Daily Current Affairs- 14th August 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 14th August 2025

India Achieves 100 GW Solar PV Manufacturing Milestone Under ALMM

In the News: India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing capacity listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) has reached 100 GW—a leap from just 2.3 GW in 2014. This marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward a self-reliant solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Key Points:

• Milestone Achieved: India has attained 100 GW of solar PV module manufacturing capacity under ALMM as of August 13, 2025, according to MNRE. 
• Growth Trajectory: Capacity under ALMM has skyrocketed from 2.3 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025, reflecting rapid industry expansion. 
• ALMM Origins: The ALMM framework was instituted by MNRE with the Order issued on January 2, 2019, and the first list published in March 2021, endorsing around 8.2 GW initially.
• Manufacturing Landscape: The current ecosystem encompasses 100 manufacturers operating 123 module manufacturing units across India. In contrast, the scenario in 2021 included just 21 manufacturers.
•  Government Acknowledgement: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the development on X, calling it “yet another milestone towards self‑reliance,” highlighting India’s strengthening clean-energy manufacturing capabilities.  Union Minister Pralhad Joshi termed this a “historic milestone” and credited initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for high-efficiency solar modules for facilitating the expansion. 
• Alignment with Broader Goals: Achieving this milestone advances India’s target of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, further reinforcing its push toward Atmanirbhar Bharat and global decarbonization commitments.

India and Singapore Reinforce Strategic Partnership at 3rd Ministerial Roundtable in New Delhi

In the News: India hosted the 3rd India‑Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) in New Delhi—a high-level mechanism aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, established during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024

Key Points:

• Roundtable Held in New Delhi: The 3rd ISMR took place on August 13, 2025, following its inaugural edition in New Delhi in September 2022 and the second in Singapore in August 2024
• High-Level Participation: From India: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman; External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar; Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal; and Railways, IT, I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. From Singapore: Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong; Coordinating Minister for National Security & Home Affairs K. Shanmugam; Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan; Digital Development Minister Josephine Teo; Manpower Minister Tan See Leng; and Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.
• Six Pillars of Cooperation Reviewed: Progress was assessed across the pillars of Advanced Manufacturing, Connectivity, Digitalisation, Healthcare & Medicine, Skills Development, and Sustainability. New initiatives within these domains were also identified for enhanced collaboration.
• Government–Industry Synergy Highlighted: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the productive interaction with the India‑Singapore Business Roundtable (ISBR) delegation, noting that “synergy between Government & Industry is key to unlocking the next phase of India‑Singapore ties”.
• Agreements Finalised: Around 10 agreements, spanning key cooperation areas aligned with the ISMR pillars, were finalized and are expected to be formally unveiled during the upcoming prime ministers’ meeting.
•  Diplomatic Engagements: The visiting Singaporean ministers called on President Droupadi Murmu and visited Mumbai to assess Singaporean investments, including maritime engagements and a $453 million data centre by CapitaLand Investment in Navi Mumbai. MoUs such as one from Mapletree Investments involving ₹3,000 crore in Maharashtra were also part of the visit’s economic engagements.

State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH)

In the News:  The Union Health Ministry launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH)—the country’s first national framework to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems. The virtual launch was led by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava in the presence of Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drug Controller General of India, with participation from health secretaries and drug controllers across states and Union Territories.

Key Points:

• Objective: SHRESTH is a transparent, data‑driven evaluation tool conceived by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Its aim is to benchmark, evaluate, and enhance performance of state/UT drug regulatory systems, ensuring safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines nationwide.
• Categories & Evaluation Framework:
  • Manufacturing States are assessed on 27 indicators, while Primarily Distribution States/UTs are evaluated on 23 indicators.
  • These indicators span five key thematic domains: Human Resources, Infrastructure, Licensing Activities, Surveillance Activities, Responsiveness.
• Data Submission & Scoring Mechanism: States submit monthly data by the 25th of each month to CDSCO. The scores are calculated on the 1st of the following month and shared with all states and UTs—creating a continuous improvement feedback loop.
• Purpose & Tools:
  • Acts as a virtual gap‑assessment tool, guiding states towards regulatory maturity certification.
  • Emphasizes cooperative federalism, encouraging states to share best practices and learn from top performers.
• Global Alignment & Strategic Vision:
  • SHRESTH’s framework aligns with WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool, aiming to elevate drug regulation to global standards, similar to India's WHO ML‑3 certification for vaccines.
  • Reinforces India's vision as the "Pharmacy of the World", ensuring medicines are trusted at both domestic and global levels.
• Complementary Initiatives: Several capacity-building and regulatory-strengthening measures were announced, including:
  • Extension of the Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) dashboard to all states.
  • Plans for a Drug Regulatory Systems symposium, along with expanded joint trainings and audits.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Implementation Approach: The launch involved health secretaries and drug regulators from across the country. SHRESTH is promoted as more than a scorecard—rather, a reform roadmap, supporting harmonized application of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and promoting structured knowledge sharing.

New OCI Rules Tighten Overseas Citizenship Regulations

In the News: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a gazette notification tightening the rules governing Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status. Under the revised regulations, OCI registration or cards may now be cancelled under stricter legal grounds to safeguard the integrity of India's overseas citizen scheme.

Key Points:

• Grounds for Cancellation Expanded: OCI status will be revoked if a cardholder:
  • Is sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more.
  • Is charge-sheeted for an offence carrying a punishment of seven years or more.
• No More Five-year Limitation: Previously, revocation for a two-year sentence was only applicable if it occurred within five years of registration. The updated rule removes this five-year time cap, meaning any such conviction at any time is now grounds for cancellation.
• Global Applicability: The cancellation rules apply even if the conviction or charge-sheet happens abroad, provided the offence is recognized under Indian law .
• Broader Legal Context: These changes were made under the authority of clause (da) of Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, reinforcing the MHA’s power to revoke OCI status on more stringent legal grounds.
• Aim & Rationale: The government’s move is aimed at strengthening the legal framework around OCI privileges and ensuring they are not exploited by individuals involved in serious criminal activities.

IBC Amendment Bill 2025

In the News: The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, introduced the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in Lok Sabha. The proposed amendments aim to overhaul India's insolvency framework—accelerating processes, empowering stakeholders, and aligning with global best practices.

Key Points:

• Purpose & Context: The Bill follows three years of consultations with stakeholders, the Insolvency Law Committee, and public input, aiming to resolve implementation challenges under the IBC and strengthen its effectiveness.
• Empowering Creditors & Streamlining Process: Introduces a creditor-initiated insolvency resolution process, allowing an out-of-court start within a debtor-in-possession model—keeping existing management for business continuity.  Amendments to Section 7 mandate that applications by financial creditors be admitted solely based on default, using information utility records as sufficient proof—bypassing additional grounds and reducing delays.
• Curbing Procedural Misuse: Limits withdrawals of insolvency applications both before COC constitutions and after resolution plan invitations—closing loopholes.  Makes Committee of Creditors (CoC) approval mandatory for withdrawal under Section 12A, ensuring transparency and discouraging early out-of-court exits.
• Enhanced Oversight & Asset Recovery: CoC is now empowered to supervise the liquidation process, including replacing liquidators via a 66% vote—streamlining proceedings.  Enhancements include extended look-back periods and enabling creditors to pursue avoidance transactions, fraudulent, or wrongful trading cases to maximize recoveries.
• Preserving Viable Entities: Adds new subsections to Section 33, enabling the Adjudicating Authority (AA) to restore CIRP, upon CoC request, in exceptional cases—averting premature liquidation. This follows precedents like the JSW–BPSL case.
• Group & Cross-Border Insolvency Frameworks: Provisions introduce a group insolvency framework, facilitating coordinated resolution across corporate groups to preserve value. A cross-border insolvency framework is also proposed to align with international norms—protecting stakeholder interests effectively.
• Robust Regulatory Tools & Digitalization: Empowers the Central Government to notify an electronic portal for handling IBC processes. Confers rule-making powers for cross-border insolvency and detailed governance frameworks.

All about Assam’s new arms licence portal for ‘indigenous citizens’ in ‘vulnerable areas’

In the News: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched an online portal via the state’s Sewa Setu platform. It enables indigenous citizens of Assam, residing in vulnerable, remote, or “sensitive” areas, to apply for arms licences under the Arms Act, 1959, and Arms Rules, 2016. The portal aims to empower residents to act as “first responders” in emergencies where police reinforcement may be delayed.

Key Points:

• Rationale & Purpose: The scheme was approved by the Assam Cabinet in May 2025, aimed at enabling indigenous citizens to protect themselves amid perceived demographic and security threats—especially in areas experiencing rapid population changes. CM Sarma emphasized that firearms possession serves as a deterrent and helps citizens act as “first responders” in situations where police help could take hours.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Applicants must be indigenous citizens of Assam with at least three generations’ lineage in the state.
  • Must be 21 years or older, physically and mentally fit, and have completed recognized firearms training.
  • Should reside in an area deemed “vulnerable or remote” by district administration or security agencies; though not precisely defined, regions with majority Bengali-origin Muslim populations are often cited examples.
  • Applicants must have no criminal record, and possess a verifiable safe storage facility for firearms.
• Application Process & Oversight:
  • The portal is part of the Sewa Setu citizen-services system. Applicants must submit identity, caste, and residence documents; firearms training certification; medical fitness certificates; an undertaking on safe use/storage; and Aadhaar.
  • A list of accredited trainers, such as retired police or army personnel, will be maintained locally.
  • Licences granted under this scheme will remain valid for five years.
  • The approval process involves multi-layered scrutiny, including district-level assessment, police verification, intelligence input, and socioeconomic background checks. Implementation oversight is entrusted to district commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police.
•  Target Regions & Social Context:
  • The initiative targets districts such as Dhubri, Morigaon, Barpeta, Nagaon, South Salmara-Mankachar, and localities like Rupahi, Dhing, and Jania—areas experiencing demographic shifts, leading indigenous groups to feel marginalized or insecure.
  • The move intertwines administrative policy with identity politics, positioning the state government as protector of indigenous communities amidst changing demographics.

US National Debt Hits Record $37 Trillion Amid Rising Government Spending

In the News: The U.S. Treasury Department reported that the gross national debt has surpassed $37 trillion, setting a new all-time high. This figure was previously projected to be reached only after the year 2030, but pandemic-driven spending and new tax-legislation have accelerated the timeline.

Key Points:

• Milestone Reached Early: The national debt of over $37 trillion was achieved years ahead of earlier forecasts, which had anticipated crossing this threshold after fiscal year 2030.
• Rapid Accumulation Rate: The U.S. is adding approximately $1 trillion every five months to its national debt—double the pace observed over the past 25 years.
• Drivers of the Surge:
  • Pandemic-related stimulus and relief packages spanning multiple years under both Trump and Biden administrations contributed heavily to the spike.
  • A recently enacted Republican-sponsored tax cut and spending package is expected to add $4.1 trillion more to the debt over the next decade.
• Economic Implications: Rising debt levels are placing greater pressure on taxpayers, and increasing interest payments may crowd out public investment and elevate borrowing costs for households.  The Government Accountability Office (GAO) warns of broader socioeconomic impacts—more expensive loans, lower wages, and higher consumer prices.

Negotiations for India-Oman CEPA Concluded

In the News: Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada informed Parliament that negotiations for the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) have been successfully concluded. The CEPA aims to elevate trade and investment flows between the two nations.

Key Points:

• Negotiation Timeline & Conclusion: Discussions on the CEPA began in November 2023, and by March 2024, significant progress had already been made. The remaining issues were subsequently resolved, leading to the formal conclusion of negotiations in August 2025.

• Scope & Strategic Significance of CEPA: CEPA represents a comprehensive trade agreement encompassing goods, services, and broader economic collaboration such as trade facilitation, competition policy, and intellectual property rights. It goes beyond traditional FTAs in breadth and depth.

• Longstanding Bilateral Ties: India and Oman have maintained diplomatic relations since 1955, upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008, grounded on mutual trust and deep people-to-people ties.

• Trade Overview: Oman is the third-largest export destination for India among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. In the fiscal year 2024–25, bilateral trade reached approximately USD 10.61 billion. India's key exports include light oils, rice, machinery, and metals, while imports from Oman comprise crude oil, LNG, fertilizers, and chemicals.

• Placement in India's FTA Strategy: CEPA with Oman adds to India’s expanding trade agreement network. In the past five years, India has signed major agreements including: India–Mauritius CECPA (2021), India–UAE CEPA and India–Australia ECTA (2022), India–EFTA TEPA (2024) and India–UK CETA (2025)