3rd August 2025 Daily Current Affairs

🌐 National Affairs & Diplomacy

• The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rejected social media claims suggesting India plans to suspend or review bilateral pacts or impose retaliatory duties on U.S. goods. MEA labelled such reports as “disinformation” and affirmed India’s ongoing commitment to stable trade relations with the U.S.

• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines will embark on a bilateral visit to India from August 4 to 8, focusing on trade, investment, and maritime cooperation—reinforcing the India–Philippines strategic partnership.

• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), August is expected to receive average monsoon rainfall across India, while September forecasts suggest above-average precipitation exceeding 106% of the 50-year norm—a crucial indicator for agriculture.

🛡 Security & State Affairs

• Operation Akhal—the anti-terror initiative in Kulgam district, Jammu & Kashmir—has entered its third day, resulting in at least one militant death. Details on personnel and broader outcomes remain undisclosed.

• Ahead of Independence Day, Punjab Police has launched a special two‑week operation to enhance security. Measures include anti‑gang and anti‑terror patrols, high surveillance at public places, and over 107 arrests related to drug trafficking in recent raids.

🎓 Social Welfare & Finance

• Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) launched a free-education initiative targeting around 3,000 minority students from communities like Christian, Jain, Sikh, Muslim, and Parsi. The state budgeted ₹5 crore for the project, potentially increasing to ₹10 crore next fiscal. KSOU enrollment has grown from 36,000 (2021) to 77,000 in the current year.

• Banks are open on Sunday, August 3, specifically to disburse PM‑KISAN scheme payments to beneficiaries. While this ensures timely support to farmers, it has sparked dissatisfaction among bank unions over working on a non-working day.

🪔 Festivals, Culture & Observances

• In India, Friendship Day 2025 was celebrated on Sunday, August 3, aligning with the tradition of observing it on the first Sunday of August. Festivities included exchanging friendship bands, gifts, and messages, especially among youth and students.

• According to Telugu and Marathi Panchangam forecasts for August 3, auspicious yogas like Ravi Yoga and Brahma Yoga were present. The day—a Shravan Shukla Navami—is considered favorable for religious ceremonies and auspicious beginnings, despite traditional Rahu Kaal timings.

📌 UPSC & Governance Updates

• At the Justice RC Lahoti Memorial Lecture, Supreme Court Judge Surya Kant emphasized that while technology can bring legal aid to citizens’ doorsteps—via digital initiatives like virtual Lok Adalats—it must be implemented thoughtfully, preserving the human essence of justice.

• Vajiram & Ravi report that the Investor Education & Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) is in the final testing phase of its Integrated Digital Portal, aimed at streamlining investor claims and improving financial literacy.

• Meanwhile, the Assam government’s eviction drives, targeting alleged encroachments by Bengali-speaking Muslims, have rekindled tensions tied to land rights and interstate political narratives. These developments raise complex issues around human rights and regional stability.

Additional state-level developments (Aug 2–3):

• MoUs signed by DPIIT to boost innovation in housing and healthcare (H@ART programme with HDFC Capital; healthcare with Roche),

• ₹2,000 crore grant scheme approved for NCDC to bolster cooperative sector expansion,

• Appointments of key officials: Rajarajan as VSSC Director, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan at Western Naval Command, Sonali Mishra as first female DG of RPF, Khalid Jamil as Indian Men’s Football Team coach, and Deepak Reddy as CEO of Manappuram Finance.

📌 Summary Table