Current Affairs - August 5, 2025 Current Affairs

India partnered with the United Nations to launch the Global Capacity Building Initiative aimed at supporting countries in the Global South to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first tranche included four projects and was a collaborative effort between India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and various UN agencies. This initiative builds on India's long-standing ITEC programme, which already provides over 12,000 training slots to around 160 countries. By combining India’s developmental outreach with the UN’s global framework, the initiative aims to enhance technical and professional skills in developing countries, strengthening international cooperation and capacity-building efforts.

Hong Kong will implement the Stablecoins Ordinance starting August 1, 2025, in an effort to regulate the use and issuance of stablecoins within its jurisdiction. Stablecoins are a category of cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to stable assets, such as foreign currencies. Unlike Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which are issued and controlled by governments, stablecoins can be privately issued. With this ordinance, Hong Kong seeks to establish a legal framework to oversee the operations of stablecoins, ensuring financial stability, investor protection, and alignment with international standards in the evolving digital asset space.

India’s first indigenous 1MW green hydrogen plant was commissioned at Kandla in Gujarat by the Deendayal Port Authority. This pioneering facility is not only a milestone in India’s clean energy and maritime decarbonization efforts but also a showcase of the Make in India initiative, with the electrolyser being domestically manufactured. Initially used to power buses and street lighting within the port, the plant is set to expand to 10MW capacity and will eventually fuel port operations, including vehicles and vessels. The project, supported by the government and inaugurated by the Union Shipping Minister, is a benchmark for sustainable port development in India.

Dharali Village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, was the epicentre of a devastating flash flood triggered by a cloudburst in the upper catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river. The sudden surge of water caused widespread destruction, sweeping away homes, shops, roads, and damaging infrastructure critical to both residents and pilgrims travelling to Gangotri Dham. Rescue operations were swiftly launched by SDRF and the Army, though several individuals were feared trapped under debris. The incident not only caused severe property damage but also highlighted the vulnerability of Himalayan settlements to extreme weather events, with continued heavy rainfall posing further risks.

India achieved the position of the world’s 5th largest aviation market in 2024 by carrying 241 million passengers, showing a significant growth of 11.1% compared to 2023. This leap placed India ahead of Japan and just behind the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and Spain. The ranking is based on data from the World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). India’s Mumbai-Delhi route also ranked 7th among the busiest air routes globally, highlighting the country’s expanding role in international and domestic air travel.

PB Balaji, currently serving as the Group CFO of Tata Motors, has been appointed as the new CEO of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), effective from 17 November 2025. He will succeed Adrian Mardell, who will retire after a distinguished 35-year career with JLR. Balaji brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the automotive and consumer goods sectors and has held key roles across major global markets. An alumnus of IIT-Chennai and IIM-Kolkata, he has played a vital role in Tata Motors’ financial turnaround since joining in 2017. His appointment marks a strategic move to lead JLR’s next phase of innovation and growth.

Hiroshima Day is observed annually on August 6 to commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the United States in 1945 during World War II. This tragic event led to the instant deaths of thousands and left survivors, known as Hibakusha, with long-term radiation-related health issues. The day serves as a solemn reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear warfare and reinforces global calls for peace, non-violence, and nuclear disarmament. Events across the world, including memorials, educational sessions, and peace vigils, are held to honour the victims and advocate for a future free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

The Krasheninnikov Volcano, located on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, erupted for the first time in approximately 600 years, making it a significant geological event. The eruption sent a towering ash plume 4 kilometres into the sky and prompted an orange aviation alert due to the risks volcanic ash poses to aircraft. The volcano, dormant since around 1463, suddenly reawakened, likely triggered by a recent 8.7 magnitude earthquake and its aftershocks in the region. The Kamchatka Peninsula, known for its high volcanic activity, is home to over 300 volcanoes, 29 of which are active, placing it within the Pacific Ring of Fire.

South Africa emerged as the champions of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 by defeating Pakistan in the final held at Edgbaston, Birmingham. AB de Villiers starred with a match-winning knock that helped South Africa secure a dominant 9-wicket victory. This triumph marked the second edition of the tournament. Pakistan had reached the final through a walkover against India due to political tensions, but South Africa displayed superior performance on the field to claim the title, with de Villiers playing a crucial role in their success.

India is taking a significant step to address micronutrient deficiencies by introducing bio-fortified potatoes enriched with iron. Developed with support from the International Potato Centre (CIP), these iron-rich potatoes aim to combat hidden hunger, particularly iron deficiency, which affects large segments of the Indian population, especially women and children. The initiative includes collaboration with ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute and the establishment of the CIP South Asia Regional Centre in Agra. These bio-fortified potatoes, along with similar efforts in sweet potatoes and other crops, reflect India’s broader strategy to improve nutritional security through sustainable and targeted agricultural innovations.

NITI Aayog launched the report “Unlocking a $200 Billion Opportunity: Electric Vehicles in India” on 4th August 2025 in New Delhi, marking a significant step in accelerating India’s electric vehicle (EV) transition. The report presents a detailed roadmap to boost EV adoption, identifies key challenges, and recommends strategic actions for achieving India's ambitious target of 30% EV sales by 2030. It was developed through extensive stakeholder consultations involving government officials, industry leaders, and researchers. By providing actionable insights and highlighting India’s progress compared to global trends, the report aims to shape a sustainable and competitive EV ecosystem in the country.