Daily Current Affairs and GK | 6 September 2025

Topic: Sports

1. Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra announced his retirement from professional cricket.

• He announced his retirement from professional cricket after a remarkable career of over 25 years.
• Amit Mishra said that the decision was largely based on repeated injuries.
• The decision was also based on belief that the younger generations need to be given an opportunity.
• Amit Mishra is a right-arm leg-break bowler and right-handed tail-ender batsman.
• He plays for Haryana in the domestic Ranji Trophy.
• He plays for the T20 franchise Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.
• He played for four teams in the IPL: Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and LSG.

Topic: National News

2. 221 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions recorded by UIDAI in August 2025.

• Aadhaar number holders carried out over 221 crore authentication transactions in August 2025, which is more than the same month of this year and the previous financial year.
• An increase of over 10.3% was registered compared to authentication transactions in August 2024.
• The growing volume reflects the rising usage and utility of Aadhaar in the expanding digital economy.
• Aadhaar-based authentication has been used as a facilitator for effective welfare delivery and voluntary access to services.
• Aadhaar Face authentication witnessed sharp growth with 18.6 crore transactions in August 2025, up from 6.04 crore in August 2024.
• In total, around 213 crore Aadhaar face authentication transactions have been executed so far.
• The highest-ever single-day face authentication was observed on 1 September 2025, with more than 1.5 crore transactions.
• The previous highest figure was recorded on August 1, 2025, when over 1.28 crore such transactions were done.
• This AI-based face authentication works on both Android and iOS platforms, enabling secure and convenient identity verification.
• Over 150 entities, including government ministries and departments, financial institutions, oil marketing companies, and telecom service providers, are using facial authentication for smooth delivery of benefits and services.
• Similarly, 38.53 crore e-KYC transactions were done in August.
• Aadhaar e-KYC service is playing a vital role in improving customer experience and ease of doing business in various sectors, including banking and non-banking financial services.

Topic: State News/Tamil Nadu

3. India's first port-based green hydrogen pilot project launched at VOC Port.

• On 5 September, India’s first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project was inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu.

• The facility has been set up at a cost of ₹3.87 crore with a capacity of 10 Nm³ per hour to generate green hydrogen for powering streetlights and an EV charging station in the port colony.
• With the commissioning of this plant, VOC Port became the first port in the country to produce green hydrogen.
• A foundation stone was laid for a Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility of 750 m³ capacity, to be built at a cost of ₹35.34 crore.
• This methanol project is aligned with the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin and is expected to establish VOC Port as a major green bunkering hub in South India.
• Other projects launched included a 400 KW rooftop solar power plant, which increased the port’s total rooftop solar capacity to 1.04 MW, the highest among Indian ports.
• A ₹24.5 crore link conveyor connecting Coal Jetty-I to the port stack yard was inaugurated, which will enhance operational efficiency by 0.72 MMTPA.
• Foundation stones were also laid for a 6 MW wind farm, a ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth, a 3.37 km four-lane road, and the Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum.
• Sonowal highlighted that Chennai, Kamarajar and VOC ports have undergone transformative development under Sagarmala, with 98 projects worth ₹93,715 crore taken up in the last 11 years, of which 50 have been completed.
• MoUs were signed between VOC Port and the Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd for rail connectivity to the Outer Harbour Project and with NTPC for green mobility initiatives at the port.
• The event was held to mark the birth anniversary of freedom fighter V.O.Chidambaranar, fondly called Kappal Ottia Tamizhhan.
• The revolutionary leader set sail for India’s independence with his Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, through which he made a valuable contribution to the country’s maritime self-reliance.

Topic: Miscellaneous

4. Saras Ajeevika Mela is being organized from 5th to 22nd September, 2025 in Delhi.

• SARAS Aajeevika Mela-2025 is being organized by the Ministry of Rural Development at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

• The event will be held from 5th to 22nd September 2025 with participation from all states and UTs.
• Around 200 stalls will be set up, and more than 400 rural women from Self-Help Groups will showcase their products.
• This is the first time the Mela is being organized in Delhi with all its components, including food and cultural activities.
• Joint Secretary Swati Sharma said the Mela provides visitors an opportunity to experience rural life and purchase traditional items.
• Evening cultural programs and entertainment zones for children will be part of the event.
• The Ministry has highlighted that women are being provided skill training, marketing techniques, and digital platforms with support from companies like Amazon and Flipkart.
• Products made by Self-Help Group women have been exported to Maldives, and efforts are underway with India Post for nationwide availability.
• Director Dr. Molishree stated that SARAS Mela connects people to their roots under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), which has engaged 10 crore women across 34 states and UTs.
• More than 2 crore women have become “Lakhpati Didis” under this mission, reflecting the success of the initiative.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

5. The 16th India-Singapore Defence Working Group Meeting held in Singapore on 4 September 2025.

• The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, India and Colonel Daxun Yap, Director, Policy Office, Ministry of Defence, Singapore.

• Progress on the implementation of decisions from the last Defence Ministers’ Dialogue was reviewed.
• Both sides exchanged defence perspectives and discussed regional security architecture.
• The discussions were guided by the latest Joint Statement on the Roadmap for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore, issued after the meeting between PM Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart, Mr. Lawrence Wong, in New Delhi.
• Satisfaction was expressed on ongoing collaboration in areas of training, capability building, technology, and maritime security.
• As 2025 marks 60 years of diplomatic ties, both countries agreed to step up defence cooperation further.
• The meeting is significant in the backdrop of India's Act East Policy, in which Singapore has played a key role in promoting economic cooperation and cultural ties and developing strategic connectivity with countries in the region.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

6. The Angikaar 2025 campaign launched under PMAY-U 2.0.

• On 4th September 2025, “Angikaar 2025,” a last-mile outreach campaign under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0), was launched by Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, in New Delhi.
• Angikaar 2025 is designed to create nationwide awareness and accelerate the implementation of PMAY-U 2.0.
• The campaign will fast-track application verification and expedite completion of sanctioned houses.
• Awareness about the Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust for the Low-Income Housing scheme will also be created.
• Additionally, PMAY-U beneficiaries will be provided the benefit of PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme, and the housing needs of the special focus group beneficiaries identified under PMAY-U 2.0 will be given priority.
• So far, 120 lakh houses have been sanctioned under PMAY-U, of which 94.11 lakh have already been completed.
• Angikaar 2025 will run from 4 September to 31 October across more than 5,000 Urban Local Bodies.
• A special celebration, PMAY-U Awas Diwas, will be observed on 17 September 2025 to mark one year of PMAY-U 2.0.
• PM Awas Mela – Shehri will also be organized at district and municipal levels as part of the campaign to promote community participation.

Topic: National News

7. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a ₹80 lakh crore investment to revamp India’s maritime sector by 2047.

• This massive funding aims to upgrade port infrastructure across the country.
• It also seeks to boost the shipping and shipbuilding industries.
• Inland water transport will be another major area of development.
• The announcement was made during a media interaction in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.
• Sonowal highlighted the positive impact of the Sagarmala initiative.
• He said it is helping coastal communities by developing modern fishing harbours.
• He also praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in driving maritime innovation and connectivity.
• He said Tamil Nadu is becoming a key player in India’s growth story.
• On 5 September 2025, Sonowal inaugurated a green hydrogen pilot plant at V.O. Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin .
• He also launched several other development projects at the port to accelerate progress in the maritime sector.

Topic: Books and Authors

8. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi launched the book "Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan".

• The launch event took place in New Delhi. The book is authored by retired Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon.
• General Dwivedi said the book is more than just a military account.
• He described it as a tribute to the bravery and dedication of the Indian Army.
• He also praised the discipline and spirit of the soldiers involved in the operation.
• He compared the army’s actions during Operation Sindoor to a perfectly timed wave.
• Every soldier knew their role and followed orders with precision.
• He stated that the book holds significant value for academic study.
• It can serve as a useful reference for researchers and scholars.
• India carried out a calibrated response against terror targets during Operation Sindoor.
• The operation was launched on May 7.
• It was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Pahalgam attack had claimed 26 lives.

Topic: Environment and Ecology

9. Assam has become the first state in India to launch a portal dedicated to vulture conservation.

• The portal was developed by We Foundation India.

• It is called "The Vulture Network". The launch took place on September 2, 2025.
• Gauhati University’s Department of Zoology collaborated in the initiative.
• The portal aims to connect individuals and groups working to protect vulture species.
• The launch event brought together conservationists, scientists, researchers, educators, and students.
• They discussed the condition of vultures in India and strategies for their survival.
• The event was organised ahead of International Vulture Awareness Day.
• This day is observed every year on the first Saturday of September.
• Nilutpal Mahanta of We Foundation India said the portal would first offer information in Assamese.
• This is to help local communities understand the importance of vulture conservation.
• The portal is cloud-based and user-friendly.
• It provides access to scientific data, awareness materials, and downloadable outreach content.
• We Foundation collaborated with groups like the Assam Bird Monitoring Network, LASA Foundation, and Suraksha Samitee.
• Individual researchers and conservationists also supported the project.
• The launch highlighted key threats to vultures.
• These include carcass poisoning, harmful veterinary drugs like diclofenac, and negative public perceptions.
• Special attention was given to the slender-billed vulture.
• Its population has declined to just about 800 mature individuals.
• India is home to nine species of vultures. These include the white-rumped, red-headed, Indian, Himalayan griffon, cinereous, Eurasian griffon, Egyptian, and bearded vultures.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

10. Anand V. Patil will receive the Prof. V.K. Gokak award at a ceremony in Bengaluru.

• He has earlier won the Bal Sahitya award from the Kendra Sahitya Akademi.
• The award ceremony is being organised by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
• It is being held in collaboration with the Vinayaka Gokak Vangmaya Trust.
• The event is scheduled for September 7.
• The award is named after Prof. Vinayaka Krishna Gokak.
• Prof. Gokak was a noted Indian writer and a recipient of the Jnanpith Award.
• He also led a committee that recommended giving Kannada primary status in schools.