Daily Current Affairs 25 August 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 25 August 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on Mohajer-10 Combat UAV, National Health Authority, ‘Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card‘.

Top 17 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 25 August 2023

International News

1.Iran Unveils Mohajer-10 Combat UAV, Claiming Extended Range, Payload

• In a significant event attended by senior Iranian officials, the Islamic Republic recently introduced its latest achievement in unmanned aerial technology – the Mohajer-10 drone. As reported by state media, this cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle boasts an impressive range of 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles).
• Mohajer-10 represents a remarkable advancement over its predecessor, the Mohajer-6 drone. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, this new iteration is designed to carry a payload of up to 300 kilograms, effectively doubling the capacity of its earlier version.
• The drone’s capabilities extend beyond its payload and range. Mohajer-10 is equipped with a fuel capacity of 450 liters, enabling it to achieve a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). This speed, combined with the drone’s remarkable endurance, allows it to remain airborne for an impressive 24 hours.

2.PM Modi first Indian prime minister to visit Greece in 40 years

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a landmark visit to Greece, marking a significant diplomatic milestone as he became the first Indian Prime Minister to set foot in the country in 40 years.
• As Prime Minister Modi arrived in the Greek capital of Athens, he was warmly greeted by the Indian community residing in Greece. A symbolic gesture of cultural exchange was presented as they gifted him with a traditional Greek headdress, symbolizing the bridging of cultures and the strong ties that the two nations share.
• During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is set to engage in crucial talks with his Greek counterpart, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The primary objective of these discussions is to further solidify the existing relationship between the two countries

National News

3.Finance Minister Launches HSBC India’s Green Hydrogen Partnerships

• In a significant step towards fostering innovation in the field of green hydrogen, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched strategic partnerships between HSBC India and prominent institutions, namely the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF).
• The collaboration, which comes with a substantial grant support totaling ₹15 crore ($2 million), marks a pivotal moment in advancing projects that prioritize green hydrogen as a strategic alternative fuel. These initiatives are poised to play a crucial role in building a resilient green-hydrogen economy.
• By focusing on technologies like green hydrogen, India is positioning itself as a leader in the global effort to transition towards low-carbon alternatives and attain self-reliance in energy production.

4.PM Modi gifts Bidri Surahi, Nagaland Shawl, and Gond Painting to BRICS leaders

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a three-day visit to South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS summit, presented special gifts to the organization’s leaders including South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, First Lady of South Africa Tshepo Motsepe, and Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
• PM Modi gifted Bidri a pair of ‘Surahi’ from Telangana to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Bidrivase is a purely Indian innovation of 500-year-old Persian, exclusive to Bidar
• The Prime Minister also gifted a Nagaland shawl to the First Lady of South Africa Tshepo Motsepe.In addition, PM Modi also gifted Gond Painting from Madhya Pradesh to the Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. These paintings are one of the most admired tribal art forms

State News

5.NHA Launches First ABDM Microsite In Mizoram

• Under the “100 Microsites” initiative, the National Health Authority (NHA) of India has unveiled the first Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Microsite in the capital city of Mizoram.
• Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram now stands as the first ABDM Microsite in India, setting an inspiring example for other regions to follow suit. This achievement showcases Mizoram’s commitment to advancing healthcare services and improving patient experiences through innovative digital solutions.
• ABDM Microsites hold immense potential to catalyze the digital transformation of healthcare delivery in India. Spearheaded by State Mission Directors of ABDM in collaboration with the NHA, these Microsites are designed to create a robust network of private healthcare providers.

6.Telangana Partners With UNESCO To Implement Recommendation On Ethics Of AI

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C) Department of the Government of Telangana have forged a pioneering partnership to infuse the Ethics of AI into the very essence of artificial intelligence systems.
• The alliance is focused on advocating for the ethical development and deployment of AI systems. This encompasses establishing guidelines and principles that prioritize the well-being of humanity, privacy, accountability, and fairness in AI technologies.
• This strategic partnership will contribute to UNESCO’s Global Observatory on AI Ethics. By sharing insights, research, and best practices, the collaboration will help shape a global framework for AI ethics, fostering a collaborative approach to responsible AI development.

Defence News

7.Naval Chiefs of India and Philippines Sign SOP for White Shipping Information Exchange

• Chief of the Naval Staff and Commandant of Philippine Coast Guard signed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for exchange of White Shipping Information on 23 August 2023.
• White shipping information refers to exchange of relevant advance information on the identity and movement of commercial non-military merchant vessels.
• The signing of the SOP between Philippine Coast Guard and Indian Navy would facilitate the operationalization of information exchange on merchant shipping traffic, which will contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.

Economy News

8.ICRA Forecasts India’s GDP Growth of 8.5% in Q1, 2023

• ICRA Ratings recently released a comprehensive report projecting a robust economic growth for India in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023 (FY24). This projected growth is attributed to multiple factors, including a supportive base effect and a notable recovery in the services sector.
• The report suggests that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to accelerate to 8.5% during the April-June period, a significant increase from the 6.1% growth rate witnessed in the preceding quarter (January-March).
• Although ICRA’s growth projection of 8.5% for Q1 FY24 is higher than the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) forecast of 8.1%, the report does highlight potential challenges in the second half of the fiscal year.

Banking News

9.HDFC Bank Launches India’s First Co-Branded Hotel Credit Card With Marriott

• In a groundbreaking collaboration, HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has partnered with Marriott Bonvoy, the acclaimed travel program by Marriott International, to unveil the ‘Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card‘.
• This pioneering co-branded hotel credit card, the first of its kind in India, operates on the esteemed Diners Club platform, a part of the Discover Global Network, and aspires to set new standards for rewarding travel cards in the country.
• Geared towards the preferences of the contemporary generation of travelers, the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card empowers cardholders to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible expenditures. These points can be redeemed across participating hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.

Business News

10.Microfinance Landscape Shift: Standalone MFIs Take Lead with 40% Microlending Share

• After a four-year interval, standalone Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) have reclaimed their dominant position in microlending, surpassing banks. This resurgence is attributed to their recovery from pandemic-induced setbacks and strategic efforts, with standalone MFIs now holding a 40% share of microfinance loans in the country.
• Standalone MFIs have shown remarkable growth, rebounding from a 32% share in FY20 to 40% in FY23. Banks, on the other hand, saw a decline in their microlending share from 44% in FY21 to 34% in FY23.
• The microfinance industry witnessed a robust 37% growth in FY23, driven by a favorable macroeconomic climate and renewed demand. This growth translated into higher disbursements and expansion of the microfinancing landscape.

11.BHEL Achieves Milestone in Curbing NOx Emissions: Indigenous SCR Catalysts Manufactured

• Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), a prominent state-owned engineering company, has successfully developed the first set of indigenous Selective Catalyst Reactors (SCR) Catalysts
• These catalysts play a crucial role in mitigating nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from thermal power plants. Previously reliant on imports, this achievement underscores the ‘Make in India’ initiative championed by the government.
• The inaugural batch of domestically manufactured SCR Catalysts has been set in motion for use at the Yadadri Thermal Power Station in Telangana, which boasts a substantial capacity of 5×800 MW. The flag-off event was presided over by Renuka Gera, Director of Industrial Systems & Products at BHEL.

Appointments News

12.Infosys Signs Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal As Ambassador For 3 Years

• Infosys announces a three-year partnership with global tennis icon Rafael Nadal, appointing him as the brand ambassador and the face of Infosys’ Digital Innovation.This partnership not only marks a milestone for Nadal but also signifies Infosys’ dedication to transforming the tennis landscape through cutting-edge technologies.
• At the heart of this collaboration lies the creation of a match analysis tool infused with the power of artificial intelligence. This personalized tool is set to offer real-time insights to Nadal’s coaching team, enabling them to simultaneously track data from his live matches during his return to the tour.
• Rafael Nadal, hailing from Spain, is one of the most prominent figures in the world of tennis. His remarkable achievements encompass an astounding 14 victories at the revered French Open and an unmatched tally of 22 Grand Slam titles in the men’s singles category.

Summits and Conferences News

13.B20 Summit India 2023

• The B20 (Business 20) Summit India 2023 is currently taking place in Delhi  with the theme Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, Equitable (R.A.I.S.E) Businesses. 
• It emphasized on responsible AI development and deployment, drawing parallels with past social media pitfalls and encouraged excitement about AI opportunities while acknowledging and addressing associated risks.
• It proposed the realignment of the global financial structure to support growth in the global South and identified priorities like Climate change, energy, biodiversity, and ocean pollution.

Ranks & Reports News

14.Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2023: Madhya Pradesh’s IT Hub Indore Secures First Rank

• The city of Indore has clinched the top spot in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan -2023 conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board, in the category of cities with a population exceeding 10 lakhs.
• Indore’s remarkable performance was underpinned by its impressive score of 187 out of 200, a testament to its robust and comprehensive measures for environmental preservation. Bhopal secured a respectable fifth position with a score of 181, while Jabalpur and Gwalior secured the 13th and 41st positions with scores of 172 and 114, respectively.
• Below are the top five positions among cities with a population exceeding 10 lakhs:
  

  Rank	Population Category	City
  1st	> 10 lakhs	Indore
  2nd	> 10 lakhs	Agra
  3rd	> 10 lakhs	Thane
  4th	> 10 lakhs	Srinagar
  5th	> 10 lakhs	Bhopal

Books and Authors News

15.PS Sreedharan Pillai Released Three New Books on Nature, Trees, and Geopolitics

• Goa governor PS Sreedharan Pillai released three books at a function held at the Raj Bhavan. His recently authored three new books namely ‘Heritage Trees of Goa’, ‘When Parallel Lines Meet’, and ‘Ente Priya Kavithakal‘ (‘My Dear Poems’ a collection of poems).
• West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose unveiled the book ‘Heritage Trees of Goa’ while Goa state minister for tourism Rohan Khaunte and Jnanpith winner Damodar Mauzo released two other books:  ‘When Parallel Lines Meet’ and ‘Ente Priya Kavitakal’.
• ‘Heritage Trees of Goa’ is a book that explores centuries-old heritage trees found in Goan villages and various places of worship, adding to the experience of ‘Goa Sampurna Yatra’. The second book, ‘When Parallel Lines Meet’, is a contemporary geopolitical book while the third book named ‘Ente Priya Kavithakal (collection of poems) represents one of the best depictions of nature, art and literature.

Sports News

16.Chess World Cup 2023 Final: India’s Praggnanandhaa finishes 2nd

• Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa finished second in FIDE World Cup. After three days and four games of intensely nervy chess across two formats, Magnus Carlsen finally managed to win the FIDE World Cup for the first time in his career.
• Carlsen defeated Praggnanandhaa in the final, but not before the 18-year-old teenage had dragged him through the tie-breaker. Carlsen’s win was confirmed after the second game of the tiebreaker. The two players had played out one draw each.
• Praggnanandha, who turned 18 during the World Cup, was the youngest World Cup finalist ever, and is the youngest World Cup winner. Seeded 31, Pragg is also the lowest seed to make the final of the World Cup.

Obituaries News

17.’RIP superstar,’ tributes pour in for WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt

• Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away at age 36. Rotunda was an American professional wrestler. He was best known for his tenure in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Bray Wyatt.
• Windham Lawrence Rotunda was born in Brooksville, Florida, on May 23, 1987. He attended Hernando High School, where he won a state wrestling championship at 275 pounds (125 kg) in 2005. He graduated in 2005.
• Wyatt had started his career way back in 2010 under the ring name Husky Harris. However, he would quickly undergo a gimmick change and become the leader of the Wyatt Family, which received a lot of fame and praise from the fans. Wyatt would undergo multiple character changes during his time in WWE with his character as The Fiend, once again capturing the imagination of the fans. After being released from the company in 2021, Wyatt came back to WWE in 2022 and his final match took place at Royal Rumble 2023 against LA Knight.

Important Current Affairs of 25th August 2023

Get all the International, National, Sports, Economy, latest schemes and appointments and current affairs updates with Adda247 Headlines of the day. Adda247 headlines of the day brings you the best accumulation of the daily updates. Stay updated with us!

Check More GK Updates Here