Daily Current Affairs- 1st September 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 1st September 2025

Army Conducts Yudh Kaushal 3.0 Multi-Domain Drill in Arunachal

In the News: The Indian Army successfully conducted Exercise Yudh Kaushal 3.0 in the challenging Kameng region of Arunachal Pradesh. The high-altitude, multi-domain drill showcased next-generation warfare capabilities and the integration of indigenous defence technologies, reinforcing the Army's readiness for future combat environments .

Key Points:

• Location & Conditions: The exercise took place in the Kameng region of Arunachal Pradesh, characterized by extreme weather and difficult terrain, underscoring the Army’s operational capability in high-altitude areas
• Multi‑Domain Demonstrations: The drill highlighted operations across multiple domains—drone surveillance, real-time target acquisition, precision strikes, air‑littoral dominance, and synchronized battlefield manoeuvres.
• Operational Debut of ASHNI Platoons: A prominent feature of the exercise was the operational debut of newly raised ASHNI platoons, combining next-gen technology with battle-hardened tactics to deliver decisive advantages in modern warfare.
• Indigenous Industry Integration: The exercise actively integrated the Indian civil defence industry, highlighting India’s “Decade of Transformation” and the push toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat—self-reliance in defence innovation.
• Technology & Future Preparedness:It validated the Army’s readiness in harsh environments and reaffirmed its commitment to emerging technologies: unmanned systems, precision weaponry, and multi-domain operational concepts

Exercise Bright Star 2025

In the News: Exercise Bright Star 2025 is the 19th edition of the biennial multilateral tri-service military exercise, co-hosted by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Egyptian Armed Forces, taking place from August 28 to September 10, 2025. The exercise underscores a strong commitment to collective defence readiness and international military cooperation.

Key Points:

• Exercise Timeline & Hosts: Bright Star 25 began with an opening ceremony at Mohamed Naguib Military Base in Egypt and continues through September 10, 2025, emphasizing stability and security in the region.
• Historical Significance: Initiated in 1980 following the Camp David Accords, Bright Star has evolved into one of CENTCOM’s most enduring and large-scale military exercises, strengthening ties between the U.S. and Egypt.
• Global Participation: This year’s iteration marks one of the largest to date, with participation from more than 40 countries, including over 1,800 U.S. personnel and Indian forces numbering over 700.
• Indian Involvement: Over 700 personnel from the Indian Armed Forces, including members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Integrated Defence Staff, have been deployed. Indian units will participate in live-firing drills, command post exercises, short training exercises, and subject matter expert interactions to bolster jointness and interoperability.
• Exercise Components: The drill comprises a comprehensive suite of military activities:
  • Command Post Exercises to refine joint planning and decision-making;
  • Field Training Exercises including live firing to demonstrate operational readiness;
  • Academic seminars and senior leader symposiums fostering strategic-level dialogue and shared expertise.

Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

In the News:   The Indian Navy hosted an "Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion" under the aegis of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The event brought together young naval officers from 18 IONS member nations with over 300 participants to discuss maritime security challenges, emerging technologies, and collaborative training capabilities. Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief, Southern Naval Command, was the Chief Guest. Additionally, earlier in June 2025, the Indian Navy hosted the IONS Working Group Meeting on Maritime Security (IWG-MARSEC) in New Delhi from June 24–25, further reinforcing collective resolve toward a secure Indian Ocean Region.

Key Points:

• About IONS: The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium is a voluntary initiative, established in 2008 by the Indian Navy, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation among the navies of the littoral states in the Indian Ocean Region via an inclusive discussion platform addressing regional maritime concerns.
• Membership Composition: IONS includes 25 member nations and 9 observer states, totaling 34 participating countries.
• Recent Events – June & August 2025:
  • IWG‑MARSEC Meeting (June 24–25, 2025): Hosted in New Delhi by the Indian Navy, focusing on maritime security cooperation.
  • Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion (August 27–28, 2025): Held at Kochi’s Southern Naval Command, featuring delegates from 18 IONS nations and covering themes such as:
    • Strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Region from young officers' perspectives
    • Emerging technologies in maritime security
    • The future role of IONS in fostering maritime cooperation
    • Roadmap for collaborative training capabilities among IONS countries
      Vice Admiral V. Srinivas was the Chief Guest.
• Consensus Reached: The panel concluded with strong agreement on:
  • Enhancing maritime domain awareness
  • Strengthening technological collaboration
  • Expanding shared training initiatives
    Delegates reaffirmed IONS's role as a voluntary and inclusive forum for collective maritime security, dialogue, and cooperation.
• India’s Foundational Role: Since its inception as the host of the inaugural symposium, India continues to play a pivotal role—having designed the IONS flag and serving as co-chair for working groups on Maritime Security and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) during the 2023–25 cycle.

India-China Relations Thaw As PM Modi and Xi Jinping Reconnect at SCO Summit

In the News: At the 25th SCO Summit, held from August 31 to September 1, 2025 in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines, signaling a diplomatic thaw between India and China. Modi reaffirmed commitments to improving bilateral relations, mutual development, and maintaining peace along their shared border. The summit—China’s first hosted by Modi in seven years—highlighted mutual cooperation and a shift toward stabilizing ties.

Key Points:

• Diplomatic Renewal:
  • Modi and Xi held a bilateral meeting where Modi emphasized India's “commitment to improving ties with China,” grounded in “mutual respect, trust and sensitivities.”
  • Both leaders reaffirmed that China and India are “development partners, not rivals,” agreeing on the importance of stable relations based on mutual respect and sensitivity.
• Border and Connectivity Milestones:
  • Modi noted the maintained peace and stability on their disputed Himalayan border and referenced resumed developments like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and new direct flights between the two countries. He described these developments as "needed for humanity," benefiting 2.8 billion people across both nations.
• Geopolitical Context and Strategic Messaging:
  • Modi’s outreach is partly seen as a response to U.S. pressures—especially heavy tariffs imposed by then-President Trump—which impacted India’s economic ties, thereby prompting a recalibration of regional strategy.
  • Xi, during his address, denounced "bullying behaviour" and "Cold War mentality," advocating for a multipolar world, deeper economic integration, and proposing an SCO development bank and AI cooperation center. He positioned the meeting as part of a new global order led by the Global South.
• Regional Display of Unity:
  • The summit showcased visible camaraderie among the SCO troika—Modi, Xi, and Russian President Putin—against a broader narrative challenging Western influence. The optics of unity were emphasized through shared moments, group photos, and Modi’s plenary remarks on terrorism and cooperation.

Singapore Named Asia’s Safest Country in 2025 GPI

In the News: According to the 19th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) released in 2025 by the Institute for Economics & Peace, Singapore has been declared Asia’s safest country, achieving an impressive 6th rank globally. This recognition underscores its stellar performance across safety, stability, and low conflict levels.

Key Points:

• Top Asian Spot & Global Standing: Singapore is the only Asian nation to break into the GPI top 10, ranking 6th globally in 2025.
• Year-on-Year Performance: Although Singapore slipped one position from 2024, its GPI score improved from 1.339 to 1.357, reflecting stronger safety and reduced conflict indicators.
• Assessment Criteria: The GPI evaluates countries based on measurements like safety and security, ongoing conflict levels, and degree of militarization—areas where Singapore notably excels.
• Why Singapore Excels: Its exceptional public safety, political stability, low crime rates, efficient governance, and strong legal framework endow Singapore with a secure and peaceful environment.
• Regional Context: Japan, Malaysia, Bhutan, Mongolia, and Vietnam trail Singapore in Asia’s peace rankings, with Singapore leading the continent in both safety and overall GPI performance.
• Appeal for Travelers & Expats: Singapore’s status as Asia’s most peaceful nation enhances its appeal to tourists, businesses, and expatriates—drawing them with the promise of a safe, secure, and well-managed destination.

India, Japan Sign Pact on Critical Minerals Cooperation

In the News: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo for the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit (August 29–30, 2025), India and Japan signed a pivotal agreement enhancing cooperation in both defence and critical minerals. The pact targets joint efforts in exploration, processing, refining, and securing resilient supply chains vital for clean energy and advanced technologies. Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted its strategic importance in reducing reliance on concentrated sources and strengthening bilateral collaboration.

Key Points:

• Pact Focus Areas: The agreement formalises collaboration on critical minerals—including rare earths—and defence industrial cooperation. It encompasses joint exploration, processing, refining, and technological synergies.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Through this pact, India and Japan aim to diversify and fortify supply chains for essential resources, decreasing dependency on single-source suppliers and improving economic and strategic resilience.
• Strategic Economic Security: This initiative contributes to a broader sense of economic security under the Indo-Pacific framework, aligning with Quad's emphasis on countering Chinese dominance in critical minerals.
• Comprehensive Partnership: Beyond critical minerals, the agreement expands cooperation across advanced sectors such as semiconductors, AI, clean energy, and technology—a key pillar of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
• Alignment with National Strategies: This pact complements initiatives like India’s National Critical Minerals Mission and Japan’s strategic energy planning, strengthening policy synergies across the region.
• Diplomatic and Economic Context: The agreement follows discussions under the Quad framework to bolster shared supply chain resilience, and comes amid heightened U.S. tariffs—prompting India to deepen regional partnerships and economic security.

Green Credit Programme (GCP) – Revised Rules for Tree Plantation

In the News: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a revamped methodology on August 29, 2025 for awarding Green Credits under the Green Credit Programme. Under these new rules, entities involved in tree plantation—including industries, cooperatives, and other organizations—will earn Green Credits only after a minimum of five years of verified restoration activities and upon achieving at least 40% canopy density. The revised guidelines also restrict the tradability of tree plantation credits, making them non‑tradable and non‑transferable, except in intra-corporate transfers between a holding company and its subsidiaries.

Key Points:

• New Eligibility Timeline: Green Credits are now awarded only after completing at least five years of restoration work, shifting away from the earlier two-year benchmark.
• Canopy Density Requirement: To qualify, plantation areas must achieve a minimum canopy density of 40%, meaning the overhead tree crown must shade at least 40% of the ground.
• Calculation Criteria: Credits will be calculated based on the vegetation status, including change in canopy density and the number of surviving trees. One Green Credit is awarded for each tree over five years old.
• Non‑tradability & Transfer Restrictions: Unlike before, tree plantation credits are non‑tradable and non‑transferable, except within corporate holding-subsidiary structures. Previously, credits could be traded freely on a marketplace.
• Permissible Uses of Credits:
  A one-time exchange of credits is allowed for:
  • Compensatory afforestation obligations
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirements
  • Other legal tree-planting obligations
• Once exchanged, the credits are considered extinguished and cannot be reused.  Additionally they may be used for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting purposes.
• Shift in Focus: Quality Over Quantity: The revised rules emphasize long-term ecological health, including canopy quality and survival rates—not just counting planted trees. The previous rule required planting 1,100 trees per hectare within two years as a basic benchmark.
• Background of GCP: Launched in October 2023 under the framework of the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative, the GCP incentivizes voluntary environmental actions including tree plantation, water conservation, waste management, and more, by awarding Green Credits. The scheme uses a digital platform for registration, monitoring, and issuance of credits.

ICC, Google Join Hands to Promote Women’s Cricket

In the News: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a landmark, women’s-only global partnership with Google, designed to enhance fan engagement with women’s cricket. The partnership utilizes Google’s suite of technologies to make the sport more dynamic, accessible, and appealing to a broader global audience. It comes ahead of two major tournaments—the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 and the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026—marking a strategic move to amplify visibility and interaction with the women's game.

Key Points:

• Nature of the Partnership: This is ICC’s second major women's-only global partnership, following Unilever’s earlier collaboration, signaling a growing trend of dedicated investment in women’s cricket.
• Google Technologies Involved: The collaboration taps into multiple Google platforms—Android, Google Gemini, Google Pay, and Google Pixel—to craft an integrated fan ecosystem. From discovering highlights to celebrating victories, these tools aim to bring fans closer to the game's defining moments.
• Purpose & Motivation: ICC Chairman Jay Shah framed this as a "landmark moment" to elevate the sport using Google's innovation, aiming to accelerate global reach, boost engagement, and inspire future generations.
  Google’s VP of Marketing, Shekar Khosla, emphasized the goal of deepening emotional connections with fans by making women’s cricket more accessible and meaningful.
• Timing & Strategic Context: The partnership arrives at an opportune moment ahead of two high-profile tournaments:
  • 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup (India & Sri Lanka)
  • 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup (England & Wales)
    It's positioned to build on growing momentum following earlier developments like Unilever joining as ICC’s first global women’s partner.