Daily Current Affairs (27 – Aug – 25)

Daily Current Affairs  (27 – Aug – 25)

1. Nepal Enters the International Big Cat Alliance –

• Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• About: IBCA is an India-led global multi-country, multi-agency coalition of more than 90 big cat range and non-range countries dedicated to conserving 7 big cat species and their habitats.
• It was proposed by the Prime Minister of India in 2019, officially launched in April 2023 (Mysuru, Karnataka) on the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.
• Founding Members (16): India, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Kenya, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Peru, Suriname, & Uganda.
• Focus Species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma.
• India hosts 5 of the 7 (Puma and Jaguar are not found in India).
• Objective:To curb illegal wildlife trade, conserve natural habitats, mobilise financial and technical resources, mitigate climate change impacts on big cats.
• Governance:Modelled on the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and comprises an Assembly of Members as the main decision-making body, a Standing Committee for policy execution, and a Secretariat based in India (New Delhi).

2. Green Hydrogen –

• A new report has positioned India as a potential global leader in the green hydrogen economy, with the capacity to capture 10% of the worldwide
  market and export 10 million tonnes annually by 2030.

What is Green Hydrogen (GH2)? 

• About:Green Hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced through electrolysis, where renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydro are used to split water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂).
• It can also be produced via biomass gasification, a process that converts biomass into hydrogen-rich gas.
• Applications:Its uses include a wide range of applications such as Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), aviation and maritime transport, and various industrial sectors like fertilizers, refineries, and steel.
• It also holds potential in road and rail transport, shipping, and power generation.
• India’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions:Through policies like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme, and development of Green Hydrogen Hubs at Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin, India MAPS its Green Hydrogen Ambitions as follows:
• M – Market Leadership: Capture 10% of the global GH2 market by 2030, projected to cross 100 MMT.
• A – Abatement of Emissions: Enable ~50 MMT CO₂ reduction annually, aligning with India’s NDC and net-zero goals.
• P – Powering Production: Develop 5 MMT per annum of GH2 production capacity by 2030.
• E – Employment Creation: Generate 6 lakh+ green jobs across the GH2 value chain, from R&D to production, storage, and export. 

3. Onam 2025 Begins with a Grand Athachamayam Procession in Kerala –

• Kerala’s most celebrated festival, Onam, began on a grand and colourful note in Tripunithura with the traditional Athachamayam procession, a ceremonial curtain-raiser to the state’s 10-day harvest festival. With bright sunshine, vibrant performances, and enthusiastic crowds, Onam 2025 promises a celebration that blends deep-rooted tradition with dynamic modern flair.

The Grandeur of Athachamayam 2025

Historic and Cultural Backdrop

• Held in Tripunithura, the former royal seat of the Kochi kingdom, Athachamayam has always been a symbol of Kerala’s cultural unity and royal heritage. The 2025 edition was notably enhanced by pleasant weather, in contrast to the rain-soaked inaugurations of previous years.
• Thousands gathered on both sides of the road to witness a colourful convergence of folk traditions, classical arts, and social commentary—all packed into one grand parade.

4. Personal Income Tax Collection Crosses Corporate Tax for the First Time in India –

• In a historic shift in India’s tax structure, personal income tax (PIT) collections have exceeded corporate tax collections for the first time, as per a report by JM Financial Institutional Securities. This milestone signals a deep transformation in India’s direct tax architecture, spurred by digitisation, economic formalisation, and rising individual compliance.

Changing Composition of Direct Taxes

• Shift in Tax Contribution Patterns
• Between FY14 and FY24, the share of personal income tax in total direct taxes surged from 38.1% to 53.4%, while the corporate tax share declined from 61.9% to 46.6%. This reversal highlights,
• A broadening tax base among individuals.
• Greater transparency and monitoring of personal income.
• Improved tracking of undeclared and informal earnings.
• This shift also reflects India’s transition towards a more formalised, salary-based economy.

5. India-Africa Trade Crosses USD 100 Billion in 2024–25 –

• India and Africa have marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh announced that India-Africa trade has crossed USD 100 billion in the financial year 2024–25, nearly doubling from USD 56 billion in 2019–20. This robust growth cements India’s position as a top-five investor in Africa and signals a strategic pivot toward deeper collaboration and mutual development.

A Decade of Expanding Economic Ties

Trade and Investment Growth

• India’s trade engagement with Africa has witnessed a dramatic surge,
• Bilateral trade reached USD 100 billion in 2024–25, compared to USD 56 billion in 2019–20.
• Cumulative Indian investments in Africa stood at over USD 75 billion between 1996 and 2024, placing India among the top five investors on the continent.
• This trade and investment boost reflects not just transactional growth but also a strong foundation of trust, cooperation, and shared developmental goals.

MCQ Quiz

Q1. National Youth Award is an initiative of which ministry ?

1. a) Ministry of Home Affairs
2. b) Ministry of Science and Technology
3. c) Ministry of Urban Development
4. d) Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

Q2. Exercise Maitree is a joint military drill between India and which country ?

1. a) Thailand
2. b) Japan
3. c) Australia
4. d) Vietnam

Q3. What is “INS Kadmatt” that was recently seen in news ?

1. a) Kiev class aircraft carrier
2. b) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
3. c) Stealth multi role frigate
4. d) Stealth anti-submarine warfare corvette

Q4. Which of the following correctly match the big cat with its IUCN Red List status ?

1. a) Tiger – Vulnerable
2. b) Snow Leopard – Endangered
3. c) Jaguar – Near Threatened
4. d) Puma – Endangered

Explanation-

• Correct IUCN status
• Tiger– Endangered
• Snow Leopard – Vulnerable
• Jaguar– Near Threatened
• Puma – Least Concern
• Only the Jaguar–Near Threatened pairing is correct.

Q5. Which of the following rivers form the international boundary between India and Bangladesh near the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve ?

1. a) Ganga, Teesta, Matla
2. b) Harinbhanga, Raimangal, Kalindi
3. c) Hooghly, Subarnarekha, Ichamati
4. d) Brahmaputra, Barak, Matla

Explanation-

• Harinbhanga, Raimangal, Kalindi rivers mark theeastern boundary of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, forming a natural international border with Bangladesh.