Current Affairs - July 17, 2025 Current Affairs

India has acquired the GE-F404 engine from GE Aerospace to power its homegrown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk 1A. This move is pivotal for enhancing the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities and addressing the urgent need to modernise its fleet as older aircraft like the MiG-21 are phased out. Under a ₹5,375 crore agreement signed in 2021, GE is to supply 99 engines, supporting the production of 83 Tejas jets initially, with plans for 97 more. The integration of the F404 engine, along with advanced features like AESA radar and BVR missile capability, marks a major step in India's indigenous defence development.

Andre Russell, the dynamic all-rounder from the West Indies, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. Known for his explosive batting and fierce pace bowling, Russell was a key figure in the West Indies' T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016. Debuting in 2010, he played 84 T20 Internationals, 56 ODIs, and one Test match, making a lasting impact in the shortest format. His remarkable T20I strike rate of 163.08 and significant contributions with the ball made him one of the most feared T20 players globally. His final appearances will be against Australia in July 2025 at Sabina Park.

EximPe has secured in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB). This approval signifies a crucial milestone in India’s fintech ecosystem, particularly for digital trade and cross-border transactions. With a focus on the high-growth India-Asia corridor, EximPe aims to simplify and strengthen the digital payment infrastructure for SMEs involved in international commerce. The license enables the company to streamline regulatory compliance, currency conversion, and secure transactions. Backed by investor funding and a growing client base, EximPe is well-positioned to enhance India’s cross-border e-commerce and B2B payment landscape.

Gujarat has taken a pioneering step by launching India’s first Tribal Genome Sequencing Project. This initiative, led by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), aims to improve healthcare access for tribal communities through genomic science. The project will sequence the genomes of 2,000 tribal individuals across 17 districts to detect genetic markers linked to diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, and cancer. It also seeks to establish a comprehensive genetic database for future medical research. By integrating tribal welfare with advanced genomics, Gujarat sets a strong precedent for inclusive, data-driven public health planning in India.

World Day for International Justice is observed every year on July 17 to commemorate the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC). This day highlights the global commitment to upholding international criminal justice and holding perpetrators of serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity accountable. The observance also aims to raise awareness about victims' rights, promote cooperation among countries, and reinforce the rule of law as a pillar of global peace and security. Events are organised worldwide, including educational programs, survivor testimonies, and social media campaigns under #JusticeDay2025.

Bihar, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, announced a major welfare initiative offering free electricity up to 125 units per month for all domestic consumers starting August 1, 2025. This decision is expected to benefit over 16.7 million households across the state. The scheme is part of a broader push toward affordable energy access, renewable power adoption, and economic relief for low-income families. It also serves as a strategic move in the run-up to the 2025 Assembly Elections, blending electoral considerations with long-term sustainability and climate goals, particularly through the promotion of solar energy initiatives.

IIM Kozhikode has launched ‘Gyanodaya’, a Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Publishing, as part of its Vision 2047. This initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and aims to transform the landscape of management education. Gyanodaya focuses on blending Indian knowledge systems with contemporary teaching methodologies, emphasising inclusivity, innovation, and global relevance. Key components include the development of peer-reviewed academic materials, the introduction of novel pedagogical models, and the publication of original case studies and research. Operated through IIMK’s in-house manuscript platform Pandulipi, Gyanodaya is positioned as a global hub for educational research and knowledge dissemination.

World Snake Day was celebrated on July 16, 2025, at Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru, highlighting the importance of snake conservation. The event brought together conservationists, India Post, and NGOs to foster awareness through creative mediums like philately and interactive wildlife education. Over 500 students participated in sessions focused on snake ecology, coexistence, and ecosystem importance. By engaging the youth and promoting understanding of snakes, the event aimed to combat fear, reduce human-snake conflicts, and inspire conservation-oriented behaviour. Celebrating on July 16, aligned with global observance of World Snake Day, reinforces the message of biodiversity protection and environmental responsibility.

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, is focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting crop diversification. This ambitious scheme targets 100 districts that have been specifically identified due to their low agricultural productivity, limited cropping intensity, and insufficient credit flow. The initiative also emphasises sustainable farming practices, better post-harvest storage solutions, improved irrigation systems, and increased access to credit for farmers. By focusing on these 100 districts, the government aims to uplift underperforming agricultural regions and ensure a more balanced and productive agricultural landscape across the country.

Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Education Minister, was honoured with the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024 by President Droupadi Murmu. The award ceremony took place in Cuttack, Odisha, during the 600th birth anniversary celebration of Adikabi Sarala Das. The Kalinga Ratna Award is an annual recognition given by the Sarala Sahitya Sansad to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the fields of education, literature, culture, or public service. This prestigious recognition highlights Pradhan’s contributions in the area of education and public service at the national level.

Ajay Kumar Shrivastava has been appointed as the Director (Engineering & R&D) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), bringing with him nearly four decades of experience in the aerospace sector. Starting his journey as a Management Trainee in 1988, Shrivastava has held key leadership roles, including heading the Aircraft Research & Design Centre (ARDC) and the Transport Aircraft Research & Design Centre (TARDC). His work has significantly advanced indigenous aircraft programs and reduced import dependence through successful indigenisation. His appointment is poised to strengthen HAL’s R&D framework and accelerate India's progress in defence and civil aviation innovation under the Make in India initiative.