Daily Current Affairs 31st July 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Lok Sabha Approves Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur

• The Lok Sabha on July 30, 2025, approved the extension of President’s Rule in Manipur for another six months beyond August 13.
• Minister of State Nityanand Rai stated that peace is prevailing, with only one fatality and no casualties in the last four months.
• Assured that the law and order situation is under control, and the government is working through dialogue to end ethnic tensions and establish permanent peace in the state.

India Beats G7 Nations in Equality — Here’s How It Happened!

• India has achieved a Gini Index of 25.5, ranking as the 4th most equal country in the world.
• This progress, supported by welfare schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, PMGKAY, and DBT, has lifted 171 million people out of poverty since 2011.
• However, challenges such as wealth disparity, outdated poverty lines, and unequal access to opportunities remain.
• India’s achievement showcases a major step toward inclusive growth, but sustaining and deepening this equity will require continued reforms.

Kaziranga’s Hidden Voices: What the India’s First Grassland Bird Census Revealed!

• The Kaziranga National Park in Assam has conducted India’s first-ever Grassland Bird Census (March–May 2025), using acoustic technology to identify and monitor bird species.
• Conducted by forest officials, researchers, and conservationists, the survey recorded 43 species, including critically endangered and endemic birds like Finn’s Weaver.
• The census marks a breakthrough in biodiversity monitoring, highlighting both conservation successes and ongoing threats like habitat loss and climate change.

Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha Return Home: A Historic Repatriation

• The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, discovered in 1898 in Uttar Pradesh, have been repatriated to India after nearly being auctioned in Hong Kong in May 2025.
• This was made possible through a public-private partnership between the Government of India and the Godrej Industries Group.
• Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat credited the success to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Pirojsha Godrej highlighted the company’s commitment to cultural preservation.
• The relics will soon be on public display, symbolizing India’s role as a global guardian of heritage and peace.

State News

Maharashtra to Celebrate MS Swaminathan’s Birth Anniversary as Sustainable Agriculture Day

• The Maharashtra government will observe August 7, the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, as Sustainable Agriculture Day.
• A Government Resolution directs agricultural universities to set up Dr. MS Swaminathan Bio-Happiness Research Centres focusing on sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and food security.
• The day will also feature statewide events and awards in his honor, recognizing the Father of India’s Green Revolution.

From Solar to Hydrogen: How Cochin Airport Plans to Beat Climate Change

• Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), India’s first PPP-model airport, is embarking on a major green and digital expansion plan.
• It includes setting up the world’s first airport-based green hydrogen plant, scaling up solar power to 50 MWp, expanding MRO services, and creating an aerotropolis model with IT parks and lifestyle zones.
• The initiatives not only align with carbon neutrality goals but also strengthen India’s aviation and trade ecosystem under the vision of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

What Is Nitish Kumar’s Big Gift for Rural Health Warriors?

• In a significant move to strengthen rural healthcare services, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a substantial increase in incentives for ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) and Mamta workers.
• ASHA workers will now receive ₹3,000 per month (up from ₹1,000), while Mamta workers will earn ₹600 per safe delivery (up from ₹300).
• The decision, announced via social media, aims to boost morale and enhance healthcare access for mothers and newborns across Bihar’s villages.

International News

Donald Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on India, Adds Penalty Over Russia Ties

• US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on India, effective August 1, 2025, along with an additional penalty for India’s continued oil and defense purchases from Russia amid the Ukraine war.
• Trump criticized India for imposing some of the highest tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers in the world and for maintaining close ties with Moscow.
• The move follows months of speculation and comes after India declined to finalize a trade deal within Trump’s 90-day suspension period.

India Sends Humanitarian Assistance to Syria

• India has sent 5 Metric Tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Syria, including anti-cancer medicines, antibiotics, and anti-hypertensives, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
• This consignment is part of India’s continued humanitarian assistance, reflecting its commitment to supporting the Syrian people during their ongoing health crisis.

Is Australia Really Banning YouTube for Kids Under 16? Here’s the Full Story

• Australia has decided to include YouTube in its under-16 social media ban, reversing an earlier promise to treat the platform as an educational tool.
• Backed by alarming findings from the eSafety Commission, the move aims to reduce children’s exposure to harmful content.
• While the law will enforce age verification and impose massive fines for non-compliance, critics warn of privacy risks and unintended consequences for young users. YouTube Kids remains unaffected.

USA Will Explore Pakistan Oil Reserves Amid India Trade Deal

• The US has announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports while signing a deal with Pakistan to develop its oil reserves.
• The move, linked to India’s BRICS membership and oil purchases from Russia, highlights Washington’s aim to counter China, strengthen Pakistan ties, and reduce its trade deficit.
• It has major implications for India-US trade relations, Pakistan’s energy sector, and the geopolitical balance in South Asia.

Russia’s Klyuchevskoy Volcano Erupts

• On July 30, 2025, Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula experienced a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake, followed just hours later by the fiery eruption of the Klyuchevskoy volcano, the tallest active volcano in Europe and Asia.
• The volcano, standing 4,700 metres high, spewed lava, ash, and explosions, creating a brilliant night spectacle.
• While the lava flow was dramatic, the impact was limited as the region is sparsely populated.
• The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning across Kamchatka and as far as Japan, but it was lifted 11 hours later when no destructive waves reached populated areas.

Appointments News

“Who is Nikhil Ravishankar, the Indian-Origin Techie Taking Over Air New Zealand?”

• Nikhil Ravishankar, an Indian-origin tech executive and current Chief Digital Officer of Air New Zealand, has been appointed as the airline’s next CEO, effective October 20, 2025.
• The University of Auckland graduate replaces Greg Foran amid growing industry challenges, including climate change, cost pressures, and customer expectations.
• Air New Zealand’s board praised his global outlook, leadership skills, and digital expertise, while Ravishankar said he was thrilled and humbled to lead the airline into its next chapter.

Anant Ambani Appointed Executive Director of Reliance Industries

• Anant Ambani, a Brown University graduate and son of Mukesh Ambani, has been appointed as Executive Director of Reliance Industries for a five-year term from May 1, 2025, after shareholder approval.
• He already serves on boards of Jio Platforms, Reliance Foundation, Reliance New Energy, and Reliance New Solar Energy.
• The move reflects RIL’s succession planning, ensuring leadership continuity as the company focuses on digital services, renewable energy, and global expansion.

Agreement News

India and UAE Sign Agreement on Maritime Security and Safety Cooperation

• India and the UAE signed an agreement on Maritime Security and Safety Cooperation in New Delhi during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting.
• Signed by ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani and UAE Coast Guard Commander Brigadier Staff Khalid Obaid Shamsi, the pact aims to strengthen cooperation in Maritime Search and Rescue, law enforcement, combating maritime crimes, pollution response, and capacity building.
• This marks the 10th such agreement with Friendly Foreign Countries, reflecting a strong commitment to regional peace and maritime safety.

Schemes News

Can a Gurukul Student Really Do Research at IITs Without a Degree? – India’s Setubandha Scholar Scheme

• The Setubandha Scholar Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Education through the IKS division of Central Sanskrit University, integrates traditional gurukul scholars into IIT research without requiring conventional degrees.
• With fellowships up to ₹65,000/month and grants up to ₹2 lakh annually, it opens elite research opportunities in 18 fields.
• Eligible candidates must have at least five years of gurukul study, proven excellence in Shastras, and be under 32 years of age.

Sports News

World Athletics Introduces New Eligibility Regulations for Female Category

• Starting 1 September 2025, the World Athletics Council will enforce new regulations requiring all female category athletes to undergo a once-in-a-lifetime SRY gene test to confirm biological sex.
• The policy, first applied at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, aims to preserve the integrity and fairness of women’s sport.
• The regulations, shaped by the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group, set clear eligibility rules while ensuring privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of athletes.

Miscellaneous News

What Is the Bhils’ Gavri Festival?

• The Bhil community of Mewar, Rajasthan, celebrates the Gavri Festival, a 40-day ritual beginning after Raksha Bandhan, honouring Goddess Parvati and their deity Gorkhiya Mata.
• In 2025, the festival was showcased through a photo exhibition at India International Centre, highlighting its unique blend of dance-dramas (khels), songs, and spiritual rites.
• Beyond devotion, Gavri serves as a symbol of tribal identity, community bonding, and social commentary, where performers challenge caste hierarchies, explore gender roles, and temporarily attain an elevated status in contrast to their usual marginalisation.

Current Affairs Today | 31 July Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam