Daily Current Affairs 23rd July 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India Witnesses 44% Surge in IP Filings Over Five Years

• India’s IP filings rose by 44%, led by major reforms in patent laws, fee concessions for startups/MSMEs, digitized IP offices, and awareness through NIPAM.
• The 380% growth in GI applications, AI tools, IP Dashboard, and SIPP scheme reflect a modern and inclusive IP ecosystem aimed at encouraging innovation, ease of filing, and economic value creation.

What Is Article 67(a) – Resignation of the Vice President of India?

• Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution enables the Vice President to resign by writing to the President.
• Along with clauses (b) and (c), it ensures a well-defined exit mechanism for the office.
• If the Vice President resigns or is removed, Article 68(2) mandates an election within 60 days.
• The Vice President is elected by an electoral college of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members.
• The recent resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar highlights the working of these provisions in practice.

Concerns Raised Over Fake Biostimulants in Indian Agriculture By Minister

• The Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has warned ICAR scientists and senior officials over the rampant sale of fake biostimulants in India.
• These unregulated products, which claim to improve plant productivity, have come under scrutiny due to numerous farmer complaints.
• The minister called for tougher regulations, scientific review, and accountability, stating that farmers must not be misled by corporate interests.
• The issue gained prominence after his Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan tour, where he personally engaged with affected farmers.

World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector

• The World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector focuses on creating agri-infrastructure at PACS level, such as godowns, processing units, and Fair Price Shops, with support from NABARD and governments.
• Over 500 PACS have been identified under this scheme, aiming for universal coverage across villages.
• With a financial outlay of ₹2,925 crore for computerization, the plan enhances grain storage, farmer empowerment, and supply chain resilience in India.

India’s Achieved 6 Crore Sickle Cell Anemia Screening under the National Mission

• Under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, 6 crore individuals have been screened using POCT kits, with 2.15 lakh diagnosed, and 2.6 crore health cards distributed.
• The mission, launched in July 2023, aims to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047 through universal screening, awareness, and counselling.
• States like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha are leading the initiative.
• A digital portal consolidates nationwide data and tracks mission progress.

State News

Ambrosia Beetle Threatens Rubber Plantations In Kerala

• The ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus), first reported in India in 2012, is now threatening Kerala’s rubber plantations.
• It carries Fusarium fungi, which degrade wood and reduce latex yield.
• Symptoms include leaf fall, trunk drying, and latex loss. Current control methods—like traps and antifungals—have limited success.
• The pest also endangers other broadleaf crops like cashew, teak, and coconut.
• Experts recommend localized strategies, use of antagonistic fungi, and policy-level intervention for sustainable management.

India’s First Mining Tourism Project in Jharkhand

• Jharkhand will soon launch India’s first Mining Tourism Project, with support from Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and oversight by Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC).
• The pilot phase includes tours to the North Urimari (Birsa) coal mine via two routes—Rajrappa and Patratu—covering mines, temples, and valleys.
• The initiative aims to promote alternative tourism, create employment, and preserve industrial heritage, with further plans for Eco-Mining Circuits and a Religious Circuit.

Delhi Government’s Cash Rewards Boost for Olympic & Paralympic Medalists

• The Delhi Government has hiked cash rewards for Olympic and Paralympic medalists under the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana, offering ₹7 crore for Gold, ₹5 crore for Silver, and ₹3 crore for Bronze, along with Grade A jobs for top Olympic winners.
• The scheme also includes ₹3 crore for Asian Games Gold, and introduces the Mukhyamantri Digital Education Scheme to provide laptops to 1,200 meritorious students and upgrade computer labs in government schools.

International News

Replica of Ashoka Pillar Unveiled in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka

• A replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, Sri Lanka. Sponsored by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and supported by the Government of India, the project honors Emperor Ashoka’s role in spreading Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
• This act reinforces India-Sri Lanka Buddhist ties, complementing India’s other initiatives such as Pali language promotion, solar support for temples, and preservation of Buddha relics.
• The temple’s housing of Kapilavastu relics further enhances its spiritual value, making it a symbol of bilateral cultural unity.

Cabinet Gave Green Signal To UK FTA Ahead of PM Visit To UK

• The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 2025, formally called CETA, aims to boost trade to USD 120 billion by 2030 by removing tariffs on key exports like textiles, leather, and reducing import duties on UK goods.
• It includes provisions on services, innovation, social security, and IPR, with ratification pending from the UK Parliament.
• The Double Contribution Convention Agreement further supports Indian professionals abroad.
• This deal reinforces India’s global economic engagement and sets the stage for future FTAs with major economies.

US Withdraws from UNESCO Again After Joining 2 Years Ago

• The United States, under President Donald Trump, has withdrawn from UNESCO for the second time, citing “woke” and anti-Israel biases.
• This aligns with the America First policy and mirrors the 2017 decision, later reversed by Joe Biden. UNESCO’s recognition of Palestine, alleged politicization, and ideological conflicts were key reasons.
• The move has been welcomed by Israel, criticized by UNESCO officials, and may reduce US influence in global education and heritage policy while enhancing China’s role within the agency.

Powerful Earthquakes Strike Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula – A Seismic Hotspot

• A series of earthquakes hit Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, the strongest at 7.4 magnitude, highlighting the region’s location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• The peninsula is a tectonic meeting point between the Pacific and North American plates, prone to frequent seismic activity. Despite an initial tsunami alert, no major wave threat emerged.
• Kamchatka’s unique geography, with its UNESCO-listed volcanoes and mountain ranges, makes it both scientifically significant and disaster-prone.

Banking News

Public Sector Banks Write Off Over ₹12 Lakh Crore In last 9 Years

• Between FY16 and FY25, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) wrote off ₹12.08 lakh crore in non-performing assets (NPAs), following RBI guidelines, yet continued loan recovery efforts via DRT, SARFAESI, and IBC routes.
• While 10 PSBs reduced write-offs, SBI and Canara Bank saw an increase.
• As of March 2025, 1,629 wilful defaulters owed over ₹1.62 lakh crore, with assets worth ₹25,000+ crore recovered under PMLA and FEOA.
• Moreover, 48,570 employees are being recruited, as PSBs maintain 96% staff coverage, reflecting focused efforts in both asset recovery and human resource management.

Economy News

Gross NPAs Reduce To 2.58% From March 2021 to March 2025

• Between March 2021 and March 2025, Gross NPAs dropped from 9.11% to 2.58%, thanks to IBC reforms, amendments to SARFAESI & DRT Acts, RBI’s prudential framework, and specialized bank mechanisms.
• Use of e-auctions, valuation norms, and penalties for misvaluation have increased transparency and efficiency in NPA recovery.

India Ratings & Research Cuts India’s Growth Forecast for FY26

• India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) has cut India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.3%, citing global headwinds like US tariff hikes and weak investment climate.
• Despite monetary easing, low CPI inflation (expected at 3%), and above-normal rainfall projections, sectors like telecom and manufacturing may see a capex slowdown.
• However, power, logistics, and retail real estate are likely to retain growth.
• The RBI’s target inflation of 4% has been consistently undercut, boosting rural demand and easing loan burdens.

Awards News

Suhani Shah Became First Indian To Win ‘Oscar for Magicians’ at FISM 2025

• Suhani Shah, a mentalist from Rajasthan, made history by becoming the first Indian to win the ‘Best Magic Creator 2025’ award at the FISM World Championship held in Torino, Italy.
• This prestigious event is known as the Oscars for magicians. She triumphed in the online magic category, outperforming global participants.
• Her journey began at age six, and she’s now known for fusing magic with psychology and storytelling.
• Her victory marks a significant moment for India in the world of magic.

Defense News

IAF to Retire MiG-21 Jets by September 2025: End of Era

• The Indian Air Force will retire MiG-21 fighter jets by September 2025, ending 60 years of service.
• These Soviet-origin supersonic aircraft, inducted in 1963, played major roles in wars including 1971 and Kargil.
• Their replacement with the indigenous LCA Tejas Mark 1A signifies a move towards modernization, despite challenges like delays in jet engine supply.
• The shift supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and strengthens IAF’s air defense capability.

Indian Army Inducts First Batch of Apache Helicopters from the United States

• The Indian Army has received its first Apache AH-64E helicopters from the United States, aimed at boosting firepower in challenging terrains.
• These state-of-the-art attack helicopters feature advanced targeting systems, precision strike capabilities, and night operation functionality.
• The move enhances Army Aviation Corps’ autonomy, supports defense modernization, and fortifies India’s tactical strength along borders.

Ranks & Reports News

Indian Cities to Drive Job Growth by 2030 Amid Climate Threats – World Bank

• The World Bank 2025 report reveals that Indian cities will generate 70% of new jobs by 2030, but face climate risks like heatwaves and flooding, potentially causing $5 billion in annual losses by 2030.
• It calls for over $2.4 trillion in resilient infrastructure investments by 2050. Key cities like Delhi, Chennai, Surat, and Lucknow are especially at risk.
• Case studies from Ahmedabad, Indore, and Kolkata show promising mitigation actions.
• Urban resilience is vital for sustainable economic growth and climate safety.

Sports News

National Sports Governance Bill, 2025: Bringing BCCI Under RTI and Sports Reform Framework

• The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 seeks to bring BCCI under the RTI Act, officially recognise it as an NSF, and streamline Indian sports governance.
• It proposes a National Sports Tribunal, raises the age limit to 75 for sports officials, enforces gender and athlete inclusion in governing bodies, and mandates transparent election procedures.
• The bill aligns Indian sports laws with the Olympic Charter, vital for India’s 2036 Olympic bid and ensures legal oversight via new regulatory bodies like the National Sports Board.

Science & Technology News

Indian Scientists Develop Fungal-Tolerant Variety For Pineapple Farming Innovation

• Indian scientists from Bose Institute have identified and overexpressed the AcSERK3 gene in pineapple to enhance resistance against Fusariosis, caused by Fusarium moniliforme.
• This is the first documented case of such a native gene’s overexpression in pineapple, resulting in stronger stress response, better survival, and potential multi-fungal tolerance.
• The genetically modified plants showed increased levels of stress-fighting enzymes and may offer a sustainable disease-resistant crop for future farming.

Important Days News

National Broadcasting Day 2025: Celebrating India’s Radio Legacy and Milestones

• National Broadcasting Day 2025, celebrated on July 23, marks the legacy and evolution of radio broadcasting in India, beginning with the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) in 1927.
• It commemorates milestones from the first radio transmission in 1923 by the Radio Club of Bombay to the transformation into All India Radio (AIR) and later Akashvani.
• AIR, with 591 stations in 23 languages and 146 dialects, has played a crucial role in public communication, freedom struggle, education, and disaster communication, evolving with digital innovations like mobile apps, DTH, YouTube, and AI-based services.

Current Affairs Today | 23 July Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam