Here’s your comprehensive roundup of the key news events and updates for 4th August 2025, featuring top national developments, state-level initiatives, banking updates, defence deals, summits, and sports highlights.
India’s First Indigenous Green Hydrogen Plant Commissioned in Gujarat
The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has inaugurated India’s first 1MW green hydrogen plant built under the Make in India initiative at Kandla. This pioneering move marks a major milestone in the country’s journey toward clean energy. Initially supporting port operations such as lighting and bus transport, the facility aims to scale up to 10MW in the next fiscal year, reinforcing India’s leadership in sustainable and carbon-free maritime operations.
India Continues as World’s Second Largest Fish Producer
India has retained its position as the world’s second-largest producer of fish, as confirmed by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh during a meeting in Kolkata. The event focused on strategies to further enhance fish production and included representatives from the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
155-Year-Old Patalpani–Kalakund Heritage Train Service Resumes
Western Railway has revived its heritage train service along the 155-year-old Patalpani–Kalakund route in Madhya Pradesh. Originally built in 1878 during the rule of Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar II, this 9.5 km meter-gauge section passes through hilly landscapes and is considered a major attraction for tourists and railway history enthusiasts.
New Cosmetic Rules Notified for Enhanced Consumer Safety
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has amended the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, effective from July 29, 2025. Key changes include clear labeling of ‘use before’ and ‘expiry dates,’ batch-wise product testing, and detailed documentation. The reforms also designate CDL as the Central Cosmetics Laboratory and allow exporters to meet foreign regulatory requirements. These updates aim to boost transparency, safety, and India’s global standing in the cosmetic industry.
‘Apna Ghar’ Initiative Launched for Truck Drivers’ Welfare
To improve welfare for truck drivers, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has launched the ‘Apna Ghar’ initiative. As of July 2025, 368 facilities with 4,611 beds have been built along highways, offering amenities such as clean dormitories, toilets, showers, kitchens, and purified drinking water. The initiative also features a mobile app and has received strong positive feedback for addressing long-standing needs of drivers
Sikkim Becomes First State to Offer Sabbatical Leave to Government Employees
Sikkim has become the first Indian state to introduce a Sabbatical Leave Scheme for government employees. The policy allows eligible employees to take a leave of 365 to 1,080 days with 50% of their basic salary, while maintaining their seniority and uninterrupted service benefits. This scheme applies to both regular and temporary staff and includes a decentralized system for faster approvals, demonstrating the state’s progressive approach to employee welfare.
UPI Hits Record High in July 2025
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded a historic milestone in July 2025, processing 1,947 crore transactions worth ₹25.1 lakh crore. This marks a 35% rise in volume and a 22% increase in value compared to the previous year. With over 62.8 crore daily transactions, UPI continues to expand its reach, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, powered by innovations like credit on UPI, recurring payments, and robust government backing.
India Post Payments Bank Launches Face Authentication for Digital Transactions
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has introduced a nationwide Aadhaar-based face authentication feature, enabling customers to carry out digital transactions without needing OTPs or fingerprints. Developed in collaboration with UIDAI, this technology enhances security and accessibility, particularly benefiting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and individuals with worn fingerprints, ensuring inclusive and secure banking experiences.
New Leadership at PNB Housing Finance After CEO Resignation
Following the resignation of Managing Director & CEO Girsh Kousgi, PNB Housing Finance has appointed Jatul Anand as Executive Director and Valli Sekar as Chief Business Officer – Affordable Business. Kousgi will remain in his role until October 28, 2025, to assist with the leadership transition. Despite a notable decline in stock value, the firm remains focused on maintaining growth momentum, strengthening asset quality, and managing leadership changes effectively.
RBI Approves Merger of Co-operative Banks
The Reserve Bank of India has greenlit the merger of New India Co-operative Bank with Saraswat Bank, effective from August 4, 2025. All assets and liabilities of New India Co-operative Bank will now be handled by Saraswat Bank, ensuring uninterrupted service and safeguarding customer interests. The merger, approved by shareholders of both institutions, aims to reinforce the cooperative banking ecosystem and enhance service accessibility.
BSNL and NRL Sign MoU to Accelerate Industry 4.0 Implementation
In a major step towards modernizing the industrial landscape, BSNL and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to roll out India’s first 5G CNPN (Captive Non-Public Network) within the refinery sector.
The collaboration leverages cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AR/VR, Big Data, and Digital Twins to improve operational performance and cybersecurity.
This move is expected to boost employment, innovation, and skill development—echoing the Government’s unified strategy to foster a digitally self-reliant India.
Final Airbus C-295 Aircraft Delivered to India from Spain
India has officially received the final unit of the Airbus C-295MW transport aircraft from Spain, fulfilling the initial lot of 16 aircraft under the 2021 deal. These aircraft, which feature a payload capacity of 5–10 tonnes and an endurance of 11 hours, are set to replace the IAF’s aging Avro fleet.
The remaining 40 units will be domestically produced at TATA’s Aircraft Manufacturing Facility in Vadodara, marking a significant boost to India’s ‘Make in India’ drive in defence aviation.
Strategic Plan Unveiled at Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI)
Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Lao PDR, in collaboration with IUCN, have jointly launched the Strategic Plan 2025–2030 for the Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) during the Ramsar COP15.
This cross-border initiative aims to prevent wetland degradation, bolster climate resilience, and promote sustainable wetland practices through shared governance and local engagement.
New Delhi Hosts Inaugural BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival
The first edition of the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival, themed “SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody”, kicked off at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Featuring artists from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, the event is being organized by ICCR and was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
This cultural event marks a new milestone in strengthening regional unity through traditional art forms, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi at the 2025 BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand.
Lando Norris Triumphs at 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix
Lando Norris emerged victorious in a gripping Hungarian Grand Prix, narrowly edging out teammate Oscar Piastri by 0.698 seconds.
This marks Norris’s fifth win of the season, reducing Piastri’s lead in the championship standings to just 9 points.
The race was full of drama, strategic plays, and close encounters, with George Russell finishing third and Charles Leclerc dropping to fourth after a penalty.
Magnus Carlsen Claims Chess Esports World Cup Title
Magnus Carlsen showcased his brilliance once again by clinching the first-ever Chess Esports World Cup title in Riyadh, defeating Alireza Firouzja with a 4–2–1 score.
Representing Team Liquid, Carlsen earned a $250,000 prize and crucial championship points, while Firouzja, representing Team Falcons, secured $190,000.
This landmark win further solidifies Carlsen’s legendary status as the chess world embraces the digital and competitive gaming era.
AB de Villiers Fires South Africa Champions to WCL 2025 Victory
AB de Villiers stole the spotlight in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 Final with a breathtaking century off 58 balls, guiding South Africa Champions to a 9-wicket win over Pakistan Champions at Edgbaston.
Despite a solid 76-run effort by Sharjeel Khan, Pakistan’s 195/5 target was chased down with ease, thanks to de Villiers’ explosive innings, supported by JP Duminy.
Even with a minor injury, de Villiers dominated the field, bringing an epic close to the tournament and denying Pakistan’s fairytale finish.
ISRO Set to Launch BlueBird Satellite with U.S. Partner AST SpaceMobile
ISRO is gearing up for the launch of the BlueBird satellite, a 6,500-kg communication satellite developed by AST SpaceMobile, onboard the LVM3 rocket from Sriharikota later this year.
Following the success of the joint NISAR mission, this effort further strengthens the Indo-U.S. partnership in space exploration.
The mission also aligns with ISRO’s broader roadmap, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight project and the long-term goal of establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.
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