Daily GK Update- 10th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Punjab Launches ‘Young Entrepreneurs’ Scheme to Teach Business Skills in Govt Schools from 2026: Starting from the 2026–27 academic year, the Punjab government will introduce business and marketing skill education for Class 11 and 12 students in government schools under the ‘Punjab Young Entrepreneurs’ scheme.At the Business Blasters Expo 2025 in Rupnagar, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the government’s aim to turn students into job creators, providing financial and technical assistance to support their ventures.Ten student-led ventures pitched their ideas in a Shark Tank-style showcase and secured funding, while another 30 teams exhibited and sold products at Expo stalls. ₹17 lakh has been invested to set up innovation labs for product development, possibly in collaboration with IITs.Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said students will now be required to present a business idea to pass school, emphasizing practical learning, earning while studying, and building real-world entrepreneurial skills before graduation.

 

2. Punjab Becomes First State to Offer ₹10 Lakh Universal Cashless Health Insurance Under ‘Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has launched a universal health insurance scheme under the Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana, offering cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per annum to all 65 lakh families in the state at government and empanelled private hospitals.The scheme expands on existing coverage by providing an additional ₹5 lakh top-up, raising the insurance limit from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh for families already enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Punjab’s state scheme.A total of ₹778 crore has been allocated in the Punjab Budget 2025–26 to implement this initiative, which is set to become operational from October 2, making Punjab the first state in India to offer such comprehensive cashless health coverage.

 

3. Kalaa Setu Challenge: India is rapidly advancing its digital governance by integrating AI technologies to improve communication in multiple Indian languages. The Kalaa Setu challenge, launched in 2025 by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting via the WaveX Startup Accelerator, invites startups to develop scalable AI tools for multimedia content creation from text. This initiative aims to overcome linguistic barriers and enhance public outreach through real-time, multilingual audio, video, and graphic content generation. Kalaa Setu focuses on creating AI-driven solutions that convert text into multimedia content. It supports three core areas – text-to-video, text-to-graphics, and text-to-audio generation. These technologies enable automated production of videos, infographics, and voice content that are customised for various regional languages and cultural contexts. The challenge encourages startups to build tools that can scale to meet the diverse communication needs of India’s vast population.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ISA to Host 7th Asia-Pacific Regional Meet in Colombo: The 7th Regional Committee Meeting for Asia and the Pacific, hosted by the International Solar Alliance (ISA), will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 15–17 July 2025, under the theme ‘Advancing Solar Cooperation Across a Region of Diversity and Opportunity’.The meeting will bring together governments, universities, think tanks, private sector leaders, and international partners to advance solar deployment, promote regional solar interconnections, and explore technologies like Green Hydrogen, storage, and E-Mobility.Key agenda items include operationalizing the SIDS solar platform, signing Country Partnership Frameworks, launching new STAR Centres for capacity building, and aligning regional solar priorities with ISA’s four-pillar strategic vision, including blended finance, technology roadmap, and policy innovation.The RCM aims to strengthen ISA’s leadership in the Asia-Pacific solar transition, build on the ISA-ADB Green Hydrogen project, and explore cross-border solar trade frameworks, ensuring inclusive and resilient growth especially for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

 

2. Trinidad & Tobago 8th country to have UPI: India will assist Trinidad and Tobago in developing a digital payment system similar to Unified Payments Interface (UPI), as part of PM Narendra Modi’s recent visit during his five-nation tour.UPI is currently operational in several countries including UAE, Singapore, France, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius, allowing Indian users to make payments abroad by scanning QR codes and paying in INR while merchants receive local currency.To use UPI internationally, users must have a UPI-enabled app, an Indian bank account linked to UPI, and international roaming activated for OTPs. Apps like BHIM offer a “UPI Global” feature for secure overseas transactions.Cross-border UPI transactions may involve minimal conversion fees, often lower than debit/credit card charges, and NPCI has signaled further expansion into Europe and the Caribbean, making Indian digital wallets increasingly borderless.

 

3. Bulgaria to Adopt Euro as 21st Member of Eurozone from January 1, 2026: Bulgaria is set to become the 21st member of the Eurozone on January 1, 2026, after receiving the final approval from EU finance ministers, marking a major economic milestone nearly 19 years after joining the European Union.The official exchange rate has been fixed at 1.95583 Bulgarian lev per euro, as part of the legal framework adopted by EU ministers to facilitate Bulgaria’s transition from its current currency (the lev) to the euro.Bulgaria’s entry follows Croatia, which became the 20th member in 2023, continuing the expansion of the euro area that began with 12 countries in 2002 and gradually included others like Slovenia (2007), Slovakia (2009), and Lithuania (2015).The euro has been strengthening against the U.S. dollar recently, partly due to global shifts in economic confidence and trade tensions driven by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies.

 

4. 10 July – Global Energy Independence Day: Global Energy Independence Day is observed every year on 10 July to promote awareness and action toward achieving energy self-reliance and reducing global dependency on non-renewable and imported energy sources.It encourages the use of clean, renewable, and sustainable energy solutions such as solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Inducts First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel ‘Nistar’ Built by Hindustan Shipyard: ‘Nistar’, the first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel, was delivered to the Indian Navy by Hindustan Shipyard Limited at Visakhapatnam, marking a major step in India’s self-reliance in naval capabilities.Designed as per Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) standards, the 118-meter-long vessel weighing nearly 10,000 tons is equipped for deep-sea saturation diving up to 300 meters and side diving operations up to 75 meters.The vessel serves as a ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) and can carry out submarine rescue missions, with advanced systems like Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) capable of operations up to 1000 meters.With nearly 75% indigenous content, ‘Nistar’ aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, showcasing India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities.

 

2. DRDO Successfully Conducts User Trials of ERASR from INS Kavaratti: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the final user trial of the indigenously developed Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kavaratti.The DRDO conducted the first test of the ERASR on April 3, 2023, from the Navy’s guided missile destroyer, INS Chennai.The ERASR will replace the existing Soviet-era RBU-6000 Smerch-2 system currently deployed on Indian naval ships with a range of up to 5 km.The ERASR rocket system has been indigenously designed and developed by two DRDO labs based in Pune. The Armament Research and Development Establishment, as well as the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory.The launcher and the rocket have been manufactured by the Hyderabad-based public sector company, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and the private sector company Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, based in Nagpur.

 

3. Indian Air Force Jaguar Jet Crashes: The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently witnessed the crash of a SEPECAT Jaguar jet in Rajasthan’s Churu district. Both pilots aboard were killed. This incident marks the third Jaguar crash in India this year, denoting ongoing challenges with the vintage fighter-bomber. Despite these setbacks, the IAF plans to keep the Jaguar in service until around 2040. The Jaguar is a product of a unique British-French collaboration from the 1960s. Developed by SEPECAT, a joint venture between Britain’s British Aircraft Corporation and France’s Breguet, it was initially designed as a jet trainer. It evolved into a supersonic tactical support aircraft capable of nuclear strike roles. The jet first flew in 1968 and was inducted into the IAF in 1979.

 

SPORTS

 

1. India Wins 588 Medals at World Police and Fire Games 2025: Team India secured a total of 588 medals, including 280 gold medals, at the 21st edition of the World Police and Fire Games 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA.India ranked third overall, behind the USA with 1,354 medals (569 gold, 433 silver, and 352 bronze) and Brazil with 743 medals (266 gold, 246 silver, and 231 bronze).The 2029 edition of the tournament will be hosted by India in Ahmedabad.The World Police and Fire Games is an Olympic-style competition for athletes representing law enforcement, firefighters, and officers from corrections, probation, border protection, immigration, and customs offices globally.The event, held biennially, features over 60 sports. It is governed by the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), the Host City, and the WPFG Board of Directors. The inaugural edition of the competition took place in 1985 in San Jose, California.

 

2. Magnus Carlsen Wins Super United Rapid & Blitz Title in Zagreb: World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen clinched the Super United Rapid and Blitz Chess tournament title in Zagreb with a round to spare, finishing with an impressive 22.5 points—2.5 points ahead of second-place Wesley So.Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh delivered a strong performance to finish third with 19.5 points, narrowly edging past France’s Alireza Firouzja and Poland’s Duda Jan-Krzysztof, proving his critics wrong.

From the total prize pool of USD 175,000, Carlsen secured USD 40,000, while Wesley So and Gukesh earned USD 30,000 and USD 25,000 respectively for their second and third place finishes.

 

3. Mexico Beats USA 2-1 to Win Record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup Title in Thrilling Final: Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 in a thrilling final at NRG Stadium, Houston, to secure their 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title, coming from behind after Chris Richards opened the scoring for the U.S. in just the 4th minute.With this win, Mexico successfully defends their Gold Cup title and extends their record to 10 championships, also having previously won the CONCACAF Nations Championship (the Gold Cup’s predecessor) three times.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Centre to Set Up New Akashvani Kendra in Ujjain Under BIND Scheme: The Government of India has announced the establishment of a new Akashvani Kendra in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, aimed at enhancing regional broadcasting and timely public communication.The initiative will be implemented under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme, which provides financial support to Prasar Bharati for upgrading infrastructure and content creation.The Kendra will also focus on preserving Madhya Pradesh’s cultural heritage, promoting regional identity, and strengthening the connection between the government and the people through effective media outreach.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Uttarakhand Geothermal Energy Policy 2025: The Uttarakhand government approved the Geothermal Energy Policy 2025 to boost exploration and development of geothermal resources. This policy aims to promote clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance energy security. It targets power generation, heating, cooling, water purification, and community development using geothermal sites across the state. The policy encourages scientific and technical research on geothermal energy. It supports sustainable and economically viable projects. The Energy Department will implement the policy in coordination with Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (UJVNL). Projects will be allotted for up to 30 years through competitive bidding or other methods. Both public and private entities can participate.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Kasaragod Bags Kerala Fisheries Excellence Award 2025 for Outstanding Aquaculture Initiatives: Kasaragod district won the Kerala Fisheries Department’s Excellence Award 2025 for outstanding performance under the Popular Fish Farming Project, recognizing its grassroots-level implementation of fisheries schemes.Two individual farmers from Kasaragod also received recognition: Ravi P.P. from Padanna secured second place for Best Backwater Fish Seed Production, while Sea Pearl Aquafarm from Kumbala won third place for Best Innovative Fish Farming.The awards are part of Kerala’s annual State Farmer Awards, which aim to honour exemplary contributions in aquaculture and promote innovation in the fisheries sector across the state.This accolade adds to Kasaragod’s list of recognitions, including the Matsya Karshaka Award for Best District, the Best BMC award in the 2023 State Biodiversity Awards, and becoming the first district to declare an official tree, flower, and bird for biodiversity awareness.

 

2. PM Modi Receives Namibia’s Highest Civilian Honour ‘Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian award, ‘The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’, during his one-day state visit, becoming the first Indian leader to receive this honour.The award was presented by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, symbolising a deepening of diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Namibia.Established in 1995, the award is named after the unique Namibian desert plant Welwitschia Mirabilis, which represents resilience and longevity; this marks Modi’s 27th international honour, and his fourth during the ongoing five-nation tour.

 

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.