Daily Current Affairs 19th July 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

HSBC Withdraws from Net-Zero Banking Alliance

• HSBC has exited the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), becoming the first major UK bank to do so.
• Despite the exit, HSBC reaffirmed its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
• HSBC was a founding member of the NZBA, which is a UN-backed coalition aimed at aligning banking activities with the 5°C global warming limit.
• The bank cited global political pressures, especially from the U.S. Republican lawmakers, who warned financial institutions about legal risks and anti-ESG backlash.
• Other exits from the NZBA include:
• Goldman Sachs
• All major Wall Street banks
• Canadian banks (January 2025)
• Macquarie (Australia) and Sumitomo Mitsui (Japan)
• In April 2025, NZBA revised its framework, removing the mandatory requirement for banks to align with the 5°C goal, slowing the wave of exits.
• HSBC delayed its 2030 net-zero target (for its operations and supply chain) by 20 years to 2050, citing a “slower than envisioned” global decarbonization pace.
• HSBC is reviewing its interim emission targets for carbon-intensive sectors.
• In November 2024, Group Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Celine Herweijer stepped down; CSO role was removed from the Group Executive Committee.
• At the May 2025 AGM, a coalition of investors managing $1.6 trillion in assets (led by ShareAction) urged HSBC to restate its net zero goals due to “deeply concerning” signals.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Maharashtra Launches Vidarbha’s First Integrated Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

• In a landmark move for regional development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis laid the foundation for Vidarbha’s first integrated steel plant in Gadchiroli, developed by Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL).
• This initiative signals a major step toward industrial diversification, economic upliftment, and sustainable infrastructure in the mineral-rich but underdeveloped region.

Key Highlights:

• First Integrated Steel Plant in Vidarbha: 4.5 MnTPA capacity plant at Konsari, marking a major industrial milestone for the region.
• Historical Context: Despite abundant iron ore reserves, Gadchiroli has remained under-industrialised due to past challenges like Naxal violence and lack of investment.
• Supporting Infrastructure:
  • Iron Ore Grinding Unit: A 5 MnTPA grinding plant at Hedri, completed in just one year, feeds raw material to the steel plant.
  • Slurry Pipeline: Maharashtra’s first iron ore slurry pipeline (10 MnTPA), 85 km long, connects Hedri to Konsari.
    • Cuts carbon emissions by 55%, reduces costs, and improves reliability—setting a model for green industrial corridors.

RECENT NEWS

• In a historic policy shift, the state of Maharashtra has become the first in India to grant agricultural status to livestock and poultry farming.

Vijayawada Ranks 4th in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, Honoured as ‘Super Swachh League City’

• Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, has emerged as a national model for urban cleanliness by securing the 4th position in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 and being conferred the title of ‘Super Swachh League City’.
• This achievement reflects the city’s resilient sanitation efforts, especially in the aftermath of the September 2024 floods, and highlights the impact of sustained governance and citizen participation.

Key Highlights:

• Swachh Survekshan Context: Conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) since 2016, the survey assesses cities based on sanitation, waste management, citizen feedback, and innovation.
• Top-Four Rank: Vijayawada ranked 4th among Indian cities with populations over 10 lakh, joining the league of clean cities like Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai.
• Super Swachh League City Award: Recognition affirms the city’s excellence in cleanliness despite natural disruptions, reinforcing its position as a resilient urban leader.
• Post-Flood Recovery: Despite major flooding in September 2024, the city executed rapid restoration and sanitation efforts, showcasing disaster readiness and strong urban planning.
• Sanitation Objectives:
  • 100% door-to-door waste collection system.
  • Source segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
  • Community engagement through awareness drives and educational campaigns.
  • Emphasis on a circular economy via composting, recycling, and reuse.
• Alignment with National and Global Goals: The achievement supports India’s objectives under the Paris Agreement, Net Zero Emissions targets, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting public health, tourism, and investment.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services Conferred National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 for Open-Source Ocean Services

• The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) received the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 for its outstanding application of open-source spatial technologies in marine geospatial intelligence and ocean data services.
• The award was presented during the Open Source GIS Day (Edition 02) at IIT Bombay and highlights INCOIS’s key role in strengthening national marine governance and environmental protection.

Key Highlights :

• Award Recognition: Presented to INCOIS Director T.M. Balakrishnan Nair by former ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar, emphasizing INCOIS’s national importance in ocean services.
• Use of Open-Source GIS: Leverages platforms like QGIS and GeoServer to make oceanographic data more accessible, transparent, and adaptable.
• Real-Time Data Services: Offers dynamic satellite-based ocean graphic services for timely dissemination of ocean data.
• Public-Facing Applications: Provides tools such as Marine Weather Advisories, Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ), and Tsunami Bulletins to end-users.

Background

• INCOIS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), based in Hyderabad.
• It provides ocean information, advisory services, and early warnings to fishermen, disaster management agencies, coastal authorities, and researchers.
• Plays a key role in India’s Ocean Observation and Forecasting System.

Kerala Announces 2023 Awards for Kathakali and Classical Performing Arts

• The Government of Kerala, through the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, has declared the 2023 recipients of its prestigious State Kathakali Awards, Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram, and Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram, reinforcing its dedication to preserving and promoting the state’s rich classical art traditions.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose of the Awards:
  • Recognize lifetime contributions in Kathakali, traditional percussion, and classical dance.
  • Promote continuity of Kerala’s intangible cultural heritage amidst modern influences.
• Awarding Body: Administered by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi under the Department of Cultural Affairs.
• Components: Each award includes a cash prize, citation, and a plaque.
• State Kathakali Awards 2023:
  • Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri – for excellence in Chenda percussion.
  • Kalamandalam Sankara Warrier – for mastery in Maddalam.
• Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram:
  • Awarded to Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, a noted Chenda exponent known for rhythmic innovation.
• Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram:
  • Conferred on Kalamandalam P.N. Girijadevi for her achievements in Koodiyattam, the ancient Sanskrit theatre tradition.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited and International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Join Hands to Establish JFarm Adaptive Agriculture Research & Extension Centre in Hyderabad

• Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) has partnered with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to launch the ‘JFarm Adaptive Agriculture Research & Extension Centre’ at the ICRISAT campus in Hyderabad.
• The initiative aims to enhance agricultural research and innovation in semi-arid tropical regions, supporting sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.

Key Highlights:

Background of JFarm Initiative

• Established: 1964 by TAFE as a CSR initiative.
• Aim: To empower farmers through research-driven agricultural solutions and training programs.
• Expansion Highlights:
• 2016: JFarm facility opened in Bhawanimandi.
• 2019: ‘JFarm and Product Training Centre’ set up in collaboration with PJTSAU, Telangana.
• 2023: ‘JFarm and Mechanisation Centre established with VNMKV, Maharashtra.
• Global South Focus: The new centre is part of the Centre of Excellence for South–South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA), aimed at sharing agricultural innovations across the Global South.
• Regional Relevance: The Hyderabad centre will develop adaptive agriculture technologies specifically suited to semi-arid tropical climates, addressing local challenges and enhancing productivity.
• Strengthening Public–Private Collaboration: The partnership reinforces the role of collaborative research and extension in transforming agriculture, combining TAFE’s industry leadership with ICRISAT’s research expertise.

Department of Posts & Association of Mutual Funds in India Sign Landmark MoU to Simplify KYC for Mutual Fund Investors

• The Department of Posts (DoP) and the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mumbai to streamline KYC verification for India’s rapidly growing mutual fund investor base.
• The collaboration aims to make KYC processes more accessible and efficient, particularly in underserved regions.

Key Highlights:

• KYC Reach: The MoU targets KYC verification for approx. 24.13 crore mutual fund folios, including 19.04 crore equity, hybrid, and solution-oriented schemes, as per AMFI’s data (June 30, 2025).
• Investor Growth Trend:
  • FY23: ~4 million new investors
  • FY24: ~6.9 million
  • FY25: ~9.7 million
  • This reflects the rising mutual fund penetration and demand for faster onboarding processes.
• DoP’s Role:
  • Utilize its 1.64 lakh+ post offices to provide KYC verification and document collection services.
  • Postal staff will assist in filling KYC forms, attesting documents, and transmitting them to AMCs.
• AMFI’s Contribution: Will coordinate with Asset Management Companies (AMCs) to ensure investors are granted “KYC Validated” status in KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs).
• Duration & Compliance:
  • The MoU is valid for one year from July 2025 and is renewable.
  • It ensures compliance with SEBI norms, data confidentiality, and operational integrity.

RECENT NEWS

• The Department of Posts (DoP), with its deep reach, and Amazon, one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies, together seek to empower India’s growing e-commerce sector by enhancing logistical capabilities, supporting job creation, and contributing to economic growth, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

India Successfully Tests Akash Prime by Neutralising High-Speed Aerial Targets in Ladakh

• On July 16, 2025, India successfully destroyed two Aerial High-Speed Unmanned Targets at high altitude in Ladakh using Akash Prime, the upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System.
• Akash Prime is specifically customised for operations above 4,500 metres altitude, suitable for high-altitude warfare.
• The system includes the indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, a key enhancement for improved target acquisition and engagement.
• The system incorporates upgrades based on operational feedback from the Indian Army to boost operational effectiveness.
• The Akash Prime Weapon System was designed and developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• It was validated in collaboration with:
• Army Air Defence
• Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
• Other Indian industry partners
• The firing was conducted as part of the First of Production Model (FoPM) firing trial, essential for timely induction into service.
• This advancement will significantly enhance India’s Air Defence capabilities in high-altitude border regions.
• The achievement comes soon after the successful performance of indigenous air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, showcasing India’s missile development strength.
• It also reinforces India’s emergence in the global defence market as a leader in indigenous weapon systems.

About Ministry of Defence:

• Cabinet Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State (MoS): Ajay Bhatt

India Successfully Conducts Test-Firing of Prithvi-II and Agni-I Missiles from Chandipur

• On July 17, 2025, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the successful test-firing of Prithvi-II and Agni-I short-range ballistic missiles from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
• The tests validated all operational and technical parameters of the missiles.
• These missile launches were conducted under the Strategic Forces Command.
• Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I are indigenously developed short-range ballistic missiles.
• The missile test successes come shortly after the Indian Army conducted successful trials of the indigenously developed Akash Prime Air Defence System in Ladakh.
• The Army Air Defence Corps conducted the Akash Prime trials in collaboration with senior scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The Akash Prime trials took place at an altitude of over 15,000 feet in eastern Ladakh.
• The Akash Prime Weapon System is customized to operate at altitudes above 4,500 metres.
• Akash Prime includes the latest upgrades, notably an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker for enhanced target tracking.

Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Ships Dock in Singapore During Southeast Asia Deployment

• Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Satpura, Shakti, and Kiltan, under the command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, arrived in Singapore on 16 July 2025.
• They received a warm welcome from personnel of the Republic of Singapore Navy and the High Commission of India in Singapore.
• The visit is part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy to South East Asia.
• This visit aims to strengthen longstanding friendship and cooperation between India and Singapore, two important maritime nations.
• Planned activities include professional interactions with the Republic of Singapore Navy, academic discussions, and community engagements reflecting the shared values of both countries.
• The Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy share robust operational relations spanning over three decades.
• Their cooperation involves regular visits, exchange of best practices, and reciprocal training arrangements.
• The current deployment highlights strong naval linkages and ongoing collaboration between the two navies.

Indian Navy to join 32nd SIMBEX maritime exercise in Singapore

• The Indian Navy will participate in the 32nd edition of SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) later this month in Singapore.
• SIMBEX is one of the longest uninterrupted maritime exercises for India.
• The exercise is conducted annually between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
• SIMBEX was previously known as Exercise Lion King.
• Shilpak Ambule, India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, highlighted:
• The exercise supports India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and Act East policy.
• Focus on regional cooperation, maritime security, and joint efforts against threats like piracy and non-state actors.
• Cooperation at sea is key to ensuring free and safe trade routes.
• Indian Navy ships recently completed successful Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in the Arabian Sea, receiving international appreciation.
• The Indian naval fleet in Singapore includes four indigenously built warships:
• INS Delhi (Destroyer)
• INS Satpura (Frigate)
• INS Kiltan (Corvette)
• INS Shakti (Fleet support ship)
• The fleet is under the command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
• The fleet will visit the Philippines and Vietnam before returning to Visakhapatnam.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited gets first batch of Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A wing assemblies from Larsen & Toubro

• The first set of wing assemblies for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on July 17, 2025.
• The event was attended virtually by Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar.
• The assemblies were received by General Manager (LCA Tejas Division) Shri M Abdul Salam on behalf of HAL from L&T’s Precision Manufacturing & Systems Complex.
• The Secretary commended the efforts of HAL and L&T for working towards self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) and praised HAL’s leadership in collaborating with private sector partners to enhance capabilities.
• HAL is actively working with both large and small/mid-size enterprises (SMEs) to boost aerospace and defence self-reliance, establishing a parallel aircraft structural assembly line in the private sector to increase production capacity for the LCA Tejas program.
• L&T will supply four wing sets annually, aiming to scale up to 12 sets per annum using advanced assembly processes and automation.
• Other structural modules received by the LCA Tejas Division so far include:
• Air Intake Assemblies from Lakshmi Machine Works
• Rear fuselage assembly from Alpha Tocol
• Loom Assemblies from Amphenol
• Fin & Rudder Assemblies from Tata Advanced Systems
• Centre Fuselage Assembly from VEM Technologies
• Wing Assemblies from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the LCA Mk1A.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India approves acquisition of Target Business from SGRE and SGREL by PPPL, TPG REGen, Mavco, Tikri, and SGRE

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of the Target Business from SGRE and SGREL by PPPL, TPG REGen, Mavco, Tikri, and SGRE.
• The Target Business includes:
• Manufacture and assembly of onshore wind turbine generators
• Operation, maintenance, and technical services of wind turbines and/or onshore wind power projects
• The Target Business is currently conducted by SGRE and SGREL in India and Sri Lanka.
• Peony Properties Private Limited (PPPL) and TPG REGen SG Pte. Ltd. (TPG REGen) are entities controlled by TPG Inc., a global investment firm listed on NASDAQ; together known as the TPG Group.
• Mavco Investments Private Limited is a recently formed company held by individuals and trusts.
• Tikri Investments is a partnership firm owned by Prashant Jain and Mrs. Seema Jain.
• Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Lanka (SGREL) is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Siemens Energy AG (SEAG) and operates the Target Business in Sri Lanka.
• Siemens Gamesa Renewable Power Private Limited (SGRE), also a subsidiary of SEAG, operates the Target Business in India.

Competition Commission of India approves acquisition of 100% shares in SMC Power Generation Ltd by Rungta Sons Private Limited

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination involving acquisition of 100% shareholding in SMC Power Generation Limited (SMCPGL) by Rungta Sons Private Limited (RSPL).
• Rungta Sons Private Limited (RSPL) is engaged in mining of iron ore and manganese ore and manufacturing of ferro alloys.
• SMC Power Generation Limited (SMCPGL) is a public limited company primarily involved in the manufacture and sale of sponge iron, steel billets, Thermo Mechanical Treatment (TMT) bars, pig iron, and ferro alloys (silico manganese).
• The proposed transaction involves RSPL acquiring 100% shareholding in SMCPGL, referred to as the Proposed Combination.
• The acquisition aims to consolidate operations in the iron, steel, and ferro alloys sectors under RSPL’s business portfolio.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India Secures Two Golds, Two Silvers at 57th International Chemistry Olympiad 2025

• India demonstrated its academic prowess by winning two gold and two silver medals at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025, held in Dubai, UAE.
• Ranking 6th globally among 90 participating nations, this achievement reinforces India’s consistent excellence in international science competitions.

Key Highlights:

• Medal Tally: India bagged 2 gold and 2 silver medals, marking a significant top-10 global finish among 90 countries and 354 students.
• India’s Global Rank: Achieved 6th place globally, competing alongside strong teams from Israel, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine.
• Organizing Body: India’s participation is coordinated by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), part of TIFR, Mumbai.
• Training & Selection:
  • Students are selected through rigorous National Olympiad Examinations.
  • Training includes orientation and pre-departure camps by experts from IISER Pune, Delhi University, and TIFR.
• Historical Medal Distribution: Indian students have historically won 30% gold, 53% silver, and 17% bronze, with an upward trend in recent years.
• Institutional Support: Strong backing from key government bodies such as the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Space (DOS), and the Ministry of Education.
• Event Details: IChO 2025 took place in Dubai from July 5 to 14, featuring theoretical and experimental rounds of high complexity.

RECENT NEWS

• In a strategic move to enhance industrial cooperation and advance sustainable manufacturing, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have initiated discussions to collaborate in the production of green steel and high-grade aluminium.

Bihar Clinches Double Victory at Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025

• Bihar emerged as the dominant force at the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025, held at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun, by securing both the U18 Boys’ and Girls’ titles.
• The boys’ team defeated defending champions Odisha 17–15 in a closely contested final, completing a rare and historic sweep.

Key Highlights:

• Double Title Win: Bihar won both U18 Boys’ and Girls’ championships, replicating their success from 2022, and showcasing consistent excellence in youth rugby.
• Final Match Details:
  • Goldan Kumar scored the opening try and conversion for Bihar.
  • Odisha replied with tries from Mantu Tudu, Subash Hansdah, and Eswar Pujari.
  • Sunny Kumar scored a crucial try for Bihar.
  • Goldan Kumar sealed the win with a last-minute try, final score 17–15.
• Bihar remained undefeated, overcoming strong teams such as Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.
• Third Place Match: Maharashtra claimed third place with a golden try by Saurabh Sanjay Rajput against Delhi.
• Delhi’s Progress: Delhi finished fourth, a significant rise from 7th place in 2024.
• Rahul Bose’s Recognition: Indian Rugby President Rahul Bose hailed the tournament’s intensity and alignment with Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 rankings, indicating a robust talent pipeline for India’s rugby future.

RECENT NEWS

• In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced free electricity for all domestic consumers up to 125 units per month, effective from August 1, 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Fearless Felix, the skydiver who leapt from space, passed away in paragliding accident

• Felix Baumgartner, famously known as ‘Fearless Felix’, was an Austrian skydiver and daredevil born on April 20, 1969, in Salzburg, Austria.
• He died at age 56 in a paragliding accident on July 17, 2025, near Porto Sant’Elpidio on Italy’s Adriatic coast.
• During the accident, Baumgartner reportedly experienced physical discomfort, lost control of his motorised paraglider, and crashed into a hotel swimming pool, resulting in his death.
• Baumgartner’s longtime partner is Romanian television presenter Mihaela Rădulescu.
• He began skydiving at a young age and trained as a paratrooper in the Austrian military.
• Baumgartner was known for high-risk, high-precision feats, including:
• The world’s lowest base jump from Christ the Redeemer statue in 1999.
• The highest building jump from Malaysia’s Petronas Towers in 1999.
• Crossing the English Channel in freefall using a carbon-fibre wingsuit in 2003.
• His most famous achievement was the Red Bull Stratos project on October 14, 2012, where he jumped from a pressurised capsule at 128,100 feet (39,045 meters) above Earth.
• During this jump, he became the first human to break the sound barrier in freefall, reaching a top speed of 843.6 mph (about 1.25 times the speed of sound).
• The jump set multiple world records including:
• Highest-ever manned balloon flight.
• Highest parachute jump.
• Fastest freefall.
• During the jump, Baumgartner experienced a flat spin for 13 seconds while supersonic but managed to recover safely.
• The jump was broadcast live to millions globally and remains a landmark in the fields of aviation, human endurance, and extreme sports.

Daily CA One- Liner: July 19

• In a landmark move for regional development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis laid the foundation for Vidarbha’s first integrated steel plant in Gadchiroli, developed by Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited
• Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, has emerged as a national model for urban cleanliness by securing the 4th position in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 and being conferred the title of ‘Super Swachh League City’
• The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) received the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 for its outstanding application of open-source spatial technologies in marine geospatial intelligence and ocean data services.
• The Government of Kerala, through the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, has declared the 2023 recipients of its prestigious State Kathakali Awards, Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram, and Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram, reinforcing its dedication to preserving and promoting the state’s rich classical art traditions.
• Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) has partnered with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to launch the ‘JFarm Adaptive Agriculture Research & Extension Centre’ at the ICRISAT campus in Hyderabad
• The Department of Posts (DoP) and the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mumbai to streamline KYC verification for India’s rapidly growing mutual fund investor base.
• India demonstrated its academic prowess by winning two gold and two silver medals at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025, held in Dubai, UAE
• Bihar emerged as the dominant force at the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025, held at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun, by securing both the U18 Boys’ and Girls’ titles
• HSBC has exited the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), becoming the first major UK bank to do so.
• On July 16, 2025, India successfully destroyed two Aerial High-Speed Unmanned Targets at high altitude in Ladakh using Akash Prime, the upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System.
• On July 17, 2025, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the successful test-firing of Prithvi-II and Agni-I short-range ballistic missiles from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
• The Indian Navy will participate in the 32nd edition of SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) later this month in Singapore.
• Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Satpura, Shakti, and Kiltan, under the command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, arrived in Singapore on 16 July 2025.
• The first set of wing assemblies for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on July 17, 2025.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of the Target Business from SGRE and SGREL by PPPL, TPG REGen, Mavco, Tikri, and SGRE.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination involving acquisition of 100% shareholding in SMC Power Generation Limited (SMCPGL) by Rungta Sons Private Limited (RSPL).
• Felix Baumgartner, famously known as ‘Fearless Felix’, was an Austrian skydiver and daredevil born on April 20, 1969, in Salzburg, Austria.