Daily GK Update- 20th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Hosts 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise to Boost Regional Preparedness for Cyclones and Floods: India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) hosted the 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise (DMEx) as a virtual tabletop exercise, with participation from all BIMSTEC member countries: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.The primary focus of the exercise was on cyclone and flood preparedness, aiming to assess and enhance response mechanisms for such disasters common in the Bay of Bengal region.Member countries shared best practices, tested their response strategies through simulated scenarios, and explored ways to strengthen regional coordination in disaster risk reduction and emergency management.

 

2. Swachh Survekshan 2024-25: The Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 results have reaffirmed Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai as India’s cleanest cities. These cities topped the newly introduced Super Swachh League, which honours sustained excellence in urban sanitation. This year’s survey brought new innovations to promote inclusivity and competition among cities of all sizes. Indore secured first place, followed by Surat and Navi Mumbai. Vijayawada ranked fourth. Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Lucknow emerged as the leading Swachh Shehars in the new generation category. The survey recognised 78 entities including cities, cantonments, and institutions for their sanitation achievements. Prayagraj was awarded Best Ganga Town. Secunderabad Cantonment Board earned praise for sanitation efforts. Visakhapatnam, Jabalpur, and Gorakhpur were honoured for prioritising sanitation worker safety and dignity.

 

3. Chhattisgarh’s Vision 2047: The state of Chhattisgarh has revealed an ambitious plan to increase its GDP by 14 to 15 times by 2047. The focus is on expanding the service sector from 35% to 50% of the state’s economy. This transformation aims to complement the existing industrial and agricultural sectors and create a balanced and sustainable economic model. Chhattisgarh’s GDP presently stands at approximately Rs 5 lakh crore. The industrial sector contributes 45%, the service sector 35%, and agriculture 20%. The state aims to raise its GDP to Rs 75 lakh crore by 2047. The service sector’s rapid expansion is expected to drive this growth. Key drivers identified for service sector growth include information technology, logistics, and tourism. The state plans to develop IT parks and attract IT-enabled companies. Special emphasis is placed on establishing hubs for Hindi Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and artificial intelligence startups. These initiatives are designed to generate employment and improve human capital.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Olympic Bronze Medallist Audun Gronvold Dies at 49: Olympic ski cross bronze medallist Audun Gronvold passed away at the age of 49 after being struck by lightning during a cabin trip, as confirmed by the Norwegian Ski Federation. Gronvold had a distinguished career in skiing, winning bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2005 World Ski Championships, and representing Norway in alpine skiing from 1993–94 to 2003–04.

 

2. Global Measles Surge Linked To Falling Vaccination Rates: Measles cases have surged worldwide in 2024 and early 2025. The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition of virologists from over 40 countries, has brought into light this alarming trend. The rise is mainly due to declining vaccination coverage. The United States recorded its highest number of measles cases in 30 years. Similar outbreaks are seen across Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Weak health systems and interrupted vaccination drives worsen the situation. Measles is highly contagious. The virus spreads rapidly among unvaccinated populations. In the US, vaccination rates dropped below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Nonmedical exemptions rose to 3.3% during the 2023-2024 school year. This decline enabled outbreaks in states like Texas, New Mexico, and California. Globally, war, displacement, and poor health infrastructure contributed to the surge.

 

3. Africa’s Wetlands Face Critical Degradation Challenges: Africa’s wetlands are rapidly degrading despite their vital role for millions. The 2025 Global Wetland Outlook (GWO) report reveals urbanisation and industrial growth as primary causes. Wetlands provide food, water, and protection from natural disasters and climate impacts. Their decline threatens ecosystems and livelihoods across the continent. Africa’s wetlands are among the most degraded globally. The GWO 2025 report marks widespread deterioration in Africa and Asia, contrasting with improvements in Europe and North America. South Africa’s wetlands, for example, are degrading faster than restoration efforts can keep pace. Many wetlands suffer unseen damage due to limited field assessments.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Amethi-Made AK-203 Rifles: The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is set to complete the delivery of 6.01 lakh AK-203 rifles nearly 22 months ahead of the planned schedule. The contract, valued at Rs 5,200 crore, was initially set to end by October 2032. However, IRRPL aims to finish by December 2030. This development marks milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. The AK-203 is a modernised version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle series. It is designed to be the primary weapon for Indian soldiers deployed along the northern and western borders. This includes sensitive zones like the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Each rifle undergoes 120 manufacturing processes and is made up of approximately 50 components and 180 sub-parts. The weapon has a service life of 15,000 rounds, ensuring durability in varied combat conditions. IRRPL has developed alternate sources for every material used in the AK-203, ensuring supply chain security within India. Quality control at the Amethi plant is being enhanced to become one of the best in the country. So far, around 48,000 rifles have been delivered. An additional 7,000 rifles are expected in the next 2-3 weeks, with 15,000 more planned by December 2025. The company plans to ramp up production to 1.5 lakh rifles annually to meet the armed forces’ demands.

 

2. INS Nistar Diving Support Vessel: The Indian Navy recently commissioned INS Nistar at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This vessel is the first of two indigenously designed diving support vessels (DSVs) built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited. The commissioning marks step in strengthening India’s underwater operational capabilities and maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). INS Nistar revives a legacy from a submarine rescue vessel acquired from the Soviet Union in 1969. The original served until 1989 and was central to India’s diving and submarine rescue operations. The new INS Nistar builds on this heritage with over 80% indigenous content, involving around 120 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It is the first fully indigenously designed and constructed DSV in India.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production Using Mo-DHTA COF: Recent advances in photocatalysis have led to a breakthrough method for producing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) using sunlight and water. Researchers have developed a novel material called Mo-DHTA COF that can synthesise H₂O₂ efficiently and sustainably. This innovation promises to transform industries by providing a greener alternative to conventional hydrogen peroxide production. Hydrogen peroxide is a vital chemical used in wound cleaning, water purification, fuel cells, and industrial processes. It decomposes into water and oxygen, making it environmentally friendly. However, traditional production methods are energy-heavy, costly, and polluting. A cleaner, more efficient synthesis method is needed to meet growing demand sustainably. Common photocatalysts like metal oxides, graphitic carbon nitride, polymers, and metal-organic frameworks have drawbacks. These include wide band gaps limiting light absorption, poor stability, and low electron mobility. Such factors reduce their efficiency in producing hydrogen peroxide under sunlight.

 

2. India’s Automotive Mission Plan 2047: The Government of India has launched the Automotive Mission Plan 2047 (AMP 2047) to transform India into a global automotive leader by 2047. This strategic roadmap aligns with the broader ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision. The plan emphasises innovation, sustainability, and increased global trade share. Multiple ministries, industry bodies, academia, and experts are collaborating to set clear milestones for 2030, 2037, and 2047. AMP 2047 builds on the earlier AMP 2016-2026 initiative. The previous plan aimed to place India among the top three global automotive hubs by value addition, exports, and job creation. AMP 2047 seeks to expand this vision with a stronger focus on technology, quality, and sustainability. Seven expert sub-committees have been formed to guide the process. They include representatives from government, industry, and academia.

 

3. Largest Black Hole Merger: Recent observations have revealed the merger of two extraordinarily massive black holes. This event marks the largest black hole collision detected via gravitational waves. The discovery challenges existing theories about black hole formation and offers fresh vital information about cosmic evolution. Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime caused by massive objects in motion. Predicted by Albert Einstein in 1915, they were first detected a century later in 2015. These waves are extremely faint and require highly sensitive instruments such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) to observe them. Since then, hundreds of black hole mergers have been identified through gravitational wave signals.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Department of Posts Signs MoU with AMFI to Simplify KYC for Mutual Fund Investors Across India: The Department of Posts (DoP) and the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) signed an MoU in Mumbai to simplify KYC verification for mutual fund investors, impacting over 24.13 crore folios.The agreement enables more than 1.64 lakh post offices across India to assist in investor KYC and document collection.

 

2. India saw rapid mutual fund investor growth: 4 million (FY23), 6.9 million (FY24), and 9.7 million (FY25), creating the need for robust KYC support.The partnership will help all AMFI-member Asset Management Companies (AMCs) by improving KYC processes and expanding financial inclusion.

 

3. Axis Bank Appoints Neeraj Gambhir as Executive Director: Axis Bank has appointed Neeraj Gambhir as Executive Director, effective from August 4, 2025, or after RBI approval, following the retirement of Rajiv Anand on August 3, after completing his third term on the board.Neeraj Gambhir, a 52-year-old financial sector veteran, has over 30 years of experience, having served as Managing Director at Nomura India, and previously worked with Lehman Brothers and ICICI Bank.He is a member of SEBI’s advisory committees on Mutual Funds and Corporate Bonds & Securitisation (COBOSAC) and holds a Computer Science Engineering degree along with a PGDM from IIM Lucknow, where he received the PGP Chairman’s Medal.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. INCOIS Honoured with National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 for Excellence in Open-Source Spatial Technologies: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) received the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 for its exceptional use of open-source spatial technologies.The award was conferred during Open Source GIS Day (Edition 02) held at IIT Bombay.The award was presented to INCOIS Director T.M. Balakrishnan Nair by former ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar.