Daily Current Affairs 9th July 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

International News

PM Modi Awarded Brazil’s Highest Civilian Honor

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
• This marks the 26th international award or honor given to PM Modi by a foreign nation since May 2014
• Award recognizes Modi’s efforts in strengthening India-Brazil diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties through platforms like BRICS and G20
• The honor reflects India’s growing influence on global stage and international recognition of Modi’s leadership
• Brazilian President presented the award during Modi’s state visit to Brazil, acknowledging enhanced bilateral cooperation

Bulgaria Approved to Join Eurozone in 2026

• European Union finance ministers gave final approval for Bulgaria to adopt euro as official currency from January 1, 2026
• Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the eurozone, replacing national currency ‘lev’ with euro at fixed rate of 1.95583 lev per euro
• Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov called it a “landmark moment” despite political instability with seven elections in three years
• EU leaders including Ursula von der Leyen and Christine Lagarde welcomed Bulgaria’s inclusion for economic stability
• Move comes amid public concerns over inflation and protests in Sofia demanding retention of the lev currency

NTPC Simhadri Celebrates 28th Raising Day

• NTPC Simhadri marked 28th Raising Day on July 8, 2025, at administrative premises in Parawada, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh
• Executive Director Sameer Sharma highlighted plant’s distinction as NTPC’s first coastal-based power station established in 1997
• Major achievement includes 100% ash utilization, demonstrating eco-friendly industrial practices and environmental conservation
• Event featured prize distribution for Swachhata Pakhwada, World Environment Day, and International Yoga Day competitions
• Plant continues commitment to sustainable operations, community welfare, and reliable energy generation entering 29th year

State News

Himachal Pradesh Launches Face ID for Ration Distribution

• Himachal Pradesh launched India’s first Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FaceAuth) system for ration distribution under PDS in July 2025
• System uses smartphone camera to verify person’s face instead of OTP or fingerprints for smoother service
• Initiative led by Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDTG) with support from Gokul Butail
• New method aims to fix past issues and ensure faster, more efficient ration distribution process
• Himachal’s initiative represents significant move toward digital and inclusive governance in public distribution

Kasaragod Wins Kerala Fisheries Excellence Award 2025

• Kasaragod district conferred Fisheries Department Excellence Award 2025 for outstanding performance under Popular Fish Farming Project
• Recognition reflects district’s proactive approach in promoting aquaculture, boosting inland fish production, and engaging local farmers
• Ravi P.P. from Padanna won second place in Best Backwater Fish Seed Production Farmer category
• Sea Pearl Aquafarm from Kumbala awarded third place for Best Innovative Fish Farming practices
• District Collector K. Inbasekar praised Deputy Director of Fisheries K.A. Labib for strategic guidance in project success

Punjab Launches Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana

• Punjab government officially launched Chief Minister Health Scheme offering free cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh annually per family
• Scheme covers approximately 65 lakh families (3 crore people) across Punjab, including government employees, farmers, and all social categories
• Digital health cards will be distributed to every eligible family for cashless treatment at government and private hospitals
• Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries will receive additional ₹5 lakh top-up coverage, bringing total healthcare coverage to ₹10 lakh
• Implementation begins October 2, 2025, covering treatment for over 2000 diseases including heart conditions, cancer, and surgeries

Bihar Approves 35% Women’s Reservation for Domicile Holders

• Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government approved proposal granting 35% reservation in government jobs exclusively for women native to Bihar
• Previously available to all female applicants, the quota now applies only to women domiciled in Bihar across all state government cadres
• Women from other states will be treated as general category candidates, ineligible for 35% women’s reservation benefit
• Decision formalized through General Administration Department proposal, first domicile-based policy in women’s reservation implementation
• Bihar Youth Commission also approved with Chairman, two Vice-Presidents, and seven members under 45 years age

Business News

Apple Appoints Sabih Khan as Chief Operating Officer

• Apple announced Sabih Khan as new Chief Operating Officer, succeeding Jeff Williams who retires later this year
• Khan brings three decades of Apple experience since joining procurement group in 1995, recently serving as SVP of Operations
• Appointment comes amid pressure from President Trump to move iPhone production to United States from China
• Khan holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Tufts University and master’s from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• New role includes overseeing supply chain strategy, manufacturing coordination, and corporate sustainability programs

PM Modi Sets $20 Billion Trade Target with Brazil

• Prime Minister Modi announced goal to increase India-Brazil bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030 from current $12.2 billion
• Emphasis on expanding Mercosur preferential trade agreement to include more products and enhance market access
• Major announcement regarding adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Brazil for digital payments
• Brazil welcomed cost-effective Indian pharmaceuticals with proposals for pharma manufacturing hubs establishment
• Three MoUs signed covering intelligence sharing, biofuel cooperation, and renewable energy technology partnerships

Science & Technology News

ISRO Conducts Successful Gaganyaan Propulsion Tests

• ISRO successfully completed two hot tests of Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) on July 3, 2025
• Tests included 30-second short-duration and 100-second extended test at Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
• System features 5 Liquid Apogee Motors (440N thrust each) and 16 Reaction Control System thrusters (100N thrust each)
• 100-second test demonstrated simultaneous operation of all RCS thrusters and LAM engines under flight-like conditions
• Tests validated system’s capability for orbital maneuvers, trajectory corrections, and emergency abort scenarios for crew safety

UP Agritech Innovation Hub Inaugurated

• Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated UP Agritech Innovation Hub at SVPUAT Meerut on July 9, 2025
• Hub equipped with IoT-enabled sensors, smart irrigation systems, automation tools, and real-time data analytics platforms
• Initiative part of Centre of Excellence on AI in Agriculture with IIT Ropar as lead technological partner
• MoU signed between SVPUAT and IIT Ropar with ₹75 lakhs funding commitment for academic and research collaboration
• Technology demonstration featured 20 agritech startups and progressive farmers embracing modern cultivation techniques

HCLSoftware Launches Domino 14.5 with Sovereign AI

• HCLSoftware announced launch of Domino 14.5 platform featuring Domino IQ, a sovereign AI solution for data sovereignty
• System designed to ensure data privacy for governments and regulated organizations, protecting sensitive information from foreign access
• Domino IQ enables AI functionality within national data boundaries without relying on global cloud platforms
• Richard Jefts, Executive VP of HCLSoftware, emphasized importance of local control in digital governance amid rising security concerns
• Launch follows HCLTech’s collaboration with OpenAI to accelerate enterprise AI adoption while maintaining data sovereignty

Defense News

India Successfully Completes ERASR Anti-Submarine Rocket Trials

• DRDO successfully conducted user trials of Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) system from INS Kavaratti between June 23-July 7, 2025
• Total of 17 rockets were launched during trials under realistic operational conditions to simulate actual combat scenarios
• System features twin-rocket motor configuration, electronic time fuze, and high accuracy for submarine detection and destruction
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy, and domestic defence industry for this indigenous weapon system development
• ERASR marks significant boost to Indian Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities and supports India’s self-reliance in defence technology

Obituaries News

Charupara Ravi, RJD State Vice-President Dies at 77

• Charupara Ravi, Rashtriya Janata Dal state vice-president and socialist leader, passed away at 77 in Thiruvananthapuram hospital
• Active in political movements since age 18, serving as chairman of party’s parliamentary board at time of death
• Former president of Yuvajanatha youth socialist outfit during Janata Party government emergence in 1977
• Contested Kerala Legislative Assembly elections from Aryanad (1980), Neyyattinkara (1996), and Nemom (2011)
• Known for simplicity, accessibility, and constant presence during party protests and public meetings throughout decades

Bismillah Jan Shinwari, Afghan Cricket Umpire Dies at 41

• Renowned Afghan international cricket umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari passed away at 41 following brief illness
• ICC International Panel member who officiated 25 ODIs and 21 T20Is since international debut in December 2017
• Made international umpiring debut in ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland at Sharjah, marking milestone for Afghan cricket
• Known for accuracy, composure, and integrity, earning respect from players, coaches, and officials worldwide
• Represented Afghanistan’s emergence as credible force in world cricket, serving as mentor and role model for young umpires

Vatsala, Asia’s Oldest Elephant Dies at 100

• Vatsala, believed to be over 100 years old, passed away on July 8, 2025, at Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh
• She served as matriarch and leader of elephant group, nurturing young calves like a grandmother figure
• Originally from Kerala, she was relocated to Narmadapuram and finally to Panna Tiger Reserve where she became iconic presence
• In final days, she had lost eyesight and mobility due to age, receiving special care including porridge diet at Hinauta Elephant Camp
• Her exceptional lifespan was credited to dedicated care from forest staff, living well beyond typical elephant lifespan