Current Affairs - August 20, 2025 Current Affairs

TikTok has collaborated with the Nepal Tourism Board to promote tourism by showcasing the country’s cultural richness and natural beauty. The campaign will be driven by local as well as international creators, who will share short-form videos highlighting Nepal’s must-see attractions and unexplored destinations. Running through 2025, the initiative will also feature a dedicated #VisitNepal in-app experience, designed to engage global audiences. This partnership reflects a modern approach to tourism promotion, leveraging the wide reach of social media platforms like TikTok to boost international visibility and attract more travelers to Nepal.

India has approved the purchase of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets under a ₹62,000 crore deal, marking a major step towards strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This order comes in addition to an earlier purchase of 83 jets, bringing the total number of Tejas Mark 1A aircraft ordered to 180. The new fleet will replace the ageing MiG-21s, enhancing the IAF’s operational capabilities with modern avionics, advanced radar, and electronic warfare systems. With 65% indigenous content, the deal boosts the Make in India mission, supports HAL, creates jobs, and strengthens India’s defence exports potential.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act was originally enacted in 1957 as the primary legislation to regulate the mining sector in India. Its purpose was to provide a legal framework for the development, control, and regulation of mines and minerals. Over the years, it has been amended multiple times to suit changing industrial needs and economic conditions. The 2025 Amendment introduced significant updates such as provisions for leaseholders to include additional minerals, and the establishment of the National Mineral Exploration Trust to enhance mineral exploration and development across the country.

Varanasi became the first city in India to have a portable solar panel system installed between railway tracks. The project was commissioned at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) by Indian Railways as part of its sustainability drive. The system spans 70 metres, consisting of 28 solar panels capable of generating 15 kWp of power. Unlike fixed systems, this arrangement is removable and offers operational flexibility, marking a significant step toward green energy in the transport sector. This innovation reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy solutions in everyday infrastructure.

A total of 34 Indian students were flagged off to take part in the Sakura Science Programme 2025 held in Japan. This initiative, launched in 2014 by Japan and joined by India in 2016, is organised by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). The programme encourages international youth exchange in science and technology, fostering collaboration and mutual learning among young participants. Apart from India, countries such as Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, and other Asian nations are also part of this initiative, making it a significant platform for global scientific cooperation and cultural exchange.

The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has launched a new Medical Application Portal specifically designed for laboratories applying under ISO 15189:2022. This standard is globally recognised for defining quality and competence requirements in medical laboratories, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and safety in diagnostic testing. The digital portal simplifies application processes, offers real-time status tracking, and introduces multi-user access for better accountability. By streamlining accreditation procedures, it aims to enhance India’s healthcare infrastructure, reduce human errors, and speed up approvals. Accreditation under ISO 15189:2022 strengthens trust in diagnostic services, making it critical for patient safety and effective healthcare delivery.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, approving the establishment of IIM Guwahati in Assam with a central financial grant of ₹550 crore. This move is significant as it brings premier management education to the Northeast, addressing a long-standing regional demand. Guwahati, already a key educational and economic hub, will now host one of India’s most prestigious institutions, thereby fostering inclusive growth, attracting talent, and boosting local development. IIM Guwahati is expected to strengthen higher education infrastructure, encourage entrepreneurship, create jobs, and integrate the Northeast more effectively into India’s academic and economic framework.

The Press Sewa portal was launched by the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI) to simplify and streamline the registration process for newspapers and periodicals. This initiative focuses on enhancing transparency, reducing delays in approvals, and improving the overall ease of doing business for publishers. Additionally, sessions like Vartalap, organised by PIB Hyderabad, were conducted to address publishers’ queries and provide them with clear guidance. By adopting digital solutions like Press Sewa, the government aims to modernise the media regulatory framework, ensuring efficient service delivery and strengthening trust between regulatory authorities and publishers.

World Mosquito Day is observed annually on August 20 to highlight the dangers of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, and Zika virus. The day commemorates the groundbreaking discovery by Sir Ronald Ross in 1897 that malaria is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. This finding transformed the global approach to disease prevention and control. Despite advancements, mosquito-borne illnesses still cause widespread health issues, especially during monsoon seasons in regions like India. The observance emphasises prevention, awareness, community participation, and global cooperation to reduce the burden of these diseases.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Airports Authority of India’s proposal to develop a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi in Rajasthan with an investment of ₹1,507 crore. Kota, widely recognised as the industrial capital of Rajasthan and a global hub for educational coaching, has seen rising demand for better transport infrastructure. The new airport will feature a modern terminal, a longer runway capable of handling larger aircraft like the A-321, and facilities to serve up to 2 million passengers annually. This project will strengthen connectivity, boost industrial and educational growth, generate employment, and accelerate regional economic development.

The Cabinet has approved the construction of a 6-lane access-controlled Capital Region Ring Road in Odisha at a cost of ₹8,307.74 crore. This project includes the Bhubaneswar Bypass, which is designed to divert heavy commercial traffic away from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Khordha. By reducing congestion in these key urban areas, the road will significantly enhance freight movement efficiency and lower logistics costs. Furthermore, the project is expected to stimulate socio-economic growth across the region, improve connectivity, and create opportunities for trade and industry, making it a transformative step for Odisha’s infrastructure development.