Context: The Republic of Moldova has officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), becoming its 107th member country. Key Highlights: About the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Key Focus Areas of ISA
Cloudburst
Context: The recent tragic cloudburst in Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand), which devastated the village of Dharali and surrounding areas, is a stark reminder of how climate change is intensifying natural disasters in India. What is a Cloudburst? A cloudburst is an extremely intense rainfall event over a small area within a short duration. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), it is defined as rainfall exceeding 100 mm per hour across an area of 20–30 sq km. However, a 2023 study by IIT Jammu and the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) redefined this as rainfall of 100–250 mm/hour concentrated in just 1 sq km, making it one of the most hyper-local and destructive meteorological phenomena. Why Are Himalayan Regions More Vulnerable? Scientific Causes and Climate Link Impacts of Cloudbursts Challenges in Forecasting Cloudbursts IE
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 5 August, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz5 August, 2025 National Affairs 1. Matri Van Initiative Context: Union Ministers of Environment launched the ‘Matri Van’ initiative in Gurugram as part of the broader environmental movement ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. About Matri Van Initiative A 750-acre theme-based urban forest project being developed in the Aravalli Hills, Gurugram (Haryana), under the Union Ministry of Environment. Objective Key Features News on Air 2. India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2024 Context: NITI Aayog has launched the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2024, India’s first national-level benchmarking tool to assess the performance of States and UTs in transitioning to electric mobility. About India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) A composite index developed by NITI Aayog to score all States/UTs on a 0–100 scale based on their progress in EV adoption, infrastructure development, and innovation ecosystems. Objective Evaluation Criteria IEMI evaluates performance on 16 indicators under 3 major pillars: Top Performing States/UTs: National Trends: Significance of IEMI PIB 3. PAN 2.0 Project Context: The Income Tax Department has awarded LTIMindtree Ltd the contract for upgrading India’s PAN and TAN management infrastructure under the PAN 2.0 Project, a significant leap in digitizing public tax services. The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in November 2024 and aligns with the Digital India mission. What is PAN 2.0? PAN 2.0 is a next-generation technology upgrade that will modernize and secure the issuance, management, and grievance redressal systems for: Key Features and Objectives Mint 4. Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Index 2025 Context: Bengaluru has been ranked 26th globally in the Global AI City Index 2025, making it the top-ranked city in India for AI research, innovation, and data centre development. About Global AI City Index 2025 Key Highlights: Top 5 Global AI Cities (2025) Banking/Finance 1. Phygital Banking in India Context: Banks are adapting to a hybrid “phygital” model to serve both urban and underserved rural customers effectively. This trend reflects a strategic balance between physical expansion and tech-driven optimization. What is Phygital Banking? Phygital Banking is a blended model that combines the physical presence of traditional banking (branches, ATMs, in-person services) with digital banking (mobile apps, internet banking, UPI, chatbots). It aims to deliver a seamless, efficient, and personalized customer experience by integrating the best of both physical and digital worlds. Key Components of Phygital Banking Pros of Phygital Banking in India Cons of Phygital Banking in India Examples of Phygital Initiatives in India TH 2. SEBI Proposes Turnover-Based Framework for Related Party Transactions (RPTs) Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a consultation paper proposing turnover-based thresholds for determining material Related Party Transactions (RPTs). The move aims to ease compliance for large listed entities while ensuring transparency and shareholder protection. What is Related Party Transactions (RPTs)? Related Party Transactions (RPTs) are transactions between a company and parties that have a pre-existing relationship with it, such as promoters, subsidiaries, key managerial personnel (KMP), or close family members of these individuals. Examples Material Related Party Transactions (Material RPTs) Material RPTs are those transactions between a company and its related parties that cross a specified monetary threshold, making them significant enough to require stricter regulatory scrutiny and mandatory shareholder approval. Current Rule SEBI’s Proposed Turnover-Based Materiality Thresholds: Company Turnover Proposed RPT Materiality Threshold Up to ₹20,000 crore 10% of annual turnover ₹20,001–₹40,000 crore ₹2,000 crore + 5% of amount exceeding ₹20,000 crore Above ₹40,000 crore ₹3,000 crore + 2.5% of amount exceeding ₹40,000 crore OR ₹5,000 crore (whichever is lower) Purpose of Regulating Material RPTs BS 3. Irdai Imposes Penalty on Policybazaar for Regulatory Violations Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has imposed a ₹5 crore fine on Policybazaar Insurance Brokers for multiple regulatory violations, marking one of the more serious enforcement actions in the online insurance space. Key Regulatory Violations IRDAI Guidelines Violated BS Agriculture 1. Shifts in India’s Pesticide Market Context: India’s pesticide market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changing pest profiles, labour shortages, evolving cropping patterns, and environmental concerns. Herbicide use is growing rapidly, signalling a shift from traditional insecticide-centric use to labour-saving, weed-control strategies. Types of Crop Protection Chemicals Pesticides, also known as crop protection chemicals, are classified into: While pesticide use in India remained low till the mid-20th century, the Green Revolution catalyzed its expansion. Regulatory bans (e.g., DDT, endosulfan) and rising labour costs have further influenced the market in recent decades. Composition of India’s Crop Protection Market Herbicides are the fastest-growing segment due to mechanisation needs and labour substitution. Growth Drivers for Herbicide Use in India Regulatory Framework Government Initiatives Promoting Sustainable Pesticide Use Key Concerns Way Forward The Indian Express 2. Ethanol Blending in India Context: India has successfully achieved its E20 target 20% ethanol blended with petrol by early 2025, well ahead of its 2025–26 target. This milestone under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme marks a significant stride towards cleaner fuels and energy self-reliance. However, it has also raised technical, consumer, and infrastructural concerns that merit urgent attention. What is Ethanol Blending? Ethanol blending involves mixing ethanol, a biofuel derived from biomass (sugarcane, maize, rice, etc.), with petrol in varying proportions—such as E10 (10%), E20 (20%), or higher blends. Advantages India’s Ethanol Blending Journey Supporting Policy Framework Technical and Environmental Concerns Systemic Gaps BS Facts To Remember 1. Shibu Soren, key tribal voice and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, dies aged 81 Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) co-founder Shibu Soren popularly known as “Dishom Guru” passed away in Delhi. He was 81. 2. Largest Asian tortoise back in Nagaland community reserve The critically endangered Asian giant tortoise, the largest in mainland Asia, has been reintroduced into the Zeliang Community Reserve in Nagaland’s Peren. 3. PM’s Pariksha Pe Charcha sets Guinness World Record Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Jitin Prasada received the Guinness World Record for the latest edition of “Pariksha Pe Charcha”, an annual event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 4. TN, Karnataka teams win freestyle
Ethanol Blending in India
Context: India has successfully achieved its E20 target 20% ethanol blended with petrol by early 2025, well ahead of its 2025–26 target. This milestone under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme marks a significant stride towards cleaner fuels and energy self-reliance. However, it has also raised technical, consumer, and infrastructural concerns that merit urgent attention. What is Ethanol Blending? Ethanol blending involves mixing ethanol, a biofuel derived from biomass (sugarcane, maize, rice, etc.), with petrol in varying proportions—such as E10 (10%), E20 (20%), or higher blends. Advantages India’s Ethanol Blending Journey Supporting Policy Framework Technical and Environmental Concerns Systemic Gaps BS
Shifts in India’s Pesticide Market
Context: India’s pesticide market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changing pest profiles, labour shortages, evolving cropping patterns, and environmental concerns. Herbicide use is growing rapidly, signalling a shift from traditional insecticide-centric use to labour-saving, weed-control strategies. Types of Crop Protection Chemicals Pesticides, also known as crop protection chemicals, are classified into: While pesticide use in India remained low till the mid-20th century, the Green Revolution catalyzed its expansion. Regulatory bans (e.g., DDT, endosulfan) and rising labour costs have further influenced the market in recent decades. Composition of India’s Crop Protection Market Herbicides are the fastest-growing segment due to mechanisation needs and labour substitution. Growth Drivers for Herbicide Use in India Regulatory Framework Government Initiatives Promoting Sustainable Pesticide Use Key Concerns Way Forward The Indian Express
Irdai Imposes Penalty on Policybazaar for Regulatory Violations
Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has imposed a ₹5 crore fine on Policybazaar Insurance Brokers for multiple regulatory violations, marking one of the more serious enforcement actions in the online insurance space. Key Regulatory Violations IRDAI Guidelines Violated BS
SEBI Proposes Turnover-Based Framework for Related Party Transactions (RPTs)
Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a consultation paper proposing turnover-based thresholds for determining material Related Party Transactions (RPTs). The move aims to ease compliance for large listed entities while ensuring transparency and shareholder protection. What is Related Party Transactions (RPTs)? Related Party Transactions (RPTs) are transactions between a company and parties that have a pre-existing relationship with it, such as promoters, subsidiaries, key managerial personnel (KMP), or close family members of these individuals. Examples Material Related Party Transactions (Material RPTs) Material RPTs are those transactions between a company and its related parties that cross a specified monetary threshold, making them significant enough to require stricter regulatory scrutiny and mandatory shareholder approval. Current Rule SEBI’s Proposed Turnover-Based Materiality Thresholds: Company Turnover Proposed RPT Materiality Threshold Up to ₹20,000 crore 10% of annual turnover ₹20,001–₹40,000 crore ₹2,000 crore + 5% of amount exceeding ₹20,000 crore Above ₹40,000 crore ₹3,000 crore + 2.5% of amount exceeding ₹40,000 crore OR ₹5,000 crore (whichever is lower) Purpose of Regulating Material RPTs BS
Phygital Banking in India
Context: Banks are adapting to a hybrid “phygital” model to serve both urban and underserved rural customers effectively. This trend reflects a strategic balance between physical expansion and tech-driven optimization. What is Phygital Banking? Phygital Banking is a blended model that combines the physical presence of traditional banking (branches, ATMs, in-person services) with digital banking (mobile apps, internet banking, UPI, chatbots). It aims to deliver a seamless, efficient, and personalized customer experience by integrating the best of both physical and digital worlds. Key Components of Phygital Banking Pros of Phygital Banking in India Cons of Phygital Banking in India Examples of Phygital Initiatives in India TH
PAN 2.0 Project
Context: The Income Tax Department has awarded LTIMindtree Ltd the contract for upgrading India’s PAN and TAN management infrastructure under the PAN 2.0 Project, a significant leap in digitizing public tax services. The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in November 2024 and aligns with the Digital India mission. What is PAN 2.0? PAN 2.0 is a next-generation technology upgrade that will modernize and secure the issuance, management, and grievance redressal systems for: Key Features and Objectives Mint
Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Index 2025
Context: Bengaluru has been ranked 26th globally in the Global AI City Index 2025, making it the top-ranked city in India for AI research, innovation, and data centre development. About Global AI City Index 2025 Key Highlights: Top 5 Global AI Cities (2025)
