Current Affairs 15 August 2025

Rising Government Costs Push U.S. National Debt to Record $37 Trillion.

• The U.S. national debt has exceeded $37 trillion.
• This milestone came sooner than expected.
• The main causes include:
• Post-pandemic spending
• Tax cuts
• New government spending
• This raises concerns about the country’s economic health and future finances.

India Reaches 100 GW Milestone in Solar PV Manufacturing Under ALMM Program.

• India has achieved 100 GW solar PV module manufacturing capacity under ALMM.
• This is a significant increase from 2.3 GW in 2014.
• Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) and clean energy goals.
• Contributes to India’s broader target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Nepal Grants Free Climbing Access to 97 Himalayan Peaks to Promote Tourism.

• Nepal waives climbing fees for 97 Himalayan peaks in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
• The offer lasts for two years to promote tourism.
• Aims to attract adventure tourists to lesser-known mountain regions.
• Supports economic growth in poorer, far-western provinces.
• Initiative announced by Nepal’s Tourism Department.

UPSC Marking 100 Years of Commitment to Merit and Public Service.

• UPSC will mark its centenary year from 1 October 2025 to 1 October 2026, celebrating 100 years of transparent, merit-based recruitment for India’s civil services.
• Established on 1 October 1926, following the Lee Commission (1924) and the Government of India Act, 1919.
• First Chairman: Sir Ross Barker, initially with 4 members plus the chairman.

CBSE to Introduce Open-Book Assessments in Class 9 from 2026–27.

• CBSE will introduce Open-Book Assessments (OBE) in Class 9 starting from 2026–27 after successful pilot studies. The CBSE Governing Body approved the plan in June 2025.
• In OBE, students can use approved resources like textbooks, class notes, or other specified materials during assessments, shifting focus from rote memorization to competency-based evaluation.