Top Current Affairs of the day for 14th August 2025

 

1. India marks this year’s Independence Day under the theme “Naya Bharat,” which is reflecting the nation’s progress toward Viksit Bharat by 2047. The government will celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor with featuring its emblem on invitations and decorations and involving cadets and My Bharat volunteers. Operation Sindoor was a precise tri-service strike on terrorist targets in Pakistan and PoK, symbolizing India’s resolve, indigenous defence strength, and unity in safeguarding citizens. The celebration reinforces pride, strategic depth, and aspirational nation-building.
2. Goa’s State Assembly recently revived calls to legalise dhirio or dhiri which is the traditional bullfight. Legislators from various parties argue it reflects Goan culture’s essence. The High Court banned dhirio in 1996 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Still, the sport persists underground. Authorities now formed special enforcement committees to prevent violations. The move aims to uphold animal welfare and public safety while legislators seek a regulated revival of this heritage sport.
3. Rajasthan launches India’s first drone-based artificial rain trial at Jaipur’s Ramgarh Dam. The Agriculture Department and GenX AI lead the experiment using 60 drones. These drones disperse seeding agents into moisture-laden clouds to induce rainfall. The initiative replaces older aircraft-based cloud seeding methods. Scientists secured approvals from DGCA, IMD, and local authorities. The trial aims to recharge Ramgarh Dam and address regional water scarcity with advanced cloud-seeding technology.
4. The Muthuvan tribe held a community convention to preserve their language, culture, and traditional knowledge. Over 2,000 tribe members and 130 village heads (Kanis) attended the event. The gathering took place along the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border hills. They discussed safeguarding their dialects and animist traditions. The convention reinforced the Kani system and role of traditional elders. It highlighted the community’s resilience and urgent need for cultural conservation.
5. SBI imposes nominal IMPS fee on online transfers above ₹25,000 from August 15. Charges apply only via online channels as branch transfers remain unchanged. Transfer from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh will cost ₹2 plus GST. Transfers between ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh will cost ₹6 plus GST. Transfers from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh will cost ₹10 plus GST. Salary package and select account holders will remain exempt. Corporate IMPS charges will apply from September 8, 2025.
6. India and Singapore Strengthen Ties at Third Ministerial Roundtable. India hosted the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) in New Delhi on August 13, 2025, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman leading the Indian delegation alongside Ministers S. Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, and Ashwini Vaishnaw. Singapore’s team, led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and six key ministers, engaged in discussions to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation. The Roundtable also prepared the ground for Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s upcoming visit to India in early September.
7. Women-Led SHG from Karnataka Wins UN Biodiversity Award. The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group from Teertha village, Dharwad who won the UNDP Equator Initiative Award 2025. The award, often called the “biodiversity Nobel,” recognised its women-led efforts in sustainable farming and climate resilience. The SHG revives millet-based mixed cropping, maintains community seed banks, and runs solar-powered millet processing units across 30 villages. Serving over 5,000 farmers, the group boosts ecological restoration, food security, and women’s agripreneurship.
8.  India Supports Fiji’s Agriculture with Cowpea Seeds. India sent five metric tonnes of black-eyed cowpea seeds to Fiji as humanitarian assistance. The first tranche departed from Delhi under India’s Act East Policy. Cowpea seeds will boost agricultural production, improve soil fertility, and support livestock feed. This aid strengthens Fiji’s food security and resilience against climate vulnerabilities. The gesture reflects India’s growing role as a reliable development partner in the Indo-Pacific.
9. India’s Bid to Host the 2030 Commonwealth Games Gets Formal Approval. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games during its Special General Meeting in New Delhi. India had submitted an expression of interest earlier and must now deliver its final bid by August 31, 2025. Ahmedabad, with other cities like Delhi and Bhubaneswar, stands as a potential venue for the inclusive Games, which aim to feature both traditional and medal-rich sports. The Commonwealth Sport General Assembly will announce the host in November.
10. Parliament Approves National Sports Governance and Anti-Doping Bills to Strengthen Athlete Welfare. On August 12, 2025, the Rajya Sabha passed the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025. These bills aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and athlete welfare in India’s sports administration. The National Sports Governance Bill introduces a national board because of  to regulate sports bodies and establishes a mechanism for resolving disputes. The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill strengthens the autonomy of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and aligns India’s anti-doping regulations with international standards. Both bills now await presidential assent to become law.