Current Affairs - August 3, 2025 Current Affairs

The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 1,856 MW, has been revived by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) in response to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. Located on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir’s Ramban district, it is a run-of-river project aiming to optimise India's use of the western rivers allocated to Pakistan under the IWT. The project, conceived decades ago, is of strategic and national importance. With in-principle clearance for forest land diversion and a planned investment of over ₹22,700 crore, it is expected to boost energy capacity and regional development.

The Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) has triggered a serious inter-state water-sharing conflict between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The project proposes diverting 200 TMC of surplus Godavari floodwaters to the Krishna and Penna basins to address water scarcity in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region. Telangana opposes the project, citing violations of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, lack of clearances from bodies like the Apex Council and Central Water Commission, and environmental concerns. Additionally, it disputes the claim of “surplus” water and objects to the unauthorised inter-basin transfer. The high-level committee aims to address these complex legal, environmental, and federal issues through cooperative dialogue.

INS Satpura, an Indian Navy frigate, participated in the 32nd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-25), showcasing the operational coordination between India and Singapore in the Indo-Pacific. The exercise included both Harbour and Sea phases, involving professional exchanges, complex naval drills, and joint operations such as cross-deck helicopter missions and air defence exercises. INS Satpura was part of a larger Indian fleet visiting Southeast Asia, underlining India's Vision MAHASAGAR and Act East Policy. The continued participation in SIMBEX, which began in 1994, reinforces India's commitment to maritime cooperation and regional security in partnership with the Republic of Singapore Navy.

T. N. Manoharan, a prominent figure in India’s banking and financial sector, passed away on July 30, 2025. As the Chairman of IDBI Bank and a Padma Shri awardee, he was widely recognised for his integrity, leadership, and dedication to corporate governance. His crucial involvement in the revival of Satyam Computers after the 2009 scandal marked a defining moment in his career. He also held key roles at Canara Bank, Mahindra Group, and Sahara India Finance Corporation. Manoharan's legacy is reflected in his commitment to financial reform, ethics in business, and nation-building through public service.

Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day is observed every year on August 3 to raise awareness about CLOVES syndrome, a rare and complex genetic disorder characterised by congenital overgrowths, vascular malformations, and skin anomalies. The day aims to spread knowledge about the condition, encourage early diagnosis, and promote better care for those affected. By dedicating a specific day to this rare disorder, medical professionals, caregivers, and the general public are reminded of the importance of recognising symptoms early, which can significantly impact treatment outcomes and improve the quality of life for patients.

India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in 2025 at Visakhapatnam, underscoring its strategic commitment to strengthening regional maritime connectivity and advancing sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal. The conclave emphasised themes like blue economy, innovation, and sustainable partnerships, aligning closely with India's Sagarmala initiative. Key developments included progress on the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), recognition of the Kaladan Corridor as vital for India's northeastern connectivity, and the announcement of the BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in Mumbai. Hosting this conclave reaffirmed India's leadership within BIMSTEC and its broader Indo-Pacific engagement through the Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two successful consecutive test flights of the Pralay missile, showcasing India's growing capabilities in advanced missile technology. Pralay is a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a range of 150 to 500 km, developed indigenously using solid propellant and equipped with advanced guidance systems for high-precision targeting. The missile's quasi-ballistic trajectory allows in-flight manoeuvres and low-altitude flight, increasing its survivability against interception. Developed primarily by the Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad with support from DRDO labs in Pune, Pralay strengthens India's tactical missile arsenal and enhances its strategic deterrence posture in the region.

Exercise Bold Kurukshetra is a bilateral military exercise held annually between India and Singapore since 2005. The 14th edition in 2025 took place in Jodhpur, involving India’s Mechanised Infantry Regiment and Singapore’s 42 Armoured Regiment of the 4 Singapore Armoured Brigade. The exercise is designed to improve interoperability, validate operational procedures, and enhance joint training, particularly in the context of United Nations peacekeeping missions under Chapter VII. This long-standing engagement reflects the strong defence cooperation and strategic partnership between the two nations, aimed at building mutual capabilities for global peace and regional stability.

Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state, is facing an ecological crisis due to rampant urbanisation, unregulated tourism, deforestation, and poorly monitored infrastructure projects. The Supreme Court of India recently issued a dire warning that the state could "vanish" if corrective actions are not taken. With rising cases of landslides, flash floods, and human casualties, the court highlighted the impact of climate change, hydropower projects, and unsustainable construction on the region. The state's fragile environment is further burdened by weak implementation of green zone regulations and delayed ecological planning, making it a critical case study in environmental mismanagement in the Indian Himalayan Region.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was introduced to overhaul India’s education system after 34 years, replacing the NEP of 1986. It was formulated based on the recommendations of the Dr. K. Kasturirangan Committee and officially adopted in 2020. The policy emphasises inclusive, flexible, and multidisciplinary learning approaches across school and higher education. Key reforms include the 5+3+3+4 school structure, mother tongue instruction in early education, the introduction of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), and the promotion of Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs). Its fifth anniversary in 2025 was commemorated at the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS).