Prelims Current Affairs includes Independence Day, Disha Abhiyan, Push and Pull Transactions, Appar Id, Cheque Truncation System, Sbhasaar AI Tool and Indian Olympic Assocition.

IMPORTANT DAY

1. INDEPENDENCE DAY (INDIA)

Current Context: India celebrates Independence Day annually on 15 August to mark freedom from British rule in 1947.

ABOUT INDEPENDENCE DAY

• Historical Importance: India achieved independence on 15 August 1947 through the Indian Independence Act, 1947.

• Anniversary Count: 2025 marks the 79th Independence Day (counting from 1947 as the first).

• Celebration Traditions: Flag hoisting at Red Fort, Prime Minister’s address to the nation, 21-gun salute, national anthem, and aerial displays.

2025 Highlights:

• Prime Minister Modi delivered his 12th consecutive Independence Day speech.

• Women Self-Help Groups in Varanasi produced over 4.76 lakh flags under Har Ghar Tiranga, combining patriotism with women’s empowerment.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

2. MAHARASHTRA LAUNCHES DISHA ABHIYAN

Current Context: Maharashtra has launched ‘Disha Abhiyan’, the first state-wide curriculum in India for students with intellectual disabilities, implemented in 453 special schools across the state. The initiative aligns with the ‘Developed India 2047’ framework for an inclusive and self-reliant society.

ABOUT DISHA ABHIYAN

• Objective: To provide uniform and quality education for students with intellectual disabilities.

• Implemented by: Jai Vakil Foundation (over 80 years of experience in special education).

• Certification: National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID).

• Features of Curriculum:

  • Integrates global best practices and research-based methods.

  • Adaptations for different ability levels for personalised learning.

  • Covers academics, life skills, and vocational training to promote independence.

3. APAAR ID

Current Context: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made APAAR ID mandatory for Class 9 and Class 11 registration, and List of Candidates submission for Class 10 and Class 12 ahead of the 2026 board exams.

ABOUT APAAR ID

• Full Form: Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry.

• Launched by: Union Ministry of Education.

• Introduced in: Academic session 2024–25.

• Objective: One Nation, One Student ID.

• Features:

  • 12-digit unique and permanent ID for every student.

  • Consolidates academic achievements in a single digital record.

  • In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

ECONOMY

4. PUSH AND PULL TRANSACTIONS

Current Context: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) may discontinue pull transactions on UPI in the future to reduce fraud.

ABOUT PUSH AND PULL TRANSACTIONS

• Push Transactions:

  • Initiated by the payer.

  • Example: Scanning QR code or entering UPI ID to make payment.

• Pull Transactions:

  • Initiated by the beneficiary.

  • Transaction completes once payer enters PIN for approval.

  • Examples: Cheques, debit card payments.

5. CHEQUE TRUNCATION SYSTEM

Current Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that the Cheque Truncation System (CTS) will shift from batch processing to continuous clearing with settlement on realisation in two phases. This will significantly speed up cheque clearance from the current 2-day cycle to just a few hours.

ABOUT CHEQUE TRUNCATION SYSTEM (CTS)

• Meaning: A system where physical movement of cheques is stopped, and instead cheque images and MICR data are transferred electronically for clearance.

• Introduced By: Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

• Security Features:

  • PKI-based security architecture.

  • Dual access control, user IDs, passwords.

  • Smart card and crypto box authentication.

• Standards: Only CTS-2010 compliant cheques are accepted. These include features like:

  • High-quality paper with watermark.

  • Bank logo in invisible ink.

  • Void pantograph.

  • Standardised field placement on cheques.

• Benefits:

  • Same-day cheque clearance.

  • Cost reduction due to no physical movement of cheques.

  • Reduced fraud risks.

  • Easy data storage and retrieval.

  • Centralised image archival system.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

6. SABHASAAR AI TOOL

Current Context: The Government of India will launch ‘SabhaSaar’ AI tool in Tripura on Independence Day to modernise gram sabha meeting documentation.

ABOUT SABHASAAR AI TOOL

• Purpose: Automatically generate structured minutes of gram sabha meetings.

• Developed On: Bhashini AI-powered language platform.

• Features:

  • Transcribes gram sabha video/audio into text.

  • Translates into multiple Indian languages (Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, etc.) and English.

  • Summarises discussions.

  • Ensures uniformity in documentation across India.

  • Panchayat officials can upload recordings using e-GramSwaraj credentials.

SPORTS

7. INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION (IOA)

Current Context: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

ABOUT INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION (IOA)

• Founded: 1927

• Founding President: Sir Dorabji Tata

• Founding Secretary General: Dr. A.G. Noehren

• Recognition: Officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 1927

• Legal Status: Non-profit organisation under the Societies Registration Act, 1860

• Objective: Develop, promote, and protect the Olympic movement in India.

• Governing Body: 32-member Executive Council headed by a President.

ABOUT COMMONWEALTH GAMES

• First held: 1930 in Hamilton, Canada.

• Second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympics.

• Brings together athletes from 71 nations and territories.

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