Daily GK Update- 31st July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indigenous AI Development: India is rapidly advancing its artificial intelligence capabilities through the IndiaAI mission. The government is focused on making AI accessible and accountable for real-world applications. This initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to democratise technology and improve sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, climate, and governance. IndiaAI supports the creation of indigenous Large Language Models (LLMs) and smaller language models trained on Indian datasets. These models understand local dialects and cultural nuances better than foreign models. Four startups—Sarvam AI, Soket AI, Gnani AI, and Gan AI—are developing these foundational models. The models will be open source to encourage startups to build India-specific AI applications. The mission has provisioned over 34,000 GPUs through the IndiaAI Compute Portal. These GPUs include Nvidia H100 and H200, Intel Gaudi, and AMD MI300X, among others. The portal provides discounted GPU access at about ₹67 per GPU-hour, roughly one-third of the global average. This infrastructure supports academia, startups, MSMEs, research bodies, and government agencies.

 

2. Legal Framework Against Fake News And Misinformation: The Government of India continues to strengthen legal measures to combat fake news and misinformation across print, television, and digital media. These efforts aim to protect public order, sovereignty, and the integrity of information. Various laws and rules regulate media content and impose obligations on publishers and platforms to ensure responsible dissemination of news. Print media in India must follow the Norms of Journalistic Conduct set by the Press Council of India (PCI). These norms prohibit publication of fake, defamatory, or misleading news. The PCI investigates violations under Section 14 of the Press Council Act. It can issue warnings, admonishments, or censure newspapers, editors, and journalists found guilty of breaches. This mechanism seeks to maintain ethical standards in print journalism. Television channels are governed by the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The Code forbids broadcasting content that is obscene, defamatory, false, or contains suggestive innuendos and half-truths. The 2021 Amendment introduced a three-tier grievance redressal system. This mechanism addresses complaints about violations and enforces corrective action against offending channels.

 

3. India’s Resolution on Sustainable Wetlands Lifestyle: India’s resolution on promoting sustainable lifestyles for wetlands was adopted at the 15th Ramsar Conference of Parties (CoP15) held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The resolution received strong support from 172 contracting parties and international organisations. It marks the crucial role of individual and societal choices in conserving wetlands and encouraging a pro-planet lifestyle globally. The resolution builds on India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2021 UNFCCC CoP26. Mission LiFE aims to create a global movement encouraging people to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours. By linking sustainable lifestyles with wetlands conservation, the resolution emphasises the interconnectedness of human habits and ecosystem health. The resolution urges member states to integrate sustainable lifestyle interventions into wetland management plans and investments. It calls for voluntary action to reduce environmental degradation through resource conservation and waste minimisation. The resolution also promotes equitable socio-economic development by considering the impact of lifestyle choices across all social groups and generations.

 

4. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Records Third Highest Tiger Density: Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) in Assam has emerged as the tiger reserve with the third-highest tiger density in India. This was revealed in a 2024 report released on Global Tiger Day. Known primarily for its one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga now also stands out as a critical tiger habitat. The reserve recorded 148 tigers across 1,307.49 sq. km, reflecting growth since 2022. The tiger count rose from 104 in 2022 to 148 in 2024. This increase was aided by the first-ever sampling of the Biswanath Wildlife Division, which alone recorded 27 tigers. The survey was conducted between December 2023 and April 2024 using camera traps. Officials employed the spatially explicit capture-recapture method, a precise technique endorsed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India. Over 13,000 trap nights yielded more than 4,000 tiger images, enabling identification of individual tigers by their right-flank stripe patterns.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cascade Schengen Visa: The European Commission introduced a new fast-track Schengen visa system for Indian travellers. This “cascade” system rewards applicants with a clean visa history by offering long-term, multiple-entry visas. It simplifies travel across 29 European countries in the Schengen Area. The scheme aims to strengthen people-to-people contacts and facilitate easier movement for trusted travellers. A Schengen visa permits non-EU nationals to enter and move freely within the Schengen Area. The area includes 29 countries, mostly EU members and some European Free Trade Association states. Visa holders can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa covers tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, and cultural events. It does not allow employment. Applicants must apply from their home country and provide evidence of travel purpose. Transit and country-specific visas are excluded from eligibility. Misuse, such as overstaying or illegal work, can lead to disqualification.

 

2. Africa’s Rising Heat Waves Crisis: Recent studies reveal that human actions are the main cause of increasing heat waves across Africa. The rise in greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and urbanisation have intensified these extreme heat events. These changes threaten water supplies, agriculture, health, and economies. New research offers improved methods to track heat waves and urges targeted adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities. Heat waves in Africa have become more frequent, longer, and hotter since the mid-1980s. From 1985 to 2014, the number of heat waves increased by over 0.15 per decade. Heat wave days rose by more than 0.3 days per decade. Temperatures during these events climbed by over 0.3°C every ten years. Greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, are responsible for about 70% of this rise. Natural climate variations account for only 30%.

 

3. Global Flood Risk and Informal Settlements: Flooding remains a critical global hazard in 2025, affecting billions annually. A recent study using satellite data reveals that informal settlements, especially in low- and middle-income countries, face disproportionate flood risks. India leads with the highest number of slum dwellers in flood-prone areas, emphasising urgent challenges in urban planning and disaster management. Over 2.3 billion people worldwide are exposed to flooding every year. In India alone, more than 600 million people face risks from coastal and inland floods. Informal settlements in vulnerable floodplains are widespread in the Global South, where 33% of such settlements have already experienced floods. This amounts to around 445 million people living in over 67,000 clusters across 129 countries.

 

4. COP30 Climate Summit Accommodation Challenges: The 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP30, is set to take place in Belem, Brazil. However, concerns have emerged over soaring accommodation costs. These may hinder participation, especially from developing countries. The issue has prompted urgent discussions among UN climate officials and diplomats. COP30 is the 30th annual UN climate summit. It gathers nearly all countries worldwide to negotiate global climate action. This year’s venue is Belem, a city in the Amazon rainforest region of Brazil. The summit expects about 45,000 participants including negotiators, government officials, activists, and media. Belem has only 18,000 hotel beds usually available. The demand for rooms has driven prices to unprecedented levels. Some hotels charge up to $700 per night. This far exceeds the UN’s daily subsistence allowance of $149 for poorer nations. High costs risk excluding many delegates from low-income countries.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Operation Shiv Shakti: The Indian Army launched Operation Shiv Shakti in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation successfully eliminated two terrorists attempting infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC). This came shortly after Operation Mahadev neutralised three terrorists involved in the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. These operations show India’s intensified efforts to counter cross-border terrorism and secure vulnerable regions. Operation Shiv Shakti was initiated following precise intelligence inputs from the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. The operation targeted Lashkar-e-Taiba militants trying to infiltrate via the Maldivalan sector of Degwar in Poonch. This region is prone to militant activity due to its challenging terrain and proximity to the LoC. The primary aim was to intercept and neutralise armed infiltrators before they could enter Indian territory. The operation also sought to protect civilian populations and important pilgrimage routes such as the Budha Amarnath Yatra. It was designed to pre-empt terror activities and maintain peace in the border areas.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Digital Payments Index Surges: India’s digital payments ecosystem has witnessed leap in 2025. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that its Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) reached 493.22 in March 2025. This marks a strong rise from 465.33 in September 2024. The RBI-DPI tracks the growth and extent of digital payment adoption across the country. It marks the rapid digital transformation in both urban and rural India.Since 2018, the index has shown a steady upward trend. Starting at 100 in March 2018, it rose to 153.47 by March 2019. By March 2020, it reached 207.84. The surge accelerated with the index hitting 349.30 in March 2022. It further climbed to 445.50 in March 2024 and 465.33 by September 2024. The current figure of 493.22 in March 2025 represents more than a fourfold increase in digital payment activity over seven years.

 

2. 2023 Marine Heat Waves: The year 2023 witnessed marine heat waves (MHWs) of unprecedented scale and intensity. Covering 96 per cent of the global ocean surface, these events lasted four times longer than historical averages. Scientists warn that such extreme ocean warming may indicate a climate tipping point. This could lead to irreversible damage to marine ecosystems and threaten global marine industries. Marine heat waves are prolonged periods of unusually high ocean temperatures. They occur in various ocean regions and have become more frequent and intense over recent decades. These events disrupt marine ecosystems, affect fisheries, and impact human livelihoods dependent on the sea. In 2023, MHWs reached new extremes in intensity, duration, and geographic extent. The total marine heat wave activity amounted to 53.6 billion °C days square kilometre. This figure exceeds the historical norm by more than three standard deviations since 1982. MHWs lasted four times longer than the average duration recorded over the past 40 years.

 

3. NISAR Satellite Launched: The NISAR satellite, a joint mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), was successfully launched in 2025. It aims to transform climate monitoring, disaster response, and environmental management worldwide. NISAR uses advanced dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to detect minute changes on Earth’s surface with unprecedented precision. NISAR was launched aboard ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F16) from Sriharikota. The 2393-kilogram satellite orbits Earth at an altitude of 464 miles, completing 14 orbits daily. It maps nearly all land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days. The mission is valued at $1.5 billion and is expected to last three years, sending about 80 terabytes of data to Earth daily. NISAR carries two radar systems – NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band SAR. The L-band penetrates dense vegetation and ice layers, ideal for monitoring tall trees and ice sheets. The S-band focuses on shorter plants like shrubs and is crucial for aviation and shipping by managing fog and visibility. Together, they detect tiny surface changes such as ground deformation, soil moisture variations, and vegetation dynamics, even through clouds or darkness.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IEPFA Launches Saksham Niveshak Campaign: The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs launched the Saksham Niveshak campaign in 2025. This 100-day national drive ran from 28th July to 6th November. It focused on empowering shareholders by raising awareness about unclaimed dividends and guiding them to update KYC and nomination details. The campaign aimed to help investors reclaim their dividends and prevent transfer of shares to the IEPFA. The campaign was initiated to address the issue of unclaimed dividends held by companies. Many shareholders remain unaware of dividends owed to them due to outdated records or lack of communication. Saksham Niveshak sought to bridge this gap by encouraging companies to reach out proactively. It also urged shareholders to update their KYC and nomination information to ensure smooth dividend payouts.

 

2. Banking Laws Amendment Act 2025: The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 came into effect on 1 August 2025. This act introduces key reforms across five major banking legislations. It aims to improve governance, protect depositors, and enhance audit quality in India’s banking sector. The amendments reflect the need to modernise rules that have remained unchanged for decades. The Act includes 19 amendments spanning the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, Banking Regulation Act, 1949, State Bank of India Act, 1955, and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Acts of 1970 and 1980. The Central Government notified the implementation date as 1 August 2025 for several key sections. These provisions were formally notified in the Official Gazette in July 2025.

Daily GK Update- 30th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Expansion: The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) is set to become India’s second-largest tiger sanctuary. A proposal to expand the reserve by 1,100 sq km has reached the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). This expansion will increase the reserve’s area from 2,585.89 sq km to 3,629.57 sq km. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has already granted technical clearance. The final approval now rests with the Standing Committee of the National Wildlife Board (NWLB). The expansion proposal includes three forest ranges in South 24-Parganas – Raidighi, Matla, and Ramganga. Once incorporated, the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve will be second only to Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in size. The NTCA and NWLB are both chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The proposal is expected to be discussed in the NWLB’s upcoming meetings.

 

2. Meghalaya Rainfall Declines: Meghalaya, known as the ‘Abode of Clouds’, is famous for its heavy rainfall. However, the 2025 Southwest Monsoon season recorded a severe rainfall deficit of 56 per cent, the highest in India. This unusual dryness affects a state where 83 per cent of people rely on rain-fed farming and nearly half the land is cultivable. The trend of declining rainfall has been observed over decades and poses risks to water security, agriculture, and the rich biodiversity of the region. Recently, Meghalaya received only 690.7 millimetres of rain from June 1 to July 28, far below the normal 1,555.4 mm. Surprisingly, drier states like Jharkhand recorded more rainfall, with a 53 per cent excess. Seven states and Union Territories had more absolute rainfall than Meghalaya during this period. This shift marks a worrying drying trend in a region once known for its heavy precipitation. Research based on the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) shows a century-long shift in Meghalaya’s rainfall pattern. In the 1950s, central Meghalaya was wetter. Over time, drier zones expanded, especially in the western, central, and northern areas. Recent decades show southern and southeastern parts like East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills remaining wetter. The Southwest Khasi Hills recorded the highest rainfall during the monsoon.

 

3. Meghnad Desai: Lord Meghnad Desai, a towering figure in economics and public policy, passed away in London on 29 July 2025 at the age of 85. His death marks the end of a remarkable career that bridged India and the United Kingdom, academia and politics, theory and practice. Desai’s work spanned development economics, Marxian theory, and international relations, leaving a lasting legacy in both countries and beyond. Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 1940, Desai showed early curiosity about social inequality. He graduated in economics from the University of Mumbai and earned his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. His academic training focused on development economics and macroeconomic challenges faced by underdeveloped countries. Desai joined the London School of Economics (LSE) in 1965 and became Professor of Economics in 1983. He founded the Centre for the Study of Global Governance in 1992, which examined post-colonial transitions and global power shifts. His teaching blended classical economics with Marxist theory and encouraged critical debate on capitalism, socialism, and public policy.

 

4. 5-Year Progress of National Education Policy 2020: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marked a major reform in India’s education system. Five years since its approval, some changes are visible in schools and higher education. However, many initiatives face delays due to institutional and political hurdles. This article summarises key developments and ongoing challenges under the NEP framework. The traditional 10+2 system has been replaced with four stages – foundational (pre-primary to class 2), preparatory (classes 3-5), middle (6-8), and secondary (9-12). The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 defines learning outcomes for each stage. NCERT has introduced new textbooks for classes 1-8. Social science is now taught as an integrated subject combining history, geography, political science, and economics. Textbooks for classes 9-12 are expected soon.

 

5. Kaziranga Biodiversity Crisis: Recent efforts in Kaziranga National Park have focused on a comprehensive bird census to assess the status of grassland bird species. This initiative is crucial as grassland birds serve as indicators of ecosystem health. The survey combined advanced acoustic monitoring with traditional conservation methods to overcome challenges posed by the elusive nature of these birds. Between March 18 and May 25, 2025, forest officials, scientists, and conservationists conducted a detailed survey of grassland birds in Kaziranga National Park. This park is predominantly covered by grasslands, which are rapidly declining habitats. The census was initiated by a doctoral student studying the threatened Black-breasted Parrotbill. The survey aimed to identify and monitor grassland bird species, many of which are rare and difficult to spot.

 

6. Air Pollution Linked to Increased Dementia Risk: Recent research from Cambridge University marks link between long-term air pollution exposure and dementia risk. This large-scale study reviewed 51 investigations involving over 29 million people exposed to air pollutants for at least one year. It found a clear and statistically association between common pollutants and the likelihood of developing dementia. The study focused on three main pollutants – PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and soot (black carbon). PM2.5 consists of fine particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. These particles mainly come from vehicle emissions and thermal power plants. For every 10 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) increase in PM2.5 exposure, dementia risk rose by 17%. Nitrogen dioxide, produced by burning fossil fuels in vehicles and industries, increased dementia risk by 3% per 10 µg/m³. Soot, a component of PM2.5 from exhaust and wood burning, raised dementia risk by 13% per 1 µg/m³. These figures show a strong dose-response relationship.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. State of Food and Nutrition in the World: The 2025 edition of the State of Food and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report reveals that hunger affected 720 million people worldwide in 2024. This represents about 8.2 per cent of the global population. Although this is a slight improvement from previous years, the overall progress remains uneven across regions. The report marks persistent food insecurity, especially in Africa and parts of Asia, and warns of the difficulties in achieving the UN’s zero-hunger goal by 2030. Asia has the largest number of undernourished people, with 323 million affected. Africa follows closely with 307 million people facing hunger. Latin America and the Caribbean have 34 million undernourished. While Southeast Asia, Southern Asia, and South America saw declines, many African regions experienced persistent or rising hunger. Over 20 per cent of Africa’s population faces chronic hunger.

 

2. Golden Jackal: Recent research has revealed Kerala hosts 20,000 to 30,000 Golden Jackals (Canis aureus naria). This extensive citizen science study combined public participation and scientific methods. It marks the species’ wide presence beyond forests, adapting well to human environments. The findings urge new conservation strategies across diverse landscapes. The study was led by experts including P.S. Easa and involved over 2,200 participants. It recorded 5,000 sightings in 874 villages. This large-scale effort used citizen science combined with predictive modelling. It is one of the most detailed assessments of Golden Jackals in Kerala. Golden Jackals thrive near human settlements and urban spaces in cities such as Kannur, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. Their ability to live close to humans reflects high ecological flexibility. This challenges traditional views of wildlife needing deep forests.

 

3. Amur Tiger and Indigenous Taiga Spirituality: The Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian tiger, remains a symbol of power and spirituality in the Russian Far East. On International Tiger Day 2025, attention has returned to the deep bond between this majestic animal and the indigenous peoples of the Siberian taiga. These communities, including the Udege, Nanai, and Oroch, hold the tiger in sacred regard. Their beliefs and rituals show a unique spiritual relationship shaped by shamanism and ancient customs. The Amur tiger is the largest cat on Earth. It dominates the Siberian taiga with no natural predators except humans. Its diet ranges from wild boar to even the Russian Brown Bear. This tiger’s survival depends on the vast, dense forests of Primorsky Krai, which is its last stronghold. The indigenous groups of the Russian Far East venerate the Amur tiger as a spiritual being. The Udege regard the tiger, called ‘Amba’, as a revered kinsman. Their founding myth links them directly to the tiger, symbolising a family bond beyond mere admiration. Unlike ethnic Russians, these tribes integrate the tiger deeply into their cultural identity.

 

4. Syria Sets September Parliamentary Elections: Syria is preparing to hold parliamentary elections from 15 to 20 September 2025. These will be the first elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in a swift rebel offensive in December 2024. The political landscape remains fragile with ongoing sectarian violence and foreign interventions complicating the transition. The elections will fill 140 of the 210 parliamentary seats by popular vote. The remaining 70 seats will be appointed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. This interim arrangement follows the adoption of a temporary constitution in March 2025. The constitution established a People’s Committee as a provisional parliament until a permanent constitution is drafted and general elections conducted, a process expected to take several years.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Exercise Drone Prahar: The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise Drone Prahar in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district. This high-tech military drill validated the use of drone technology in tactical battlefield scenarios. The exercise demonstrated the effective application of drones for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision targeting under realistic operational conditions. The primary aim was to enhance command reach and situational awareness for tactical commanders. Drones provided layered surveillance and supported dynamic decision-making on the ground. This marked step towards modernising combat capabilities by integrating emerging technologies into battlefield operations. The exercise showcased real-time sensor-to-shooter coordination using drones. It brought into light precision targeting capabilities based on live intelligence and surveillance data. The use of drones enabled faster and more accurate responses to battlefield threats, improving operational efficiency.

 

2. Famine Risk and Food Crisis in Gaza Strip: The Gaza Strip faces a severe food crisis in 2025. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reports that a third of Gaza’s population is going days without eating. Despite the worsening situation, famine has not yet been officially declared. Israel has agreed to pause military operations for 10 hours daily in some areas to allow humanitarian aid. However, aid deliveries remain limited and dangerous for civilians gathering food. Gaza’s 2.3 million residents suffer from extreme food shortages. Since March 2025, Israel imposed a blockade, stopping all supplies. Limited aid resumed in May but remains insufficient. Around 900 people have been killed at aid distribution points. UN agencies warn of widespread malnutrition and hunger. Aid trucks entering Gaza have dropped from 600 daily to about 250 weekly. The Israeli military has begun airdropping food parcels and promised humanitarian corridors.

 

3. Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) launched the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana. This scheme aims to provide free legal aid to defence personnel and their families. It was revealed during the North Zone Regional Conference in Srinagar. The initiative strengthens legal support through dedicated clinics linked with Sainik Boards at district, state, and central levels. Defence personnel often face legal challenges while posted in remote areas. Issues such as land disputes, matrimonial conflicts, and service entitlements become difficult to manage from afar. The scheme recognises this gap and offers a legal support network to ease these burdens. It honours the sacrifices of soldiers and ensures their families receive timely legal assistance.

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Ancient Human Species and Evolutionary Interactions: Recent research has transformed our understanding of human evolution. Modern humans, Homo sapiens, lived alongside several ancient human species between 300,000 and 40,000 years ago. These species were not just neighbours but interacted and interbred with our ancestors. Their genetic legacy continues to influence modern populations. This discovery reveals a complex evolutionary history marked by diversity and interconnection. Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) emerged about 400,000 years ago. They were adapted to cold Eurasian climates with stocky bodies and large noses to warm air. Their brains were larger on average than those of modern humans. They used tools, fire, and clothing effectively. Genetic studies show 1–2% of DNA in Europeans and Asians comes from Neanderthals, affecting immune responses. They became extinct around 40,000 years ago but left a lasting genetic imprint. Discovered in 2008 from a finger bone in Siberia, Denisovans lived between 300,000 and 25,000 years ago. They diverged from Neanderthals about 550,000 to 765,000 years ago. Denisovans inhabited diverse environments from Siberian caves to Southeast Asian forests. Genetic evidence shows they had dark skin, eyes, and hair. Remarkably, a hybrid individual with one Neanderthal parent and one Denisovan parent was found. Their DNA survives in some modern Asian and Oceanian populations.

 

2. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Threaten Himalayan Regions: The Himalayan region witnessed severe Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in 2025, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and power supply, especially in Nepal and India. Rising temperatures and melting glaciers have increased the frequency and intensity of GLOFs, posing a grave threat to life, property and ecosystems. The events show the urgent need for trans-boundary cooperation and advanced early warning systems to mitigate risks. On 8 July 2025, a major GLOF from a supra-glacial lake in Tibet triggered flash floods along the Lende river, damaging Nepal’s Rasuwagadhi inland container port and destroying a China-built friendship bridge. Four hydro-power plants on the Bhote Koshi river were rendered inoperable, cutting 8% of Nepal’s electricity supply. Nepalese scientists confirmed the lake’s surface area shrank from 63 to 43 hectares overnight. Later the same day, another GLOF struck Mustang district in Nepal. Earlier in 2025, GLOFs occurred in Humla and Solukhumbu districts, the latter destroying the Everest base camp village of Thame. These successive events tell Nepal’s vulnerability and the lack of early warning cooperation with China.

 

3. Environmental Impact of AI: Artificial intelligence (AI) is now deeply embedded in many sectors. Its use spans customer service, logistics, finance, and product development. While AI’s capabilities are widely celebrated, its environmental impact is less discussed but equally critical. Training large AI models can produce carbon emissions comparable to several cars over their lifetimes. This hidden cost is often overlooked by users and providers alike. AI systems require vast energy, especially during model training. Training a single large-scale model can emit carbon dioxide. Data centres powering AI consume large amounts of electricity to run servers and cool hardware. Cooling alone uses huge volumes of water. Hardware replacement cycles are also accelerating, adding to resource use and waste.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s Economic Outlook and Monetary Policy in 2025: India’s inflation rate remains below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4 per cent target in 2025. The Finance Ministry’s June Economic Review projects inflation will undershoot the 3.7 per cent forecast for the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26). This creates scope for the RBI to continue easing monetary policy. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is set to meet in August 2025 amid expectations of further interest rate cuts to support growth. Inflation trends are subdued, especially core inflation. The RBI has already cut interest rates by 100 basis points between February and June 2025. This easing aims to boost economic growth. With inflation comfortably low, the MPC may sustain or deepen rate cuts. Lower borrowing costs could stimulate demand and investment. Credit growth by scheduled commercial banks slowed to 10.4 per cent in June 2025 from 13.9 per cent a year earlier. Despite easier monetary conditions and strong bank balance sheets, credit uptake remains cautious. This slowdown reflects risk-averse lenders and hesitant borrowers. Private investment appetite is weak, limiting economic acceleration.

 

2. Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science in India: The Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) is a key initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. As of mid-2025, it has established 27 Science Centres across the country. These centres aim to encourage scientific temper and spread awareness among the general public and students. The scheme supports the creation of Science Cities, Innovation Hubs, Digital Planetariums, and Science Centres. It focuses on inclusive development by targeting underrepresented and remote regions. SPoCS aims to promote scientific temper and curiosity nationwide. It seeks to enhance informal science education outside traditional classrooms. The scheme encourages innovation and hands-on learning. It also strives to make science accessible to all sections of society, especially youth and students. This aligns with India’s broader educational and developmental goals.

Daily GK Update- 29th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. SPARSH Pension System: Since its launch by the Ministry of Defence, the System for Pension Administration Raksha (SPARSH) aims to streamline pension delivery for Indian military veterans. However, many ex-servicemen report that the centralised digital platform has complicated pension management. Issues range from difficult access to persistent errors in pension records. This has sparked widespread concern and calls for reform. SPARSH was introduced to digitise and centralise pension processes for military veterans. It seeks to replace manual and bank-based systems with an online portal. The goal is faster pension disbursal and easier record maintenance. The system covers pension payments, life certificate submissions and corrections in personal details.

 

2. Low Wages and Women’s Workforce Participation Challenges: The issue of low wages is increasingly recognised as a major barrier for women entering and staying in formal employment in India. A 2025 report by Quess Corp and the Udaiti Foundation marks that over half of women in blue- and grey-collar jobs are dissatisfied with their pay. Most women save very little or nothing monthly, making financial independence difficult. This situation puts stress on the urgent need to re-examine wage structures and labour policies to support women workers better. The report reveals that women in blue- and grey-collar roles earn only about 70 per cent of men’s wages. Nearly 54 per cent of these women are unhappy with their pay. Around 80 per cent save less than Rs 2,000 monthly or nothing at all. Low wages combined with high living costs and unpaid caregiving duties make it hard for women to sustain employment. This financial strain often forces women to leave the workforce.

 

3. Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) launched the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana. This scheme aims to provide free legal aid to defence personnel and their families. It was revealed during the North Zone Regional Conference in Srinagar. The initiative strengthens legal support through dedicated clinics linked with Sainik Boards at district, state, and central levels. Defence personnel often face legal challenges while posted in remote areas. Issues such as land disputes, matrimonial conflicts, and service entitlements become difficult to manage from afar. The scheme recognises this gap and offers a legal support network to ease these burdens. It honours the sacrifices of soldiers and ensures their families receive timely legal assistance. The scheme builds on existing legal services clinics. It establishes a dedicated network within Sainik Boards across all administrative levels. These Boards are already welfare hubs for serving and retired personnel. Now, they will also provide legal guidance. Panel lawyers and para-legal volunteers will actively assist defence families. This creates a robust support system tailored to their unique needs.

 

4. Gujarat’s Samras Gram Panchayats: Gujarat witnessed a unique electoral phenomenon. Out of 4,564 Gram Panchayats scheduled for elections, 761 villages bypassed voting. These villages, termed ‘Samras Panchayats’, chose leaders by consensus. This approach, encouraged by the Gujarat government, rewards villages with grants ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 13 lakh. The scheme aims to encourage harmony and reduce electoral conflicts. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel disbursed Rs 35 crore to these villages via Direct Benefit Transfer in July 2025. The Samras Gram Yojana promotes consensus-based elections in rural Gujarat. Villages agreeing on candidates without contest avoid formal polling. This saves time and reduces election-related tensions. Financial incentives are provided to encourage this practice. Grants vary by population size, from Rs 3 lakh for smaller villages to Rs 13 lakh for larger ones. The scheme has been promoted since Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Iran Launches Nahid-2 Satellite Aboard Russian Soyuz Rocket for Telecom and Research Missions: Iran successfully launched its telecommunications and research satellite Nahid-2 aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket, as part of a multi-payload mission that included satellites from several countries.Nahid-2 is designed to operate in orbit for five years and features an indigenous propulsion system capable of adjusting its altitude by up to 50 km for better orbital stability.The Soyuz rocket has previously launched several Iranian satellites, including Khayyam, Pars-1, Kosar, and Hodhod, showcasing ongoing space cooperation between Iran and Russia.

 

2. Air Pollution Linked to Increased Dementia Risk: Recent research from Cambridge University marks link between long-term air pollution exposure and dementia risk. This large-scale study reviewed 51 investigations involving over 29 million people exposed to air pollutants for at least one year. It found a clear and statistically association between common pollutants and the likelihood of developing dementia. The study focused on three main pollutants – PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and soot (black carbon). PM2.5 consists of fine particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. These particles mainly come from vehicle emissions and thermal power plants. For every 10 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) increase in PM2.5 exposure, dementia risk rose by 17%. Nitrogen dioxide, produced by burning fossil fuels in vehicles and industries, increased dementia risk by 3% per 10 µg/m³. Soot, a component of PM2.5 from exhaust and wood burning, raised dementia risk by 13% per 1 µg/m³. These figures show a strong dose-response relationship.

 

3. India’s Heatstroke Cases Highlight Surveillance Challenges: India has reported 7,192 suspected heatstroke cases and 14 confirmed deaths from March to June 2025. This follows a record-breaking 2024 with nearly 48,000 cases and 159 deaths due to extreme heat. The data reveals serious gaps in India’s heat-related illness and death reporting systems amid rising temperatures. Most heatstroke cases occurred in May, the peak summer month, with 2,962 suspected cases and three deaths. April recorded 2,140 cases and six deaths. March and June (up to 24th) saw fewer cases and deaths. Andhra Pradesh reported over half of all suspected cases with 4,055. Other states with high cases include Rajasthan, Odisha, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra and Uttarakhand reported the highest confirmed deaths, three each. Several states reported many suspected cases but no confirmed deaths.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. NALSA Launches ‘Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana’ to Strengthen Legal Aid for Defence Personnel and Their Families: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) launched the ‘Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana’ during the North Zone Regional Conference in Srinagar, aimed at enhancing legal aid and support services for defence personnel and their families, particularly through existing Sainik Boards at Zilla, Rajya, and Kendra levels.Justice Surya Kant, Supreme Court judge and Executive Chairman of NALSA, highlighted that these legal clinics will now function within Sainik Boards, transforming them into dedicated legal service centres to assist serving and retired soldiers and their families with legal challenges.The scheme reaffirms NALSA’s constitutional commitment to justice for soldiers and tribals, pledging legal vigilance and support for the welfare and rights of defence and paramilitary personnel, just as they remain vigilant in safeguarding the nation’s borders.

 

2. What are BHISHM Cubes?: India recently gifted two BHISHM cubes to the Maldives on its 60th Independence Day. This gesture marks India’s regional cooperation and healthcare diplomacy in the Indian Ocean. The BHISHM cubes are portable medical units designed for rapid emergency response. They enhance disaster preparedness in vulnerable island nations like the Maldives. BHISHM stands for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri. It is part of India’s Aarogya Maitri mission launched in 2024. The initiative aims to provide timely healthcare support in disaster-hit and developing countries. The cubes are self-contained medical units ready for quick deployment in emergencies and conflict zones. The system is modular and scalable. Thirty-six mini cubes form one mother cube. Two mother cubes combine to create a full BHISHM Cube. Each full cube can manage about 200 emergency cases, including surgeries. The cubes contain medicines, trauma supplies, surgical tools, and AI-powered coordination systems.

 

3. Exercise Drone Prahar: The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise Drone Prahar in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district. This high-tech military drill validated the use of drone technology in tactical battlefield scenarios. The exercise demonstrated the effective application of drones for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision targeting under realistic operational conditions. The primary aim was to enhance command reach and situational awareness for tactical commanders. Drones provided layered surveillance and supported dynamic decision-making on the ground. This marked step towards modernising combat capabilities by integrating emerging technologies into battlefield operations. The exercise showcased real-time sensor-to-shooter coordination using drones. It brought into light precision targeting capabilities based on live intelligence and surveillance data. The use of drones enabled faster and more accurate responses to battlefield threats, improving operational efficiency.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Seema Creates History with 5000m Silver as India Shines with 9 Medals at World University Games: Seema created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in the 5000m event at the World University Games, securing silver with a season-best time of 15:35.86 minutes at the Rhine-Ruhr edition.Indian archers ended their campaign with five medals, with Sahil Jadhav winning gold in the men’s compound individual event, while Preneet Kaur won silver in the women’s compound final. The team also bagged gold (mixed), silver (men’s), and bronze (women’s) in the compound archery events.Praveen Chitravel clinched silver in the men’s triple jump with an impressive jump of 16.66 meters, taking India’s total medal count to 9 at the ongoing 32nd World University Games being held across six cities in Germany.

 

2. Divya becomes fourth Indian woman to earn Grandmaster title: 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh won the prestigious FIDE Women’s World Cup title by defeating veteran Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in a thrilling final held in Batumi, Georgia, with a final score of 2.5 – 1.5 after tiebreaks.With this win, Divya became the fourth Indian woman Grandmaster, joining the elite list of Koneru Humpy, Dronavalli Harika, and R Vaishali, and became the 88th person overall to achieve this title.Her triumph also qualified her for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, where she will compete for the right to challenge Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun, adding to India’s growing presence in global chess alongside stars like D Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi.

 

3. India Finishes 20th at the 2025 FISU World University Games: India concluded its campaign at the 2025 FISU World University Games held in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region, finishing 20th in the overall medal standings with a total of 12 medals — 2 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze.On the final day, Ankita Dhyani clinched a silver medal in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, while two bronze medals were secured in the men’s 4×100m relay and women’s race walk team events.Japan topped the medal tally with 34 golds, followed by China (30) and the USA (28). India’s best-ever performance at the World University Games was in Chengdu 2023, where it finished 7th with 26 medals, including 11 golds.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. VinFast Auto India Opens First Showroom in Surat Ahead of $2 Billion EV Plant Launch in Thoothukudi : VinFast Auto India, the subsidiary of global EV leader VinFast, inaugurated its first Indian showroom in Surat, Gujarat, marking the brand’s official retail entry into the country.The launch comes ahead of the $2 billion EV manufacturing plant inauguration in Thoothukudi on August 4, reinforcing VinFast’s long-term investment and commitment to the Indian market.The showroom will display VinFast’s upcoming premium electric SUVs — VF 6 and VF 7, and is part of the company’s broader roadmap to establish 35 dealerships across 27+ cities by year-end.

 

2. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Threaten Himalayan Regions: The Himalayan region witnessed severe Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in 2025, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and power supply, especially in Nepal and India. Rising temperatures and melting glaciers have increased the frequency and intensity of GLOFs, posing a grave threat to life, property and ecosystems. The events show the urgent need for trans-boundary cooperation and advanced early warning systems to mitigate risks. On 8 July 2025, a major GLOF from a supra-glacial lake in Tibet triggered flash floods along the Lende river, damaging Nepal’s Rasuwagadhi inland container port and destroying a China-built friendship bridge. Four hydro-power plants on the Bhote Koshi river were rendered inoperable, cutting 8% of Nepal’s electricity supply. Nepalese scientists confirmed the lake’s surface area shrank from 63 to 43 hectares overnight. Later the same day, another GLOF struck Mustang district in Nepal. Earlier in 2025, GLOFs occurred in Humla and Solukhumbu districts, the latter destroying the Everest base camp village of Thame. These successive events tell Nepal’s vulnerability and the lack of early warning cooperation with China.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IRDAI Mandates Insurance Coverage for 75,000 Gram Panchayats by 2027: IRDAI has directed insurers to cover 75,000 Gram Panchayats over the next two years as part of rural, social sector, and motor third-party obligations.In FY 2025–26, insurers must cover 25,000 Gram Panchayats; in FY 2026–27, they must bring an additional 50,000 under coverage.This directive applies to all life, general, and stand-alone health insurance companies.The minimum coverage target per Gram Panchayat is set at 15% of lives/assets for FY26, 25% for continued Panchayats, and 10% for newly added ones in FY27.

 

2. Citigroup Launches Strata Elite Card to Challenge AmEx Platinum : Citigroup has launched the Strata Elite Card as a new entrant in the premium credit card segment, aiming to compete with top-tier cards like American Express Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve.With an annual fee of USD 595, the Strata Elite Card is priced lower than its key competitors and offers enhanced rewards on spending categories such as hotels, car rentals, air travel, and dining, along with everyday purchases.The card also includes notable perks like a USD 300 hotel credit and a USD 200 splurge credit redeemable at brands like Best Buy and Live Nation.

 

3. Karur Vysya Bank Launches Nationwide Cybersecurity Awareness Drive on 109th Founder’s Day: Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) launched a nationwide cybersecurity awareness initiative on its 109th Founder’s Day to promote digital safety and responsible banking practices among people of all age groups.The initiative was flagged off by RBI Deputy Governor J. Swaminathan through a remote ceremony, and it will be implemented via mass media, offline campaigns, and workshops across schools, colleges, workplaces, and senior citizen forums.The campaign reflects KVB’s continued commitment to integrity and safety in banking, combining its rich legacy with a forward-looking vision for a secure digital future.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 17 parliamentarians get Sansad Ratna Award 2025: 17 Members of Parliament, including Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), Ravi Kishan (BJP), Nishikant Dubey (BJP), and Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena – UBT), have been selected for the Sansad Ratna Awards 2025 for their outstanding performance in the Lok Sabha.Four Special Jury Awards were given to Bhartruhari Mahtab, N K Premachandran, Supriya Sule, and Shrirang Appa Barne for their consistent contributions across three consecutive Lok Sabha terms (since the 16th Lok Sabha).Other award-winning MPs include Smita Uday Wagh, Naresh Mhaske, Varsha Gaikwad, Medha Kulkarni, Praveen Patel, Bidyut Baran Mahato, and Dilip Saikia, representing a wide political and regional spectrum.In the committee category, the Standing Committee on Finance (chaired by Bhartruhari Mahtab) and the Standing Committee on Agriculture (chaired by Dr. Charanjit Singh Channi) were awarded for their high-quality reports and effective legislative oversight.