Daily Current Affairs - 22nd August 2025
- TPP
- Aug 22
- 16 min read
Updated: Aug 23
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In today’s Daily Current Affairs – 22nd August 2025, we cover major national and international developments shaping governance, economy, defence, environment, and technology. Highlights include Lebanon’s deepening water crisis and regional tensions along the Blue Line, Kerala’s landmark achievement as India’s first 100% digitally literate state, and the CCPA’s penalty on Rapido for misleading advertisements. We also track the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting, the unveiling of India’s Sudarshan Chakra Mission for national security, and the urgent need for a comprehensive space law to guide India’s growing space ambitions. Additionally, we bring key updates on Aadhaar-based authentication for cooperative banks, the launch of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), India’s Indo-Dutch Strategic Water Partnership, the SMILE scheme for transgender empowerment, and RGI’s push for universal birth–death registration. On the global and environmental front, we cover NATO’s new logistics plans in Sweden, the first-ever Khelo India Water Games at Dal Lake, and more...
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Lebanon on the Brink: Water Crisis & Regional Tensions |
Lebanon is a narrow strip of territory located in the Levant region of West Asia.
It shares its maritime boundary with the Mediterranean Sea.
It is bordered by Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south.
The capital of Lebanon is Beirut.
The country is currently facing an acute water scarcity, as recently highlighted by UNICEF.
In early July, the UNICEF-led WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) group reported an alarming nationwide water emergency.
Rainfall in many regions has dropped by more than half compared to normal levels.
Snow-melt has also significantly decreased, further reducing water availability.
Several reservoirs and aquifers have completely dried up.
Reservoirs are large natural or artificial lakes used as a source of water supply; aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing rock.
As a result, an estimated 1.85 million people live in areas highly vulnerable to drought.
Over 44% of Lebanon's population is now dependent on costly and often unsafe water trucking services.
The situation has worsened with Lake Qaraoun, Lebanon’s largest reservoir, dropping to its lowest level on record.
This was confirmed by the Litani River National Authority.
Lake Qaraoun is fed by the Litani River, the longest and largest river in Lebanon.
The Litani River flows through the Beqaa Valley and empties into the Mediterranean Sea.
During this year’s wet season, inflows into Lake Qaraoun were just 45 million cubic metres.
This is a sharp decline compared to the annual average of 350 million cubic metres.
The shortfall is attributed to months of low rainfall and an intense heat wave.
Meanwhile, UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) has reported ongoing Israeli fire along the Blue Line.
The Blue Line is a UN-drawn demarcation line, established in 2000 to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
It stretches about 120 km along Lebanon’s southern frontier and Israel’s northern border.
Geographically, Lebanon consists of four distinct physiographic regions.
The first is a narrow coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea.
The second is the Lebanon Mountains (Jabal Lubnān), a major mountain range.
The third is the Biqa (Al-Biqāʿ) Valley, a fertile area lying between two mountain ranges.
The fourth region includes the Anti-Lebanon and Hermon ranges, forming the eastern boundary.
Lebanon experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by wet winters and dry summers.
Kerala: India’s First 100% Digitally Literate State |
Kerala has become India’s first 100% digitally literate state.
This historic achievement is the result of the "Digi Keralam" programme, launched in 2023.
The programme aimed to extend the digital revolution and e-services to all residents of Kerala.
It specifically targeted inclusivity, ensuring access to digital tools regardless of age.
Digi Keralam builds upon the earlier Akshaya project, which was a pioneering digital literacy initiative in the state.
Through the Akshaya project, Malappuram became the first e-literate district in India.
The core focus of both initiatives has been to improve Digital Literacy in the population.
Digital literacy is defined as "the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions within life situations."
A digitally literate household is one where at least one member (aged 5 years or older) can operate a computer and access the internet.
The achievement of digital literacy has led to positive socio-economic impacts in Kerala.
It has contributed to improved government efficiency through initiatives like Kisan Call Centres and Common Services Centres (CSCs).
These projects have enhanced service delivery and promoted transparency in governance.
Digital access has also created a "window to the world" for the public.
This global connectivity allows people to access information, make better decisions, and strengthen social life and family bonds.
Increased digital literacy has empowered citizens to actively participate in democratic processes.
It has also accelerated financial inclusion through platforms like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Unified Payment Interface (UPI).
The programme has helped impart basic ICT (Information and Communication Technology) skills to the population.
These skills are essential for improving livelihood opportunities in the evolving digital economy.
Despite the progress, there are significant concerns related to digital literacy in India.
One major concern is the ethical use of the internet, as improper usage can spread misinformation.
Misinformation may lead to social discord, communal riots, radicalization, and circulation of fake news.
Another critical concern is the protection of personal data.
People must avoid sharing sensitive data such as user IDs, passwords, and OTPs to prevent data compromise.
There is also a growing threat of cybersecurity attacks, identified as the biggest challenge in the digital era.
This demands constant vigilance against threats from remote adversaries and malicious actors.
Kerala’s achievement in becoming the first fully digitally literate state showcases a successful and inclusive model of digital transformation.
CCPA imposes penalty on Rapido-online ride for Misleading Advertisement |
1. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty on Rapido, an online ride service platform.
2. CCPA took action after examining Rapido’s advertisements which promised “AUTO IN 5 MIN OR GET ₹50” and “Guaranteed Auto”.
3. Upon investigation, these claims were found to be false, misleading, and unfair to consumers.
4. Misleading advertisements raise serious ethical issues affecting both individuals and society.
5. They violate the rights-based approach which includes the right to be informed, right to choose, and right to safety.
6. For example, the Red Bull "gives you wings" campaign falsely implied physical enhancement, leading to penalties for misrepresentation.
7. Misleading advertisements also contradict the utilitarian approach, which promotes actions beneficial to the majority.
8. Such advertisements can cause long-term societal harm, including environmental damage.
9. A notable case is Volkswagen’s “clean diesel” campaign, which falsely advertised vehicles as environmentally friendly—a form of greenwashing.
10. (Greenwashing refers to misleading marketing about the environmental benefits of a product or practice.)
11. Misleading ads also violate Kant’s Categorical Imperative, which states that humans should never be treated merely as a means to an end.
12. These ads prioritize profit maximisation over consumer well-being, treating people as tools for revenue.
13. They also reinforce harmful social biases, especially through stereotypical portrayals in advertisements.
14. For example, Fair and Lovely ads equated beauty with fair skin, promoting racial bias.
15. Some misleading advertisements pose health and safety risks to the public.
16. For instance, Johnson’s Baby Powder continued being advertised despite potential health concerns regarding its safety.
17. This raises concerns under J.S. Mill’s Harm Principle, which allows freedom of expression and commerce only until it causes harm to others.
18. In India, various legal frameworks exist to combat misleading advertisements.
19. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 defines misleading advertisement and prescribes penalties and procedures for dealing with them.
20. It also empowers the CCPA to investigate and take action against violators.
21. The Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements, 2022, issued by CCPA, strengthen regulatory control.
22. These guidelines provide specific criteria to identify and restrict misleading content in advertisements.
23. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 deals with false or misleading ads related to food quality and safety.
24. It empowers authorities to impose penalties on companies for deceptive food advertisements.
25. The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 prohibits ads claiming magical or unproven medical benefits.
26. This law targets unscientific health claims, often seen in alternative medicine and miracle cure promotions.
27. The Rapido case highlights the need for strict regulation and ethical standards in advertising practices.
28. It also underlines the importance of consumer awareness and legal enforcement in ensuring market fairness.
Visit of India’s External Affairs Minister to Russia |
1. India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) recently undertook an official visit to Russia.
2. During the visit, the EAM co-chaired the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).
3. IRIGC-TEC is a bilateral mechanism established in May 1992 to monitor progress across multiple sectors like trade, economy, science, technology, and culture.
4. The visit involved discussion on the finalization of the Programme of Economic Cooperation till 2030.
5. Talks also focused on the early conclusion of the India–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
6. This FTA is seen as a key component in achieving the revised bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.
7. The leaders also discussed major regional issues, including developments in Ukraine, West Asia, and Afghanistan.
8. The EAM reiterated India’s consistent position to resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
9. The visit emphasized the need to remove logistical bottlenecks and enhance connectivity infrastructure.
10. Key projects discussed included the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chennai–Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor.
11. The Northern Sea Route was also identified as an important corridor to improve trade connectivity.
12. On the global front, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to reform global governance institutions.
13. They emphasized deeper cooperation within G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
14. Both sides agreed on the need to expand and revitalize the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to reflect present-day global realities.
15. The India–Russia relationship is officially termed a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”.
16. This strategic partnership covers cooperation across defence, economy, energy, space, and global governance.
17. At the institutional level, an Annual Summit is held between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Russia.
18. A 2+2 Dialogue mechanism also exists, involving the Foreign and Defence Ministers of both countries.
19. In terms of trade, India-Russia bilateral trade reached $65.70 billion in FY 2023–24.
20. This figure surpasses the earlier target of $30 billion set for 2025, showing strong economic momentum.
21. Defence and security cooperation remains a key pillar of the partnership.
22. Notable defence collaborations include the supply of S-400 air defence systems and BrahMos missile development.
23. Joint military exercises like Exercise INDRA further deepen military coordination.
24. Russia has consistently backed India’s candidature for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
25. In the field of science, technology, and space, collaboration continues to grow.
26. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is a landmark project under India–Russia civil nuclear cooperation.
27. Russia is also supporting India’s Gaganyaan Mission, India’s first human spaceflight programme.
28. The recent visit of the EAM to Russia reaffirms the depth, continuity, and strategic trust in India–Russia relations.
Sudarshan Chakra Era: Redefining India’s National Security |
1. Over the last decade, India's defence and internal security posture has undergone a transformational shift.
2. This transformation reflects a move towards strength, strategic clarity, and self-reliance.
3. One key area of progress is the strengthening of defence capacity.
4. India’s defence expenditure has increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore projected in 2025–26.
5. Domestic defence production has tripled in the last 10 years to reach ₹1.50 lakh crore.
6. The Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 prioritizes the "Buy (Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)" category.
7. The SRIJAN Portal was launched to promote domestic defence manufacturing and reduce import dependency.
8. The release of Positive Indigenisation Lists identifies equipment that must be sourced from Indian industry, not imported.
9. India's defence exports have grown 34 times over the last decade, reaching ₹23,622 crore.
10. Indian defence equipment is now exported to over 100 countries, including the United States, France, and Armenia.
11. To attract global capital and technology, India has liberalized FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the defence sector.
12. Innovation in defence is being promoted through the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) platform and the Technology Development Fund.
13. In the area of counter-terrorism, India has adopted a proactive and firm approach.
14. India conducted surgical strikes in 2016 and Operation Sindoor in 2025 in response to terror attacks.
15. The recently announced Sudarshan Chakra Mission (2025) aims to build a futuristic, indigenous national security shield by 2035.
16. The Prime Minister outlined Five 'New Normals' to define India’s evolving approach towards Pakistan and terrorism.
17. The first "New Normal" is a firm response to terror attacks with zero tolerance.
18. The second is no tolerance for nuclear blackmail, rejecting threats that exploit nuclear capabilities.
19. The third asserts no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors, treating both equally accountable.
20. The fourth is zero compromise on sovereignty, ensuring India’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
21. The fifth is that terrorism must be the first issue addressed in any talks with Pakistan.
22. India has also strengthened internal security and home front resilience.
23. Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has been significantly contained, with violence and casualties falling by 85%.
24. Financial inclusion has improved, ensuring broader access to banking and economic opportunities.
25. India has also witnessed major increases in foodgrain and dairy production, boosting rural stability.
26. The launch of the India Semiconductor Mission aims to promote indigenous chip design and manufacturing.
27. This mission is key to reducing dependence on imports and enhancing technological sovereignty.
28. Together, these initiatives reflect a robust, future-ready posture in both defence and internal security.
India’s Space Race Demands a Strong Legal Framework |
1. India urgently requires comprehensive national space legislation to support its growing space sector.
2. Such legislation is needed to operationalize international commitments and provide a stable, predictable, and legally certain environment.
3. India’s space ambitions have accelerated with colossal advancements in space research and technology.
4. India now stands on par with developed spacefaring nations like the United States and Russia.
5. Notable achievements include the cost-efficient Mangalyaan Mission to Mars.
6. Another milestone is Chandrayaan-3's successful soft landing near the lunar South Pole.
7. Future missions include the Gaganyaan manned spaceflight mission and the proposed Bharat Antariksh Station (India’s space station).
8. India’s existing regulatory framework follows a methodical, incremental approach.
9. The Catalogue of Standards for the Space Industry (2023) ensures the safety of space operations.
10. The Indian Space Policy (2023) outlines activities encouraged for non-governmental entities in space.
11. The IN-SPACe Norms Procedure Guidelines (NPG) for Authorization (2024) implement the Space Policy by regulating ground segment activities and the establishment of satellites in orbit.
12. Despite this progress, there is an imperative need for comprehensive national space legislation.
13. India has ratified key international treaties like the Outer Space Treaty (1967), but these are not self-executing.
14. Domestic laws are essential for the practical implementation of international obligations.
15. While policies can guide and inspire, only statutory laws can mandate compliance and provide legal certainty.
16. The current regulatory transition causes significant operational challenges for the space industry.
17. These challenges include delays and confusion due to approvals from multiple ministries.
18. The dual-use nature of space technologies (civilian and military applications) complicates regulation.
19. The industry demands protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) without excessive government control.
20. There is also a need for an independent appellate body to resolve disputes and prevent conflicts of interest.
21. Enacting a comprehensive national space law with statutory backing for regulatory bodies like IN-SPACe would provide legal clarity and operational certainty.
22. Such legislation would foster innovation, attract investment, and ensure India’s responsible engagement in outer space.
Aadhaar-based authentication framework for Cooperative Banks |
1. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled a new Aadhaar-based authentication framework for Cooperative Banks.
2. This framework was developed after consultations with the Ministry of Cooperation, NABARD, and other key stakeholders.
3. The primary objective of the framework is to allow cooperative banks to use Aadhaar-based authentication services.
4. It also aims to enable the use of the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) for delivering financial services.
5. The framework particularly focuses on serving underserved and rural populations through digital financial inclusion.
6. Under this system, only the State Cooperative Banks (SCBs) will be directly registered with UIDAI.
7. These SCBs will act as both Authentication User Agencies (AUAs) and eKYC User Agencies (KUAs).
8. (AUAs and KUAs are entities authorized to access Aadhaar authentication and electronic Know Your Customer services respectively.)
9. To enable seamless operations, a new identification system called "DCB-ID" is proposed.
10. The DCB-ID will serve as an internal identifier for District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) under the respective SCBs.
11. This framework aims to bring greater efficiency, transparency, and access to cooperative banking services through Aadhaar integration.
India Grants UN-Like Privileges to International Big Cat Alliance |
1. India has extended privileges and immunities to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and its officials.
2. These legal safeguards are similar to those granted to representatives of United Nations organisations.
3. The IBCA was launched in 2023 in India during the event ‘Commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger’.
4. The alliance was established by the Government of India through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
5. The NTCA functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
6. IBCA is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition involving 95 countries.
7. These include both range countries (where big cats naturally occur) and non-range countries interested in big cat conservation.
8. The primary objective of IBCA is the conservation of seven big cat species globally.
9. These include the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
10. The headquarters of IBCA is located in India, positioning India as a global leader in big cat conservation.
India and Netherlands Deepen Ties Through Strategic Water Partnership |
1. The Union Government recently informed the Rajya Sabha about the ongoing Indo–Dutch Strategic Water Partnership (SWP).
2. This strategic partnership was signed in 2022 between the Ministry of Jal Shakti (India) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (Netherlands).
3. The main objective of the partnership is to intensify and expand bilateral cooperation in water management.
4. The focus of cooperation is on water safety, water availability, and water quality.
5. A key institutional initiative under this partnership is the Indo–Dutch Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Water.
6. This CoE has been established through collaboration between IIT Delhi and the Government of the Netherlands.
7. The partnership emphasizes technological and scientific exchange in the water sector.
8. Key focus areas include urban water management and river basin management.
9. The partnership also integrates the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geospatial Technologies in water governance.
10. (Geospatial technologies refer to tools like satellite imagery and GIS used for mapping and managing natural resources.)
11. Other priority areas include improvement of water quality and promoting a sustainable river economy.
12. The Indo–Dutch SWP reflects a shared commitment to innovative and sustainable water solutions.
Government Launches Entrepreneurship Programme for Transgender Persons Under SMILE Scheme |
1. The Government of India has launched a 15-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme under the SMILE scheme.
2. This programme aims to empower transgender persons by promoting self-employment and livelihood opportunities.
3. The SMILE scheme stands for Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise.
4. It is implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, which means it is fully funded by the Central Government.
5. The scheme is operated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
6. SMILE consists of two sub-schemes targeting vulnerable and marginalized populations.
7. The first sub-scheme is the Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons.
8. The second sub-scheme is the Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging.
9. Both sub-schemes aim to enable social and economic rehabilitation of the targeted groups.
10. Key measures under the scheme include rehabilitation support and provision of medical facilities.
11. It also includes access to counseling services, formal and non-formal education, and skill development training.
12. Additionally, the scheme focuses on creating economic linkages to ensure sustainable livelihoods.
13. Through these measures, the SMILE scheme promotes dignity, inclusion, and self-reliance among marginalized individuals.
Registrar General of India Calls for Universal Birth and Death Registration Across States |
1. The Registrar General of India (RGI) has urged States to take necessary steps to achieve universal registration of births and deaths.
2. The RGI is appointed under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, which mandates the compulsory recording of these vital events.
3. It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible for overseeing population and demographic data.
4. One of RGI’s key responsibilities is conducting the Housing and Population Census under the Census Act, 1948, which collects comprehensive demographic data every ten years.
5. The RGI also manages the Civil Registration System (CRS), which enforces the compulsory registration of births and deaths as per the 1969 Act.
6. Additionally, the RGI oversees the Sample Registration System (SRS), a demographic survey used to estimate birth and death rates.
7. The office is also responsible for maintaining the National Population Register (NPR), which supports identity verification and social welfare programs.
8. Furthermore, the RGI conducts the Mother Tongue Survey, gathering data on languages spoken across India to support cultural and linguistic policy-making.
Dal Lake Hosts First-Ever Khelo India Water Games in Kashmir |
1. Dal Lake is currently hosting the first-ever Khelo India Water Games, marking a major sporting event in the region.
2. The lake is located in the eastern part of Srinagar city in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
3. It lies on the right bank of the Jhelum River, which is the main river flowing through the Kashmir Valley.
4. Dal Lake spans an area of 18 square kilometers, making it one of the largest urban lakes in India.
5. It forms part of a larger natural wetland system that covers a total of 21.1 square kilometers, including its floating gardens.
6. These floating gardens, locally known as "Raad", are used for growing vegetables and are a unique feature of the lake.
7. The lake is fed by the Arrah River, which contributes to its freshwater inflow.
8. Water exits the lake at its northern extremity through a dark and deep channel called Tel Bal.
9. The wetland is divided by man-made causeways into four distinct basins for better management and navigation.
10. These four basins are named Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin.
11. Among these, Nagin is often referred to as a separate lake but is hydrologically connected to Dal Lake.
12. Dal Lake is not only a key tourist attraction but also an important ecological and cultural symbol of Kashmir.
Ministry of Power Scraps Uniform Renewable Energy Tariff (URET) Mechanism |
1. The Ministry of Power has officially scrapped the Uniform Renewable Energy Tariff (URET) mechanism.
2. The URET was designed to provide a uniform tariff to consumers by averaging the competitive bid tariffs of similar renewable energy projects within central pools.
3. Its main objective was to mitigate the impact on power procurers caused by rapidly declining bid-discovered prices.
4. However, procurers showed reluctance to sign Power Sale Agreements (PSAs) due to tariff uncertainty over the fixed three-year period under URET.
5. This reluctance led to stalling of renewable energy projects, affecting the overall progress in the sector.
6. The revocation aims to restore transparent price discovery by allowing direct negotiation between producers and consumers.
7. This move is expected to accelerate renewable energy deployment across India by making tariff structures clearer and more flexible.
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