Current Affairs

Air India Ahmedabad Crash: AAIB Finds Mid-Air Fuel Cutoff in Preliminary Report

On 11 July 2025, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report on the Air India Flight AI 171 crash, which occurred on 12 June 2025, killing 260 people.

  • The report revealed a sudden shutdown of engine fuel: both engine fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ within 1 second after take-off.
  • Cockpit recordings show one pilot asking why the fuel was cut; the other denied doing so.
  • The flight lasted only 30 seconds before the Boeing 787-8 crashed into BJ Medical College hostel premises in Ahmedabad.
  • The crash killed 241 of 242 passengers and 19 people on the ground; only 1 passenger survived.
  • Fuel quality was found satisfactory and pilots had adequate rest.
  • AAIB said there are no recommended actions for Boeing 787-8 operators at this stage.
  • Further evidence is being gathered, and Air India is cooperating with the investigation.

Operation SHIVA 2025: Indian Army’s High-Intensity Security Exercise for Amarnath Yatra

The Indian Army launched Operation SHIVA 2025 on 11 July 2025 to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, amid increased threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups.

  • 8,500+ troops deployed, coordinated with civil administration and CAPFs.
  • A multi-layered counter-terror grid, UAV surveillance, and drone countermeasures are in place.

The operation underscores the Army’s commitment to pilgrims’ safety and national preparedness in high-risk zones.

Maratha Military Landscapes of India Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

On 11 July 2025, the Maratha Military Landscapes of India were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th World Heritage Site.

🔹 Recognized at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, this honor celebrates India’s rich cultural and architectural legacy and highlights the strategic brilliance of the Maratha Empire from the 17th to 19th centuries CE.

📍 The inscription includes 12 historic forts spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, such as:

  • Raigad, Rajgad, Shivneri, Pratapgad, Vijaydurg, Panhala, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg, Lohgad, Salher, Khanderi (Maharashtra)
  • Gingee Fort (Tamil Nadu)

📜 The proposal, submitted in January 2024, underwent a rigorous 18-month evaluation by UNESCO and ICOMOS, culminating in the final decision at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

India’s Fish Production Doubles in 11 Years: A Blue Revolution Success Story

India’s fish production has doubled from 95.79 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25)—a growth of 104% in just 11 years, marking a major success of the Blue Revolution.

Key Highlights:

  • Inland fish farming surged 140%, and shrimp production rose 270%.
  • ₹38,572 crore invested in the fisheries sector since 2015.
  • Seafood exports crossed ₹60,500 crore, boosting rural livelihoods.

India’s Fastest Man: Animesh Kujur Clocks Historic 10.18 Seconds

Animesh Kujur, a 22-year-old sprinter from Chhattisgarh, set a new national record in the men’s 100m with a timing of 10.18 seconds at the Dromia International Meet in Greece on July 2025.

He became the first Indian to run 100m under 10.20s, breaking Gurindervir Singh’s record of 10.20s. The feat was achieved at a World Athletics Continental Tour (Silver) event.

Kujur also holds the national 200m record (20.32s) and was part of India’s record-setting 4x100m relay team (38.69s).

Guru Purnima: Celebrating the Birth Anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa

On July 10, 2025, Guru Purnima is celebrated across India and the world to pay homage to spiritual gurus, teachers, and life mentors who guide us with wisdom.


Spiritual Significance

  • Marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas and authored the Mahabharata.
  • Buddhists observe it as the day Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath.
  • Jains celebrate it as the day Lord Mahavira appointed Gautam Swami as his first disciple.

125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee

On July 6, 2025, India marked the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a visionary leader, nationalist, and founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

  • Born in 1901 in Kolkata, he became one of the youngest Vice-Chancellors of Calcutta University at age 33.
  • A barrister trained in London, Mookerjee served as Finance Minister of Bengal and later joined the Hindu Mahasabha.
  • After Independence, he was India’s first Industry and Supply Minister but resigned over the Nehru-Liaquat Pact.
  • In 1951, he founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, laying the ideological foundation for today’s BJP.
  • He strongly opposed Article 370, promoting “Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan”, and died in 1953 in Srinagar under controversial circumstances.

Indian Navy Inducts First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel ‘Nistar’

On 8 July 2025, the Indian Navy inducted its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), Nistar, at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam, officially handed over by Hindustan Shipyard Limited.

Nistar, derived from Sanskrit meaning liberation or rescue, is a highly specialized warship built to perform deep sea diving and submarine rescue operations—a capability only a few navies in the world possess.

  • The vessel is 118 meters long, with a displacement of 10,000 tons.
  • It can conduct saturation diving up to 300 meters and side diving operations up to 75 meters.
  • Acts as a “Mother Ship” for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), crucial for submarine emergencies.
  • Equipped with advanced ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) for operations up to 1000 meters deep.

With about 75% indigenous content, Nistar represents a major step forward in India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and boosts the Navy’s deep sea operational capabilities.

PM Modi Conferred Brazil’s Highest Civilian Honour

On 8 July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia.

PM Modi thanked Brazil’s government and citizens, calling the honour a tribute to India’s 1.4 billion people and the India–Brazil friendship.

He acknowledged President Lula’s role in founding the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership and said the award would further inspire the people of both nations to strengthen their ties.

This is PM Modi’s 26th international honour, and the third award on his current five-nation diplomatic tour that began on July 2.

Sanjog Gupta Appointed as International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Sanjog Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer on July 7, 2025, becoming the 7th CEO in ICC’s history.

🔁 From Media to Cricket Governance
Gupta previously led JioStar’s Sports & Live Experiences, playing a key role in shaping major events like IPL, Pro Kabaddi, and ISL.

🗣️ ICC Chairman Jay Shah praised Gupta’s vision, tech focus, and deep understanding of modern cricket fans.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar – 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar on June 24, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. This is the first such revision since 2003.

  • SIR involves door-to-door verification to include eligible voters and remove ineligible or duplicate entries, ensuring a clean and transparent electoral roll.
  • The revision addresses issues due to urbanisation, migration, and unreported deaths and aims to prevent illegal immigrants from being listed.

Process Highlights

  • Booth Level Officers (BLOs) distribute forms via home visits.
  • Proof of citizenship is mandatory for new voters (especially added after 2003).
  • 11 documents accepted (e.g., birth certificate, passport); Aadhaar is not valid for citizenship proof.

Legal & Timeline

  • SIR is conducted under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of RP Act, 1950.
  • Appeals can be made to the District Magistrate or Chief Electoral Officer.

Important Dates

  • Submit documents by: July 25, 2025
  • Draft roll release: August 1, 2025
  • Final roll publication: September 30, 2025

India to Chair BRICS 2026 as Group Welcomes Indonesia and 10 New Partners

At the 17th BRICS Summit (July 6–7, 2025) in Rio de Janeiro, Indonesia was officially inducted as a full member, making BRICS a group of 11 nations.

  • The summit focused on “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”
  • 10 new partner countries also joined BRICS cooperation: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
  • The Rio Declaration reaffirmed BRICS support for UN reform, climate action, AI governance, and health equity.
  • BRICS backed India and Brazil for permanent seats in the UN Security Council.

India to Chair BRICS in 2026

  • PM Modi announced India’s theme:
    “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”
  • India’s priorities: Global South leadership, climate & health, AI governance, and people-first diplomacy.

India Defeat England by 336 Runs in 2nd Anderson-Tendulkar Test

India secured a record 336-run victory over England in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston, Birmingham, leveling the series 1-1.

  • It was India’s first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, ending a 58-year winless streak at the venue.
  • Despite a 100-minute rain delay on Day 5, Indian bowlers bowled out England by taking 7 remaining wickets.

🌟 Star Performers:

  • Akash Deep took a 10-wicket haul (4 in the first innings, 6 in the second), becoming the second Indian to do so in England after Chetan Sharma (1986).
  • Mohammed Siraj also starred with 7 wickets in the match.
  • Shubman Gill scored a record 430 runs across both innings (269 + 161) and was named Player of the Match.
    • His 430 is the second-highest aggregate in Test history after Graham Gooch’s 456.

India declared at 427/6 in their second innings, setting England a target of 608. England were all out for 271.

🗓️ The third Test will begin on 10 July 2025 at Lord’s.

India Among World’s Most Equal Societies: World Bank Report

The World Bank has placed India among the world’s most equal societies, based on its latest Gini Index data.

  • India ranks 4th globally in income equality with a Gini Index of 25.5, after Slovak Republic (24.1), Slovenia (24.3), and Belarus (24.4).
  • Gini Index measures how evenly income or consumption is distributed—lower values indicate more equality.
  • India falls in the “moderately low inequality” group (25–30) and is very close to joining the “low inequality” category.
  • India’s score is better than 167 countries, including China (35.7) and the USA (41.8).
  • In 2011, India’s Gini Index was 28.8, which improved to 25.5 by 2022, showing consistent progress toward a more equal society.

India Qualifies for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 After 22 Years

On 6 July 2025, the Indian women’s football team defeated hosts Thailand 2-1 in their final Group B match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the Chiang Mai Stadium.

Sangita Basfore scored both goals for India, helping the team qualify for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup main event for the first time since 2003. Thailand’s lone goal came from Chatchawan Rodhong.

With both teams level on points and goal difference before the match, it served as a virtual playoff. India now heads to the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) :It is the governing body of association football in Asia and Australia, responsible for organizing major tournaments.

India’s Best-Ever Medal Haul at World Boxing Cup 2025 in Astana

On 6 July 2025, India delivered its best-ever performance at the World Boxing Cup in Astana, clinching 11 medals3 Gold, 5 Silver, and 3 Bronze.

🥇 Gold Medal Winners:

  • Sakshi (54kg) defeated USA’s Yosline Perez with a unanimous decision.
  • Jaismine (57kg) won 4:1 against Brazil’s Jucielen Romeu.
  • Nupur (80+kg) beat Kazakhstan’s Talipova with a dominant 5:0 victory.

🥈 Silver Medalists:

  • Meenakshi (48kg) lost 2:3 to Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay.
  • Jugnoo (Men’s 85kg), Pooja Rani (80kg), Hitesh Gulia (70kg), and Abhinash Jamwal (65kg) all finished second.

🥉 Bronze Winners:

  • Sanju (60kg), Nikhil Dubey (75kg), and Narender (90+kg) secured bronze medals.

17th BRICS Summit 2025 Held in Brazil from July 6–7, 2025

The 17th BRICS Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6–7, 2025, under the theme “Inclusive and Sustainable Global South.”
It was chaired by President Lula da Silva of Brazil.

  • Expanded BRICS: New members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia joined the original five, reflecting BRICS’ growing global influence.
  • Global Reform: The summit stressed reforming global governance institutions to better represent emerging economies.
  • PM Modi’s Address: PM Narendra Modi condemned terrorism, citing the April 22 Pahalgam attack, and urged BRICS to take a principled stand against it.
  • India’s Proposals: India proposed creating a science and research repository focusing on AI ethics and critical mineral supply chains.
  • Bilateral Talks: India held discussions with Malaysia, Cuba, and Russia, focusing on trade, defense, UPI, climate, and strategic ties.
  • Key Absences: China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Putin did not attend in person, joining virtually for the first time.

PM Modi Conferred with Trinidad and Tobago’s Highest Civilian Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’ — the country’s highest civilian award — on 4 July 2025 by President Christine Carla Kangaloo.

He became the first foreign leader to receive this honour, recognizing his statesmanship, support for the Global South, and efforts to strengthen India–Trinidad and Tobago ties.

India Sets Up First Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) in Meerut

India has established its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at the RVC Centre & College in Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh, officially recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

The EDFC was created through collaboration between the Department of Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Defence, Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), and Uttar Pradesh Government.

The facility ensures biosecurity, veterinary surveillance, and disease exclusion as per WOAH standards. It has been certified free from major equine diseases like:

  • Equine Infectious Anemia
  • Equine Influenza
  • Equine Piroplasmosis
  • Glanders
  • Surra

India is also free from African Horse Sickness since 2014.

🔹 This recognition allows Indian sport horses to compete internationally and promotes equine trade and breeding.
🔹 The EDFC success complements India’s efforts to create HPAI-Free Compartments for poultry exports.
🔹 It positions India as a leader in animal health systems, aligning with global biosecurity and trade standards.

Gukesh Wins Rapid Title at Grand Chess Tour 2025 in Zagreb

Reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju won the Rapid section of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 in Zagreb, Croatia, on 5 July 2025. The 19-year-old Indian secured the title by defeating Wesley So in the final round, scoring 14 out of 18 points.

Jan-Krzysztof Duda finished second with 11 points, and Magnus Carlsen placed third with 10 points. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu shared fourth with Fabiano Caruana, each scoring 9 points.

The Blitz rounds begin today, featuring top players like Gukesh, Carlsen, Caruana, and Praggnanandhaa. The combined scores from Rapid and Blitz will decide the overall winner.

This is the third leg of the Grand Chess Tour 2025, following events in Poland and Romania, where Praggnanandhaa won in Bucharest and finished third in Warsaw. Upcoming events include two in the US (August) and the final in Brazil (Sept–Oct).

Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Passed in US House

On July 3, 2025, House Republicans narrowly passed the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ with a 218–214 vote — a major legislative win for President Donald Trump.

🔍 Key Highlights:

  • $4.5 trillion Trump-era tax cuts made permanent
  • New tax breaks: No taxes on tips and overtime pay
  • $1.2 trillion spending cuts, including stricter rules for Medicaid and food stamps
  • $350 billion for border security, focused on immigration enforcement
  • Debt ceiling raised by $5 trillion

India’s First Khelo India Water Sports Festival to Debut at Dal Lake in Srinagar in August 2025

The first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival will be held at Dal Lake in Srinagar from 21st to 23rd August 2025, as announced by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.

The three-day event will feature five water sports:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing
  • Rowing
  • Water Skiing
  • Shikara Race
  • Dragon Boat

Over 400 athletes from 36 States and Union Territories are expected to participate in this open-age national competition.

Dalai Lama’s Successor: Who Decides and Why It Matters

What is the Dalai Lama?

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The current 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 and recognized at age 2. He fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising and now lives in exile in Dharamshala, advocating for peace and Tibetan autonomy.


Who Will Be the Next Dalai Lama?

As the 14th Dalai Lama turns 90 in 2025, the question of succession is both spiritual and geopolitical.

🧘‍♂️ Traditional Belief

  • The Dalai Lama reincarnates after death.
  • Monks search for a child with signs like recognizing past items or being born under auspicious signs.
  • The process involves visions, rituals, and oracles.

🏛️ New in 2025

  • The Dalai Lama confirmed the institution will continue.
  • Only the Gaden Phodrang Trust in India will recognize his successorrejecting China’s role.
  • The next Dalai Lama:
    • May be born outside Tibet
    • Can be of any gender
    • Will be chosen by Tibetan tradition, not politics.

🌏 Why It Matters

  • China claims authority to select the next Dalai Lama.
  • Tibetans and global allies reject this, fearing a China-controlled successor.
  • Many nations support a free and authentic succession.

PM Modi’s Five-Nation Tour (July 2–9, 2025)

PM Narendra Modi undertook an 8-day (July 2–9, 2025) visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

Ghana 🇬🇭:
First Indian PM visit in 30+ years. Awarded Ghana’s highest civilian honour. Announced more scholarships and cooperation in health, agriculture, and defence.

Trinidad & Tobago 🇹🇹:
First Indian PM to visit since 1999. Met leaders and celebrated 180 years of Indian heritage. Focus on digital infra and trade.

Argentina 🇦🇷:
First Indian PM visit in 57 years. Met President Javier Milei, boosting ties in energy, agriculture, tech, and critical minerals.

Brazil 🇧🇷:
Attended 17th BRICS Summit. Discussed climate, governance, and South-South cooperation with President Lula da Silva.

Namibia 🇳🇦:
First visit by Indian PM. Addressed Parliament; agreed on UPI, education, and trade partnerships.

INS Tamal Commissioned in Russia, Enhances Indian Navy’s Stealth and Strike Capabilities

INS Tamal Commissioned in Russia – A Boost to Indian Navy’s Strength

  • INS Tamal, an advanced stealth frigate, was commissioned on 1 July 2025 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia.
  • It is the 8th ship under Project 1135.6 and 2nd of the Tushil-class follow-on frigates.
  • Equipped with BrahMos cruise missile and Humsa-NG Sonar system for superior strike and detection capabilities.
  • Successfully tested Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, artillery, and torpedoes.
  • Designed for blue water operations and fitted with automated nuclear, biological, and chemical defence systems.
  • A symbol of Indo-Russian defense cooperation, the ship will soon sail to its homeport Karwar, Karnataka.

RailOne App Launched as Unified Platform for Indian Railway Passenger Services

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the RailOne app on 1 July 2025 as a unified platform for all passenger services.

Key features include ticket booking (including unreserved tickets), train enquiry, PNR status, journey planning, Rail Madad, and food ordering.

Union Cabinet Approves Major Schemes for Employment, Innovation, Sports, and Infrastructure

Key Cabinet Decisions – 1 July 2025 :

₹1 lakh crore Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme approved to create over 3.5 crore jobs in 2 years.

  • 1.92 crore first-time employees to benefit.
  • Jobs created between 1 Aug 2025 – 31 July 2027 will be covered.
  • First-time employees to get one month’s wage (up to ₹15,000).
  • Employers to receive up to ₹3,000/month/employee for 2 years, extended to 4 years in manufacturing.
  • Scheme part of ₹2 lakh crore youth employment package from Union Budget 2024-25.

Research Development and Innovation Scheme with ₹1 lakh crore corpus approved to boost private sector R&D investment. Managed by Anusandhan National Research Foundation, chaired by the Prime Minister.

National Sports Policy 2025 approved to position India among top 5 sporting nations. Focus on grassroots to elite training, infrastructure, leagues, and sports tourism.

₹1,853 crore Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram 4-lane highway project in Tamil Nadu approved. 46.7 km stretch to enhance religious tourism and economic connectivity to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi.

Divyanshi Bhowmick Wins Gold for India at Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships 2025

India’s Divyanshi Bhowmick won gold in U-15 Girls’ Singles at the 29th Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships in Tashkent, defeating China’s Zhu Qihi 4-2 on 1 July 2025. With this win, she also qualified for the World Youth Championships.

India finished with one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.

Indian Railways Revises Passenger Train Fares Effective July 1, 2025

The Ministry of Railways has announced the rationalisation of passenger train fares effective from July 1, 2025, aiming to streamline fare structures and improve the financial viability of operations while maintaining affordability.

  • No change in fares for suburban single journey tickets or season tickets (suburban/non-suburban).
  • For non-AC classes (second class, sleeper), a minor increase of 0.5 paisa/km is introduced:
    • No fare hike for travel up to 500 km.
    • ₹5 increase for 501–1500 km, ₹10 for 1501–2500 km, and ₹15 for 2501–3000 km.
  • Mail/Express trains will see:
    • 1 paisa/km increase for non-AC classes.
    • 2 paisa/km increase for AC classes.
  • Fare revision applies to premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Duronto, etc.
  • No changes to reservation fees, superfast surcharges, or GST rates.
  • Applicable only to tickets booked on or after July 1, 2025.
  • PRS and UTS systems are being updated; Zonal Railways are directed to inform passengers through station displays and notices.

Q. From which date will the revised Indian Railways fare structure come into effect in 2025?
A) June 30
B) July 1
C) July 15
D) August 1
Answer: B) July 1

Statistics Day 2025 (June 29): Celebrating 75 Years of NSS and Mahalanobis’ Legacy

Every year on June 29, India celebrates Statistics Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, widely regarded as the Father of Indian Statistics. This observance, initiated in 2007 by the Government of India, highlights the critical role of statistics in shaping public policy, economic planning, and evidence-based governance.

Why It Matters

Statistics Day serves as a reminder of how data drives decisions in sectors like health, education, agriculture, and employment. It promotes statistical literacy, especially among youth, and encourages the use of data for inclusive and sustainable development.

2025 Theme: 75 Years of National Sample Survey

This year’s theme celebrates the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Survey (NSS), a cornerstone of India’s statistical infrastructure. The NSS has been instrumental in collecting reliable socio-economic data that informs government programs and policy frameworks.

Legacy of P.C. Mahalanobis

Born in 1893, Mahalanobis pioneered the Mahalanobis distance, founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931, and played a key role in India’s Second Five-Year Plan. His work laid the foundation for modern statistical systems in India, including the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and Central Statistical Organisation (CSO).

Celebrations and Initiatives

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) marks the day with:

  • Release of key reports like Nutritional Intake in India and SDG Progress Report 2025
  • Launch of the GoIStat app for easier access to official data
  • Seminars, workshops, and student competitions across institutions
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