Daily Current Affairs – 21-08-2025

Science and Technology News

Government Approves Purchase of 97 New ‘Tejas’ Aircraft for Rs. 67,000 Crore

The central government has given its approval for the procurement of an additional 97 'Tejas' fighter jets for the Indian Air Force at a cost of Rs. 67,000 crore.

Currently, the Indian Air Force has 31 fighter squadrons, which is lower than the sanctioned strength of 42. This new procurement is expected to boost the strength of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet.

Previously, in February 2021, a deal worth Rs. 48,000 crore was signed to purchase 83 Tejas fighter aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The domestically manufactured Tejas fighter jets will replace the decommissioned 'MiG-21' class of aircraft in the Air Force's service. The Tejas is a high-performance combat aircraft capable of operating in potent aerial environments and has the ability to perform various tasks such as air defense, maritime surveillance, and strike missions.

Similarly, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a project to build six Dornier surveillance and maritime patrol (ANW&C) aircraft at a cost of Rs. 18,000 crore.

'Airbus-321' aircraft, which were purchased by the Ministry of Defence from Air India and are already in use, will be utilized for this project. This is expected to enhance the surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the Indian Air Force.

Tamil Nadu News

Government Order Issued to Establish Tamil Nadu Health Infrastructure Corporation

To receive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from large corporations for improving the infrastructure of government hospitals, Tamil Nadu's People's Welfare Department Secretary, Senthilkumar, has issued a government order to form the 'Tamil Nadu Health Corporation'.

Under Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR funds, as well as contributions from donors, alumni, and volunteers, are used to establish health infrastructure in government hospitals. These funds are received and utilized by the respective hospitals on an individual basis. There is no auditing process for how much of the received funds has been spent.Following this, the Secretary of the People's Welfare Department, Senthilkumar, has issued the government order to create the 'Tamil Nadu Health Corporation'.