Daily GK Update- 9th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andhra Pradesh Launches AI-Powered Smart Mosquito Surveillance System to Combat Vector-Borne Diseases: The Andhra Pradesh government has launched the Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS), an AI-based initiative using sensors, drones, and real-time data to monitor mosquito species, population levels, and environmental conditions.The pilot project will be implemented at 66 locations across six major municipal corporations: Visakhapatnam (16 locations), Vijayawada (28), Kakinada (4), Rajamahendravaram (5), Nellore (7), and Kurnool (6).When mosquito density crosses safe limits, the system will automatically send alerts, prompting immediate spraying or fogging by civic teams—ensuring targeted action instead of ineffective blind spraying.Daily reports from hospitals on diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya will help identify hotspots, while operations will be monitored through mobile apps (Vector Control and Puramitra) and carried out by agencies with performance-based payments.

 

2. India Launches ‘National Biobank’ to Power Personalized Healthcare and Indigenous Genomic Research: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the ‘National Biobank’ at CSIR-IGIB, marking a major step in India’s healthcare innovation through the Phenome India project, aimed at collecting genomic and clinical data from 10,000 diverse individuals across the country.The Biobank, modelled after the UK Biobank, will power AI-driven diagnostics and personalised treatment by decoding gene-environment interactions, aiding early disease detection, and addressing India-specific health challenges like central obesity, rare genetic disorders, and antimicrobial resistance.CSIR-IGIB is advancing indigenous CRISPR-based therapies for conditions like sickle cell anaemia and liver fibrosis, and expanding its research into areas like space biology, women-centric genomics, and AI-based pilot fitness in collaboration with the Indian Air Force

 

3. DEPwD and Sri Aurobindo Society Join Hands to Boost Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) signed an MoU with Sri Aurobindo Society (SAS) to promote inclusive education for children with disabilities, in line with Sections 16, 17, and 47 of the RPwD Act, 2016.Under the Rupantar Programme, SAS will implement ‘Project Inclusion’ using a mobile app and web platform toprovide training, issue e-certificates, and encourage innovative inclusive teaching practices.The initiative also includes research and development efforts and aims to expand inclusive education to remote and challenging regions such as Leh through the Leh Inclusion Initiative.

 

4. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurates 11th India Maize Summit: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the 11th India Maize Summit organised by FICCI and Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), where he stressed the government’s core mantra: “Farmers’ sewa is our mool mantra.”He unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to boost maize production, enhance farmer incomes, and promote environmental sustainability, citing that maize output has grown from 10 Mn MT in the 1990s to 42.3 Mn MT, with a target of 86 Mn MT by 2047.Under the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, around 11,000 agricultural scientists and officials have been deployed to 7,000–8,000 villages to directly connect lab research with on-ground farming practices.

 

5. Retired IPS Officer V.S. Ravi Launches Book ‘Confessions of a Shakespeare Addict’: Retired IPS officer and columnist V.S. Ravi launched his book “Confessions of a Shakespeare Addict” in Hyderabad, in an event attended by former bureaucrats, scholars, and literature enthusiasts.The book, a deeply personal and scholarly tribute to William Shakespeare, reflects Mr. Ravi’s lifelong passion for the Bard’s work and was lauded for its intellectual depth and emotional connection.

In his speech, Mr. Ravi recalled memorable moments from Stratford-upon-Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, sharing stories of reciting Shakespeare’s verses to audiences around the world, including Nobel laureate C.F. Powell.

 

6. 9 July – National Sugar Cookie Day: National Sugar Cookie Day is celebrated every year on 9th July, especially in the United States, to recognize the simple yet delicious sugar cookie — a beloved classic in the world of baking.Sugar cookies, made from basic ingredients like sugar, flour, butter, eggs, and vanilla, are known for their versatility and are often decorated with icing and sprinkles for festive occasions.The day encourages people to bake, share, and enjoy sugar cookies, whether homemade or store-bought, and to celebrate the joy of sweet, simple pleasures in life.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Switzerland Approves World’s First Malaria Drug for Infants Under Fast-Track WHO Partnership: Swissmedic, Switzerland’s medical products authority, has granted fast-track approval to Coartem Baby, the first malaria drug designed for infants weighing between 2 to 5 kilograms.The drug, developed by Novartis, is a lower-dose version of an existing antimalarial tablet, aimed at providing safe treatment for newborns and small infants, especially in malaria-hit African countries.This is only the third time Swissmedic has used its fast-track process in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to improve access to life-saving treatments in developing nations.

 

2. Hardeep Singh Brar Appointed President & CEO of BMW Group India: Hardeep Singh Brar has been appointed as the President and CEO of BMW Group India, effective 1 September 2025, succeeding Vikram Pawah who will lead BMW Group Australia and New Zealand.Prior to this, Brar served as Senior Vice President and National Head of Sales & Marketing at Kia India, and has over 30 years of experience across top automotive brands including Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen, Nissan, and General Motors.Jean-Philippe Parain of BMW Group highlighted India’s importance as a fast-growing market and praised Brar’s deep understanding of the Indian automotive sector to drive BMW’s long-term strategy.Outgoing CEO Vikram Pawah, with BMW since 2017, played a pivotal role in expanding BMW Group India’s market share and advancing its focus on electric mobility and customer-centric growth.

 

3. 7 July – World Kiswahili Language Day: World Kiswahili Language Day is celebrated every year on 7 July to honor Kiswahili, a major African language spoken by over 200 million people across East, Central, and Southern Africa.Kiswahili is recognized as an official language of major African bodies like the African Union (AU), SADC, and the East African Community (EAC), highlighting its importance in regional unity and communication.Declared by UNESCO as the first African language to receive an international day, Kiswahili promotes multilingualism, cultural diversity, tolerance, and contributes to education and socio-economic development.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Signs Pact with BEL to Launch AI-Enabled NMDA Project for Enhanced Maritime Security: The Indian Navy has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the implementation of the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) Project to enhance maritime and coastal security.The project includes upgrading the existing NC3I (National Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence) Network into an AI-enabled NMDA Network for improved data analysis and information sharing among maritime stakeholders.The Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram will be upgraded into a Multi-Agency NMDA Centre, and the entire project will be executed on a turnkey basis under Indian Navy’s administration.

 

2. Indian and Japanese Coast Guards Launch Joint Exercise ‘Jaa Mata’ Off Chennai Coast: The Indian Coast Guard and Japanese Coast Guard will conduct a joint exercise named ‘Jaa Mata’ off the coast of Chennai, aiming to enhance maritime cooperation.The Japanese Coast Guard’s ship Itsukushima, which is on a Global Ocean Voyage Training mission, arrived at Chennai Port for the exercise.This visit is part of the 2006 Memorandum of Cooperation between the two coast guards to strengthen maritime security and partnership between India and Japan.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lando Norris Secures Emotional First F1 Victory at Historic British Grand Prix: Lando Norris clinched his first-ever Formula One victory at the 2024 British Grand Prix, marking a historic moment as it coincided with the 75th anniversary of the first F1 race held at Slverstone in 1950.The 25-year-old McLaren driver fulfilled a long-held dream by winning his maiden home race, greeted by overwhelming support from thousands of fans, especially the packed “Landostand” at Stowe corner.

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. MIB Launches ‘Kalaa Setu’ Challenge to Boost AI-Driven Multilingual Content Creation in India: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has launched the ‘Kalaa Setu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat’ Challenge through its WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform.The initiative invites AI startups across India to create indigenous, scalable solutions for generating audio, video, and graphic content from text, supporting multiple Indian languages.The challenge focuses on three key areas of AI-driven content generation: text-to-video, text-to-graphics, and text-to-audio technologies.

 

2. Jack Dorsey Launches Bitchat: A Decentralized, Bluetooth-Based Messaging App for Offline Communication: Twitter Co- founder Jack Dorsey has launched Bitchat, a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app that works without internet, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to send encrypted messages directly between devices.Bitchat does not require servers, accounts, emails, or phone numbers—messages are stored only on users’ devices and are automatically deleted after a short time to protect privacy.The app is currently available for iPhone users via TestFlight and is especially useful in areas with poor or no internet connectivity, offering censorship resistance and secure communication.The beta version focuses on battery efficiency and relay stability, with future plans to integrate Wi-Fi support for sharing multimedia content and expanding platform compatibility.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s Invisible Trade Surpasses Merchandise Exports: India’s foreign trade has undergone transformation in recent years. Traditionally known for exporting physical goods, India now derives greater value from intangible exports. Services, remittances and other invisible transactions have become the dominant contributors to the country’s external balance of payments. This shift reflects changes in the global economy and India’s evolving role in international trade. India’s exports of physical goods rose sharply from $66.3 billion in 2003-04 to $318.6 billion in 2013-14. After a pandemic-induced slump, exports rebounded to $456.1 billion in 2022-23. However, goods exports declined slightly to $441.8 billion by 2024-25. The fluctuations mirror global economic cycles and demand for commodities. Despite this, merchandise trade continues to run a large deficit due to high imports, reaching $729 billion in 2024-25.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. PM Modi Honoured with Brazil’s Highest Civilian Award for Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.The award recognises PM Modi’s significant role in strengthening India-Brazil bilateral ties and fostering cooperation on major global platforms.This marks the 26th international award received by PM Modi from a foreign government since assuming office in May 2014, reflecting his growing global stature.

Daily GK Update- 8th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ Scheme to Empower Urban Poor Women: The Andhra Pradesh government launched the ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ scheme to digitally empower urban poor women by setting up 9,034 Common Service Centres (CSCs) across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state, as per G.O. MS. No. 117 issued.These CSCs will be operated by eligible Self-Help Group (SHG) women under the ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ vision, aiming to transition SHGs into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and promote economic self-reliance among urban women.

 

2. Rajasthan launches ‘Poverty-Free Village Scheme’ to empower rural BPL Families: The Rajasthan government has launched the ‘Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Poverty-Free Village Scheme’ targeting 5,000 villages in its first phase, with a ₹300 crore budget to uplift Below Poverty Line (BPL) families through livelihood opportunities, skill development, and financial inclusion.So far, 30,631 BPL families have been identified across 5,002 villages, with each village getting a tailored ‘Poverty-Free Village Action Plan’ based on comprehensive surveys and BPL Census 2002 data to ensure targeted support.Families rising above poverty through their efforts will receive ₹21,000 as an incentive via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT); they’ll also get a ‘Self-Reliant Family Card’, while assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for self-employment and ₹15,000 working capital for SHG women is included to boost economic self-reliance.

 

3. NITI Aayog releases second edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023-24): NITI Aayog and MoDoNER, with support from UNDP, released the second edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023–24) to monitor district-wise progress on the Sustainable Development Goals across eight North Eastern states.

 

4. The Index covers 121 districts, ranking them into four categories: Achiever (Score = 100), Front Runner (65–99), Performer (50–65), and Aspirant (<50). Hnahthial (Mizoram) scored highest (81.43) while Longding (Arunachal Pradesh) scored the lowest (58.71).All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura achieved Front Runner status, with no districts falling under Aspirant or Achiever, reflecting strong yet consistent performance across the region.The Index acts as a critical policy tool for evidence-based planning, monitoring, and resource allocation, especially through initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme and supports the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.The report highlights intra-state performance consistency, with Sikkim showing the narrowest district score range (5.5 points) and Tripura having minimal variation (6.5 points), while Nagaland and Mizoram showed higher variations in performance.

 

5. Banakacherla Project: The Banakacherla project, aimed at linking the Godavari and Krishna river basins, has reignited water sharing tensions between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2025. Andhra Pradesh seeks to divert surplus Godavari floodwaters to drought-prone Rayalaseema, while Telangana alleges violations of inter-state water agreements. The project faces environmental, legal, and interstate challenges. The Banakacherla project plans to transfer Godavari floodwaters to the Krishna basin. It involves enhancing canals, reservoirs, and lift irrigation schemes. Water will be diverted from the Polavaram Dam to the Krishna river at Vijayawada, then pumped through canals and tunnels under the Nallamala forests to Banakacherla reservoir. The project aims to benefit Rayalaseema’s Kadapa and Kurnool regions. Estimated costs exceed ₹80,000 crore, requiring over 40,000 acres of land, including forests.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Colombia and Uzbekistan Join New Development Bank: Colombia and Uzbekistan have officially joined the New Development Bank (NDB), expanding its membership to 11 countries ahead of the 17th BRICS Summit.Founded in 2015 by the original BRICS nations, the NDB’s mission is to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.Headquartered in Shanghai, the NDB has approved over 120 projects across clean energy, transport, environmental protection, water and sanitation, and digital infrastructure, benefiting member countries like India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, and Algeria.

 

2. Elon Musk Launches ‘America Party’ to Disrupt Traditional U.S. Political Landscape: Elon Musk has announced the formation of a new political party called the ‘America Party’, signalling his formal entry into U.S. politics with an agenda focused on economic growth, innovation, and national unity.The ‘America Party’ aims to appeal to voters dissatisfied with traditional Democratic and Republican platforms, positioning itself as a centrist alternative prioritizing technology, energy independence, and freedom of speech.The party will promote policies encouraging entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and reduced bureaucracy, arguing these are key to keeping America competitive in the global economy.

 

3. Microsoft shuts down operations in Pakistan after 25 years: Global technology giant Microsoft has officially shut down its operations in Pakistan after 25 years, as part of its global restructuring plan.Microsoft first opened in Pakistan on March 7, 2000, playing a key role in the country’s digital growth.

 

4. Indian Mango Mania 2025 launched in Abu Dhabi to promote premium Indian mangoes globally: The Commerce and Industry Ministry launched the ‘Indian Mango Mania 2025’ festival in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Embassy of India in the UAE and the Lulu Group, to boost the global reach of Indian mangoes.The Mango Promotion Programme aims to showcase premium Indian mango varieties like Banarasi Langda, Dasheri, Chausa, Amrapali, Malda, and Mallika to international buyers, especially the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region.In 2024, India exported over 12,000 tonnes of mangoes to the UAE, worth 20 million USD, reflecting the strong demand for Indian mangoes abroad.

5. Jennifer Simons elected Suriname’s 1st woman President: Jennifer Simons has been elected as Suriname’s first woman president, marking a historic moment for the South American country as it prepares for a potential oil boom.She was elected by Suriname’s parliament through a coalition deal, after the National Democratic Party (18 seats) and Progressive Reform Party (17 seats) nearly tied in the May 25 elections.In Suriname, the president is chosen indirectly by the National Assembly, where a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority vote to assume office.‘Eternal Light’: Dalai Lama’s new biography to release in September: Marking his 90th birthday, publishing house Westland Books announced a new biography of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Written by senior journalist and author Arvind Yadav, “Eternal Light: The Life and Times of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama”, scheduled to be released in September.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. FATF Flags E-Commerce in Terror Financing Risks: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued a critical report in 2025 denoting the growing threat posed by the misuse of e-commerce and digital payment platforms for terrorist financing. This comprehensive update reveals that terror groups are increasingly exploiting online systems to fund operations and evade detection. The report stresses the urgent need for global cooperation and improved detection mechanisms to counter these evolving methods. Terrorist financing techniques are rapidly changing. Traditional funding like cash smuggling and informal transfers are now supplemented by digital tools. Online shopping, social media, gaming platforms, and digital wallets are being used to move and launder funds. These methods are tailored to local contexts, making detection harder. Many countries lack the capacity to fully identify and disrupt these activities.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sanjog Gupta Appointed as CEO of ICC: Sanjog Gupta has been appointed as the new CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC), succeeding Australia’s Geoff Allardice, who stepped down earlier this year after serving since 2021.Gupta previously served as CEO of JioStar Sports, taking up the job after Reliance Industries and Walt Disney’s $8.5 billion merger of their Indian media assets in November last year.His ICC predecessor, Allardice, who was appointed CEO in November 2021 after an interim period of eight months following the suspension of Manu Sawhney, stepped down earlier this year.

 

2. Aryaveer Dewan Ends 13-Year Drought, Wins U17 Title at Asian Junior Squash Championships: In Squash, India’s Anahat Singh clinched the Asian U19 Squash Championship title with a dominant 3–0 victory over Hong Kong China’s Cheung TC in the final. She won the gold medal in Gimcheon, South Korea.In the U-17, Aryaveer Dewan made history for India by winning the U17 boys’ title at the Asian Junior Squash Championships, ending the country’s 13-year wait for the crown in this category.Dewan defeated the defending champion Nikhileswar Moganasundharam of Malaysia. Two more Indian players – Ayaan Dhanuka in boys’ U13 and Saanvi Kalanki in girls’ U15 – had to settle for silver medals after losing in their respective finals.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Earth’s Rotation Speeds Up: Recent observations show that Earth’s rotation is accelerating. On 9 July 2025, the planet completed one full spin faster than ever before. This day was shorter by approximately 1.6 milliseconds. Scientists attribute this change to the gravitational influence of the Moon. The phenomenon has implications for timekeeping and scientific study. Earth’s day length is not constant. It varies due to factors such as gravitational forces, seismic activity, and changes in atmospheric conditions. The Moon’s position affects Earth’s spin by exerting tidal forces. These forces can speed up or slow down the rotation slightly. The 9 July 2025 event marks the shortest day since records began. Following 9 July, other days like 22 July and 5 August 2025 are also expected to be shorter. These repeated speed-ups show a pattern of Earth’s rotation accelerating temporarily. Scientists monitor these changes closely to understand their causes and predict future variations.

 

2. Heat Anxiety: Heat anxiety has become health concern in 2025, especially during prolonged heatwaves. This condition involves psychological distress triggered by exposure to high temperatures. The ongoing climate crisis and rising temperatures have intensified its impact, particularly in India and other low- and middle-income countries. Heat anxiety affects emotional well-being and physical health, creating complex challenges for individuals and healthcare systems. Heat anxiety, also known as heat stress or heat-related anxiety, arises from prolonged exposure to hot weather. It activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Common physical symptoms include sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and nausea. Emotionally, people may feel overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, or experience mood swings. Sleep disturbances are frequent. The condition can cause avoidance of outdoor activities and social interaction due to fear of heat discomfort.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Odisha Govt Reinstates HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank to Handle State Business: The Odisha government has withdrawn its earlier restrictions on HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank, allowing them to resume handling state government business and deposits.These three private banks were previously removed from the list of empanelled banks on June 21 due to their poor performance in managing state-run schemes and shortcomings in general banking parameters. The decision to reinstate the banks was made after their senior officials met Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on July 1, providing written assurances to improve performance in priority sector lending and credit-to-deposit ratios.

 

2. AU Small Finance Bank Partners with LIC to Expand Life Insurance Access Across India: AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to distribute LIC’s life insurance products across its extensive network, aiming to improve insurance access among underserved and unserved populations in India. Through over 2,456 banking outlets in 21 states and 4 union territories, AU Small Finance Bank will offer LIC’s diverse insurance solutions, including term insurance, endowment plans, pension products, child-focused plans, and more.

 

3. IndusInd Bank Launches ‘INDIE for Business’ Platform to Empower Over 60 Million MSMEs in India: IndusInd Bank has launched the ‘INDIE for Business’ digital platform to empower MSMEs, aiming to reach over 60 million micro, small, and medium enterprises across India with comprehensive banking solutions.The platform offers a 360° view of business accounts, real-time tracking of loans, EMIs, and due dates, as well as digital self-onboarding and profile switching for entrepreneurs managing multiple businesses.Businesses can use the platform to make bulk payments for salaries and vendors, pay GST, income tax, and customs duties, providing greater operational flexibility within a secure digital framework.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. PM Modi Honoured with ‘Key to Buenos Aires’ During Historic Argentina Visit: PM Narendra Modi received the “Key to the City of Buenos Aires“, a symbolic honour signifying friendship and trust, during his historic visit to Argentina — the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 57 years.As part of his five-nation tour, PM Modi earlier received “The Order of the Republic” — Trinidad and Tobago’s highest civilian award, becoming the first foreign leader to be honoured with it. During his talks with President Javier Milei, both leaders agreed to enhance defence, trade, and energy cooperation, including lithium and shale gas supplies from Argentina, and discussed easing access to Indian medicines and collaboration in drone-based agriculture.

Daily GK Update- 7th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government reduces toll charges by up to 50% on national highways with bridges, tunnels: The government has amended the NH Fee Rules, 2008, introducing a new formula that effectively reduces toll rates by up to 50% on national highway sections featuring structures like tunnels, bridges, flyovers, or elevated roads, helping motorists save on travel costs. Under the revised rules, tolls will be calculated based on the lesser of two lengths: ten times the total length of structures or five times the total length of the highway section, significantly lowering user charges for highways with long structural stretches. This move aims to ease the financial burden on road users, as the existing method of charging ten times the regular toll per kilometer of structure was originally designed to recover higher construction costs; the new rule brings much-needed relief for commuters.

 

2. Puducherry becomes first one to include screening for TB patients under initiative of Family Adoption Programme: Puducherry has become the first state to integrate TB screening into the Family Adoption Programme, where medical students adopting families now screen all members for tuberculosis as part of their community outreach and long-term follow-up.Puducherry’s nine medical colleges play a central role in TB elimination efforts, accounting for 45% of TB case notifications and conducting Active Case Finding (ACF) drives using advanced diagnostics like AI-enabled handheld chest X-rays and molecular NAAT tests.By adopting Verbal Autopsy to investigate TB-related deaths and mapping vulnerable populations as moderate or high risk, Puducherry is enhancing the effectiveness of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in its single NTEP district covering 13.92 lakh people.

 

3. Andhra Pradesh Rated ‘Good’ in National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries Management Effectiveness Evaluation 2020–25: Andhra Pradesh was rated in the ‘Good’ category in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) 2020–25 for National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, with a mean MEE score of 62.76% across 10 Protected Areas, highlighting both improvements and areas needing better governance.Papikonda National Park improved from ‘Fair’ (45.5%) to ‘Good’ (60%), while Sri Venkateswara National Park declined from 70.31% to 63.71% but retained its ‘Good’ rating; Rajiv Gandhi National Park slipped slightly but remained ‘Fair’.Among Wildlife Sanctuaries, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary excelled, rising to 78.13% and achieving ‘Very Good’ status; Nellapattu and Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuaries also improved to ‘Good’, while Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary advanced significantly to 73.44%.However, declines were noted in Kambalakonda, Koundinya, and Sri Penusila Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuaries, all moving into the ‘Fair’ category, and the report emphasized the need for stronger administrative capacity and targeted interventions for better conservation.

 

4. Himachal Pioneers Aadhaar Face Authentication for Hassle-Free Ration Delivery Under PDS: Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to launch Aadhaar-based face authentication (FaceAuth) for Public Distribution System (PDS) ration distribution, moving beyond earlier OTP and biometric methods that often faced issues like SMS failures and fingerprint mismatches.The new FaceAuth system allows beneficiaries to authenticate their identity directly using a mobile camera through an app installed on the fair price shop (FPS) owner’s smartphone, streamlining the process and improving convenience for eligible citizens.

This technological advancement, implemented by the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDTG), demonstrates Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to digital innovation for better public service delivery, ensuring more inclusive and hassle-free access to essential food supplies.

 

5. IIT Guwahati’s Sukanya Sonowal Appointed Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador: Sukanya Sonowal, a 4th-year B.Tech student in Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Guwahati, has been selected as the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador, serving as Lead – Communications & Public Relations for the 2025-2027 term in the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN).CYPAN is a youth-led initiative across 56 Commonwealth nations that promotes peace, respect, understanding, and counters violent extremism, selecting ambassadors based on peacebuilding experience and commitment to Commonwealth values.Sonowal is the co-founder of STEMvibe – STEM for Viksit Bharat Empowerment, a nationwide STEM outreach platform engaging over 3,000 students, and she has been a key contributor to IIT Guwahati’s Techniche festival’s Media and Branding team.Her selection followed a rigorous three-stage process, including application and interviews, where her experience in communications, outreach, and leadership in community service made her a standout candidate from Assam’s Lakhimpur district.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India signs 6 agreements with Trinidad & Tobago to enhance cooperation in several sectors including infrastructure, pharmaceuticals: India and Trinidad and Tobago signed six agreements in Port of Spain during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit, covering cooperation in infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, sports, education, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic training, marking the first Indian PM visit to the country since 1999.The pacts include an MoU on Indian pharmacopoeia for enhanced pharmaceutical collaboration, an agreement on Indian grant assistance for quick impact projects, and cultural exchange programmes for 2025-2028, alongside MoUs on sports and diplomatic training.India will re-establish two ICCR chairs in Hindi and Indian studies at the University of the West Indies, while both nations will explore cooperation in implementing India’s digital public infrastructure solutions like DigiLocker; Trinidad and Tobago also requested support to digitize its state land registration system.India announced major gifts to Trinidad and Tobago, including 2,000 laptops for education, $1 million worth of agro-machinery for food security, 20 haemodialysis units, two sea ambulances, and a prosthetic limb camp for 800 people, further cementing bilateral ties.

 

2. World Bank ranks India 4th among the world’s Most Equal Societies: The World Bank has ranked India as the fourth most equal society in the world with a Gini Index of 25.5, placing it in the “moderately low” inequality category, just behind the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus.India’s Gini score of 25.5 is significantly better than China’s 35.7 and the United States’ 41.8, highlighting India’s stronger income equality compared to these major economies. India’s steady improvement in equality is evident as its Gini Index dropped from 28.8 in 2011 to 25.5 in 2022, reflecting consistent progress in reducing income disparity alongside economic growth.With a better Gini score than 167 other countries for which the World Bank has released data, India is only a fraction away from joining the “low inequality” group, signaling remarkable strides toward social equity.

 

3. 6 July – World Zoonoses Day: World Zoonoses Day is observed every year on 6 July to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases—those that can be transmitted from animals to humans—and to highlight the importance of prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of such diseases.This day commemorates the first successful administration of the rabies vaccine by Louis Pasteur on 6 July 1885, marking a milestone in the fight against zoonotic diseases.Zoonoses include diseases like rabies, plague, brucellosis, leptospirosis, anthrax, avian influenza, and many others. They pose significant public health risks, especially in regions with close human-animal contact, and can cause widespread outbreaks.

 

4. 7 July – World Chocolate Day: World Chocolate Day is celebrated every year on July 7, marking the date when chocolate is believed to have been introduced to Europe in 1550.This day is dedicated to celebrating everyone’s favourite sweet treat – chocolate – in all its forms: dark, milk, white, or anything in between!The day is observed globally by chocolate lovers, chocolatiers, and brands with special events, discounts, and fun activities.

 

5. 7 July – Global Forgiveness Day: Global Forgiveness Day is observed every year on July 7 as a reminder of the power and importance of forgiveness in personal relationships, communities, and societies worldwide.The day encourages people to let go of past grudges, mend broken bonds, and promote peace and understanding.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes Fastest Youth ODI Century as India Close in on Series Win Against England: India’s 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed the fastest known century in Youth ODIs, reaching 100 in just 52 balls against England in Worcester, hitting 13 fours and 10 sixes.Suryavanshi and Vihaan Malhotra shared a massive 219-run partnership for the second wicket, with Malhotra remaining unbeaten on 100, helping India post a huge total of 393/9 in 50 overs.India, already leading the five-match series 2-1, are now in a strong position to clinch the series with another win in Worcester.

 

2. Gukesh Dommaraju Triumphs in Rapid Section of Grand Chess Tour 2025 as Blitz Battle Begins in Zagreb: Reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju clinched the rapid title at the 2025 Grand Chess Tour’s Rapid and Blitz tournament in Zagreb, Croatia, by defeating America’s Wesley So in 38 moves to secure his seventh win and finish with 14 points out of 18.The blitz section of the tournament begins today, featuring 18 rounds with four of the world’s top five players: Gukesh, Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu; combined points from rapid and blitz will decide the overall champion.This is the third event of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 calendar, following Poland and Romania; the tour will continue with two US tournaments in August and conclude with the final leg in Brazil from September to October, featuring classic, rapid, and blitz formats.

 

3. Neeraj Chopra Wins Inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 with Stunning 86.18m Throw in Bengaluru: Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra won the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, a World Athletics Gold-level event held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, with a best throw of 86.18 metres.Kenya’s Julius Yego secured second place with a season-best throw of 84.51 metres, while Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage finished third with 84.34 metres.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Ananth Tech to Launch India’s First Private Satellite Broadband, Challenging Global Giants with GEO Strategy: Ananth Technologies has received approval from IN-SPACe to launch India’s first private satellite broadband service, positioning the country to compete globally with established players like Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Kuiper.The company plans to deploy a 4-tonne geostationary (GEO) satellite capable of delivering up to 100 Gbps broadband across India, backed by an investment of ₹3,000 crore, with service rollout expected by 2028.Unlike low Earth orbit (LEO) systems requiring hundreds of satellites, Ananth’s single GEO satellite at 35,000 km altitude can cover the entire Indian subcontinent, providing wide regional coverage ideal for India’s vast and dense population.

 

2. New Cyprinid Fish Species: The discovery of a new cyprinid fish species in the Brahmaputra river at Maijan, Dibrugarh, marks addition to the ichthyofaunal diversity of Northeast India. Named *Pethia dibrugarhensis* after its type locality, this species enriches the understanding of freshwater biodiversity in the region. The finding emerged from a systematic freshwater survey led by scientists from ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) and Manipur University. It puts stress on the urgent need to explore and conserve aquatic ecosystems amid environmental challenges. Scientists from ICAR-CIFRI’s Guwahati and Barrackpore centres, in collaboration with Manipur University experts, conducted the survey. The research was published in the international journal National Academy Science Letters by Springer Nature. The team included taxonomists specialising in cyprinid fishes. Their work marks the unexplored biodiversity within the Brahmaputra basin, a vital freshwater system supporting diverse aquatic life.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI accounts for 1.1% of India’s 6.7% share in global economy’s incremental growth: Report: India contributed approximately 6.7% to the world’s incremental GDP growth in FY25, adding $297 billion out of the total $4,118 billion increase in global GDP, highlighting India’s expanding role in the global economy.The State Bank of India (SBI) alone added $44 billion through its asset size, accounting for around 1.1% of the total rise in global GDP in FY25, a contribution comparable to the GDP additions of some small countries.SBI’s performance represents about 16% of India’s total GDP addition in FY25, emphasizing its pivotal role as a key driver of India’s economic growth engine.SBI’s Gross Value Added (GVA) in financial services grew by 5% year-on-year to ₹1,38,533 crore in FY25, contributing 8.7% to India’s financial services GVA and underlining the bank’s strong impact on the sector.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Deepika Padukone Becomes First Indian Actress Honored on Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026: Deepika Padukone has been named an honoree for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026 in the Motion Pictures category, becoming the first Indian actress ever to receive this prestigious recognition, joining a list of international stars like Demi Moore, Emily Blunt, and Timothée Chalamet. Before Deepika, the only Indian name to appear on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was Sabu Dastagir, an Indian actor whose Hollywood career began with the 1937 film Elephant Boy. Later, Mindy Kaling became the first South Asian woman to receive a star, but Deepika is the first Indian actress to be honored.