Daily Current Affairs 29th August Daily News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Minority Affairs Ministry Launches UMEED Module for Vulnerable Groups

• The Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched a new module on the UMEED Portal to help widows, divorced women, and orphans apply for maintenance support from Waqf-alal-aulad properties under the UMEED Rules, 2025.
• The online system uses Aadhaar-based authentication for verification, enabling applications and approvals through State and UT Waqf Boards, with payments directly credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
• This move aims to make Waqf administration more transparent, efficient, and people-centric, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive development and social justice for vulnerable minority groups.

India Launches Major OSAT Facility For Semi-Conductor in Gujarat

• India marked a major milestone in its semiconductor journey with the launch of one of the country’s first end-to-end OSAT Pilot Line Facilities by CG Power at Sanand, Gujarat, inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and CM Bhupendra Patel.
• The facility, part of the India Semiconductor Mission, will support chip assembly, packaging, testing, and post-test services.
• Backed by a ₹7,600 crore investment, the CG Semi project includes two facilities (G1 & G2), set to generate 5,000+ jobs, boost Atmanirbhar Bharat, and strengthen India’s chip-making ecosystem.

India Launches First National Biofoundry Network under BioE3 Policy

• India has launched its first National Biofoundry Network (NBN) under the BioE3 Policy, aiming to boost indigenous biomanufacturing and achieve a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
• Launched in 2025 by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the NBN is a collaborative platform of six premier institutions under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
• It offers end-to-end facilities for synthetic biology, product prototyping, and climate-smart biotech.
• Linked to the BioE3 Challenge, it encourages youth innovation, startups, and fosters a sustainable, open-access biotech ecosystem with global linkages.

State News

Delhi CM Launches ‘U-Special’ Buses for College Students

• Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off the ‘U-Special’ buses for college students, reviving the service after years of inactivity.
• The initiative, aimed at improving connectivity between homes and Delhi University, features electric, air-conditioned buses equipped with CCTV cameras and panic buttons to ensure student safety.
• Gupta highlighted the scheme’s role in boosting the university’s vibrancy and promoting cleaner air in Delhi’s transport. Meanwhile, Delhi Metro recently increased fares by Rs 1 to Rs 4 depending on distance, with discussions ongoing about metro concessions for students.

Andhra SIPB Clears ₹53,922 Crore Investments, 83,000+ Jobs

• Andhra Pradesh’s State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) has approved 30 investment projects worth ₹53,922 crore, with the potential to generate 83,437 jobs; major approvals include HFCL, Apollo Tyres, and Dhirubhai Ambani Green Tech Park.
• As CM Chandrababu Naidu commits to personally monitoring project execution and boosting the state’s ease of doing business and industrial growth.

Economy News

Cotton Import Duty Exemption Extended Till December 2025

• The Central Government has extended the import duty exemption on cotton (HS 5201) until 31st December 2025, aiming to boost availability for the Indian textile sector and support exporters.
• Initially effective from 19th August to 30th September 2025, this move ensures continued relief amid rising global cotton prices. A notification will be issued shortly.

India’s IIP (Index of Industrial Production) Grows 3.5% in July 2025

• India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 3.5% in July 2025, driven primarily by a 5.4% rise in manufacturing, as per Quick Estimates released on 28th August 2025.
• Sector-wise, Mining contracted by 7.2%, Electricity grew 0.6%, and Manufacturing led the surge with 14 of 23 industries showing positive growth.
• Major contributors include basic metals (12.7%), electrical equipment (15.9%), and non-metallic mineral products (9.5%).
• Under use-based classification, highest growth was seen in Infrastructure/Construction goods (11.9%), Intermediate goods (5.8%), and Consumer durables (7.7%), positioning these as the top positive contributors to overall IIP growth.

Business News

NALCO to Invest $3.43 Billion in Smelter and Power Plant

• National Aluminium Company (NALCO) will invest ₹300 billion ($3.43 billion) over the next five years to build a new aluminium smelter in Odisha and a coal power plant, according to CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh.
• About ₹180 billion will go toward the smelter, while ₹120 billion is earmarked for the power plant, for which NALCO is in talks with Coal India and NTPC.
• The project will be funded through a mix of debt and internal accruals.

Mastercard, Infosys Partner to Boost Cross-Border Payments

• Mastercard has partnered with Infosys to integrate Mastercard Move’s cross-border payment capabilities into Infosys Finacle, enabling faster, secure, and seamless global transactions for financial institutions across 200+ countries and 150+ currencies, ultimately enhancing digital payment experiences, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency.

Appointments News

Dinesh K Patnaik Appointed India’s Envoy to Canada

• India has appointed senior diplomat Dinesh K Patnaik as its new High Commissioner to Canada, while Canada has named Christopher Cooter as its envoy to India — a move that signals a thaw in diplomatic ties strained since the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
• Patnaik, currently ambassador to Spain, will take charge in Ottawa shortly.
• The reciprocal appointments follow a shift in Canada’s leadership, with Mark Carney replacing Justin Trudeau, and reflect efforts by both sides to restore bilateral relations and enhance cooperation.

Urjit Patel Appointed IMF Executive Director for 3-Year Term

• Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel has been appointed as an Executive Director at the IMF for a three-year term starting August 28, 2025, representing India and its constituency on the IMF Board.
• Patel, known for his role during demonetisation (2016), the GST rollout (2017), and a notable conflict with the government over RBI autonomy and surplus transfer.
• Brings extensive experience from the RBI, IMF, and various economic advisory roles in both the public and private sectors, marking another milestone in India’s presence in global financial institutions.

OpenAI names ex-Coursera chief Raghav Gupta as Education Head for India and APAC

• OpenAI has appointed Raghav Gupta, former Coursera APAC Managing Director, as Head of Education for India and APAC, signaling a major push to integrate AI in digital education across the region.
• Announced at the OpenAI Education Summit in New Delhi, the move supports India’s ambition to lead in AI-driven learning through local AI programmes, research partnerships, and developer engagement.
• OpenAI is also collaborating with the India AI Mission to expand technical training.

Agreements News

India and Bhutan Sign MoU for Agricultural Cooperation

• India and Bhutan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, including livestock, aiming to strengthen food security, sustainable farming, and rural prosperity.
• Signed in Thimphu by Devesh Chaturvedi (India) and Thinley Namgyel (Bhutan), the agreement sets a framework for collaboration in agricultural research, livestock health, post-harvest management, value chain development, and knowledge exchange.

Summits & Conferences News

Sanjay Seth Inaugurates MILMEDICON 2025 in New Delhi