Current Affairs 08 August 2025

Bengaluru Ranked 26th in Global AI City Index 2025.

• Bengaluru secured 26th position in the Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Index, becoming India’s top AI hub.
• Released by Counterpoint Research, the 2025 AI City Index names Bengaluru as a fast-growing global center for AI R&D and data centers.
• Bengaluru is attracting major foreign investment due to its AI startups and innovation ecosystem.

India, Russia Sign Protocol to Boost Industrial, Tech Cooperation.

• India and Russia reaffirmed their strategic partnership during the 11th session of the India-Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation.
• Held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Organized under the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation.

RBI’s Financial Inclusion Index Rises to 67, Driven by Jan Dhan & UPI.

• The RBI’s Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) rose to 67.0 in March 2025, up from 64.2 in March 2024, showing a 24.3% increase since its launch in 2021.
• The index measures financial inclusion across banking, investment, insurance, postal, and pension sectors.
• The 2025 increase reflects growth in Usage and Quality, driven by: Digital infrastructure and Financial literacy campaigns.

Punjab to Empanel Sign Language Experts for Inclusive Justice.

• Punjab becomes the first state to empanel sign language interpreters, translators, and special educators under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
• The move will also apply to cases under the POCSO Act, 2012.
• Aim is to bridge communication gaps for children with speech or hearing impairments.
• Seeks to improve access to justice for differently-abled children.

Moldova Joins International Solar Alliance as 107th Member.

• Moldova has become the 107th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• ISA was launched in 2015 by India and France during COP21 in Paris.
• The Alliance aims to promote solar energy development globally.
• It focuses on reducing technology and financing costs for solar energy.
• ISA supports sustainable energy adoption in both developed and developing nations.