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.