Daily Current Affairs – 11-08-2025
National News
RBI plans to simplify claims for deceased bank customers
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to standardise forms to process claims on deceased customers’ bank accounts and lockers within a 15-day timeframe and provide compensation to nominees for any settlement delays. The RBI proposes to come out with standard procedures for the settlement of claims in respect of bank accounts, and articles kept in safe custody or safe deposit lockers of deceased bank customers. The aim is to make the settlement more convenient and simpler. Towards this, the central bank has issued ‘Draft Circular - Reserve Bank of India (Settlement of Claims in respect of Deceased Customers of Banks) Directions, 2025’ and invited comments and feedback on it by 27 August. It also has provisions for compensation for delay in the settlement of claims.
PM flags off Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat after freight train arrives in Anantnag
PM Narendra Modi flagged off the Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express train virtually from Bengaluru. The new Amritsar-Katra Vande Bharat Express, launched today, will depart Katra at 6.40am and reach Amritsar by 12.20pm, stopping at Jammu Tawi, Pathankot Cantt, Jalandhar City, and Beas. The return journey leaves Amritsar at 4.25pm and arrives in Katra by 10pm, allowing same-day round trips for pilgrims and tourists.
Sports News
Rutuja clinches Roehampton doubles title with Naiktha
Rutuja Bhosale and Naiktha Bains defeated Mary Lewis and Brandy Walker 4-6, 6-1, [12-10] in the doubles final of the $30,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament at Roehampton (Great Britain). It was the 27th career doubles title for the 29-year-old Rutuja and the second of the season.
Ramesh Budihal Creates History First Medal for India
Indian surfer Ramesh Budihal won the bronze medal at the Asian Surfing Championship held in Mahabalipuram. He earned the distinction of being the first Indian to win a medal in the history of this competition. The championship, which began on the 4th, concluded on Sunday after 7 days. 102 competitors from 19 countries participated in the event. Competitions were held in 4 categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s U-18, and Women’s U-18. The thrilling finals were held on Sunday. In the Men’s Open category, South Korea’s Kanoa Igarashi* secured the first place with 15.17 points to win gold. Indonesia’s Balun Ariyasa took second place with 14.57 points, while India’s Ramesh Budihal won the bronze medal with 12.60 points, finishing in third place. Ramesh, who gained the distinction of being the first Indian to advance to the medal round in the tournament’s history, went on to create a record by winning it.
Football: Indian Women Qualify for Asian Cup
The Indian team qualified on Sunday for the U-20 Women’s Asian Cup football tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Thailand next April. India, which last played in this competition in 2006, has now qualified again after 20 years. Earlier, in its final qualifying match on Sunday, India defeated Myanmar 1-0. Pooja scored the goal for India in the 27th minute. Following this, India, having completed the qualifiers undefeated with 2 wins and 1 draw, finished first in its group and qualified for the main tournament. Meanwhile, the National Football Federation has announced that a prize of approximately ₹22 lakh will be given to the Indian team that has qualified for the Asian Cup tournament.
States’ News
TN accepts suggestion to set up panel at state-level
the TN government has accepted the report’s recommendation to establish a state-level committee to oversee the four district-level authorisation committees that approve organ transplants. The report has also recommended mandating of video conferencing for donors and recipients during the approval process, with all medico-legal documents to be preserved for at least 10 years. Further, standard operating procedures will be implemented to regulate approval processes, ensuring strict compliance with the Transplantation Act. The government has accepted the recommendation for regular scrutiny of and strict legal action against hospitals holding transplant licences. The report also recommended action against officials who approved illegal transplants if irregularities occurred.
Reports and Indices
India’s Asiatic lion population jumps 32% in five years
INDIA’S Asiatic lion population has grown from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, a 32.2% increase, per the 16th Lion Population Estimation report released on Sunday. This conservation success is tempered by concerns, as most lions now live near human settlements, altering their natural hunting instincts and increasing reliance on livestock or human-provided food. Asiatic lions are exclusively found in Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat. Data analysed by experts reveal only 20% of lions reside in the 258 sq. km core area of Gir National Park (GNP), Gujarat, where they can prey on wild animals. The park, with its buffer zone, spans over 1,400 sq. km. A senior Gujarat forest officer stated that the remaining lions, living near humans, “primarily prey on livestock or consume dead livestock that humans dispose of.” This proximity is troubling for locals. A June 2025 study by the Wildlife Institute of India, Gujarat Forest Department, Macalester College (USA), and NCBS (Bangalore) found lion attacks on livestock rising by 10% annually, with livestock losses per village up by 15% yearly. Human attacks, averaging 21 per year, show no significant increase.