Daily Current Affairs 17th July 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Gujarat Launches India’s First Tribal Genome Sequencing Project

• Gujarat launches India’s first Tribal Genome Sequencing Project, sequencing 2,000 individuals across 17 districts to detect genetic diseases like sickle cell anaemia.
• Led by GBRC, the project creates a reference genome database, enabling personalised healthcare.
• Approved under the 2025–26 budget, it bridges science and tribal welfare, setting a national example in genomic medicine.

State News

Bihar Announces Free Electricity up to 125 Units Ahead of Elections

• Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has announced free electricity for domestic users up to 125 units/month, effective August 1, 2025, benefiting 16.7 million families.
• Under the Kutir Jyoti scheme, the state will install solar panels for poor households, aiming for 10,000 MW solar capacity in 3 years.
• The move offers economic relief, boosts clean energy, and aligns with inclusive governance and poll strategy.

Maharashtra Grants Agricultural Status to Livestock and Poultry Farming

• Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to grant agricultural status to livestock and poultry farming, allowing over 37 million farmers to access subsidised electricity, agricultural credit, tax relief, and solar equipment subsidies.
• This decision will benefit the poultry, dairy, fisheries, and small ruminant sectors, potentially adding over ₹7,000 crore annually to the rural economy, while aligning with national goals for scientific livestock development.

International News

Yuliia Svyrydenko Appointed as New Prime Minister of Ukraine

• Yuliia Svyrydenko, a seasoned economist and diplomatic negotiator, has been appointed the Prime Minister of Ukraine, replacing Denys Shmyhal, who now serves as Defence Minister.
• Her appointment amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war marks a critical moment in Ukraine’s political landscape, reflecting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s strategy to reinforce trusted leadership, economic recovery, and international partnerships.
• Known for her role in securing a mineral deal with the US, Svyrydenko brings both competence and loyalty to one of Ukraine’s most challenging leadership roles during wartime.

Banking News

EximPe Gets RBI Approval for Cross-Border Payment Aggregator License

• EximPe, a leading fintech startup, has secured RBI’s in-principle PA-CB licence, enabling it to facilitate cross-border payments for e-commerce, digital services, and B2B trade.
• The firm plans to expand 10X by FY26, with over $450 million in processed transactions and support from $3.5 million in equity funding.
• This milestone enhances India’s presence in the Asian cross-border payment corridor, and strengthens the role of regulated fintech solutions for SMEs.

Awards News

Ahmedabad Declared Cleanest City In Swachh Survekshan 2024–25

• In the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, Ahmedabad was declared the cleanest city in India among those with a population over 10 lakh, while Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai were honored as Super Swachh League Cities for sustained top performance.
• Covering 4,589 cities, this largest-ever cleanliness survey emphasized waste management, citizen engagement, and innovative recognition across multiple categories including Ganga towns, Cantonment Boards, and Safai Mitra Suraksha.
• The initiative aims to build a clean, inclusive, and sustainable urban ecosystem under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Appointments News

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

• Ajay Kumar Shrivastava has been appointed Director (Engineering and R&D) at HAL with 37 years of experience in aircraft design.
• He contributed to the Do-228, Sea King, IL-78, and HS-748 upgrades, led DGCA certifications, and received the FASIA award.
• His leadership aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and HAL’s goals for indigenous innovation and aerospace advancement.

ECI Appoints Nitu Chandra and Kranti Prakash Jha as SVEEP Icons for Bihar

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed actors Nitu Chandra and Kranti Prakash Jha as SVEEP icons for Bihar to boost voter awareness, especially ahead of the Assembly elections.
• This move under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme utilizes their mass appeal to engage voters through various media platforms, aiming to promote informed participation, increase voter turnout, and strengthen electoral democracy in the state.

Union Government Notifies Transfer & Repatriation of 18 High Court Judges

Defense News

India Acquires GE-F404 Engine to Power Fighter Planes

• LCA Tejas Mk 1A, powered by GE F404 engines, is vital for IAF’s modernisation, with 12 jets to be delivered by end-2025.
• HAL plans 16 aircraft per year, pending timely engine delivery.
• Features include AESA radar, EW suite, and BVR missiles like ASTRA.
• The ₹5,375 crore engine deal and upcoming ₹67,000 crore order highlight the strategic importance of this indigenous programme.

Indian Army Successfully Tests Akash Prime Air Defence System at 15,000 ft in Ladakh

• The Indian Army’s successful trial of Akash Prime at 15,000 feet in Ladakh showcases a major step in enhancing India’s indigenous air defence capabilities.
• With its improved seeker, high-altitude operability, and proven combat role in Operation Sindoor, Akash Prime strengthens India’s self-reliance and border defence readiness.
• The system is poised for future induction and will play a key role in securing India’s skies against modern aerial threats.

Ranks & Reports News

Zepto’s Founders Top In Hurun India U30 List 2025

• The Hurun India U30 List 2025 honors 79 under-30 entrepreneurs shaping India’s future through bold innovation, job creation, and high-impact ventures.
• Dominated by first-generation founders like Zepto’s Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, the list showcases startups from software, consumer goods, and financial services sectors.
• With over $5.2 billion raised and 64,000+ jobs generated, these founders reflect India’s youthful entrepreneurial spirit, signaling a powerful shift in the global business narrative.

Schemes News

Khattar Launches ₹1,000 Crore ADEETIE Scheme for MSMEs

• The ADEETIE scheme, launched by Manohar Lal Khattar under the Ministry of Power and implemented by BEE, aims to improve industrial energy efficiency with a ₹1,000 crore budget.
• Key features include interest subvention, technical audits, and support across 60 clusters and 14 sectors, targeting 30–50% energy savings in MSMEs, thus supporting India’s low-carbon growth strategy.

SEBI’s VCF Settlement Scheme 2025

• SEBI has launched the VCF Settlement Scheme 2025, active from July 21, 2025, to address violations related to the winding-up provisions of Venture Capital Funds (VCFs) that have migrated to the AIF regime.
• This one-time scheme allows such VCFs to settle regulatory actions for unliquidated investments, provided they migrate by July 19, 2025.
• The scheme ends on January 19, 2026, after which SEBI may initiate action against non-compliant funds.
• The scheme promotes voluntary compliance, ensures investor protection, and strengthens regulatory transition mechanisms in the alternative investment space.

Sports News

Andre Russell Announces Retirement from International Cricket

• Andre Russell retires from international cricket, ending a 15-year career marked by two T20 World Cups, 84 T20Is (1,078 runs & 61 wickets), and a strong global franchise record.
• His farewell matches are on July 20 & 22, 2025, against Australia in Jamaica.
• He follows Nicholas Pooran into retirement ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, leaving behind a legacy of power, performance, and pride.

Deepika Sehrawat Wins Prestigious Poligras Magic Skill Award

• Deepika Sehrawat, 21, became the first Indian to win the Poligras Magic Skill Award for her solo field goal against the Netherlands in the 2024–25 FIH Hockey Pro League.
• Her rise began in Hisar with national-level success and culminated in global recognition.
• The goal was a turning point, leading India to a draw and shootout win. Her win is a milestone for Indian hockey, reflecting growing global respect for the sport in India.

Science & Technology News

Google’s Free Gemini AI Pro Offer for Indian Students

• Google is offering free Gemini AI Pro access to eligible Indian students until September 15, 2025.
• It includes tools like Gemini 2.5 Pro, Deep Research, Gemini for Workspace, and 2TB cloud storage.
• The offer supports exam prep, creativity, and digital empowerment. Visit gemini.google/students to apply with student ID and get one year free.

IIM Kozhikode Launches ‘Gyanodaya’ A Centre for Pedagogical Innovation

• IIM Kozhikode has launched Gyanodaya, a Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Publishing, to transform management education through peer-reviewed content, indigenous knowledge, and collaborative pedagogy.
• It uses Pandulipi, an in-house platform, and is aligned with Vision 2047 and NEP goals, aiming to build a global knowledge commons.

Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth: 10 Key Points

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer and astronaut, returned to Earth on 15th July 2025 after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
• He conducted pioneering experiments on microalgae, muscle cell growth (Myogenesis), plant sprouting (methi, moong), radiation exposure, muscle atrophy, tardigrade genetics, cyanobacteria, digital screen stress (Voyager Display), and seed resilience.
• These studies aim to advance space life support, astronaut health, space farming, and future human spaceflight.
• The mission, launched via SpaceX Dragon on 25th June 2025, also included astronauts from the USA, Poland, and Hungary, marking a major step in India’s space research capabilities.

Important Day News

India Observes AI Appreciation Day – Recognizing the Nation’s AI Growth and Vision

• India celebrates AI Appreciation Day on July 16 to showcase progress in AI-driven transformation across sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance.
• Initiatives like Digital India, AI for All, and Skill India AI Portal have strengthened India’s AI ecosystem.
• The focus remains on inclusive development, innovation, and ethical AI.
• India’s vast talent and diverse challenges make it a global hub for AI solutions.

World Snake Day Celebrated with Conservation Awareness At Bannerghatta

• World Snake Day 2025 was observed on July 15 at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru, with India Post, WRRC, and NGOs conducting sessions on snake conservation.
• Over 500 students participated. Snake-themed postcards were released, promoting awareness through philately.
• The focus was on reducing fear and misinformation, especially in urban areas, and empowering youth to become ecological stewards.

World Day for International Justice 2025 Date, Significance

• World Day for International Justice 2025, observed on 17 July, commemorates the adoption of the Rome Statute and the founding of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• It promotes justice, human rights, accountability, and rule of law through global observances, especially in times of ongoing conflicts and human rights violations.
• Institutions and civil society together foster awareness, solidarity, and global commitment to ending impunity.

Nelson Mandela International Day 2025, Date, Theme, Significance

• Nelson Mandela International Day (observed on July 18) honors the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who spent 67 years in public service. The UN-recognized day encourages people to perform 67 minutes of community service, reflecting
• Mandela’s lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and dignity.
• The 2025 theme, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,” emphasizes global responsibility in addressing systemic challenges.
• Through volunteering, awareness campaigns, and social action, individuals worldwide are urged to build a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Current Affairs Today | 17 July Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam