Current Affairs - August 28, 2025 Current Affairs

South Korea has enacted a new law that prohibits the use of mobile phones in classrooms beginning in March 2026. The measure is designed to address rising concerns over youth social media addiction and its negative impact on academic performance and mental well being. With nearly all citizens connected digitally, the country faces increasing challenges related to overexposure among students, including anxiety and sleep disruption. By formalising previously informal rules at a national level, the legislation applies across primary, middle, and high schools, with exceptions only for students with disabilities or educational purposes, marking a major step toward healthier learning environments.

World Lake Day is observed annually on August 27 to highlight the importance of conserving and sustainably managing lakes, which are crucial freshwater ecosystems. Lakes provide drinking water, support agriculture and industry, and are home to diverse species that sustain ecological balance. They also play a vital role in regulating climate, acting as carbon sinks, and mitigating extreme weather impacts. Economically, they support fisheries, tourism, and livelihoods. However, lakes worldwide face threats from pollution, climate change, and unsustainable practices. By designating August 27 as World Lake Day, the UN encourages global awareness, cooperation, and restoration efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.

J&K Bank has appointed veteran banker S Krishnan as its new non-executive chairman, with the appointment valid until March 2028 pending RBI approval. With over 40 years of experience in the banking sector, Krishnan has previously served as the Managing Director & CEO of Punjab & Sind Bank and Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, and is currently an Independent Director on the J&K Bank board. His extensive expertise in governance, compliance, and financial inclusion makes him a strategic choice to strengthen J&K Bank’s oversight and align with national banking standards, while also boosting investor confidence during its ongoing reforms.

SpaceX achieved a significant milestone by completing its 10th successful test launch of the Starship vehicle from its Starbase facility in Texas. This fully reusable two stage launch system, comprising the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage, demonstrated controlled splashdowns, re-ignition in space, and payload deployment with Starlink simulators. These advancements strengthen SpaceX’s vision of sustainable, affordable space travel and are critical for future deep space missions. The test provided valuable data for NASA’s Artemis III lunar mission scheduled in 2027, highlighting Starship’s role as the designated lunar lander and paving the way for future Moon and Mars exploration.

India is projected to become the world’s second largest economy in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms by 2038, with an estimated GDP of USD 34.2 trillion. This milestone will be driven by multiple factors including a youthful demographic profile, strong domestic demand, and high savings rates that fuel capital formation. Additionally, India’s declining debt-to-GDP ratio, coupled with structural reforms such as GST, IBC, UPI-led financial inclusion, and production-linked incentives, will support sustainable growth. Investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and emerging technologies further strengthen this trajectory, positioning India as a global growth engine and a key player in the future economic landscape.

The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring of the PM SVANidhi Scheme and extended its lending operations till 31 March 2030. This extension provides a longer financial window for street vendors and small businesses to access affordable credit. With a total outlay of ₹7,332 crore, the scheme also introduces features like UPI-linked RuPay Credit Cards for eligible beneficiaries and digital cashback incentives to promote digital transactions. Additionally, coverage is widened beyond statutory towns to include census towns and peri-urban areas, thereby ensuring greater inclusivity and long term support for grassroots entrepreneurship.

India’s trade with Africa reached a historic milestone of over USD 100 billion in 2024–25, reflecting deepening economic and strategic ties between the two regions. This achievement nearly doubles the USD 56 billion recorded in 2019–20, underscoring rapid growth in commerce and investment. India has invested more than USD 75 billion in Africa since 1996, positioning itself among the continent’s top five investors. Beyond trade, India has extended concessional loans, grant aid, and thousands of scholarships to African students. These efforts, coupled with collaboration in renewable energy and disaster resilient infrastructure, showcase a strong and expanding partnership rooted in mutual development.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) inaugurated its first startup focused branch in New Delhi to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. The branch has been set up under the framework of the Startup India initiative, which promotes the growth of startups across the country. This specialised branch aims to offer comprehensive financial solutions, tailored banking facilities, and advisory services for entrepreneurs. By situating it in the national capital, PNB intends to provide easier access to resources, credit, and financial support, strengthening the startup ecosystem and contributing to the growth of emerging businesses in India.

India will be sending over 700 troops to Egypt for ‘Exercise Bright Star 2025,’ one of the largest multilateral military exercises in the Middle East and North Africa. Initially launched in 1980 as a bilateral drill between Egypt and the United States, Bright Star has since grown into a major tri-service exercise involving multiple nations. India’s participation, with personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, will focus on integrated drills, live firing, cyber warfare modules, and command post exercises. This deployment enhances India’s defence diplomacy, boosts interoperability with global partners, and underscores its commitment to regional peace and stability.

The National Designated Authority (NDA) for carbon markets has been constituted with 21 members as a statutory body under the Environment Ministry. It is chaired by the Environment Secretary and includes representatives from key ministries like External Affairs, Steel, Renewable Energy, Power, and NITI Aayog. The creation of this 21-member body is a mandatory step under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which was further finalised at COP29 in Baku (2024). The NDA will serve as the nodal regulator, overseeing India’s participation and compliance in global carbon markets.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) partnered with the Maharashtra Water Resources Department through an MoU to restore the Ujani reservoir wetland. Located on the Bhima river in western Maharashtra, this man made wetland at Bhigwan is an important ecological zone. It has been recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) under the Central Asian Flyway, serving as a crucial habitat for migratory birds. Apart from ecological importance, the wetland also plays a vital role in supporting agriculture, hydropower generation, drinking water supply, and fisheries in the region, making its restoration a priority for sustainable development.