Where learning meets experience—welcome to GK365 by Prashant Chadha.

Daily Current Affairs 15th July 2025: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation

Dear Readers,
This post contains the daily current affairs 15th July 2025. It includes all National, International, Business & Sports related to Current Affairs 15th July 2025. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these Current Affairs, we would recommend you to try 15th July, 2025 Current affairs test.

 

International News

  • US DoD Awards $200M AI Contracts to Leading Tech Firms
    • OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI have received contracts worth $200 million from the US Department of Defense.
    • The agreement, managed by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), focuses on developing autonomous AI tools for military applications.
    • The aim is to maintain a global edge in defense by deploying safe and efficient AI systems.
    • The move aligns with broader White House efforts to build a robust AI innovation ecosystem in the US.

Banking News

  • CTBC Bank to Open Branch in GIFT City
    • CTBC Bank, Taiwan’s largest private bank, has applied to establish an IFSC Banking Unit in GIFT City, Gujarat.
    • The application includes 3,100 sq ft of space in Brigade Towers.
    • Already active in New Delhi, the bank plans to expand services to India’s financial hub.
    • As of March 2025, 31 international banks have set up operations in GIFT City, indicating its growing global appeal.

National News

  • India’s First Digital Nomad Village in Sikkim
    • Akten village in Sikkim has been transformed into India’s first digital nomad village under the ‘Nomad Sikkim’ initiative.
    • The village now features high-speed internet, reliable power backup, and locally managed homestays for remote workers.
    • This initiative aims to generate income in rural areas, encourage eco-friendly tourism, and demonstrate how digital connectivity can revitalize village economies.
  • Gujarat Leads in Processed Potato Output
    • Gujarat has topped the nation in processed potato production during 2024–25.
    • Banaskantha district leads in production, followed by Sabarkantha and Aravalli.
    • The state produced 48.59 lakh tonnes of potatoes, with over 25% used for processing.
    • Supportive government policies, quality seeds, and cold storage systems have helped Gujarat meet both national and global demand.
    • The achievement showcases how modern farming methods and effective policies can benefit rural economies.
  • Health Ministry Launches Snack Nutrition Awareness Drive
    • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched a campaign on snack nutrition at AIIMS Nagpur.
    • The campaign features posters placed beside food stalls, highlighting the sugar, fat, and trans-fat content of popular snacks such as samosas and biscuits.
    • It educates the public on associated health risks and encourages moderation in consumption.
    • Government offices have been urged to spread health messages and provide healthier food choices.
    • The initiative is part of broader efforts to address obesity and non-communicable diseases, with projections estimating 450 million obese Indians by 2050, according to The Lancet.
  • Bullet Train Developments: E5 for Trials, E10 for Launch
    • India will be the first country outside Japan to operate the new-generation E10 Shinkansen bullet trains, starting with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project in the early 2030s.
    • Two E5 trains will arrive in 2026 for testing under Indian conditions.
    • The E10 (Alfa-X model) can reach speeds up to 400 kmph and is equipped with cutting-edge safety and comfort features.
    • The ₹1.1-lakh-crore MAHSR project has achieved significant construction milestones, including 310 km of viaducts, 15 bridges, and 5 stations.
    • This marks an important Indo-Japan collaboration in state-of-the-art transport infrastructure.
  • New PMDK Centre Launched in Uttar Pradesh
    • On July 15, 2025, Union Minister B.L. Verma inaugurated the 75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.
    • These centres provide free aids such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and tricycles under the ADIP Scheme and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana.
    • So far, PMDKs have served over 1.40 lakh beneficiaries across the country.
    • The initiative exemplifies the government’s focus on inclusive development and ensuring support reaches the last mile.
  • India’s First AI-Focused Campus in Andhra Pradesh
    • BITS Pilani has announced plans to establish India’s first ‘AI Plus Campus’ in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
    • The ₹1,000 crore project was unveiled on July 14, 2025, with student admissions scheduled to begin in 2027.
    • The curriculum will include AI, Robotics, Data Science, and more, with an emphasis on sustainability and global education standards.
    • CM Chandrababu Naidu and Chancellor Kumar Mangalam Birla hailed the project as a landmark for advanced education.
    • The campus will combine traditional architectural aesthetics with modern design and is part of BITS’ broader expansion under Project Vistar.

Business News

  • PhonePe Tops UPI Market Share in June 2025
    • PhonePe handled over 8.54 billion UPI transactions in June 2025, claiming a 46.46% market share, according to NPCI data.
    • Google Pay followed with 35.56% and Paytm with 6.90%.
    • Although overall UPI volumes declined slightly to 18.39 billion, newer players like Navi and Super.money continue to grow.
    • Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh contributed the most to UPI usage.
  • ACKO Becomes Tesla’s Insurance Partner in India
    • ACKO has been selected as Tesla’s official insurance partner ahead of its India launch.
    • The partnership will offer seamless digital insurance services tailored for Tesla owners.
    • This move highlights the shared vision of both companies to enhance user experience, promote clean mobility, and expand the EV ecosystem in India.

Economy News

  • Retail Inflation Drops to 2.1% in June 2025
    • Retail inflation in India fell to 2.1% in June—the lowest since 2018—driven by declining vegetable and pulse prices.
    • Wholesale inflation dipped slightly into the negative zone.
    • Despite lower food costs, prices for gold, healthcare, and transport remain high.
    • The RBI, having already reduced rates this year, may pause further rate cuts.
    • Economists forecast continued low inflation, although global and domestic factors will influence future trends.
  • Record ₹4.77 Lakh Crore Refunded in FY25
    • Income tax refunds for FY2024–25 reached ₹4.77 lakh crore, a 474% rise over 11 years.
    • Digital upgrades have shortened refund processing from 93 to 17 days.
    • A rise in tax return filings and the share of refunds in total collections indicates greater efficiency.
    • The reforms have resulted in a faster, more transparent, and user-friendly tax system.

Appointments News

  • R Doraiswamy Named LIC MD and CEO
    • R Doraiswamy has been appointed as the MD and CEO of LIC until August 28, 2028.
    • Selected by FSIB and approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, he succeeds interim CEO Sat Pal Bhanoo.
    • With over 38 years at LIC, his leadership is expected to enhance the institution’s contribution to India’s financial landscape.
  • Hemant Rupani Becomes CEO of HCCB
    • Hemant Rupani will take over as CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB) from September 8, 2025, replacing Juan Pablo Rodriguez.
    • He brings vast experience from Mondelez International, PepsiCo, Vodafone, Infosys, and Britannia.
    • His appointment follows Coca-Cola’s strategic deal with Jubilant Bhartia Group to localize its India operations.

Agreements News

  • NCDEX and IMD to Launch Weather Derivatives
    • NCDEX and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) have signed an MoU to develop India’s first weather derivative instruments.
    • These contracts, based on rainfall patterns, aim to financially safeguard farmers and weather-sensitive sectors.
    • The initiative will also offer research, training, and market tools.
    • Leaders from both organizations see this as a major step toward building a climate-resilient economy.

Awards News

  • Justice Kalyan Shrestha Wins Hem Bahadur Malla Award
    • Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha received the Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 in Kathmandu for his contributions to judicial reforms, inclusive democracy, and transitional justice.
    • Presented by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, the award includes Rs 200,000 and a certificate.
    • Jointly conferred by Nepal Public Administration Association and Salt Trading Corporation.
    • At the event, Shrestha emphasized the ongoing challenges of good governance in Nepal.
  • Leila Aboulela Wins 2025 PEN Pinter Prize
    • Sudanese-Scottish author Leila Aboulela has been awarded the 2025 PEN Pinter Prize for her insightful writing on themes like migration, faith, and Muslim women’s experiences.
    • The award will be officially presented at the British Library on October 10, 2025.
    • Known for books such as The Translator, Minaret, and River Spirit, she will also choose a Writer of Courage to share the award.

Defense News

  • Indian Army Conducts ‘Prachand Shakti’ Tech Demo
    • The Indian Army’s Ram Division held a demonstration titled ‘Prachand Shakti’ at the Kharga Corps Field Training Area in Meerut.
    • Showcased AI systems, UAVs, loitering munitions, and autonomous platforms for Strike Corps missions.
    • Part of the Army’s ‘Year of Tech Absorption’ initiative to integrate indigenous technologies for modern warfare readiness.
  • India-Greece Hold Naval PASSEX Near Mumbai
    • The Indian Navy (INS Tarkash) and the Greek Navy (HS Psara) participated in a PASSEX (Passing Exercise) near Mumbai in the Arabian Sea.
    • Activities included tactical drills, live firing, and helicopter landing exercises.
    • This marks a milestone in India-Greece defense relations, especially since their 2023 strategic partnership.

 

Important Days News

  • World Youth Skills Day 2025: AI and Digital Skills Focus
    • Celebrated on July 15, the 2025 World Youth Skills Day emphasized the importance of training youth in AI and digital competencies.
    • With the theme “Youth Empowerment Through Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills,” the day marked its 10th anniversary.
    • It underscored the role of TVET in improving employment outcomes, especially for women in underserved areas.
    • Global events promoted the cause of education, employment, and empowerment for the next generation.

Obituaries News

  • World’s Oldest Marathoner Fauja Singh Passes Away
    • Fauja Singh, aged 114, passed away on July 14, 2025, in a road accident on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway.
    • He began marathon running at age 89 and inspired countless individuals through his fitness and perseverance.
    • His passing was confirmed by Khushwant Singh and mourned by notable leaders like PM Narendra Modi and Captain Amarinder Singh.