Daily Current Affairs - 20th August 2025

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In today’s Daily Current Affairs – 20th August 2025, we cover major constitutional, administrative, and policy developments such as the Election Commission’s notification for the Vice-Presidential Election 2025, appointment of an Additional High Court Judge under Article 224(1), and the launch of the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan to strengthen tribal governance. We also explore India–China diplomatic resets through the 24th SRs Dialogue, renewed focus on balanced industrial growth across states, and the Ayush Ministry’s policy dialogue through its new Parliamentary Consultative Committee. Other key updates include NABL’s new lab accreditation portal, cotton import duty exemptions, the ecological and cultural importance of the Palmyra palm, action by ICSSR over electoral data integrity, and a sharp rise in private sector share in India’s defence production.

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Election Commission Announces Schedule for Vice-Presidential Election 2025; Key Details & Eligibility

1. The Election Commission of India has notified the schedule for the Vice-Presidential Election 2025.

2. The election to the post of Vice-President is conducted through a constitutionally mandated process overseen by the Election Commission.

3. According to Article 66(2) of the Constitution, the Vice-President shall not be a member of either House of Parliament or of any State Legislature at the time of election.

4. The term of the Vice-President is five years, as provided under Article 67.

5. In case of a vacancy, Article 68(2) mandates that a fresh election must be conducted promptly.

6. For nomination, a candidate must have 20 proposers and 20 seconders, submit a ₹15,000 deposit, and provide a certified copy of their name in the current electoral roll.

7. Voting is done by an Electoral College, comprising all members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including both elected and nominated members.

8. The election uses the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, and voting is conducted by secret ballot as per Article 66.

9. Unlike Lok Sabha elections, the value of every vote in the Vice-Presidential election is equal to one.

10. The Anti-Defection Law does not apply here, so members are free to vote without any party whip.

11. To be eligible, as per Article 66, a candidate must be a citizen of India and at least 35 years old.

12. The candidate must also be qualified for election as a member of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).

13. Additionally, the candidate must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, any State Government, or any local or other authority.

President Appoints Additional Judge to Punjab and Haryana High Court Under Article 224(1)

1. The President of India recently appointed an Additional Judge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

2. Additional Judges are appointed when it appears to the President that the number of Judges in a High Court should be increased due to a temporary rise in workload or arrears of cases.

3. This may also happen if any High Court Judge (except the Chief Justice) is unable to perform duties due to absence or other reasons.

4. The appointment of Additional Judges is made by the President under Article 224(1) of the Constitution.

5. Before appointment, the Supreme Court Collegium must approve the proposal; this Collegium is a group of senior Supreme Court judges responsible for judicial appointments.

6. The tenure of an Additional Judge does not exceed two years, as specified by the President at the time of appointment.

7. Additionally, an Additional Judge cannot hold office beyond the age of 62 years, which is the retirement age for High Court judges.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs Launches Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan to Empower Tribal Governance

1. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has officially launched the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, a campaign aimed at rebuilding governance from the bottom up.

2. This campaign is guided by tribal values and led by local leaders to ensure community participation and ownership.

3. The primary objective of the Abhiyan is to empower tribal communities and promote responsive, people-centric governance.

4. It aims to build a vast network of 20 lakh (2 million) change leaders across 1 lakh (100,000) villages, 550 districts, and 30 States/Union Territories (UTs).

5. One key component is the creation of Institutional Mechanisms, starting with the Adi Sewa Kendra in every tribal village.

6. At the Adi Sewa Kendra, officers and community members dedicate 1–2 hours every fortnight (called Adi Sewa Samay) to address local issues, mentor youth, and support governance.

7. Another component is Governance Lab Workshops, which are multi-level workshops from state to village levels involving government departments to co-create solutions for tribal development.

8. The program also includes the development of Tribal Village Action Plans, created jointly with villagers to realize the Tribal Village Vision 2030.

9. This vision is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development goals, aiming for long-term progress.

10. The Abhiyan encourages Volunteer Engagement through roles like Adi Sahyogi, including teachers, doctors, and professionals who mentor and mobilize communities.

11. Another volunteer group, Adi Saathi, consists of Self Help Groups (SHGs), members of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), tribal elders, youth, and local leaders supporting outreach and implementation.

12. A crucial focus is Capacity Building, which includes training tribal youth, women, and leaders in governance, problem-solving, and social mobilization.

13. This initiative is significant as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, celebrating tribal pride and culture.

14. It supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims for developed India by empowering tribal communities and fostering local leadership.

15. The Abhiyan strengthens existing flagship schemes such as the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, PM-JANMAN, and the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.

India-China SRs Dialogue Yields Border Management Framework, Trade & Connectivity Agreements

1. The Chinese Foreign Minister made his first visit since the escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China.

2. During the visit, he co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives' (SRs) Dialogue with India’s National Security Advisor (NSA).

3. A major outcome was a consensus on border management, aiming to find a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable framework for settlement.

4. This framework aligns with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles, which guides the India-China border talks.

5. Both sides agreed to establish an Expert Group and a Working Group under the existing Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination.

6. They also committed to using existing diplomatic and military-level mechanisms to manage tensions and begin discussions on de-escalation.

7. Regarding dialogue mechanisms, both countries pledged to restart suspended bilateral dialogues, including the High-level Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges, scheduled for 2026.

8. To commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties, India and China plan to hold events throughout 2025 celebrating their relationship.

9. On connectivity, both sides agreed on the earliest possible resumption of direct flights between the countries.

10. For cultural and religious ties, India’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage will be expanded in scale starting from 2026.

11. Cooperation on trans-border rivers was reaffirmed, with commitments to continue under the Expert-Level Mechanism.

12. They also agreed to share hydrological data during emergencies, which is vital for managing flood risks and water resources.

13. In terms of trade, both countries agreed to reopen border trade through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), Shipki La Pass (Himachal Pradesh), and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).

14. These passes serve as key trade and transit points along the India-China border.

Standing Committee on Finance Urges Even Industrial Distribution for Balanced State Growth

1. The Standing Committee on Finance has called for an even distribution of industries across all states to promote balanced economic growth.

2. The Committee noted that although industry is a State subject, the Central Government’s initiatives are vital for fostering industrial development nationwide.

3. Earlier, the Economic Survey 2024-25 also highlighted significant disparities in industrial development across states.

4. There is uneven industrial growth among states, with some states leveraging their industrial base better than others.

5. For example, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh effectively utilize their industrial dependence, while many northern and eastern states show low levels of industrialization.

6. The manufacturing sector is particularly unevenly distributed, with Tamil Nadu leading in factory concentration, whereas Bihar has an extremely low presence.

7. Several factors explain this uneven industrial growth across states.

8. Historical factors include regional imbalances that began during the British colonial era, which concentrated industrial development in places like West Bengal and Maharashtra.

9. Geographical factors, such as difficult terrain in the Himalayan and North-Eastern states, also impede industrial growth.

10. Inadequate infrastructure—including unreliable power supply, poor transport connectivity, and limited land availability—hinders development in regions such as the North-Eastern Region and Bihar.

11. Policy and planning disparities have also contributed; for instance, the Green Revolution benefited only a few states like Punjab and Haryana, increasing regional imbalances.

12. Looking ahead, the Economic Survey 2025 emphasized the need for balanced industrial policies, deregulation, and infrastructure improvements to achieve sustainable growth.

13. Furthermore, effective cooperation between the Centre and states is crucial to support lagging regions.

14. The Centre should focus on improving infrastructure, education, skill development, and credit availability in underdeveloped areas to foster inclusive industrial growth.

First Meeting of Ayush Ministry’s Parliamentary Consultative Committee Held to Boost Policy Dialogue

1. The first meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee (PCC) of the Ministry of Ayush was held recently.

2. The Parliamentary Consultative Committees (PCCs) are advisory bodies attached to various ministries for informal consultation with Members of Parliament (MPs).

3. The constitution of PCCs is one of the functions assigned to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.

4. These Rules define how the responsibilities are distributed among various ministries in the Government of India.

5. The primary objective of PCCs is to create awareness among MPs about the working of the Government and its respective ministries.

6. Another key objective is to facilitate informal consultation between the Government and MPs on government policies and programmes.

7. This encourages constructive dialogue and feedback, strengthening policy decisions with inputs from elected representatives.

8. The composition of each Consultative Committee is decided by the Government, depending on the ministry it is attached to.

9. Each Consultative Committee must have a minimum of 10 members and a maximum of 30 members, ensuring manageable and effective discussions.

10. The membership in these Committees is voluntary, and MPs choose to join based on their interest or expertise in a particular ministry’s domain.

NABL Launches New Medical Lab Accreditation Portal Under QCI Framework

1. The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) functions under the umbrella of the Quality Council of India (QCI).

2. NABL has recently launched a new Medical Application Portal to streamline and enhance the accreditation process for medical laboratories.

3. The Quality Council of India (QCI) was established in 1996 as an autonomous non-profit organization under the Societies Registration Act.

   • The term autonomous refers to an organization that functions independently while adhering to legal and policy frameworks.

4. QCI was jointly set up by the Government of India in collaboration with three major industry bodies—ASSOCHAM, FICCI, and CII.

   • ASSOCHAM stands for Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, FICCI is the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and CII refers to the Confederation of Indian Industry.

5. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry acts as the nodal department for QCI.

   • A nodal department is the primary government agency responsible for overseeing and coordinating the functions of an organization.

6. QCI is governed by a Governing Council consisting of 39 members who represent various sectors and stakeholders.

7. The Council is headed by a Chairperson nominated by the Prime Minister, reflecting the national importance of quality standards.

8. The core role of QCI is to promote quality across sectors through national-level campaigns and initiatives.

9. It also ensures third-party assessment, which means evaluation carried out by an independent body not involved in the product’s development or usage.

10. Through its activities, QCI works to enhance the quality of life of citizens by aligning India’s quality framework with international standards.

CBIC Exempts Customs Duty on Raw Cotton Imports to Support Textile Industry

1. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has recently notified the exemption of all customs duties on the import of raw cotton.

2. This move is aimed at reducing input costs for domestic industries, especially in the textile sector, which relies heavily on cotton imports.

3. The CBIC is a statutory body, meaning it is established by law—in this case, under the Central Boards of Revenue Act, 1963.

4. It was earlier known as the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) before being renamed.

5. The headquarters of CBIC is located in New Delhi, India’s capital and administrative center.

6. CBIC is primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies related to Customs duties, Central Excise duties, and Goods and Services Tax (GST).

7. Customs duties refer to taxes levied on goods imported into or exported from the country.

8. Central Excise duties are taxes on the manufacture of goods within the country.

9. GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is a unified indirect tax system that subsumes multiple taxes and is levied on the supply of goods and services.

10. In addition to tax administration, CBIC also works to prevent smuggling and illegal cross-border trade activities.

11. It oversees the administration of Customs, Central Excise, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), and narcotics control.

Palmyra Palm: Ecological Benefits, Wildlife Support, and Cultural Significance in India

1. Palmyra palm trees are proving to be ecologically and socially beneficial in several ways.

2. They help in reducing lightning-related deaths, making them important for natural disaster risk mitigation.

3. During lean seasons, Palmyra trees also serve as a food source for elephants, supporting wildlife sustenance and habitat resilience.

4. The Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer) is native to tropical Africa, but is widely cultivated across South and Southeast Asia.

5. It holds cultural and ecological importance in India and is designated as the state tree of Tamil Nadu.

6. The tree is highly adaptable to diverse soil conditions, including sandy, red, black, alluvial, arid, and wasteland soils.

7. It is well-suited for semi-arid regions, which receive less than 750 mm of annual rainfall.

8. Palmyra palms can thrive from sea level up to an altitude of 800 meters, demonstrating a broad climatic tolerance.

9. It is considered one of the most resourceful trees in India due to its wide range of uses across various sectors.

10. Every part of the Palmyra tree—from trunk to leaves and fruits—is used for purposes like housing, medicine, food, and shade.

ICSSR Issues Notice to CSDS Over Alleged Maharashtra Poll Data Manipulation

1. Recently, ICSSR decided to issue a notice to the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) regarding alleged ‘manipulation’ of Maharashtra poll data.

2. The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) is a prominent social science research institute, and the notice highlights concerns over the accuracy and integrity of electoral research data.

3. The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is the apex body of the Government of India for promoting and funding research in the social and human sciences.

4. The term "apex body" refers to the highest authority or top-level institution in its field of work.

5. ICSSR was founded in 1969 and has been a key institution in the field of social science research in India since then.

6. It functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, ensuring alignment with national educational and research priorities.

7. ICSSR plays a pivotal role in generating knowledge and fostering understanding of social issues and challenges that impact the country.

8. It provides research-based solutions to policymakers and stakeholders, contributing to evidence-based decision-making in social development.

9. ICSSR also supports national development by launching initiatives and schemes aimed at strengthening academic and applied research in social sciences.

Private Sector Hits 22.56% Share in Defence Production for FY 2024–25 Amid Government Push

1. Private sector participation in defence production reached a record 22.56% share in FY 2024–25, marking the third consecutive year of growth in its contribution.

2. Despite this growth, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) continued to hold the largest share at 57.50% of the total defence production in FY 2024–25.

3. To encourage private sector involvement, the government has implemented a series of targeted schemes and initiatives.

4. One such initiative is Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), which aims to support start-ups and MSMEs in developing innovative defence technologies.

5. The Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) has been launched to create state-of-the-art testing facilities, helping private players test and certify defence equipment.

6. Another key initiative is the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) Scheme, which provides grants and support to emerging technologies in defence.

7. The Technology Development Fund (TDF) is aimed at funding the development of indigenous defence technologies by Indian industries, especially start-ups and SMEs.

8. These schemes are aligned with the broader Make in India campaign, which promotes domestic manufacturing and self-reliance in defence.

9. Additionally, the Positive Indigenisation Lists identify import-restricted defence items, thereby creating exclusive production opportunities for Indian manufacturers.

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