Daily Current Affairs- 24th August 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 24th August 2025

DRDO Successfully Tests Home-Grown Air Defence System: IADWS & Its 3 Components

In the News: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) also known as Sudarshan Chakra on August 23, 2025 at approximately 12:30 hrs off the coast of Odisha. The integrated system effectively intercepted and neutralised multiple aerial threats, marking a milestone in India’s indigenous air-defence capabilities.

Key Points:

• What is IADWS? IADWS is a multi-layered, indigenous air-defence platform designed to intercept a spectrum of aerial threats—including drones, missiles, and aircraft—by integrating kinetic and non-kinetic technologies.
• Three Core Components:
  1. Quick Reaction Surface‑to‑Air Missiles (QRSAM): Medium-range interceptors developed by DRDO with Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics, designed to protect mobile armoured units.
  2. Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS): Man-portable and vehicle-mounted interceptors developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, suitable for close-range, low-altitude threats.
  3. Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): A high-energy laser system developed by the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences, aimed at rapidly neutralising airborne threats like drones.
• Command & Control Architecture: A centralised Command & Control Centre, developed by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), orchestrates integrated operations—coordinating missiles, lasers, radars, and communications.
• Performance During Tests: The system simultaneously engaged three distinct targets—including two high-speed fixed-wing UAVs and a multicopter drone—at varied ranges and altitudes using the QRSAM, VSHORADS, and High-Energy Laser components. All systems performed flawlessly.

ISRO Completes First Integrated Air-Drop Test for Gaganyaan

In the News: On August 24, 2025, ISRO successfully conducted its first Integrated Air‑Drop Test (IADT‑01) for the Gaganyaan mission at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The test validated the full parachute‑based deceleration system designed to secure the safe return of astronauts during descent and splashdown.

Key Points

• Test Overview & Objective: The IADT‑01 was a full end‑to‑end demonstration of the Crew Module’s deceleration system under realistic mission conditions. A simulated crew module (~4.8 to 5 tonnes) was air‑dropped to evaluate the parachute sequence—from apex cover separation to drogue, pilot, and main parachutes deployment—for safe splashdown.
• Execution Details:
  • Launch Platform: A Chinook helicopter of the Indian Air Force lofted the module to approximately 3 km altitude over the Bay of Bengal.
  • Deployment Sequence: The sequence involved four parachute stages—Apex Cover Separation (Ø 2.5 m), Drogue (Ø 5.8 m), Pilot (Ø 3.4 m), and Main parachutes (Ø 25 m)—all deployed according to design.
  • Recovery: The module was retrieved successfully post‑splashdown, confirming functional deceleration and recovery operations.
• Collaborative Effort: The IADT‑01 involved a coordinated effort among ISRO, the Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard, reflecting an integrated national approach.
• Strategic Significance: The test is a major stepping stone in the overall Gaganyaan mission qualification programme, paving the way for upcoming uncrewed orbital missions (such as Gaganyaan‑1) scheduled for Q4 2025. It especially validates the parachute-based deceleration system—and thus astronaut safety—for future human spaceflights.

Temporary Suspension of Postal Services to the United States of America

In the News: The Department of Posts in India announced a temporary suspension of most international postal services destined for the United States of America, effective August 25, 2025. This action comes in response to new U.S. regulations that fundamentally change the duty and customs clearance requirements for low-value shipments particularly following the elimination of the longstanding de minimis exemption that allowed goods under USD 800 to enter the U.S. duty-free.

Key Points:

• Triggering Event: The suspension was triggered by Executive Order No. 14324 issued by the U.S. on July 30, 2025, which ends the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to USD 800, effective August 29, 2025. Consequently, all international postal items heading to the U.S. will now be subject to customs duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
• Undefined Duty-Collection Mechanism: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued some guidelines by August 15, 2025, but critical details—such as identifying “qualified parties” responsible for collecting duties, the process for duty collection, and mechanisms for remittance—remain undefined. Without clarity, U.S.-bound air carriers declined to accept postal consignments from India effective August 25.
• Scope of Suspension & Exemptions: Starting August 25, 2025, India Post suspended booking of all types of postal articles to the U.S., except for:
  • Letters and documents
  • Gift items valued up to USD 100 These exempt categories continue to be accepted for shipment, pending further clarification.
• Refund Policy: Customers who have already booked items that now cannot be dispatched to the U.S. are eligible for postage refunds. The Department expressed regret over the inconvenience and is actively coordinating with stakeholders to restore full services at the earliest opportunity.
• Broader Global Context & Impact: The U.S. removal of the de minimis threshold has triggered similar postal suspensions globally—affecting services in Europe, Asia, and Oceania—due to uncertainty in duty rules. Indian students, families, and small exporters who relied on affordable postal rates face logistical hurdles now, especially with a lack of clarity on how new duties will be levied.

Trump Appoints Sergio Gor as US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South & Central Asia

In the News: President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Sergio Gor—currently serving as Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office—as the next U.S. Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. He will continue in his present role until Senate confirmation.

Key Points:

• Dual Roles & Announcement: Gor was nominated simultaneously as Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South & Central Asia, combining bilateral diplomacy with broader regional responsibilities—an unusual move in U.S. foreign policy practice.
• Current Position & Skills: At 38, Gor heads the White House Presidential Personnel Office, managing federal staffing decisions. He is known for his loyalty to the Trump administration and his skills in political vetting.
• Background & Controversies: His nomination comes after a public clash with Elon Musk, who once labeled him a “snake” during disagreements over NASA nominations. There have also been reports of delays in his security clearance.
• Diplomatic Context: The position of U.S. Ambassador to India has been vacant since January 2025, when Eric Garcetti stepped down. Gor’s appointment comes at a time of friction in U.S.-India ties, including disputes over tariffs and India’s purchase of Russian oil.
• Criticisms & Strategic Concerns: Analysts highlight Gor’s lack of direct diplomatic experience in South Asia, and there is uncertainty over his stance on key bilateral issues. New Delhi has so far responded cautiously, without strong public comment.
• Personal History: Born in Tashkent, USSR (1986), Gor spent parts of his early life in Malta before moving to the U.S. He is a graduate of George Washington University, has long-standing ties with the College Republicans, and co-founded Winning Team Publishing with Donald Trump Jr.

India Partners with France’s Safran to Build Jet Engines for Next-Gen Fighter Aircraft

In the News: India and French aerospace giant Safran have entered into a landmark collaboration to co‑develop and manufacture advanced jet engines for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)—the country’s indigenous fifth‑generation stealth fighter—under the strategic Make in India initiative.  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that the proposed engine is expected to deliver approximately 120 kN thrust, and that the partnership includes full technology transfer and intellectual property ownership for India. The project is budgeted at around ₹61,000 crore (≈ US $7 billion) and forms a critical pillar in deepening Indo‑French defence collaboration.

Key Points:

• Strategic Scope: The engine will serve not just the AMCA, but also future Indian military aviation platforms, reinforcing long‑term self‑reliance in engine manufacturing. AMCA’s prototype development is ongoing, with mass production targeted around 2035.
• Technical & Financial Outline: The project aims to build 120 kN-class engines, powerful enough to drive twin-engine AMCA configuration.
  • Estimated project cost: ~₹61,000 crore (~US $7 billion).
  • Safran’s proposal includes 100% transfer of technology (ToT) and full IP rights to India—crucial for future indigenisation and export potential.
• Strategic and Diplomatic Significance: This agreement represents a major milestone in Indo‑French defence cooperation, underscoring Paris’s trusted role in India’s modernisation. It also reflects geopolitical dynamics—France’s non‑sanction stance post‑1998 and smoother processes compared to Western counterparts are seen as strategic advantages. The engine program aligns with New Delhi’s aim to emerge as a competitive global defence supplier by 2047.

Nepal Officially Joins India-Led International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

In the News: On August 24, 2025, Nepal formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)—an India‑initiated global coalition—by signing its Framework Agreement. This development expands global collaboration efforts for big-cat conservation.

Key Points:

• What Is the IBCA?
  • Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023 in Mysuru, the IBCA is a global alliance focused on conserving seven principal big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
  • It is hosted under India’s National Tiger Conservation Authority with its headquarters in New Delhi.
  • The alliance is structured with a General Assembly, a governing Council of 7–15 nations, and a Secretary-General appointed for a defined term.
  • Collaborative goals include sharing conservation strategies, training, coordinated anti-poaching measures, and systematic standard operating procedures. India has committed USD 100 million in total grant assistance over the first five years, with plans for financial self-reliance via membership fees and contributions.
• Why Nepal’s Membership Matters:
  • Nepal, home to key big-cat species including snow leopards, tigers, and leopards significantly enriches the alliance’s ecological portfolio.
  • The country’s tiger population has impressively risen from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2022, spotlighting effective conservation models that can benefit other member nations.
  • By joining IBCA, Nepal reinforces global collaboration and data-sharing vital for cross-border conservation, especially in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
• Broader Significance & India’s Role: India through IBCA has been offering diplomatic and operational facilitation: recently granting IBCA and its officials privileges and immunities akin to UN agencies, enabling smoother international cooperation.