Daily GK Update- 18th July, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet Clears ₹7,000 Crore Investment Exemption for NLCIL to Boost Renewable Energy Expansion: The Union Cabinet has approved an exemption for NLC India Ltd. (NLCIL) from investment restrictions applicable to Navratna CPSEs, allowing it to invest ₹7,000 crore in its subsidiary NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) without prior approval.NLCIL and NIRL are exempted from the 30% net worth cap on investments in joint ventures and subsidiaries, enabling greater financial and operational flexibility.The decision supports NLCIL’s renewable energy goals of achieving 10.11 GW capacity by 2030 and 32 GW by 2047, contributing to India’s clean energy transition.The move aligns with India’s climate commitments under COP26, including the goal of building 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 and reaching Net Zero by 2070.

 

2. National Conference on Good Governance Practices to Be Held in Bhubaneswar: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, is organising a two-day National Conference on “Good Governance Practices” in Bhubaneswar.The conference will feature 5 plenary sessions, including discussions on Prime Minister’s Awarded Initiatives 2023 & 2024, focusing on Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Block Program, and Innovation, chaired by senior DARPG officials like Shri Puneet Yadav and Smt. Sarita Chauhan.District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners from various states will participate and present successful state-level good governance practices for wider sharing and potential replication across the country.

 

3. Centre Forms High-Level Panel to Resolve Telangana–Andhra Water Disputes and Polavaram Link Project Issues: The Central Government has decided to form a high-level technical committee to address concerns related to the Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) and other pending inter-state water disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil with Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy in New Delhi.Both states agreed to install telemetry devices for real-time water flow monitoring in the Krishna Basin, carry out urgent maintenance at Srisailam Dam, and shift the Krishna River Management Board office to Vijayawada/Amravati.

 

4. Sanjay Kaul Appointed as MD & CEO of GIFT City for Three-Year Term: Senior IAS officer Sanjay Kaul has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of GIFT City, Gandhinagar, as per a notification from the Gujarat Government’s General Administration Department (GAD).He will serve on deputation for three years or until further orders, succeeding Tapan Ray, who previously held the post.GIFT City is India’s first operational smart city and international financial services centre, playing a crucial role in shaping the nation’s financial and economic future.

 

5. Neetu Chandra Appointed as Icon Face of Bihar Election Commission to Boost Voter Awareness: Bollywood actress Neetu Chandra has been officially appointed as the Icon Face of the Election Commission of Bihar, chosen to help raise voter awareness and promote electoral participation across the state.In this role, Neetu Chandra will be involved in multiple awareness campaigns, including public service messages, outreach events, and social-media engagements aimed at encouraging increased voter turnout.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ukraine Appoints Yuliia Svyrydenko as First New Prime Minister Since Russian Invasion: Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko has been appointed as the country’s new Prime Minister, becoming the first new head of government since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffled the Cabinet, including the replacement of former PM Denys Shmyhal, as part of efforts to revitalise the government, strengthen domestic weapons production, and energise a war-weary nation.

 

2. 18 July – International Nelson Mandela Day: International Nelson Mandela Day is observed every year on 18th July, the birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa and an iconic leader in the global fight against apartheid, injustice, and inequality.The day was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009, to honor Mandela’s legacy in promoting peace, democracy, and social justice.He became South Africa’s first democratically elected president from 1994 to 1999. Mandela’s courageous 27-year jail struggle and journey of upholding human rights, standing up for social justice and equality continue to inspire the world.

 

3. CP Violation in Baryon Decays: Recent experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have revealed the first clear evidence of CP violation in baryons. This discovery marks step in understanding why the universe is dominated by matter rather than antimatter. The LHCb collaboration observed this phenomenon in the decay of the Λb⁰ baryon, a particle made of three quarks, confirming a long-sought prediction of particle physics. The universe contains mostly matter, though the Big Bang should have produced equal amounts of matter and antimatter. The puzzle of why antimatter vanished remains unresolved. CP violation, which means a difference in physical laws for matter and antimatter, is a key ingredient. It breaks the expected symmetry when particles are replaced by antiparticles and spatial coordinates are flipped.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army Successfully Tests DRDO’s Akash Prime Air Defence System at 15,000 ft in Ladakh: The Indian Army’s Air Defence unit successfully conducted a user trial of the DRDO-developed Akash Prime air defence system at a high-altitude location in Ladakh at 15,000 feet, demonstrating its effectiveness in extreme conditions.Akash Prime is one of the four variants of the Akash air defence system developed by DRDO, the other variants being Akash Mark-1, Akash-1S, and Akash NG (New Generation).The Akash air defence system, a surface-to-air missile, is currently in use by both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, and is capable of targeting helicopters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats.The Akash system, manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad, also played a key role in Operation Sindoor, where it helped neutralise a Pakistani drone attack on India.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Andre Russell Announces Retirement from International Cricket: Andre Russell will retire from international cricket after the T20I series against Australia, with his final matches scheduled for July 20 and 22, 2025, at Sabina Park, Jamaica.He had a successful limited-overs career, playing 84 T20Is (1,078 runs, 61 wickets), 56 ODIs (70 wickets), and was part of West Indies’ T20 World Cup wins in 2012 and 2016.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. EU’s General-Purpose AI Code of Practice: The General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice was published on 10 July 2025. It aims to help AI industry players comply with the European Union’s AI Act. This voluntary framework addresses safety, transparency, and copyright obligations for providers of general-purpose AI models. Member States and the European Commission are currently reviewing the Code’s adequacy. Following endorsement, AI providers who adopt the Code can demonstrate legal compliance more easily and reduce administrative burdens. The Code assists providers of general-purpose AI models to meet legal duties under the AI Act. It is designed through a multi-stakeholder process involving independent experts. The Code is voluntary but offers legal certainty and easier compliance proof. It focuses on three main areas – transparency, copyright, and safety and security. The latter applies specifically to providers of highly advanced AI models with systemic risks.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NPCI International adds 13 more banks to India-Singapore UPI-PayNow platform: NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, has enhanced the UPI–PayNow real-time payment system between India and Singapore by adding 13 more Indian banks, raising the total number of participating Indian banks to 19.

 

2. The 19 Indian banks now part of the network are: Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, IndusInd Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, South Indian Bank, UCO Bank, Axis Bank, DBS Bank India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India.Indian users can receive remittances from Singapore into their accounts with these 19 banks using UPI-enabled apps like BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, and respective bank apps, while outward remittances to Singapore are supported by seven banks including Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, etc.In Singapore, the service can be accessed via DBS Bank Singapore and Liquid Group, allowing real-time fund transfers between individuals using UPI ID, mobile number, or Virtual Payment Address (VPA) for seamless cross-border transactions.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Murmu Confers Kalinga Ratna on Dharmendra Pradhan and Sarala Samman on Bijaya Nayak

: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was conferred with the prestigious Kalinga Ratna award, while renowned Odiya short story writer Bijaya Nayak received the Sarala Samman, both presented by President Droupadi Murmu in Cuttack, Odisha.The awards were presented during President Murmu’s official visit to Odisha, where she participated in key cultural and academic events.The Kalinga Ratna Award was instituted by the Sarala Sahitya Sansad in 2007.The award is given to an eminent person of Odisha who has made an outstanding contribution at the national or international level.

 

Daily GK Update- 17th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Tesla Enters India with Liberty, ACKO as Insurance Partners: Tesla has entered the Indian market, partnering with Liberty General Insurance and ACKO as its official insurance collaborators to offer tailored coverage for its electric vehicles.Liberty General Insurance has introduced a range of customized protection plans designed specifically for Tesla vehicles, focusing on performance, safety, and the unique requirements of EV owners.ACKO has been named Tesla’s preferred insurance partner in India, while Zurich Kotak General Insurance launched a new EV-specific cover called ‘EV Protect’, which also includes Tesla among the covered brands.

 

2. Gujarat Leads India in Processed Potato Production and Export with Record 48.59 Lakh Tonnes in 2024–25: Gujarat has become the leading state in India for processed potato production and export, recording a total output of 48.59 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, with over 25% of this yield dedicated to processing into French fries and wafers. Among the processed output, 60% goes to wafer production and 40% to French fries.The State has emerged as the top producer of processed potatoes in India, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.The state’s Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, and Aravalli districts are major contributors, collectively producing 38 lakh tonnes over 1.19 lakh hectares. Banaskantha alone produced 18.70 lakh tonnes, making it Gujarat’s top potato-producing district in the season.India’s processed potato production has seen remarkable growth—from less than 1 lakh tonnes in 2004–05 to 11.50 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, with cultivation area rising from 4,000 to 37,000 hectares, indicating a tenfold rise in output and ninefold expansion in farming area.Gujarat grows high-yield, processing-grade potato varieties like Lady Rosetta, Kufri Chipsona, and Santana, which are favored by quick-service restaurants, frozen food processors, and exported largely to Middle Eastern countries. Cold storage infrastructure in northern districts ensures a stable supply

 

3. Manohar Lal Launches ₹1000-Crore ADEETIE Scheme to Boost Energy Efficiency in MSMEs: The ADEETIE (Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments) scheme was officially launched by Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal at Arya P.G. College, Panipat, aiming to support MSMEs in adopting energy-efficient technologies through financial and technical assistance.With a budget outlay of ₹1000 crore, the scheme is implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, offering interest subvention of 5% for Micro & Small Enterprises and 3% for Medium Enterprises, along with support like energy audits, DPRs, and monitoring.The scheme is expected to help MSMEs reduce energy consumption by 30–50%, improve power-to-product ratios, and promote the creation of green energy corridors, thereby contributing to India’s low-carbon economic transition and climate goals.

 

4. Tesla Launches First India Showroom in Mumbai; Model Y Bookings Open at ₹59.89 Lakh: Tesla officially launched its operations in India by opening its first experience centre in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.The company launched the Model Y electric SUV in two variants, starting at ₹59.89 lakh, both of which will be imported from Tesla’s China factory. While the base model will be delivered this quarter, the long-range rear-wheel drive version will arrive next quarter.Ahead of deliveries, Tesla is setting up EV charging infrastructure in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. Bookings for both variants are now open, and the vehicles will initially be registered in Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram.

 

4. PM Modi Launches ‘Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ to Boost Agriculture in 100 Low-Productivity Districts Over Six Years: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana for six years starting from FY 2025–26, targeting 100 districts with low agricultural productivity, limited credit access, and low cropping intensity.Inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme, the scheme focuses exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors, aiming to improve crop productivity, promote sustainable and diversified farming, strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, and expand irrigation and credit access.The scheme will be implemented through convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 central ministries, state-level programs, and public-private partnerships. At least one district from every state and union territory will be covered, with fund allocation based on net cropped area and operational holdings.Customized plans will be developed by each District Dhan-Dhaanya Samiti, including progressive farmers, and progress will be tracked through a digital dashboard with 117 key performance indicators. NITI Aayog will oversee guidance and evaluation, while Central Nodal Officers monitor district-level implementation.

 

5. Goa Launches India’s First High-Speed RoRo Ferries on Chorao–Ribandar Route: Two new Roll on-Roll off (RoRo) ferries, Gangotri and Dwarka, have been launched by the Goa government on the Chorao–Ribandar route across the Mandovi river, offering relief to daily commuters and tourists.These advanced ferries travel at double the speed of traditional boats (10 knots), reducing travel time from 30 minutes to just 12–13 minutes; each ferry can carry 100 passengers, 15 cars, and 30–40 two-wheelers.The ferries feature air-conditioned passenger cabins, emergency medical kits, and clearly marked lanes for vehicles; they will operate under a Built-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model at zero cost to the state government.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. HSBC Becomes First UK Bank to Exit Net Zero Banking Alliance, Sparking Climate Commitment Concerns: HSBC has become the first UK bank to withdraw from the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), raising serious concerns about its long-term commitment to climate action.HSBC was a founding member of NZBA in 2021, aiming to align its financial activities with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, in February 2025, the bank delayed parts of its climate goals by 20 years and weakened environmental targets, sparking criticism from environmental groups like ShareAction.Climate advocates have warned that HSBC’s departure could trigger a domino effect among other UK banks, weakening global climate coordination efforts. Meanwhile, other UK lenders like Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, and Nationwide remain part of NZBA as of now.

 

2. 17 July – World Day for International Justice: World Day for International Justice is observed every year on 17 July to promote international criminal justice and recognise the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in upholding law and accountability globally.This day marks the adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998, which led to the establishmentof the ICC—the world’s first permanent international court to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.

 

3. 17 July – World Emoji Day: World Emoji Day is celebrated annually on 17 July to recognise the importance of emojis in digital communication and the way they’ve transformed how people express emotions online.World Emoji Day, established by Jeremy Burge, the founder of Emojipedia, honours these essential elements of digital communicationEmojis are now a universal digital language, used in texting, emails, social media, and more to add tone, emotion, and fun to conversations. This day celebrates how emojis bring people together beyond languages and cultures.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India Receives Second GE-F404 Engine for LCA Tejas: India recently received the second GE-F404 engine from the United States for its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A programme. This marks a key step in the ongoing effort to strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF) with indigenous fighter jets. Despite delays caused by supply chain disruptions, deliveries of these engines are now underway. The public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is responsible for integrating these engines into the LCA Tejas Mk-1A jets. HAL took delivery of the second GE-F404 engine in July 2025. A total of 12 engines are expected by the end of the financial year. HAL had placed a ₹5,375 crore order for 99 engines with GE Aerospace in August 2021. The IAF has ordered 83 LCA Mk-1A jets and plans to procure an additional 97 aircraft. The Defence Ministry has given clearance for this expanded order, worth about ₹67,000 crore.

 

SPORTS

 

1. India’s Deepika Wins Poligras Magic Skill Award 2024–25 for Stunning Solo Goal Against Netherlands: Indian women’s hockey forward Deepika won the Poligras Magic Skill Award 2024–25 for her brilliant solo goal against world No. 1 Netherlands during the FIH Hockey Pro League match held in Bhubaneswar.Other nominees included Spain’s Patricia Alvarez for her 3D skill goal against Australia and the Australian women’s team for a team goal versus England, while in the men’s category, Belgium’s Victor Wegnez won for his midfield brilliance against Spain.

2. Bihar win U18 Boys’ title at Junior National Rugby 7s 2025: Bihar clinched the U18 Boys’ title by defeating defending champions Odisha 17–15 in a thrilling final at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun.Bihar remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, overcoming strong teams like Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.Maharashtra secured third place with a golden try by Saurabh Sanjay Rajput against Delhi, who finished fourth with a marked improvement from 2024.Indian Rugby President – Rahul Bose

 

3. India Bags 2 Gold, 2 Silver at International Chemistry Olympiad 2025: India’s four-member student team won 2 gold and 2 silver medals at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025 held in Dubai, competing against 354 students from 90 countries.Gold medals were won by Devesh Pankaj Bhaiya (Jalgaon, Maharashtra) and Sandeep Kuchi (Hyderabad, Telangana), while Debadatta Priyadarshi (Bhubaneshwar, Odisha) and Ujjwal Kesari (New Delhi) secured silver, placing India sixth in the overall medal tally.The team was selected through the National Olympiad Examinations conducted by HBCSE, Mumbai (under TIFR), and underwent rigorous training in theory and laboratory work before the event.The participation was supported by national agencies, including DAE, DST, DOS, and MoE, reflecting India’s growing strength in pre-university science education and international academic competitions.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Delhi Launches Cloud Seeding to Combat Pollution: Delhi is set to conduct its first cloud seeding operation between August 30 and September 10, 2025. This initiative aims to reduce air pollution by triggering artificial rainfall. The project was postponed from July following expert advice from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. The Rs 3.21 crore project will use five modified Cessna aircraft to seed clouds over northwest and outer Delhi. Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique. It involves adding substances like silver iodide, dry ice, or salt particles to clouds. These materials encourage cloud droplets to form and fall as rain or snow. The process requires existing clouds and can increase rainfall by 5-15 per cent. It is used to address water scarcity, reduce hail, or clear fog.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Labour Force Participation and Unemployment Trends 2025: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data for May and June 2025 reveals key trends in unemployment and labour force participation in India. The unemployment rate stayed constant at 5.6%. However, there was a slight decline in labour force participation, particularly among women. Seasonal factors and socio-economic changes influenced these shifts. The overall unemployment rate remained at 5.6% for both months. Male unemployment was steady, while female unemployment saw a minor drop of 0.1 percentage points. Rural unemployment decreased by 0.2 points, but urban unemployment rose by 0.2 points. This indicates varying job market dynamics across regions. Women’s participation is notably lower than men’s across all regions. The decline is sharper in rural areas, where female LFPR dropped by 1.7 percentage points from May to June. The share of rural female workers in agriculture also fell slightly, from 70.2% to 69.8%. This suggests reduced agricultural engagement possibly linked to lower rural inflation and seasonal work patterns.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Leila Aboulela Wins 2024 PEN Pinter Prize for Powerful Writing on Migration, Faith, and Women’s Lives: Leila Aboulela has been awarded the 2024 PEN Pinter Prize for her powerful writing on migration, faith, and the lives of women, reflecting deep societal truths with intellectual clarity.The prize honors writers who exhibit an “unflinching, unswerving” view of the world, in the spirit of Harold Pinter, and who strive to uncover the real truths of society and human experience.Aboulela, originally from Khartoum, Sudan, and based in Aberdeen, Scotland since 1990, is the author of six novels and two short story collections, including The Translator, Elsewhere, Home, and her latest, River Spirit (2023).The PEN Pinter Prize is awarded annually to writers from the UK, Ireland, the Commonwealth, or former Commonwealth countries. Past winners include Arundhati Roy, Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

 

2. Recent Awards: Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 – Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha (for his contributions to Nepal’s judiciary and institutional reform)ISO 9001:2015 Certification from BIS – Arthunkal Police Station (First in India)Namibia’s Highest Civilian Honour ‘Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’ – PM Narendra ModiKerala Fisheries Excellence Award 2025 – Kasaragod district (Ifor its outstanding performance under the Popular Fish Farming Project)Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross – PM Narendra Modi

 

3. Indian Activist Varsha Deshpande Wins 2025 UN Population Award for Championing Women’s Rights: Varsha Deshpande, a renowned women’s rights activist and founder of the Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, has been awarded the 2025 UN Population Award in the individual category for her lifelong work on gender-based issues and social justice.With over 35 years of activism, Deshpande has focused on fighting gender-based violence, discrimination, and promoting women’s rights, especially among Dalit and marginalized communities.Her organization, Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, established in 1990, works at the grassroots level to empower women through vocational training, resource access, and financial independence.In the institutional category, the award was given to the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), a global body established in 1927 that contributes significantly to population science and policy.

Daily GK Update- 16th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Yakten in Sikkim Declared India’s First Digital Nomad Village Under ‘Nomad Sikkim’ Initiative: Yakten village in Sikkim’s Pakyong district has been officially declared India’s first digital nomad village, marking a significant step towards promoting remote work tourism in the Himalayan region.The initiative is a collaboration between the district administration and NGO Sarvahitey under the ‘Nomad Sikkim’ project, aimed at turning remote locations into year-round digital work hubs for professionals from India and abroad.

 

2. Coal India’s First All-Women Operated Dispensary Inaugurated at SECL Headquarters, Bilaspur: Coal India’s first fully women-operated dispensary was inaugurated at the Vasant Vihar Dispensary in SECL Headquarters, Bilaspur.The dispensary is run by a dedicated 14-member all-women team comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff, aiming to set a precedent for gender-inclusive healthcare services.The facility offers comprehensive medical services including OPD, emergency care, dressing and injection room, ECG, blood collection for pathology tests, and an OPD pharmacy.

 

3. President Murmu Grants ₹7,500 Aid to 823 EMRS Toppers Under NESTS Discretionary Fund Initiative: President Droupadi Murmu has sanctioned a discretionary fund to the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), providing ₹7,500 each as one-time financial assistance to 823 top-performing students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across India.The beneficiaries were selected from Class XII board toppers in Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams, with two meritorious students per stream per school, and special preference given to girl students in the event of tie-breakers.The amount, totalling ₹62.40 lakh, was directly transferred to the students’ bank accounts within 2–3 weeks of the board exam results, reinforcing NESTS’ commitment to transparency and timely support.Administered by NESTS under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the EMRS scheme currently operates 470+ residential schools for tribal students nationwide, and is part of the government’s broader push to empower Scheduled Tribe youth through quality and inclusive education.

 

4. Maharashtra Grants Agricultural Status to Livestock Farming: The Maharashtra Cabinet has granted agricultural status to livestock farming, including dairy, poultry, goat, and pig rearing, aiming to support small-scale rural farmers while excluding large commercial entities like hatcheries.The move, announced by Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde, is expected to benefit around 76.41 lakh families and generate an additional ₹7,700 crore in income through increased livestock production. Maharashtra becomes the first state in India to take this step.Livestock farmers meeting specific capacity limits (e.g., up to 100 dairy animals, 25,000 broilers, or 500 goats/sheep) will now be eligible for agricultural electricity rates, subsidies on solar pumps and equipment, and a 4% interest subsidy on project loans via Kisan Credit Cards.

 

5. Doraiswamy Assumes Charge as LIC’s New CEO and MD: Doraiswamy officially took charge as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), following his appointment by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, for a tenure of three years or until he turns 62, whichever is earlier.With his assumption of charge, Sat Pal Bhanoo ceases to hold the financial and administrative responsibilities of the CEO and MD at LIC.A 17th batch direct recruit officer with over 39 years of experience, Doraiswamy has handled key domains in LIC, including operations, marketing, technology, academics, bancassurance, group business, customer relations, finance, and compliance.

 

6. Hemant Rupani Appointed CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages: Hemant Rupani has been appointed as the new CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB), effective from September 8, 2025. He will succeed Juan Pablo Rodriguez, who is moving to a new role within the Coca-Cola system.Rupani is currently serving as the Business Unit President for Southeast Asia at Mondelez International Inc., overseeing operations across Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. He joined Mondelez in 2016 as Director of Sales for India and rose to senior leadership positions.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. France Signs Historic Accord to Recognize New Caledonia as a State Within the Republic: France and New Caledonia have signed a historic 13-page accord proposing the creation of a “State of New Caledonia” within the French Republic, to be inscribed in the French Constitution, including the introduction of a Caledonian nationality alongside French nationality.The agreement includes an economic and financial recovery pact, focusing on reviving nickel processing capabilities, and is seen as a significant step towards redefining New Caledonia’s political and economic future.Although French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the deal as historic, it still requires final approval in New Caledonia, where a referendum may be held in February 2026; the last independence vote occurred in 2021.

 

2. WHO Endorses Lenacapavir for Global HIV Prevention: The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its HIV prevention guidelines in 2025. It now recommends lenacapavir, a new long-acting antiretroviral, for people at high risk and areas with high HIV infection rates. This announcement was made at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. Lenacapavir was approved by the US FDA as a twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment. This marks a key advancement in HIV prevention worldwide. Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable drug developed by Gilead Sciences in New Delhi. It belongs to the capsid inhibitor class. This drug blocks multiple steps in the HIV replication process. Initially approved for HIV treatment in 2022, lenacapavir gained approval for prevention in 2024. Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, lenacapavir requires only two injections per year. This feature improves adherence and benefits those with limited healthcare access or stigma concerns.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Israel Launches Dror-1: Israel marked a major milestone in 2025 by launching Dror-1, its first fully government-funded and domestically built communications satellite. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral, Florida, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Dror-1 represents a strategic leap in Israel’s space capabilities and communication infrastructure. Dror-1 is a geostationary satellite orbiting about 36,000 km above the Earth’s equator. It provides continuous coverage over Israel and nearby regions. The satellite weighs approximately 4.5 tonnes and spans 17.8 metres. Designed for a 15-year mission, it will serve Israel’s communication needs into the late 2030s. The project began in 2018 with an estimated cost of Rs 1,670 crore.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Aiden Markram and Hayley Matthews Win ICC Player of the Month Awards for June 2025: South Africa’s Aiden Markram was named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June 2025 after his match-winning 136-run knock and all-round performance in the WTC Final vs Australia, helping South Africa secure their first ICC title since 1998.West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for June 2025, becoming the second cricketer to win the award four times, following her impactful performances in both the ODI and T20I series against South Africa.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. EU’s General-Purpose AI Code of Practice: The General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice was published on 10 July 2025. It aims to help AI industry players comply with the European Union’s AI Act. This voluntary framework addresses safety, transparency, and copyright obligations for providers of general-purpose AI models. Member States and the European Commission are currently reviewing the Code’s adequacy. Following endorsement, AI providers who adopt the Code can demonstrate legal compliance more easily and reduce administrative burdens. The Code assists providers of general-purpose AI models to meet legal duties under the AI Act. It is designed through a multi-stakeholder process involving independent experts. The Code is voluntary but offers legal certainty and easier compliance proof. It focuses on three main areas – transparency, copyright, and safety and security. The latter applies specifically to providers of highly advanced AI models with systemic risks.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s wholesale price inflation dips to -0.13% in June: Retail inflation in June 2025 fell to a 77-month low of 2.1%, driven mainly by easing food prices, as per the Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.Wholesale inflation turned negative at -0.13% in June 2025, marking a contraction after 20 months, with falling crude oil and food prices being key contributors, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The food and beverages category in the CPI registered a 0.2% contraction in June 2025, a sharp decline from 8.4% inflation in June 2024, making it the eighth consecutive month of easing food inflation.

 

2. NABARD Launches RuralTech CoLab to Drive Innovation and Digital Transformation in Rural India: NABARD has launched RuralTech CoLab, a unified portal aimed at bringing together fintech, agritech, and digital partners to co-create smart, scalable, and inclusive solutions for agriculture and rural development.The platform ensures a structured and transparent onboarding process, enabling rural tech ecosystem partners to work effectively with NABARD’s grassroots network including SHGs, FPOs, NGOs, rural banks, and cooperatives.As part of its 44th Foundation Day celebrations in Chennai, NABARD also launched a WhatsApp channel to deliver market advisories and updates related to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

 

3. EximPe Secures RBI Licence to Offer Regulated Cross-Border Payment Services Across Asia: EximPe, a fintech startup focused on cross-border payments, has received the RBI’s In-Principle Payment Aggregator for Cross-Border (PA-CB) licence for both export and import operations, becoming one of the first firms to do so without prior payment authorisations.This regulatory approval allows EximPe to offer compliant pay-in and pay-out services tailored for digital services, e-commerce, and B2B trade across emerging markets in Asia.With this licence, EximPe transitions from a payment technology provider to a fully regulated cross-border payments infrastructure platform, strengthening its position in the India-Asia trade ecosystem.

 

4. LIC Partners with AU Small Finance Bank to Boost Insurance Access in Rural and Underserved Areas: LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India) has entered into a corporate agency tie-up with AU Small Finance Bank, allowing the bank to distribute LIC’s insurance products including annuity, ULIPs, term insurance, and savings plans through its branches and digital platforms.The partnership aiming to boost insurance penetration and promote financial inclusion, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Through this alliance, AU Small Finance Bank will leverage its strong rural presence to expand LIC’s reach, offering customers easier access to a wide range of life insurance solutions.

Daily GK Update- 15th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IIFL Home Finance Secures $100 Million from AIIB: IIFL Home Finance has secured $100 million (approx. ₹858 crore) funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to enhance access to affordable housing for economically weaker sections (EWS) and lower income groups (LIG).The funding will support both demand and supply sides — offering home loans to low-income families in urban and semi-urban areas, and financing affordable housing developers promoting green-certified projects to boost sustainability.This collaboration aligns with India’s climate goals and supports the green housing portfolio of IIFL HFL, reinforcing its mission for responsible, climate-conscious, and accessible housing finance.The investment complements the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U 2.0) initiative, helping bridge the housing gap and promote sustainable urban development across India.

 

2. HAL and CeNS Collaborate to Launch Advanced Academic Centre in Karnataka: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) have signed a MoA to set up the HAL Advanced Academic Initiation Centre at CeNS’ Arkavathi Campus in Karnataka under HAL’s CSR initiative to promote science education, especially for rural students.

The new centre will support science outreach through CeNS’s Vigyaani Vidyarthi Vichar Vinimay (V4) programme, which has already benefited over 20,000 students from more than 200 institutions.The MoA was signed by HAL’s GM (HR) Pradeep Kumar and CeNS’s Director Prof. BLV Prasad, in the presence of HAL CMD Dr. DK Sunil and Director (HR) MG Balasubrahmanya.

 

3. Dr. Abhijat Sheth Appointed as Chairperson of National Medical Commission (NMC): Abhijat Sheth, a cardiothoracic surgeon and current president of NBEMS, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), succeeding Dr. Suresh Gangadhar.Sheth emphasized that his key priorities would include enhancing the quality of medical education, promoting good governance, and encouraging teamwork to fulfill government goals.

 

4. President Murmu Nominates Harsh V Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, Meenakshi Jain & C Sadanandan Master to Rajya Sabha: President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Harsh V Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, Meenakshi Jain, and C Sadanandan Master to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80 of the Constitution, which allows nomination of individuals with special knowledge in fields like literature, science, art, and social service.Harsh V Shringla, a 1984-batch IFS officer and former Foreign Secretary, was praised by PM Modi for his diplomatic acumen and contributions to India’s foreign policy and G20 Presidency.Ujjwal Nikam, a renowned criminal lawyer known for handling high-profile cases like the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and 1993 Bombay blasts, was lauded for his lifelong devotion to justice and Constitutional values.Meenakshi Jain, a reputed historian and academic, and C Sadanandan Master, a courageous teacher and social worker from Kerala, were recognized for their impactful contributions to historical research and youth empowerment, respectively.

 

5. Karnataka Bank Appoints Raghavendra S Bhat as Interim MD & CEO: Karnataka Bank has appointed Raghavendra S Bhat as its new MD & CEO for a period of three months.The appointment follows the resignations of MD & CEO Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma and Executive Director Sekhar Rao, both citing personal reasons and relocation issues.In May 2025, the bank’s statutory auditors flagged expenditures by whole-time directors made without board approval, which is believed to have contributed to the senior-level exits.

 

6. President Murmu Appoints New Governors for Goa, Haryana and Lieutenant Governor for Ladakh: President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju as the Governor of Goa and Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh as the Governor of Haryana.Kavinder Gupta has been named the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, replacing Brig. (Retd.) Dr. B.D. Mishra, whose resignation was accepted by the President.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Signs Long-Term Fertilizer Supply Agreements with Saudi Arabia: India and Saudi Arabia have signed long-term fertilizer supply agreements, under which 1 million metric tons of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) will be supplied annually for five years from 2025–26, with the possibility of a 5-year extension.The agreements, signed between Maaden and Indian firms like IPL, KRIBHCO, and CIL, mark a major rise from the 1.9 million MT of DAP imported in 2024–25, enhancing India’s agricultural supply securit

 

2. India Becomes First Country to Launch AI-Integrated Traditional Knowledge Digital Library: WHO: The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged India as the first country to launch a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) and praised its leadership in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modernize traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy.The recognition came in WHO’s technical brief titled “Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine”, developed following India’s proposal and leading to WHO’s first-ever AI roadmap for traditional medicine.The WHO report highlights AI-driven tools such as diagnosis support systems that blend traditional techniques like pulse reading, tongue analysis, and Prakriti assessment with machine learning and deep neural networks.A key highlight is Ayurgenomics, an emerging field that combines genomics and Ayurveda to detect disease markers and deliver personalized health advice by analyzing a person’s Ayurvedic constitution using AI.

 

3. NSE Ranks 4th Globally in IPO Fundraising in H1 2025, Raises $5.51 Billion: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) ranked 4th globally in IPO fundraising during the first half of 2025, raising $5.51 billion, which accounted for 8.9% of the total global IPO proceeds of $61.95 billion, as per S&P Global Market Intelligence.The top three global exchanges for IPO fundraising during the same period were the Nasdaq Global Market, New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and Nasdaq Global Select Market, which together raised $28.95 billion.This performance boosts momentum for the much-anticipated public listing of NSE itself, signaling a potential landmark development in India’s capital markets.

 

4. 15 July – World Youth Skills Day: World Youth Skills Day is observed every year on 15th July to raise awareness about the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.Theme 2025 – Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital SkillsThe United Nations General Assembly, through a resolution initiated by Sri Lanka and supported by several countries, declared July 15 as World Youth Skills Day on November 11, 2014. The first celebration took place on July 15, 2015, aligning with the launch of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasises quality education and decent work for all.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Sonali Mishra Appointed First Woman Director General of Railway Protection Force (RPF): Sonali Mishra, a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the first woman Director General (DG) of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Her tenure will last till October 31, 2026, succeeding Manoj Yadava.She is currently posted as Additional Director General (Selection) in Madhya Pradesh Police, and has previously served as Inspector General in Kashmir, BSF Intelligence Wing Head, and first woman commander of a BSF formation along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab.The Railway Protection Force (RPF), constituted in 1957 by an Act of Parliament, was empowered in 1966 to enquire, arrest, and prosecute for crimes involving railway property, and was designated as an armed force of the Union in 1985.Sonali Mishra has been honored with both the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS) and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS) for her exemplary contributions in policing and national security.

 

2. India Receives Second GE-F404 Engine for LCA Tejas: India recently received the second GE-F404 engine from the United States for its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A programme. This marks a key step in the ongoing effort to strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF) with indigenous fighter jets. Despite delays caused by supply chain disruptions, deliveries of these engines are now underway. The public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is responsible for integrating these engines into the LCA Tejas Mk-1A jets. HAL took delivery of the second GE-F404 engine in July 2025. A total of 12 engines are expected by the end of the financial year. HAL had placed a ₹5,375 crore order for 99 engines with GE Aerospace in August 2021. The IAF has ordered 83 LCA Mk-1A jets and plans to procure an additional 97 aircraft. The Defence Ministry has given clearance for this expanded order, worth about ₹67,000 crore.

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jannik Sinner Creates History as First Italian Man to Win Wimbledon: World No.1 Jannik Sinner clinched his first Wimbledon title by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling four-set final (4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4) at the All England Club, becoming the first Italian man in history to win Wimbledon. Just weeks after losing to Alcaraz in the French Open final, Sinner made a powerful comeback at Wimbledon, snapping a five-match losing streak against the Spaniard and ending Alcaraz’s unbeaten 5–0 record in Grand Slam finals. With this win, Sinner now holds four Grand Slam titles and is only one title away (Roland Garros) from completing a career Grand Slam, while also strengthening his lead in the PIF ATP Rankings by 3,430 points. Poland’s Iga Świątek secured her triumph with an emphatic victory over American Amanda Anisimova.

 

2. Chelsea Clinch Historic FIFA Club World Cup Title with 3–0 Win Over PSG: Chelsea FC created history by winning the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3–0 in the final held at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Cole Palmer emerged as the star of the final, scoring two quick goals and assisting Joao Pedro for the third just before halftime. Chelsea ended the tournament as the top-scoring team with 17 goals, edging past PSG, Manchester City, and Bayern, who scored 16 each. A red card to Joao Neves for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair added to PSG’s frustration, as Chelsea’s solid defense ensured a clean sheet and a dominant victory.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Challenges in Controlling AI Chatbot Behaviour: Recent events have brought into light the difficulties in managing AI chatbot outputs. Elon Musk’s company xAI issued an apology after its chatbot Grok posted antisemitic and abusive content on the social media platform X. Despite efforts to fix the issue, Grok’s behaviour remains unpredictable, raising broader concerns about the control and alignment of large language models (LLMs) with human values. Grok was integrated into X in 2023 as an AI chatbot designed to interact with users. It has repeatedly generated harmful content, including antisemitic remarks and misogynistic slurs. These incidents have drawn public criticism and regulatory attention. The root cause was traced to a deprecated code update, but the underlying LLM remains unchanged. Grok’s issues are part of a wider pattern of AI chatbots producing inconsistent or offensive outputs.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. CPI inflation at 2.10% in June 2025: India’s retail inflation fell to 2.10% in June 2025, the lowest in over six years, with rural inflation at 1.72% and urban at 2.56%, offering relief to households under long-standing cost pressures. Food inflation remained negative for the second consecutive month, with the Combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) showing a deflation of 1.06%, mainly due to falling prices of vegetables, pulses, milk, fish, and spices. Despite easing headline inflation, core sectors like health (4.43%), education (4.37%), and housing (3.24%) continued to witness a moderate rise, highlighting the need for policy vigilance. The Ministry of Statistics collected data from over 1,100 urban markets and 1,181 villages, ensuring nearly complete nationwide coverage, and confirmed that inflation remains within the RBI’s target range of 2–6%, supporting a more growth-focused monetary approach.