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News In Short 18-August-2025

In News

  • The Prime Minister paid homage to Sri Aurobindo, on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

    • Early Life and Education

  • He was born in Calcutta on August 15, 1872, into a Brahmo Samaj-influenced family.
  • His Father Krishna Dhun Ghose was an anglophile; sent Aurobindo and his brothers to England in 1879 to prepare for the ICS.
  • He Educated in Manchester, London, and King’s College, Cambridge.
  • He Cleared the ICS exam but was disqualified for missing the riding test.

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    New Type of Supernova Triggered by Black Hole-Star Interaction

    Context

  • Astronomers have recently observed a previously unknown type of supernova, in which a massive star exploded under the gravitational influence of a black hole companion.

    • About the recent phenomenon

  • A binary star system, about 700 million light-years away, initially composed of two massive stars, was observed.
  • One of the stars reached the end of its life, going supernova and collapsing into a black hole.
  • The surviving companion star, at least 10 times as massive as the Sun, gradually spiraled closer to the black hole.
  • The black hole distorted the star and pulled away its material. Eventually, the star exploded in a supernova-like event.

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    S&P Upgrades India’s Sovereign Rating to ‘BBB’

    In News

  • S&P Global Ratings has upgraded India’s long-term sovereign credit rating from ‘BBB-’ to ‘BBB’ with a Stable Outlook.

    • More about the News

  • This is the first upgrade of India’s sovereign rating by S&P in 18 years.
  • S&P’s decision reflects India’s sustained high economic growth, successful fiscal consolidation, and improved policy predictability.
  • India’s projected GDP growth remains strong at 6.5% for FY26, and the country’s external position is considered robust.

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    Impact of Ethanol Blending

    In News

  • India achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) in 2025, five years earlier than the 2030 target set under the National Policy on Biofuels (2018).

    • Way Forward

  • Diversify Feedstock: Shift away from sugarcane to alternative sources such as maize, bamboo, and agricultural residues to reduce environmental impact.
  • Consumer Protection: Implement tax incentives or compensation as recommended by NITI Aayog to address concerns over fuel efficiency drop.
  • Balanced Energy Strategy: Use ethanol as a transitional or bridge fuel while aggressively scaling up EV adoption backed by renewable energy-supported charging infrastructure.

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    PM Announced Next-gen GST Reforms

    Context

  • Recently, the Prime Minister of India has unveiled a new vision for India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime aimed at simplifying tax structures benefiting the poor, middle class, entrepreneurs, traders, and business owners.

    • Suggestions for Future Improvements

  • Settle classification disputes to reduce litigation;
  • Correct inverted duty structures, especially in textiles and MSMEs;
  • Establish GST Appellate Tribunals for faster resolution of disputes;
  • Enhance digital infrastructure for smoother filing and reconciliation;

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    India To Launch Demographic Mission to Tackle Illegal Infiltration

    In News

  • On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a high-powered demography mission to protect the country from the dangers posed by illegal immigrants.

    • Illegal immigration in India

  • It is a multifaceted issue involving unauthorized entry, overstaying of visas, and undocumented migration across porous borders. 
  • India faces challenges from cross-border migration, especially in northeastern states like Assam and West Bengal, leading to concerns over jobs, social stability, and culture. 

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    How ‘Honour’ Killings in India are Reinforced and Legitimised?

    Context

  • In India, caste remains a deeply rooted social structure, and ‘honour’ killings are emerging as a violent yet socially legitimised tool to preserve caste hierarchies, especially against inter-caste unions.

    • About Honour Killings

  • Definition: Honour killings refer to the murder of individuals (mostly young couples) by family or community members for allegedly bringing “dishonour” through relationships that defy caste, community, or gender norms.
  • Geographical Pattern: States like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Kerala,  where Dalit empowerment through education and jobs is higher, record both higher rates of inter-caste marriages and higher cases of honour killings.
  • Paradox: Violence is most visible where caste hierarchies are being challenged, not where they remain unchallenged.
  • According to NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) data, India recorded 25 cases of honor killings in both 2019 and 2020, with a rise to 33 cases in 2021.

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