Current Affairs 20 August 2025

Union Cabinet Approves Online Gaming Bill to Regulate Betting Platform.

• The Union Cabinet approved the Online Gaming Bill aimed at regulating online betting and money gaming platforms.
• The move addresses rising cases of fraud linked to online betting apps and issues with celebrity endorsements.
• Online gaming revenue increased by 412%, reaching Rs 6,909 cr in six months (from Rs 1,349 cr).
• Unauthorized betting can lead to up to seven years in jail and fines.

Dubai launches AI-powered passenger corridor to clear immigration.

• Dubai International Airport (DXB) has launched an AI-powered passenger corridor to clear immigration without presenting documents.
• The system allows travelers to clear immigration in seconds using facial recognition and biometric data.
• Part of the Travel Without Borders and Unlimited Smart Travel initiatives.
• Initially rolled out in Terminal 3’s First and Business Class lounges.

Union Cabinet Approves New Airport Project at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan.

• The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of a new airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan.
• The estimated project cost is Rs 1,507 crore.
• The airport will handle 2 million passengers annually.
• 1,089 acres (approx. 440.06 hectares) of land provided free of cost by the Rajasthan government.
• The project will be funded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) using its internal accruals.

6th State Finance Commission Submits Interim Report to Odisha Govt.

• Interim Report: The Sixth State Finance Commission submitted its interim report to the Odisha government.
• Recommendations: The report includes recommendations on grants to local bodies.
• The report was submitted to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi by the SFC team headed by Chairman Arun Kumar Panda.
• It was also submitted to Governor Haribabu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan.

ISRO Inaugurates Space Lab at Arunachal Pradesh’s Mechuka School.

• Location: New ISRO space laboratory at Mechuka Government Higher Secondary School, Arunachal Pradesh, Shi-Yomi district.
• Partnership: Launched in collaboration with Muskaan Foundation.
• Inauguration: By Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona.
• Naming: The lab is named after Pasang Wangchuk Sona, father of the Education Minister, for his commitment to education.