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Current Affairs 18 August 2025
1. Tanya Hemanth wins Women’s Singles Title at Saipan International 2025
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Tanya's Dominant Win: Tanya Hemanth, a 21-year-old Indian badminton player, won the women's singles title at the Saipan International 2025, defeating Japan's Kanae Sakai 15-10, 15-8 in the final.
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Fourth International Title: This victory marks Tanya's fourth international series title, following her wins at the India International (2022), Iran Fajr International (2023), and Bendigo International (2024).
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Experimental Scoring System: The tournament featured the Badminton World Federation's new 3x15 scoring system, where each game is played to 15 points instead of the conventional 21.
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Tanya's Journey to the Title: Tanya had a tough run to the final, beating Japan's Nodoka Sunakawa 4-15, 15-9, 15-7 in the round of 16, Singapore's Lee Xin Yi Megan 14-16, 15-12, 15-9 in the quarterfinals, and Japan's Ririna Hiramoto 15-10, 12-15, 15-8 in the semifinals.
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Career Milestone: This win is a significant milestone for Tanya, validating her off-season training, boosting her self-belief, and setting the tone for the rest of the year.
2. Indian Navy received the 3rd SVL Ship ‘Ikshak’
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Delivery of Ikshak: The Indian Navy received its third Survey Vessel (Large) ship, INS Ikshak, from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata on August 14, 2025.
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Indigenous Content: Ikshak boasts over 80% indigenous content by cost, reflecting India's stride towards self-reliance and commitment to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
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Advanced Capabilities: The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment, including Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, and Digital Side Scan Sonar, enabling advanced coastal and deep-water surveys.
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Women's Accommodation: Ikshak is the first Survey Vessel Large ship to accommodate women officers and sailors, marking significant progress in naval inclusivity.
3. Global IME Bank wins 'Best Bank in Nepal' at Euromoney Awards 2025
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Third Time Winner: Global IME Bank has been named the Best Bank in Nepal at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, marking its third win in four years, after previously receiving the award in 2022 and 2024.
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Robust Financial Performance: The bank's award is a recognition of its outstanding financial performance, superior service delivery, continuous technological innovation, and commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
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Extensive Reach: Global IME Bank is the first private commercial bank in Nepal to establish a presence in all 77 districts of the country, with over 1,000 service touchpoints, including 352 branches, 384 ATMs, and 155 branchless banking units.
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Remittance Services: The bank facilitates remittance services from various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Gulf nations, contributing significantly to Nepal's remittance inflows.
4. Devika Sihag Clinches First International Challenge Title
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First International Challenge Title: Devika Sihag, a 20-year-old Indian badminton player, won her first International Challenge title by defeating compatriot Isharani Baruah 15-7, 15-12 in the women's singles final at the Malaysia International Challenge 2025.
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Impressive Run: Sihag had an impressive run in the tournament, beating higher-ranked opponents, including Japan's world No. 36 Manami Suizu 15-10, 15-11 in the quarterfinals and former junior world No. 1 Tasnim Mir 11-15, 15-9, 16-14 in the semifinals.
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Experimental Scoring System: The tournament was played under the BWF's experimental 3x15 scoring format, where games are played to 15 points instead of the traditional 21-point format.
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Ranking Boost: This victory is expected to propel Sihag closer to the world's top 80, opening doors to main-draw entries in bigger tournaments later this season. She is currently ranked world No. 100.
5. Vincent Keymer Wins Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025
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Tournament Victory: Vincent Keymer, a 20-year-old German grandmaster, won the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025 with a round to spare, showcasing his exceptional skill and consistency throughout the tournament.
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Unbeaten Run: Keymer finished the tournament with an impressive 7/9 score, remaining unbeaten and two points ahead of his closest competitors, Anish Giri and Arjun Erigaisi.
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Breakthrough Achievement: This victory marked Keymer's arrival in the world's top 10 live chess ratings, a milestone he had been working towards, and solidified his position among the game's elite players.
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Tournament Performance: Keymer's performance in the tournament earned him approximately $30,000 and 24 FIDE Circuit points, further boosting his reputation as a rising star in the chess world.
6. IBM Signs LoI with Maharashtra Government on Quantum Computing
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Partnership for Quantum Computing: IBM has signed an LOI with the Government of Maharashtra to explore opportunities for supporting the state's quantum initiatives, aligning with India's National Quantum Mission and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
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IBM India Client Experience Centre: The LOI was signed during the inauguration of IBM's new India Client Experience Centre in Mumbai, which aims to support Indian enterprises in leveraging AI, hybrid cloud, and quantum computing.
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Quantum Ecosystem Development: The collaboration may include providing expertise to craft a state-specific quantum policy framework, conducting workshops, and developing skills to build a robust quantum ecosystem in Maharashtra.
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Commitment to Innovation: IBM's partnership with Maharashtra reflects its commitment to advancing India's journey in AI, hybrid cloud, and quantum computing, and supporting the state's vision for technology-led growth.
7. Noel N Tata’s appointed as Director at AGM
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Unanimous Approval: Shareholders of Tata Sons unanimously approved Noel N Tata's appointment as a director at the AGM, with the Shapoorji Pallonji Group also supporting the resolution.
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Additional Director Role: Noel N Tata was appointed as an Additional Director by the board of directors, effective October 22, 2024, following the death of Ratan Tata.
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Tata Trusts Chairman: As the Chairman of Tata Trusts, which holds 66% of Tata Sons' equity, Noel N Tata's appointment strengthens the group's leadership.
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Other Resolutions Passed: The AGM also approved other key resolutions, including the reappointment of Venu Srinivasan and Anita Marangoly George as directors, and declaring dividends on preference and ordinary shares.
8. Runul Pratap appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Food & Public Distribution
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Appointment: Runul Pratap has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Food & Public Distribution.
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Government Role: The department plays a key role in ensuring food security, managing buffer stocks, and overseeing the Public Distribution System (PDS).
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Significance: His appointment strengthens the department’s efforts in efficient food grain management and delivery to beneficiaries under welfare schemes.
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Administrative Impact: As Deputy Secretary, he will assist in policy formulation, coordination, and implementation of food and public distribution programs.
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National Importance: The posting comes at a time when the government is focusing on digitization of PDS and improving transparency in food distribution.
9. TCL appoints Olympic ski champion Eileen Gu as Global Brand Ambassador
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Alignment with TCL's Values: Gu's appointment resonates with TCL's motto "Inspire Greatness" and its "TCLforHer" initiative, which advocates for women's visibility and empowerment through technology and culture, supporting over 2,000 young women.
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Eileen Gu's Achievements: As the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing at 18 and the first freestyle skier to win three medals at a single Winter Olympic Games, Gu embodies TCL's values and inspires greatness.
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Partnership with IOC: TCL's partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category will leverage its cutting-edge technology to elevate the experience of fans and athletes at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
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Global Reach: With 46 R&D centers and 38 manufacturing bases globally, TCL operates in over 160 countries and regions, solidifying its position as a globally competitive smart technology brand.
10. Nagaland Governor & Ex-TN BJP Chief La Ganesan passed away
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Death at 80: La Ganesan, the Governor of Nagaland and former Tamil Nadu BJP president, passed away on Friday at the age of 80 due to complications from a head injury.
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Hospitalization: He was admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on August 8 after a fall at his residence, which led to a catastrophic intracerebral hemorrhage and coma.
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Tributes: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Ganesan, describing him as a "devout nationalist" who dedicated his life to service and nation-building, and worked hard to expand the BJP across Tamil Nadu.
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State Honors: The Tamil Nadu government accorded state honors to La Ganesan, with his last rites performed at the Besant Nagar crematorium and his mortal remains kept in T Nagar for public and political leaders to pay their respects.
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