IMPORTANT DAYS
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day 2025 observed on August 14.
• Partition Horrors Remembrance Day observed every year on 14th August to remember the tragic events of India’s Partition in 1947.
• The day is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives and endured suffering during the Partition.
• It acknowledges the pain of families displaced from their homes and communities during the mass migration.
• Initiated by the Indian Government in 2021 to honor the resilience of victims and survivors.
• The Partition led to the creation of two nations—India and Pakistan—through the division of British India.
• Provinces like Punjab and Bengal were split along religious lines, leading to widespread violence.
• An estimated 10 to 20 million people were forced to migrate, facing unimaginable hardships.
NATIONAL NEWS
India’s 79th Independence Day 2025: Celebrating a Bold, Visionary, and Rising Nation
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will mark India’s 79th Independence Day by hoisting the national flag and delivering his annual address from the historic Red Fort on August 15.
• The theme for this year, “Naya Bharat,” captures the country's ambitious journey toward becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by the year 2047.
• The event will spotlight India’s strides in becoming a secure, self-reliant, and globally influential power.
• Operation Sindoor will be specially acknowledged for its achievement, symbolizing India’s resilience and national strength.
• Invitation cards for the occasion carry the emblem of Operation Sindoor and a watermark depicting the iconic Chenab Bridge, representing progress and pride.
• Over 5,000 attendees from various walks of life, including renowned athletes and para-athletes, have been invited to the Red Fort celebrations.
• The ceremony will also honour athletes from the Special Olympics 2025 squad and medal winners of the Khelo India Para Games.
• A new addition this year includes patriotic band performances at more than 140 iconic locations across the country, with participation from military and paramilitary units to stir national pride.
Stricter Regulations for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
• The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced tougher rules governing OCI cardholders.
• OCI status will be revoked if the individual is convicted and sentenced to two or more years in prison.
• Even being charge-sheeted for crimes punishable with seven years or more can lead to cancellation.
• These rules apply to offences committed both within India and abroad, if they fall under Indian law.
• OCI cards offer lifelong, multiple-entry visas and limited rights in education and economic sectors.
• The government aims to reinforce the legal boundaries of the OCI framework through these changes.
• The new norms fall under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship Rules, 2009.
Lok Sabha Passes Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2025
• The 2025 amendment seeks to enhance transparency and encourage mineral exploration across India.
• It updates the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, with key reforms.
• It updates the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, with key reforms.
• No extra fee is required when adding essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, or gold.
• The National Mineral Exploration Trust’s scope has been widened to include development activities.
• Captive mines are now allowed to sell 100% of their output after fulfilling internal requirements.
• A new regulatory authority will oversee mineral exchanges and ensure fair trade practices.
• The government emphasizes critical minerals’ role in clean energy, electric mobility, and transparent mine allocation.
STATE NEWS
Uttar Pradesh Assembly Highlights: Vision 2047 and Temple Trust Bill
• A special 24-hour session in the UP Assembly focused on the state’s long-term goals under Vision 2047, aiming to become India’s top state by that year.
• Discussions emphasized economic progress, social equity, environmental responsibility, and infrastructure modernization.
• Key development targets include poverty eradication, tech-driven governance, and creating global-standard infrastructure.
• The Banke Bihari Temple Trust Bill was tabled, granting full control of temple assets and donations to a newly formed trust.
• The trust will include 18 members—11 nominated and 7 ex officio—and oversee all aspects of temple management.
• Provisions ensure the preservation of Swami Haridas’s religious customs, maintaining all traditional rituals and celebrations.
• The trust will regulate darshan schedules, appoint priests, set remuneration, and ensure devotee safety.
• Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak highlighted UP’s leadership in wheat, milk, and sugar output, presence of AIIMS in Raebareli and Gorakhpur, and the country’s most extensive expressway network connecting all 75 districts.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES
India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable 2025: Strengthening Strategic Ties
• New Delhi hosted the 3rd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable with high-level participation from both nations, including India’s Finance, External Affairs, Commerce, and Railways Ministers.
• Singapore's delegation was headed by Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong, highlighting the importance of trade and strategic cooperation.
• Discussions emphasized stronger collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders through the India-Singapore Business Roundtable.
• The roundtable focused on six key areas: digital transformation, skills development, sustainability, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity.
• The dialogue serves as a strategic platform for deepening bilateral cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.
• Singapore remains central to India’s Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific approach, and the MAHASAGAR maritime vision.
• Economic ties were reinforced through the CECA signed in 2005, significantly enhancing trade and investment flows.
• Defence relations continue to strengthen with regular joint military exercises like SIMBEX (Navy) and Agni Warrior (Army).
