Daily Current Affairs - 13th August 2025
- TPP
- Aug 14
- 17 min read
Welcome to your one-stop destination for crisp, reliable, and exam-relevant Daily Current Affairs. The PRESS Pad delivers daily updates and smart summaries that go beyond the headlines and align perfectly with the evolving pattern of UPSC and other state-level examinations.
Today's edition features key updates including OCI Rules, IBC (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Indian Ports Bill, 2025, India Semiconductor Mission, Section 152 of BNS, SHRESTH, CBSE Mandates APAAR ID, Tato-II Hydro Electric Project and more...
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IBC (Amendment) Bill, 2025 referred to a Select Committee of the Parliament |
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has been referred to a Select Committee of the Parliament for detailed examination.
The Bill aims to reduce delays, maximize value for all stakeholders, and introduce provisions aligned with global best practices for insolvency resolution.
To expedite resolution, the Bill mandates the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to admit an insolvency case within 14 days.
The NCLT is also required to approve a resolution plan within 30 days of admission.
The Bill introduces out-of-court creditor-initiated resolution, allowing faster and more cost-effective insolvency processes with minimal business disruption.
This out-of-court mechanism helps ease the burden on judicial systems by resolving cases outside formal courts.
To maximize value and protect stakeholders, the Bill allows the NCLT to restore the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) once in exceptional cases if no resolution plan is approved or if a plan is rejected.
This restoration can be requested by the Committee of Creditors (CoC), which is the group of creditors involved in the insolvency process.
The Bill enhances governance by introducing a voluntary group insolvency framework for joint resolution of interconnected stressed entities within a domestic corporate group.
This framework recognizes the interconnected nature of companies under a corporate group to facilitate coordinated resolution.
It also proposes a basic cross-border insolvency framework to enable creditors easier access to overseas assets of stressed companies.
This aligns India’s insolvency laws with international best practices for handling cross-border insolvencies.
The Bill explicitly reinforces the “clean slate principle,” which means once a resolution plan is approved, all claims against the corporate debtor are extinguished unless specified otherwise.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 is the umbrella legislation that governs insolvency resolution for all entities in India, including both corporates and individuals.
IBC addresses market imperfections and reduces information asymmetry to enable the “freedom to exit” for businesses through formal insolvency processes.
It replaced the earlier “debtor in possession” approach with a “creditor in control” regime, giving creditors greater control over the insolvency resolution process.
Home Ministry Tightens OCI Rules: Cancellation for Prison Sentences and Serious Charges |
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a notification under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955 tightening rules for OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) card holders.
Under this notification, OCI registration can be revoked if an individual is sentenced to at least two years in prison.
Additionally, OCI registration may be canceled if a charge sheet is filed against them for an offense that carries a sentence of seven or more years imprisonment.
The OCI scheme was introduced in 2005 through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955.
In 2015, the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card scheme was merged with the OCI scheme, and all PIO cardholders were automatically deemed OCI cardholders.
It is important to note that OCI status is not equivalent to dual citizenship and does not confer political rights in India.
Grounds for cancellation of OCI registration include obtaining registration by fraud, showing disaffection towards the Constitution of India, or actions considered harmful to India’s sovereignty, integrity, security, or friendly relations with other countries.
OCI cardholders enjoy benefits such as a multiple entry, multipurpose, lifelong visa to visit India.
They are exempted from registration with the Foreign Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreign Registration Officer (FRO) regardless of their length of stay in India.
OCI holders receive general parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in economic, financial, and educational fields, except in acquiring agricultural or plantation properties.
Eligibility for OCI registration includes foreign nationals who:
were citizens of India on January 26, 1950, or thereafter; or
were eligible to become citizens of India on January 26, 1950; or
belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947; or
are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a citizen; or
are a minor child with one or both parents being Indian citizens; or
are the spouse of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders, provided the marriage has been registered and subsisted for at least two years.
The only exception to eligibility includes those who are or have been citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or other countries notified by the Central Government.
Lok Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 |
The Lok Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, which replaces the Indian Ports Act, 1908.
The bill aims to consolidate the laws relating to ports in India.
It provides for the establishment of Maritime State Development Council Boards by the Central Government.
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways will serve as the ex-officio Chairperson of these boards.
The bill gives statutory recognition to State Maritime Boards, which are constituted by the State Governments.
These boards are responsible for the effective administration and management of non-major ports.
To resolve disputes involving non-major ports, the bill mandates State Governments to establish Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs).
Appeals from DRC decisions will lie with the High Court.
Importantly, no civil court shall have jurisdiction over matters handled by the DRC.
The bill sets rules for port tariff fixation.
For major ports, tariffs are fixed by the Board of Major Port Authority or the Board of Directors in ports governed under the Companies Act, 2013.
Companies Act, 2013: The principal legislation in India regulating the incorporation, responsibilities, and functioning of companies, including their boards of directors and corporate governance. It ensures transparency and accountability in company operations.
In the case of non-major ports, tariffs are fixed by the State Maritime Boards.
The Central Government, in consultation with State Governments, will have the power to notify new ports and alter port limits.
The bill empowers the Central Government, also in consultation with State Governments, to specify criteria for classifying one or more ports as ‘mega ports’.
It mandates environmental and safety compliance in line with international obligations like MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) and the Ballast Water Management Convention.
MARPOL: The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is a global treaty aimed at minimizing pollution of the oceans and seas, including dumping, oil, and exhaust pollution from ships.
Ballast Water Management Convention: An international treaty designed to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ships’ ballast water. Ships must treat ballast water before discharging it to avoid ecological damage.
About ports in India: there are 12 major ports, governed by the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, under the Ministry of Shipping’s administrative control.
There are also 213 non-major ports, which are managed by the respective State Maritime Boards or State Governments.
India imposes Port restriction on Import of certain Goods from Bangladesh |
India has imposed port restrictions on the import of certain goods from Bangladesh.
These restrictions were notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
India has banned the entry of a specific range of readymade garments and jute items from Bangladesh through land ports, except for the Nhava Sheva port in Maharashtra.
Additionally, India banned the export from Bangladesh of fruits, processed food items, and others through the land ports of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and various Land Customs Stations (LCSs).
In March 2025, India revoked the transshipment facility under the 2020 agreement, which had allowed Bangladeshi goods to be exported via Indian Land Customs Stations to third countries.
The transshipment facility refers to the permission to transfer goods through a third country’s port en route to the final destination.
Several other irritants affect the India-Bangladesh relationship.
One major factor is the increasing influence of China in the region, highlighted by the first China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral meeting held in Kunming.
Another concern is political instability in Bangladesh, as the country has had no elected government since the resignation of its Prime Minister in 2024.
Rising radicalization and ill-treatment of minorities in Bangladesh is also a security concern for both Bangladesh and India.
Internal security issues arise from illegal migration, particularly from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The migration of the Rohingyas, a persecuted minority from Myanmar, has caused conflicts especially in India’s Northeastern region.
Lastly, the river water dispute between India and Bangladesh persists due to the absence of a proper mechanism for water sharing.
For example, the dispute over the sharing of Teesta river waters remains unresolved.
India’s Retail Inflation Drops to 8-Year Low of 1.55% in July 2025 |
India’s retail inflation moderated to an 8-year low of 1.55% in July 2025.
This inflation rate is measured by the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI).
It is the lowest year-on-year inflation rate since June 2017.
Additionally, the year-on-year inflation rate based on the All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), also called food inflation, stood at -1.76% in July 2025.
This food inflation figure is the lowest since January 2019.
The decline in inflation is partly due to a favourable base effect.
Base effect refers to the influence of the corresponding reference year on current growth estimates.
Inflation declined notably in items such as pulses and products, transport and communication, vegetables, cereals and products, and education.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures changes over time in the general price level of goods and services acquired by households for consumption.
CPI is a widely used macroeconomic indicator of inflation.
It serves as a tool for inflation targeting by governments and central banks.
CPI is also used as a deflator in national accounts and for indexing dearness allowance paid to employees.
The Central Statistical Office (CSO) publishes the CPI on the 12th of every month.
CPI includes four different indices at the national level:
CPI for Industrial Workers (IW),
CPI for Agricultural Labourers (AL),
CPI for Rural Labourers (RL), and
CPI for Urban Non-Manual Employees (UNME).
The base year for CPI calculation is 2012.
CPI differs from the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), which measures inflation at the wholesale level.
The difference lies in their weighing patterns:
Food items have a larger weight in CPI,
While the fuel group has a greater weight in WPI.
Four Semiconductor Projects under ISM |
The Union Cabinet has approved four new semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
These projects are located in the states of Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh.
With this approval, the total number of projects under ISM has reached 10 projects across 6 states.
The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was approved in 2021 with a financial outlay of ₹76,000 crore.
The primary aim of ISM is to provide financial support for investments in semiconductor fabrication, display manufacturing, and chip design.
This mission seeks to strengthen India’s integration into the global electronics value chains.
The mission is overseen by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
The key focus areas of ISM include setting up chip manufacturing plants (fabs).
ISM also aims to create packaging and testing units for semiconductors.
Supporting startups in chip design is another major mission focus.
Training young engineers in semiconductor technology is part of ISM’s goals.
Additionally, ISM works to attract global companies to invest in India’s semiconductor sector.
The mission operates several key schemes, including the Semiconductor Fabs Scheme.
This scheme provides up to 50% fiscal support for establishing semiconductor wafer fabrication (fab) units.
Another scheme is the Display Fabs Scheme, which offers financial assistance of up to 50% of project costs to set up display fabrication units.
The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme promotes semiconductor design startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
DLI provides financial support across various stages of product development.
The SEMICON India Programme, implemented through ISM, is a flagship event.
This event brings together global industry leaders, policymakers, academia, startups, and other stakeholders.
Its purpose is to drive innovation and collaboration in the semiconductor sector.
The mission is significant because it aims to tap into India’s rising semiconductor market, which is expected to reach $100-110 billion by 2030.
ISM also seeks to de-risk the global semiconductor supply chain.
It aims to reduce India’s dependence on countries like Taiwan, which currently produces over 60% of the world’s semiconductors, as well as on China and the USA.
CAG Flags Rs 3.69 Lakh Crore Short Transfer of Cess to Designated Fund |
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has flagged a ‘short transfer’ of Rs 3.69 lakh crore in cess by the government over several decades.
The term ‘short transfer’ refers to the failure to transfer the full amount of collected cess to their designated reserve funds.
The Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB) has the largest shortfall in transfers among these funds.
The OIDB’s primary purpose is to support the development of the oil industry in India.
Cesses are statutory levies, meaning they are taxes imposed by law for specific purposes.
The proceeds from cesses are earmarked for utilization toward those specific purposes for which they are collected.
Initially, several cesses and levies are collected into the Consolidated Fund of India.
The Consolidated Fund of India is the government’s main account where all revenues are first credited.
After collection, these amounts are supposed to be transferred to designated funds created for particular objectives, maintained in the Public Account of India.
The Public Account of India contains funds that the government holds in trust and are meant for specific uses, including reserve funds for cesses.
SC Questions Potential Abuse of Section 152 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita |
The Supreme Court recently questioned whether the “potential for abuse” of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) can justify declaring the law unconstitutional.
The BNS, 2023 is a new criminal law code that replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.
Section 152 of BNS deals with acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Under this section, any person who purposely or knowingly excites or attempts to excite secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities through words, signs, or visible representations can be punished.
The punishment under Section 152 includes imprisonment for life or up to 7 years, along with a fine.
However, Section 152 excludes comments that merely express disapproval of the Government’s measures or administrative actions.
Such excluded comments are protected when aimed at seeking their alteration by lawful means.
This distinction ensures that freedom of expression is not curtailed when citizens voice lawful dissent.
The Elders Group Labels Gaza Situation an "Unfolding Genocide" |
The Elders Group, composed of international stateswomen and statesmen, recently described the situation in Gaza as an "unfolding genocide" for the first time.
The group was founded in 2007 by Nelson Mandela, the former South African president and anti-apartheid leader.
It operates as an independent group of global leaders committed to peace and human rights.
The vision of The Elders is a world where all people live in peace, enjoy justice, human rights, and a sustainable planet.
Their mission involves engaging with global leaders through private diplomacy and public advocacy.
Private diplomacy refers to confidential discussions aimed at resolving conflicts or addressing global challenges.
Public advocacy involves raising awareness and influencing public opinion and policy on important issues.
The group focuses on addressing existential threats to humanity, such as conflicts, climate change, and human rights abuses.
The Elders promote ethical leadership by encouraging leaders to act with integrity and responsibility.
The group is supported by an Advisory Council, which consists of donors and generous supporters.
The Elders’ Team, based in London, assists with organizing and managing the group’s activities and initiatives.
SHRESTH: India’s First National Index for Drug Regulatory Performance |
On 12 August 2025, the Union Health Ministry launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH).
SHRESTH is the first-of-its-kind national initiative in India to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems.
It is a transparent, data-driven framework designed to improve drug regulatory performance across states.
The initiative was proposed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
It aims to ensure that drug safety and quality standards are consistently met throughout the country.
SHRESTH serves as a virtual gap assessment tool for states to assess their current regulatory position.
The tool helps states work towards maturity certification, which means achieving a higher level of regulatory capability and compliance.
India has already achieved WHO Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status for vaccines.
WHO ML3 status means that the World Health Organization has recognized India’s vaccine manufacturing quality at a high global standard.
The next step is to elevate the quality of medicines to the same WHO ML3 global standard.
Achieving uniform high standards will support international harmonization of drug regulations.
International harmonization refers to aligning drug regulations and standards across countries for mutual recognition and safety.
This will reinforce India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World.” India is called the “Pharmacy of the World” because it is a major global supplier of generic medicines.
Under SHRESTH, states and Union Territories are categorized as:
Manufacturing States (with significant drug manufacturing units).
Primarily Distribution States/UTs (focused mainly on drug distribution).
SHRESTH has 27 indices for Manufacturing States. These 27 indices are grouped under five key themes:
Human Resources
Infrastructure
Licensing Activities
Surveillance Activities
Responsiveness
For Primarily Distribution States/UTs, there are 23 indices based on similar themes.
Licensing Activities refer to the process of granting legal permission to manufacture, sell, or distribute drugs.
Surveillance Activities involve monitoring the market for drug quality and safety, including inspections.
Responsiveness measures how well authorities address grievances and complaints from the public.
States will submit data on predefined metrics to CDSCO by the 25th of every month. CDSCO will score this data on the 1st of the following month. The scores will be shared with all states and UTs regularly.
SHRESTH is not a scorecard but a roadmap for regulatory improvement.
The roadmap aims for the uniform implementation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act across all states.
The Drugs and Cosmetics Act is the primary legislation regulating the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs in India.
SHRESTH encourages the sharing of best practices among states. It also creates a structured knowledge-sharing platform for regulatory authorities.
This will help ensure that all states have functioning regulatory systems.
The Index promotes harmonization of regulatory processes across the country.
It also provides impetus to innovation in regulatory technology.
SHRESTH will target improvements in human resources, infrastructure, and digitization.
Digitization means using digital tools and technology to manage licensing, approvals, and regulatory data efficiently.
The Index regularly assesses states on several parameters including:
Strength of laboratory testing capacity
Level of digitization in regulatory activities
Rigour of inspections and surveillance
Efficiency in grievance redressal
Upcoming initiatives connected with SHRESTH include:
Extension of the Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) Dashboard to all states.
The NSQ Dashboard is a monitoring tool to track drugs that fail to meet quality standards.
A proposed symposium on Drug Regulatory Systems.
Expansion of joint training programs and audits.
SC Panel Flags Environmental Concerns Over Char Dham Road Project in Bhagirathi ESZ |
A Supreme Court-appointed panel has raised concerns about the Char Dham all-weather road widening project.
The concerns specifically relate to its impact on the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ).
The BESZ was notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2012.
A subsequent notification was also issued by the ministry in the year 2018.
The Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone covers an area of 4179.59 square kilometres.
This zone stretches from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi, along the Bhagirathi river basin in Uttarakhand.
The BESZ notification mandates the preparation of a Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) by the Government of Uttarakhand.
The ZMP must be based on a watershed approach, which focuses on managing land and water resources in an integrated manner.
The plan must also include governance over key areas such as forests, wildlife, and biodiversity conservation.
The Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone is classified as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
Eco-Sensitive Zones are designated by the MoEF&CC under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
These zones act as “shock absorbers” for protected areas and ecologically fragile regions.
Their primary purpose is to safeguard the ecological integrity of specialized ecosystems such as natural sites and wildlife habitats.
CBSE Mandates APAAR ID for Student Registration from 2024-25 |
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the use of the APAAR ID for schools.
APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry.
This ID is a 12-digit unique and permanent student identifier.
CBSE has made it mandatory for registration of students in Classes 9 and 11 starting from the 2024-25 academic session.
It is also compulsory for the submission of the List of Candidates for Classes 10 and 12 ahead of the 2026 board examinations.
The APAAR ID was introduced in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The NEP 2020 envisions the creation of a ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ system for academic standardization.
The APAAR initiative was launched by the Union Ministry of Education.
It has been implemented in schools beginning with the 2024-25 session.
The key aim of APAAR is to offer a unified and accessible academic experience for students across India.
The ID will help in consolidating all academic records and achievements of a student in one place.
This system will support better data portability, tracking of learning outcomes, and student mobility across institutions.
NPCI May Discontinue UPI Pull Transactions to Prevent Fraud |
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is considering shutting down ‘pull’ transactions in the future.
This potential move aims to curb increasing instances of fraud in digital payment.
NPCI operates the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which currently supports both ‘push’ and ‘pull’ transactions.
UPI is a real-time payment system that facilitates inter-bank transactions using mobile devices.
A push transaction is one where the payer initiates the payment.
In a push transaction, the payer either scans a QR code or enters the beneficiary’s UPI ID to transfer money.
This method allows the payer to maintain complete control over the transaction initiation.
A pull transaction, on the other hand, is initiated by the beneficiary requesting payment.
In pull transactions, the payer must authorize the request by entering their UPI PIN (Personal Identification Number).
Once the UPI PIN is entered, the transaction is approved and funds are transferred to the requester.
Common examples of pull-based transactions include cheque payments and debit card authorizations.
Pull transactions are more vulnerable to fraudulent payment requests and phishing attacks.
As a result, NPCI is evaluating options to enhance payment security by possibly restricting or disabling pull transactions on UPI.
Tato-II Hydro Electric Project Approved in Arunachal Pradesh |
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently approved the construction of the Tato-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP).
This project will be developed in the Shi Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Tato-II HEP will have an installed capacity of 700 MW.
This capacity will be achieved through 4 generating units, each with a capacity of 175 MW.
The project is expected to generate 2738.06 Million Units (MU) of electricity annually.
Here, 1 MU (Million Unit) refers to 1 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electrical energy.
The implementation of the project will be carried out through a Joint Venture Company.
This joint venture is between the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
NEEPCO is a central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Power, engaged in power generation in Northeast India.
Arunachal Pradesh also hosts several other major hydroelectric projects contributing to regional energy development.
One such project is the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, which has a capacity of 2000 MW.
Another is the Kameng Hydro Power Station, with an installed capacity of 600 MW.
The Heo Hydroelectric Project is also located in Arunachal Pradesh and has a capacity of 240 MW.
These projects highlight the strategic role of Arunachal Pradesh in expanding India’s hydropower potential.
Hydropower refers to the generation of electricity using the kinetic energy of flowing water, typically via dams and turbines.
Ideonella sakaiensis |
Ideonella sakaiensis is a bacterium identified by researchers for its ability to degrade PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate).
PET is a type of plastic commonly used in manufacturing bottles and food packaging materials.
This bacterium was discovered near a plastic bottle recycling facility in Japan.
Ideonella sakaiensis produces specialized enzymes that can break down PET plastic.
These enzymes convert PET into its building blocks, which are environmentally benign (i.e., not harmful to the environment).
The bacterium then uses these building blocks as a food source for its own metabolism.
This natural process of biodegradation refers to the breakdown of substances by microbial action.
The ability of this bacterium to break down PET presents significant potential for developing efficient and scalable plastic biodegradation systems.
Such systems could help reduce plastic pollution, a major global environmental challenge.
The discovery also contributes to promoting a circular economy, which is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste by continuously reusing resources.
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