GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Pariksha Pe Charcha Sets Guinness World Record for Public Engagement

• PM Modi’s Pariksha Pe Charcha earned a Guinness World Record for the highest number of registrations on a citizen platform in one month.

• The eighth edition saw over 3.53 crore participants register via the MyGov portal.

• The official Guinness certificate was awarded on August 4 in New Delhi during a special ceremony.

• The program allows direct interaction between PM Modi and students, parents, and teachers.

• It is widely recognized for reducing exam stress and promoting a positive approach to learning.

• The 2025 edition attracted an audience of over 21 crore viewers across platforms.

• Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the award event, highlighting the program’s national impact.

• The initiative continues to inspire youth and promote mental well-being and educational motivation across India.

SPORTS

Vedika Bhansali Shines at US Kids World Golf Championship

• Vedika Bhansali clinched the girls' 9-year title at the US Kids World Championship in Pinehurst Village, USA.

• She shot a brilliant bogey-free 4-under 32 in her final round, marking her best performance of the week.

• Vedika finished with a 10-under total (scores of 33, 33, 32), edging past Japan’s Emi Minami by one shot.

• She had just one bogey across all three 9-hole rounds—a notable improvement from her fourth-place finish last year.

• In the girls' 11 category, India’s Aida Thimmaiah secured third place with a 7-under total.

• Aida's final round was the highlight, where she carded a superb 6-under 66 after earlier rounds of 75 and 68.

• In junior golf, players compete in 9-hole rounds, and a bogey refers to scoring one stroke over par on a hole.

NATIONAL NEWS

Rajya Sabha Extends President’s Rule in Manipur Amid Opposition Uproar

• On August 5, 2025, the Rajya Sabha approved a six-month extension of President’s Rule in Manipur, following Lok Sabha’s earlier nod.

• The resolution was presented by MoS for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, in the Upper House.

• Rai attributed the need for extension to inter-community unrest, triggered by a High Court order.

• He also noted that only one violent incident had occurred since President’s Rule was imposed.

• The session faced strong opposition protests, as members demanded a debate on the special electoral roll revision in Bihar.

• Despite disruptions, the Rajya Sabha passed the resolution to continue central rule in Manipur.

• Additionally, the House cleared an amendment to the Customs Act, 1975, moved by MoS Finance, Pankaj Choudhary.

STATE NEWS

Cloudburst in Uttarkashi’s Dharali Triggers Flash Floods and Devastation

• A cloudburst hit Dharali village in Uttarkashi’s Harsil region on August 5, 2025, causing a sudden surge in the Kheer Ganga river.

• The resulting flash floods swept through the local market, damaging multiple buildings, hotels, and businesses with heavy debris.

• Over 130 people were safely evacuated as rescue operations by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities continue.

• Four deaths have been confirmed, while several others remain missing amid ongoing search efforts.

• Temporary shelters have been set up to provide food, water, medical care, and emergency housing for affected families.

• To support evacuation, the Army has been asked to deploy MI-17 and Chinook helicopters for aerial assistance.

• A cloudburst refers to a short, intense rainfall over a small area, often leading to landslides and flash floods in mountainous regions.