Here is a blog-friendly summary of the Vision IAS Daily Current Affairs for August 5, 2025, optimized for aspirants of Kerala PSC, UPSC, and other competitive exams:
🌐 Daily Current Affairs Summary – August 5, 2025
Source: Vision IAS | Compiled for Competitive Exam Preparation
🏛️ National & Governance
1. ESG Framework in India – Key Reforms Ahead
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has emphasized the need to legally strengthen ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards for Indian companies.
Recommendations include:
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Dedicated ESG oversight body under the MCA
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Sector-specific ESG guidelines for MSMEs
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Independent ESG committees within companies
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Amendment of Companies Act for legal clarity
2. Electric Mobility Boost: $200 Billion Opportunity
NITI Aayog’s India Electric Mobility Index and EV Report stress urgency in transitioning to electric vehicles.
Challenges:
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Poor financing for electric buses/trucks
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Charging infrastructure gaps
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Lack of EV awareness
Recommendations:
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Shift from incentives to mandates
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Cheaper loans and battery leasing models
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City-wise 100% electrification targets
3. GIFT City & IFSC – India's Financial Gateway
India’s only International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City, Gujarat, ranked 46th globally.
Significance:
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Offers offshore financial services to residents/non-residents
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Regulated by IFSCA (est. 2020)
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Encourages setting up more IFSCs in metro cities
4. AGNISHODH – Indian Army & IIT-Madras Collaborate
A new research center called AGNISHODH has been launched to boost defence innovation and tech development.
Focus Areas:
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AI, robotics, hypersonic, and non-kinetic warfare
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Strengthening domestic defence manufacturing under iDEX, ADITI, SRIJAN schemes
⚖️ Legal & Environment
5. Supreme Court Backs Pollution Boards on Penalties
In a landmark ruling, the SC upheld the Polluter Pays Principle, authorizing Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) to impose environmental compensation.
Key Laws:
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Water Act, 1974
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Air Act, 1981
Not all violations qualify—penalty only when environmental harm is proven.
💼 Economy & Infrastructure
6. PAN 2.0 Project Launched by IT Department
The Income Tax Department has initiated PAN 2.0 to modernize and digitize PAN/TAN issuance.
Features:
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Single unified portal
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Paperless processing
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Enhanced data security via PAN Data Vault
7. Bond Switching Saves ₹560 Cr
The Government saved ₹560 crore in interest payments via Bond Switching, a strategy to restructure public debt by replacing short-term bonds with longer-maturity instruments.
🌱 Environment & Biodiversity
8. Asian Giant Tortoise Reintroduced in Nagaland
A critically endangered species was reintroduced in the Zeliang Community Reserve.
Why Important:
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Largest tortoise in mainland Asia
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Keystone species and above-ground nester
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Threatened by habitat loss and hunting
9. Isotope Tagging to Stop Rhino Poaching
South Africa’s Rhisotope Project uses radioactive isotope tagging in rhino horns to prevent illegal trade. These can be detected globally at borders and ports using radiation scanners.
🌏 International Relations
10. PM Visits Cyprus After 23 Years
A landmark diplomatic visit, marking enhanced ties with Cyprus, a key EU member, especially in investment and cultural exchange.
11. India-Philippines Celebrate 75 Years of Ties
Philippines President visits India. Focus on maritime cooperation and defense partnerships.
🔬 Science, Tech & Energy
12. E20 Ethanol Blending: Clarification Issued
Govt clarified that 20% ethanol blending (E20) is safe and beneficial, though some vehicles may need engine upgrades.
Benefits:
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Reduces emissions
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Improves energy security
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Boosts rural incomes
🧬 Social Schemes & Health
13. PM Matru Vandana Yojana Extended
Special drive to register more women under the scheme offering:
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₹5,000 for the first child
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₹6,000 for second girl child
Supports maternal health and nutrition.
🌿 Miscellaneous
14. National Medicinal Plants Board MoUs Signed
To conserve threatened medicinal plants and establish a National Medicinal Plants Garden at AIIMS, Delhi.
15. Pangong Tso Expedition Completed
Indian team summited peaks Merag-III and Kangju Kangri in the Pangong range, Ladakh—bolstering national pride and strategic interest.
📝 Summary Table for Quick Revision
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| ESG Framework | Panel suggests legal reform, MSME support, and independent ESG bodies |
| Electric Vehicles Report | Calls for mandates, better financing, and EV awareness |
| GIFT City (IFSC) | Global rank improves; more such hubs proposed |
| Defence Innovation (AGNISHODH) | IIT-Madras and Army launch tech-driven R&D center |
| SC on PCBs | PCBs can impose Environmental Compensation under Polluter Pays principle |
| PAN 2.0 Project | Paperless, secure PAN/TAN platform initiated |
| Bond Switching | ₹560 crore saved by replacing short-term with long-term bonds |
| Asian Giant Tortoise | Reintroduced in Nagaland; keystone endangered species |
| Rhino Isotope Tagging | South African innovation to curb poaching |
| PM Visits Cyprus | First visit in 23 years, strengthens bilateral ties |
| India-Philippines Ties | 75th anniversary celebrated with strategic focus |
| E20 Fuel | Ethanol-blended fuel clarified as beneficial |
| PMMVY Extension | Enhanced maternal support under Samarthya mission |
| NMPB MoUs | Steps to conserve medicinal plants and boost R&D |
| Pangong Tso Expedition | Strategic and symbolic achievement in Ladakh region |
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