Current Affairs - July 30, 2025 Current Affairs

Exercise Divya Drishti was conducted by the Indian Army in East Sikkim under high-altitude operational conditions. Organised by the Trishakti Corps, the exercise aimed to evaluate the application of advanced technologies in modern warfare. It focused on testing artificial intelligence-based battlefield awareness, real-time surveillance, and next-generation combat readiness. The operation utilised ground-based systems, drones, and UAVs to simulate battlefield missions, enhancing operational coordination and situational responsiveness in challenging terrain. Conducting such exercises in Sikkim underscores the strategic importance of the region and the Indian Army’s focus on technological integration in defence preparedness.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast upward to 6.4% for both 2025 and 2026. This update reflects improved global financial conditions, a weaker US dollar, and reduced trade pressures due to lower-than-expected global tariffs. These favourable external factors, combined with India’s strong domestic demand and economic reforms, have positioned it as the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The IMF’s projection, calculated on a calendar year basis, indicates a resilient economic trajectory for India despite global uncertainties, reinforcing its attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment and a model of emerging market stability.

The Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Atal’ was launched in Goa by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. This launch is part of a series of eight indigenously built FPVs, underscoring India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The vessel, measuring 52 meters in length with a displacement of 320 tonnes, is designed for diverse roles including coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search and rescue operations. The launch in Goa signifies a crucial boost to India’s maritime capabilities and its strategic preparedness in safeguarding its vast coastal and offshore assets.

On July 30th, a massive 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, making it one of the strongest seismic events in the region in decades. The earthquake's epicentre was located about 125 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and it occurred at a shallow depth of 19.3 km—conditions that significantly increase the risk of tsunamis. As a result, tsunami warnings were issued across the Pacific, including to Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, and the US West Coast. Kamchatka experienced tsunami waves reaching up to 4 meters, and while damage was reported, there were no large-scale casualties, thanks to prompt evacuations and emergency responses.

The Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 have been introduced by the Union Environment Ministry to manage and rehabilitate chemically contaminated sites, such as polluted landfills and unregulated hazardous waste areas. These rules are legally backed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986, which serves as the central framework for environmental regulation in India. The act empowers the central government to take measures for protecting and improving the environment. Under these new rules, district administrations are now required to submit detailed reports twice a year, enhancing transparency and accountability in managing contaminated sites across the country.

Reliance Jio has introduced JioPC, an innovative cloud-based virtual desktop service that enables any television to function as a personal computer. This service works through the Jio Set-Top Box and operates without the need for traditional hardware like CPUs. Running on Ubuntu, JioPC provides access to essential tools such as LibreOffice, browser-based Microsoft Office, and Adobe Express. Users can connect a keyboard and mouse to their TV and perform tasks like browsing, editing documents, and learning online. With flexible pricing options and no need for bulky hardware, JioPC is a cost-effective solution aimed at students, professionals, and households seeking affordable digital access.

The Punjab government introduced a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme specifically targeting 'arhtiyas', commission agents operating in mandis (grain markets). The initiative, announced by the state’s Agriculture Minister, is aimed at reducing the financial burden on these agents by waiving or reducing interest and penalties on shops and plots allotted to them. The scheme will be implemented by the Punjab Mandi Board and is intended to improve the financial stability of 'arhtiyas', thereby supporting the agricultural marketing infrastructure. This effort reflects a focused state-level approach to strengthening economic conditions for key stakeholders in the agri-supply chain.

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is recognised as the first Indian airport developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Located in Nedumbassery, near Kochi in Kerala, CIAL is notable not only for pioneering this model but also for its sustainability initiatives. It holds the distinction of being the world’s first fully solar-powered airport. In a further innovative step, CIAL is collaborating with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to construct the world’s first airport-based green hydrogen production plant. This marks a significant leap toward integrating renewable energy and advanced technology into airport infrastructure.

The AI-powered robot currently assisting astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is named Cimon, which stands for Crew Interactive Mobile Companion. Cimon is designed as a technology demonstration project aimed at supporting astronauts during long-duration missions. It functions as a mobile camera for real-time and recorded documentation and is uniquely engineered to float freely within the ISS. This innovative robotic assistant helps reduce stress and improve efficiency for astronauts by providing hands-free support and information during various tasks.

Shailesh Jejurikar has been appointed as the Global CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G), effective January 1, 2026, making him the first Indian to hold this prestigious position. With a career at P&G spanning over three decades, Jejurikar has led key global divisions such as Fabric & Home Care, contributing significantly to the company's supply chain, digital transformation, and operational excellence. His deep understanding of both developed and emerging markets, combined with a strong track record of innovation and performance, positions him to lead P&G into its next phase of sustainable growth and global leadership in the consumer goods industry.

The United Kingdom, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced its intention to recognise a Palestinian state if Israel fails to meet certain conditions, including a ceasefire in Gaza, halting annexation plans in the West Bank, and re-engaging in peace talks for a two-state solution. This move represents a significant shift in UK foreign policy and aligns with the broader international momentum advocating Palestinian statehood. With around 140 countries already recognising Palestine, the UK’s conditional support adds to the global diplomatic pressure on Israel while also demonstrating the UK's commitment to human rights, humanitarian relief, and a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict.

The first-ever Grassland Bird Census in Assam was held in Kaziranga National Park between March 18 and May 25, 2025. This initiative aimed to study and document bird species that inhabit the grassland ecosystems within the park. During the survey, 43 species of grassland birds were recorded, showcasing the park's rich avian biodiversity. A particularly significant finding was the documentation of over 85 nests of the endangered Finn’s Weaver, a species that is endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains. This census marks a crucial step toward targeted conservation of grassland habitats and their bird populations in the region.