23rd July 2025

1. Cabinet Gave Green Signal To UK FTA Ahead of PM Visit To UK
2. Article 67(a) – Resignation of the Vice President of India
3. IAF to Retire MiG-21 Jets by September 2025
4. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
5. Indian Scientists Develop Fungal-Tolerant Variety For Pineapple Farming Innovation
6. Replica of Ashoka Pillar Unveiled in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka
7. India Witnesses 44% Surge in IP Filings Over Five Years,
8. India Emerges as Malaysia’s Largest Palm Oil Seeds Importer
9. Union Minister Piyush Goyal Inaugurates DSCI Advanced Cyber Skill Centre in Mumbai
10. SBI Research Report: 5 States Account for Nearly 50% Active GST Taxpayers; UP Tops
11. Stephane Deblaise Appointed as CEO of Renault Group India
12. Indian Army Receives Three ‘AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters’ from USA
13. Las Vegas Freestyle Chess Grand Slam 2025; Levon Aronian Wins; India’s Arjun and Praggnanandhaa Positioned 6th and 7th
14. National Flag Adoption Day 2025 – July 22
15. Jharkhand Launches India’s First Mining Tourism Initiative; MoU Signed with CCL
16. Mizoram Launches ‘Mizo DiasporaHub’ Portal to Connect Global Diaspora
17. Henley Passport Index – July 2025

National News

1. India-UK Cabinet Approves Free Trade Agreement Ahead of Signing

• What:
  • The Indian Cabinet approved the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK for formal signing with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on June 24.
• Why:
  • To formalize the bilateral trade pact expected to boost trade, open markets, and enhance cooperation between India and the UK.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement will come into force after being passed by the British Parliament.
  • It offers tariff elimination on about 99% of tariff lines, covering nearly 100% of trade value.
  • The pact includes chapters on goods, services, innovation, government procurement, and intellectual property rights.
  • The deal will ease professional mobility and includes a social security pact avoiding double contributions for Indian workers temporarily in the UK.

Source: IE

State News

1. Advanced Cyber Skill Centre Inaugurated in Mumbai

• What:
  • The Advanced Cyber Skill Centre was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, at the CII Model Career Centre in Kandivali, Mumbai, and aims to build a skilled cybersecurity workforce, focusing mainly on women and youth from tier-II and tier-III cities.
• Why:
  • The centre was launched to empower youth and women through specialised cybersecurity training, generate quality employment, and contribute to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
• Tell me more:
  • The centre is supported by the Kyndryl Foundation, along with Onward Technologies, KSMT Foundation, AZA Fashion, and Mastek Foundation.
  • It offers courses ranging from beginner to advanced in areas like ethical hacking, SOC operations, threat hunting, and incident response.
  • Students receive hands-on experience, mentorship, career guidance, and can join hackathons, workshops, and other events.
  • The centre features a cyber range and simulation environment for real-world cyber war game training.
  • The first batch includes 28 young women engineering graduates under the ‘Cyber Vaahini’ program by DSCI and the Kyndryl Foundation.

Source: PIB

2. Jharkhand Launches India’s First Mining Tourism

• What:
  • Jharkhand has launched the country’s first mining tourism initiative through a five-year MoU between Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote tourism, generate employment, and enhance Jharkhand’s cultural and industrial identity.
• Tell me more:
  • The first tourism site will be the North Urimari open-cast mines in Ramgarh district.
  • Guided group visits of 10–20 people will be organized, with CCL handling on-ground logistics, safety, and educational resources.
  • Tourists can observe live mining operations and learn about technologies, safety, and life of miners from a safe distance.
  • The circuit will also include natural attractions like Palani Falls, Patratu Valley, and Tiru Falls.

Source: TOI

3. Launch of Mizo DiasporaHub Portal to Connect Mizos Worldwide

• What:
  • Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched the Mizo DiasporaHub, an internet portal developed to connect Mizos living worldwide.
• Why:
  • The portal aims to strengthen the bonds and maintain strong, ongoing engagement with Mizo communities abroad.
• Tell me more:
  • The portal was developed by the Mizo Diaspora Cell, Chief Minister’s Office, in partnership with LushAITech.
  • This platform specifically targets enhancing connectivity with the Mizo diaspora.
  • LushAITech collaborated in the technical development of this internet portal.

Source: TOI

International News

1. Replica of Ashoka Pillar Unveiled at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya

• What:
  • A replica of the Ashoka pillar was unveiled on 21st July 2025 at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, a Buddhist temple in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka.
• Why:
  • To honor Emperor Ashoka’s great contributions to Sri Lankan Buddhism and to express gratitude for his role in introducing and establishing Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
• Tell me more:
  • The replica’s construction was sponsored by H.E. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, signifying strong Buddhist ties.
  • The foundation stone was laid by the Indian High Commissioner and the Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation.
  • India has supported Buddhist ties with Sri Lanka through a USD 15 million grant since 2020, promoting temple electrification and revival of Pali language studies.
  • The temple houses authentic Buddha relics gifted to Sri Lanka, enhancing its significance in strengthening India-Sri Lanka cultural and spiritual links.

Source: PIB

Banking and Economy

1. India Sees 44% Rise in Intellectual Property Filings in Five Years

• What:
  • India’s intellectual property (IP) filings increased by 44%, rising from 4,77,533 in 2020–21 to 6,89,991 in 2024–25.
• Why:
  • To support innovation and accelerate IP filings, the government simplified laws, procedures, and introduced various incentives.
• Tell me more:
  • Geographical Indications (GIs) increased by 380%, designs by 266%, patents by 180%, copyright by 83%, trademarks by 28%, and SICLD by 20%.
  • Key reforms include fixed timelines for patents, mandatory electronic submissions, reduced examination request period, and streamlined opposition procedures to cut frivolous filings.
  • Facilities such as a ‘Certificate of Inventorship’, fee discounts for startups, MSMEs, and educational institutions, and expedited examination for eligible applicants have been introduced.
  • Digitization has enabled over 95% of applications to be filed online, with features like 24×7 access, e-sign, real-time tracking, virtual hearings, and an interactive IP Dashboard.
  • The National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) conducted around 9,500 programs reaching over 25 lakh students and faculty; the Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) scheme offers free IP filing support to startups.

Source: PIB

2. India Emerges as Top Importer of Malaysian Germinated Oil Palm Seeds

• What:
  • India has become Malaysia’s largest importer of germinated oil palm seeds as it expands domestic palm oil production to reduce import dependence.
• Why:
  • India aims to increase palm oil cultivation area to 1 million hectares by 2025-26 and produce nearly 2.8 million tonnes of crude palm oil by 2029-30 under its National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm scheme.
• Tell me more:
  • India imported 3.03 million tonnes of Malaysian palm oil in 2024, accounting for 17.9% of Malaysia’s total palm oil exports.
  • Palm oil cultivation in India currently covers about 370,000 hectares, focused mainly in northeastern states and island regions.
  • The seed trade is mostly informal, based on business-to-business sales without formal long-term contracts.
  • Malaysian Palm Oil Board has developed new high-yield varieties that produce over 30 tonnes of fresh fruit bunches per hectare, double the national average.
  • Current Malaysian seeds suit Indian tropical conditions and proper farming with sufficient irrigation; research is ongoing to develop climate-resilient, drought-tolerant varieties.

Source: ET

3. Five States Account for Half of India’s Active GST Taxpayers

• What:
  • A recent SBI Research report showed five states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka—make up nearly 50% of active GST taxpayers in India.
• Why:
  • This concentration highlights uneven GST registration and shows potential to improve taxpayer formalisation in other states.
• Tell me more:
  • Uttar Pradesh leads with 13.2%, followed by Maharashtra (12.1%), Gujarat (8.4%), Tamil Nadu (7.7%), and Karnataka (6.9%) of active GST taxpayers.
  • Some stronger economic states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have lower GST taxpayer shares compared to their GSDP contributions, indicating untapped potential.
  • Conversely, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat have higher GST registration shares than their GSDP shares, reflecting better tax formalisation.
  • States such as Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh each have 1.4% or less share in GST taxpayers.
  • After eight years of GST rollout, expanding the tax base remains a challenge, especially in wealthier and more industrialised states.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. India Rises to 77th Rank on Henley Passport Index 2025

• What:
  • India has improved its position by eight places on the Henley Passport Index 2025 to rank 77th, with visa-free access to 59 countries.
• Why:
  • The improved rank reflects a slight increase in the number of visa-free countries available to Indian passport holders.
• Tell me more:
  • India moved from 85th last year to 77th this year on the passport ranking.
  • The number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations for Indian passport holders increased marginally to 59, including the addition of the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
  • The Henley Passport Index ranks passports by the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
  • Singapore holds the top spot with visa-free access to 193 locations, with other Asian countries like Japan and South Korea also ranking highly.

Source: TH

Defence News

1. Indian Air Force to Retire MiG-21 Jets by 2025

• What:
  • The Indian Air Force will phase out MiG-21 fighter jets by September 2025 and replace them with Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A.
• Why:
  • To retire the old MiG-21 jets after 62 years of service and modernize the fleet with indigenously developed aircraft.
• Tell me more:
  • MiG-21 was first inducted in 1963 and used in multiple wars including 1965, 1971, 1999 Kargil War, and the 2019 Balakot airstrike.
  • The jets currently operate from the Nal Air Force base in Rajasthan.
  • The MiG-21 has been nicknamed the ‘flying coffin’ due to its accident history.
  • The Number 4 Squadron (“Oorials”) decommissioned MiG-21 and Su-30 MKI jets in October 2023.
  • The first wing assemblies for LCA Mk1A were handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by Larsen & Toubro in July 2025, symbolizing progress towards self-reliance.

Source: ET

2. First Three Apache Attack Helicopters Arrive in India

• What:
  • Three Apache AH-64 attack helicopters, part of a Rs 5,691 crore deal with the US, arrived in India and will be stationed at the Army’s squadron in Jodhpur to strengthen defence on the western front.
• Why:
  • The arrival aims to enhance the Army Aviation Corps’ operational effectiveness and provide combat aviation cover, especially in difficult terrains.
• Tell me more:
  • These Apaches are armed with Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, guns, and rockets; the remaining three helicopters will arrive by November.
  • The Army has earlier inducted 22 Apaches under a Rs 13,952 crore deal signed in 2015, one of which was damaged in Ladakh in 2024.
  • The Army and IAF are also scheduled to induct 156 indigenous Prachand light combat helicopters, with 90 allocated to the Army.
  • The Army Aviation Corps is expanding its capabilities by adding 126 light utility helicopters and more Dhruv advanced light helicopters and creating integrated aviation brigades on key borders.
  • The three new Apaches arrived via Antonov-124 aircraft to Hindon airbase before flying to Jodhpur.

Source: TOI

Science and Technology

1. ICAR Releases 2900 Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties in 10 Years

• What:
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) released 2900 crop varieties from 2014 to 2024, with 2661 tolerant to biotic or abiotic stresses.
• Why:
  • To promote climate-resilient agriculture that can withstand drought, flood, heat, and other stresses affecting farming.
• Tell me more:
  • Under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project, 298 resilient varieties tolerant to drought, flood, and heat were demonstrated in 11 crops across 448 villages in 151 vulnerable districts.
  • About 5278 tribal and smallholder farmers in 72 drought-prone districts received tolerant seeds for field demonstrations.
  • The Sub Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials (SMSP), merged with the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) from 2023-24, promotes quality seed production with Rs. 270.90 crore allocated for 2024-25.

Source: PIB

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Indian Researchers Discover Gene to Protect Pineapple from Fungal Disease

• What:
  • Indian scientists identified a gene in pineapple that strengthens its natural defence against harmful fungal attacks like Fusariosis.
• Why:
  • To develop a disease-resistant pineapple variety that reduces crop losses caused by the Fusarium fungus.
• Tell me more:
  • The disease Fusariosis causes stem warping, leaf blackening, and fruit rot, leading to heavy losses for farmers.
  • Researchers at Bose Institute enhanced the AcSERK3 gene in pineapples to boost their resistance against Fusarium moniliforme fungus.
  • This is the first evidence of overexpressing an inherent pineapple gene to improve fungal disease tolerance and somatic embryogenesis.

Source: DST

Important Days

1. National Flag Adoption Day 2025 – July 22

Source: IE

Sports

1. Nakamura Exits Title Race at Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Grand Slam

• Hikaru Nakamura lost 2.5-1.5 to Levon Aronian in the upper-bracket quarterfinal of the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Grand Slam, ending his title hopes.
• Nakamura will face Magnus Carlsen for third place with a $100,000 prize at stake.
• The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam is held in Las Vegas in 2025.

Source: TH

Appointments

1. President Accepts Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, effective immediately.
• Tell me more:

Source: HT

2. Renault Group Appoints New CEO for India Operations

• Renault Group appointed Stephane Deblaise as its CEO in India, effective September 1, 2025, responsible for defining and executing the group’s strategy in the country.
• Venkatram Mamillapalle, Managing Director of Renault India, will assist Deblaise on corporate affairs to build the group’s mid-term growth strategy.

Source: IE

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