18th July 2025

1. Yuliia Svyrydenko Appointed as New Prime Minister of Ukraine
2. Zepto’s Founders Top In Hurun India U30 List 2025
3. Indian Army Successfully Tests Akash Prime Air Defence System at 15,000 ft in Ladakh
4. Nelson Mandela International Day 2025
5. >World Day for International Justice 2025
6. ECI Appoints Nitu Chandra and Kranti Prakash Jha as SVEEP Icons for Bihar
7. Maharashtra Grants Agricultural Status to Livestock and Poultry Farming
8. Ajay Kumar Shrivastava Appointed Director (Engineering & R&D), HAL
9. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates India Campus of University of Southampton in Gurugram
10. India & Kuwait Signed MoU to boost flight capacity
11. OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034: Biofuel Demand to Consume 27% of Global Cereal Production by 2034
12. India Co-Chairs UN GoF Meeting on Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers
13. NABARD Unveils NIVARAN, RuralTech CoLab & Other Major Initiatives on its 44th Foundation Day
14. IGPL Launches with Yuvraj Singh as Co-owner & Brand Ambassador
15. SpaceX Launched 24 Amazon Kuiper Internet Satellites into Orbit
16. World Snake Day 2025 – July 16
17. CCEA approved the Investment Exemption for NLCIL to accelerate the growth of Renewable Energy (RE)
18. CCEA approved enhanced delegation of power to NTPC Limited for investing in NTPC RE Limited and its other subsidiaries to set up RE capacity

National News

1. India and Kuwait Expand Bilateral Air Service Agreement

• What:
  • India and Kuwait have increased their weekly bilateral flying rights, raising the seat quota for each side by 50% to 18,000 seats, and signed a formal memorandum of understanding in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to meet growing travel demand, particularly from the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, and to address flight shortages and high ticket prices.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the first capacity increase since 2006, when the quota was raised to 12,000 seats from 8,320.
  • Nearly 40 daily flights currently operate between the two countries, served by carriers like Air India Express, Akasa Air, IndiGo, Jazeera Airways, and Kuwait Airways.
  • Kuwait Airways operates 54 weekly services and IndiGo 36, making them the largest carriers on this route.

Source: BS

State News

1. Election Commission Names New SVEEP Icons for Bihar

• What:
  • The Election Commission of India has appointed actors Nitu Chandra and Kranti Prakash Jha as Bihar SVEEP icons to promote voter awareness for the upcoming Assembly elections.
• Tell me more:
  • Nitu Chandra and Kranti Prakash Jha will take part in different programmes to educate and spread awareness among voters using various media channels.
  • SVEEP is the flagship programme of the Election Commission for voter education and promoting informed participation through multi-intervention programmes.
  • The programme is designed according to each state’s socio-economic, cultural, and demographic conditions and past voter turnout.
  • Folk singer Maithili Thakur was previously appointed as SVEEP icon for Bihar in 2023.

Source: ETV

2. Maharashtra Grants Agricultural Status to Livestock Farming

• What:
  • The Maharashtra Cabinet has given agricultural status to livestock farming, covering dairy, poultry, goat, and pig rearing to support small farmers.
• Why:
  • The policy aims to bring relief and new benefits to rural livestock farmers and does not include large commercial entities.
• Tell me more:
  • Maharashtra is the first state in India to give agricultural status to livestock farming.
  • Livestock farmers can now access agricultural electricity rates, subsidies on solar pumps, and equipment, and get up to 4% interest subsidy on project loans via Kisan Credit Cards.
  • Gram Panchayats will now levy agricultural tax rates on livestock and poultry farms, lowering the local tax burden.
  • Eligible limits: Poultry farms with up to 25,000 broilers or 50,000 layers, hatcheries up to 45,000 capacity, dairy units up to 100 animals, goat/sheep farms up to 500 animals, and pig farms up to 200 animals.

Source: IANS

3. University of Southampton Opens Campus in Gurugram

• What:
  • The University of Southampton has inaugurated its first international campus in Gurugram, becoming the first foreign university to set up a full campus in India under NEP 2020.
• Why:
  • The move aims to offer world-class British education within India, support the National Education Policy’s internationalisation goal, and provide more opportunities for Indian students.
• Tell me more:
  • The Gurugram campus is located at the International Tech Park in Sector 59.
  • Six degree programmes are offered initially: B.Sc. in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, Economics, and M.Sc. in Finance and International Management.
  • The university was among the first to use UGC’s 2023 rules allowing top global universities to set up independent campuses in India.

Source: HT

International News

1. SpaceX Launches Amazon Kuiper Internet Satellites

• What:
  • SpaceX has launched 24 of Amazon’s Kuiper internet satellites into orbit using its Falcon 9 rocket, marking a major collaboration between two rival satellite internet companies.
• Why:
  • The launch supports Amazon’s goal to build a global satellite broadband network and meet regulatory deadlines for satellite deployment.
• Tell me more:
  • Amazon’s Project Kuiper was launched in 2019 and aims to have over 3,000 satellites in its network, needing about 1,600 satellites in orbit by July 2026.
  • Amazon has already put 78 satellites in orbit and has booked up to 83 launches, including more with SpaceX.
  • Project Kuiper is targeting a broadband market that could reach $40 billion by 2030.
  • SpaceX’s Starlink currently has about 8,000 satellites and serves 5 million customers worldwide.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. NABARD Celebrates 44th Foundation Day with New Initiatives

• What:
  • NABARD marked its 44th Foundation Day in Chennai with a commemorative event that introduced new initiatives for rural development.
• Why:
  • The purpose was to reflect on NABARD’s mission, celebrate its impact on rural development, and launch forward-looking programmes for inclusive growth.
• Tell me more:
  • A panel discussion focused on “Fostering Rural Enterprises for Inclusive Growth,” highlighting the importance of rural entrepreneurship.
  • NABARD launched several initiatives, including a sub-office in Leh, a WhatsApp channel for real-time updates, a radio jingle for financial inclusion, the GRIP programme for ultra-poor households, the RuralTech CoLab Portal, and the “NIVARAN” grievance redressal system.
  • The documentary “Green Roots: NABARD’s Journey Towards Climate Resilience” was premiered at the event.
  • Publications released included “RIDF@30,” “Grameen Bharat Mahotsav” coffee table book, and “Beyond Numbers 2025” impact report.

Source: PIB

2. Cabinet Approves Exemption for NLCIL to Boost Renewables

• What:
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a special exemption for NLC India Limited (NLCIL) to invest Rs.7,000 Crore in its subsidiary NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), enabling further investments in renewable energy projects without prior approvals.
• Why:
  • The decision aims to give NLCIL more financial flexibility to help India reach its renewable energy targets and support the country’s low-carbon and sustainable development goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The exemption allows NLCIL and NIRL to invest without being limited by the 30% net worth ceiling for investments in joint ventures and subsidiaries.
  • NLCIL targets to develop 10.11 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 and expand to 32 GW by 2047.
  • The plan supports India’s pledge at COP26 to build 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 and achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.
  • NLCIL currently has seven renewable energy assets with a total installed capacity of 2 GW; these will be transferred to NIRL.

Source:

3. NTPC Gets Cabinet Approval for Renewable Energy Investment

• What:
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved enhanced delegation of power to NTPC Limited, letting it invest up to Rs.20,000 crore in NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and its subsidiaries for renewable energy expansion.
• Why:
  • This step aims to accelerate renewable energy projects, strengthen the nation’s power infrastructure, and ensure reliable electricity access across the country.
• Tell me more:
  • NTPC and NGEL can now invest beyond the earlier limit of Rs.7,500 crore up to Rs.20,000 crore for renewable energy capacity addition.
  • NTPC’s goal is to achieve 60 GW renewable energy capacity by 2032, which will support India’s target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
  • India has reached 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its target.
  • NGEL develops renewable energy capacity through both its wholly owned subsidiary NREL and partnerships with state governments and other CPSEs.
  • NGEL’s renewable energy portfolio is around 32 GW, which includes operational, contracted, and pipeline projects.

Source: PIB

Reports and Indices

1. Avendus Wealth–Hurun India U30 List 2025 Unveiled

• What:
  • The Avendus Wealth–Hurun India U30 List 2025 has recognized 79 of India’s most promising entrepreneurs under the age of 30 from sectors like technology, finance, retail, healthcare, and consumer goods.
• Tell me more:
  • 66 out of the 79 featured entrepreneurs are self-made, reflecting a trend of independent entrepreneurship in India.
  • Mumbai leads with 15 young entrepreneurs, followed by Bengaluru and Delhi, while smaller cities like Salem and Ranchi are also represented.
  • The average age of entrepreneurs on the list is 28, and over 60% of the businesses are service-led.
  • These entrepreneurs collectively raised $5.2 billion in equity and $270 million in debt, and their companies employ over 64,000 people.

Source: TOI

2. OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034

• What:
  • By 2034, only 40% of the world’s cereal production will be used directly for human consumption, while 27% will be used for biofuels and industrial purposes, and 33% for animal feed.
• Why:
  • Increased demand for biofuels, especially in emerging economies, is driving more cereals towards non-food uses.
• Tell me more:
  • The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034 has revised its forecast, raising the share of cereals for biofuel and industrial use from the previous estimate of 23% to 27% by 2034.
  • Global biofuel demand is expected to grow annually by 0.9% till 2034, with India, Brazil, and Indonesia leading this increase.
  • Innovations in advanced biofuels (using crop residues or dedicated energy crops) are not expected to significantly replace food-based feedstocks in this period.
  • Global cereal production is projected to rise by 1.1% per year, mostly due to higher yields, while expansion in harvested area will slow to 0.14% annually.
  • India and Southeast Asia are expected to account for 39% of global growth in cereal consumption by 2034.

Source: DTE

Defence News

1. Akash Prime Air Defence System Tested Successfully in Ladakh

• What:
  • India successfully tested the Akash Prime air defence system at high altitude in Ladakh, intercepting and destroying two high-speed unmanned targets.
• Why:
  • The test aimed to validate Akash Prime’s operational readiness for high-altitude defence and strengthen India’s air defence capabilities.
• Tell me more:
  • The Akash Prime surface-to-air missile was tested by Army Air Defence with DRDO officials present and marked the first production model firing at above 15,000 feet.
  • Akash Prime features an indigenous Radio Frequency seeker and is designed to work in thin air and cold temperatures above 4,500 metres.
  • The system will be inducted into the third and fourth regiments of the Army’s Akash units, while earlier versions like Akash Mark-I and Akash-1S are already in use.
  • Akash Prime was deployed during Operation Sindoor to counter Pakistani air threats including Turkish drones and Chinese-origin aircraft.
  • The Akash system has a strike range of 20 to 30 km, uses a “fire-and-forget” mode, and is fully automatic with real-time threat evaluation and response.

Source: ET

Important Days

1. Nelson Mandela International Day 2025 – 18 July

• The United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize 2025 has been awarded to Mrs. Brenda Reynolds of Saulteaux First Nation and Canada, and Mr. Kennedy Odede of Kenya.
• The prize recognizes the achievements of individuals who dedicated their lives to the service of humanity as guided by the purposes and principles of the UN.
• The prize is given every five years and was first awarded in 2015.

Source: UN

2. World Day for International Justice – 17 July

• What:
  • World Day for International Justice is celebrated every year on July 17 to promote international criminal justice and highlight the fight against impunity for serious global crimes.
• Tell me more:
  • The day is also called International Justice Day or Day of International Criminal Justice and honors the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  • The 2025 theme has not been officially announced but is expected to focus on new global justice concerns such as digital accountability, climate-related crimes, or youth in international law.
  • The day marks the adoption of the Rome Statute on July 17, 1998, which established the ICC as the world’s first permanent international criminal court.

Source: BS

3. World Snake Day 2025 – July 16

• Theme: “Respect, Don’t Fear: Protecting Nature’s Silent Guardians”

Source: MoC

Sports

1. Yuvraj Singh Announced Co-owner of Indian Golf Premier League

• What:
  • Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has been announced as co-owner and brand ambassador of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL), which will feature six teams in its first season next year.
• Tell me more:
  • The IGPL will start with six franchise teams, with both male and female professional golfers competing together.
  • The tournament will run for four weeks in January-February with a home-and-away format, and the final week will feature a special “YUVICAN” event.
  • Each team will have 10 players, chosen from IGPL professionals, Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) tour, and top amateurs from the Indian Golf Union (IGU).
  • Well-known Indian golfers such as Shiv Kapur, Gaganjeet Bhullar, and Jeev Milkha Singh will participate, while young talents will get exposure alongside experienced players.
  • There will be a 10-week new golf tour before the franchise league, followed by player auctions, and matches will use both team-based and relay formats.

Source: TP

Appointments

1. Yulia Svyrydenko Appointed as Ukraine’s New Prime Minister

• Yulia Svyrydenko has become Ukraine’s new Prime Minister after a major wartime cabinet reshuffle.
• Svyrydenko was confirmed as the 19th Prime Minister of Ukraine on July 17, 2025, backed by President Zelenskyy.

Source: LM

2. Ajay Kumar Shrivastava Appointed Director (Engineering & R&D), HAL

• Ajay Kumar Shrivastava has assumed charge as Director (Engineering and R&D) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Source: TH

3. India Co-chairs UN group advocating accountability for crimes against peacekeepers

• What:
  • India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, spoke at a high-level UN meeting of the Group of Friends (GoF) for promoting accountability.
  • The meeting was co-chaired by India and included representatives from 40 countries, UN officials, and experts.
• Tell me more:
  • The Group of Friends (GoF) was started in December 2022 during India’s UN Security Council presidency after Resolution 2589.
  • India is the largest contributor of troops to UN missions, with over 300,000 peacekeepers sent in 70 years.
  • 182 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives during these missions.
  • India is currently the Co-Chair of the GoF and leads efforts to protect peacekeepers and ensure justice.

Source: NOA

Start Quiz of 18th July 2025 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 18th July 2025 on Desktop