Current Affairs 31 August 2025

SC-mandated panel seeks ban on Conocarpus trees.

• The Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has sought a ban on Conocarpus trees in India due to ecological harm.
• Scientific Name: Conocarpus erectus (also called Buttonwood tree).
• Introduced in India (mainly Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana) for urban greening and roadside plantations due to its fast growth and ability to withstand saline & arid conditions.

Nepal’s Mahagaura Parv celebrated with Gaura fair, dance & rituals.

• Mahagaura Parv fair held at Tundikhel, Kathmandu Valley.
• Festival celebrated in Sudurpaschim, parts of Karnali & Kumaon, India.
• Dedicated to Shiva & Gauri; also called Gora in local languages.
• Women fast as Upavasi, eat Puri, Kheer, Sel roti after rituals.
• Biruda (five soaked grains) offered; deuda dance & Saguna songs mark festivity.

Detoxifying India’s entrance examination system.

• Recent controversies around paper leaks, irregularities, and opacity in major entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE, CUET, UGC-NET have raised questions about the credibility of India’s exam system.
• The choice lies between continuing a toxic race that scars students or adopting a system of fairness and equal opportunity

India, Saudi Arabia deepen defence ties at 7th JCDC meeting.

• The 7th Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) meeting strengthened defence ties through training & joint drills.
• India offered training slots, showcased ‘Make in India’ equipment.
• New areas: cybersecurity, IT, tactical comms & disaster management.
• Cooperation strengthens IOR maritime security & energy routes.
• Supports Saudi Vision 2030, adds depth to 2019 Strategic Council.

India tops 25th Commonwealth Weightlifting C’ship with 13 medals.

• India won 13 medals (4 gold, 6 silver, 3 bronze) in Ahmedabad.
• Gold medalists Mirabai Chanu, Rishikanta, Ajith & Ajaya Babu booked 2026 CWG spots.
• Other winners include Raja, Dilbag, Sneha, Bindyarani, Nirupama & Mehak (silver).
• Bronze went to Lovepreet, Harjinder & Vanshita.