Current Affairs 4 July 2025

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 4 July 2025, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2025 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

Our Current Affairs July 2025 events will help you to get more marks in Banking, Insurance, SSC, Railways, UPSC, CLAT and all State Government Exams. Also, try our Latest Current Affairs Quiz and Monthly Current Affairs 2025 PDF which will be a pedestrian to crack your exams.

Read Current Affairs in CareersCloud APP, Course Name – Learn Current Affairs – Free Course –Click Here to Download the APP

We are Hiring – Subject Matter Expert – English | CA Video Creator | Content Developers(Pondicherry)

Click here for Current Affairs 3 July 2025

Click here for Affairscloud Hindu Free Vocabs telegram channel

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Minister C.R. Patil Launches Unified Flood Forecasting System ‘ C-FLOOD’On July 2, 2025, Union Minister Chandrakant Raghunath(C.R) Patil, Ministry of Jal Shakthi (MoJS), inaugurated the C-FLOOD, a web-based Flood Forecasting System at Shram Shakti Bhawan in New Delhi, Delhi, marking a transformative step in India’s flood management and disaster response framework.

• The initiative, C-FLOOD, is executed under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), jointly steered by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY) and the Department of Science and Technology(DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology(MoS&T).

About C-FLOOD:
i.C-FLOOD was collaboratively developed by the Pune (Maharashtra) based Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under MeitY, New Delhi-based Central Water Commission(CWC), Department of Water Resources (DoWR), River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (RD&GR), MoJS.
ii.C-FLOOD platform uses advanced Two-Dimension (2-D) hydrodynamic modelling to simulate flood scenarios.
iii.C-FLOOD provides flood forecasts up to village level in two days in advance in the form of flood inundation maps and water level predictions.

• The platform will act as a unified system integrating flood modelling outputs from national and regional agencies, offering a comprehensive decision-support tool for disaster management authorities.

>>Read Full News

India and UAE Explore Collaboration in Green Steel and High-Grade Aluminium
In July 2025, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Ministry of Steel (MoS) met with Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Ministry of Economy, United Arab Emirates (UAE), as part of a high-level engagement to advance India-UAE industrial cooperation under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) framework.

• The meeting was focused on trade expansion, resource security, and collaborative innovation in steel and aluminium.

i.To formalize the collaboration, Union Minister Kumaraswamy proposed the establishment of a Joint Working Group(JWG) to identify projects, streamline logistics, and build long-term industrial partnerships.
ii.Both sides discussed plans to produce and trade premium steel and aluminium products catering to mobility and high-end manufacturing sectors.
iii.New Delhi (Delhi) based Steel Authority of India (SAIL) which imports 2.5 million tonnes (MT) of low-silica limestone annually from Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) based Stevin Rock LLC is exploring long-term supply tie-ups.
ivA.ll three Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) such as SAIL, Hyderabad (Telangana) based National Mining Development Corporation (NMDC) and Ranchi(Jharkhand) based Metallurgical & Engineering Consultants (MECON) Limited have inaugurated international offices in Dubai(UAE), establishing a permanent platform for trade coordination, Joint Ventures (JV), and technology exchange.
Note: India aims to achieve an annual steel production capacity of 300 MT by 2030.

CEA and IIT Roorkee Sign MoU to Boost Power Sector Research and Capacity Building
In July 2025, New Delhi(Delhi) based Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power(MoP), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uttarakhand based Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to foster knowledge sharing, capacity building, and interdisciplinary research in the power and energy sector.

• The MoU was signed by Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of CEA, and Professor Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee in the presence of senior officials and faculty members from both institutions.
• The agreement aims to leverage academic expertise and regulatory insights to accelerate India’s clean energy transition and net-zero emissions goal by 2070.

Key Objectives of the MoU:
i.Capacity Building: To strengthen the technical expertise of personnel from the CEA through short-term project assignments and access to online learning modules offered by IIT Roorkee.
ii.Collaborative Research: To facilitate joint research projects and academic studies addressing critical challenges in India’s electricity and energy sector, with a focus on innovation-driven solutions.
iii.Sustainable Development: To promote interdisciplinary research on themes such as decarbonisation, energy efficiency, water neutrality, and frameworks for a just energy transition.
iv.Energy Transition: To support India’s national goal of attaining net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2070 or earlier, through informed research and strategic policy interventions.

GoI Renames NIPCCD as Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development
In July 2025, Union Minister Annpurna Devi, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) officially renamed New Delhi(Delhi) based National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) as the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development (SPNIWCD).The name change officially took effect on June 19, 2025, in compliance with Sections 12 and 12A of the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

• The renaming honours Savitribai Phule, a visionary 19th-century educationist and social reformer, and highlights the government’s steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment and the comprehensive development of children.
• The institute serves as the apex body for training, research, documentation, and capacity building in women and child development, playing a key role in supporting flagship schemes.

i.Union Minister Annpurna Devi also announced the establishment of a new Regional Centre in Ranchi(Jharkhand), to strengthen training and outreach efforts under key flagship schemes.
ii.The upcoming centre will serve the eastern states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal(WB).
iii.The new Ranchi Centre will offer an Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling and benefit over seven lakh functionaries across 115 districts with better access, local solutions, and customised support.
Note: SPNIWCD has Regional Centres in Bangalore (Karnataka), Guwahati (Assam), Lucknow (UP), Indore (Madhya Pradesh,MP), and Mohali (Punjab).

RITES Secures International Locomotive Order and Domestic Railway Redevelopment Contract
In July 2025, Gurugram (Haryana) based Rail India Technical and Economic Service(RITES) Limited, a Miniratna (Category-I) Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways (MoR), announced that it has secured orders from African Rail Company and South Western Railway(SWR).

• The combined value of these contracts strengthens RITES’ position for continued growth in both the international and domestic railway markets.

i.RITES Limited received a purchase order from African Rail Company to supply and commission two fully overhauled Cape Gauge American Locomotive Company(ALCO) diesel-electric locomotives, which will be deployed in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana.

• The order, valued at USD 3.6 million (approximately Rs 30 crore, Cost, Insurance, and Freight – CIF), includes warranty support and a technical team and is scheduled for completion within nine months.

ii.In a separate contract, RITES in partnership with Aryan, secured a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from SWR to redevelop Tumakuru Railway Station(Karnataka) under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.

• The scope covers civil works, signalling and telecommunications, and general electrical services. The contract is valued at Rs 37.81 crore and must be executed within 540 days from the start date.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Overview of EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar Visit to USA from June 30 to July 02, 2025Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) undertook a three-day official visit to the United States of America (USA) from June 30 2025 to July 02 2025, at the invitation of USA Secretary of State Marco Rubio to participate in the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFMM).

• The visit focused on advancing new initiatives aimed at promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Key Highlights of the Visit:
i.On June 30, 2025, External Affairs Minister(EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated an exhibition titled ‘The Human Cost of Terrorism’ at the UN Headquarters in New York.
ii.On July 01 2025, External Affairs Minister (EAM) attended the 10th QFMM, which was hosted by the USA Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C, the USA.

• QFMM was attended by the Penny Wong, Foreign Minister (FM) of Australia and Japan’s FM Iwaya Takeshi.

iii.The coast guards of QUAD nations have launched the 1st –ever ‘QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission’ under Wilmington Declaration, aimed to bolster maritime security and interoperability in the vast Indo-Pacific region.
iv.QUAD nations announced the launch of ambitious ‘Critical Minerals Initiative’, following the meeting of Foreign Ministers of QUAD group, held in Washington DC, the USA.
>>Read Full News

Ghana Launched Climate-Resilient Wheat Initiative in Collaboration with India
In July 2025, Ghana has launched a climate-resilient wheat initiative in partnership with India’s Arima Farms and Fumesua, near Kumasi (Ghana) based Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI).

• This initiative aims to reduce India’s dependence on imports as India’s wheat imports crossing USD 400 million annually and also aims to boost local farming.

i.This program introduces ‘Wheat Pride 999’, developed by India’s Greenpride, along with other drought- and heat-resistant, nutrient-enriched varieties tested across six distinct agro-ecological zones in Ghana.
ii.Developed through a two-year collaboration involving the CSIR-CRI, Arima Farms, Mexico based International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and supported by the Indian High Commission, the initiative features 326 climate-resilient wheat germplasm lines.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI releases its bi-annual Financial Stability Report (FSR) – June 2025In June 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the half-yearly publication of the ‘Financial Stability Report, June 2025’, which presents the collective assessment of the Sub Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on current and emerging risks to the stability of the Indian financial system.

• The report highlighted that the domestic financial system is continuously improving, supported by strong capital buffers, low Non-Performing Loans (NPA) and robust profitability.

Indian economy remains key driver of global growth
i.The Indian economy, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, remained the fastest growing major economy in the world during 2024-25.

• This growth was largely insulated from external shocks, mainly due to major dependence on domestic demand.

ii.As per the macro tests conducted by the RBI, the GNPAs of the 46 banks may marginally rise to 2.5% in March 2027, to 5.6% and 5.3%, under adverse scenario 1 and adverse scenario 2, respectively.
iii.With respect to Sector-wise GNPA, the agriculture had the highest contribution to GNPA at 6.1% and on the other hand Personal loan at 1.2%.
iv.The write-offs to GNPA ratio for SCBs moved up marginally to 31.8% in 2024- 25 from 29.5% in the previous year, led by Private Banks (PVBs) and Foreign Banks (FB).
About Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC):
i.The FSDC is a non-statutory apex council under the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The council is chaired by the Finance Minister.
ii.The Raghuram Rajan Committee (2008) on financial sector reforms had first proposed setting up of FSDC.
About Reserve Bank of India:
Governor – Sanjay Malhotra
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established – 1 April, 1935
>>Read Full News

IFC Committed Rs 460 Crore to IndiGrid to build India’s largest BESS Project in GujaratIn July 2025, Washington D.C. (the United States of America, USA)-based International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector lending arm of the World Bank Group (WBG), committed Rs 460 crore (USD 55 million) to New Delhi(Delhi) based IndiGrid Trust (IndiGrid), India’s 1st listed power Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), to construct India’s largest 180 Mega Watt (MW) standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) project in Gujarat.

• The project is designed to play a pivotal role in supporting the clean energy goals of the state by improving grid stability and ensuring reliable power is available during peak demand.
• This latest investment by IFC supports Gujarat’s goal of achieving 100 Giga Watt (GW) of Renewable Energy (RE) capacity by 2030.

Funding Structure:
i.Rs.460 crore was raised through long-term listed non-convertible debentures (NCDs).
ii.IFC contributed USD 38.5 million from its own account.
iii.An additional USD 16.5 million came from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), under the Climate Investment Funds (CIF).
About BESS project:
i.The BESS project will be set up at the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) substation in Sanand, Gujarat.
ii.It is designed to enhance grid stability and enable efficient management of RE by storing and releasing electricity based on demand.
iii.The project is being implemented by Gujarat BESS Project Limited, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) established under IndiGrid.
iv.It is expected to be fully operational by February 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s energy storage and clean power infrastructure.
Note: Since 2023, IndiGrid has received a total Rs 32.5 billion in the form of debit from IFC.
About International Finance Corporation (IFC):
Managing Director (MD) – Makhtar Diop
Headquarters- Washington D.C., the United States of America (USA)
Established- 1956
About IndiGrid Trust (IndiGrid):
Managing Director (MD)– Harsh Shah
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 2016

KVB, Kshema General Insurance Launches ‘Kshema Kisan Sathi’ for rural customers
In July 2025, Karur(Tamil Nadu, TN) based Karur Vysya Bank Limited (KVB) and Hyderabad(Telangana) based Kshema General Insurance Limited, have entered a strategic bancassurance alliance to introduce ‘Kshema Kisan Sathi’, a rural-focused dual-benefit insurance product aimed at India’s agri-centric and rural communities .

• This alliance aligns with the Government of India(GoI)’s and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)’s push to enhance insurance penetration in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, advancing the vision of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047.

i.Kshema Kisan Sathi has been designed with dual objectives, to provide financial security, stability, and self-reliance to millions of rural families and agri-entrepreneurs, while also contributing to the growth of the rural economy.
ii.KVB will leverage its rural and semi-urban banking network to distribute the insurance scheme.
iii.Kshema General Insurance will manage underwriting and claims using advanced tools like satellite imaging and real-time data analytics for faster processing.

RBI Keeps Interest Rate on Floating Rate Savings Bonds Unchanged at 8.05% for July-December 2025
In July 1, 2025,the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that the interest rate for its Floating Rate Savings Bonds, 2020 Taxable(T)[FRSB 2020 (T)] will remain unchanged at 8.05% for the period July 1- December 1, 2025.

• The interest rate is payable on January 1, 2026.

i.The interest rate of FRSB is set at 0.35% more than the National Savings Certificate (NSC) rate, which stands at 7.70%.
ii.The interest rate is fixed every six months based on changes in the NSC rate. If the interest rate of NSC rises, interest rate of FRSB increases.
iii.FRSB is a government-backed instrument designed for retail investors seeking safety and predictable income.
iv.The bond has a fixed tenure of seven years, with a minimum investment amount is Rs.1,000, with no maximum limit. The investors are not permitted to make premature withdrawals.

• However, senior citizens are allowed to exit early after a specific lock-in period under specified conditions, with a penalty of 50% of the interest due for the last six months.

Mashreq became the 1st UAE Bank to Receive Approval for IBU in GIFT City
In July 2025, Mashreq became the 1st United Arab Emirates (UAE) bank to receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from Gandhinagar (Gujarat) based International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), to set up a new International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit (IBU) within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) based in Gandhinagar (Gujarat).

• This newly approved branch is expected to start its operations by the 4th Quarter (Q4) of 2025, subject to all regulatory approvals.

i.The new IBU will offer a range of services, including foreign currency loans, trade finance solutions, and treasury and risk management products.
ii.It will also offer regulatory incentives such as Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) exemptions in the initial years, which will further support competitive structuring of financial solutions.
iii.This new branch will enhance Mashreq’s ability to serve clients smoothly across different time zones and regulatory frameworks.
iv.This development is expected to strengthen UAE-India ties, promoting collaborative investments and seamless capital flows.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Crisil Revised India’s FY26 GDP Growth to 6.5%
On July 1, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited (CRISIL) has revised Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of India for the Financial Year 2025-26(FY26) at 6.5%.
Growth Drivers:
i.The revision is supported by multiple factors, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting an above-normal monsoon at 106% of the long-period average, which is expected to boost farm output and rural discretionary spending.
ii.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has already reduced policy rates by 100 basis points (bps) in the current easing cycle, with further cuts anticipated to stimulate domestic demand.
iii.In May 2025, Central Government Capital Expenditure (Capex) increased 38.7%year-on-year (YoY) in nominal terms, while cumulative capex across 17 major states rose 44.7% YoY, reflecting strong public investment momentum.
iv.Output of infrastructure and construction goods rose to 6.3% in May 2025, up from 4.7% recorded in April 2025.
v.However, the report cautioned that reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States of America (USA) administration are likely to negatively impact goods exports in FY26. Additionally, global economic uncertainty may weigh on private investment during the year.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Presents Digital Payments Awards 2024–25 in New DelhiIn June 2025, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), organised the Digital Payments Awards 2024–25 ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi (Delhi), to honor institutions advancing India’s digital payment ecosystem. A total of 21 honours were conferred during the ceremony.

• Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MoF and Minister of Corporate Affairs (MoCA), along with Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC) Pankaj Chaudhary, MoF, presided over the event.
• The ceremony witnessed participation from representatives of 39 banks, 84 fintech companies, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.

Key Achievements of Award Winners:
i.IPPB is 100% Government of India (GoI)-owned under the Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications (MoC), leveraged 2 lakh postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks to provide doorstep banking in 5.57 lakh villages.
ii.PhonePe recognized for building offline digital payments infrastructure, enhancing accessibility in remote areas.
iii.CUB was awarded for innovations such as voice-based UPI 123Pay, multilingual chatbots, and tap-and-go payments using wearables.
>>Read Full News

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Sudhanshu Mittal Re-elected as KKFI President, Upkar Singh Virk Elected General Secretary
On July 2, 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based Kho-Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has re-elected Sudhanshu Mittal, former Member of Parliament (MP), Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) as President and elected Upkar Singh Virk as the new Secretary during its governing body meeting held in New Delhi.

• Govind Sharma of Maharashtra Kho Kho Association, who was an executive member of KKFI, was elected as the treasurer of the new regime.

i.The governing body includes eight vice presidents, four joint secretaries, and thirteen executive members representing state associations.
ii.Sudhanshu Mittal has been serving as the President of the KKFI and the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) since 2018. Under his leadership, KKFI successfully hosted the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 in New Delhi, which saw participation from 23 countries, marking a significant milestone for the sport’s global recognition.
ii.He has also spearheaded the launch of the professional Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) league to modernise and popularise the traditional sport among youth and global audiences.
iii.Upkar Singh Virk, affiliated with the Punjab Kho Kho Association, previously served as Joint Secretary in the former governing body of the  (KKFI).

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

China Tests ‘Feitian-2’ Hypersonic Vehicle with RBCC EngineIn July 2025, China conducted a successful test flight of its Feitian-2 Hypersonic Vehicle (HV) at a test facility in northwestern China, marking a significant technological advancement in Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) propulsion, a key enabler of sustained hypersonic flight.
What is Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC):
RBCC is an advanced engine technology that combines rocket and air-breathing propulsion in a single system. It operates in two distinct modes. Rocket mode and jet mode.
Key Points:
i.The test successfully showcased seamless transitions from rocket (ejector) mode to ramjet mode, overcoming one of the key technical hurdles in hypersonic propulsion.
ii.Initially, the vehicle used rocket power during take-off, known as ejector mode, to lift off. As its speed increased, it switched to ramjet mode, using atmospheric air to sustain high-speed flight.
iii.The test further demonstrated the vehicle’s capability for autonomous flight.
About Feitian-2 Hypersonic Vehicle:
i.The Feitian-2 was developed by Xi’an (Shaanxi Province), China based Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), in collaboration with the Shaanxi Province Aerospace and Astronautics Propulsion Research Institute.

• It is the successor to Feitian-1, which was first flight-tested in July 2022.

ii.Feitian-2 serves as an experimental and reusable test platform for the development of RBCC engine technology and high-speed flight dynamics.
iii.The vehicle reportedly reached a top speed of Mach 12 (approximately 14,800 kilometres per hour,km/h).
Key Technological Features:
i.Feitian-2 is powered by a kerosene–hydrogen peroxide mixture, unlike conventional hypersonic vehicles that use cryogenic fuels like liquid hydrogen or liquid oxygen.
ii.The vehicle uses atmospheric oxygen during part of the flight, reducing the need for onboard oxidizers and improving fuel efficiency.
iii.The vehicle features larger tail fins and new winglets near the rocket head to enhance stability and control at high altitudes and hypersonic speeds.
iv.The variable-geometry intake technology allowed the engine to adjust airflow dynamically based on speed and altitude, ensuring consistent thrust and engine performance.
v.The vehicle operated in autonomous flight mode, adjusting its angle of attack during flight in response to environmental conditions and mission needs.

Paras Anti Drone Bags Rs.22 Crore French Order for Indigenous Anti Drone System
On July 1, 2025, Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Paras Anti-Drone Technologies Private Limited (Paras Anti Drone), a subsidiary of Navi Mumbai-based Paras Defence and Space Technologies (PARAS), has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from Montrouge (France) based Cerbair, a French company specialized in Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) technology for 30 units of CHIMERA 200 anti-drone systems, worth Rs.22.21 crores (2.2 million euro).
i.The CHIMERA 200, developed by the Indian subsidiary, is a sophisticated anti-jamming solution designed to neutralize hostile drones by disrupting their communication and control signals, an increasingly critical capability in the era of asymmetric threats and aerial intrusions.
ii.Cerbair’s intent to procure CHIMERA units, underscores the global interest in India’s homegrown counter-drone technology, particularly as drone threats continue to evolve across military, homeland security, and critical infrastructure sectors.
iii.PARAS is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of a wide array of advanced defence and space engineering systems.

DRDO Lab Conducts Field Trials of SDR Manpack  & CTCS in Uttarakhand
In July 2025, Dehradun (Uttarakhand) based Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL), a laboratory of  Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), successfully conduct the field trials of Software Defined Radio (SDR) Manpack and Compact Transhorizon Communication System (CTCS) in Joshimath, Uttarakhand.

• The trials were conducted in close coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Directorate of Low Intensity Conflict (DLIC) and other agencies.

i.The trials were conducted in varied terrain and operational environments, with an aim to rigorously validate the performance of both the systems in real world conditions including verification of key parameters as per Qualitative Requirements (QR) and Trial Directives (TR).
ii.SDR Manpack is an advanced, indigenous tactical communication system, developed by DEAL. It is designed to provide secure, reliable and multi-band communication for Indian armed forces and security agencies operating in challenging terrain and critical environments.
iii.CTCS is an advanced communication system, developed by DEAL. It is engineered to enable long-range, high-bandwidth terrestrial communication in regions, which lack traditional infrastructure.

ENVIRONMENT

New Flowering Plant ‘Begonia nyishiorum’ Discovered in AR
In June 2025, forest officials from the Seppa Forest Division, Arunachal Pradesh (AR), discovered a new species of flowering plant named ‘Begonia nyishiorum’ in the high-altitude eastern Himalayan forests of East Kameng district (AR).

• The name nyishiorum honours the Nyishi tribe, the largest indigenous community in AR, recognising their traditional role in safeguarding these high-altitude forests.
• The discovery was published in the peer-reviewed botanical journal Novon: A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature..

i.This species was identified during an expedition titled “Documentation of Rare Flora and Fauna of East Kameng District”, conducted by the Seppa Forest Division between July 2024 and January 2025.
ii.Begonia nyishiorum grows on moist, shaded mountain slopes at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 metres (m) above sea level.
iii.The plant is instantly recognisable by its crimson-fringed scales (indumentum) covering its light green petioles, a distinctive feature not observed in any other Asian Begonia species.
iv.Currently, Begonia nyishiorum is only known from two forest sites in East Kameng district, the species’ petiole “fringe” sets it apart from over 2,150 accepted begonias worldwide.

OBITUARY

Former Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt Passed AwayOn July 2, 2025, Shekhar Dutt, former Secretary of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and former governor of Chhattisgarh passed away at the age of 80 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on December 20, 1945.

• He served as the 4th Governor of Chhattisgarh from 2010 to 2014 for a period of five years.

About Shekhar Dutt:
i.Shekhar Dutt was a 1969-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the MP cadre.
ii.He served as a Short Service Commission officer in the Indian Army (IA) before transitioning into the IAS. He participated in the 1971 Indo-Pak war as part of the 218 Medium Regiment (Artillery).

• He was awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry during the war.

iii.In the MP government, he held several important portfolios including Principal Secretary in the Departments of Tribal and Scheduled Caste Welfare, School Education, and Sports & Youth Welfare.

• As Principal Secretary in the Department of School Education, Sports and Youth Welfare between 1997 and 1998, he was credited with the introduction of an innovation programme, the “Education Guarantee Scheme” in which community panchayats or village councils, owned and ran schools.

iv.In 2001, he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy (AYUSH) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW).
v.As Director General(DG) of the Sports Authority of India, he played a key role in organizing the Afro-Asian Games held in Hyderabad in November 2003.
vi.He later served as Joint Secretary in the Department of Defence Production(DDP),MoD before being appointed as the Defence Secretary of India in 2005.
vii.From 2007 to 2009, he served as the Deputy National security Adviser(NSA). In 2009 Dutt was named to the board of trustees of Pennsylvania (United States of America, USA) based DeSales University.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Plastic Bag Free Day 2025 – July 3International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed globally every year on July 3 to raise awareness about the severe environmental damage caused by Single-Use Plastic (SUP) bags, which pollute ecosystems, endanger wildlife, and harm human health.

• The observance promotes reusable alternatives and urges governments, communities, and individuals to adopt sustainable practices.

Background:
i.The observance of International Plastic Bag Free Day began on 3 July 2008 in Catalonia, Spain, initiated by Rezero, a member of Zero Waste Europe (ZWE).
ii.In 2009, ZWE expanded the initiative across the European Union (EU).
iii.In 2015, the EU adopted the Plastic Bags Directive (EU 2015/720), amending the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) to address lightweight plastic bag usage.
iv.In 2016, the day became part of the Break Free from Plastic (BFFP) Movement, a global coalition of over 1,500 organizations working to end plastic pollution.
>>Read Full News

STATE NEWS

Ladakh Hosts Its First Astro Tourism Festival in Leh
The Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh held its first-ever Astro Tourism Festival at the District Panchayat Resource Centre, Agling in Leh from June 27 to 28, 2025, aimed at fostering scientific curiosity and boosting astro-tourism in the region.

• The event was jointly organized by the Department of Tourism, Ladakh and Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), with support from Bengaluru-based Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

i.The two-day long festival is an initiative to promote Ladakh as premier destination for astro tourism due to high altitude areas, dry weather, least light pollution, which makes it an ideal place for star gazing, boasting of clear skies and observation of Milky way and other celestial wonders.
ii.The festival was celebrated by providing learning experiences through expert talks by astrophysicist of ISRO, IIA and experts from Kashmir University( Jammu & Kashmir, J&K) at Leh and Hanle Dark Sky Reserve for tourists and star gazers.
iii.The key feature of the festival has been Night Sky Observation at the Leh Campus of Ladakh University during which attendees were provided with viewing experiences on constellations, spotting planets, deep-Sky viewing through telescope-guided observation.

Telangana Unveils TGDeX, India’s first state-led DPI
In July 2025, Telangana has launched Telangana Data Exchange (TGDeX), India’s first state-led Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to address challenges in Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation.

• TGDeX is aimed at developing cross-domain AI solutions through collaboration between the State, industry partners, research institutions and startups.

i.The platform was built by the Emerging Technologies Wing of Telangana’s Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (ITE&C) Department, Telangana with technical development led by Bengaluru(Karnataka) based Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The initiative received strategic and technical support from Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) Digital Transformation Lab (DXLab), along with advisory inputs from Boston Consulting Group and the Centre of Data for Public Good at IISc.
ii.TGDeX will bring together high-quality ‘AI-ready’ datasets, subsidized Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) resources, open-source AI & Machine Learning (ML) Models, and real-world problem statements into a single secure, scalable environment.
iii.In addition to that Technology Hub (T-Hub) and Telangana AI Mission (T-AIM) also provided value added services such as mentorship and access to markets and funding through grand challenges.

*******

Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today)