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. PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)
On July 16, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ (PMDDKY), a significant initiative aimed at transforming India’s agricultural landscape. First announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, this scheme focuses on driving growth in 100 underperforming agri-districts through saturation-based convergence of 36 Central schemes across 11 Ministries. With an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for a period of six years starting FY 2025–26, it also includes state-level schemes and local partnerships with private players.
PMDDKY’s objectives include enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification and sustainable practices like natural and organic farming, augmenting post-harvest storage capacity at panchayat and block levels, and improving irrigation infrastructure and credit access for farmers. Districts were selected based on low productivity, low cropping intensity, and less credit disbursement, with at least one district from each state. The scheme is designed with a three-tier implementation structure and will be monitored using 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on a central dashboard, with NITI Aayog providing strategic guidance and agricultural universities serving as technical knowledge partners. This comprehensive approach aims to benefit 1.7 crore farmers, increase domestic production, and foster self-reliance.
References:
- “PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – PIB.” Press Information Bureau, July 19, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=154909&NoteId=154909&ModuleId=3
- “Government merges 36 schemes to float farm programme – The Hindu.” The Hindu, July 17, 2025. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-merges-36-schemes-to-float-farm-programme/article69819063.ece
2. Dr. J Ravishankar Appointed MD of BMRCL
On July 18, 2025, the Karnataka government appointed Dr. J Ravishankar, a 2001-batch IAS officer, as the new Managing Director (MD) of Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), which operates the Namma Metro. He succeeded M. Maheshwar Rao, who was holding the additional charge of MD. This appointment comes at a crucial juncture for BMRCL, especially with the much-anticipated commissioning of the Yellow Line (RV Road to Bommasandra) experiencing multiple delays.
Dr. Ravishankar, a dental surgery graduate, brings diverse administrative experience, having previously served as Secretary in the Agriculture and Housing Departments, Excise Commissioner, and Special Commissioner at BBMP. His extensive background in urban and infrastructure governance is seen as vital for steering BMRCL through its current challenges, which include the timely operationalization of the 19-km Yellow Line and ensuring the steady progress of the under-construction Pink and Blue Lines. His leadership is expected to streamline operations, enhance public communication, and ensure the timely delivery of Bangalore’s expanding metro network to ease the city’s growing traffic congestion.
References:
- “Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited gets new managing director.” The Times of India, July 18, 2025. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/bangalore-metro-rail-corporation-limited-gets-new-managing-director/articleshow/122771136.cms
- “Ravishankar J. appointed as new MD of BMRCL – The Hindu.” The Hindu, July 18, 2025. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/ravishankar-j-appointed-as-new-md-of-bmrcl/article69827799.ece
3. International Chess Day 2025
International Chess Day is celebrated annually on July 20th, commemorating the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris on July 20, 1924. This day celebrates chess as one of the world’s oldest and most intellectual games, recognizing its significant role in promoting education, peace, inclusion, and global cooperation across cultures. The United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed July 20 as World Chess Day in 2019, acknowledging its contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in fostering quality education, gender equality, and peaceful societies.
The theme for World Chess Day 2025, according to FIDE, is “Every Move Counts,” emphasizing the importance of thoughtful decision-making both on the chessboard and in life. Chess, originating in ancient India as ‘Chaturanga’, has evolved into a global phenomenon, enhancing tactical thinking, strategic planning, and mental well-being across all ages and backgrounds. Activities on this day often include chess tournaments, teaching sessions, and online challenges to engage communities and raise awareness about the game’s cognitive and social benefits.
References:
- “International Chess Day: Celebrating chess around the World” – The Tribune. (Updated At : 10:10 PM Jul 20, 2025 IST). https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/international-chess-day-celebrating-chess-around-the-world/
- “International Chess Day 2025: Know the significance, history, theme and objectives” – The Economic Times. (Last Updated: Jul 21, 2025, 11:36:43 AM IST. Originally published on Jul 20, 2025). https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/international-chess-day-2025-know-the-significance-history-theme-and-objectives/articleshow/122793648.cms
- “International Chess Day: Date, origin, significance, 2025 theme” – Sportstar – The Hindu. (Published : Jul 20, 2025 17:44 IST , Chennai). https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/international-chess-day-all-you-need-to-know-date-fide-2025-theme-origin-significance/article69834603.ece
4. Allographa effusosoredica: New Lichen Species in Western Ghats
A team of Indian scientists has uncovered a previously unknown species of lichen, named Allographa effusosoredica, from the richly biodiverse Western Ghats. This discovery, announced around July 2025, highlights the region’s ecological richness and contributes significantly to the understanding of symbiotic life forms. Lichens are composite organisms formed by the symbiotic association of a fungus and a photosynthetic partner (usually an alga or cyanobacterium), playing vital roles in ecosystems as soil builders and bioindicators.
Allographa effusosoredica is a crustose lichen characterized by striking effuse soredia (a type of asexual reproductive structure) and the presence of norstictic acid, a chemical considered rare within its genus. The study, conducted by MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, combined classical taxonomy with advanced molecular techniques, including DNA sequencing, to identify the species and unveil its algal partner, a Trentepohlia species. This research marks the first time an Indian Allographa species has been supported by molecular data, deepening insights into lichen-algal symbiosis and reinforcing the concept of locally adapted photobionts in tropical environments. It becomes the 53rd species from the genus reported from India and the 22nd from the Western Ghats alone, emphasizing the urgent need for more molecular work on Indian lichen diversity.
References:
- “New Lichen species reveals ancient symbiosis in the Western Ghats | Department Of Science & Technology.” Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, July 18, 2025. https://dst.gov.in/new-lichen-species-reveals-ancient-symbiosis-western-ghats
5. Ahmedabad Ranked Cleanest Large City in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25
Ahmedabad was declared the cleanest large city in India in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards, specifically in the category of cities with a population of one million or more. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in New Delhi on July 17, 2025. This achievement marks a significant triumph for Ahmedabad, with Bhopal and Lucknow ranking second and third, respectively, in the same category. Notably, past winners like Indore and Surat, which had consistently topped the rankings, were elevated to a new ‘Super Swachh League’ category, indicating their sustained excellence.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the people of Ahmedabad for their immense contribution, attributing the success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision behind the Swachhta Abhiyan. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) implemented a data-driven, technology-backed solid waste management strategy, including daily door-to-door waste collection using GPS-enabled vehicles and mechanical road sweepers. Citizen participation through initiatives like ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ and ‘My Thaili’ drives, along with strict enforcement against littering, played a crucial role. This recognition underscores Ahmedabad’s consistent efforts towards urban cleanliness and its commitment to the principles of a circular economy.
References:
- “Ahmedabad declared cleanest city, as past winners Indore, Surat elevated to ‘super league'” – The Indian Express. (Updated: 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 20214-25 – PIB.” Press Information Bureau, July 17, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2145682
- “Tidy triumph: Ahmedabad tops list of cleanest emerging cities in 1 million+ population category, beats Bhopal and Lucknow in Swachh Survekshan – The Times of India.” The Times of India, July 18, 2025. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/tidy-triumph-ahmedabad-tops-list-of-cleanest-emerging-cities-in-1-million-population-category-beats-bhopal-and-lucknow-in-swachh-survekshan/articleshow/122724890.cms
