maitree, a bilateral military exercise between India and Thailand, will be hosted at Umroi in Meghalaya from September 1 to 14, 2025.
Primary aim: Strengthen joint operational capabilities for counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban conditions.
- Location: Tak Province, Thailand (July 1–15, 2024)
- Troops deployed: 76 soldiers each
- India represented by Ladakh Scouts
- Thailand fielded 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment
Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth inaugurated MILMEDICON-2025, an international conference hosted by DGMS (Army) at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
The event highlights innovation, challenges, and reforms in military medicine.
Organized during the Indian Army’s “Year of Reforms”, the two-day conference aims at global collaboration in trauma care.
It also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Military Nursing Service, emphasizing the contribution of Nari Shakti.
Key themes: Advanced Combat Trauma Care, AI in Military Healthcare, Battlefield Medical Response, Women in Combat Leadership.
📅 Important Days
Observed on August 30, this day highlights the global issue of enforced disappearances and calls for justice and accountability.
The UN General Assembly in 2010 adopted Resolution 65/209, declaring August 30 as the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
The day has been marked annually since 2011.
Celebrated every year on August 30, this day acknowledges the role of small industries in job creation and economic growth.
“Enhancing the role of MSMEs as drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation.”
Observed on August 29 annually, the day raises awareness about the harmful effects of nuclear testing on health and the environment.
Established by the UN in 2009, it commemorates the closure of Kazakhstan’s Semipalatinsk Test Site in 1991.
The day reinforces the call for a complete halt to nuclear explosions and supports global disarmament efforts.
🏅 Sports News
Minerva Academy FC (Mohali) achieved a historic feat by winning three major youth football tournaments in Europe in 2025:
- Gothia Cup (Sweden)
- Dana Cup (Denmark)
- Norway Cup (Norway)
Their U-14/15 team went unbeaten in 26 international matches, scoring 295 goals.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya honored the young players, calling it a new dawn for Indian football.
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra achieved his 26th straight top-two finish with a final throw of 85.01m, earning second place at the Zurich Diamond League 2025.
German thrower Julian Weber dominated with two throws above 90m, including a season-best 91.51m, securing the first position.
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