Daily Current Affairs (30 – Aug – 25)

Daily Current Affairs (30 – Aug – 25)

1. Samudrayaan Project –

• Two Indian aquanauts dived into the Atlantic Ocean aboard France’s submersible Nautile as part of preparations for the Samudrayaan Project.

What is the Samudrayaan Project ?

• About: Samudrayaan is India’s first human deep-sea mission. It is a key component of the Deep Ocean Mission.
• The project aims to send three humans in a manned submersible (Matsya-6000) to a depth of 6,000 metres in the ocean by 2027.
• It will strengthen India’s strategic position by joining the select group of countries (US, Russia, China, Japan, France) with manned deep-sea capability.
• Key Objectives:Develop technologies for deep-sea mining, submersibles, and ocean robotics.
• Conduct surveys for mineral deposits, especially polymetallic nodules (containing iron, manganese, cobalt, nickel, rare earths).
• Matsya-6000:It is India’s first self-propelled manned submersible. It is made of titanium-alloy in a spherical shape and can carry three aquanauts for 12 hours, with the capability to sustain them for up to 96 hours in emergencies.
• It is expected to withstand an external pressure up to 600bar under low temperature conditions of -3°C.
• It is equipped with life-support, acoustic communication, Li-Po batteries, drop-weight escape, and bio-vests for crew health monitoring.
• The development of MATSYA 6000 is a collaboration between the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of ISRO.

2. India–Japan Annual Summit 2025 –

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan (Aug 29–30, 2025) marks the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit, focusing on security, economy, energy, and digital cooperation.

Key Areas of Discussion on the Table

• Upgradation of Security Cooperation: India and Japan plan to revise the 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation.
• This reflects changing regional realities, with emphasis on defence technology transfer, maritime security, and Indo-Pacific stability.
• Economic Security Initiative:Launch of a new initiative covering semiconductors, AI, telecommunication, critical minerals, and clean energy.
• Visit to Sendai (Japan’s semiconductor hub) highlights the focus on technology-led growth and resilient supply chains.

Enhanced Japanese Investments in India

• Original target:¥5 trillion (~$34 billion) investment (by 2026) already achieved in 2025.
• New target:¥7–10 trillion (~$68 billion) over the next decade.
• Focus sectors: Infrastructure, manufacturing, mobility, and green energy.

3. India’s Forex Reserves Dip $4.38 Billion to $690.72B –

• India’s foreign exchange reserves registered a decline of $4.38 billion, slipping to $690.72 billion for the week ending August 22, 2025, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The fall comes after a recent surge in reserves, which had touched a record high of $704.88 billion in September 2024.

Breakdown of Reserve Components

1. Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs) 

• The largest component of reserves, FCAs dropped by $3.65 billion, settling at $582.25 billion.
• FCA values are influenced not just by dollar holdings, but also by movements in other major currencies like the euro, pound, and yen.

2. Gold Reserves 

• Increased by $665 million, standing at $66.58 billion during the reporting week.
• The rise indicates continued diversification into gold as a safe-haven asset.

3. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)

• Declined by $46 million, now at $18.73 billion.

4. IMF Reserve Position

• Marginally reduced by $23 million, down to $4.73 billion.

4. India’s Economy Grows Robust 7.8% in Q1 FY26 –

• India’s economy surged ahead in the first quarter of FY 2025-26 (April–June), clocking a robust 7.8% GDP growth, according to official data released by the Ministry of Statistics. This impressive performance not only beat market and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expectations but also marked a clear acceleration from the 6.5% growth recorded in Q1 FY25. The growth signals strong macroeconomic fundamentals, even amid global economic

Sector-wise Growth Drivers

Agriculture Recovery Leads the Upswing

• The agriculture sector—long a bellwether for rural demand—rebounded sharply, growing 3.7% compared to 1.5% in the same period last year. This revival is attributed to an above-normal southwest monsoon and improved crop output stability, reversing the previous year’s erratic performance.

Manufacturing and Construction Rebound

• Manufacturing expanded by 7.7%, indicating rising industrial activity and demand.
• The construction sector followed closely with 7.6% growth, reflecting continuing momentum in infrastructure and housing projects.

Services Sector: The Growth Leader

• The services sector—which accounts for over half of India’s GDP—grew by a strong 9.3%, compared to 6.8% in Q1 FY25. Growth in trade, transport, hospitality, and financial services.

5. Reliance to Build Solar Project Three Times the Size of Singapore –

• Reliance Industries has announced a transformative energy plan to make Jamnagar and Kutch in Gujarat global centres for clean energy production. At the 48th Annual General Meeting, Anant Ambani, Director of Reliance New Energy, showcased the company’s massive infrastructure and technology push in solar, battery storage, and hydrogen. These developments promise to redefine India’s position in the global green energy economy.

Jamnagar: World’s Largest Integrated Energy Complex

• A Giga Energy Marvel in the Making
• The upcoming Dhirubhai Ambani Giga Energy Complex in Jamnagar is being built on an unprecedented scale. It includes gigafactories for solar panels, green hydrogen, battery storage, and electrolyser production, all within one complex. The project features,
• 44 million sq ft of construction area
• 7 lakh tonnes of steel – equivalent to 100 Eiffel Towers
• 4 million cubic metres of concrete
• 1 lakh kilometres of cable – enough to reach the moon and back
• Workforce peaking at 50,000

MCQ Quiz

Q1. Matsya Shakti Project is associated with which sector ?

1. a) Textile industry
2. b) Solar Energy
3. c) Horticulture
4. d) Fisheries and Aquaculture

Q2. Which city has reported a surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in August 2025 ?

1. a) Jerusalem
2. b) Gaza
3. c) Tehran
4. d) Damascus

Q3. Vibrant Villages Programme is implemented by which ministry ?

1. a) Ministry of Rural Development
2. b) Ministry of Home Affairs
3. c) Ministry of Finance
4. d) Ministry of Urban Development

Q4. India and Japan are both members of which of the following multilateral initiatives ?

1. Quad
2. International Solar Alliance (ISA)
3. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
4. Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)

Select the correct answer using the code below:

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 1, 2 and 4 only
3. c) 1, 3 and 4 only
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• India and Japan collaborate in all listed platforms:
• The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)
  The Quad is a strategic forum of the US, Japan, India, and Australia focused on a free, open Indo-Pacific. Revived in 2017, it counters China’s regional influence and promotes rule-based order. Its scope includes joint military exercises, vaccine partnerships, climate change, technology, and supply chain resilience, supporting India’s “Act East” policy.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA)
  Co-founded by India and France in 2015, the ISA promotes global solar energy use. Headquartered in Gurugram, it aims to mobilize $1 trillion in investments by 2030. Programs focus on solar agriculture, mini-grids, rooftop solar, and affordable finance.
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
  Launched by India in 2019, the CDRI enhances infrastructure resilience to climate and disaster risks. Based in New Delhi, it includes governments, UN bodies, and banks. Initiatives like IRIS and IRAF support vulnerable nations and climate-proof development.
• Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)
  Formed by India, Japan, and Australia in 2021, the SCRI strengthens Indo-Pacific supply chains by diversifying trade, reducing over-reliance on China, and boosting digital integration.

Q5. Consider the following statements about over-the-counter (OTC)  medicines:

1. They are available without a prescription.
2. They are designed to treat minor health issues.
3. They are safe and free of any risks regardless of usage.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 2 and 3 only
3. c) 1 and 3 only
4. d) All of the above

Explanation-

• Statement 1: True. By definition, OTC medicines do not require a prescription and are easily available for purchase.
• Statement 2: True. OTC drugs are meant for common, minor ailments like pain, cold, allergies, and digestive issues.
• Statement 3: False. While OTC drugs are generally safe, they are not free of risks. The recent study shows hidden dangers, such as contributing to antibiotic resistance, especially if misused or combined with other drugs.