Current Affairs Quiz – July 2025

Notes:
Recently, NITI Aayog released the report “Chemical Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains.” It highlights India’s chemical sector potential but notes challenges like infrastructure gaps, regulatory delays, and 30% skill shortfall. India has a 3.5% share in global chemical value chains with a trade deficit of USD 31 billion in 2023. The report proposes world-class chemical hubs, better port infrastructure, and an operating expense subsidy scheme. It suggests boosting research and development, fast-tracking environmental clearance, and leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Notes:
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, recently launched the BHARAT study under its Longevity India Program. BHARAT stands for Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions. The study aims to map physiological, molecular, and environmental indicators that drive ageing in Indians. It will build India’s first comprehensive ageing database. It includes multiparametric analysis, advanced clinical assessment, and lifestyle factors. It will identify biomarkers for healthy ageing and set the Bharat Baseline for normal health values in India.

Notes:
Recently, the Prime Minister said descendants of Girmitiyas are now known for their success, service, and values instead of struggle. Girmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who left India in the 19th century to work in British colonies. The term Girmitiya comes from the word “girmit”, an Indian pronunciation of “agreement”. These labourers signed agreements hoping for better wages and jobs. They travelled on old slave ships and lived in poor slave-like barracks. They faced a practice called “blackbirding”, meaning forced or deceptive recruitment for cheap labour abroad.

Notes:
After more than 100 years, swimmers officially returned to the River Seine in France since its closure in 1923. The River Seine is France’s second-longest river after the Loire, stretching 775 kilometers. Its drainage basin, called the Paris Basin, covers about 79,000 square kilometers in northern France. Around 62% of the basin supports agriculture, holding 25% of France’s farm activity and up to 30% of industry.

Notes:
Himachal Pradesh became the first state in India to launch Aadhaar-based face authentication (FaceAuth) for ration distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Earlier, authentication was done using One-Time Password (OTP) or biometric methods. These traditional methods faced problems like SMS failures and fingerprint mismatches at the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) end. The new FaceAuth uses a mobile camera through an app on the fair price shop (FPS) owner’s smartphone for facial verification. It was introduced by the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDTG), Himachal Pradesh.

Notes:
On July 6, 2025, Suriname’s Parliament elected Jennifer Geerlings-Simons as the country’s first female President. She was elected unopposed by a two-thirds vote of the National Assembly after forming a coalition following an inconclusive May election. Geerlings-Simons leads the National Democratic Party and will take office on July 16, 2025. Her election comes as Suriname prepares for expected oil wealth from major offshore oil deposits, with production starting in 2028. She aims to stabilise national finances, focusing on improving tax collection, especially in small-scale gold mining.

Notes:
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) recently recommended flushing 17 harmful drugs down the sink to avoid risks to people and pets. These drugs include narcotics like Fentanyl, Tramadol (a painkiller), and Diazepam (an anti-anxiety medicine). CDSCO is the Central Drug Authority under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Notes:
World Rural Development Day is observed every year on July 6 to highlight the importance of rural communities in sustainable development. It focuses on empowering rural populations with tools, policies, and opportunities to enhance self-reliance and livelihoods. The day aims to address major rural challenges like poverty, food insecurity, and poor infrastructure. It aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 15 (Life on Land).

Notes:
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. The award recognises his contributions to strengthening India-Namibia bilateral relations. This is the 27th international award received by PM Modi and the 4th during his current tour.

Notes:
Recently, two pilots were killed after a SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Churu in Rajasthan. The SEPECAT Jaguar is also known as ‘Shamsher’, meaning Sword of Justice. The SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft was jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France. It was a collaboration between the British Aircraft Corporation and the French Breguet Company (now part of Dassault). It is a twin-engine, ground-attack aircraft.