Daily Current Affairs - 21st August 2025
- TPP
- Aug 21
- 14 min read
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In today’s Daily Current Affairs – 21st August 2025, we cover major developments in trade, governance, technology regulation, education, defence, and environment. Highlights include India–EAEU signing Terms of Reference for an FTA, Parliamentary Bills on ministerial removal for criminal charges, and the passage of the Online Gaming Bill 2025. We also track the Parliamentary Committee’s push for reservations in private HEIs, India’s successful test of Agni-5 IRBM, and renewed India–China–Nepal friction over the Lipulekh Pass. On the science and environment front, we bring insights into the discovery of a giant Solar Tornado, challenges in coal gasification, and updates on biodiversity from Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and Sundarbans’ Saltwater Crocodiles. Additionally, SEBI’s proposed relaxation of Minimum Public Shareholding norms, ISA’s plan for a Global Capability Centre in India highlight key policy and economic shifts and more...
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India–EAEU Trade Deal: Terms of Reference |
India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to formally start Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
The goal of this FTA is to establish a long-term framework for comprehensive trade cooperation between India and the EAEU.
The FTA is expected to unlock untapped trade potential between India and the EAEU.
It will help in increasing investments and creating a stronger and more durable India–EAEU economic partnership.
The bilateral trade turnover between India and the EAEU stood at USD 69 billion in 2024.
This was a 7% rise from 2023, indicating steady growth in trade ties.
The FTA will provide greater market access for Indian exporters.
It will also help India diversify into new sectors and geographies, reducing dependence on traditional markets.
Wider access is especially important amid increasing US tariffs on Indian exports.
The agreement will improve India’s competitiveness against non-market economies (countries where prices are not determined by open competition but by state control).
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India are likely to benefit significantly from new export opportunities.
The EAEU region offers abundant natural resources and energy, which are critical for India’s economic growth.
For example, Russia now accounts for 35–40% of India’s total oil imports by volume, highlighting the depth of the energy partnership.
Closer ties with the EAEU, which is a Russia-led bloc, will strengthen India’s policy of multi-alignment (maintaining balanced relations with multiple powers).
About the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
The EAEU is an international organization for regional economic integration.
It was established by the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union in 2014.
The EAEU provides for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labour among its member states.
These provisions create a common economic space, making it easier for India to trade and invest within the bloc.
Bills for Ministerial removal on Criminal charges referred to Joint Parliamentary Committee |
The Union government has recently introduced three bills to deal with the issue of ministers facing serious criminal charges.
These bills are:
the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025,
the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and
the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The objective of these bills is to create a legal framework for ministerial removal.
The purpose is to uphold constitutional morality (conduct in line with constitutional values), ensure good governance, and protect the constitutional trust placed by the people.
The 130th Amendment Bill seeks to amend Article 75 relating to the Union Council of Ministers.
It also seeks to amend Article 164 relating to the State Council of Ministers.
Further, it seeks to amend Article 239AA which contains special provisions for the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
The trigger for removal under the proposed law is when a minister is arrested and kept in custody for 30 consecutive days.
This detention must be on the allegation of committing an offence under any law.
The offence must be one which is punishable with imprisonment of five years or more.
The removal or resignation process must begin by the 31st day after the minister is taken into custody.
For Union Ministers, the Prime Minister (PM) will recommend removal to the President of India.
For Ministers in States, the Chief Minister (CM) will recommend removal to the Governor.
For Ministers in Union Territories (UTs) with a legislature, the Chief Minister will recommend removal to the Lieutenant Governor (LG).
In the case of the Prime Minister or a Chief Minister, no recommendation is needed.
The PM or CM can resign voluntarily or will be considered automatically removed on the 31st day after detention.
If removal advice or resignation is not acted upon, the minister shall automatically cease to hold office after the 31st day.
This automatic cessation also applies to a PM or CM.
After release from custody, a PM, CM, or Minister can be re-appointed by the President, Governor, or Lieutenant Governor, as applicable.
At present, ministerial removal is linked to Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951.
Under this section, legislators are disqualified if they are convicted of certain offences.
Disqualification applies when the sentence is at least two years of imprisonment.
The Law Commission in its 170th Report had recommended a stronger approach.
It suggested that even the framing of charges in offences punishable with up to five years should be an additional ground for disqualification.
Ministerial Removal: Existing vs Proposed Framework
Aspect | Existing Provisions | Proposed Provisions (Bills of 2025) |
Legal Basis | Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951) | Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, Government of UTs (Amendment) Bill, 2025, J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 |
Trigger for Disqualification / Removal | Conviction for specified criminal offences | Arrest and custody for 30 consecutive days on allegation of offence punishable with imprisonment of 5 years or more |
Stage of Action | After conviction and sentencing (minimum 2 years imprisonment) | After continuous detention of 30 days, even without conviction |
Scope of Application | Applies to legislators (MPs/MLAs) holding ministerial office | Applies specifically to Ministers, PM, CMs in Union, States, and UTs with legislatures |
Process for Removal | Disqualification declared after conviction by court | For Union Ministers → PM recommends to President; For State Ministers → CM recommends to Governor; For UT Ministers → CM recommends to LG |
Special Case of PM/CM | Not explicitly covered under RPA disqualification framework for ministers | Automatic removal on 31st day of custody; resignation may be voluntary, no recommendation needed |
Timeframe | Disqualification takes effect after conviction | Removal/resignation process must begin by 31st day after detention |
Automatic Cessation | No automatic cessation provision | If no action by 31st day, PM/CM/Minister automatically ceases to hold office |
Re-appointment | No specific re-appointment clause | Minister, PM, or CM can be re-appointed after release from custody by President/Governor/LG |
Law Commission View | 170th Report recommended disqualification at stage of framing of charges for offences punishable up to 5 years | Bills move closer to this recommendation by acting on detention + charges, not just conviction |
Online Gaming Bill 2025: Regulate, Promote, Protect |
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 has been passed in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill was introduced with the President’s recommendation under Article 117(1) and 117(3) of the Constitution of India.
The Bill aims to create a robust legal framework for the online gaming sector.
It seeks to regulate, promote, and encourage the sector to boost innovation and economic growth.
It also aims to provide a safe, responsible, and developed digital environment for citizens.
To achieve this objective, the Bill first introduces a clear categorization of online games.
The first category is e-Sport, which is defined as a game played as part of multi-sports events.
An e-Sport involves organised competitive events held between individuals or teams.
The outcome of an e-Sport is determined only by physical dexterity (skill of movement) and mental agility (quickness of mind).
The second category is the Online Social Game, which does not involve monetary stakes or expectations of winnings.
Such games are meant purely for entertainment, recreation, or skill development.
The third category is the Online Money Game, where users play by paying fees or depositing money.
An Online Money Game is played with the expectation of monetary or material gain.
These games may be based on skill, chance, or both.
However, the Bill makes it clear that Online Money Games do not include e-Sports.
After defining these categories, the Bill places an absolute prohibition on Online Money Games.
It bans the offering and advertisement of such games.
It also prohibits financial institutions and banks from processing transactions related to Online Money Games.
While prohibiting money-based games, the Bill simultaneously encourages positive gaming formats.
It directs the government to promote and develop e-Sports.
It also mandates the government to support Online Social Games as safe alternatives.
For effective implementation, the Bill proposes the creation of an Online Gaming Authority. This may either be a new authority or an existing authority designated for the purpose.
The Authority will provide coordinated policy support to the gaming sector. It will also oversee strategic development and regulatory compliance.
The Bill draws its constitutional backing from Article 117.
Article 117(1) states that Bills similar to a Money Bill under Article 110 need the President’s recommendation and can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Article 117(3) provides that no Bill requiring expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India can be passed without the President’s recommendation.
Parliamentary Committee backs reservation in Private Educational Institutions |
The Department-Related Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports has released its 370th Report.
The Committee has backed the idea of introducing reservation in private Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).
It asserted that such reservation is constitutionally permissible, citing several Supreme Court judgments.
The Committee highlighted the abysmally low representation of marginalized communities in private HEIs.
For instance, in 2024–25, BITS Pilani reported only 10% OBC students, 0.5% SC students, and 0.8% ST students out of a total of 5,137 students (See Bar Graph).
It noted that high fees in private universities act as a major barrier for marginalized students.
These fees are described as “substantial”, making them unaffordable for many from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Committee argued that reservation in private HEIs is necessary due to the growing dominance of the private sector in higher education.
As per AISHE 2021–22, 65.3% of India’s colleges are private unaided, and there are 517 private universities (See Pie Chart).
At the same time, it stressed that the public sector alone cannot meet demand for higher education.
This is especially relevant when India aims to achieve a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education under the National Education Policy (NEP).
The Committee underlined the constitutional mandate for such reservations.
It referred to Article 15(5), which empowers the State to make special provisions for SCs, STs, and SEBCs (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) in educational admissions.
This provision includes private institutions, though it excludes minority institutions.
It also cited the Supreme Court judgment in Pramati Educational and Cultural Trust v Union of India (2014).
In this case, the Court explicitly upheld the constitutional validity of the entirety of Article 15(5).
Based on these grounds, the Committee has made several key recommendations.
It recommended that Parliament pass legislation to mandate reservations in private HEIs.
It suggested applying 27% reservation for OBCs, 15% for SCs, and 7.5% for STs.
The Committee advised that the financial burden of reservations in private HEIs should be covered entirely by the Government.
This model should follow the Right to Education Act, 2009, where the Government funds the 25% quota in private schools.
It also recommended strict enforcement of the “creamy layer principle” for OBCs.
The creamy layer principle means excluding wealthier and advanced sections within OBCs from reservation benefits.
The Committee urged that income and eligibility criteria for creamy layer must be regularly updated.
It also recommended awareness and outreach campaigns to ensure marginalized communities are informed.
Such campaigns should be conducted in remote areas, with the help of NGOs and community leaders.
The goal is to spread awareness about educational opportunities and ensure reservations benefit those who need them most.
India successfully test-fired Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile |
India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).
The test launch was carried out under the command of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
The SFC is part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
It is responsible for the management and administration of India’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile.
The Agni-5 is a nuclear-capable Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile (SSBM).
It is powered by a three-stage solid fuel engine, which enhances range and reliability.
The missile has an operational range of over 5,000 km.
It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The Agni missile series is part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
Other missiles developed under IGMDP include Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, and Akash.
With Agni-5, India has joined the select group of nations—US, Russia, China, and France—with MIRV-capable IRBMs.
MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) means a single missile can carry multiple warheads that can hit different targets.
A Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile (SSBM) is initially powered by a rocket engine.
After launch, it follows an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending on its target.
Such missiles can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads.
Ballistic missiles are classified by range categories.
A Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) has a range of less than 1,000 km, and is also called a tactical ballistic missile.
A Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) has a range of 1,000 to 3,000 km.
An Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) has a range of 3,000 to 5,500 km.
A Long-Range or Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) has a range of more than 5,500 km.
Lipulekh Pass |
India has rejected Nepal’s objection to the resumption of India–China border trade through the Lipulekh Pass.
Nepal had earlier raised concerns over India’s activities in this region.
In 2020, Nepal even passed a constitutional amendment and issued a new political map.
This map asserted Nepal’s claims over Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani.
The Lipulekh Pass is located in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India.
It serves as an important link between India and Tibet (China).
The pass is a crucial part of the trade route between India and Tibet.
It also holds significance as a route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage.
Additionally, the Lipulekh Pass is included in the Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan initiative, which promotes battlefield tourism.
Solar Tornado |
Recently, researchers captured an image of a giant Solar Tornado.
A Solar Tornado is made of ionized gas (plasma), which is gas where atoms lose electrons and become charged.
These tornadoes are held together by the sun’s magnetic fields.
Formally, they are also known as tornado prominences.
A solar tornado can rise to an immense height of about 130,000 kilometers.
It can rotate at speeds of up to 200,000 kilometers per hour.
These tornadoes are extremely hot, with temperatures reaching nearly 250,000°C.
They are usually observed near the sun’s poles.
At any given time, as many as 11,000 solar tornadoes may be swirling above the sun’s surface.
Scientists believe solar tornadoes may funnel heat into the sun’s atmosphere.
They may also contribute to the generation of the solar wind—a stream of charged particles flowing outward from the sun.
Coal Gasification |
NITI Aayog has flagged a concern about the suitability of current coal gasification technologies in India.
The challenge arises due to the high ash content in Indian coal, which ranges from 30% to 45%.
Indian coal also has a high alumina-silica composition.
Because of this composition, many global gasification technologies are not compatible with Indian coal.
Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into syngas (synthetic gas).
Syngas is a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
This syngas can be used for electricity production.
It can also be used in energy-efficient fuel cell technology.
Further, syngas can be processed into downstream products.
These include methanol, which is used as a fuel and chemical feedstock.
It also includes ammonium nitrate, which is used in fertilizers and explosives.
Another product is Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG), which can replace conventional natural gas.
Syngas from coal gasification can also support the production of fertilizers and other chemicals.
Cultural and Educational Rights of Minorities |
The Uttarakhand State Assembly has passed the Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill, 2025.
The Bill seeks to abolish the Madrasa Board in the state.
It also proposes to establish a new body called the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority in its place.
To understand the context, the Constitution of India provides Cultural and Educational Rights of Minorities under Articles 29 and 30.
Article 29(1) grants the right to any section of citizens with a distinct language, script, or culture to conserve the same.
Article 29(2) prohibits discrimination in admission to educational institutions maintained or aided by the State.
This prohibition applies specifically against discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, or language.
Article 30(1) gives all minorities—whether religious or linguistic—the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
Article 30(2) directs that the State shall not discriminate in granting aid to educational institutions.
This protection applies even if an institution is under the management of a religious or linguistic minority.
Constitutional Rights of Minorities: Article 29 vs Article 30
Aspect | Article 29 | Article 30 |
Focus | Protects Cultural Rights of any section of citizens | Protects Educational Rights of minorities |
Who is Protected | Any section of citizens with a distinct language, script, or culture | Specifically minorities (religious or linguistic) |
Key Right | Right to conserve language, script, or culture (29(1)) | Right to establish and administer educational institutions of choice (30(1)) |
Non-Discrimination | Prohibits denial of admission in institutions maintained or aided by the State on grounds of religion, race, caste, language (29(2)) | Prohibits discrimination in granting aid to institutions on ground that they are minority-run (30(2)) |
Scope | Broader – applies to any group with distinct culture, even if not a minority | Narrower – applies only to minority groups |
Nature | Primarily about cultural identity and protection | Primarily about educational autonomy and equality |
Global Capability Centres |
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has announced plans to establish a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India.
This centre is envisioned as a “Silicon Valley for solar”, focusing on innovation and global collaboration.
A Global Capability Centre (GCC) is defined as a strategic unit that supports an organization’s global operations.
It does so by harnessing technology, talent, and innovation.
The primary objective of a GCC is to leverage global talent pools and technological advancements.
This in turn helps organizations enhance capabilities and drive business transformation.
India has emerged as a major hub for GCCs worldwide.
One of the main drivers is cost efficiency, as operations in India are significantly more economical compared to many other countries.
Another driver is talent availability, since India has a highly skilled workforce.
English language proficiency among Indian professionals further strengthens India’s global competitiveness for GCCs.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary |
A recent faunal survey has added nine new species to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, named after the famous ornithologist.
It is located in the Ernakulam District of Kerala.
It holds the distinction of being Kerala’s first bird sanctuary.
It is recognised as one of the richest ecological zones in the Western Ghats.
Within the sanctuary, marshy lands (locally called vayals) are found in certain areas.
These marshes are mainly located along the Periyar and Idamalayar rivers.
The sanctuary also has extensive plantations.
These include teak, rosewood, mahogany, and fruit orchards.
Apart from birds, the sanctuary is home to a variety of faunal species.
Notable among them are the leopard, sloth bear, and porcupine.
Saltwater Crocodile |
The population of Saltwater Crocodiles has increased in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, West Bengal.
The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest of all crocodilians.
It is also the largest reptile in the world.
Its natural habitat includes saline and brackish water ecosystems.
These habitats consist of mangrove swamps, river deltas, lagoons, and the lower stretches of rivers.
The species is distributed across tropical and warm temperate latitudes.
This distribution extends across the Eastern Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific Ocean.
In terms of conservation, the species is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List.
Under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, it is placed in Schedule I, which provides the highest level of protection.
Under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), it is listed in Appendix I, which prohibits international trade in the species.
Minimum Public Shareholding |
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed to ease the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) norms for companies seeking to get listed.
The MPS requirement applies to all listed companies in India.
It mandates that at least 25% of a listed company’s shares must be held by the general public.
The term general public here refers to non-promoter shareholders (investors who are not part of the company’s promoters or controlling group).
The MPS rule has a legal mandate.
It is provided under the Securities Contracts Regulation Act, 1956.
It is also reinforced by the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957.
The purpose of the MPS requirement is to ensure adequate public participation in the stock market.
It prevents an excessive concentration of ownership in the hands of promoters.
It also helps to strengthen corporate governance and transparency.
Additionally, it provides better liquidity for trading, making it easier for investors to buy and sell shares.
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