NATIONAL NEWS

India Hits 100 GW Solar PV Manufacturing Capacity

• India’s solar module manufacturing capacity has reached 100 GW under the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) scheme.

• This marks a sharp increase from just 2.3 GW in 2014, reflecting the sector’s impressive expansion over the last decade.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the achievement as a key step toward energy independence and sustainability.

• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi credited supportive government initiatives, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, for driving this growth.

• The increase aligns with India’s broader national objective of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

• The ALMM order, launched in 2019 with 8.2 GW listed capacity, has seen exponential growth.

• Within four years, the capacity has expanded more than twelvefold, now involving 100 manufacturers across 123 units.

• Both well-established firms and newer players adopting modern, high-efficiency technologies are contributing to the sector’s momentum.

STATE NEWS

Uttarakhand Approves Major Policy Reforms for Agniveers and Religious Conversion Law

• The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved 10% horizontal reservation in Group 'C' government jobs for Agniveers returning from military service.

• The move was finalized during a cabinet session chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

• Ex-Agniveers will be exempt from physical efficiency tests during recruitment and will receive relaxation in the upper age limit.

• This reservation will be applicable specifically to uniformed roles under the state government.

• The Cabinet also passed key amendments to the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2025.

• The updated law proposes stricter penalties for forced conversions and bans digital promotion of religious conversions.

• It also includes enhanced protection for victims of coercive conversions.

• These legislative changes will be introduced in the monsoon session of the State Assembly starting August 19.

SPORTS

India Advances Bid to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially approved India’s bid for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games on August 13 in New Delhi.

• Ahmedabad has been proposed as the candidate city in India’s Expression of Interest (EoI).

• The final bid submission deadline is August 31, 2025.

• With Canada withdrawing from the race, India’s prospects of being selected as the host nation have significantly improved.

• A delegation from the Commonwealth Sport, led by Darren Hall, recently visited Ahmedabad to assess infrastructure and facilities.

• Gujarat state officials engaged in detailed discussions with the visiting team during the inspection.

• A second, more comprehensive review by a larger delegation is expected later this month.

• The final decision on the host city will be made at the Commonwealth General Assembly in Glasgow this November.

AWARDS

Karnataka’s Bibi Fatima SHG Wins UNDP Equator Prize 2025

• The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group from Teertha village in Dharwad, Karnataka, has been awarded the prestigious UNDP Equator Prize 2025.

• Often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for Biodiversity," this award recognizes outstanding community-led environmental efforts.

• The group is India’s sole recipient among 10 global winners selected from nearly 700 entries across 103 countries.

• The announcement was made on August 9, in honor of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

• The 2025 theme emphasized “Women and Youth Leadership in Nature-Based Climate Action.”

• The SHG has revitalized millet farming across 30 villages using eco-friendly, traditional farming practices.

• They operate a community seed bank and produce various millet-based products such as rotis and vermicelli.

• Their initiatives promote dryland biodiversity, support local farmer markets, and encourage agro-enterprise.

• The group’s collaboration with Devadhanya Farmer Producer Company has strengthened women’s livelihoods and rural entrepreneurship.

Independence Day 2025: Gallantry and Service Awards Announced

• President Droupadi Murmu approved 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service medals for personnel in the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

• The announcement, made ahead of Independence Day, also included five Tatrakshak Medals for Coast Guard officers.

• Key gallantry recognitions include:

o 4 Kirti Chakras

o 15 Vir Chakras

o 16 Shaurya Chakras

o 2 Bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry)

• Additional awards:

o 58 Sena Medals (Army)

o 6 Nao Sena Medals (Navy)

o 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Air Force)

• Posthumous Vir Chakras were conferred on BSF SI Mohd Imteyaj and Constable Deepak Chingakham for their supreme sacrifice.

• The Army received 58 Sena Medals, including two awarded to Agniveer soldiers.

• The Navy and Air Force earned 6 and 26 gallantry medals, respectively.

• Leadership in Operation Sindoor was recognized through Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals awarded to Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Vice Admiral Sanjay Singh (Retd.), and four senior Air Marshals.

• The CRPF led among CAPFs with 23 gallantry awards, including three Shaurya Chakras, for their bravery in anti-Maoist and J&K operations.