Here are the important current affairs topics of the day. At the end, you can participate in a quiz prepared on the basis of these topics.
1. Ahmedabad Declared Cleanest Big City in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25
On July 17, 2025, Ahmedabad was declared the cleanest big city in India in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards ceremony, while previous top performers like Indore and Surat were elevated to a new ‘Super Swachh League’ category. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Ahmedabad for being the top city in the ‘more than 10 lakh population’ category. This recognition highlights Ahmedabad’s significant improvements in urban sanitation and waste management under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan-Urban (SBA-U).
The 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan, considered the world’s largest cleanliness survey, featured over 4,500 cities. This year introduced a tiered ranking system, including the ‘Super Swachh League’ for consistent performers, allowing new cities to emerge at the top of the general rankings. The survey’s comprehensive parameters cover waste segregation, collection, transportation, processing, and the welfare of sanitation workers. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also announced a year-long campaign starting August 15 to remediate legacy landfills, aligning with the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 goal of 100% landfill remediation by 2026. This initiative aims to foster greater competition and accelerate progress towards cleaner urban environments across India.
References:
- “Ahmedabad declared cleanest city, as past winners Indore, Surat elevated to ‘super league'” – The Indian Express. (July 17, 2025). https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ahmedabad-declared-cleanest-city-india-swachh-survekshan-2024-25-10132337/
- “Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, congratulates people of Ahmedabad for their immense contribution in achieving top ranking among the cleanest big cities in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25” – Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Home Affairs. (July 17, 2025). https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2145682
- “Takeaways from the Swachh Survekshan” – The Hindu. (July 24, 2025). https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/takeaways-from-the-swachh-survekshan/article69846449.ece
2. Yuliia Svyrydenko Appointed New Prime Minister of Ukraine
On July 17, 2025, Yuliia Svyrydenko was officially confirmed as the new Prime Minister of Ukraine by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament). This significant appointment makes Svyrydenko the first woman to hold the top executive post in Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022. She succeeds Denys Shmyhal, who is expected to take on the role of Ukraine’s new Defence Minister as part of a broader government reshuffle by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Svyrydenko, 39, previously served as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade.12 Her background includes extensive experience in public administration and international negotiations, notably a critical mineral deal with the United States. In her new role, Svyrydenko has pledged to focus on expanding Ukraine’s domestic weapons production, strengthening its armed forces, and revitalizing the economy amidst ongoing conflict. Her appointment is seen as an attempt by Zelenskyy to infuse new energy into the war effort, address economic challenges, and enhance strategic ties with international partners. The reshuffle also saw other ministerial changes, aiming to streamline governance and boost efficiency during a critical period for the nation.
References:
- “Ukraine appoints new prime minister in major government reshuffle” – Al Jazeera. (July 18, 2025). https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/18/ukraine-appoints-new-prime-minister-in-major-government-reshuffle
- “Who is Yulia Svyrydenko? Ukraine’s new PM appointed by Zelensky to lead wartime economic revival” – Mint. (July 17, 2025). https://www.livemint.com/news/world/ukraine-president-zelensky-appoints-yulia-svyrydenko-as-pm-to-lead-wartime-economic-revival-11752755696078.html
- “Ukraine: new government led by Yuliia Svyrydenko” – Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW). (July 18, 2025). https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2025-07-18/ukraine-new-government-led-yuliia-svyrydenko
3. Cabinet Approves PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
On July 16, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana” (PMDDKY), an ambitious new program aimed at transforming Indian agriculture. Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, the scheme merges 36 existing programs across 11 Union Ministries, with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for six years, starting from 2025-26. This comprehensive farm program is designed to enhance productivity, promote sustainable practices, and improve livelihoods for an estimated 1.7 crore farmers.
Inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme, PMDDKY will initially target 100 underperforming districts selected based on indicators like low productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited access to credit. Each district will formulate an integrated agriculture and allied activities plan, involving progressive farmers and aligned with national goals such as crop diversification, water conservation, and agricultural self-sufficiency. The scheme emphasizes post-harvest infrastructure, improved irrigation, and easier credit access. It will also foster natural and organic farming, aiming to boost domestic production and contribute to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). A multi-tier committee structure and a dedicated dashboard with 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will ensure rigorous monitoring and evaluation.
References:
- “Government merges 36 schemes to float farm programme” – The Hindu. (July 16, 2025). https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-merges-36-schemes-to-float-farm-programme/article69819063.ece
4. Israel Launches First Fully Government-Funded Communications Satellite, Dror-1
On July 14, 2025, Israel achieved a significant milestone in its space endeavors by launching Dror-1, its first fully government-funded and domestically built communications satellite. The satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Dror-1 represents a major leap for Israel’s strategic independence in space, as it was built entirely with local technologies and expertise.
Weighing 4.5 tonnes and spanning 17.8 meters, Dror-1 is Israel’s most advanced geostationary satellite. It is designed to operate for 15 years, orbiting 36,000 km above Earth and providing constant communication coverage over Israel and its surrounding regions. The successful launch underscores Israel’s growing capabilities in advanced satellite technology and its commitment to developing indigenous solutions for its communication needs. This project is a testament to the nation’s investment in high-tech industries and its ability to execute complex space missions.
References:
- “Israel launches first fully government-funded communications satellite, Dror-1” – SpaceNews. (July 15, 2025). https://spacenews.com/israel-launches-first-fully-government-funded-communications-satellite-dror-1/
5. ‘Aqua Tech Park’ – India’s First Water Technology Park Inaugurated in Assam
On July 17, 2025, India’s first water technology park, named ‘Aqua Tech Park’, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Bagibari Sonapur in Assam. This pioneering initiative is a collaborative effort involving Kolong-Kapili, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), the Fishery Department, and the Selco Foundation.
The Aqua Tech Park is designed to be a hub for advanced fishery technologies and sustainable aquaculture practices. It showcases innovative systems such as aquaponics, biofloc systems, modern fish production techniques, and ornamental fish breeding. The park’s primary objective is to empower local fish farmers by providing them with crucial knowledge, training, and access to cutting-edge technologies. This aims to significantly increase their income and promote sustainable development in the region’s fisheries sector. The inauguration of this park is a significant step towards modernizing aquaculture in Assam and strengthening the livelihoods of fishing communities.
References:
- “Assam CM inaugurates India’s first water technology park ‘Aqua Tech Park'” – The Economic Times. (July 17, 2025). https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/assam-cm-inaugurates-indias-first-water-technology-park-aqua-tech-park/articleshow/122730101.cms
