Daily Current Affairs and GK | 1 August 2025

Topic: Defence

1. Indian Naval Ship Satpura has reached Singapore to take part in the 32nd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise, SIMBEX-25.

• The exercise began with the Harbour Phase. This phase includes expert-level exchanges, professional engagements, and operational discussions.
• INS Satpura is joined by Singapore Navy ships RSN Vigilant and RSN Supreme.
• Initial activities focus on sharing naval expertise and aligning operational procedures.
• Participants are also conducting familiarisation tours of each other’s ships.
• These efforts reflect the deepening trust and cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy.
• SIMBEX-25 supports India’s maritime vision under the 'MAHASAGAR' initiative.
• It also aligns with the Act East Policy, which promotes stronger regional engagement.
• The Sea Phase includes a wide range of advanced naval drills.
• These involve air defence exercises, cross-deck helicopter operations, and precision targeting.
• It also features complex ship maneuvers and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations.
• The goal is to improve interoperability and strengthen joint efforts for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
• SIMBEX highlights the long-standing naval bond between India and Singapore.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

2. “Saksham Niveshak” – a 100-day drive to facilitate dividend claims and KYC updates – launched by the IEPFA.

• The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) has launched a national drive titled “Saksham Niveshak” to help investors reclaim unclaimed dividends.

• The campaign is running from July 28 to November 6, 2025 and aims to promote KYC updates and shareholder awareness.
• Companies have been urged to contact shareholders proactively to facilitate dividend recovery and update nominee details.
• Shareholders are encouraged to act promptly so their unclaimed dividends and shares are not transferred to the IEPFA.
• The initiative includes steps to streamline the resolution of dividend-related cases held by companies for long periods.
• The main objectives of the “Saksham Investor” campaign are as follows:
  • To provide assistance in resolving matters relating to unclaimed dividends lying with companies.
  • To provide assistance in KYC and nomination updates for shareholders.
  • To ensure dividend payment by companies directly to genuine investors.
• Through this initiative, IEPFA continues its mission to safeguard investor interests and promote financial literacy.
• Through initiatives like Investor Didi, Investor Panchayat and Investor Camps, IEPFA strives to create a financially aware and empowered investor base across the country.

Topic: Corporates/Companies

3. Starlink got license to launch satellite internet in India.

• Elon Musk-led Starlink has been officially granted a license to launch satellite internet services in India, confirmed Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on 31 July.
• A framework for spectrum allocation has already been established to ensure a smooth rollout of satellite internet services across the nation.
• India’s digital transformation over the last 11 years was highlighted as exceptional, with internet penetration empowering both rural and urban citizens.
• The Minister noted a significant growth in internet subscribers, reaching 97 crores, marking a 286% rise, while mobile data rates have dropped by 96.6%, making India the most affordable data provider globally.
• India now has 1.2 billion telephone connections, with 5G services reaching 99.6% of districts through 4.74 lakh towers, benefiting over 30 crore users.
• Other companies like Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio SES are also in queue for spectrum allocation to provide satellite communication services.
• The revival of BSNL was marked as a milestone, with the government-run telecom setting up over 83,000 4G sites across the country.

Topic: National Appointments

4. Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh appointed new Vice Chief of the Indian Army.

• Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh has been appointed as the Vice-Chief of Army Staff and officially assumed charge on 1 August.
• He succeeded Lt Gen NS Rajasubramani, who assumed office on July 1, 2024.       
• With over 35 years of distinguished service in the Indian Army, Mr. Singh brings immense operational experience, having participated in operations like Pawan, Meghdoot, Rakshak, and Orchid.
• His international service includes peacekeeping missions under the United Nations in Lebanon and Sri Lanka.
• Mr Singh has held various leadership roles throughout his career, including serving as the General Officer Commanding of the Rising Star Corps from April 2022.
• Lt. Gen. Singh is a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and has been twice awarded the Sena Medal for his exemplary service.
• Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan took over as the next Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command on 31 July.
• Swaminathan assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS) on May 1, 2024.
• However, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan succeeded Swaminathan as the Vice-Chief of Naval Staff on August 1.

Topic: State News/Sikkim

5. Sikkim became the first state to introduce Sabbatical Leave Scheme for government employees.

• In a groundbreaking reform, Sikkim has become the first state in the country to implement a formal Sabbatical Leave Scheme.

• The government has empowered its workforce, especially the youth, by providing them rare opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Introduced in August 2023, the policy allows regular state government employees with a minimum of five years of continuous service to take a sabbatical leave ranging from 365 to 1,080 days.
• During this period, they are entitled to receive 50% of their basic pay.
• Employee seniority is preserved under the scheme, and they can be recalled by the government with one month’s notice.
• Temporary staff were later included in the scheme, becoming eligible after six months of continuous service, maintaining the same structural benefits.
• Further enhancing the effectiveness of the scheme, in April this year, the government delegated the power of approval.
• Heads of departments can now grant sabbatical leave to Group C and D employees, including temporary employees, while Group A and B employees will have to seek approval from the Secretary, Department of Personnel.

Topic: Personality in News

6. Former RSS chief Pramila Medhe passed away at the age of 97 on 31 July.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow on the passing of Pramila Tai Medhe, Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, remembering her as a guiding force for generations.
• She, the fourth Sanchalika of the organization, passed away at Devi Ahilya Mandir in Nagpur, where she had been residing.
• Several leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Ministers, shared condolences through social media.
• From 1978 to 2003, she served as the Pramukh Sanchalika of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, making substantial contributions to its mission and outreach.
• Rashtriya Sevika Samiti is engaged in bringing cultural and national awakening among women.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: Defence

7. The Indian Navy has received the third ship of the Nilgiri Class under Project 17A.

• It was constructed at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.

• This is the first Project 17A vessel built by GRSE. Project 17A frigates are advanced and multi-role warships.
• They are designed to handle evolving maritime security challenges.
• The new ship is named Himgiri. It carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Himgiri.
• The original INS Himgiri was a Leander-class frigate. It was decommissioned on May 6, 2005.
• The new Himgiri incorporates major advancements in naval technology.
• It includes improved stealth, weapon systems, automation, and survivability.
• The ship was designed by the Warship Design Bureau.
• Its construction was overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team in Kolkata.
• Himgiri features a modular structure and ergonomic design. It was delivered within the planned construction timeline.

Topic: International Appointments

8. Professor Michele Dougherty has made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed the UK’s Astronomer Royal in 350 years.

• The position was created in 1675. It is an honorary role that involves advising the British monarchy on astronomy. It also promotes public interest in science.
• Dougherty is well known for her work on NASA’s Cassini mission to Saturn.
• During the mission, she helped discover jets of water vapor coming from Saturn’s moon Enceladus.
• This discovery suggests that Enceladus may have the right conditions to support life.
• The title of Astronomer Royal was established in 1675, alongside the founding of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.
• The first to hold the position was John Flamsteed.
• Michele Karen Dougherty is the sixteenth Astronomer Royal.
• Martin John Rees, Baron Rees of Ludlow, was the fifteenth Astronomer Royal from 1995 to 2025.

Topic: State News/ Ladakh

9. Ladakh has officially announced August 12 as Safai Andolan Day for Indus River Conservation.

• The day is dedicated to protecting and cleaning the Indus River.

• A massive cleanup will take place along the river and its tributaries.
• Government agencies, armed forces, civil society groups, and students will all take part.
• This is the first government-supported campaign focused entirely on conserving the Indus River.
• The initiative is a combined effort by the Union Territory administration, Leh Hill Council, defense forces, and local communities.
• It is part of the larger Mission Indus Clean-up Movement, which began in June.
• The movement was launched in response to serious pollution concerns.
• Water testing had revealed high levels of arsenic in the Indus River.
• Mission Indus aims to reduce pollution and protect the river’s biodiversity. It includes both urgent actions and long-term planning.
• Plans are in place to upgrade existing sewage treatment systems. Illegal dumping of waste is being strictly controlled.
• Awareness campaigns are being run with help from social and religious leaders.
• The Leh Hill Council is also working closely with village leaders and faith-based communities.
• This is to ensure local support and participation in the clean-up efforts.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

10. The Cabinet has approved ₹6520 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).

• This funding is allocated for the 15th Finance Commission period.
• An additional ₹1920 crore is included to continue existing projects under PMKSY.
• ₹1000 crore will be spent to build 50 Multi-Product Food Irradiation Units.
• These units fall under the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) component of the scheme.
• 100 food testing labs will also be established. These labs will have NABL certification and come under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) component.
• ₹920 crore has been set aside for funding various other projects within PMKSY during this period.
• The Cabinet also approved a new Central Sector Scheme titled “Grant-in-Aid to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).”
• This scheme has an outlay of ₹2000 crore. It will run from 2025–26 to 2028–29.
• With this aid, NCDC will raise ₹20,000 crore from the open market over four years.
• The funds will be used to offer loans to cooperatives. These loans will support new projects, plant expansion, and working capital needs.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has also approved four railway multitracking projects.
• These projects will span 13 districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
• They will expand the railway network by approximately 574 kilometers.
• The total cost of these projects is estimated at ₹11,169 crore.
• The projects are expected to be completed by 2028–29.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY):
  • The scheme was introduced in 2017.
  • It is an umbrella scheme that is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing and Industries.
  • PMKSY is a comprehensive package of component schemes, which aimed at creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet.