Daily Current Affairs and GK | 7 August 2025

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi on 7 August.

• The event is being hosted by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
• This international gathering commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, a visionary leader in agricultural innovation and food security.
• Prime Minister also unveiled a special commemorative coin and postage stamp to honour Prof. Swaminathan’s legacy.
• Prof. Swaminathan is credited with revolutionizing India’s agriculture, turning the country from a food-scarce nation into a self-sufficient one.
• The theme of the conference is “Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Bio happiness,” reflecting Swaminathan’s vision for lasting agricultural progress.
• The conference celebrates his enduring contributions to inclusive and sustainable rural development.
• It serves as a global forum for researchers, policy experts, and development leaders to build upon the Evergreen Revolution’s guiding principles.

Topic: Important Days

2. National Handloom Day 2025: 7 August

• Every year on August 7, National Handloom Day is celebrated in India.
• It is observed to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905.
• It is also celebrated to recognize the contribution of the handloom industry to socio-economic development and to raise awareness about the industry.
• This year, the theme of National Handloom Day is “Handlooms—Empowering Women, Empowering the Nation.”
• This year, the 11th edition of National Handloom Day was celebrated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• National Handloom Day is celebrated all over the country under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles.
• On the same day in 1905, the Swadeshi Movement began. The movement encouraged swadeshi industries and swadeshi spirit, including handloom weavers.
• In 2015, the government decided to designate 7 August as National Handloom Day (NHD).
• The first NHD was observed on 07 August 2015 in Chennai.
• At this event, the President of India conferred the prestigious Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards for 2024 to a total of 24 awardees, including 5 Sant Kabir awardees and 19 National awardees.
• Each Sant Kabir Award consists of Rs 3.5 lakh cash, a gold coin (mounted), a Tamrapatra, a shawl, and a certificate.
• Each National Handloom Award consists of Rs 2 lakh cash, a Tamrapatra, a shawl, and a certificate.

Topic: State News/Assam

3. Assam launched Nijut Moina 2.0 to empower girl students.

• On 6 August, the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina 2.0 scheme launched in Guwahati by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

• This scheme has been launched to support the monthly financial assistance scheme to increase the enrollment of girls in higher education.
• Application forms for the scheme were ceremonially distributed by the Chief Minister at the Birinchi Kumar Barua Auditorium, Gauhati University.
• Simultaneous distribution events were organized across the state, ensuring widespread participation and awareness.
• Nijut Moina is considered a flagship scheme by the Assam Government aimed at reducing dropout rates among girls and increasing enrolment in colleges.
• Under the scheme, financial support will be provided to girls studying in government and government-aided institutions from Higher Secondary to Post-Graduation levels.
• A first-year high school student will get Rs 10,000, i.e. Rs 1,000 per month for 10 months.
• A graduate level student will get Rs 12,500, i.e. Rs 1,250 per month.
• A PG level student will get Rs 25,000, i.e. Rs 2,500 per month for 10 months in a year.
• More than four lakh girl students are expected to benefit from the scheme in the current financial year.

Topic: Indian Economy

4. The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill 2025 passed by Parliament.

• On 6 August, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 has been passed by the Indian Parliament after gaining approval in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
• The bill is aimed at replacing the century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, with modern and simplified legislation.
• Responsibilities, rights, liabilities, and immunities concerning the carriage of goods by sea will be redefined through this legislation.
• The Central Government has been authorized to amend schedules and issue rules, especially for bills of lading, which outline details of shipped goods.
• Minister Shantanu Thakur stated that the legislation is intended to ensure ease of doing business and will rationalize shipping laws.
• BJP MP Sanjay Seth highlighted that cargo handling was over 819 million tonnes in 2014–15, which has been increased to over 1600 million tonnes by 2024.
• He noted that India’s maritime sector has experienced exceptional growth and global recognition under PM Modi’s leadership.
• The bill would further strengthen the national economy and support India’s rise as the third-largest economy.
• Presently, India has 12 major ports and over 100 smaller ports, forming a robust maritime network for national and international trade.

Topic: Banking/Finance

5. RBI added an auto-bid facility in the Retail Direct portal for T-bills.

• A new auto-bid feature has been added by the Reserve Bank of India to its Retail Direct portal for Treasury Bills (T-Bills).
• The feature will allow retail investors to schedule automatic bids in primary auctions, making investment planning more systematic.
• RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the facility covers both investment and reinvestment of T-Bills.
• In November 2021, the Reserve Bank launched the Retail Direct portal to facilitate retail investors in opening their Gilt accounts under the Retail Direct Scheme (RDS).
• The scheme allows retail investors to buy government securities (G-Secs) in primary auctions as well as buy and sell G-Secs in the secondary market.
• A mobile app version of the Retail Direct portal was introduced in May 2024 to further increase accessibility.
• New features related to product offerings and payment integration have been added since the scheme’s inception.

Topic: National News

6. Kartavya Bhavan inaugurated by PM Modi to boost governance efficiency.

• On 6 August, Kartavya Bhavan inaugurated in New Delhi by PM Narendra Modi, marking a key step toward centralized and streamlined governance.
• Kartavya Bhavan, also known as Central Secretariat Building–3, is the first of several buildings aimed at housing key ministries under one roof.
• Existing ministries that currently operate from outdated buildings like Shastri Bhawan and Nirman Bhawan will be shifted to the new complex.
• The newly built complex is spread over about 1.5 lakh square metres, spread over two basements and seven floors.
• It will house the offices of the Ministries and Departments of Home Affairs, External Affairs, Rural Development, MSME, DoPT, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Principal Scientific Adviser.
• Designed with sustainability in focus, the building includes rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and double-glazed facades.
• The entire campus operates on a zero-discharge model, with systems for wastewater treatment and solid waste processing.
• A 30% energy reduction is projected through smart lifts, motion-sensor LED lighting, and advanced HVAC systems.
• Rooftop solar installations are expected to generate over 5.34 lakh units of electricity annually.

Topic: Indian Economy

7. RBI has opted to keep the repo rate steady at 5.5%, continuing with a neutral policy stance.

• The standing deposit facility (SDF) rate stays unchanged at 5.25%.
• The marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and Bank Rate are also held constant at 5.75%.
• This pause in rate changes follows a total reduction of 100 basis points since February 2025.
• The decision comes ahead of the festive season, aiming to sustain consumer demand.
• Despite trade pressures from new US tariffs, the RBI has maintained its FY26 economic growth projection at 6.5%.
• The inflation forecast for FY26 has been revised downward to 3.1% from 3.7% in June.
• CPI inflation is anticipated to climb to 4.9% in the following fiscal year, FY27.
• With inflation easing and external uncertainties persisting, the RBI is taking a measured stance to balance growth and risk.
• The MPC convened for its policy review on August 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2025.

Topic: Personality in News

8. Kabak Yano, a mountaineer from Arunachal Pradesh, has successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa.

• She completed the ascent on 4 August, scaling the 5,895-meter-high peak located in Tanzania.
• Mount Kilimanjaro holds the distinction of being the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
• Yano's climb is part of her larger goal to complete the Seven Summits challenge, aiming to conquer the highest peaks on each continent.
• Her journey was officially launched on July 28 with a send-off from Arunachal Pradesh Governor KT Parnaik.
• Having earlier summitted Mount Everest, Yano continues to embody courage, endurance, and determination.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: Reports and Indices

9. Bengaluru has been placed 26th in the 2025 Global AI City Index.

• It has emerged as India’s foremost center for artificial intelligence activity.
• The index, released by Counterpoint Research, ranks cities worldwide based on advancements in AI development and infrastructure.
• Bengaluru’s prominence is driven by its strong presence in AI research, innovation, and data center growth.
• Other major Indian cities in the ranking include Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata, with Bengaluru leading nationally.
• Mumbai and Delhi are making notable strides by applying AI technologies in urban management and public safety.
• Despite this growth, the report notes that Indian cities would benefit from clearer AI strategies and stronger regulatory support.
• Singapore tops the global index, credited with its dynamic AI startup environment and effective public-private sector cooperation.
• Following Singapore are Seoul, Beijing, Dubai, and San Francisco, completing the global top five.
• Beijing is set to implement AI as part of its core school curriculum starting in 2025.
• Seoul is recognized for its impactful use of AI in areas like education and healthcare.
• Microsoft leads the corporate AI race by expanding data centers, launching training initiatives, and establishing innovation hubs. It emerged as the most active vendor.
• Google and Amazon are also strengthening their AI infrastructure and introducing similar programs to advance in the sector.

Topic: National Appointments

10. Mrs. S. Radha Chauhan has taken charge as the new Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission.

• She is a retired IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, belonging to the 1988 batch.
• Throughout her career, she has held prominent roles in both central and state administrations.
• Prior to this appointment, she served as Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
• She succeeds Shri Adil Zainulbhai, who had led the Commission since its inception in April 2021.
• Capacity Building Commission:
  • Capacity Building Commission was formed by the Government of India on April 1, 2021.
  • Its core responsibility is to bring consistency and integration to capacity building within the civil services.
  • As a central pillar of Mission Karmayogi, the Commission guides the reform process across bureaucratic institutions.
  • It serves as the key authority for shaping and overseeing capacity-building initiatives for India’s civil servants.

(Source: News on AIR)