What is International Moon Day?

International Moon Day is observed every year on July 20 to commemorate the first human landing on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 and to promote international cooperation in sustainable lunar exploration.

Daily Current Affairs 19th July 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update) |

National News

NSCSTI 2.0 Framework Launched to Upgrade Civil Services Training in India

NSCSTI 2.0, launched on July 18, 2025 by Dr. Jitendra Singh, is a revamped framework developed by the Capacity Building Commission under Mission Karmayogi.
It simplifies evaluation metrics, incorporates digital tools and AI, and aligns with models like KCM and AGK.
Adaptable across all government levels, the framework supports outcome-based assessments, cross-learning, and institutional excellence, positioning India as a leader in civil services reform.

Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh: A Step Towards Workplace Wellness for Women

The Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh, inaugurated by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in July 2025, is a women-exclusive wellness space launched by the Department of Legal Affairs.
Located at Shastri Bhawan, it includes a gym and lactation room, promoting fitness, mental well-being, and inclusive workplace culture under the Fit India Movement and Viksit Bharat vision.

State News

PM Modi Launches ₹7,200 Crore Infrastructure Projects in Bihar

PM Modi inaugurated ₹7,200 crore worth of infrastructure projects in Motihari, Bihar, under the Viksit Bharat Mission.
These developments aim to make Bihar a growth hub, ensure urban parity, and provide housing and infrastructure support.
The move highlights increased central funding, NDA-led development focus, and Bihar’s inclusion in India’s long-term growth vision.

Agreements News

NIEPID–JVF MoU for Structured Education for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

The MoU between NIEPID and Jai Vakeel Foundation (July 2025) aims to provide a structured, scalable curriculum for Children with Intellectual Disabilities (CwID) across India through the DISHA Abhiyan.
The plan includes IEPs, a multisensory curriculum, a digital portal, and training modules.
It aligns with SDG 4, SDG 10, and the Viksit Bharat vision. Materials will be printed under the DALM Scheme, promoting accessible, quality education for all.

Appointments News

BMRCL Appoints Dr J Ravishankar As A MD

BMRCL appointed Dr J Ravishankar, a 2001-batch IAS officer, as the new Managing Director, replacing Maheshwar Rao.
The leadership change follows public backlash over metro fare hikes and precedes the delayed Yellow Line launch.
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro currently operates 77 km and is expanding under Phase 2 and 3, aiming to reach 220.2 km by 2029.
The new MD’s priorities include timely execution, transparency, and improved connectivity.

Defense News

INS Nistar Commissioned: India’s First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Joins Navy

INS Nistar, commissioned on July 18, 2025, is India’s first indigenous Diving Support Vessel, designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited. It supports deep-sea diving, submarine rescue up to 300m, and acts as a mother ship for DSRVs.
With 80% indigenous content, over 120 MSMEs involved, and advanced technologies, it strengthens India’s underwater maritime capabilities and aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Schemes News

36 Schemes Of Central Govt. Merges Into In Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

PMDDKY, approved in July 2025, merges 36 schemes across 11 ministries with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore over six years.
It targets 100 low-performing districts, focusing on irrigation, post-harvest infrastructure, credit access, and organic farming.
The scheme promotes public-private partnerships, district-level planning, and climate-smart agriculture, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat and farmer income doubling goals.

Sports News

Srihari Nataraj & B. Benediction Rohit Set New Swimming Benchmarks

At the World University Games 2025 in Germany, Srihari Nataraj set a new Best Indian Performance in 200m freestyle with 1:48.22, while B. Benediction Rohit became the first Indian man to swim the 50m butterfly in under 24 seconds (23.96s), breaking a 7-year-old national mark.
These achievements mark a turning point in Indian swimming history.

Science & Technology News

New Lichen Species Allographa effusosoredica in the Western Ghats

A new lichen species, Allographa effusosoredica, was discovered in the Western Ghats by scientists at MACS-Agharkar Institute, marking the first Indian Allographa supported by DNA sequencing.
It features rare chemical traits, a Trentepohlia algal partner, and mimics other Graphidaceae species morphologically.
Backed by the ANRF, this research emphasizes the role of integrative taxonomy, symbiotic diversity, and the need for molecular studies in documenting India’s rich lichen biodiversity.

Important Days News

World Chess Day 2025 – History, Significance & Key Insights

World Chess Day 2025, observed on July 20, marks the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924 and celebrates chess as a symbol of intellectual growth, strategic thinking, and global unity.
With roots in ancient India, the day promotes inclusiveness, cultural exchange, and the mental benefits of the game.

International Moon Day 2025 – History, Significance, Objectives & UN Role

International Moon Day 2025, celebrated on July 20.
It marks the anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing and promotes international cooperation, peaceful space exploration, and sustainable lunar utilization.
Initiated by the United Nations through Resolution 76/76, the day aims to raise public awareness, honor past achievements, and guide future efforts in using the Moon’s resources responsibly for the benefit of all humankind.