Current Affairs - August 15, 2025 Current Affairs

The Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) is headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is a premier research institute dedicated to the study of plant fossils, earth history, and climate change. The recent MoU signed between BSIP and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) aims to combine scientific and cultural insights for broader public engagement. By integrating these two domains, the collaboration intends to showcase India’s diverse achievements globally. Lucknow’s role as the home of BSIP emphasises the city’s contribution to both scientific research and academic excellence in India.

H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, unveiled the official logo, website, and brochure for Bharat Steel in New Delhi. Bharat Steel is positioned as the Ministry’s flagship international conference and exhibition focused on the steel ecosystem. Scheduled for 2026 in the National Capital, it is expected to be the largest steel exhibition in India, showcasing innovation, technology, and advancements in the sector. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting India’s steel industry globally, strengthening industrial visibility, and creating a platform for collaboration between domestic and international stakeholders.

Ravi Narayanan, a seasoned banking professional and former Group Executive at Axis Bank, has been appointed as the CEO of SMFG India Credit. His appointment is significant as it represents the first major leadership shift since SMFG’s complete acquisition of Fullerton India Credit. Narayanan brings extensive expertise in retail liabilities, branch banking, and products, making him a strong fit to lead the company into its next phase of growth. Unlike his predecessors, who were closely tied to Fullerton’s legacy, Narayanan’s entry reflects SMFG’s clear intent to drive a new strategic direction with an operational model that aligns more closely with its global vision.

Haryana showcased its dominance in the 4th Sub Junior (U-15) National Boxing Championships by clinching the overall team titles in both the boys' and girls' categories. In the boys’ section, Haryana achieved 4 gold, 2 silver, and 6 bronze medals, securing the top spot. The girls’ team outperformed with 5 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze, totaling 57 points to claim their crown. This victory highlights Haryana’s strong grassroots boxing culture and commitment to nurturing young talent. The state has a longstanding tradition of producing champion boxers, and these results further cement its position as a powerhouse in Indian boxing.

NASA has accelerated its plans to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon by aiming to build a nuclear reactor by 2030. The project is central to ensuring a steady and reliable power supply for future lunar bases, critical for both human survival and technological operations. The reactor is expected to generate 100 kilowatts, which, though modest compared to onshore wind turbines, will be sufficient for lunar conditions. This timeline underscores NASA’s long-term strategy for lunar colonization, while also positioning the United States ahead in the global competition, as China and Russia plan similar stations by 2035.

‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2025, is a landmark national security initiative focused on protecting India’s vital establishments through indigenous technology. The mission represents a major stride towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat by aiming to reduce dependency on foreign systems and create a comprehensive multi-layered security shield. It integrates advanced surveillance, cyber protection, and physical defence in one unified framework, ensuring a proactive approach to national security. By anchoring protection on indigenous research and innovation, the mission not only strengthens defence infrastructure but also reflects India’s cultural ethos of self-reliance and resilience in the face of emerging threats.

In 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set a historic milestone by delivering his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort. This achievement allowed him to surpass Indira Gandhi’s record of 11 consecutive speeches, making him the second-longest continuous speaker after Jawaharlal Nehru, who holds the record with 17. Modi’s streak began in 2014 and has continued uninterrupted for 12 years, reflecting both his political dominance and electoral success across three Lok Sabha terms. The Independence Day address is a significant tradition, where the Prime Minister outlines national priorities, achievements, and future goals to the people of India.

IIT Roorkee researchers have developed Compound 3b, a significant breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic resistance. This compound works to restore the potency of Meropenem, a commonly used antibiotic, against drug-resistant bacteria such as KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. These pathogens are among the top global health threats identified by the WHO, as they can withstand existing treatments, leading to severe and untreatable infections. By countering this resistance, Compound 3b opens new avenues for effective medical treatment against superbugs. The development underscores IIT Roorkee’s growing contribution to advanced medical and pharmaceutical research aimed at addressing global healthcare challenges.

ICICI Bank, India’s second-largest private lender, faced widespread criticism after it sharply raised the minimum average balance (MAB) for new urban savings account holders from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000. This move drew heavy backlash from customers and financial experts, as the hike was seen as disproportionate compared to other banks like SBI, which has removed MAB requirements altogether. Responding swiftly, ICICI Bank revised the policy, lowering the urban MAB to ₹15,000, while also reducing thresholds in semi-urban areas. The revision highlights how customer feedback and market competition play a decisive role in shaping banking policies, balancing profitability with inclusivity.

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, senior BJP leader and Member of Parliament from Saran, secured re-election as the General Secretary (Administration) of the Constitution Club of India (CCI). In a highly competitive contest, he defeated BJP colleague Sanjeev Kumar Balyan by a margin of 102 votes after 25 rounds of counting. This outcome not only confirmed Rudy’s leadership position within the CCI but also highlighted the internal divisions within the party, given that both candidates were seasoned leaders. His victory ensures continuity in the administration of this prestigious club, which serves as a significant platform for political and bipartisan engagement in India.

The Bihar government has taken a significant step to honor the contributions of political prisoners jailed during the Emergency by doubling the pension under the JP Senani Scheme. Those imprisoned for 1 to 6 months will now receive ₹15,000, up from ₹7,500, while those jailed for over 6 months will get ₹30,000, compared to the earlier ₹15,000. Additionally, the government has also increased the honorarium for Booth Level Officers (BLOs), reflecting its commitment to welfare measures. This move not only recognises historical sacrifices but also strengthens the state’s social support system for beneficiaries.

Nelco Limited, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, has partnered with Eutelsat to introduce OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services in India. This collaboration is a significant step in enhancing connectivity solutions, especially in areas where traditional networks are weak or unavailable. The service will cover the entire Indian landmass, territorial waters, maritime routes, and aerial corridors, making it crucial for industries such as aviation, shipping, defence, and rural communication. By leveraging advanced satellite technology, Nelco and Eutelsat aim to bridge India’s digital divide and support the nation’s growing demand for reliable, high-speed internet access.